The lethal radius of a fragmentation grenade, specifically for a widely used model like the M67, is 5 meters (16 feet). This refers to the distance within which a person is highly likely to sustain fatal injuries from the grenade's fragments.
Understanding Fragmentation Grenades
Fragmentation grenades, often called "frag grenades," are designed to disable or kill enemy personnel by dispersing a large number of high-velocity fragments upon detonation. The M67, a common type of fragmentation grenade, operates with a fuze that typically delays detonation between 4 and 5 seconds after its safety spoon is released. Upon explosion, the grenade's steel body fractures, forming numerous dangerous fragments.
Key Radii of the M67 Fragmentation Grenade
While the lethal radius is a critical safety metric, it's important to understand other relevant distances associated with a frag grenade's blast and fragmentation spread.
- Lethal Radius: The zone where fragments are expected to cause fatal injuries.
- Injury Radius: The distance within which fragments can still cause significant injury, though not necessarily fatal.
- Maximum Fragment Travel Distance: The absolute furthest a fragment might travel, indicating the outer limits of a potential hazard zone.
For the M67 grenade, these radii are:
| Measurement | Metric (Meters) | Imperial (Feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Lethal Radius | 5 | 16 |
| Injury Radius | 15 | 49 |
| Maximum Fragment Travel | 230 | 750 |
Safety and Risk Considerations
Understanding the distinct radii is crucial for safety and tactical planning:
- Lethal vs. Injury: The 5-meter lethal radius highlights the immediate danger zone, while the 15-meter injury radius signifies that personnel significantly further away are still at risk of debilitating wounds.
- Far-Reaching Fragments: The potential for fragments to travel as far as 230 meters (750 feet) underscores the importance of establishing comprehensive safety perimeters during training or operations. Even beyond the primary injury zone, stray fragments can pose a hazard.
- Situational Awareness: The relatively short fuze delay (4 to 5 seconds) provides a very limited window for personnel to seek cover after a grenade is deployed.
How Fragmentation Grenades Work
Fragmentation grenades like the M67 grenade contain an explosive filler encased in a thick metal shell, often pre-scored to facilitate uniform fragmentation. When the explosive detonates, the rapid expansion of gases causes the grenade body to shatter into numerous high-speed projectiles. These steel fragments are the primary mechanism for inflicting casualties over a wide area.
