Type 10 grenade discharger

Type 10 Grenade Discharger
Type Grenade launcher
Place of origin  Empire of Japan
Service history
In service 1921 - 1945
Used by Imperial Japanese Army
Wars Second Sino-Japanese War,
World War II
Production history
Produced 1921-
Specifications
Weight 2.6 kg (5.7 lb)
Length 525 mm (20.7 in)
Barrel length 240 mm (9.5 in)
Caliber 50 mm (1.97 in)
Effective firing range (Type 91 grenade): 65 m (71 yd)
Maximum firing range (Type 91 grenade): 175 m (191 yd)
This article is about a Japanese World War II infantry mortar. For the main battle tank, see Type 10.

The Type 10 grenade discharger (十年式擲弾筒 Juu-nen-shiki tekidantō) was a Japanese smoothbore, muzzle loaded weapon used during the Second World War. It first entered service in 1921. The Type 10 has a range of 175 meters, greater than other grenade dischargers of that time. It had a range control device at the base of the barrel in the form of a graduated thimble by which a gas port at the base of the tube could be varied in size. For shorter ranges, part of the propellant gases escape to the side. Due to a translation error, the Type 10 was called the "knee mortar" by the Americans. The manual for the mortar instructed the troops to carry the mortar on the upper thigh, with the base plate attached to the belt and the barrel running down the thigh. It must be understood that it was not strapped or secured directly to the thigh, but hung from the belt. It was also carried strapped to the backpack. American troops on Guadalcanal became aware of the name "knee mortar" and thought the light design allowed it to be fired with the base plate resting on the thigh. If the Type 10 were fired in this manner, it would result in serious injury due to recoil. However, once a few troops injured themselves, the mistranslation was discovered and further experimentation discouraged.

Contemporary US intelligence thought that the weapon was primarily used to discharge flares, the heavier Type 89 Grenade Discharger being used to fire explosive rounds instead.

Ammunition

A Type 91 grenade.

References

See also

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