What is the M26 grenade and what was its primary purpose?

The M26 is a fragmentation hand grenade developed by the United States military. Its primary purpose was to serve as a fragmentation weapon, designed to injure or kill enemy personnel through the projection of shrapnel when it detonates.

When did the M26 grenade enter service, and in which conflict was it first used?

The M26 grenade entered service in 1952 and saw its first combat use during the Korean War. This marked its debut as a modern fragmentation grenade for the U.S. military.

What grenade did the M26 replace in the U.S. military's arsenal?

The M26 grenade replaced the Mk 2 grenade, which had been the standard fragmentation hand grenade used by American forces during World War II. The M26 was designed to address criticisms and limitations of the older Mk 2 design.

What nickname was given to the M26 grenade due to its appearance?

The M26 grenade was nicknamed the "lemon grenade" because of its distinct, rounded, lemon-like shape. This contrasted with the "pineapple" shape of earlier grenades like the Russian F1 and the American Mk 2.

How did the M26's fragmentation mechanism differ from the Mk 2 grenade?

Unlike the Mk 2, which relied on a cast iron body to produce fragments, the M26 featured a thin sheet-metal body. Inside this body, a notched wire coiled up generated fragments. This design produced smaller fragments that were distributed more evenly at a higher velocity, resulting in a larger effective casualty radius.

What were the advantages of the M26's fragmentation method compared to the Mk 2?

The M26's fragmentation method offered several advantages: it produced smaller, more consistently sized fragments, reducing the risk of stray fragments endangering the user. It also distributed these fragments more evenly, increasing the effective area where casualties could be produced.

What explosive filler was used in the M26 grenade, and how did it compare to the Mk 2's filler?

The M26 grenade was filled with Composition B, which was considered safer than the flaked or granular TNT filler used in the Mk 2 grenade. Using Composition B contributed to the M26's improved safety profile.

How did the M26 grenade's weight compare to the Mk 2 grenade?

The M26 grenade was lighter than its predecessor, weighing 16 ounces (approximately 454 grams), whereas the Mk 2 grenade weighed 21 ounces.

What type of fuse was used with the M26, and what advantage did it offer over earlier fuses?

The M26 utilized the M204-series Timed Friction Fuse, specifically the M204A1 fuse which was also introduced late in Mk 2 production. A key advantage of this fuse was that it produced no noise, smoke, or sparks upon ignition, unlike earlier fuzes which could reveal the user's position.

When did the development of the M26 grenade begin?

The development process for what would become the M26 grenade commenced in January 1949.

When did the M26 series begin to be replaced by newer models, and what were those models?

The M26 series, including its variants like the M26A1 and M61, began to be replaced starting in 1969 by the M33 series grenade, which included the M33 and M67 grenades. This transition aimed to introduce improved designs.

What were the perceived drawbacks of the M26 grenade that led to its replacement?

Despite its effectiveness, the M26 was noted for having an inconsistent casualty radius and was considered heavy at 1 lb (0.45 kg). These factors contributed to the decision to replace it with newer models.

How were M26 grenades typically packaged for storage and transport?

M26 grenades were commonly stored and transported in fiberboard containers, with crates typically holding either 25 or 30 grenades.

What was the T38E1 variant of the M26?

The T38E1 was the final experimental variant in the development of the M26 grenade. Upon successful testing and approval, it was officially redesignated as the M26.

What modifications distinguished the M26A1 from the original M26?

The M26A1 featured a redesigned fragmentation coil with a square cross-section and deeper serrations to improve fragmentation. It also incorporated a small tetryl booster charge on its fuze to ensure complete detonation of the filler and used the updated M204A2 fuze.

When was the M26A1 variant adopted into service?

The M26A1 variant was adopted into American service in 1958, offering improvements over the initial M26 design.

How did the M26A2 differ from the M26A1?

The M26A2 was similar to the M26A1 but was wider and shorter. It omitted the tetryl booster charge, contained a slightly larger amount of Composition B filler (6.3 ounces), and featured a larger 5/8-inch fuze well compatible with either the M215 delay fuze or the M217 impact fuze.

Describe the dual detonation mechanism of the M26A2 when equipped with the M217 impact fuze.

