Grenade Launchers

[buglerbilly]

USMC’s New M-32s/ MSGLs: Hitting the Field

02-Feb-2010 17:13 EST


No worse enemy….

While high-tech weapons items get a lot of billing, the Global War on Terror is very much an infantry war. Firepower overmatch matters in those situations, which explains the corresponding popularity of 40mm grenade systems on the modern battlefield. Enter, then, the US Marine Corps’ M-32 six-shot 40mm grenade launcher.

During an annual symposium several years ago, Marine gunners decided that they needed an option that was more powerful than the ubiquitous M203 one-shot launchers that mount under their M4 or M16 rifles. The M-32 won out as an experimental weapon for each marine battalion – and now a variant appears to have won a larger formal competition.

Milkor’s M-32/ MSGL


Loading up…

The USMC joined the South African, Brazilian, Italian and Philippine militaries in fielding MGL-140 derivative multi-shot 40mm grenade systems. Law enforcement models are also available, though they would be used to shoot incapacitating rounds instead.

The M-32 began fielding with the USMC in 2006. It’s a modified Milkor MGL-140 with additional features. Key modifications include the fore-grip, the collapsible modular buttstock and recoil pad, a MIL-STD-1913 “Quad Rail” set of fore end Picatinny Sight Rail. The weapon also comes with a scope/ reflex sight up top, instead of the M203’s old leaf sights. The reflex sight compensates for the natural drift of the 40mm grenade, an indexed sight base helps with range adjustment, and a quadrant grid reticule allows quick acquisition, range estimation, impact adjustment and fire for effect, without leaving the “sight picture”. The sight is fully night-time capable.

The M-32 can put all 6 rounds on target in under 3 seconds, which is very helpful during ambushes if the squad needs to suppress and break contact. The M32 has reported successful head shots at 150 meters, and can fire all DODTI and NATO Standard 40×46mm low velocity grenades. The weapon can be loaded with a variety of 40mm munitions for a specific mission, and the operator can select the desired round without having to unload the weapon. Beyond the “normal” M433 40mm grenade, and standard specialty rounds like smoke, compatible specialty rounds also reportedly include:

HELLHOUND rounds with twice the lethal radius of the M433, which will breach doors and kill anything behind them;
DRACO thermobaric rounds; and even

HUNTIR rounds with cameras in them, that descend on a parachute and send back video.

Unsurprisingly, it is a much heavier weapon than the rifle-mounted M203 in all respects. Instead of an add-on, it’s a full weapon with a stainless steel frame. The M-32 weighs in at about 15 pounds fully loaded, with more recoil and a heavier trigger.

In January 2010, the Marines awarded their Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher (MSGL) competition to Milkor. MARSYSCOM confirms that these are not additional M-32s, but a variation.

Contracts & Key Events


On the range in Iraq

Jan 20/10: Milkor USA, Inc. in Tucson, AZ wins the US Marine Corps’ Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher (MSGL) competition. The $42.2 million indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity contract covers production, delivery, and associated support. The DefenseLINK release lists the weapon as having a maximum range of 400 meters, with greater accuracy at ranges up to 150 meters.

Marine Corps Systems Command says that the full contract would deliver 5,000 MSGLs if all options are exercised, but the Marine Corps’ initial purchase under this contract is for 2,191. The US Marines expect to begin fielding the new weapons in Q4 (summer) FY 2010.

This contract was competitively procured, with 3 offers received by the Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA (M67854-10-D-1038). Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ and the contract runs until Jan 19/15.

[ADMk2]

40mm bombs are good. More is better...

[buglerbilly]

Army Spends Big on Smart Grenade Rifle

February 2, 2010|Greg Grant



The Army is moving ahead smartly with its XM25 shoulder fired, semi-automatic 25mm grenade launcher with plans to spend $34 million on further development in 2011 and a production start slated for 2012, according to service budget documents. The Army plans to buy at least 12,500 of the weapons beginning in 2012, enough to put one in each infantry squad and special forces team, according to PEO Soldier.

The futuristic looking XM25 fires a “smart” High Explosive Airburst round out to around 600 meters. The smart round is a “counter defilade” round, designed to blast enemy infantry taking cover behind walls, cars, in trenches as well as enemy fighters dumb enough to be standing out in the open. The Army calls the weapon a “leap ahead” technology.

