MK3A2 High Explosive: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Weapons of Vietnam]]
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|[[File:Flag_us_new.png|50px]]<br><strong>[[US]]</strong>|| [[File:Mk3a2.png|300px]]<br><b>[[MK3A2 High Explosive]]</b> || [[File:Weapon_mk3a2.png|400px]] || [[File:Class_Assault.png|50px]] <b>[[Assault]]</b><br> [[File:Class_medic.png|50px]] <b>[[Medic]]</b><br> [[File:Class_Gunner.png|50px]] <b>[[Gunner]]</b><br> [[File:Class_sniper.png|50px]]  <b>[[Sniper]]</b><br> || 1 / 2 || 225 || 250  
|[[File:Flag_us_new.png|50px]]<br><strong>[[US]]</strong>|| [[File:Mk3a2.png|200px]]<br><b>[[MK3A2 High Explosive]]</b> || [[File:Weapon_mk3a2.png|300px]] || [[File:Class_Assault.png|50px]] <b>[[Assault]]</b><br> [[File:Class_medic.png|50px]] <b>[[Medic]]</b><br> [[File:Class_Gunner.png|50px]] <b>[[Gunner]]</b><br> [[File:Class_sniper.png|50px]]  <b>[[Sniper]]</b><br> || 1 / 2 || 225 || 250  
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! rowspan=2 | [[Place of Origin]]
! rowspan=2 | [[Place of Origin]]
! rowspan=2 | [[Date]]
! rowspan=2 | [[Date]]
! rowspan=2 | [[Factory]]   
! rowspan=2 | [[Manufacturer]]   
! rowspan=2 | Total Length
! rowspan=2 | Total Length
! rowspan=2 | [[Weapon Script Name]]
! rowspan=2 | [[Weapon Script Name]]
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|GRENADE HAND OFFENSIVE MK3A2 TNT||[[High Explosive Grenades]]||USA||1945||?||5.43in||weapon_mk3a2
|GRENADE HAND OFFENSIVE MK3A2 TNT||[[High Explosive Grenades]]||[[USA]]||1945||?||5.43 in||weapon_mk3a2
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The MK3 hand grenade is a cylindrical concussion grenade designed to produce casualties during close combat while minimizing danger to friendly personnel exposed in the open owing to minimal fragmentation. There is a secondary fragmentation hazard though from rocks, gravel, wood splinters, glass, etc. The grenade is also used for concussion effects in enclosed areas, for blasting, or for demolition tasks. The shock waves (overpressure) produced by this grenade when used in enclosed areas are greater than those produced by the fragmentation grenade. It is, therefore, very effective used in an offensive role against enemy soldiers located in bunkers, buildings, and fortified areas. It is commonly known as the "concussion" or "demo" (from demolition) grenade.
The '''Mk 3A2''' is an American offensive/concussion hand grenade designed to produce casualties primarily through blast overpressure rather than fragmentation. Its cylindrical body minimizes lethal fragments, reducing risk to friendly troops in the open while remaining highly dangerous in enclosed spaces where pressure waves reflect. It is best known as the U.S. “concussion” or “demo” grenade used for bunker and room fighting, blasting, and demolition-type tasks.


There are three variants: the basic MK3, the MK3A1, and the MK3A2. They differ in their construction and the type of fuze used. They were designated Mk III (Roman numbers) prior to 2 April 1945.
==HISTORY==
=HISTORY=
The Mk 3 family dates to World War II, with the Mk 3A2 representing a later standardized pattern built around a waterproof, asphalt-impregnated fiberboard cylinder and a central fuze well. The Mk 3A2 used an 8 oz (about 227 g) TNT charge and was issued with delay fuzes, originally the M6A4D (commonly described as a 4–5 second delay) and later the M206-series fuze (including the M206A2), which is noted for a smokeless, low-signature delay and a nominal five-second function. This combination supported its intended role: delivering powerful concussion effects where fragmentation grenades were less suitable.
The MK3A2 had a waterproof asphalt-impregnated fiberboard cylinder and its top and bottom were made from the same material. The top had a fuze well directly threaded in its center. It originally used the M6A4D fuze, which had a four to five second delay. This was later replaced with the updated M206 series fuze (currently using the M206A2), which was smokeless— and noiseless—burning and had a five-second delay. It contained an 8 oz. (~226.8 grams) TNT charge.


