M84 stun grenade

The M84 is the currently-issued stun grenade ("flashbang") of the United States Armed Forces and SWAT teams throughout the United States. Upon detonation, it emits an intensely loud "bang" of 170–180 decibels and a blinding flash of more than one million candela within five feet of initiation, sufficient to cause immediate flash blindness, deafness, tinnitus, and inner ear disturbance.[1] Exposed personnel experience disorientation, confusion and loss of coordination and balance. While these effects are all intended to be temporary, there is risk of permanent injury. Consequently, the M84 is classified as a less-lethal weapon.[2][3]

M84 Stun Grenade
M84 stun grenade
TypeStun grenade
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1995–present
Production history
DesignerPicatinny Arsenal
Designed1980s
Specifications
Mass8.33 ounces (236 g)
Length5.25 inches (133 mm)
Diameter1.73 inches (44 mm)
Fillingmagnesium/ammonium nitrate pyrotechnic mix
Filling weight0.16 ounces (4.5 g)
Detonation
mechanism
M201A1 time-delay fuse (1.0 to 2.3 seconds)
Blast yield170–180 decibels and 6–8 million Candela within a 5-foot (1.5 m) radius

Design

The M84 features a magnesium-based pyrotechnic charge inside a thin aluminum case, contained within a perforated cast steel body. Unlike the high explosives (HE) used in traditional ordnance, the pyrotechnic charge produces a subsonic deflagration, not a supersonic detonation, minimizing the blast effects. On initiation the auditory and visual elements of the deflagration being permitted to escape via the perforations in the cast outer body. This design minimizes the risk of collateral damage due to flame, blast and unconsumed fragments of the inner case.

It is intended to be thrown into enclosed spaces to distract and temporarily incapacitate enemy personnel for easier capture, or when risk of collateral damage during urban warfare or hostage rescue operations contravenes the employment of traditionally lethal and destructive fragmenting high explosive ordnance. US Army doctrine calls for the M84 to be deployed "during building and room clearing operations, when the presence of noncombatants is likely or expected and the assault element is attempting to achieve surprise."[2]

While the M84 is generally incapable of igniting paper or cloth, it can still ignite extremely flammable liquids or vapors (such as concentrated gasoline or ether fumes) in the immediate area of the grenade.[4]

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See also
  • Hand grenade

References
  1. "U.S. Army’s Search for an Economical Device for Stun Hand Grenade Training Archived 4 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine" (PDF). dtic.mil, pg. 5. Retrieved on 24 July 2009.
  2. "FM 3-23.30 "Grenades and Pyrotechnic Signals". globalsecurity.org, 1 September 2000. Ch. 1, Sec. 10. "Stun Hand Grenades". Retrieved on 24 July 2009.
  3. "M84 Stun Hand Grenade". pica.army.mil. Retrieved on 24 July 2009.
  4. "M84 Stun Grenade". globalsecurity.org, 10 January 2006. Retrieved on 24 July 2009.

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