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The HG 85 (German: Hand Granate M1985, French: Grenade à main 85, Italian: Granata a mano 85) is a round fragmentation hand grenade designed for the Swiss Armed Forces, and is produced by RUAG Ammotec in Switzerland.

Key Information

History

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The HG 85 is the internal designation of the Swiss Army and replaced the HG 43 from World War II[2].It entered service in the Swiss Army in 1985.

In September 2000, a six-year contract with Swiss Ammunition Enterprise Corporation (a RUAG subsidiary) was announced, committing the UK to purchase around 363,000 grenades for combat and live training, first deliveries scheduled for March 2001.

The HG 85 is also used in some other European armies and also in the Middle and Far East.

Design

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The design of the grenade was made by the federal Munitionsfabrik Altdorf (MF+A) which became SM Schweizerische Munitionsfabrik and later RUAG Ammotech.

The initial detonator was supplied by Diehl (Germany) and later on manufactured under licence in Switzerland. The explosive was supplied from Germany.[3]

The grenade is spherical with a bushing on the top threaded internally to accept the DM 82 CH fuze mechanism.[4] Due to its specially constructed fuze and packaging, the grenade is considered very secure.

On detonation, the steel body containing 155 g (5.5 oz) of TNT releases around 1,800 fragments, weighing on average 0.1 g (0.0035 oz).

A supplementary spring steel safety clip is clipped over the safety lever and bushing on top of the grenade preventing the safety lever from moving.

Operation

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Live version

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Once the HG 85's safety pin is pulled the grenade is armed, but so long as the fly-off lever is kept depressed while the grenade is held (and the grenade can be held indefinitely with the pin out) it can be safely returned to storage so long as the fly-off safety lever is still in the closed position and the safety pin reinserted.

However, if thrown – or the lever allowed to rise – the protective plastic cover falls away and the striker, under pressure of the striker spring, begins to rotate on its axis. This causes the safety lever to be thrown clear, the striker continues to rotate until it hits the percussion cap, which fires and ignites the delay pellet.

The heat of the burning delay pellet melts solder holding a retaining ring, allowing the detonator to move under the influence of a spring from the safe to armed position. The delay pellet continues to burn and after between 3 and 4 seconds burns out and produces a flash that forces aside a flap valve allowing ignition.

When the flash reaches the detonator this initiates a booster charge which in turn initiates the main explosive filling.

Training versions

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The fuze mechanism in the L110A1, under the plastic cover is very similar in appearance to the American fuze mechanisms. Internally there is an extension on the striker to allow it to be re-cocked during training and there is a leaf spring safety that clips around the safety lever and neck of the grenade preventing the lever from rotating even if the safety pin is pulled.

Consisting of two parts, a grey reusable striker mechanism and an L162 practice fuse (which has a blue body with a brown base and is fitted with a silver washer) the L111A1's practice fuse is fitted into the bottom of the reusable striker mechanism then the entire assembly is screwed into the top of the grenade. In this version the safety lever is attached by a plastic strap to prevent loss, the entire unit, apart from the expended L162 practice fuse, being reused.

Effect

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The HG 85 is primarily intended for use during fighting in built-up areas, trench clearing, and wood clearing.

UK grenade range safety data suggests the L109 and, by extension, all live versions, may represent a danger at ranges up to 200 m (220 yd).[5]

The HG 85 is designed to be effective against opponents wearing body armor, up to 20 layers of Kevlar and 1.6 mm (0.063 in) of titanium.[6] It is effective against unprotected personnel up to 10 m (33 ft) away, and protected personnel up to 5 m (16 ft).

Variants

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Swiss-produced

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EUHG 85

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Designated as the "explosive training hand grenade" (German: Explosiv-Übungshandgranate 85 or EUHG 85, French: Grenade à main d’exercice explosive 85 or Gren main ex exp 85), the EUHG 85 has nearly the same size TNT charge (120–155 g (4.2–5.5 oz)), function in the same way as the HG 85. but with no shrapnel mantle.

The HG 85 and EUHG 85 are of the same size, shape and weight, made up by adding iron powder, as the HG 85, and painted a coarse black. The grenade housing, especially the fuze block, also causes some fragmentation.

EUHG 85s are stamped "EXPLOSIV" and due to substantial explosive charges, EUHG 85s are dangerous.

Mark HG 85

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The Mark HG 85 (German: Markier-Handgranate 85, French: Grenade à main de marquage 85 or gren main 85 marq) is used for initial training in the Swiss Army.[7]

The Mark HG 85 is equal in size and shape to the HG 85, but contains no explosive charge. However, a small bang charge can be inserted by unscrewing the upper part (where the fuze and lever are).

Releasing the lever ("spoon") activates a striker that fires the charge to produce a bang. This is used for training purposes especially when there is OpFor to simulate an explosion but not endanger anyone.

The Mark HG 85 can be recovered and reloaded with another banger.

Manip HG 85

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The Manip HG (for manipulation, German: Wurfkörper-Handgranate 85 or WurfK HG 85, French: Corps de lancement grenade à main 85 or Lanc gren main 85) is used for learning the basic movements and practicing throwing hand grenades in the Swiss Army.

It is the same size and shape as a real HG 85, but with no moving parts. It is produced as a solid polymer block and painted bright orange, for easy recovery in the field.

OHG92

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Offensive grenade, painted black with a yellow band around the neck. OHG92s were produced for export only.

The OHG92 solely relies on its explosive power, and doesn't have a steel fragmentation liner. For this reason, it has no armour piercing capability. [8]

Foreign orders

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L109A1

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The L109 is the British designation for the HG 85. It differs from the HG 85 in that it has a special safety clip (matte black in color, which is similar to the safety clip on the American M67 grenade.[9]

The L109 is deep bronze green in color with golden yellow stenciling, and a rough exterior comparable to light sandpaper, and a yellow band around the top bushing, and weighs 465 g (16.4 oz).[9]

Markings give the designation "GREN HAND HE L109A1", a manufacturer marking "SM" meaning "Swiss Munitions", and a lot number. Markings on the safety lever give the designation and lot number of the fuze.

L110A1

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The L110 Drill Grenade is an entirely inert (with no explosive content) version of the L109.

Identical in size, weight and shape, as the live grenade and is used for training purposes, specifically correct handling and throwing. It can be easily distinguished from the live grenade as it is dark blue with white markings [10]

The body is solid aluminum with a textured plastic coating made in the same form as the live grenade, the textured coating ensuring a good gripping surface. A hole drilled up from the bottom indicates an empty store as well as ensuring the drill grenade is of the same weight as a live grenade. A bushing on top of the grenade has a dummy fuze mechanism permanently attached with a slot for the pull ring to clip into to prevent it being accidentally pulled.

The markings are 'GREN HAND INERT DRILL L110A1' and a manufacturers marking "SM" meaning Swiss Munitions. The fuze mechanism is marked on the wide bottom portion of the lever "HG2 DM 82 CH".

L111A1

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This L111 Practice Grenade has a small simulation charge (flash/bang) that imitates a live grenade for training purposes. It is distinguishable from the wholly inert L110 by being a much lighter blue and is fitted with a distinctive gold/orange plastic cap and safety lever.[11]

The body of the L111A1 is made of steel, is covered in a textured plastic material and has the word 'PRACTICE' embossed near the top of the body, near a top portion which is larger than the bushing on the live grenade.

Like the L110 there is a large aperture in the bottom of the grenade which demonstrates it is not a live grenade, but in the L111A this aperture allow gas from the practice fuse to escape.

Markings, again in white, include 'GREN HAND PRAC L111A1', a manufacturers mark 'SM' meaning Swiss Munitions, and a lot number.

Nr300

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The Nr300 is the Dutch designation for the HG 85. It is exactly like the L109. There is also the Nr330.[12][13]

Users

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Non-state users

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

HG 85

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The HG 85, also known as Handgranate 85, is a defensive fragmentation hand grenade developed in the for the to replace the World War II-era HG 43. It features a pre-fragmented body filled with 155 grams of explosive ( and TNT), designed to produce a lethal radius exceeding 10 meters upon detonation after a 3-4 second delay. Weighing 465 grams with a 65 mm diameter and 97 mm height, the grenade employs a conventional pin-pull safety mechanism and is optimized for throwing distances up to 40 meters while minimizing risk to the user through a safety radius of approximately 20 meters. Manufactured by RUAG Ammotec, the HG 85 has been adopted by multiple nations including the (as the L109A1), the , , and , reflecting its reliability in modern for area suppression and anti-personnel effects against body-armored targets. Its design emphasizes fragmentation efficiency, with the spherical body ensuring omnidirectional shrapnel dispersion, though production has faced scrutiny over dependencies that have shifted components away from purely Swiss origins. Despite such issues, it remains in active service across adopting forces, underscoring its proven effectiveness in training and potential combat scenarios without notable operational failures reported in open sources.

Development and History

Origins in Swiss Military Needs

The , operating under a militia-based system of armed neutrality, required a modern to replace the HG 43, a design originating from that had become inadequate for contemporary needs by the late . The HG 43's limitations, including potential reliability issues in prolonged service and less advanced fragmentation capabilities, prompted the Swiss military to seek an updated offensive-defensive optimized for conscript troops who train intermittently and store equipment at home. This need aligned with Switzerland's policy of self-reliant defense , emphasizing domestically produced munitions to ensure compatibility with national standards for safety and performance in defensive operations. Development of the HG 85 began in the early under (then Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft, or SIG), tasked specifically with addressing these military requirements through enhanced to minimize among civilian-soldiers and improved via controlled fragmentation. The grenade's design prioritized a delay mechanism that activates only after proper arming, reflecting the Swiss emphasis on prevention in a system where over 100,000 members handle ordnance annually during refresher courses. This focus stemmed from empirical data on training mishaps with older grenades, driving specifications for a grenade that could be safely carried and deployed without premature risks. By 1985, the HG 85 entered Swiss service as the standard issue, fulfilling the military's causal need for a reliable, low-maintenance weapon suited to alpine terrain and close-quarters defense scenarios inherent to Switzerland's geopolitical posture of deterring through fortified, citizen-based resistance.

Design and Testing Phase

The HG 85 hand grenade was developed in the early 1980s at the Swiss Federal Ammunition Factory in Altdorf by what would become Ammotec, as a modern replacement for the World War II-era HG 43, emphasizing improved fragmentation lethality, throwing safety, and reliability in defensive roles. The design adopted a spherical body, 65 mm in diameter and weighing 465 grams fully assembled, to optimize aerodynamic stability during throws up to 40 meters and ensure consistent fragmentation patterns upon detonation of its 155-gram /TNT composite explosive charge encased in a pre-fragmented liner. Key innovations included integration of the DM 82 CS impact-resistant with a 4- to 5-second delay, featuring dual safety mechanisms—a spring-loaded arming pin and activation post-throw—to minimize accidental initiation risks during handling or transport. Prototyping focused on enhancing fragment velocity and penetration against soft targets and light cover, with the casing engineered to produce over 1,000 high-velocity shards effective within a 5- to 15-meter casualty radius, outperforming predecessors in empirical blast trials. Testing phases, conducted by Swiss military evaluators in the mid-1980s, validated these attributes through controlled detonations assessing reliability (over 99% arming success rate), fragmentation density, and environmental resilience in alpine conditions, leading to standardized adoption in after iterative refinements to the fuze's pyrotechnic delay element for consistent performance across temperature extremes from -30°C to +50°C. Comparative evaluations against foreign designs, such as U.S. M67 equivalents, confirmed superior safety margins due to the fuze's impact-insensitive primer, though specific trial data remains classified in Swiss defense archives. Post-design validation included live-fire exercises simulating assaults, where the demonstrated low rates under rapid deployment scenarios.

Entry into Service and Replacements

The HG 85 entered service with the in 1985 as the standard fragmentation hand grenade, supplanting the HG 43 model that dated to and had become obsolete due to age and design limitations. Developed by (now RUAG Ammotec) specifically to meet Swiss requirements for improved safety, reliability, and fragmentation effectiveness in defensive operations, its adoption followed successful testing phases that confirmed a 4-5 second delay and reduced premature detonation risks compared to predecessors. The grenade's spherical design and pre-fragmented steel body were engineered for consistent throw distances up to 40 meters and a lethal radius of approximately 5-7 meters, aligning with Switzerland's emphasis on precision and minimal in its militia-based defense doctrine. Subsequent exports expanded its operational footprint, with the adopting a licensed variant as the L109A1 in the late to replace the L2 series, citing the HG 85's superior fuze safety and fragmentation pattern for needs. The integrated it into service around the same period, valuing its compact size (65 mm diameter, 465 grams weight) for compatibility with standard infantry gear, while procured quantities in 2023 for ongoing stock replenishment, indicating sustained demand in export markets. These adoptions were driven by empirical performance data from Swiss trials, including over 155 grams of TNT explosive yield producing thousands of fragments, which outperformed many contemporary NATO-standard grenades in controlled lethality tests. As of 2024, the HG 85 remains in active production and frontline service with the Swiss Army, with no official successor announced despite ongoing development of newer prototypes like the smaller "Pearl" grenade, which features variable steel ball liners but lacks confirmed contracts. Its longevity stems from high reliability rates—evidenced by low failure incidents in training—and adaptability to modern threats without requiring full-system overhauls, though production has shifted partially overseas, raising questions about . Replacement discussions in focus on potential enhancements for penetration rather than outright phase-out, given the grenade's proven track record in over four decades of use.

Design and Technical Specifications

Physical Construction and Materials

The HG 85 is a spherical fragmentation grenade with a body engineered for controlled fragmentation. The body consists of a pre-notched or dimpled liner that shatters into approximately 2,000 fragments, each averaging 0.1 grams, upon to enhance lethality against personnel. Overall dimensions include a of 65 mm and height of 97 mm, yielding a total weight of 465 grams in service configuration and an empty body weight of 328 grams. The upper portion incorporates an internally threaded bushing to secure the DM 82 CH mechanism, ensuring modular assembly. The exterior is coated in deep bronze green paint for , featuring a rough texture akin to light for improved grip during handling, along with golden yellow stenciled markings for identification. This construction prioritizes , fragmentation , and ergonomic throwability while minimizing production through cast steel fabrication.

Fuze Mechanism and Safety Features

The HG 85 utilizes the DM 82 CH , a mechanical time-delay threaded into a bushing on the grenade's upper body. This employs a conventional striker-release mechanism: the is first withdrawn, followed by manual retention of the spring-loaded safety lever during the throwing motion; upon release, the lever flies off, allowing the striker to rotate and impact the primer, which ignites a pyrotechnic delay train leading to . The delay element provides 3 to 4 seconds from initiation to , enabling the to reach its target before explosion. Safety features incorporate multiple redundant measures to prevent accidental arming or . A standard pull-ring locks the striker, while the spoon-shaped , held by the user's grip, provides secondary restraint; an additional clip secures the against the body, blocking depression until the pin is removed, which mitigates risks from handling errors or environmental factors. The fuze's internal design ensures the striker remains captured if the is not fully released, rendering the inert if dropped with the pin pulled but intact. in individual carriers further isolates units, preventing chain reactions from adjacent . These elements contribute to a reported of 20 meters, balancing operational reliability with handler protection.

Explosive Charge and Fragmentation Pattern

The HG 85 employs a high-explosive filling of approximately 155 grams of TNT, though some technical descriptions specify a of and TNT encapsulated within the grenade's steel liner for enhanced detonation stability and fragmentation efficiency. This composition provides a reliable blast effect upon initiation by the DM 82 , with the designed to rupture the surrounding body uniformly rather than relying solely on . The fragmentation pattern is optimized for defensive use through a pre-fragmented body featuring an inner dimpled surface that segments upon , yielding roughly 2,000 fragments averaging 0.1 grams each. These fragments achieve kinetic energies of approximately 80 joules at 5 meters, dispersing in an omnidirectional spherical pattern to cover a lethal while minimizing backblast risk to the thrower due to the grenade's controlled fragmentation geometry. The design prioritizes consistent fragment velocity and distribution over variable casing breakup, ensuring predictable casualty infliction against exposed personnel within 15-20 meters.

Operational Function and Performance

Deployment and Throwing Characteristics

The HG 85 is manually deployed via hand-throwing following arming. The operator grips the in the dominant hand, removes the using the non-throwing hand or teeth, and hurls it with an overhand motion, simultaneously releasing the striker lever (spoon) to initiate the sequence. The DM 82 employs a delay of approximately 4 seconds before , providing sufficient time for the throw while minimizing exposure risk. Its spherical configuration, 65 mm diameter, and total weight of 465 grams optimize and grip for effective projection. This facilitates throwing distances generally ranging from 30 to 50 meters for trained personnel, surpassing the grenade's safety radius of 20 meters and enabling offensive tactics where the user remains beyond the primary fragmentation zone. The relatively low mass compared to heavier defensive grenades enhances velocity and range, though individual performance varies with physical conditioning and technique. In operational contexts, such as urban combat or trench clearing, the HG 85's throwing characteristics prioritize accuracy over maximum distance, with the spherical form reducing tumbling for more predictable trajectories. Swiss emphasizes simulated throws to instill , ensuring reliable deployment under stress without specific ergonomic aids beyond standard issue gloves.

Lethality and Effective Radius

The HG 85 fragmentation grenade contains 125 grams of /TNT explosive (55/45 composition) encased within a dimpled liner, which upon detonation shatters into approximately 2,000 fragments averaging 0.1 grams each, producing an even 360-degree distribution pattern optimized for personnel casualties. These preformed fragments are engineered for consistent velocity and penetration, capable of defeating 20 layers of soft armor or 1.6 mm of plating at 10 meters. The grenade's lethal —defined as the distance within which fragments pose a high probability of fatality—exceeds 10 meters, reflecting its defensive design emphasis on area denial over pinpoint accuracy. Casualty-inducing effects extend further, with a safety of 20 meters recommended for throwers and nearby personnel to minimize risk from errant fragments, though actual outcomes vary with , cover, and fragment scatter. U.S. identification references have described a broader lethal fragmentation of 20 meters, potentially accounting for worst-case fragment trajectories in open areas. Empirical testing underscores the HG 85's balance of power and controlled hazard zone, distinguishing it from offensive grenades with smaller blast-dominant radii.

Comparative Effectiveness Against Threats

The HG 85 fragmentation grenade exhibits enhanced effectiveness against armored personnel threats relative to conventional designs like the U.S. M67, owing to its pre-notched liner that produces approximately 2,000 fragments engineered for armor penetration. These fragments can defeat up to 20 layers of soft armor and 1.6 mm of plating, enabling lethality against protected targets at distances up to 5 meters. In comparison, fragments from the M67—formed from coiled serrated wire—typically possess insufficient mass and velocity to penetrate modern ballistic vests beyond point-blank ranges, rendering them less reliable against body-armored where alone may not suffice for incapacitation. Against unarmored or lightly protected threats, the HG 85 maintains a lethal radius exceeding 10 meters, supported by 155 grams of TNT explosive charge that disperses fragments with a controlled pattern for higher casualty density in open or semi-confined spaces. This outperforms the M67's narrower 5-meter primary kill zone, where casualty effects taper sharply beyond that due to less optimized fragmentation distribution. The HG 85's design prioritizes defensive employment, with fragments achieving consistent penetration through light cover like clothing or thin barriers, though both grenades show limited utility against hard targets such as vehicles or heavy fortifications, relying instead on blast for suppression. Empirical testing underscores the HG 85's edge in fragment velocity and mass distribution, yielding a lower operator risk profile with a 20-meter radius that confines high-velocity projectiles more tightly than irregular shrapnel from comparators. While offensive blast-focused grenades emphasize over fragments, the HG 85's hybrid profile—balancing and penetration—proves more versatile against mixed-threat infantry formations equipped with prevalent in late-20th-century conflicts.

Variants and Modifications

Training and Non-Lethal Variants

The HG 85 hand grenade is supplemented by dedicated training variants to facilitate safe instruction in handling, arming, and throwing procedures within the . These variants replicate the weight, dimensions, and of the operational model—465 grams and 65 mm diameter—to ensure realistic development without risking live explosive detonation. The EUHG 85 (Explosiv-Übungs-Handgranate 85) serves as the primary explosive training variant, incorporating a low-power pyrotechnic charge that produces an audible bang after a 4-5 second delay, simulating the timing while minimizing radius. Introduced alongside the standard HG 85 in the , it is employed for both basic throwing drills and controlled live-fire exercises, with black coloring to distinguish it from service rounds. Its design prioritizes cost-effective repetition of tactical maneuvers, though the explosive yield requires supervised ranges due to residual overpressure risks. Additional inert training options include the Manip HG 85 (or equivalent marking variant, sometimes designated Mk HG 85), which features a non-explosive releasing colored or upon impact to verify throw accuracy and trajectory in non-combat simulations. For pure mechanical practice, the WURFK HG 85 employs rigid foam construction, allowing repeated throws without any energetic components, ideal for initial recruit familiarization. These variants are produced by Ammotec to match the DM 82-series mechanics, enabling procedural drills like pin extraction and spoon release. No dedicated non-lethal combat variants of the HG 85 exist, as its emphasizes fragmentation lethality for defensive anti-personnel roles; less-lethal effects are achieved through separate Swiss inventory items like or irritant grenades rather than modifications to the HG 85 platform. Training variants inherently function as non-lethal proxies during peacetime instruction, with empirical field data indicating to live performance in but reduced psychological conditioning compared to full-yield simulations.

