MK3A2 High Explosive
| 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
- 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
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Mk 3A2 offensive (concussion) grenade. -
Mk 3A2 grenade. -
Mk 3A2 construction and markings.
