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M9 fragmentation grenade: Difference between revisions

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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|HW|FOR|TF|FS|GOO|UP|HGN|TCP|H3R|}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon
|name=M9 fragmentation grenade
| image=[[Image:Halo3 M9 HE-DP Grenade.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:Halo Reach Frag Comparison.png|250px]][[File:H5G-M9.png|300px]]<br>M9 variants (infantry, Spartan, and post-war respectively)
| name=Fragmentation Grenade
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|Page=75}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=184}}
| manufacturer=
|series=
| model=M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade
|type=Antipersonnel [[Grenade|hand grenade]]
| type=Grenade
|cost=30[[cR]]{{Ref/Site|Id=bungie|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fraggrenade|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The M9 Frag Grenade|D=31|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M9}}
| cost=cR. 30
|variant=See [[#Variants|variants]]
| size=
|service=[[2310]]-present{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
*Diameter: 9.5 cm (3.9 in.)
*[[Insurrection]]
*Weight: .4 kg (.875 lbs)
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
| damage per hit=Very High
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
| magazine=1 grenade
|length-title=Diameter
| maxammo=4 Grenades in ''[[Halo: CE]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]'', 2 in ''[[Halo 3]]'', and 3 in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
|length=
| fire=Thrown
;Standard infantry variant
| ammotype=Fragmentation shrapnel
:{{Convert|3.7|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=317}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=331|Detail=The 2011 Encyclopedia utilises an illustration of the ''Reach'' up-sized Spartan variant, but retains the statistics for the infantry variant from the original 2009 book.}}{{Ref/Game|Id=CEA|HCEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Frag Grenade - While the model for the grenade in ''Combat Evolved Anniversary'' is ''Halo: Reach''{{'}}s upsized design, the stats reported in the Library reflect the infantry design featured in the original ''Halo''s.}}
*Filler: .19 kg of [[ComL High Explosive]]
;Post-war variant
| operation=
:{{Convert|5.8|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Book|Id=H4EVG|H4EVG|Page=73}}{{Ref/Site|Id=universe|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/frag-grenade|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Fragmentation Grenade|D=13|M=07|Y=2017}}
| rate of fire=Manual
;Spartan variant
| accuracy=Depends On Throw
:{{Convert|8.3|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Site|Id=waypoint|URL=http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/Detail/frag-grenade/410c92c8-fdab-4e96-b312-55f78c2472a1|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=M9 High Explosive-Dual Purpose Antipersonnel Grenade|D=24|M=01|Y=2012|LocalArchive=Archive:Halo Waypoint/2009 to 2014/Universe/Weapons#Frag Grenade}}
| range=Depends On Throw (Halo CE very far, Halo 2 not far, Halo 3 medium)
|width=
*Killing radius: 5 meters (16 ft)
|height=
*Casualty radius: 10 meters (35 ft)
;Post-war variant
| era= [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], [[Halo 2]], [[Halo 3]]
:{{Convert|8.1|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=3}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
| counterpart=*Covenant Separatist: [[Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade]]
|weight=
*Covenant Loyalist: [[Type-2 Antipersonnel Fragmentation Grenade]]
;Infantry variant
| counterwep=
:{{Convert|0.875|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=2}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
| affiliation=[[United Nations Space Command]]
;Post-war variant
:{{Convert|0.9|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|ammotype-title=Filler
|ammotype=0.19 kilograms (6.7 oz) of [[ComL]]{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|CEA}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|capacity=
|feed=
|operation=
|rate=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range-title=Explosive radius
|range=
;Injuries
:{{Convert|49|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|CEA}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
;Kill
:{{Convert|16|ft|m|disp=flip|sp=us}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|CEA}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
}}
}}
The [[UNSC]]-issued '''M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade''' (abbreviated '''M9 HE-DP Grenade'''), also known as the '''Fragmentation Grenade''', '''Frag Grenade''', or simply '''Frag''', functions in a manner very similar to contemporary hand grenades. When thrown, a small explosion bursts the grenade's shell open and sends many small metal fragments flying at high speed, causing damage to [[Energy shields]], [[armor]], and unprotected personnel in a nine meter (30ft) radius. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' and ''[[Halo 2]]'', four of these grenades may be carried at a time. This was reduced to two in ''[[Halo 3]]'' due to the presence of four grenade types but increased to three in [[Halo 3: ODST]] possibly for balance reasons. It is a good grenade for clearing rooms as it does not stick to walls.  
{{Article quote|The M9 is a high-explosive, dual-purpose grenade utilized by all branches of the UNSC. Skilled users can bounce the grenade to get hard-to-reach targets and bypass obstacles.{{Ref/Game|HI|[[Forge]] - M9 Frag Grenade description|Quote=The M9 is a high-explosive, dual-purpose grenade utilized by all branches of the UNSC. Skilled users can bounce the grenade to get hard-to-reach targets and bypass obstacles.}}}}
The '''M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (HE-DP) Antipersonnel Grenade'''{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|CEA}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} is the standard-issue hand grenade of the [[United Nations Space Command]]. The weapon is semi-erroneously known as a '''fragmentation grenade''' and the colloquial '''frag'''. Furthermore, the M9 designation technically refers to several models of varying design.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}} Like most UNSC small arms and explosives, the M9 is produced by [[Misriah Armory]].{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}


