Grenades -- Ordnance Database

Scope: Russian/Soviet hand grenades, projected grenades (VOG series), anti-tank grenades, RPG warheads as UXO, Western 40mm rounds supplied to Ukraine, drone-modified munitions, smoke/signal grenades.

Last Updated: 2026-03-28

NOTICE: This document is an OSINT reference for EOD awareness and training discussion. It does not replace official TMs, NAVSEA publications, or unit SOPs. Always defer to current service-approved references for RSP.

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SECTION 1 -- HAND GRENADES

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F-1 (Limonka) -- Defensive Fragmentation Grenade

Identification

• Designation(s): F-1; NATO reporting: N/A; nicknamed "Limonka" (little lemon)
• GRAU Index: 57-G-721
• Type: Hand grenade, defensive fragmentation
• Country of Origin: USSR (based on French F1 design, adopted 1939 with current body)
• Manufacturer: Various Soviet/Russian state arsenals
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, 30+ former Soviet/Warsaw Pact states, widely exported globally
• Export Status: Ubiquitous; produced under license or copied by China, Iran, many others

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 130 mm (with fuze)
• Diameter: 55 mm (body)
• Weight: 600 g (total with fuze)
• Body Material: Cast iron with external oval serrations (pineapple pattern)
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation (defensive)
• Explosive Fill: 60 g TNT
• Fuzing: UZRGM or UZRGM-2 pyrotechnic delay fuze
• Arming Mechanism: Fly-off lever (spoon) releases striker; striker hits primer; primer ignites pyrotechnic delay column
• Delay Time: 3.2--4.2 seconds (UZRGM/UZRGM-2)

Fragmentation

• Fragment Count: ~290 high-velocity fragments (approx. 1 g each)
• Fragment Initial Velocity: ~700 m/s
• Lethal Radius: 5--10 m
• Casualty Radius: ~30 m (effective)
• Maximum Fragment Dispersal: Up to 200 m (reason it is classified defensive -- thrower must be behind cover)
• Pattern: Irregular; the external serrations do NOT control fragmentation -- the body shatters along grain lines; approximately 60% of body pulverizes into dust, 30% forms lethal fragments

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive drab / dark green; some older stocks yellow-green
• Markings: Lot number, year of manufacture stamped on body or painted on
• Fuze: Silver/steel colored UZRGM fuze body with characteristic ring-pull and spoon

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• If spoon has separated but grenade has not detonated: striker has fired, delay train may be burning or failed partway -- EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS
• Corroded fuze wells can trap moisture, degrading the delay element unpredictably
• UZRGM fuzes with zero-delay elements exist (booby-trap variant) -- DO NOT ASSUME STANDARD DELAY
• Fuze variants range from 0 seconds (instantaneous) to 13 seconds
• The heavy cast-iron body makes this grenade highly lethal even at range; fragments retain energy

Sources

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RGD-5 -- Offensive Fragmentation Grenade

Identification

• Designation(s): RGD-5 (Ruchnaya Granata Distantsionnaya -- Hand Grenade, Remote/Delayed)
• GRAU Index: 57-G-717
• Type: Hand grenade, offensive fragmentation
• Country of Origin: USSR (adopted 1954)
• Manufacturer: Various Soviet/Russian state arsenals
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, 50+ countries worldwide
• Export Status: One of the most widely distributed grenades in history

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 117 mm
• Diameter: 58 mm
• Weight: 310 g (total with fuze)
• Body Material: Thin stamped steel (two-piece, joined at lateral equator ridge)
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation (offensive -- lighter body, smaller lethal radius)
• Explosive Fill: 110 g TNT
• Fuzing: UZRGM or UZRGM-2 pyrotechnic delay fuze
• Arming Mechanism: Same as F-1 -- fly-off lever, striker, primer, delay column
• Delay Time: 3.2--4.2 seconds

Fragmentation

• Fragment Count: ~350 fragments (from internal fragmentation liner)
• Fragment Source: Internal scored steel liner (not the smooth outer body)
• Lethal Radius: ~3 m
• Casualty Radius: ~25 m
• Pattern: Relatively uniform due to internal liner scoring

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive drab / dark green
• Markings: Lot/year markings; smooth egg-shaped body with visible lateral seam where halves join
• Key Visual Feature: Smooth exterior (no pineapple serrations) distinguishes from F-1

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Same fuze hazards as F-1 (UZRGM family)
• Lighter body = lower fragment lethality at distance, but still hazardous
• Very common in Ukraine conflict -- found in trenches, defensive positions, improvised uses
• Can be rigged as trip-wire grenade using wire attached to spoon

Sources

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RG-42 -- Offensive Fragmentation Grenade