When thrown with an M217 impact fuze, the M26A2's safety lever would detach, and the striker would ignite a primer. This activated a thermal power source that would detonate the grenade either upon impact or approximately 4 seconds after launch if no impact occurred. If detonation failed, the thermal source would become inactive after 30 seconds.

What were the issues associated with the M26A2's M217 impact fuze?

The M217 impact fuze proved unpopular with soldiers due to instances of friendly casualties caused by accidental drops or the grenade striking vegetation, which could prematurely trigger detonation. Early versions had red levers with "IMPACT" in black, while later ones had the word embossed.

What was the purpose of the safety clip added to variants like the M61?

The safety clip, sometimes called a "jungle clip," was a bent spring steel wire designed to loop over the safety lever and prevent the grenade from detonating even if the safety pin was accidentally pulled. This provided an extra layer of safety, particularly in environments where the pin could snag on foliage.

What is the M61 grenade?

The M61 is essentially an M26A1 grenade that has been modified by the addition of a safety clip, providing enhanced safety against accidental detonation. Existing M26 and M26A1 stocks were often converted to M61 standard.

How could M26 series grenades be launched from rifles?

The M26 series grenades, excluding those with M217 impact fuzes, could be fired from rifles equipped with a NATO-standard 22mm muzzle using the M1A2 Grenade Projection Adapter. This adapter was originally developed for the Mk 2 grenade.

What was the T39 grenade?

The T39 was an experimental practice version of the M26 grenade that was later redesignated as the M30. It was developed to allow soldiers to train with a grenade that simulated the handling and function of the live M26.

Describe the M30 practice grenade.

The M30 was the practice variant of the M26. It featured a cast-iron body with a plastic base plug, filled with 21 grains of black powder. It was typically painted light blue with white markings and was designed to produce a loud noise and smoke upon detonation, with a reusable body.

What was the M50 grenade?

The M50 was a "live fire" training conversion of the M30 practice grenade. It used a sealed base plug, the M204A1 fuze, and replaced the black powder filler with Composition B. It offered a safer training option by lacking fragmentation and having a smaller blast radius, also utilizing obsolete M30 bodies.

What distinguished the M62 grenade?

The M62 was the practice version of the M61 grenade. It was essentially an M30 practice grenade equipped with the same safety clip found on the M61, and its body and lever were painted blue to signify its practice role.

What were the L2, L3, and L4 series grenades in the United Kingdom?

The L2 series was the British equivalent of the M26, featuring a green shell and a 4.4-second fuze. The L3 series was the practice variant with a light blue shell and black powder filler, while the L4 series was the inert drill version with a dark blue shell.

What was the DM41 grenade, and where was it used?

The DM41, or DM41A1, was a West German copy of the M26A1 hand grenade, manufactured by Diehl Defence. Its production ceased around 1975 when the Bundeswehr adopted the DM51 grenade.

Which major conflicts saw the use of the M26 grenade?

The M26 grenade was used in several significant conflicts, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, the Falklands War, and the Syrian Civil War.

Which countries, besides the United States, are listed as users of the M26 or its variants?

The M26 and its variants were used by numerous countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ethiopia, West Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Japan, Liberia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, South Vietnam, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

How did Israel utilize the M26A2 grenade?

Israel adopted the M26A2 as its M26 grenade and continues to use it. In 2012, an improved safety fuze was added to ensure the grenade would not detonate if struck by an enemy bullet.

What was the M26 grenade's mass, length, and diameter?

The M26 grenade had a mass of 16 ounces (454 g), a length of 99 mm (3 7/8 inches), and a diameter of 57 mm (2 1/4 inches).

What was the weight of the explosive filler in the M26 grenade?

The M26 grenade contained 5.75 ounces (164 g) of Composition B as its explosive filler.

What was the primary reason for the M26's development after World War II?

The M26 was developed to address criticisms leveled against the Mk 2 grenade. Key improvements focused on fragment distribution, consistency, and the safety of the explosive filler and fuse mechanism.

How did the M26A1's fragmentation coil differ from the original M26?

The M26A1's fragmentation coil featured a square cross-section and deeper serrations compared to the M26's circular coil. These modifications were intended to enhance the effectiveness of the fragments produced upon detonation.