==Description==
The grenade has received a number of colourful nicknames among UNSC personnel, including "'''Damage'''", "'''Firecracker'''", "'''Pineapple'''", "'''Blast Beetle'''", "'''Hopper'''", and "'''Croaker'''".{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
HE-DP stands for High-Explosive Dual-Purpose. This designation means that it is designed to be effective against infantry and lightly armored vehicles.  


The grenade has a hard metal casing that is smooth in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', but gridded in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3''. This surface creates consistent, reliable fragmentation patterns for the grenade, rather than randomly rupturing along metallurgical faults. The grid-shaped casing houses a charge of high-explosive fitted with a mechanical primer. When the charge detonates, it shatters the grenade's casing, sending shrapnel flying away at high velocity.  
==Overview==
[[File:ReachSchematic - FG.png|200px|thumb|left|A blueprint of the M9 in ''Halo: Reach''.]]
===Design details===
{{Quote|Well it’s a grenade, innit? It blows up.|Anonymous [[E2-BAG/1/7]] serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}}}
The M9 is a High-Explosive, Dual-Purpose fragmentation grenade widely utilised throughout the UNSC's service branches. The grenade's operating mechanism has been essentially unchanged for centuries,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}} since it entered service in [[2310]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} The designation is used to apply to a number of vastly different grenades created in numerous munitions plants throughout [[Human colonies|colonised space]]; though all examples exhibit broadly similar properties. The grenade's explosive power comes from [[Composition L]],{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/the-new-halo-encyclopedia-is-out-today|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=The New Halo Encyclopedia is Out Today|D=11|M=03|Y=2023}} or "ComL" - an explosive filler inside every M9 grenade with a volume of 190 grams (6.7 ounces). ComL is generally stable until the explosion is triggered,{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}} at which point the exterior casing fragments into roughly 1x5mm shards, and is sent flying in various predetermined directions.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}


AP FRAG can be viewed on the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' M9's olive casing. AP designates "anti-personnel", indicating the weapon's intended use.
The M9 is triggered by a simple digital timer fuse, which then detonates a small primer explosive, in turn triggering the ComL to explode and send the shrapnel fragments flying away from the grenade.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} The digital timer fuse sits atop the top of the weapon,{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}} with a hardpoint available to allow the grenade to be linked to a serviceman's [[UNSC Marine Corps Battle Dress Uniform|battle dress uniform]] (BDU).{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}