The XM25 uses a laser rangefinder to target the enemy, then the weapon’s micro-computer accounts for air pressure, temperature and the 25mm round’s ballistics, feeds that information to a microchip in the round itself programming it to detonate directly over the target. With a 600 meter effective range, it would provide small teams greatly enhanced lethality well beyond that of rifles and machine guns. The Army claims that tests showed the XM25 with the high-explosive round is 300 percent more lethal than current squad level weapons.

The XM25 could prove enormously useful to troops in Afghanistan battling Taliban insurgents that typically fire from the cover of tree lines and from behind mud walls. This is the first weapon, at least that I have seen, that could provide infantry with a lethal, accurate and effective grenade launcher that exceeds that of the ubiquitous RPGs carried by insurgent groups around the world.

One potential weakness I've noticed is that the XM25 only has a four round magazine. The Army believes the weapon's lethality will come from its pinpoint accuracy rather than rate of fire.

[buglerbilly]

The Army's XM25 Smart Grenade Rifle Take 2

February 12, 2010|Greg Grant



We’ve had a LOT of comments (102 and counting) on our story last week about Army plans to spend $34 million in the coming year to develop its XM25, shoulder fired, semi-automatic 25mm grenade launcher. Lots of folks balked at the price tag, which is understandable, it’s a very expensive weapon. But if it pans out it could really provide some needed firepower to the rifle squad.
A number of critical voices are concerned that the XM25 will replace the venerable M203 under rifle grenade launcher. That’s not the case.

The XM25 is designed specifically for counter-defilade, meaning, it’s intended to blast enemy fighters hiding behind walls, cars, small mounds, or other obstacles. It fires a 25mm high explosive round above the target and then detonates. So it’s a weapon designed with a very specific function in mind. Because of this hyper-specialization, the Army says it will provide one per rifle squad. So it’s meant to augment, not replace, a squad’s current firepower.

In other words, the XM25 is not intended to replace this:



Others have criticized the XM25’s limited magazine which only holds four rounds. Yet, one commenter familiar with the weapon wrote in to say that the 4 round magazine is a compromise between weight and mobility and that the weapon’s accuracy will more than compensate. The squad grenadier will put down accurate killing fire with the 25mm rounds as the rest of the squad uses M-4s and SAWs to suppress.

A shortcoming of the M203, as a number of users have commented, is its inaccuracy. The XM25 would appear to be a vast improvement in that regard. One commenter who has test fired the weapon said the laser sight and smart round is accurate enough to put into windows in a house so that the round detonates inside a room.

Another commenter wrote in to say that the 25mm round actually contains more explosive than the 40mm “blooper” round. I’ll have to do some digging and see if that’s the case.

Watching this footage of firefights from southern Afghanistan put together by former Marine turned combat correspondent Bing West, I could see the XM25 having some real utility reaching out and hitting an enemy that uses walls and tree lines as a base of fire.

[buglerbilly]

XM-25 Heading to Afghanistan With Green Berets

by christian on May 6, 2010



My colleague Greg Grant who edits Defense Tech had a chance to head out to Aberdeen Test Center, Md., to shoot some of the Army’s top weaponry yesterday.

He broke the news that the Army is set to deploy the XM-25 Individual Airburst Weapon to a unit from the Special Forceswho will take it with them to Afghanistan “this summer.” This marks the first real-world use of the Starship Troopers-esque gun that fires a “smart” 25mm round which can explode in a pre-programmed proximity to a target.

There has been a lot of skepticism in the past over wiz-bang systems like this, but while heavy and a bit tech-dependant for its sighting and fire control system (I mean, do you need a WSO for this one?) it’s one of the few really Buck Rogers weapons that garners enthusiasm among the rank and file Joes.

Greg and I examined the excellent research paper written by Maj. Thomas Ehrhart on the “Infantry Half-Kilometer” and one of our takeaways was the infantry platoon’s lack of organic direct fire weaponry that can reach out to the standoff ranges insurgents are attacking from. Greg and I chatted about this story before he posted it to Military.com and he likened the XM-25 to a modernized RPG.

Back when we spoke with Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway, we mentioned this gap and he said that from his perspective the XM-25 has great promise. Seems this is really a weapon Grunts could appreciate.

When the snake eaters put the system through its paces in Afghanistan, we’ll truly see the effectiveness of the weapon and its durability. But in the end, it will surely be useful for Joes – and anyone else in the U.S. military – to have this precision, direct fire weapon that can eliminate threats from 700 meters.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2010/05/xm-25-heading-to-afghanistan-with-green-berets.html#ixzz0nMeB4g3w

[buglerbilly]

More on this and other matters..........

