Identifying Ammunition MM2598 - preterhuman.net

MM2598Mechanical Time, Superquick Fuze. The mechanical time, superquick (MTSQ) fuze has a clock mechanismsimilar to that of the mechanical time fuze. It can also be set to function upon impact with a target. Older modelmechanical time, superquick fuzes (Figure 68) have a time scale encircling the fuze body. The time scale has anS (for safe) and time settings for up to 100 seconds. Some fuzes have a safety wire inserted through the timemechanism for safety in handling and shipping. Newer model mechanical time, superquick fuzes (Figure 69) donot have the time scale encircling the body. They have a transparent window in the side showing a digital timeinstead. The time is set by turning a screw in the nose end.Figure 68. Typical MTSQ Fuze (Older Model).Figure 69. Typical MTSQ Fuze (Newer Model).Time (Powder Train) Fuze. Figure 70 shows the only time fuze used with the 81mm mortar illuminating round.This fuze functions differently than mechanical time and mechanical time, superquick fuzes. Time is regulated bya slow-burning variable powder train. When the round is fired, the powder train in the fuze ignites and burnsslowly until it ignites the expelling charge in the illuminating round. The length of the powder train can be adjustedby turning the circular scale. This fuze is easily identified by the large diameter of its threads and the absence of abooster assembly.Proximity. The proximity fuze, also known as the variable time (VT) fuze, is readily identified by its olive drabplastic nose cone. Figure 71 shows the two proximity fuzes now used in 81mm mortar ammunition.52