In all Halo games, the grenade must first hit the ground before exploding. In Halo CE, the grenade would not detonate mid-air. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'', it would bounce and explode mid-air a moment after bouncing. But in ''Halo 3'', if the grenade was thrown up, and hit a surface going up, it wouldn't explode until it hit the ground. This presumed to be a safety feature, ensuring the grenade would only explode after striking a surface after being thrown, and not in the user's hand.
===Variants===
{{Quote|This is my third tour and I’ve seen action on a half dozen planets—I’ve also seen about five different versions of the M9. Not like em nine eh through em nine ee, but totally different fragmentation grenades called em nine. I guess that’s one of the consequences of being part of a galactic empire [laughter] I said galactic empire!|Anonymous [[E2-BAG/1/7]] serviceman{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}}}
M9 fragmentation grenades come in a number of variants exhibiting great variance in size and shape, depending on their location of manufacture. Despite this, they all exhibit broadly similar performance properties.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}} M9 variants are generally not given unique model designators and are instead all simply considered M9s - even when they share relatively little in common.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}
*'''Infantry variant''' - a standard-issue variant of the M9 fragmentation grenade used during the [[Human-Covenant War]], measuring {{Convert|3.7|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us}} in diameter.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
*'''Spartan variant''' - an up-sized variant of the M9 fragmentation grenade intended for use by [[Spartan]] personnel - notably issued to [[Special Warfare Group Three]] forces (in particular [[NOBLE Team]]) during the [[Fall of Reach]].{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|CEA}}
*'''Post-war variant''' - a variant of the M9 fragmentation grenade introduced following the end of the Great War.{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
<gallery class="center">
File:H3-M9HEDPFragmentationGrenade.png|The standard infantry variant of the M9.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
File:HCE-M9FragGrenade-LargeRender.png|Another M9 grenade variant.
File:HReach-M9FragmentationGrenade.png|The up-sized Spartan variant of the M9, seemingly based on the prior design..{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}
File:H5G-M9.png|The post-war resized M9.{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
</gallery>


This may explain the lack of a "spoon", or handle, on the ''Halo 2'' and ''3'' M9 HE-DP grenades. The spoon is a device that is gripped while the grenade is being primed. It ensures the grenade will not explode until after the spoon is released, as it starts the fuse of a grenade as it flies through the air after it is thrown. In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', the spoon would have negated the need for this Halo 2 safety feature. In Halo 3 if viewed in theater mode you can see the grenade is actually launched from the shoulder.


It is unknown how the M9 is primed, but references to pulling a pin on the grenade is mentioned in the Halo novels several times, even though no pin is visible in game play. However, pulling a pin would require two hands, but each version of the grenade has a button on its body. This would most likely be pushed to prime the M9 before tossing it. The pin reference is most likely an inaccuracy on the author's part in the novels, or perhaps just a turn of phrase that has lingered from more primitive grenade types.
==UNSC Remarks==
The M9 was one of the several weapons recorded by Doctor [[Robert McLees (ship designer)|Robert McLees]] in the report [[Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present]].
*''"Grenades are not something you throw just because you see bad guys. Make sure you know where your squad is at, make sure it’s only the bad guys you’re gonna blow up, then chuck the damage."''{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}
*''"This is my third tour and I’ve seen action on a half dozen planets—I’ve also seen about five different versions of the M9. Not like em nine eh through em nine ee, but totally different fragmentation grenades called em nine. I guess that’s one of the consequences of being part of a galactic empire [laughter] I said galactic empire!"''{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}
*''"The grenade detonated directly beneath the Ghost and sent it and the driver tumbling through the air; the remainder of 1st squad dispatched the Brute and secured the enemy vehicle."''{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}
*''"There ain’t a magical wall at fifteen meters—had a hole punched in my cheek at about ninety meters over a year ago back on Ballast. Could’a lost an eye or even been killed. Remember when you hear that call or a thump to keep your head down.”''{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}
*''"...bounced off of the loading ramp and exploded above head level (2.4 meters) killing the Brute SL and disrupting the remaining Grunts."''{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}
*''"Well it’s a grenade innit? It blows up."''{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}


In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' the fragmentation grenade left a white smoke trail behind it when thrown and would create sparks when it landed after being hurled, indicating that the grenades fuse could be a gas-release system. The grenade would be primed with pressing a button, release gas when in mid-air and then detonate when landing in a static position. Making the grenade's detonation system depend on placement rather than timed detonation.
==In-game information==
{{Expand-section}}
The M9 is a staple weapon present in all ''Halo'' games to date. It can be effectively hurled and bounced around corners and travels farther than the [[Covenant]]'s [[Plasma Grenade]] alternative; this can be used to quickly and aptly damage an attacker before he can move away from it, giving you an instant advantage in the close combat situation. It is also harder to see and has a shorter fuse, therefore making it harder to avoid and more useful for killing enemies on foot.  


