Important Note: If you're not an experienced explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician, it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to remove a nose fuse from a live round of ammunition. Only trained professionals with the proper tools, training, and safety equipment should handle potentially hazardous explosive devices. Contact local authorities or the relevant explosive ordnance disposal unit if you encounter any unexploded ordnance.
Here's a general overview of the steps involved in removing a delay nose fuze from a World War 2 75mm shell, but remember, this should only be attempted by qualified personnel with the necessary expertise and safety precautions in place:
1. Safety Preparation:
- Wear proper protective gear, including eye protection, heavy gloves, and a protective vest.
- Handle the shell in a safe, open area away from people, buildings, and flammable materials.
- Establish a clear perimeter and ensure nobody enters the restricted area during the process.
2. Disarming the Fuze:
- Verify the shell's status (armed or unarmed) based on the fuze's safety mechanism.
- If the fuze is armed, carefully disarm it by following the appropriate procedure specific to the type of delay nose fuse involved. This varies depending on the fuze design.
3. Unscrewing the Fuze:
- Once the fuze is disarmed, use the appropriate tools to remove the retaining ring or plug that holds the fuze in place.
- Grip the fuze firmly and rotate it counterclockwise until it becomes loose and can be removed.
4. Removing Internal Parts:
- Carefully remove any internal parts or components of the fuze, including a booster and detonator, if present.
- Store the components safely in a separate container for proper disposal.
5. Neutralization and Disposal:
- Once the delay nose fuze has been successfully removed, neutralize the remaining explosive components (such as the main charge) using appropriate techniques determined by the type of shell and explosives involved.
- Contact the local bomb squad or explosive ordnance disposal team to properly dispose of the neutralized components.
Remember that these steps are intended to provide a general understanding but do not substitute for proper training, certification, and experience in explosive ordnance disposal operations. Removing a nose fuze from a live shell is a highly dangerous task that should be performed only by qualified professionals with the appropriate equipment and expertise.