M34 grenade

M34
Type Hand grenade
Place of origin  United States of America
Service history
Used by United States, Republic of Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, and others
Wars Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War
Specifications
Weight 27 oz (770 g)
Length 5.5 in
Diameter 2.375 in (60.3 mm)

Effective firing range 30 meters (Thrown by average soldier)
Maximum firing range Burst Radius of 34 meters
Filling White Phosphorus
Filling weight 15 oz (430 g)
Detonation
mechanism
Pyrotechnic delay M206A2 fuse—4 seconds

The M34 White Phosphorus Smoke Grenade or "Willie Pete" was a chemical grenade manufactured by Rocky Mountain Arsenal[1] used by U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and was also used during the First Gulf War. The M34 WP Grenade was a variant of the M15 designed to be usable as a rifle grenade using the M2 series of grenade launching adapters, and was ribbed to give the fins better grip on the grenade body.[2]

The Grenade

The M34 body was made with either compressed fibers or plastic cylinder. The body contained 15 ounces of White Phosphorus. The M34 used a M206A2 Fuse. Overall the grenade weighed a total of 27 ounces.[3]

References

  1. http://members.shaw.ca/dwlynn/Markings.htm
  2. Dockery 1997, p. 179.
  3. "M34 White Phosphorus Grenade". Retrieved September 17, 2012.