RGD-33 Grenade
Encyclopedia
The Soviet
RGD-33 is an anti-personnel fragmentation stick grenade
developed in 1933. It was designed to replace the aging Model 1914 grenade
and was used during World War II
.
Before use, a locking catch on the handle must be released and a fuse, lasting an average of 4 seconds, was inserted into the top of the can.
A good throw could send the grenade 30 to 40 meters. Upon detonation the shells fragment in rectangular, thin fragments, which, along with the casing and detonator fragments, deccelerate rapidly in air. Due to the fragments rapid loss of velocity the kill radius is small, making this grenade an "offensive" type. The fragmentation kill radius was approximately 15 meters with the sleeve and 10 meters without. As with most grenades of this era, there is potential for large fragment projection a great distance further than the throw.
The grenade was unusual but not unique, in that it had an optional "jacket" – a thick metal fragmentation sleeve weighing an average of 270 grams. When fitted over the grenade the sleeve improves the kill radius by producing a number of diamond shaped, heavier fragments. With the jacket installed the grenade was said to be in "defensive" mode.
The grenade was complicated to use and manufacture. After the German invasion of the USSR
, the simple and crude RG-42
was developed to slowly replace it.
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
RGD-33 is an anti-personnel fragmentation stick grenade
Grenade
A grenade is a small explosive device that is projected a safe distance away by its user. Soldiers called grenadiers specialize in the use of grenades. The term hand grenade refers any grenade designed to be hand thrown. Grenade Launchers are firearms designed to fire explosive projectile grenades...
developed in 1933. It was designed to replace the aging Model 1914 grenade
Model 1914 grenade
The Model 1914 grenade is a Russian stick concussion grenade that was used during World War I and World War II.-Operation:...
and was used during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Before use, a locking catch on the handle must be released and a fuse, lasting an average of 4 seconds, was inserted into the top of the can.
A good throw could send the grenade 30 to 40 meters. Upon detonation the shells fragment in rectangular, thin fragments, which, along with the casing and detonator fragments, deccelerate rapidly in air. Due to the fragments rapid loss of velocity the kill radius is small, making this grenade an "offensive" type. The fragmentation kill radius was approximately 15 meters with the sleeve and 10 meters without. As with most grenades of this era, there is potential for large fragment projection a great distance further than the throw.
The grenade was unusual but not unique, in that it had an optional "jacket" – a thick metal fragmentation sleeve weighing an average of 270 grams. When fitted over the grenade the sleeve improves the kill radius by producing a number of diamond shaped, heavier fragments. With the jacket installed the grenade was said to be in "defensive" mode.
The grenade was complicated to use and manufacture. After the German invasion of the USSR
Operation Barbarossa
Operation Barbarossa was the code name for Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II that began on 22 June 1941. Over 4.5 million troops of the Axis powers invaded the USSR along a front., the largest invasion in the history of warfare...
, the simple and crude RG-42
RG-42
The Soviet RG-42 was a fragmentation grenade originally introduced during World War II as an emergency measure, continuing in use with the USSR and its Warsaw Pact allies in the post-war period. It contained about 200 grams of explosive charge in a cylindrical can. The grenade could be thrown...
was developed to slowly replace it.