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M9 fragmentation grenade: Difference between revisions

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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{FOF-1}}
{{Weapon infobox
{{Weapon infobox
|image=[[File:H5G-M9.png|300px]]
|name=M9 fragmentation grenade
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 75''</ref>
|image=[[File:Halo Reach Frag Comparison.png|250px]][[File:H5G-M9.png|300px]]<br>M9 variants (infantry, Spartan, and post-war respectively)
|series=M9
|manufacturer=[[Misriah Armory]]{{Ref/Book|Id=vis|EVG|Page=75}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=184}}
|type=[[Grenade]]
|series=
|cost=30 [[Credit|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}}
|type=Antipersonnel [[Grenade|hand 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}}
|variant=*Standard infantry variant
|variant=See [[#Variants|variants]]
*Spartan variant
|service=[[2310]]-present{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
|service=*[[Insurrection]]
*[[Insurrection]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Human-Covenant War]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
*[[Post-Covenant War conflicts]]
|weight={{Convert|0.4|kg|lb}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}
|length-title=Diameter
|height={{Convert|8.1|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|length=
|width={{Convert|14.8|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
;Standard infantry variant
|length=*Standard infantry variant: {{Convert|9.5|cm|in}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}
:{{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.}}
*Post-war model: {{Convert|14.8|cm|in}}<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/frag-grenade '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Fragmentation Grenade'']</ref>
;Post-war variant
*Spartan variant: {{Convert|21.1|cm|in}}<ref name="waypoint">[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/Universe/detail/a/410c92c8-fdab-4e96-b312-55f78c2472a1 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''M9 High Explosive-Dual Purpose Antipersonnel Grenade'']</ref>
:{{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}}
|ammotype=
;Spartan variant
:{{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}}
|width=
|height=
;Post-war variant
:{{Convert|8.1|in|cm|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=3}}{{Ref/Reuse|H4EVG}}{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}
|weight=
;Infantry variant
:{{Convert|0.875|lb|kg|disp=flip|sp=us|sigfig=2}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
;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=
|capacity=
|feed-title=Filler volume
|feed=
|feed=0.19 kilograms (6.7 oz) of [[ComL]]{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
|operation=
|operation=
|rate=
|rate=
|velocity=
|velocity=
|optics=
|optics=
|range=*Killing radius: {{Convert|5|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
|range-title=Explosive radius
*Casualty radius: {{Convert|15|m|ft}}{{Ref/Reuse|
|range=
bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
;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}}
}}
}}
{{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.}}}}
{{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}}


The '''M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose grenade''' ('''M9 HE-DP''') 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}}
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}}


==Design details==
==Overview==
{{Quote|Well it’s a grenade, innit? It blows up.|Anonymous [[E2-BAG/1/7]] serviceman}}
[[File:ReachSchematic - FG.png|200px|thumb|left|A blueprint of the M9 in ''Halo: Reach''.]]
[[File:ReachSchematic - FG.png|200px|thumb|left|A blueprint of the M9 in ''Halo: Reach''.]]
HE-DP stands for High-Explosive Dual-Purpose. This designation means that it is designed to be effective against infantry and lightly armored vehicles. AP FRAG can be viewed on the ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' M9's olive casing. AP designates "anti-personnel", indicating the weapon's intended use.
===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}}


The grenade has a hard metal casing, with a frangible design meant to break apart into small, regular shards. 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 [[ComL]] high-explosive fitted with a mechanical primer. When the charge detonates, it shatters the grenade's casing, sending shrapnel flying away at high velocity.
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: Combat Evolved'', 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 would not explode until it hit the ground. This is a safety feature, ensuring the grenade would only explode after striking a surface after being thrown, and not in the user's hand. 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.
===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}}}}
The grenade is primed with a small button located on the "handle", quite unlike modern fragmentation grenades which use a pin that must be pulled before priming.
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}}
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. This would make the grenade's detonation system depend on placement rather than timed detonation.
*'''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}}
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''; in ''Halo: Reach'' the player is again able to carry only two grenades in normal gameplay, but may be given up to four in custom gamemodes.
<gallery class="center">
 
File:H3-M9HEDPFragmentationGrenade.png|The standard infantry variant of the M9.{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}{{Ref/Reuse|waypoint}}
=== Advantages ===
File:HCE-M9FragGrenade-LargeRender.png|Another M9 grenade variant.
This grenade can be effectively hurled and bounced around corners and travels farther than the {{Pattern|Anskum|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 the largest 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.
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}}
=== Disadvantages ===
</gallery>
*Unlike the Plasma and Spike grenades, this grenade does not stick to objects or opponents. It has more of a chance of wounding a player than killing them because an unwounded player has to practically crouch on the grenade to be within the kill-radius.
*The grenade cannot kill a fully shielded [[Sangheili]], [[Spartan]], or [[Jiralhanae]], unless they are touching it. 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 players have to be careful when throwing.
* 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.
*Smoke comes out when you throw it, so enemies can easily see and avoid it if they are fast.
 
