The United States has a long history of developing powerful and effective grenades. These small but mighty weapons have played pivotal roles in numerous conflicts, showcasing their lethal efficiency and tactical importance. Let’s dive into some of the most powerful grenades used by the U.S. military.
1. Mk 2 Grenade (Pineapple Hand Grenade)
The Mk 2 Grenade is a fragmentation grenade, which means it expels metal fragments upon detonation. It debuted in 1918 and was used in several conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Soldiers named it the “Pineapple Grenade” due to its pineapple-like shape and grooved design. Its fragmentation capabilities made it a staple in trench and guerilla warfare. It costs around $15 to make, adjusted for inflation.
2. M67 Grenade
The M67 grenade was introduced in 1968 and costs around $30 per unit to make. It is a spherical fragmentation grenade and has an effective radius of five meters. It remains the primary fragmentation grenade of the U.S. military to this day.
3. M84 Stun Grenade (Flash Bang)
The M84 stun grenade, more commonly known as a “Flash Bang,” is a non-lethal distractionary device used to disorient enemy senses using a combination of a bright flash and a loud bang. It is used by SWAT teams and Special Forces operators around the world. It costs roughly $47 per unit.
4. M18 Smoke Grenade
Introduced in the 1940s, the M18 smoke grenade is a multi-purpose device for cover and concealment as well as signaling purposes. The standard variant emits a white or gray smoke, which is used for training or concealment of troop movements. Red or other brightly colored options can be used to mark drop zones, friendly troops, or areas of interest. They cost roughly $40 per unit.
What Is the Future of Grenade Technology?
The M67 has been the go-to explosive grenade for the U.S. military for nearly sixty years. While it has proven to be reliable and effective in a variety of combat scenarios, several branches of the military are exploring replacement options. One frontrunner is the Nammo offensive hand grenade, which can be connected to other grenades to increase the device’s explosive power.
With ongoing innovations like the Nammo, future grenades will undoubtedly be more versatile and effective than their predecessors.