What was the purpose of the tetryl booster charge in the M26A1?

The tetryl booster charge was added to the M26A1's fuze to ensure the complete detonation of the grenade's explosive filler. This aimed to maximize the grenade's explosive power and fragmentation effect.

What is the significance of the M1A2 Grenade Projection Adapter in relation to the M26?

The M1A2 Grenade Projection Adapter allowed the M26 series grenades (excluding those with M217 impact fuzes) to be launched from rifles equipped with a 22mm muzzle. This extended the effective range of the grenade, turning it into a rifle-launched projectile.

How did the M30 practice grenade signal its detonation?

Upon detonation, the M30 practice grenade's base plug would pop out, releasing a plume of white smoke and producing a loud noise. This visual and auditory signal allowed trainees to confirm the grenade's function.

What was the role of the M50 grenade in training?

The M50 was a "live fire" conversion of the M30 practice grenade, designed for training ranges. By using Composition B filler and a live fuze, it provided a more realistic training experience while being safer than a standard fragmentation grenade due to its lack of fragmentation.

What distinguished the practice variants M52, M62, and M66?

The M52 was the practice version of the M2A2 with an impact fuze, the M62 was the practice version of the M61 (an M30 with a safety clip), and the M66 was the practice version of the M57 (an M52 with a safety clip). These variants used different fuzes and safety features to simulate live grenades for training purposes.

What was the purpose of the safety clip on the M61 and related practice grenades?

The safety clip served as an additional safety measure, preventing the safety lever from disengaging even if the safety pin was accidentally pulled. This was particularly useful in dense environments like jungles, where snagging could occur, thus preventing premature detonation.

How did the United Kingdom adapt the M26 design?

The United Kingdom developed the L2 series, which was based on the M26. The L2 featured a green shell and a 4.4-second fuze, with variants like the L2A1 and L2A2 incorporating improvements similar to the M26A1 and a redesigned fuze well, respectively.

What were the practice and drill variants in the British L2 series?

The British L3 series was the practice grenade, identifiable by its light blue shell and black powder filler. The L4 series served as the inert drill grenade, distinguished by a dark blue shell, a non-functional fuze, and the absence of any filler.

What was the M26's status in the United States military after its replacement began in 1969?

Although the M26 series began to be replaced in 1969, remaining stockpiles continued to be in US service throughout the 1970s. Production had ceased in the United States, but existing grenades were still utilized.

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The M26 Grenade: An Overview

Fragmentation Design

The M26 is a fragmentation hand grenade developed by the United States military, entering service in 1952. It replaced the Mk 2 grenade used during World War II. Its design featured a thin sheet-metal body with a notched wire coiled inside, intended to produce smaller, higher-velocity fragments distributed more evenly than its predecessor, thereby increasing its effective casualty radius.

Combat Proven

First utilized in combat during the Korean War, the M26 series became the primary fragmentation grenade for American forces throughout the Vietnam War. Its distinctive lemon shape earned it the nickname "lemon grenade." While effective, it was eventually superseded by the M33 series (like the M67) in U.S. service due to weight and consistency considerations.

Technical Advancements

Compared to the Mk 2, the M26 offered several improvements. Its Composition B filler was considered safer than the TNT used in the Mk 2. It also benefited from the M204A1 fuse, which produced no noise, smoke, or sparks upon ignition, unlike older fuses that could betray the user's position.

Historical Context and Development

Post-War Innovation

Development of the M26 began in January 1949, addressing criticisms of the Mk 2 grenade. The goal was to create a more effective fragmentation pattern and a safer, more reliable design. The M26 series was officially adopted after passing expedited service tests during the Korean War in February 1952.

M26 vs. Mk 2

The M26's fragmentation coil produced more consistent fragments than the Mk 2's cast body. It weighed 16 ounces, lighter than the Mk 2's 21 ounces. The M204A1 fuse, introduced late in Mk 2 production, was standard on the M26, offering a quieter ignition compared to older fuses.

Transition and Legacy

The M26 series began to be replaced by the M33 series (M33/M67) starting in 1969. Despite production ceasing in the U.S., remaining stockpiles were utilized through the 1970s. The grenades were typically stored in fiberboard containers, packed 25 or 30 to a crate.

