Drawing of AN-M8 smoke grenade
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This US Army grenade is used as a ground-to-ground or ground-to-air signaling device, a target or landing zone marking device, or a screening device for unit movements.
| Army/Navy Model 8 HC Smoke Grenade (AN-M8) |
|---|
| Color/Markings: light green body with black markings and a white top. |
| Body: Sheet steel cylinder. |
| Fuze Assembly: M201A1 Pull-ring Igniter. A "mouse trap" type igniting fuze with a 1.2 to 2.0 second delay. Ignition ignites the filler and expels it from the grenade body. |
| Filler: 19 ounces of Type C, hexachloroethane (HC) smoke mixture. |
| Weight: 24 ounces. |
| Safety clip?: No. |
| Range: Can be thrown 30 feet by an average soldier. |
| Duration: The grenade emits a dense cloud of white or gray smoke that lasts for 105 to 150 seconds (1.75 to 2.5 minutes). |
Warning[]
- THE AN-M8 HAND GRENADE PRODUCES HARMFUL HYDROCHLORIC FUMES THAT IRRITATES THE EYES, THROAT, AND LUNGS. IT SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CLOSED-IN AREAS UNLESS THE USERS ARE WEARING PROTECTIVE MASKS.
- WITH BOTH THE AN-M8 AND AN M18, THERE IS DANGER OF STARTING A FIRE IF IT IS USED IN A DRY AREA.
Field Expedient Use[]
When employing the M18 or AN-M8 HC hand grenade, it may be desirable to use one of these grenades without the fuze. To do this, the following procedure should be used in combat only:
- Remove the tape from grenade bottom to expose the filler.
- Remove the fuze by unscrewing it from the grenade.
- Ignite starter mixture with open flame.
- Immediately throw the grenade to avoid burn injury.
See also[]
The original article can be found at AN M8 and the edit history here.