20th Century Platoons

The Energa Rifle Grenade Model 48

Today’s article is a brief discussion of the MECAR Energa rifle grenade, as examined in early 1949 by the Koninklijk Nederlands Indisch Leger (KNIL).
Already employing the British Cup Discharger and American Grenade Projector on the Lee-Enfield rifle, the KNIL expressed an interest in the Energa Model 1948. The 12th of March 1949, it would receive the following offer from MECAR through its representative, the Nederlandse Technische Handelsmaatschappij “ENTEHA”:

100.000 Energa Model 1948 grenades, HEAT, complete with special fuse, functioning at great impact angles 665 Belgian Francs each	66.500.000 Belgian Francs
10.000 Launchers suited to the Dutch rifle, with a two-position sight and leather carrying case 1.000 Belgian Francs each	10.000.000 Belgian Francs
5.000 metal containers for the transport of two grenades 210 Belgian Francs each	1.050.000 Belgian Francs
50.000 practice grenades, reusable, with a spare tail assembly 320 Belgian Francs each	16.000.000 Belgian Francs
Total price	93.550.000 Belgian Francs

Whilst the Energa would not be adopted in 1949, the rifle grenade would have more success in 1952, being adopted as the Geweergranaat ATB Nr.4, serving until 1964 when replaced by the M72 LAW.
The Energa would continue use with territorial units after this date, and not be completely removed from service until 1990.

Below, the reader will find a brochure by MECAR and a copy of Voorschrift nr 1541 Geweergranaten ATB nr 4 en ATB nr 5. Both documents are available as PDFs here and here. It should be noted that the 1953 Dutch manual distinguishes between 1948/1949 and 1951-produced rifle grenades, the former having eight stabilising fins, the latter only six. Specifications found in both documents are as follows:

	Energa Brochure, ca. 1948/1949	Voorschrift nr. 1541, 1953
Calibre	75 mm
Length	-	39.5 cm
Weight, complete	600 gr	650 gr
Weight, explosive charge	300 gr	345 gr
Penetration, armour, approx.	200 mm	250 mm
Penetration, concrete, approx.	500 mm	500 mm
Penetration, armour, 45°, approx.	100mm+	170 mm
Muzzle velocity	-	54 m/s
Effective range	75 m	100 m
Maximum range (fired at 45°)	260 m