Fusante No.1 (F-1)

History of Fusante No. 1 (F-1)

The F1 grenade, initially designed in 1915 and serving with the French Army during both World War I and World War II, was a standard anti-personnel fragmentation infantry grenade. It featured a shock-based blasting cap system, later replaced by more traditional time fusion systems. The ribbed steel body provided a secure grip for one-handed handling. Activated by removing the safety device, the F1 was thrown at the enemy, proving effective in the trench warfare of World War I.

The French F1 saw service until the fall of France in 1940. During World War II, it was used alongside the P1 and Citron grenades until the country's defeat. Post-1945, the French Army phased out the F1 in favor of a more modern model.

The US Army adopted the F1 as the basis for its 1917 Mk 1 fragmentation grenade during World War I. Despite initial failure, the Mk 1 paved the way for the successful Mk 2 series in 1918. The Soviet Union also designed its F1 grenade based on the French model, influenced by its use during the Russian Revolution. France supplied F1 shells to support the "White Movement" forces, ultimately unsuccessful against the Bolshevik rise.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1915

Origins: France

Categories: Infantry Frag Grenade

Operator: France; Finland; Russian Empire; former Soviet Union; United States

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

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length: 100 mm (3.94 inche)

Barrel length: 100 mm (3.94 inches)

Cured weight: 1. 26 lbs (0.57 kg)

Action

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.

Ignition Ignition: The design is based on timed ignition ignition.

POWER

Maximum efficiency: 98 feet (30m | 33m)