F1 (Hand Grenade - Australia)

History

F1 stands for Modern Australian Army (also known as Australian Defence Force) Standard Fragmentation Grenade. The design of the system is very traditional, relying on a timed fuze to detonate an internal high-explosive charge, which fires shrapnel over the entire area. This weapon system can be used to expel fortified enemy elements in trenches or foxholes, and can be used as a devastating weapon against enemy forces in compact urban structures.

Therefore, the F1 series is classified as "anti-personnel" weapons.

In open areas, the F1 can affect terrain up to 15 meters, and if a laggard crosses that limit, its debris can effectively travel 30 meters. The grenade body contains approximately 4,000 steel balls, designed to deal maximum damage when detonated. The explosive consists of 62 grams of RDX compound.

The internal fuze is between 4.5 and 5.5 seconds long, allowing the launcher to "cook" time to reduce the chance of his grenade being bounced back to him or his comrade. Each F1 system weighs 375 grams, ensuring each soldier can carry multiple with him when deployed.

The F1 entered service with the ADF in 2006 and was the primary anti-personnel grenade issued throughout its service. It has seen extensive operations by Australian troops in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

The F1 is produced by Thales Australia (formerly ADI Limited). The defense company has about 3,500 employees and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Thales also supplies the ADF with F3 practice grenades, allowing infantrymen to practice the intricacies of F1 weapons.

These versions release white smoke after a small "explosion" to mimic the action of the F1.

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