Ampulomet
In this article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Ampulomet. From its impact on today's society to its relevance in history, Ampulomet has played a crucial role in different areas. Throughout these pages, we will analyze the impact Ampulomet has had on people's lives, examining its influence on culture, art, politics and technology. Additionally, we will explore how Ampulomet has evolved over time, adapting to the changing circumstances and challenges of the modern world. Get ready to immerse yourself in a journey that will lead you to discover the true importance of Ampulomet in our lives. Do not miss it!
| Ampulomet | |
|---|---|
 Ampulomet and PM M1910 machine gun at the Museum of the Battle of Stalingrad. | |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1941–1945 |
| Used by |  Soviet Union Finland (Captured) Nazi Germany (Captured) |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Leningrad |
| Produced | 1941–1942 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 26 kg (57 lb 5 oz) |
| Length | 1 m (3 ft 3 in) |
| Barrel length | .84 m (2 ft 9 in)[1] |
| Crew | 3[2] |
| Shell | Separate loading black powder charge and AZh-2 projectile containing KS incendiary. |
| Shell weight | 1.5 kg (3 lb 5 oz)[3] |
| Caliber | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Recoil | None |
| Elevation | 0° to +12° |
| Traverse | 360°[1] |
| Rate of fire | 8 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 50 m/s (160 ft/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 250 m (820 ft)[1] |
The Ampulomet (Russian: 125-мм ампуломёт образца 1941 года, also rendered Ampulomyot, ampulla mortar, etc., lit. "ampule/vial thrower" cf. миномёт) was an expedient anti-tank weapon which launched a 125 mm incendiary projectile made of spherical glass.[4][5] This weapon was introduced in 1941 and used (to a limited degree) by the Red Army in World War II, but by 1942 was largely obsolete.[6]
Design
The weapon consisted of an unrifled tube with a crude breech mounted on a Y-shaped pedestal which pivoted on trunnions to provide elevation. Two breech mounted inverted horns were provided for traverse/elevation and a simple inclinometer for targeting and range calculation. A black powder charge was inserted into the breech and fired by a percussion cap to propel the AZh-2 glass ampule.[1] The ampules were filled with an incendiary mixture known as KS. KS was a mixture of 80% phosphorus and 20% sulfur which ignited when exposed to air. The burning mixture created a bright flame, thick white smoke and would burn for up to three minutes at temperatures between 800–1,000 °C (1,470–1,830 °F). The burning liquid would seep through vision slots or engine grilles on a tank and ignite ammunition or fuel as well as choke and blind the crew.[7]
See also
Northover Projector — A similar British weapon used by the Home Guard during World War II
References
- ^ a b c d Chamberlain, Peter (1975). Infantry, mountain, and airborne guns. Gander, Terry. New York: Arco. p. 63. ISBN 0668038195. OCLC 2067391.
- ^ Steve J. Zaloga; Leland S. Ness (1998). Red Army Handbook 1939-1945. Sutton Pub. p. 197. ISBN 978-0-7509-1740-7.
- ^ David M. Glantz (2005). Companion To Colossus Reborn: Key Documents And Statistics. University Press of Kansas. p. 154. ISBN 978-0-7006-1359-5.
- ^ Círculo Militar (Buenos Aires, Argentina) (1945). Revista. Calle de Viamonte. p. 562.
- ^ Gordon L. Rottman (2007). Soviet Rifleman 1941-45. Osprey Publishing. pp. 30–. ISBN 978-1-84603-127-4.
- ^ Gordon L. Rottman (2005). World War II Infantry Anti-Tank Tactics. Osprey Publishing. pp. 47–. ISBN 978-1-84176-842-7.
- ^ Natzvaladze, Yury (1996). The Trophies Of The Red Army During The Great Patriotic War 1941-1945. Volume 1. Scottsdale, Arizona: Land O'Sun Printers. pp. 31–34.
