AN-M8 smoke grenade

Drawing of AN-M8 smoke grenade

Army/Navy Model 8 HC Smoke Grenade (AN-M8)

This US Army grenade is used as a ground-to-ground or ground-to-air signaling device, a target or landing zone marking device, or a screening device for unit movements.

Army/Navy Model 8 HC Smoke Grenade (AN-M8)
Color/Markings: light green body with black markings and a white top.
Body: Sheet steel cylinder.
Fuze Assembly: M201A1 Pull-ring Igniter. A "mouse trap" type igniting fuze with a 1.2 to 2.0 second delay. Ignition ignites the filler and expels it from the grenade body.
Filler: 19 ounces of Type C, hexachloroethane (HC) smoke mixture.
Weight: 24 ounces.
Safety clip?: No.
Range: Can be thrown 30 feet by an average soldier.
Duration: The grenade emits a dense cloud of white or gray smoke that lasts for 105 to 150 seconds (1.75 to 2.5 minutes).

Warning

1. THE AN-M8 HAND GRENADE PRODUCES HARMFUL HYDROCHLORIC FUMES THAT IRRITATES THE EYES, THROAT, AND LUNGS. IT SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CLOSED-IN AREAS UNLESS THE USERS ARE WEARING PROTECTIVE MASKS.
2. WITH BOTH THE AN-M8 AND AN M18, THERE IS DANGER OF STARTING A FIRE IF IT IS USED IN A DRY AREA.

Field Expedient Use

When employing the M18 or AN-M8 HC hand grenade, it may be desirable to use one of these grenades without the fuze. To do this, the following procedure should be used in combat only:

1. Remove the tape from grenade bottom to expose the filler.
2. Remove the fuze by unscrewing it from the grenade.
3. Ignite starter mixture with open flame.
4. Immediately throw the grenade to avoid burn injury.

See also

• AN-M83 HC White Smoke Grenade