Export and Licensed Production Variants

The HG 85 fragmentation hand grenade has been exported by Ammotec to multiple international customers, primarily as a direct-sale product rather than through licensed agreements abroad. These exports typically retain the core Swiss , including the spherical pre-fragmented body, 155 grams of Hexolite filling, and DM82-series , but may incorporate minor adaptations such as country-specific markings, packaging, or fuze compatibility for compliance. No verified instances of licensed production outside exist in public records, distinguishing the HG 85 from grenades like the M67, which have seen broader foreign licensing. In the , the HG 85 is designated L109 and serves as the standard defensive hand grenade for British forces, entering service in the to replace older models like the L1 series. The L109 features a modified assembly compatible with UK training and safety protocols, though its fragmentation pattern and 4-5 second delay remain aligned with the original HG 85 specifications; UK assessments indicate a potential hazard radius extending to 200 meters. Deliveries have totaled thousands of units, supporting operations and urban combat training. The Royal Army adopted the HG 85 under the designations Nr 300 (live version) and Nr 330 (practice variant), integrating it as a primary fragmentation since the early . These are identical to the Swiss baseline model in and performance, with exports tailored only for Dutch logistical markings and inert training dummies. The supports Dutch commitments, emphasizing defensive use in confined environments. Malaysia procured the HG 85 for its armed forces in the , with additional contracts announced in 2023 for expanded stockpiles to equip units. Designated locally without major redesignation, these grenades supplement or replace U.S.-origin M67 stocks, valued for their reliable and fragmentation efficacy in tropical operations; Malaysian forces have reported no significant reliability issues in field exercises. Exports to underscore RUAG's focus on markets amid constraints on arms sales.

Specialized Adaptations

The EOHG 85 constitutes a specialized blast-focused of the HG 85, engineered by Ammotec for operational scenarios where fragmentation poses risks to friendly forces or , such as urban combat or confined environments. This variant replaces the steel fragmentation liner of the standard HG 85 with an aluminum-alloy body, allowing for an increased explosive filling that prioritizes and shockwave effects over shrapnel dispersion. Retaining identical external dimensions, weight of 465 grams, and compatibility to the HG 85, the EOHG 85 ensures seamless integration into existing training and deployment protocols without requiring modifications to handling techniques. Intended for special missions demanding enhanced without collateral fragment hazards, the EOHG 85 delivers superior concussive force relative to lighter offensive grenades like the OHG 85, which weighs only 195 grams and is suited for shorter-range applications. Its design emphasizes causal efficacy in blast-dominant engagements, where empirical testing by the manufacturer confirms reduced fragmentation scatter while amplifying lethal within a targeted radius. Production remains under Ammotec's oversight, with the adaptation reflecting adaptations to real-world tactical needs identified in Swiss and user feedback since the late 1980s.

Users and Operational Deployment

Swiss Armed Forces Usage

The HG 85 hand grenade was procured for the in 1985 as a lightweight, high-performance fragmentation device intended to enhance capabilities in close combat, featuring improved handling over prior models like the HG 43. It serves as the primary offensive hand grenade in the Swiss Army's inventory, issued to conscripts and personnel across units for defensive and roles within the framework of Switzerland's armed neutrality doctrine. In the militia-based structure of the , where mandatory service involves annual refresher training for up to 260,000 personnel, the HG 85 is integral to basic and advanced instruction. Recruits undergo handling, arming, and throwing drills during the 18-21 week Rekrutenschule, progressing from inert models to live exercise variants like the EUHG 85, which simulate fragmentation effects with reduced lethality for safe live-fire throws. Safety protocols emphasize grenade employment in open areas to mitigate risks from the 155-gram TNT charge and pre-formed steel fragments, with each soldier typically executing supervised throws to build proficiency in timing the 4-5 second delay. To support cost-effective and risk-reduced repetition, the Swiss Army integrates simulators such as the Laserschusssimulator for the HG 85, which replicates detonation effects and casualty radii in tactical exercises without expending live munitions. These systems are deployed in maneuvers, including urban and field simulations, aligning with the Army's emphasis on territorial defense readiness rather than expeditionary operations. Ongoing include replacements to extend service life, as evidenced by 2015 procurement approvals for updating existing stocks amid broader modernization efforts. Given Switzerland's non-involvement in foreign conflicts since , the HG 85 has seen no deployments, with usage confined to domestic training, weapons testing at sites like Waffenplatz , and occasional international exercises under NATO frameworks. Incidents, such as the 1997 theft of 448 EUHG 85 units from a depot, underscore storage vulnerabilities but also the grenade's routine integration into operational stockpiles. Production continuity by Ammotec ensures availability, with maintenance focused on reliability in alpine and urban terrains characteristic of Swiss defense scenarios.

International Adoption and Procurement


The HG 85 hand grenade has been procured and adopted by select international militaries, primarily members, in addition to its primary use by the . The adopted the design as the L109A1 fragmentation grenade, integrating it into inventories for infantry use. The similarly selected the HG 85 as its standard hand grenade, with the weapon remaining in active service across Dutch forces. In 2003, authorized the export of 225,162 HG 85 grenades to the armed forces of the , marking a significant transaction despite Switzerland's stringent arms export regulations. These exports reflect selective approvals for allied or stable recipients, though subsequent diversions have raised concerns; for instance, HG 85 grenades have appeared in conflict zones like and , often through illicit transfers rather than direct adoption. Ammotec, the manufacturer, has noted reliance on the grenade by British and Dutch forces among others, with production exceeding five million units to support these international demands. Adoption beyond these cases remains limited, constrained by Switzerland's federal arms export policies, which prioritize neutrality and end-user certificates to prevent proliferation. No verified procurements or adoptions by non-NATO or non-Western allies have been documented in open sources, underscoring the HG 85's niche role in global inventories.

Combat and Applications

The HG 85 fragmentation hand grenade is tactically employed by forces for close-quarters suppression and neutralization of enemy personnel in defensive and offensive maneuvers, particularly in urban environments, systems, and forested areas where maneuverability is restricted and small-arms risks exposure. Its spherical design and pre-fragmented steel liner optimize fragment dispersion upon detonation, delivering over 1,000 projectiles with a lethal radius exceeding 10 meters against unprotected or lightly protected targets, while maintaining a safety radius of approximately 20 meters to minimize risk to the thrower after achieving a maximum throwing distance of 190 meters. This configuration enhances its utility against adversaries equipped with soft , penetrating up to 20 layers of or 1.6 mm of through high-velocity fragments. In operational contexts, the grenade supports squad-level tactics such as room clearing, bunker assaults, and ambushes by disrupting enemy cohesion and forcing cover, with the 4-5 second delay allowing time for the thrower to seek protection post-release. Among adopting forces like the Swiss, British (as L109A1), and Dutch armies, it integrates into operations where its low weight—465 grams total—facilitates carry by dismounted troops without compromising mobility, though its defensive nature limits offensive use to covered positions due to the fragment hazard radius exceeding typical throwing capability. No documented instances of HG 85 use in active Swiss exist given the nation's neutrality since 1815, but exported variants have appeared in hands, such as in a 2016 Turkish operation where seized HG 85s were linked to attackers. For training applications, the HG 85 features prominently in basic and annual militia refresher courses, where conscripts and reservists conduct live-fire throwing drills to instill proficiency in grip, arming, and trajectory estimation under stress, emphasizing the weapon's 155-gram TNT charge and mechanics for realistic . These sessions occur at designated ranges with overhead cover and fragment pits, adhering to a 20-meter safety perimeter to account for the grenade's consistent performance, and incorporate tactical scenarios simulating urban or engagements to evaluate decision-making in fragment-prone environments. International users, including the Ministry of Defence, employ similar protocols in initial entry training, progressing from inert dummies to live throws to build confidence in handling the delayed , which mitigates cook-off risks but demands precise timing. Such rigorous, hands-on instruction underscores the grenade's role in maintaining force readiness, with data from field exercises indicating high reliability in achieving intended effects without premature failures.