Identification

• Designation(s): RG-42 (Ruchnaya Granata obraztsa 1942 goda -- Hand Grenade Model 1942)
• Type: Hand grenade, offensive fragmentation
• Country of Origin: USSR (WWII-era, designed by S.G. Korshunov, 1942)
• Manufacturer: Mass-produced in Soviet factories during WWII
• In Service With: Legacy stocks in numerous post-Soviet/exported states; still found in Ukraine
• Export Status: Widely distributed Cold War era

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~121 mm (with fuze)
• Diameter: ~54 mm
• Weight: 420 g (with fuze)
• Body Material: Thin stamped steel cylinder
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation (offensive)
• Explosive Fill: 110--120 g TNT (varies by producer)
• Fuzing: UZRG or UZRGM pyrotechnic delay fuze
• Arming Mechanism: Standard UZRG/UZRGM fly-off lever system
• Delay Time: 3.2--4.2 seconds

Fragmentation

• Fragment Source: Internal fragmentation liner -- thin steel sheet rolled into three layers with diamond-shaped grooves
• Effective Fragmentation Radius: ~20 m
• Throwing Range: ~40 m
• Pattern: Diamond-pattern internal scoring produces relatively uniform small fragments

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Dark green / olive drab
• Shape: Simple cylinder with flat top and bottom -- distinctive "tin can" appearance
• Key Visual Feature: Cylindrical shape immediately distinguishes from egg-shaped RGD-5 and pineapple F-1

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Elderly stocks (80+ years old) -- corrosion is a major concern
• Fuze degradation from age; delay element may be unpredictable
• Same UZRGM hazards apply
• Simple construction means field-expedient copies may exist with non-standard fills

Sources

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RGO -- Defensive Fragmentation Grenade (Impact + Delay)

Identification

• Designation(s): RGO (Ruchnaya Granata Oboronitelnaya -- Defensive Hand Grenade)
• GRAU Index: 7G22
• Type: Hand grenade, defensive fragmentation, dual-action fuze
• Country of Origin: USSR (developed by S. Korshunov and V. Kuzmin at GNPP Bazalt, adopted 1981)
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, former Soviet states

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~113 mm
• Diameter: ~61 mm
• Weight: 530 g (total)
• Body Material: Steel (four-quadrant construction with pre-fragmented inner layers)
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation (defensive)
• Explosive Fill: 92 g A-IX-1 (RDX 96% / wax 4%)
• Fuzing: UDZS dual-action fuze (impact + pyrotechnic delay)
• Arming Mechanism: Pyrotechnic delay arms impact function 1.0--1.8 seconds after spoon release

Fuze Details (UDZS)

• Impact Mode: After 1.0--1.8 second pyrotechnic arming delay, a spherical lead shot acts as an inertial impact weight; any sharp deceleration (striking target) fires the grenade
• Time-Delay Backup: If impact does not occur, pyrotechnic delay self-destructs at 3.2--4.0 seconds (functions as airburst if thrown over target area)
• Key Advantage: Eliminates the "bounce away" problem of pure delay grenades

Fragmentation

• Body Construction: Four quadrants -- upper hemispheres internally segmented with smooth exterior; lower hemispheres have external diamond cross-hatching providing additional fragmentation
• Lethal Radius: 6--20 m
• Maximum Fragment Range: Up to 100 m
• Pattern: Dense fragmentation pattern from pre-scored steel body -- more lethal per gram than F-1

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive drab / dark green
• Shape: Spherical with visible equatorial seam and diamond-pattern lower half
• Key Visual Feature: Combination of smooth upper and cross-hatched lower hemispheres; UDZS fuze differs visually from UZRGM

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• CRITICAL: Impact fuze means dud grenades may be ARMED and sensitive to movement
• The UDZS impact mechanism uses a free-rolling lead ball -- any disturbance can initiate
• If the 1.0--1.8 second arming delay has completed but grenade did not detonate: the impact fuze IS ARMED
• If neither impact nor self-destruct functioned: treat as armed impact-fuzed munition
• More dangerous as UXO than UZRGM-fuzed grenades due to impact sensitivity
• DO NOT MOVE, KICK, OR ROLL

Sources

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RGN -- Offensive Fragmentation Grenade (Impact + Delay)

Identification

• Designation(s): RGN (Ruchnaya Granata Nastupatelnaya -- Offensive Hand Grenade)
• GRAU Index: 7G21
• Type: Hand grenade, offensive fragmentation, dual-action fuze
• Country of Origin: USSR (developed alongside RGO, adopted 1981)
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, former Soviet states

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~113 mm
• Diameter: ~60 mm
• Weight: 290--310 g (sources vary; ~300 g nominal)
• Body Material: Aluminum (internally scored for fragmentation)
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation (offensive)
• Explosive Fill: 97 g A-IX-1 (RDX 96% / wax 4%)
• Fuzing: UDZS dual-action fuze (same as RGO)
• Arming Mechanism: Same as RGO -- 1.0--1.8 second pyrotechnic delay arms impact function

