title: Type 2 rifle grenade launcher
text: # Type 2 rifle grenade launcher
  
  The Type 2 rifle grenade launcher was an attachment for the Japanese Type 38 and Type 99 rifles that allowed them to fire special hollow charge grenades. It was a version of the German Schiessbecher grenade launcher. Two grenades were produced for the launcher: a 30 mm calibre grenade and a larger 40 mm calibre grenade, both designated Type 2. The launcher sits over the end of the barrel, held in place with a clamping device. A special crimped blank cartridge or wooden bullet is used to fire the grenades.
  
  The rear of the grenades is pre-rifled to mate with the rifling in the launcher. The rifling ensures that the grenade is spun in flight, giving it stability and arming the rotational fuze. Both grenades use a largely identical fuze, which makes up the rear part of the grenade. On impact, momentum carries the striker assembly forward, overcoming the resistant force of a creep spring into the detonator.
  
  | | 30 mm grenade | 40 mm grenade |
  | - | - | - |
  | Length | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
  | Length of upper body | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
  | Diameter of upper body | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
  | Length of lower body | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
  | Weight | 230 g (8.1 oz) | 370 g (13 oz) |
  | Explosive content | 50 g (1.8 oz) | 100 g (3.5 oz) |
  | Explosive type | 50% TNT / 50% RDX | 50% TNT / 50% RDX |
  | Armor penetration | 30mm | 50mm |
  