It can be identified by its cylinder, which is in two halves and is secured in the middle with a wide black band. The yellow lettering is printed directly on the surface of the grenade and reads "Grenade Hand - Offensive MK3A2 - TNT".
The Mk 3A2 is commonly identified by its two-piece cylindrical body secured by a wide black center band and yellow printed markings reading “Grenade Hand – Offensive MK3A2 – TNT.” Packed in individual storage tubes and issued in bulk crates, it remained useful for close combat in fortified positions and for limited demolition work, where its blast effect and reduced fragmentation profile offered practical advantages over standard fragmentation grenades.
 
===Sources===
* https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/mk3.htm Mk 3 Concussion Hand Grenade | Federation of American Scientists (Military Analysis Network)
* https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/mk3.htm Mk 3 Concussion Hand Grenade | GlobalSecurity.org
* https://www.bulletpicker.com/grenade_-hand_-offensive_-mk3a2.html Grenade, Hand, Offensive, Mk 3A2 (reference photos/markings) | Bulletpicker


The grenades weighed in at 0.96 lbs. (~435.45 grams)[3] They came packed in storage tubes in crates of 30 grenades.
<br>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MK3_grenade SOURCE]
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  <div style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold;">Real-Life Photos</div>
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File:Mk3A2 Grenade.gif
File:Mk3a2 grenade 450.jpg|Mk 3A2 offensive (concussion) grenade.
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File:JVyBWCqYhlh3G9NUFIjdRkoDjOmALD2Oq1Ox7sME.jpg|Mk 3A2 grenade.
 
File:Mk3A2 Grenade.gif|Mk 3A2 construction and markings.
    </gallery>
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Latest revision as of 23:34, 24 February 2026

Factions High Explosive Grenades Icon Classes Ammo Explosion
Damage Radius

US
MK3A2 High Explosive		 Assault
Medic
Gunner
Sniper
 1 / 2 225 250
Designation Weapon Type Fire Modes Throwing Range Weight
MK3A2 Grenade 3 Sec + 5 Sec 25 meters? 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
Full name Ammo Type Place of Origin Date Manufacturer Total Length Weapon Script Name
GRENADE HAND OFFENSIVE MK3A2 TNT High Explosive Grenades USA 1945 ? 5.43 in weapon_mk3a2


The Mk 3A2 is an American offensive/concussion hand grenade designed to produce casualties primarily through blast overpressure rather than fragmentation. Its cylindrical body minimizes lethal fragments, reducing risk to friendly troops in the open while remaining highly dangerous in enclosed spaces where pressure waves reflect. It is best known as the U.S. “concussion” or “demo” grenade used for bunker and room fighting, blasting, and demolition-type tasks.

HISTORY

The Mk 3 family dates to World War II, with the Mk 3A2 representing a later standardized pattern built around a waterproof, asphalt-impregnated fiberboard cylinder and a central fuze well. The Mk 3A2 used an 8 oz (about 227 g) TNT charge and was issued with delay fuzes, originally the M6A4D (commonly described as a 4–5 second delay) and later the M206-series fuze (including the M206A2), which is noted for a smokeless, low-signature delay and a nominal five-second function. This combination supported its intended role: delivering powerful concussion effects where fragmentation grenades were less suitable.

The Mk 3A2 is commonly identified by its two-piece cylindrical body secured by a wide black center band and yellow printed markings reading “Grenade Hand – Offensive MK3A2 – TNT.” Packed in individual storage tubes and issued in bulk crates, it remained useful for close combat in fortified positions and for limited demolition work, where its blast effect and reduced fragmentation profile offered practical advantages over standard fragmentation grenades.

Sources

Real-Life Photos
  • Mk 3A2 offensive (concussion) grenade.
    Mk 3A2 offensive (concussion) grenade.
  • Mk 3A2 grenade.
    Mk 3A2 grenade.
  • Mk 3A2 construction and markings.
    Mk 3A2 construction and markings.
Videos
Load video
YouTube
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