Fuze Details (UDZS)

• Identical UDZS mechanism to RGO
• Impact function active after 1.0--1.8 seconds
• Self-destruct backup at 3.5--4.0 seconds

Fragmentation

• Body: Smooth spherical aluminum body, internally scored
• Lethal Radius: 4--10 m
• Safety Distance: 25 m
• Pattern: Lighter aluminum fragments = shorter lethal range (offensive classification -- safe to throw from open)

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive drab / dark green
• Shape: Smooth sphere (no external serrations or cross-hatching -- key difference from RGO)
• Key Visual Feature: Completely smooth spherical body; otherwise similar size to RGO

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• SAME CRITICAL HAZARDS AS RGO -- impact fuze may be armed
• UDZS lead-ball impact mechanism is sensitive to disturbance
• Aluminum body corrodes differently than steel -- may affect fuze well integrity
• Treat identically to RGO duds: DO NOT MOVE

Sources

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M67 -- Fragmentation Grenade (Western, Supplied to Ukraine)

Identification

• Designation(s): M67
• Type: Hand grenade, fragmentation
• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: Day & Zimmermann (primary); multiple US contractors
• In Service With: US military, NATO allies, supplied to Ukraine under security assistance packages
• Export Status: Standard NATO fragmentation grenade

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~99 mm (body only); ~146 mm (with fuze)
• Diameter: 64 mm
• Weight: 400 g (14 oz)
• Body Material: Spheroidal steel body
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation
• Explosive Fill: 180--185 g Composition B
• Fuzing: M213 pyrotechnic delay fuze
• Arming Mechanism: Fly-off lever (spoon), striker, primer, delay
• Delay Time: 4--5 seconds

Fragmentation

• Lethal Radius: 5 m (15 ft)
• Casualty/Injury Radius: 15 m (45 ft)
• Maximum Fragment Range: Up to 250 m
• Pattern: Spheroidal body provides relatively uniform fragmentation

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive drab with yellow markings (HE designation)
• Shape: Round/spheroidal -- "baseball" grenade
• Key Visual Feature: Smooth round body, yellow band/markings, US-style spoon and pin

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• M213 fuze: standard pyrotechnic delay hazards
• If spoon released and no detonation: delay train may be partially burned
• Composition B fill is less sensitive than pure RDX but still a secondary explosive
• In Ukraine context: may be encountered alongside Soviet-type grenades; do not confuse fuze systems

Sources

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SECTION 2 -- UNDER-BARREL / AUTOMATIC GRENADE LAUNCHER ROUNDS (VOG SERIES)

CRITICAL NOTE: VOG-series grenades are among the most common UXO items encountered in the Ukraine conflict zone. The VOG-17M in particular is the single most frequently encountered grenade-type UXO.

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VOG-17M -- 30mm HE-Frag (AGS-17 / AGS-30)

Identification

• Designation(s): VOG-17M (Vystrel Oskolochnyy Granatometnyy -- Fragmentation Grenade Shot, Modernized)
• Caliber: 30x29mm
• Type: Projected grenade, HE-fragmentation with self-destruct
• Country of Origin: USSR
• Launcher(s): AGS-17 Plamya, AGS-30, AG-17A
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, 40+ countries
• Status in Ukraine: MOST COMMON GRENADE UXO -- massive quantities fired; also adapted for drone delivery

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 132 mm (complete round)
• Diameter: 30 mm
• Weight: 350 g (0.35 kg) complete round
• Body Material: Steel cartridge case with steel projectile body
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation
• Explosive Fill: 32--36 g A-IX-1 (RDX)
• Fuzing: VMG-M (point-detonating, superquick, distance-armed, self-destruct)
• Propellant: NBPl-14-10
• Primer: KVM-3

Fuze Details (VMG-M / VMG-M-L)

• Type: Point-detonating, superquick action
• Arming Distance: 10--60 m from muzzle (centrifugal arming)
• Self-Destruct Time: 28--36 seconds after firing
• Muzzle Velocity: 185 m/s

Performance

• Maximum Range: 1,700 m (AGS-17)
• Defeat Radius: Not less than 6--7 m
• Operational Temperature: -50 to +50 degrees C
• Shelf Life: 10 years

Color / Markings

• Projectile Color: Black or dark grey steel body
• Case: Brass or steel cartridge case
• Shape: Small cylindrical projectile with distinctive ogive nose and visible rotating band
• Key Visual Feature: Very small size (about the size of a D-cell battery) -- easily missed in debris

