RG-42

History of the RG-42

The RG-42 infantry grenade was an anti-infantry weapon hastily developed by Soviet industry during the intense fighting of World War II (1939-1945). It was specifically designed to succeed the complex and expensive RGD-33 series detailed elsewhere on this site.

The RGD-33, developed before the war in the 1930s, did not fit well with wartime production practices and budgets, and - with the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, occupied most of the Soviet Union's territory (including direct access to Soviet industry). threat) - more economical measures are appropriate.

Unlike previous Soviet Army "stick" grenade designs, the RG-42 has been converted to a more manageable tank form. The firing pin is activated by a simple ring that operates the detonator, delayed charge and igniter.

The main charge encapsulates the workings, all covered by the fragmentation lining and the grenade itself - inflicting as much damage as possible to the grenade's receiver. The result was a lighter, more compact anti-infantry weapon that served a considerable role in the ensuing battle.

As with other Soviet-origin grenades, the RG-42's TNT filler disintegrates over a long period of time and therefore has limited durability.

The design of the new grenade was attributed to S. G. Korshunov and proved to be a godsend for the Red Army and Allied forces trying to push the Axis back to Berlin.

The RG-42 was used on the front lines by the Soviet Army until the egg-shaped RGD-5 that replaced it was secured in 1954. Nonetheless, the sheer number of RG-42 shells available ensured that she would maintain a healthy service life with or without direct Soviet support. As such, it was used by the North Korean army during the Korean War (1950-1953) and directly copied by Chinese industry as the "Type 42" for local use.

Poland and Ukraine of the Warsaw Pact also trusted this grenade, and surprisingly, they actively used it until the 2010s.

RG-42 grenade production spanned from 1942 to about 1954.

Specification

Base

Year of Operation

1942

Origins

Soviet Union

Categories

Infantry grenade

Manufacturer

National Factory - USSR

Operator

China (Type 42); North Korea; Poland; FSU; Ukraine

Roles

Fire Support

Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

121mm

4.76 inches

Run Length

121mm

4.76 inches

Cured weight

0.93 lbs

0.42 kg

Attractions

Not applicable.

Action

Delayed fuze; safety pin activated.

Ignition Ignition

The design is based on timed ignition ignition.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

Not applicable.

Circle/Feed

One-time use.

Performance

Rate of fire

1

Number of revolutions

VARIANTS

RG-42 - The name of the base series. Type 42 - Replica of RG-42 from local Chinese industry.