Re: 40 mm grenades and wire reinforced glass

[MathesonT@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 11/15/2001 8:42:04 AM Pacific Standard Time, e_r_benson@hotmail.com writes:


> Given that 40 mm is a low forward velocity, high spin rate grenade, would it
> penetrate?


A wire reinforced tempered glass window probably has enough strength to cause the round to detonate, rather than penetrate.  With a flash-bang the resulting detonation would shatter the glass, but probably leave the wire mesh intact.

If you can get close to the window it is probably better to use an ax to chop a hole through the window and put the flash-bang in by hand.

> The round in question is a 40 mm flash bang, which brings up a second
> question: are their conventional, non-training flash bang 40 mm grenades?


The standard flash-bang you see listed for 40 mm is the M918 practice round.  While this round does have flash and bang elements, it is designed as a practice round for the Mk19 and is unable to be loaded in a M203 do to length.  With an M203PI you can load it, but the pressure levels are beyond safe operating conditions.

Precision Ordnance Products (www.pop-inc.com) does make a 40mm flash-bang round for the M79/M203.  Range is 45m and the effect wave is 5psi/175db at 2.5 meters.  More than enough to ring your bell.

Rob