Mk 2 (Pineapple Hand Grenade)

History

The Mk II/Mk 2 series fragmentation grenades were standard US Army infantry grenades from 1918 to the 1960s. Known as the "Pineapple" grenade for its patterned fluted metal body, the Mk II was used in the final months of World War I as well as in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and various others Served during the conflict.

Other operators include the armed forces of Argentina, Chile, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey.

The Mk II first appeared in 1918 and had limited service during World War I, replacing the 1917 Mk I series grenades. The original Mk I was an American designed product, introduced in 1917. However, the ignition problem was identified as a sign that production had to be stopped and the delivered shells had to be recalled en masse.

Ultimately, the Mk I series was withdrawn from service in 1918 and replaced by the greatly improved Mk II series, making the Mk I a footnote in American military history.

Externally, the Mk II grenade utilizes the traditionally recognized grenade design, including a fragment body attached to the detonator and a time fuze delayed detonation system on the tapered neck. A ring holds the safety pin in place until the grenade is activated. The time fuze delay runs approximately 5 seconds after activation until the operator throws the device at the enemy. The body of the grenade is made of iron and is inlaid with a bump pattern, giving the grenade its unique appearance while making it easier to handle. The internal contents of the grenade consist of a 2 oz TNT filler, which explodes the iron body in all directions, causing massive fragmentation damage to anything within the blast radius.

The original production form used an ignition safety system, while later models gave way to an explosion safety device.

The original production model became the 1918 Mk II, followed by the 1942 revised Mk IIA1. By this point, the United States was fully committed to the war effort of World War II, and the production of all war materiel had increased significantly. The Mk IIA1 variant differs by not having a bottom "filler hole" and using an M10A2 fuse (unlike the M10A1 and M11 series shown earlier). The "high-explosive" version - the Mk II HE - was subsequently fitted with the M5 fuze, while the Mk II FRAG-TNT was fitted with the M6A4C fuze.

During World War II, grenades could also be equipped with stabilizer fins and barrels for muzzle firing from service rifles equipped with M7 adapters. This configuration provides standard infantry with greater tactical range against enemies in the ground.

The Mk II/Mk 2 series continued in service until their spread was minimized and eventually replaced by more modern and efficient grenade types around the world. In April 1945, the Mk II series (note the Roman numerals) was renamed "Mk 2". These variants appear naturally in the U.S.

Army's inventory, each with their Roman numeral identifier removed.

The Mk II line was eventually replaced in US inventory by the stylish (and distinctly egg-shaped) M26 line of the 1950s.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes