Grenade Percutante Nr.1 (Pear Grenade)

History of Granate Percutante Nr. 1 (Pear Grenade)

During the First World War (1914-1918), there were several projects aimed at developing impact-based grenades. Hand grenades acquired considerable value for the world powers of the time, especially when the war degenerated into trench warfare by the end of 1914. The Germans had some success in the field with their "tortoise" grenades, and the French attempted to respond again with "pears" - formally known as "Grenade Percutante Nr.

1", also known as "P1".

At the start of the war, the French had to rely on several foreign shell types, so the P1 represented a move to domestic products. Its design is attributed to Bilant, whose name is linked to other grenade-related developments of this period.

The new grenade design consists of an iron body that is smooth on the outside and grooved on the inside for maximum fragmentation. A lead plug is inserted at the bottom and the fuze is placed on top of the grenade.

A metal spoon is attached to the side of the grenade as part of the surgical procedure. A thin wire acts as a fuse, which must be cut before operation, and the scoop lever is folded over.

Once thrown and landed (hopefully on its base), the firing pin moves against the fuze to accomplish the desired result.

In theory, this gives the enemy little time to pick up the grenade and throw it back at the attacker.

The P1 shell was supplied to the French army in May 1915, and was quickly recognized as a "pear-shaped" or "spoon-shaped" shell due to its shape. However, it turned out to be quite satisfactory, as accidental explosions were common, and vertical landing of shells was not always possible - albeit not under the pressures of the battlefield.

As such, this grenade design is largely considered unreliable, but still sees massive production numbers because there is nothing better.

Specification

BASICS

Years in Service

1915

Origins

France

Categories

Shock-based infantry grenade

Manufacturer

State Factory - France

Operator

France

Roles

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Dimensions and Weights

Curb Weight

1. 21 lbs

0.55 kg

Attractions

Not applicable.

Action

percussion-based; throws fragmentation

Percussion Cover

The propellant ignition is triggered using the impact cap operating system; similar to children's cap guns, small explosive caps are placed on the nipples, which are driven by previously erected drop weights.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

Not applicable.

Circle/Feed

Single use

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

65 feet

(20m | 22m)

Rate of fire

1

Number of revolutions

Variants

Grenade Percutante #1 - Base Series Name Pear Grenade - Alternate Name