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• HIGH DUD RATE in field conditions -- soft ground (mud, snow) prevents sufficient impact force for PD fuze function
• Self-destruct should fire at 28--36 seconds, but SD failures occur
• If SD fails: the grenade is armed (past arming distance) with a live PD fuze -- EXTREMELY SENSITIVE TO DISTURBANCE
• Corrosion of the thin-walled body can expose explosive fill
• Drone-dropped variant: When dropped from drones, the fuze may NOT be properly armed (no spin arming from launcher) -- behavior is UNPREDICTABLE
• Small size means they are easily buried, stepped on, or overlooked during clearance
• Found in enormous quantities -- area clearance after AGS engagement can produce dozens per hectare

Drone-Modified Variant

• 3D-printed tail fin assemblies attached to provide aerodynamic stability when dropped
• Fuze may be modified or replaced with impact-sensitive initiator
• Print time per tail kit: ~40 minutes
• Weight with tail kit: ~350--400 g (within DJI Phantom/Mavic payload capacity)
• Both Russian and Ukrainian forces use this adaptation
• EOD CONCERN: Non-standard fuzing means RSP from TMs may not apply; treat as improvised munition

Sources

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VOG-25 -- 40mm HE-Frag (GP-25 / GP-30)

Identification

• Designation(s): VOG-25
• Caliber: 40mm (caseless, not compatible with Western 40x46mm)
• Type: Projected grenade, HE-fragmentation with self-destruct
• Country of Origin: USSR (adopted with GP-25 in 1978)
• Launcher(s): GP-25 Kostyor, GP-30 Obuvka, GP-34

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 102.6 mm (round)
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Weight: 250 g (complete round)
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation
• Explosive Fill: 48 g (HE)
• Fuzing: Point-detonating with distance arming and self-destruct

Fuze Details

• Arming Distance: 10--40 m
• Self-Destruct Time: 14--19 seconds
• Muzzle Velocity: 76.5 m/s

Performance

• Maximum Range: 400 m
• Effective Range: ~150 m
• Defeat Radius: 6 m

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive / dark green projectile
• Shape: Caseless round with visible driving band; short, stubby profile
• Key Visual Feature: No separate cartridge case -- the entire round is the projectile

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• PD fuze with self-destruct; if both fail, armed PD fuze is live
• Arming distance 10--40 m means close-range duds (under 10 m) may NOT be armed
• Self-destruct provides secondary detonation opportunity but is not 100% reliable
• Also adapted for drone delivery with 3D-printed tail kits

Sources

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VOG-25P -- 40mm Bouncing HE-Frag (GP-25 / GP-30)

Identification

• Designation(s): VOG-25P ("P" = Prygayushchiy -- Bouncing)
• Caliber: 40mm
• Type: Projected grenade, air-burst bouncing HE-fragmentation with self-destruct
• Country of Origin: USSR
• Launcher(s): GP-25, GP-30, GP-34

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~115.9 mm
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Weight: ~272--278 g
• Warhead Type: Bouncing HE-fragmentation (airburst)
• Explosive Fill: Similar to VOG-25 (~48 g)
• Fuzing: Impact-initiated bounce charge + PD fuze for airburst; self-destruct backup

Bounce Mechanism

• On ground impact, a small expulsion charge in the nose detonates
• This launches the grenade body upward 0.5--1.5 m into the air
• A short delay then detonates the main charge at chest/head height
• DEVASTATING against troops in trenches, foxholes, and defilade positions

Performance

• Muzzle Velocity: ~74 m/s
• Arming Distance: 10--40 m
• Self-Destruct Time: 14--19 seconds
• Defeat Radius: 7 m
• Operational Temperature: -50 to +50 degrees C

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive / dark green; may have distinctive markings differentiating from VOG-25
• Shape: Similar to VOG-25 but slightly longer due to bounce charge assembly in nose

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS UXO -- bounce charge may still function if disturbed
• If grenade landed but bounce charge did not fire: the impact-sensitive bounce mechanism is LIVE
• If bounce charge fired but main charge did not detonate: grenade is somewhere nearby, armed
• Partial function is a realistic failure mode -- most hazardous scenario
• Self-destruct may or may not have functioned
• DO NOT APPROACH duds of this type without extreme caution

Sources

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VOG-30 -- 30mm Enhanced HE-Frag (AGS-30)

Identification

• Designation(s): VOG-30; improved variant VOG-30D (adopted 2013)
• Caliber: 30x29mm (same cartridge dimensions as VOG-17M)
• Type: Projected grenade, enhanced HE-fragmentation
• Country of Origin: Russia
• Launcher(s): AGS-17, AG-17A, AGS-30

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~132 mm (same cartridge envelope as VOG-17M)
• Diameter: 30 mm
• Weight: ~350 g
• Warhead Type: Enhanced HE-fragmentation
• Explosive Fill: Improved explosive composition (better than VOG-17M's A-IX-1 fill; specific composition restricted)
• Fuzing: Similar to VMG-M family (PD, distance-armed, self-destruct)

