RGD-5



Overview

RGD-5

3D render of a RGD-5 grenade showing the tall UZRGM fuze.
Source: AndreyK @ www.exchange3d.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Hand grenade
Entered service
1954
Status
In service
Development
Early 1950's
Developer
Soviet Union
Production
1954 - present
Producer
Soviet Union
Russia
Bulgaria
China
East Germany
Georgia
Poland
Designations
57-G-717 (GRAU index)
RGD-5 / Ruchnaya Granata Distantsionnaya 5
Russian for "distant hand grenade"
RGD-5 / Ruchnaya Granata Degtyareva 5
Russian for "Degtyarev hand grenade"
Type 59 (Chinese production)

Description

Introduction

The RGD-5 is a offensive hand grenade of Soviet origin. It was developed in the early 1950's to replace all World War 2 vintage offensive hand grenades in service. The name RGD-5 stands for "Ruchnaya Granata Degtyareva", which is Russian for "Degtyarev hand grenade". The RGD-5 has been produced under license by various nations.

Design

The RGD-5 has an ovoid body which consists of two parts that have been joined in the middle. An UZRGM time delayed fuze with spoon is fitted. Later developments include the RGO-78 with steel balls that result in more lethal fragments and the RGN-86 with an aluminum body that is better suited as an offensive grenade.

Firepower

The RGD-5 is an offensive grenade with such a fragmentation radius that makes it also suitable for defensive purposes. The RGD-5 is filled with TNT and the steel body will turn into splinters. The lethal radius in 3 meters and fragments may reach out to 25 meters.

Users

The RGD-5 is one of the most common grenades in the world and was acquired in large quantities by Soviet forces, Warsaw Pact nations and nations receiving Soviet aid. Nowadays many RGD-5 grenades remain in active use.

Variants of the RGD-5

RGD-5
Only a single version of the lethal RGD-5 exists. A vast majority of the RGD-5 grenades is fitted with the UZRGM fuze, although it can also be found with the more modern DVM-78 fuze.
Type 59
Chinese model with slightly heavier body resulting more lethal fragments which also reduce its offensive usefulness.
URG-N
Practice model of the RGD-5. Throwing dummies have also been produced.
RGO-78
RGO-78 is a defensive variant of the RGD-5. It is described in a separate article.
RGN-86
RGN-86 is a produced improved RGD-5. It is described in a separate article.

Details

Facts RGD-5 Type 59
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Offensive / defensive hand grenade
Dimensions
Diameter
57 mm
Length
114 mm
Weight
0.310 kg
Composition
Fuse type
Time delay
3.2 to 4.2 second delay
Fuse model
UZRGM
Filling
110 g TNT
Fragments
Prefragmented steel body
Effect
Lethal radius
3 m
Casualty radius
20 - 25 m
Application
Projection method
Hand thrown
Range
Up to 40 m

Related articles

RG-42

The RGD-5 was developed to replace various offensive hand grenades in Soviet service, most notable is the RG-42 which was in widespread use.

Read more about RG-42

RGO-78

The RGO-78 is a defensive variant of the RGD-5. This is achieved by using less explosive and more fragments. Furthermore, it comes with a new type of fuse.

Read more about RGO-78

RGN-86

The RGN-86 is an improved variant of the RGD-5. The new fuse makes it more compact and the aluminum body reduces safety hazards for the operator.

Read more about RGN-86