russian "grasshopper" 9N235 submunition stabiliser

This odd looking piece is actually the rear fin stabilised part of the HE fragmentation submunition, a [aticularly nasty weapon used against both military and civilian targets in Ukraine.

Typically launched from either a Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), such as the 220 mm Uragan (9M27K rocket) and the 300 mm Smerch (9M55K rocket).

A very unique piece of history from the War in Ukraine, and not something we have seen before.

The term 9N235 refers to a specific type of high-explosive fragmentation submunition (cluster munition element), not a "grasshopper" as in the insect or a brand of mower. It is a Soviet/Russian-made weapon used in various conflicts, notably the Russo-Ukrainian War. 

Key details about the 9N235 submunition:

• Function: It is designed to engage concentrations of infantry and light vehicles with pre-formed metal fragments.
• Delivery System: The submunitions are dispersed from cargo rockets fired by Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), such as the 220 mm Uragan (9M27K rocket) and the 300 mm Smerch (9M55K rocket).
• Design: Each submunition has spring-loaded petals that open after release to orient the contact fuzes downward. It contains fragments of two sizes (lighter ones for personnel, heavier ones for material) and has a self-destruct timer set for approximately two minutes.
• Hazards: The munition has a documented design flaw that leads to a high frequency of failed detonations, resulting in widespread unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination and significant risk to civilians.
• Nickname: Due to its mechanism of "bouncing" above the ground before detonation for maximum effect, it has earned the Russian nickname "Poprygunya" (Jumper or Grasshopper).