<center>
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of M9 Grenade}}
{|id="toc" style="margin: 0 2em 0em 0em;font-size:85%;"
<gallery>
|style="width: 33%;"|[[Image:Fragnade.jpg|45px|]]
File:HCE-M9FragGrenade-LargeRender.png|Detail view of an M9 Frag Grenade in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
|[[Image:M9 HE-DP Grenade.jpg|45px|]]
File:HCE - M9 Grenade.png|A pair of M9 grenades from ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
|style="width: 33%;"|[[Image:H3_fragtastics.JPG|45px|]]
File:H2-M9HEDPFragmentationGrenade.png|The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in ''Halo 2''.
|-
File:H3-M9HEDPFragmentationGrenade.png|The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in ''Halo 3''.
|colspan="3" style="text-align: center;"|Halo: Combat Evolved era grenade with "spoon", Halo 2 era grenade with electronic spoon, and a Halo 3 era grenade.
File:Fraginair.jpg|A fragmentation grenade in mid-flight.
|}</center>
File:HR FragGrenade HiPoly Render.jpg|The frag grenade high-poly source asset for ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HaloReach - Frag Grenade.png|The M9 Frag Grenade  in the [[Halo: Reach Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Beta]].
File:HReach-M9FragmentationGrenade.png|The M9 Fragmentation Grenade  in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach - M9 Grenade.png|An overview of the M9 Frag Grenade from ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach-M9-Grenade-Views1.png|Front and back views of the M9 Frag Grenade from ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HReach-M9-Grenade-Views2.png|Left and right views of the M9 Frag Grenade from ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR-M9HEDP-FragGrenade-RefChart.jpg|Reference chart of the Fragmentation Grenade in ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo Reach Frag Comparison.png|A comparison of the M9 Fragmentation Grenade models from ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Halo4Frag.png|Render of the M9 grenade in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-M9HEDPGrenades.png|The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in ''Halo 4''.
File:M9 HEDP.png|HUD Icon of the M9 Frag Grenade in ''Halo 4''.
File:H2A M9Frag.png|The M9 in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:Explosion 179.png|Explosion from a frag in ''Halo 5: Guardians''.
File:HINF Frag Toss.png|A Spartan-IV throwing a M9 in ''Halo Infinite''.
</gallery>


==Combat==
==List of appearances==
=== Advantages ===
{{Col-begin}}
This grenade can be effectively hurled and bounced around corners and travels farther than the [[Plasma Grenade]]; this can be used to quickly and aptly damage an attacker before he can move away from it, giving you an instant advantage in the close combat situation. It is also harder to see and has a shorter fuse, therefore making it harder to avoid and more useful for killing enemies on foot. In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', it also seems to have a larger blast radius than a Plasma Grenade. It has a larger casualty radius than the other grenade types in ''Halo 3''. Also, since it is harder to see, having an enemy run over one by accident can happen more easily than with a bright blue plasma grenade. Also, they are extremely common, as all health packs in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' have fragmentation grenades beside them and all [[Marines]] carry them.
{{Col-3}}
 
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
=== Disadvantages ===
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*Unlike the Plasma Grenade, this grenade doesn't stick to objects, making it harder to hit vehicles. In ''Halo 3'', it deals slightly less damage than the [[Covenant]] Plasma Grenade and [[Spike Grenade]]. In addition, if too close, you will be hurt just as much as your opponent. It cannot kill a fully shielded [[Elite]], [[Spartan]], or [[Brute]], no matter the range. It can, however, kill a partially shielded opponent in a single hit. In stark contrast, the Plasma Grenade is a one-hit kill if stuck or lands nearby so you have to be careful when throwing. Also when you throw the grenade the enemy might run to you making the Frag Grenade throw a useless move.
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
* In the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' campaign, if one grenade is caught in the blast of another, it will be set off; this can lead to massive chain reactions if large numbers of grenades are scattered around the battlefield. However, grenades that were originally spawned on the map will not detonate, only the ones that are dropped by enemies and allies that are killed. A similar effect is found in the ''Halo 2'' campaign, however since the grenades are less powerful these chain reaction explosions are less dangerous and less likely to occur.
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*The grenade bounces unpredictably making [[grenade jumping]] harder though it is still possible in corners.
*''[[Halo 2]]''
 
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
==Tactics==
**''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''
===[[Campaign]]===
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
The M9 HE-DP Grenade is best used when enemies gather together in tight groups. A well thrown grenade placed in the middle of a squad of [[Elites]] and [[Grunts]] will kill most of the Grunts and damage the [[Elite Personal Energy Shield|Elite's Shields]]; however, a single grenade cannot kill even a [[Minor Elite]], but just damage its shields The only Elites that can be killed with one is a [[Stealth Elite]]. Grunts may also panic and flee making them easy targets for follow up attacks. Frag grenades may be used against [[Jackals]], as their [[Jackal Point Defense Gauntlet|Shields]] will not protect them from the blast. The M9 HE-DP Grenade is also commonly used to disable most land [[vehicles]] with the exception of [[tanks]].
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
 