Variants and Design Evolution

Live Variants

The M26 series saw several iterations, each with specific improvements or modifications:

T38E1: The final experimental variant, approved and redesignated as the M26.
M26: The original variant, initially using the M204A1 fuse, later updated to the M204A2.
M26A1: Featured a redesigned fragmentation coil with deeper serrations and a tetryl booster charge for more reliable detonation of its filler.
M26A2: Similar to the M26A1 but wider and shorter, with a larger fuze well accommodating M215 delay or M217 impact fuzes. The M217 fuze was controversial due to accidental detonations.

Practice and Training Variants

To facilitate safe training, several practice versions were developed:

T39: Experimental practice version, redesignated as the M30.
M30: Practice version of the M26, featuring a cast-iron body, plastic base plug, and black powder filler, painted light blue.
M50: A "live fire" conversion of the M30 for training ranges, using Composition B filler and lacking the fragmentation coil.
M52: Practice version of the M26A2 with an M217 impact fuze.
M62: Practice version of the M61, essentially an M30 with an added safety clip.
M66: Practice version of the M57, an M52 with a safety clip.

International Adaptations

The M26 design influenced or was directly adopted by other nations:

L2 Series (UK): British equivalent, with variants L2, L2A1, and L2A2, featuring a 4.4-second fuze. The L3 series was the practice variant, and L4 was inert.
DM41 (West Germany): A German copy of the M26A1, produced until the adoption of the DM51.

Global Deployment

Nations Utilizing the M26

The M26 and its variants saw widespread use across numerous countries:

Australia (replaced by F1)
Brazil
Canada (M61, replaced by C13)
Chile
Colombia (produced by INDUMIL)
Ethiopia
West Germany / Germany (DM41, replaced by DM51)
Guatemala
Israel (M26A2 variant, still in use)
Japan (ex-US Army stock)
Liberia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Nigeria (L2 series supplied during Civil War)
North Korea (Special forces)
Pakistan
Philippines
Portugal (produced M312 under license)
Rwanda
South Africa (produced variants M963, M26 HE, M26 Practice, M26 Drill)
South Vietnam
Taiwan
United Kingdom (L2 series, replaced by L109A1)
United States (introduced in Korea, phased out by M33/M67)

Technical Specifications

Mass

16 oz. (454 g)

Length

99 mm (3 7/8 inches)

Diameter

57 mm (2 1/4 inches)

Filling

Composition B

Filling Weight

5.75 oz. (164 g)

Detonation Mechanism

M204-series Timed Friction Fuse

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References

Departments of the Army and Navy 1971, p. 2â16.

Departments of the Army and Navy 1971, p. 2â15.

Departments of the Army and Navy 1971, p. 2â7.

Military Factory L2 Anti-Personnel Fragmentation Hand Grenade

A full list of references for this article are available at the M26 grenade Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely current.

This is not military advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional military consultation, ordnance expertise, or safety training. Always consult official documentation and qualified personnel for accurate and safe handling procedures. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it due to information obtained from this resource.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Ordnance Archives: The M26 Grenade

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The M26 Grenade: An Overview 💥

💣 Fragmentation Design

⚔️ Combat Proven

⚙️ Technical Advancements

Historical Context and Development 📜

💡 Post-War Innovation

⚖️ M26 vs. Mk 2

➡️ Transition and Legacy

Variants and Design Evolution ⚙️

🚀 Live Variants

🎓 Practice and Training Variants

🌍 International Adaptations

Global Deployment 🗺️

🌐 Nations Utilizing the M26

Technical Specifications 📏

⚖️ Mass

📏 Length

📐 Diameter

🧪 Filling

⚖️ Filling Weight

⚡ Detonation Mechanism

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📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The M26 Grenade: An Overview

Fragmentation Design

Combat Proven

Technical Advancements

Historical Context and Development

Post-War Innovation

M26 vs. Mk 2

Transition and Legacy

Variants and Design Evolution

Live Variants

Practice and Training Variants

International Adaptations

Global Deployment

Nations Utilizing the M26

Technical Specifications

Mass

Length

Diameter

Filling

Filling Weight

Detonation Mechanism

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice