The US Army has unveiled a new grenade that delivers a shockwave
The US Army has unveiled the new M111 hand grenade, the first new lethal grenade since the Vietnam War. It is made of plastic and uses a shockwave to destroy targets, according to CNN.
The grenade is designed for use in urban environments, particularly during building clearance operations. According to the military, its use reduces the risk of collateral damage.
The previous grenade of this type, the MK3A2, was used in 1968 during the Vietnam War, but was withdrawn from service in the 1970s due to its asbestos content. After that, the M67 grenade remained the standard issue; upon detonation, it scatters shrapnel and can pose a danger to allies or civilians.
The new M111 grenade operates on the principle of overpressure. Upon detonation, its casing shatters and the shockwave strikes the enemy. The military notes that in enclosed spaces, this effect makes it impossible to take cover behind walls or furniture.
Colonel Vince Morris of Picatinny Arsenal stated that the grenade allows for the rapid clearance of a room and reduces risks to friendly forces. Army reference materials indicate that the shockwave can damage eardrums, lungs, eyes and internal organs, whilst more powerful explosions are capable of causing brain damage or amputations.
The development of the new grenade took into account combat experience in the Middle East. According to Morris, during the fighting in Iraq, the M67 grenade was not always suitable for clearing buildings due to the risk of hitting allies behind walls.
The M67 grenade will remain in service and will be used in open terrain where the fragmentation effect is important. Meanwhile, the M111 will be used primarily in enclosed spaces.
In addition, the US Marine Corps is procuring another grenade with a similar mechanism of action, the M21, manufactured by the Norwegian company Nammo. The military also uses thermobaric munitions, which create a shock wave and a fireball.
