Year
Munition Category
Functional use
Tentative Model
Base Colour
Marking Colour
Marking Script
Condition
Mechanical Feature
Guidance
Domain
Calibre
Analyst Note
The M825A1 155 mm smoke projectile makes use of white phosphorus (WP) to generate a brilliant white smoke. Whilst WP does have incendiary effects, the method of dispersal in the case of the M825A1 is optimised for screening and marking purposes. (ARES)
External Research
Armament Research Services (ARES)
“M825-series WP projectiles have an internal canister that carries 116 × ¾-inch (19 mm) felt wedges which are impregnated with white phosphorus … This internal canister has a ‘X-rib’ in the centre, that divides the canister into four quadrants, in each of which 29 felt wedges are stacked. When the fuze functions, an expulsion charge of 51 g of M10 propellant ejects that canister out of the base of the projectile. An 0.25-inch (6.35 mm) diameter burster charge consisting of 21.2 grams of Comp A-5 located inside the expelled canister detonates after a short delay, dispersing the felt wedges. The WP wedges ignite upon contact with the air and fall to the ground burning.”