==Tactics==
===Campaign===
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 Covenant [[lance]] will kill most of the Grunts and damage an [[Sangheili Personal Energy Shield|Elite's shields]]. With the shields damaged, players can easily kill the Sangheili. In addition, frag grenades should also be used against a group of Jackals, as their [[Kig-yar Point Defense Gauntlet|defense shields]] will not protect them from the blast. In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the only Elites that can be killed with one detonation are [[Stealth Sangheili]], with its downgraded shields. The M9 HE-DP Grenade is also commonly used against light-armored vehicles.
 
===Multiplayer===
A multipurpose weapon, the fragmentation grenade can be used in corridors, to flush out occupants. The blast will severely damage player's energy shields allowing for easy follow up attacks. 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. The first takes out the shields, the second finishes them off.
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. Lighter vehicles will be easily flipped by concussive blast, and a heavily damaged vehicle will oftentimes simply be destroyed.
 
Another good multiplayer tactic is to throw one at the player's feet while back-pedaling when an enemy is charging at the player. When the grenade detonates, the other person should be in the blast radius of the grenade and have their shields damaged or be killed. This is useful to fight oncoming vehicles, preferably light-armored vehicles like Ghosts, Mongooses, or Warthogs. 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.


The fragmentation grenade is also a good finishing tool since it is powerful enough to take down a spartan's shields, without the user being in line-of-sight of their target. Use an automatic weapon (Assault Rifle, Plasma Pistol/Rifle, SMG,) to take down their shields then throw the grenade at the person's feet once your mag is empty or overheated for the finishing blow.
The frag grenade can be used to 'nade jump'.
Throwing a frag on the ground, standing over it, and jumping right before it explodes will send you skyward up to 25% higher than a regular jump. This is handy when trying to get to hard to reach places. For example, in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', on Blood Gulch you can grenade jump from the ground to the top of the base at blue or red.


==UNSC Remarks==
==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}}
*''"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}}
*''"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}}
*''"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}}
*''"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}}
*''"...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}}
*''"Well it’s a grenade innit? It blows up."''{{Ref/Reuse|bungie}}


==Trivia==
==In-game information==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of M9 Grenade}}
{{Expand-section}}
*Frag grenades will not bounce when they land in snow or sand, making them more deadly on [[Snowbound]], [[Sandbox]], [[Avalanche]], and [[Sandtrap]].
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.  
*In ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'', ''Halo: Reach'', and ''Halo 4'', players can shoot grenades out of the air, causing them to explode prematurely. The best weapon for this is the Battle Rifle (or the DMR in Reach).
*In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', the Frag Grenade is smaller when in use than when it is inactive.
*In ''Halo 3'', it is possible to deflect rockets with a Frag Grenade explosion, similar to the Gravity Hammer deflecting a rocket. However, this is extremely difficult to pull off, so it is not a recommended tactic.
*In the first game, they only detonate if left idle on the ground for a brief period.
*In ''Halo: Reach'' and ''Halo 5'', grenades lying in the ground can be shot to injure nearby enemies. Grenade impacts also do damage to targets before they detonate. It takes the impact damage of 58 grenades to kill a fully shielded player.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', the Frag grenade produces a deafening effect on nearby players for several seconds and is much bigger than in previous ''Halo'' games.
*In the ''Halo: Reach'' Multiplayer Beta, the Frag Grenade had a larger explosive radius, causing the community to compare them to "little tactical nukes" or "Holy Hand Grenades". The overall damage level was reduced back to the standard of the ''Halo 3'' Frag Grenade in the final product.{{Citation needed}}
*In both ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' and ''Halo: Spartan Strike'', the grenade explodes on impact with hostiles.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of M9 Grenade}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:HCE-M9FragGrenade-LargeRender.png|Detail view of an M9 Frag Grenade in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE-M9FragGrenade-LargeRender.png|Detail view of an M9 Frag Grenade in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
Line 106: Line 91:
File:H2-M9HEDPFragmentationGrenade.png|The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2-M9HEDPFragmentationGrenade.png|The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in ''Halo 2''.
File:H3-M9HEDPFragmentationGrenade.png|The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-M9HEDPFragmentationGrenade.png|The M9 Fragmentation Grenade in ''Halo 3''.
File:Halo3 M9 HE-DP Grenade.jpg|A profile image of ''Halo 3'''s fragmentation grenade.
File:Fraginair.jpg|A fragmentation grenade in mid-flight.
File:Fraginair.jpg|A fragmentation grenade in mid-flight.
File:HaloReach - Frag Grenade.png|The M9 Frag Grenade  in the [[Halo: Reach Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Beta]].
File:HaloReach - Frag Grenade.png|The M9 Frag Grenade  in the [[Halo: Reach Beta|''Halo: Reach'' Beta]].
Line 125: Line 109:
==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
Line 146: Line 130:
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Covenant|Covenant]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-2}}
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
Line 167: Line 151:
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Point of Light]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
*''[[Halo: Divine Wind]]''
{{Col-3}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]''
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Winter Contention]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}



Latest revision as of 15:15, February 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]


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]

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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]

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]