PzGr40
16.06.2003, 01:00
Back and frontside of a cutaway model of a WW2 Tzsechaslovakian 15x104 mm Besa HE-T-SD shell. When fired from the gun the ring with the spring on top is pushed down by acceleration, preventing the locking balls holding the collar of the firing pin up from being swung outward by the centrifugal force. When acceleration stops, the balls are swung outward, creeping up the chamfered edge, against the force of the spring, thereby releasing the firing pin. On impact the firing pin is pushed down in the duplex cap, exploding the shell. If no impact occurs, the tracer will burn up, igniting the self delay element. Note the relatively large size of the detonator compared to the explosive charge in the shell.