XM25 Lets Soldiers Eliminate Targets They Can't See

(Source: US Army; issued May 7, 2010)


The XM25 Counter-Defilade Target Engagement System, to be fielded initially by special forces, will let soldiers fire or targets that they can’t see. (US Army photo)

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUNDS, Md. --- The Army's Program Executive Office Soldier showcased some of its products May 5 at the Aberdeen Test Center here.

Among those products were the XM153 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, the M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun with M2E2 Quick Change Barrel Kit, the lighter weight M240L Medium Range Machine Gun, and the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System.

Lt. Col. Christopher Lehner, program manager for individual Soldier weapons at PEO Soldier, demonstrated the XM25 airburst weapon. The system launches 25mm programmable rounds which can explode over a target.

If the Soldier "wants to get that round in the window ... what's he's able to do with the high explosive round is he's able to laser designate the building and the round will then fly through the window and explode inside the room," Lehner said.

Aboard the XM25 is a laser rangefinder that can measure the distance to the target and place an adjusted aim point on a targeting screen. The system then allows Soldiers to choose to over-shoot the measured distance so the round will explode inside the building. The targeting computer programs the round to explode at the designated distance. The system allows Soldiers to hit targets they cannot see, because they are hiding behind walls, inside buildings or behind natural obstructions.

Special operations forces will be the first units to use the XM25.

Maj. Sean Murray, assistant product manager for individual weapons, discussed the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun, which can be held individually or mounted under an M4. It allows for the firing of lethal, less-than-lethal or door-breaching rounds.

The rifle's door-breeching capability was demonstrated on a free-standing framed door set up on the test range. With one shot, the lock mechanism was destroyed and the door was easily kicked open.

Murray said the optimal distance for performing a door-breech operation is about three inches. The shotgun has a slider tip at the end that pulls out to the correct distance, so Soldiers don't have to guess.

It's expected the first units will be equipped with the M26 this summer.

The M320 Grenade Launcher attaches to the bottom of an M4 or M16, and can also be configured as a stand-alone weapon. It attaches or detaches from a weapon with no special tools required and includes a side-loading breach for longer 40mm low-velocity projectiles. The system also includes a day/night sight and a handheld laser rangefinder for the grenadier. The system is designed as a replacement for the M203.

"The 203 has been a great workhorse for us, but in the M320, we've got a more reliable, more accurate and safer weapon system," Murray said. The M320 was fielded to units in 2009.

On the M240L 7.62 Medium Range Machine Gun, Murray said the system is one of the best in the world. It's "the most reliable machine gun on the battlefield -- bar none -- nobody else in the world has a machine gun just like this," he said.

The weapon is about five pounds less than the 240B, which the Army has fielded for 20 years now. But the M240L has "no decrease in reliability or maintainability," Murray said.

The M240L has a titanium receiver, instead of steel, and also sits on the M192 Lightweight Ground Mount -- a new tripod that weighs seven pounds less than the previous tripod for the weapon.

"As part of our initiative we're trying to get the Soldier's load lightened up and in this case we've shaved off 12 or 13 pounds from the original configuration," he said.

Aboard the CROWS -- a remotely controlled weapons system that mounts above a vehicle -- is the addition of a "green laser" that can temporarily blind targets, said Maj. Michael Pottratz, assistant product manager for crew-served weapons.

"It's a non-lethal hailing device, that crosses cultural and language barriers on the battle field, enabling Soldiers to stop or halt or warn civilian on the battlefield," he said. The system can be used at checkpoints to warn civilians to stop, for instance. "It temporarily disrupts the individual's vision and safely warns them."

Having the light shined into your eyes is "like looking at the sun for just a couple of seconds," said Pottratz, who has been exposed to the light before.

Pottratz also explained improvements to the M2 Machine Gun -- the original design has been used by the Army since 1933. Additions to the weapon include the M2E2 Quick Change Barrel Kit which allows Soldiers to remove a hot barrel quickly and not have to readjust and set headspace and timing. A demonstration showed that when fitted with the kit, the barrel on the M2 could be changed in a little over 18 seconds.

"During the heat of battle, the difference between these weapons systems is night and day," Pottratz said.

Thermal weapons sights, including the AN/PAS-13(V)1 Light Weapon Thermal Sight, the AN/PAS-13(V)2 Medium Weapon Thermal Sight, and the AN/PAS-13(V)3 Heavy Weapon Thermal Sight were also displayed. The sights serve weapons from the M-16 rifle to the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and the M2 HB machine gun.