*''[[Halo 3]]''
There is a useful tactic that can be used to take down a group of Grunts and Elites. It requires a frag grenade and a plasma pistol. Throw the frag grenade into a middle of the clump, and then build up an overcharged blast with your plasma pistol. Hit the lead [[Elite]] with the overcharged blast. The overcharge will knock out the [[Elite]]'s shield just before the grenade detonates, which should kill the Elite as well as most of the [[Grunts]]. Any grenade can work for this tactic, but a Frag is optimal.
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
[[Image:Fraginair.jpg|thumb|right|A Frag Grenade in mid-flight.]]
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
 
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
One of the best tactics to use is to first throw a Frag, and then simply cut the shieldless opponent down with a weapon of your choice, preferably human, like a Battle Rifle, due to its effectiveness in taking out flesh (rather than shields).
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
 
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
===[[Multi-player]]===
**''[[The Mona Lisa]]''
A multipurpose [[weapon]], the fragmentation grenade can be used in corridors, to flush out occupants. The blast will severely damage player's [[Energy Shield|Energy Shields]] allowing for easy follow up attacks. If lobbed under a vehicle, the explosion will either kill or severely injure the occupants, and damage or destroy the vehicle. If timed correctly, grenades can be planted in the path of an oncoming vehicle. Most drivers will not be able to react quickly enough, and will most likely be caught in the blast. If you place the grenade under an enemy it will kill them. Note: This is very hard to do and it only works in ''[[Halo 2]]''. Another good [[Multiplayer]] tactic is to throw one at your feet while back-pedaling when an enemy is charging at you. When the grenade detonates, the other person should be in the blast radius of the grenade and be killed; if not, use a headshot on them, as their shields should be down. It can be done with other grenades, but as the frag grenade is the hardest to see, it is unlikely that the other person will dodge it. It also has a bigger blast radius. This is easiest done in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''. In some maps like ''[[Snowbound]]'' and ''[[Sandtrap]]'', if a frag is thrown it will stay where it lands given the soft ground on both maps. This is useful to fight oncoming vehicles, preferably lighter vehicles like [[Ghost]]s and [[Mongoose]]s or even heavier vehicles like [[Warthog]]s. One frag grenade is considered as either aid in combat for quick damage before the fight starts, or as a tool to finish off an unshielded opponent. A grenade can be bounced off of a wall to ambush an enemy or kill your ambushers. Two frags is where this grenade becomes a killer all on its own. Frags are also very handy to kill opponents when used in conjunction with explosive objects. Destroying [[Fusion Coils]] or [[Plasma Battery|Plasma Batteries]] with a grenade means the grenade's damage plus the explosive's damage would hurt or kill the target more effectively than a single frag grenade. On ''[[Narrows]]'', one useful tactic is at the beginning of the battle, go off the [[man cannon]] and throw a grenade onto the middle of the bridge. Usually, people have already advanced on the bridge and have their shields severely disabled or taken out completely. The grenade will then kill them. This is great for getting an easy kill at the beginning of a match. When outside on ''[[Snowbound]]'', the grenades don't bounce in the snow; they embed into it. This is semi-useless, but it's something that most people wouldn't know. A tactic done by most players is to clear areas by throwing frags and bouncing them off walls. This is effective in games like [[King of the Hill]] where you can throw grenades into the hill, to force the enemy out or to weaken them for a quick kill. It's best to know the map for bouncing the grenade off walls and objects. One can even use the frag grenade to force an enemy into an area or a corner and finish them off easily.
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
[[Image:1220830461 Frag nade.png|thumb|right|A Frag grenade from [[Halo:CE]].]]
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
 