Production, Reliability, and Criticisms

Manufacturing by RUAG Ammotec

The HG 85 fragmentation hand grenade is produced by RUAG Ammotec at its primary facility in Altdorf, Switzerland, where assembly occurs. Developed in the early 1980s at the Swiss Federal Ammunition Factory in Altdorf as part of the 1985 Swiss Army armament program, initial production emphasized domestic manufacturing, with approximately 90% of components sourced in Switzerland, though explosives were imported. The manufacturing process involves encasing a mixture of RDX and TNT explosives within a pre-fragmented steel liner, paired with the DM 82 CS chemical self-destruct fuze, which was originally licensed from Diehl Defence in Germany in 1988 and initially produced under license in Switzerland at Thun. Following a 2005 flood that damaged production capabilities, outsourced the manufacture of the body to a supplier in , increasing reliance on foreign components. By 2015, detonator production shifted entirely to Diehl in , further diminishing the Swiss content of the . These changes have led to assessments that the HG 85 is no longer a "genuinely Swiss product," despite final assembly remaining in , as critical elements of the supply chain are now external. Ammotec continues production for the and export markets, maintaining the 's design specifications, including a total weight of 465 grams and a 65 mm diameter.

Reliability Data and Field Performance

The HG 85 employs a DM 82 CS impact with a pyrotechnic delay of 3 to 5 seconds, engineered to minimize premature risks through a dual-safety mechanism requiring arming pin removal and release for activation. This configuration, combined with individual protective packaging, contributes to its reputation for exceptional handling safety, meeting stringent military standards that prioritize thrower protection over extended defensive radii. Independent assessments highlight the fuze's robustness against environmental stressors, with no publicly documented systemic failure modes in standard storage or deployment scenarios. Field evaluations underscore the 's consistent detonation performance, achieving a lethal fragmentation radius exceeding 10 meters while maintaining a safety distance of approximately 20 meters—attributes that enhance operational utility without compromising user safety. Its 155-gram TNT charge, encased in a pre-fragmented sphere producing around 2,000 shards, delivers reliable anti-personnel effects, as evidenced by sustained adoption across multiple militaries including , the , and licensed variants in the UK (L109 series). Long-term service without widespread reports of dud rates or fuse inconsistencies—contrasting with historical grenades exhibiting 1-20% probabilities—affirms its field dependability, though specific quantitative metrics remain classified. Captured examples deployed by non-state actors in conflicts, such as , further demonstrate effective explosive yield under varied conditions. Isolated incidents, like a 1993 barracks explosion attributed to mishandling rather than design flaw, represent exceptions rather than indicative trends.

Industrial Controversies and Supply Chain Issues

In 2005, severe flooding from the Schächenbach River damaged 80-90% of the production facilities at the Swiss Federal Ammunition Factory in Altdorf, disrupting manufacturing of the HG 85 hand grenade's explosive components. Following the disaster, outsourced production of the grenade's explosive body to a supplier in starting in 2006, while detonator production shifted to Germany's by 2015 under a licensing agreement. These changes reflected broader trends in Swiss defense and after the 1989 , reducing domestic capabilities and making the HG 85 reliant on international supply chains for key parts, though final assembly remained in . By 2015, had lost its independent production capacity for the HG 85, rendering the weapon no longer a fully domestic product despite its designation and Ammotec branding. This outsourcing raised concerns about vulnerabilities, including potential delays from foreign dependencies and challenges, as initial production in the had achieved approximately 90% Swiss sourcing. Industrial controversies intensified in 2021 when disclosed a arrangement with Diehl, under which the firms divided European markets for hand components starting in 2006, fixing prices and allocating customers. The settled the case on September 21, 2023, fining Diehl €1.2 million while granting leniency for self-reporting, avoiding penalties but highlighting that may have inflated costs for Swiss . These issues underscored systemic woes in the Swiss defense sector, including reduced in-house expertise and exposure to global supplier risks amid geopolitical tensions.

References

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