The Type 89 Grenade Launcher, Hachijuku shiki tekidantō, was a light, small Mortar. It was in Japanese service from 1929 until 1945 and it was widely used by the Japanese Imperial Army. The Japanese Army had three Type 89 in one platoon, it is the world’s most used infantry support weapon.
It was nicknamed “Knee Mortar” by Allied forces. They believed the launcher could be fired from a knee. This was erroneous, the heavy recoil could brake bones.
The Type 89 Grenade Discharger could reach a distance of 180 meters and could launch high explosive, time delayed, smoke and incendiary shells. It only weighed 4,6 – 4.7 kilograms and was 61 cm long. When US soldiers heard the popping sound in the Pacific Theatre of War they knew they should take cover, very quickly.


Share
Location
Sights Nearby
Collection
Other articles in this same collection.Collection Tree
Explore the full collection tree taxonomy.Subscribe to Newsletter
Our newest WW2 articles in your inbox every month? Join 1200+ other subscribers and sign up here!
Related Articles
Read more articles related to this subject.Popular Today
Recent Comments
- V Armstrong on M2 Carbine with T3-A1 Dual Magazine Holder
- Robert on The largest refugee camp in Denmark – Oksbøl Varde Denmark
- Dr Io Yzterbaard on The largest refugee camp in Denmark – Oksbøl Varde Denmark
- Mary Piper on OKH Headquarters Maybach I and the Zeppelin bunker – Wünsdorf-Zossen, Germany
- Pascal on Battery Oldenburg; Heavy Defender on the Hellfire Corner – Calais, France