GERMAN EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE - PROJECTILES AND PROJECTILE FUZES |
CHAPTER 6 |
GERMAN PROJECTILES FUZES |
WGR. Z. 50 - ROCKET NOSE FUZE |
DATA: |
Over-all length: 2.87 inches. |
Diameter: 1.69 inches. |
Threaded length: 0.625 inch. |
Number of threads: 11 R.H. |
Employment: |
28-cm Wfk.Spr. |
30-cm Wfk. 42 Spr. |
32-cm Wfk. M.Fl. 50. |
DESCRIPTION: This fuze consists of an aluminum body containing a floating striker, floating detonator carrier, and an inertia weight. The striker and detonator carrier are se-parated by a light spring. The striker extends through the forward end of the fuze body, and in the unarmed position, both striker and detonator carrier are held in place by a pair of centrifugal detents. A shipping safety pin passes through the fuze body, striker, and a protective cap. (See fig. 592.) |
OPERATION: The safety pin is withdrawn and protective cap removed before firing. As the projectile leaves the launcher, centrifugal force causes the detents to move out-ward, freeing the striker and the detonator carrier. Upon impact the striker is forced aft, and the detonator carrier rides forward due to inertia against the firing pin. |
REMARKS: 1. Either a steel or a bakelite fuze adapter may be found fitted to this fuze. |
2. When this fuze is armed, a red line is visible around the protruding end of the striker. |
3. A modification of this fuze has been recovered, similar in construction and operation, but with centrifugal detents which expand a steel wire and fall clear rather than move outward against a spring. Externally the fuzes are similar, except that the modified ver-sion is cannelured near the nose to receive the expanding wire. |
Figure 592 – Wgr.Z. 50 |
|