Description
Mechanical Time and Superquick (MTSQ) Fuze M582A1/M582 is used with the 105mm howitzer conventional cartridges HE, M1; HERA, M548; and WP Smoke M60 series. It is used with the 155mm howitzer projectiles HE, M107; HERA, M549/M549A1; and both the M110 Agent and WP Smoke. It is also used with the 8-inch projectiles HE, M 106 and HERA, M650.
The fuze contains a mechanical clockwork timing mechanism that can be set to function at any time from 2 to 200 seconds. The fuze is set with M35 fuze setter or flat screwdriver. The setting key is at the nose of the fuze, and the time to beset is viewed on three dials through a window in the side of the ogive. The dial closest to the nose indicates hundreds of seconds, or a triangle for a non-time setting. The second dial indicated tens of seconds, and the third dial indicates seconds and tenths of seconds. All settings are made by reference to a hairline visible through the window. The M582 series MTSQ fuze is the same as the M577 series fuze except that it contains a Composition A5 booster pellet and cap.
The timing mechanism and point detonating element are contained in the ogival nose section of the M582. The M582A1 does not contain the point detonating element, but rather utilizes the safe separation assembly as an inertial element to initiate impact function. On impact, the safe separation assembly slides forward and the detonator in the rotor is stabbed by the firing pin in the trigger mechanism. The safe separation device and trigger are contained in the fuze body. The timing mechanism and safe separation assembly are prevented from operating before adequate projectile spin is attained by centrifugally operated lock pins, and the centrifugal detents are further restrained by setback pins. The safety and arming mechanism includes a spin-activated rotor to block the detonation train prior to arming. Movement of the arming mechanism is interlocked by a scroll follower in the timing mechanism which also restrains the firing pin.
The M582 fuze has an aluminum ogive with an anodized black coating and a steel lower body. The M582A1 fuze has a zinc ogive, Earlier manufactured A1 fuzes have black paint coated ogives while later manufactured A1 fuzes have chromate finished (gold color) ogives. The M582A1 ogive also has different wrench slots though the same wrench is used. The lower body is aluminum with chromate coating.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Projectile, 105mm HERA, M548 (XM548E1)
Projectile, 105mm Smoke (WP), M60 Series
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-28, Artillery Ammunition (chg 11, 2003)
