In principal it is similar to others of its type. A detonator is inserted just before use, the grenade is grasped firmly, safety pin pulled and the grenade is throw high over the target. When released, the safety lever is free and releases a spring loaded stabilizing parachute, which keeps the nose pointed at the target. On impact a base fuze detonates the grenade. The complex nature of the design is due to safety features incorporated into the grenade fuze to avoid premature detonation. Definitly one of the most complex grenade types made. |
|
UPG-8 Uchebnaya Protivotankovaya Granata ("Training Antitank Grenade") The training version is designed to be re-usable, and the mechanism inside the handle is quite different. Specialized tools were supplied that enabled the stablilizer to be reloaded in the field, but spare complete drouge units were issued as well for quicker reloading. The body is made of heavy sheet metal with gas escape holes to vent the practice charge. |
Shown here are the differences between the H.E.A.T. and training versions. Not the shape charge conical liner visible at left. You can see that only about 1/3 of the warhead volume contained explosive. This grenade is only to be used from behind cover, as the average throwing range is only 15-20 meters. |