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
==Trivia==
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*Despite being an older design, The Halo 1 frag resembles the US Military M67 frag grenade, which is actually more of an HE grenade, while the frag from Halo 2 and 3 resembles the WWII-era frag used by US forces.
{{Col-3}}
*The frag grenade seems to leave a trail of smoke behind it in midair when it is thrown, and in Halo 2, it glows yellow.
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*In ''Halo 3'', according to the game manual, the frag grenade has the highest kill radius (5m), and the highest casualty radius (15m) of all the grenades in the game.
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*The grenade is most often used in [[grenade jump]]s and [[Warthog Jump]].
*''[[Halo 4]]''
*A Frag Grenade cannot kill a player with full health and energy shields. In ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3'' the detonation would just knock out shields. In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' a Frag Grenade would knock out the shields and leave only three health bars.
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*Frag Grenades will not bounce when it lands in snow or sand, making them more deadly on [[Snowbound]], [[Sandbox]], [[Avalanche]], and [[Sandtrap]].
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*The Frag Grenade is useful for killing "lift campers" by simply throwing the grenade into the Grav Lift.
*''[[Halo: Initiation]]''
*It is possible for a Frag Grenade to become stuck to a Plasma Grenade or Spike Grenade if they collide in mid-air.
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*It is also possible to wedge a Frag Grenade in a vehicle or a [[Sentinel]], acting much like a "sticky" grenade.
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*Although rather rare and difficult it is possible to "stick" a person with a Frag Grenade. It has to land between their arms so they "cradle" it. It can also land on Spartans' shoulders or helmet.
*''[[Halo: New Blood]]''
*It is also possible to stick an elite by throwing it into their jaws; however, this is extremely difficult. It may also stick if thrown on its shoulder (only if standing still).{{fact}}
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]'' {{Mo}}
*This grenade is the most often used in "baseball," where a player throws a grenade and another player with a [[Gravity Hammer]] must bat it back.
**''[[The Hunt Begins]]''
*In ''Halo 2'' and ''3'', you can shoot Frags out of the air, causing them to explode prematurely. The best weapon for this is the Battle Rifle. In [[Halo 2]], after the explosion you can see the grenade fly off still in one piece.
*''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]''
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], a Frag Grenade could set off other grenades caught in the blast area, causing them to explode as well. This often lead to dangerous chain reactions.
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]''
*In [[Halo 2]], while looking down, if you throw a grenade when you don't have any your torso appears to rise from your hips.
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*It is possible to "stick" a [[Banshee]] in Halo: Combat Evolved if you aim for the middle of the inside of it.
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
 
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*It is possible to throw a fragmentation grenade under the shield doors on the multiplayer map "Epitaph". This was shown in a video by the "Halo Mythbusters" on the Bungie.net website.
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*In Halo: Combat Evolved, the frag grenade is smaller when in use than when it is inactive.
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
*The cost of one frag grenade is 30 cR.
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''
*The explosion from a fragmentation grenade, if timed correctly, can divert a [[M41 SSR MAV/AW]] Rocket, or even cause it to explode.
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], when thrown in some dark areas the fuse produces a yellow glow or lighting that lights up a small area on where it is thrown.
{{Col-3}}
*In Halo 3's Campaign if a Frag Grenade or any other grenade is shot while it is lying on the floor it will explode and cause any explosives, including other grenades, to explode. This cannot, however, be done in Multiplayer.
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
*[http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3fraggrenade Grenade Information]
{{Ref/Sources}}
 


{{UNSC Infantry Weapons}}
{{UNSC ordnance}}
[[Category:Human Weapons]]
[[Category:Grenades]]
[[Category:UNSC]]
[[Category:Weapons]]
[[Category:Halo 3]]
[[Category:Halo 2]]
[[Category:Explosives]]

Latest revision as of 05:06, December 5, 2024

M9 fragmentation grenade
Halo Reach Frag Comparison.pngH5G-M9.png
M9 variants (infantry, Spartan, and post-war respectively)
Production overview

Manufacturer:

Misriah Armory[1][2]

Type:

Antipersonnel hand grenade

Cost:

30cR[3]

Variants:

See variants

Specifications

Diameter:

Standard infantry variant
9.4 centimeters (3.7 in)[3][4][5][6]
Post-war variant
15 centimeters (5.8 in)[7][8]
Spartan variant
21 centimeters (8.3 in)[9]

Height:

Post-war variant
20.6 centimeters (8.1 in)[7][8]

Weight:

Infantry variant
0.40 kilograms (0.875 lb)[3][4][5]
Post-war variant
0.41 kilograms (0.9 lb)[8]

Filler:

0.19 kilograms (6.7 oz) of ComL[3][9][1][6][7][8][2]

Explosive radius:

