Type L grenade

The Type L is an anti-tank hand grenade provided to the Royal Italian Army during World War II.

L type
TypeAnti-tank grenade
Place of originItaly
Service history
In service1940-1945
Used byRoyal Italian Army
WarsWorld War II
Production history
ManufacturerOdero Terni Orlando
Specifications
Mass2040 g
Height320 mm
Diameter120 mm

FillingTNT
Filling weight1500 g
Detonation
mechanism
Percussion on impact

Description

A Type L in a World War II picture

Designed for anti-tank use is practically an OTO inside a painted red cylindrical container filled with 1500 gr explosive charge with a wooden handle to facilitate the launch.

The type L is designed to be used against vehicles and tanks, the bomb had essentially the task of destroying the track to immobilize it, since the charge was insufficient for its destruction, but made the tank still vulnerable to possible attacks from the infantry, the soldiers at this point proceeded to place explosive charges or throw incendiary grenades into the engine compartment covered by some smoke grenade.[1]

The bomb consists of a metal casing with a wooden throwing handle. On the upper part of the casing there is a tab for removing the safety pin, and a small metal strip protruding from the base of the handle. The strip is a second safety precaution. The metal strip is held in position by the wire on the side of the handle. This wire is held in position by a piece of wired tape secured by a pin.[2]

Operational use

Before launching the L type it is necessary to remove the metal tab security at the base of the cylinder containing the explosive charge, then, firmly holding the handle, remove the pin at the base of the handle. Make sure that the wire rewind safely. When the grenade is thrown, the wire releases the second safety pin.[3]

See also

References

  1. Pignato, Nicola (1971). Le armi della fanteria italiana nella seconda guerra mondiale. Ermanno Albertelli Editore.
  2. Talpo, Marco. "Description of the bomb on Talpo.it".
  3. "Descriptio on the correct throw from US troops field manual".


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