Performance

• Muzzle Velocity: 185 m/s
• Maximum Range: 1,700 m
• Defeat Radius: Greater than VOG-17M due to enhanced fragmentation design
• Enhanced fragmentation body produces more lethal fragments with better distribution

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Same hazard profile as VOG-17M
• Visually nearly identical to VOG-17M -- identification may require markings examination
• Enhanced explosive fill may be more sensitive than standard A-IX-1

Sources

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M381 -- US 40mm HE (M79 / M203) -- Short Arming

Identification

• Designation(s): Cartridge, 40mm HE, M381
• Caliber: 40x46mm (low velocity)
• Type: Projected grenade, HE, short arming distance
• Country of Origin: United States
• Launcher(s): M79, M203, M320
• Status in Ukraine: Supplied under US security assistance

Physical Characteristics

• Diameter: 40 mm (46mm case)
• Weight: ~227 g (complete cartridge)
• Warhead Type: HE
• Explosive Fill: 32 g Composition B (in hollow steel ball assembly)
• Fuzing: Point-detonating fuze with booster

Fuze Details

• Arming Distance: 2--3 meters (VERY SHORT -- intended for close-range use)
• Kill Radius: 5 m (16 ft)

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive drab with yellow markings (HE)
• Shape: Typical 40mm LV round with aluminum body and ogive

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Short arming distance means almost all fired rounds will be armed
• PD fuze -- if it fails to function on impact, the fuze is live and impact-sensitive
• Composition B fill

Sources

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M386 -- US 40mm HE (M79 / M203) -- Long Arming

Identification

• Designation(s): Cartridge, 40mm HE, M386
• Caliber: 40x46mm (low velocity)
• Type: Projected grenade, HE, long arming distance
• Country of Origin: United States
• Launcher(s): M79, M203, M320

Physical Characteristics

• Diameter: 40 mm
• Weight: ~227 g (complete cartridge)
• Warhead Type: HE
• Explosive Fill: ~32 g Composition B (steel ball assembly)
• Fuzing: Point-detonating fuze with booster; spin-armed

Fuze Details

• Arming Distance: 14--28 meters (safer for the firer than M381)
• Kill Radius: 5 m (16 ft)
• Arming Mechanism: Setback withdraws firing pin from ball detent; centrifugal force aligns rotor/detonator

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Longer arming distance means rounds landing under 14 m may NOT be armed (safer to handle, but verify)
• If armed and PD fuze failed: live impact-sensitive fuze
• Otherwise identical hazard profile to M381

Sources

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M406 -- US 40mm HE (M79 / M203) -- Standard

Identification

• Designation(s): Cartridge, 40mm HE, M406
• Caliber: 40x46mm (low velocity)
• Type: Projected grenade, HE
• Country of Origin: United States
• Launcher(s): M79, M203

Physical Characteristics

• Diameter: 40 mm
• Weight: ~227 g
• Warhead Type: HE
• Explosive Fill: ~32 g Composition B
• Fuzing: Point-detonating fuze assembly (M551 series)

Fuze Details

• Arming Distance: 14--28 meters (same as M386)
• Kill Radius: 5 m (16 ft)

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Same profile as M386
• One of the older US 40mm designs; legacy stocks may have degraded fuze components

Sources

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SECTION 3 -- ANTI-TANK GRENADES

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RKG-3 Series -- Anti-Tank Hand Grenade (Shaped Charge)

Identification

• Designation(s): RKG-3, RKG-3M, RKG-3T, RKG-3EM (Ruchnaya Kumulyativnaya Granata -- Handheld Shaped-Charge Grenade)
• Type: Anti-tank hand grenade, shaped charge (HEAT)
• Country of Origin: USSR
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, former Soviet states, Middle East, Africa
• Current Significance: Adapted for drone delivery in Ukraine conflict (designated RKG-1600 by Ukrainian forces)

Physical Characteristics

• Total Length: 357 mm (handle + warhead)
• Body Diameter: 71 mm (warhead section)
• Weight: 1.07 kg (complete)
• Empty Weight: 666 g
• Body Material: Steel body with copper or steel shaped-charge liner (varies by variant)
• Warhead Type: HEAT (shaped charge)
• Explosive Fill: ~567 g TNT/RDX (varies by variant)

Variants and Penetration

Fuze and Arming Mechanism

• Safety: Pin and lever (spoon) on handle
• Stabilization: Four-panel drogue parachute deploys from handle base after throw
• Purpose of Drogue: Stabilizes grenade nose-down to ensure 90-degree impact angle (maximizes shaped-charge jet penetration)
• Arming: Inertia-based; armed during flight by setback forces and drogue deployment sequence
• Initiation: Impact (piezoelectric or crush-type, depending on variant)