Injuries
15 meters (49 ft)[3][4][5][1][6][9][2]
Kill
4.9 meters (16 ft)[3][4][5][1][6][9][2]
Service history

In service:

2310-present[2]

 
“ The M9 is a high-explosive, dual-purpose grenade utilized by all branches of the UNSC. Skilled users can bounce the grenade to get hard-to-reach targets and bypass obstacles.[10] ”

The M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (HE-DP) Antipersonnel Grenade[9][6][7][8][2] is the standard-issue hand grenade of the United Nations Space Command. The weapon is semi-erroneously known as a fragmentation grenade and the colloquial frag. Furthermore, the M9 designation technically refers to several models of varying design.[3] Like most UNSC small arms and explosives, the M9 is produced by Misriah Armory.[1]

The grenade has received a number of colourful nicknames among UNSC personnel, including "Damage", "Firecracker", "Pineapple", "Blast Beetle", "Hopper", and "Croaker".[4][5]

Overview[edit]

A blueprint of the M9 in Halo: Reach.

Design details[edit]

"Well it’s a grenade, innit? It blows up."
— Anonymous E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman[3]

The M9 is a High-Explosive, Dual-Purpose fragmentation grenade widely utilised throughout the UNSC's service branches. The grenade's operating mechanism has been essentially unchanged for centuries,[9] since it entered service in 2310.[2] The designation is used to apply to a number of vastly different grenades created in numerous munitions plants throughout colonised space; though all examples exhibit broadly similar properties. The grenade's explosive power comes from Composition L,[11] or "ComL" - an explosive filler inside every M9 grenade with a volume of 190 grams (6.7 ounces). ComL is generally stable until the explosion is triggered,[9] at which point the exterior casing fragments into roughly 1x5mm shards, and is sent flying in various predetermined directions.[3]

The M9 is triggered by a simple digital timer fuse, which then detonates a small primer explosive, in turn triggering the ComL to explode and send the shrapnel fragments flying away from the grenade.[3][1] The digital timer fuse sits atop the top of the weapon,[1][7] with a hardpoint available to allow the grenade to be linked to a serviceman's battle dress uniform (BDU).[7]

Variants[edit]

"This is my third tour and I’ve seen action on a half dozen planets—I’ve also seen about five different versions of the M9. Not like em nine eh through em nine ee, but totally different fragmentation grenades called em nine. I guess that’s one of the consequences of being part of a galactic empire [laughter] I said galactic empire!"
— Anonymous E2-BAG/1/7 serviceman[3]

M9 fragmentation grenades come in a number of variants exhibiting great variance in size and shape, depending on their location of manufacture. Despite this, they all exhibit broadly similar performance properties.[1][2] M9 variants are generally not given unique model designators and are instead all simply considered M9s - even when they share relatively little in common.[3]

  • Infantry variant - a standard-issue variant of the M9 fragmentation grenade used during the Human-Covenant War, measuring 9.4 centimeters (3.7 in) in diameter.[3][9]
  • Spartan variant - an up-sized variant of the M9 fragmentation grenade intended for use by Spartan personnel - notably issued to Special Warfare Group Three forces (in particular NOBLE Team) during the Fall of Reach.[9][1][6]
  • Post-war variant - a variant of the M9 fragmentation grenade introduced following the end of the Great War.[7][8]
  • The standard infantry variant of the M9.[3][9]

    The standard infantry variant of the M9.[3][9]

  • Another M9 grenade variant.

    Another M9 grenade variant.

  • The up-sized Spartan variant of the M9, seemingly based on the prior design..[9][1]

    The up-sized Spartan variant of the M9, seemingly based on the prior design..[9][1]

  • The post-war resized M9.[7][8]

    The post-war resized M9.[7][8]


UNSC Remarks[edit]

The M9 was one of the several weapons recorded by Doctor Robert McLees in the report Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present.

