Mk 53 Mods 0-6

Projectiles used in

Over-all length, inches

Diameter at base ogive, inch

Threaded length, inch

Threads

Material

Weight, pounds

Minimum range, yards

Energizer

Wave-suppression feature

Self-destrcutive feature

Description: This fuze functions within a maximum influence radius of about eighty feet. Sensitivity to aircraft below 200-foot altitude will be somewhat less, depending on the altitude of the plane and the height of the waves, because of the wave-suppression feature. Burst heights above water will vary between 10 and 30 feet.

Random burst along the trajectory will occur after arming, but before reaching a tar-get. At 12,200-yard range on test firing, approximately ten per cent of the rounds will function prematurely. Upon approaching a target within the senisitivity limits of the fuze at 12,200-yard range, 80 per cent of the rounds will function at the most advantageous point for enveloping the target with fragements. The percentage of normal functioning at shorter ranges will be higher by the amount of decrease of premature bursts. The re-mainder of the rounds will be duds.

These fuze have wet energiters of the reserve type.

Employment: This fuze is used for antiaircraft work from a minimum range, as shown above, to the maximum range of the gun at all elevations. It is useful against low-flying aircraft and surface craft where aerial-burst fuze action is desired. It is also effective for barrage work against personnel, light equipment, and land targets. Later Mods may have self-destructive action to initiate detonation at around 10,000 yards to protect outlying friendly ships and troops on the beach.

Remarks: This fuze is replacing the V.T. Fuzes Mk 32 and Mk 40 in all assemblies of new ammunition. The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 44 is used.

Mods 1, 2, and 3 have been declared unserviceable. Mods 5 and 6 have additional water-resistance and are not interchangeable with the previous Mods.