Color / Markings

• Body Color: Olive drab / dark green
• Shape: Distinctive stick grenade form -- cylindrical warhead with handle; drogue parachute housing at base of handle
• Key Visual Feature: The handle with drogue housing is unmistakable; if parachute is deployed, the silk/fabric drogue may be visible

Drone-Dropped Variant (RKG-1600)

• Developed by Ukrainian Aerorozvidka unit in coordination with PJSC Mayak
• Fuze timing modified for vertical drop rather than thrown trajectory
• 3D-printed stabilizer fins replace drogue parachute function
• Can be dropped from Baba Yaga heavy drones (up to 3 per sortie)
• Penetrates top armor of all Russian MBTs (thin roof armor)
• Estimated cost per modified bomblet: under $100
• EOD CONCERN: Non-standard fuze timing and improvised fin assembly; treat as improvised munition

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• If drogue deployed but grenade did not detonate: shaped charge is likely ARMED
• Impact fuze is sensitive -- DO NOT DISTURB
• Drone-dropped variants with modified fuzing add uncertainty to safe/arm state
• Shaped-charge jet hazard: even partial detonation can produce a lethal copper jet
• The parachute may snag on obstacles, leaving the armed grenade suspended
• Old stocks have degraded explosive fills and corroded fuze components

Sources

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SECTION 4 -- RPG-7 WARHEADS AS UXO

Context: RPG-7 is the most prolific rocket-propelled grenade system in the world. In the Ukraine conflict, massive quantities of all warhead types have been fired. Failed rockets (duds) are a significant UXO hazard. The piezoelectric fuze requires sufficient impact force to function; soft ground, oblique impact, or fuze malfunction produces duds.

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PG-7V -- Original HEAT Warhead

Physical Characteristics

• Warhead Diameter: 85 mm (over-caliber, fired from 40mm tube)
• Total Round Weight: ~2.6 kg
• Warhead Type: HEAT (shaped charge)
• Explosive Fill: ~280 g of OKFOL (phlegmatized RDX/wax)
• Penetration: ~260 mm RHA
• Fuze: VP-7M piezoelectric point-initiating, base-detonating (PIBD)
• Self-Destruct: 4.5--6 seconds after launch (pyrotechnic SD train initiated at booster burnout)
• Arming Distance: ~11 m (inertia-based; armed at booster burnout)

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Piezoelectric fuze requires sharp impact -- soft ground, water, deep snow = HIGH DUD RATE
• If self-destruct fails: armed PIBD fuze with piezoelectric element -- IMPACT SENSITIVE
• The booster motor may not have fully burned -- residual propellant hazard
• Shaped-charge copper jet hazard on detonation
• Fins deploy after launch; a dud may be found with fins extended, indicating it was fired and armed

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PG-7VL -- Improved HEAT Warhead

Physical Characteristics

• Warhead Diameter: 93 mm
• Total Round Weight: ~2.6 kg (5.7 lb)
• Warhead Type: HEAT (improved shaped charge)
• Penetration: 500--750 mm RHA
• Fuze: PIBD (piezoelectric)
• Self-Destruct: ~4.5 seconds
• Adopted: ~1977

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Identical hazard profile to PG-7V
• Larger shaped-charge liner = more energetic jet on detonation

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PG-7VR -- Tandem HEAT Warhead

Physical Characteristics

• Warhead Diameter: 64 mm precursor + 105 mm main charge
• Total Round Weight: ~4.5 kg (9.9 lb)
• Warhead Type: Tandem HEAT (defeats ERA + base armor)
• Penetration: Up to 750 mm RHA behind ERA; up to 900 mm without ERA
• Fuze: PIBD with tandem initiation sequence
• Effective Range: 200 m (max 700 m with reduced accuracy)
• Adopted: ~1988

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• TWO SHAPED CHARGES -- precursor and main; either or both may be live in a dud
• Tandem fuze train adds complexity; partial function (precursor fires, main does not) is possible
• Heaviest and most dangerous RPG-7 dud to encounter
• Larger round = more conspicuous, but also more explosive content

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TBG-7V -- Thermobaric Warhead

Physical Characteristics

• Warhead Diameter: 105 mm
• Total Round Weight: ~4.5 kg
• Warhead Type: Thermobaric (fuel-air explosive)
• Kill Radius: ~10 m (open); devastating in enclosed spaces
• Effective Range: 200 m (max 700 m)
• Fill: Thermobaric mixture (metal powder + oxidizer + fuel)

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Thermobaric fill is EXTREMELY SENSITIVE to heat, shock, and friction
• Leaking thermobaric agent creates toxic/flammable hazard
• A dud TBG-7V is one of the most dangerous UXO items in the theater
• Even partial ignition of thermobaric fill produces massive overpressure blast
• EVACUATE AREA -- LARGE STANDOFF DISTANCE REQUIRED

