How do you change the firing delay times in a mechanically timed M904 nose fuze?

To change the firing delay times in a mechanically timed M904 nose fuze, it is necessary to change the delay element. The delay element is a critical component that controls the timing mechanism, determining how long after the fuze is triggered the explosive will detonate.

Replacing or adjusting the delay element allows for precise modifications to the timing of the detonation, which is essential for ensuring the munition detonates at the right moment for maximum effectiveness. This flexibility in timing can be crucial for different operational scenarios and mission requirements.

In contrast to altering the fuse composition, calibrating an electronic circuit, or manually adjusting gears, these actions do not directly affect the timing of the fuze in the same way that changing the delay element does. Each of those alternatives would not achieve the desired result of adjusting firing delay times inherent to the mechanical design of the M904 nose fuze.