RGN
Overview
RGN
Soviet RGN offensive hand grenade. Note that on the RGN the lower body is smooth, versus serrated on the RGO.
Source: www.militaryarms.ru -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Russia - Bazalt
Bulgaria - Kintex
Ukraine - Tasko
Russian for "offensive hand grenade"
7G21 (GRAU index)
Description
Introduction
The RGN is a late Cold War era offensive hand grenade of Soviet origin. It was developed based on Soviet experiences in the mountain warfare during the War in Afghanistan. The RGN has a defensive variant based on the same design: the RGO.
Design
The RGN uses a round spherical body that is smaller than many earlier Soviet hand grenades. An aluminum liner is used to reduce fragments, which is suitable to an offensive grenade. The main characteristic is the use of the UDZ impact fuse. This arms about a second after releasing the spoon and is very sensitive, reportedly even activating on soft snow. Nonetheless, there is a time delay backup fuse. The impact fuse is suitable for steep mountain terrain and doesn't allow for grenades to be thrown back.
Firepower
The RGN is hand thown. Due to its low weight it can easily be tossed up to 35 meters or more. The casualty radius is 8 to 10 meters, with the practical safe distance being about 20 meters.
Users
The RGN was adopted in quantity by Soviet forces alongside the RGO. These grenades were used during the Afghan war and various subsequent conflicts. The RGN was produced and used in quantity. Since the fuse design is more expensive than older designs, the RGN never became as widespread in service as the older RGD-5 and later RGN-86. Due to the lighter weight the RGN and RGO became favored by special forces and reconnaissance troops, making them somewhat of a status item.
Variants
RGN and RGO
Photo showing UDZ impact fuse, RGN offensive grenade and RGO defensive grenade.
Source: www.militaryarms.ru -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Variants
Two types of hand grenades were based around the same UDZ impact fuse. These differ in type of grenade body, making them suitable for either offensive or defensive use.
Details
Media
RGN
Soviet RGN offensive hand grenade with size markings.
Source: US Navy
Copyright: Public domain
RGN
Line diagram of a RGN grenade from a US Army field manual. This shows both the external looks and a internal design.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
RGN
Soviet RGN offensive hand grenade shown in hand.
Source: www.militaryarms.ru
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
RGO and RGN
Soviet soldier in Afghanistan posing with Dragnunov SVD and what seems to be both RGO and RGN hand grenades on his belt.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
RGO
The RGN and RGO look very similar since both use the UDZ fuse and have a spherical body. The RGN is smooth while the RGO has a serrated lower body.
RGN-86
The RGN-86 is an offensive hand grenade developed at a later stage. It is derived from the RGD-5 and is a larger design compatible with older types of time delay fuses.