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OG-7V -- Fragmentation Warhead

Physical Characteristics

• Warhead Diameter: 40 mm (sub-caliber / within-bore)
• Total Round Weight: ~2.0 kg
• Warhead Type: HE-fragmentation (anti-personnel)
• Effective Range: ~7 m fragmentation radius
• Fill: HE with fragmentation sleeve

Dud Behavior / EOD Hazards

• Sub-caliber round -- may be mistaken for other munitions
• Standard PIBD fuze hazards apply
• Anti-personnel intent -- designed for troop engagements, not armor; frag hazard

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RPG-7 Warhead Summary Table

Sources (All RPG-7 Warheads)

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SECTION 5 -- DRONE-MODIFIED GRENADES (CRITICAL CURRENT THREAT)

This is the defining munition adaptation of the Ukraine conflict. Both sides extensively modify existing grenade stocks for delivery by commercial and military drones. This creates a new category of improvised munition that combines factory explosive content with non-standard delivery and fuzing.

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VOG-17M with 3D-Printed Tail Kit

Description

Standard VOG-17M grenade with factory-produced or 3D-printed tail fin assembly replacing the cartridge case/propellant section. Designed to stabilize the grenade during vertical drop from a drone.

Technical Details

• Base Munition: VOG-17M (see Section 2)
• Modification: 3D-printed PLA/ABS tail fin assembly (typically 4-fin cruciform)
• Total Weight: ~350--400 g (within payload of DJI Mavic/Phantom class drones)
• Print Time per Kit: ~40 minutes
• Fuze Modification: In many cases the factory VMG-M PD fuze is retained; some variants use replacement impact fuzes
• Drop Height: Typical engagement altitude 50--300 m

EOD Hazards

• FUZE STATE IS UNPREDICTABLE -- the VMG-M fuze was designed for spin-arming from a launcher; without spin, arming status is uncertain
• Modified fuzes may have lower or no arming threshold
• Some variants use simple crush-type impact initiators instead of factory fuze
• Factory self-destruct mechanism may not function in drop configuration (no propellant gas to initiate SD train)
• Treat as IMPROVISED MUNITION with factory-grade explosive content

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Modified Hand Grenades for Drone Delivery

Description

Standard hand grenades (typically RGD-5, F-1, or RGN/RGO) modified for drone release. The grenade pin is pulled before loading; the spoon is held by a release mechanism on the drone.

Technical Details

• Base Munitions: F-1, RGD-5, RGN, RGO (any available hand grenade)
• Modification: Pin removed; spoon held by drone release mechanism (rubber band, servo-actuated clip, or 3D-printed cradle)
• Fuze Activation: On release from drone, spoon flies off, UZRGM/UDZS delay begins
• Time of Fall vs. Delay: From 100 m altitude, fall time is ~4.5 seconds; UZRGM delay is 3.2--4.2 seconds -- GRENADE MAY DETONATE BEFORE REACHING GROUND (airbursts are common and tactically desired)

EOD Hazards

• If grenade was released but fuze malfunctioned: spoon is gone, striker has fired, delay train partially burned -- GRENADE IS ARMED WITH UNKNOWN TIME REMAINING
• RGN/RGO with UDZS fuze: impact function is armed after 1--1.8 seconds of fall -- dud is impact-sensitive
• If the drone release mechanism failed and drone crashed with grenade: pin is pulled, only the mechanism holds the spoon -- EXTREME HAZARD, DO NOT APPROACH CRASHED DRONES WITHOUT CLEARANCE

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RKG-3 Drone-Dropped Variant (RKG-1600)

Description

See RKG-3 entry in Section 3 for full specifications. The RKG-1600 designation refers to the Ukrainian modification for drone delivery.

Key Differences from Standard RKG-3

• Drogue parachute removed or replaced with rigid 3D-printed fin assembly
• Fuze timing modified for vertical drop trajectory
• Optimized for top-attack against armored vehicles (thin roof armor)
• Dropped from Baba Yaga or other heavy-lift drones

EOD Hazards

• Shaped charge is the primary threat -- even partial detonation is lethal
• Non-standard fuzing means unknown safe/arm state
• If fins are visible but grenade is intact on ground: shaped charge is likely armed
• TREAT AS ARMED SHAPED-CHARGE IMPROVISED MUNITION

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Improvised Shaped Charges (FPV Drone Warheads)

Description

Purpose-built or field-modified shaped charges designed as warheads for FPV kamikaze drones. Not strictly grenades but encountered in the same tactical context.

