M9 HEAT

History of the M9 HEAT

In 1941, the US Army adopted two types of rifle grenades: the "M17" anti-personnel grenade and the "M9" high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) grenade. The M9 became the standard HEAT grenade during World War II. It was used with rifles like the M1 Garand and could be fired directly at a target or indirectly at an area.

The M9 had a steel body with a shaped charge warhead meant to penetrate armor up to 2 inches thick. It was detonated by a fuse at its base and had a torpedo-like shape with fins for stability during flight. It added about 1.3 pounds to the rifle's weight and increased its length.

An improved version, the M9A1, replaced the M9 during the war. The M9 proved effective, not just against tanks but also for attacking fortified structures. The M11 series served as practice grenades for training, with various versions being produced to improve manufacturing efficiency as the war went on.

Specification

Basics

Year of Operation: 1941

Origins: United States

Manufacturer: State Factory - USA

Carrier: United States

Ignition: The design is based on timed ignition ignition.

Dimensions and Weights

Curb Weight: 1.32 lbs (0.60 kg)

Attractions: Rifle mount

VARIANTS

M9A1 HEAT - Successor to the M9 model as the U.S. Army's standard HEAT rifle grenade; penetrating up to 2" armor protection.

M11A1 - Practice grenade; Reusable M11A2 - Practice grenade; Reusable M11A3 - Practice grenade; Reusable M11A4 - practice grenade; reusable