  • "Grenades are not something you throw just because you see bad guys. Make sure you know where your squad is at, make sure it’s only the bad guys you’re gonna blow up, then chuck the damage."[3]
  • "This is my third tour and I’ve seen action on a half dozen planets—I’ve also seen about five different versions of the M9. Not like em nine eh through em nine ee, but totally different fragmentation grenades called em nine. I guess that’s one of the consequences of being part of a galactic empire [laughter] I said galactic empire!"[3]
  • "The grenade detonated directly beneath the Ghost and sent it and the driver tumbling through the air; the remainder of 1st squad dispatched the Brute and secured the enemy vehicle."[3]
  • "There ain’t a magical wall at fifteen meters—had a hole punched in my cheek at about ninety meters over a year ago back on Ballast. Could’a lost an eye or even been killed. Remember when you hear that call or a thump to keep your head down.”[3]
  • "...bounced off of the loading ramp and exploded above head level (2.4 meters) killing the Brute SL and disrupting the remaining Grunts."[3]
  • "Well it’s a grenade innit? It blows up."[3]

In-game information[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

The M9 is a staple weapon present in all Halo games to date. It can be effectively hurled and bounced around corners and travels farther than the Covenant's Plasma Grenade alternative; this can be used to quickly and aptly damage an attacker before he can move away from it, giving you an instant advantage in the close combat situation. It is also harder to see and has a shorter fuse, therefore making it harder to avoid and more useful for killing enemies on foot.

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • Detail view of an M9 Frag Grenade in Halo: Combat Evolved.

    Detail view of an M9 Frag Grenade in Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • A pair of M9 grenades from Halo: Combat Evolved.

    A pair of M9 grenades from Halo: Combat Evolved.

  • The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in Halo 2.

    The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in Halo 2.

  • The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in Halo 3.

    The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in Halo 3.

  • A fragmentation grenade in mid-flight.

    A fragmentation grenade in mid-flight.

  • The frag grenade high-poly source asset for Halo: Reach.

    The frag grenade high-poly source asset for Halo: Reach.

  • The M9 Frag Grenade in the Halo: Reach Beta.

    The M9 Frag Grenade in the Halo: Reach Beta.

  • The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in Halo: Reach.

    The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in Halo: Reach.

  • An overview of the M9 Frag Grenade from Halo: Reach.

    An overview of the M9 Frag Grenade from Halo: Reach.

  • Front and back views of the M9 Frag Grenade from Halo: Reach.

    Front and back views of the M9 Frag Grenade from Halo: Reach.

  • Left and right views of the M9 Frag Grenade from Halo: Reach.

    Left and right views of the M9 Frag Grenade from Halo: Reach.

  • Reference chart of the Fragmentation Grenade in Halo: Reach.

    Reference chart of the Fragmentation Grenade in Halo: Reach.

  • A comparison of the M9 Fragmentation Grenade models from Halo 3 and Halo: Reach.

    A comparison of the M9 Fragmentation Grenade models from Halo 3 and Halo: Reach.

  • Render of the M9 grenade in Halo 4.

    Render of the M9 grenade in Halo 4.

  • The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in Halo 4.

    The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in Halo 4.

  • HUD Icon of the M9 Frag Grenade in Halo 4.

    HUD Icon of the M9 Frag Grenade in Halo 4.

  • The M9 in Halo 2: Anniversary.

    The M9 in Halo 2: Anniversary.

  • Explosion from a frag in Halo 5: Guardians.

    Explosion from a frag in Halo 5: Guardians.

  • A Spartan-IV throwing a M9 in Halo Infinite.

    A Spartan-IV throwing a M9 in Halo Infinite.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 75
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 184
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Bungie.net, The M9 Frag Grenade (Retrieved on Jan 31, 2021) [local archive] [external archive]
  4. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 317
  5. ^ a b c d e Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 331: The 2011 Encyclopedia utilises an illustration of the Reach up-sized Spartan variant, but retains the statistics for the infantry variant from the original 2009 book.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library: Frag Grenade - While the model for the grenade in Combat Evolved Anniversary is Halo: Reach's upsized design, the stats reported in the Library reflect the infantry design featured in the original Halos.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 73
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Halo Waypoint, Fragmentation Grenade (Retrieved on Jul 13, 2017) [archive]
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Halo Waypoint, M9 High Explosive-Dual Purpose Antipersonnel Grenade (Retrieved on Jan 24, 2012) [local archive] [external archive]
  10. ^ Halo Infinite, Forge - M9 Frag Grenade description: "The M9 is a high-explosive, dual-purpose grenade utilized by all branches of the UNSC. Skilled users can bounce the grenade to get hard-to-reach targets and bypass obstacles."
  11. ^ Halo Waypoint, The New Halo Encyclopedia is Out Today (Retrieved on Mar 11, 2023) [archive]

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