Common Types

• RPG-7 warheads (PG-7V, PG-7VL) detached from rocket motor and mounted on FPV frame
• RKG-3 warheads mounted directly on FPV drones
• Improvised copper-lined shaped charges (workshop-fabricated using turned copper liners and cast/pressed PE or RDX)
• Thermobaric warheads adapted from TBG-7V or custom-built

Technical Details

• Warhead weight typically 1--5 kg (varies with drone payload capacity)
• Heavy FPV drones can carry up to 5--7 kg warheads
• Fuzing: typically impact-piezoelectric, crush, or command-detonated
• Some use Claymore-type directional fragmentation payloads for anti-personnel missions
• "Dragon drones" carry thermite payloads for incendiary effect

EOD Hazards

• EVERY CRASHED FPV DRONE IS A POTENTIAL IED -- warhead may be intact and fuzed
• No standardized design -- each workshop produces different configurations
• Batteries (LiPo) in crashed drones are a fire/thermal hazard near explosives
• Electronic fuzing may be triggered by RF energy (radios, cell phones, jammers)
• MAINTAIN RF DISCIPLINE AROUND CRASHED DRONES
• Drone-delivered munitions are, by definition, improvised -- standard RSPs may not apply

Sources (All Drone-Modified Grenades)

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SECTION 6 -- SMOKE AND SIGNAL GRENADES

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RDG-2 -- Smoke Grenade

Identification

• Designation(s): RDG-2 (Ruchnaya Dymovaya Granata -- Hand Smoke Grenade); variants RDG-2B (white), RDG-2Kh (colored)
• Type: Smoke grenade (screening)
• Country of Origin: USSR

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~150 mm (5.9 in)
• Diameter: ~55 mm (2.2 in)
• Weight: ~500--600 g (varies by variant; RDG-2M ~600 g)
• Body Material: Cardboard/pressed paper cylinder with colored end caps
• Fill: Smoke mixture (composition varies by variant -- white/HC or colored)
• Fuzing: Friction igniter with short delay

Performance

• Smoke Duration: 50--70 seconds (RDG-2M)
• Smoke Screen Size: ~50 x 10 m
• Color: White (RDG-2B) or various colors (RDG-2Kh variants)

Color / Markings

• Body: Cardboard cylinder; end caps colored to indicate smoke color
• Key Visual Feature: Cylindrical cardboard body -- looks nothing like a frag grenade; colored caps on both ends

EOD Hazards

• Not an explosive hazard per se, but smoke mixture is a fire/toxic inhalation hazard
• Hexachloroethane (HC) smoke mixtures are toxic
• Burning smoke grenades produce intense heat; can ignite surrounding materials
• Unexpended smoke grenades with intact friction igniters should be handled carefully
• In Ukraine context: may be confused with or used alongside frag grenades

Sources

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SECTION 7 -- FUZE REFERENCE (UZRGM FAMILY & UDZS)

Quick reference for the two primary Russian hand grenade fuze families encountered in theater.

UZRGM / UZRGM-2 (Pyrotechnic Delay)

• Full Name: Universal'nyi Zapal Ruchnaya Granata Modernizirovannyi (Universal Igniter, Hand Grenade, Improved)
• Adopted: ~1955 (UZRGM); UZRGM-2 is further improved variant
• Used In: F-1, RGD-5, RG-42, RGO (backup), RGN (backup)
• Components: Ring-pull safety pin, safety lever (spoon), linear striker, igniter, pyrotechnic delay column, detonator
• Operation:
  1. Pin pulled, spoon held by hand
  2. On release, spoon flies off
  3. Striker spring drives striker into primer
  4. Primer ignites pyrotechnic delay column
  5. Delay burns 3.2--4.2 seconds
  6. Delay ignites detonator
  7. Detonator initiates main charge
• Delay Variants: Standard 3.2--4.2 sec; booby-trap variants from 0 (instantaneous) to 13 seconds exist
• Key Differences UZRGM vs UZRGM-2: UZRGM-2 has dual-caught striker washer (above and below), different striker tip geometry, rectangular safety pin holes (vs round), different delay mixture

UDZS (Impact + Delay, Dual-Action)

• Full Name: Universal'nyy Distantsionno-Zamedlitel'nyy Samovzryvatel' (Universal Distance-Delay Self-Destructor)
• Used In: RGO, RGN
• Components: Safety lever, striker, pyrotechnic arming delay, lead-ball impact sensor, backup pyrotechnic self-destruct delay
• Operation:
  1. Pin pulled, spoon flies off on throw
  2. Striker fires primer
  3. Pyrotechnic arming delay burns for 1.0--1.8 seconds
  4. After arming delay: impact fuze is LIVE -- a free-rolling lead ball acts as inertial impact sensor
  5. Any sharp deceleration (impact) triggers detonation
  6. If no impact occurs: backup delay self-destructs at 3.2--4.0 seconds
• EOD CRITICAL: After arming delay completes, the lead-ball impact sensor has NO SAFE POSITION -- any movement, vibration, or disturbance can trigger it

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APPENDIX -- QUICK-REFERENCE TABLE