Matthew Hunter, an operation specialist with PEO Soldier Sensors and Lasers, talked about the capabilities of the sights, saying they provide targeting indicators for Soldiers and visual aids to help identify the distance of objects through the sight -- for instance, lines indicate how tall a five-foot man would appear or how large a ten-foot tank would be through the sight.

The sights also display information about the weapon they are attached to, and indicate remaining battery life. Hunter said the sights fit a variety of Army weapons and employ interchangeable reticules so users can move between weapons systems.

While Soldiers can see targeting lasers and aiming lights with the naked eye, the thermal sights cannot. However, those targeting aids are visible with the ENVG Enhanced Night Vision Goggle, which fuses both infrared and thermal images.

Sgt. 1st Class Lang Gureckis, who has served 26 months in Iraq and 9 months in Afghanistan, said devices like the ENVG add greatly to mission capability.

"In Afghanistan it made a big difference," he said. "You can sit there on a mountain top ... and actually, if you can see a heat source a kilometer or a kilometer and a half away ... you can scan, as opposed to looking with night vision where you are only going to see somebody when they are like 200-300 meters away from you. It makes life a whole lot easier. We use the lightweight thermal weapons sights to the same effect. You can see far distances with them and actually tell what you're looking at, whether it is a guy with an AK-47 or a guy with a blanket around his shoulders."

There are plans to enhance the ENVG with improved image processing capability and also to include the ability to import and export digital information, such as data files and maps.

The ENVGs are currently fielded to units in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Soldiers’ Perspective: The M320 Grenade Launcher

by christian on May 28, 2010



In the damned if you do, damned if you don’t category, the Army’s new M320 grenade launcher is facing stiff criticism over one of the principle advantages of the system requested by Soldiers and touted by the Army.

There were lots of M320s among Joes in the 3rd BCT of the 101st Airborne — in fact I don’t remember seeing a single M203 among them. But just about everyone I asked about the new H&K-made M320 was that they miss the 203. I got the sense that this was mostly a reaction against changing from a tried and true system to one with a couple more whistles and bells than the simple, streamlined M203.

Soldiers complained about the pistol grip handle catching on things, the forward grip and the sighting system. Even the side loading mechanism didn’t impress — though the Army touts that capability as a plus since it allows the M320 to take longer, more high-tech rounds.

But it’s the last criticism that really surprised me, and actually put me in the position of pushing back to give the Joes some perspective about what they were actually saying.

I’m sure many readers remember the rumblings back in the depth of IOF over bringing back the M79 grenade launcher. Joes and Marines both were saying that additional firepower slung over the shoulder would give the kind of accuracy in a pinch the M203 couldn’t.

In fact, I remember seeing a Marine in Ramadi with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines with an M79 slung over his shoulder at the “Gov Center” combat outpost — he was the envy of everyone.

But now, Joes complain that they don’t like carrying the M320 as a stand alone grenade launcher, saying “I don’t like having that thing swinging around and getting in my way.” Maybe that’s a function of how it’s carried rather than an indictment on the weapon itself. But still, I find it ironic that after asking for a stand alone grenade launcher and the Army’s finally delivering, the service is getting critiqued over this added capability.

The one problem I saw about the weapon — and I noted this a few years ago when I did some shooting with various Army weapon systems back at Aberdeen — is that the collapsible stock on the M320 is pretty short, forcing you to scrunch up on the weapon to get a stable grip.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2010/05/soldiers-perspective-the-m320-grenade-launcher.html#comments#ixzz0pEkK0HTB

[buglerbilly]

The South Korean new assault rifle K11 combination grenade launcher si now entering in service.

The South Korean K11 combination 20 mm grenade launcher and 5.56 mm carbine is now entering service and is expected to be deployed in Afghanistan when South Korean troops re-enter theatre in 2011.



Design
K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon consists of three major units, linked into one weapon. Those are 20mm multi-shot grenade launcher (which serves as a bone to the system), the 5.56mm automatic rifle with firing controls, and an electronic fire control unit. The grenade launcher is a manually operated, bolt action weapon that is fed from detachable box magazines. It is built in bullpup layout, with aluminum alloy receiver and titanium alloy barrel. The trigger system of the grenade launcher is mechanically linked to the trigger / selector / safety unit of the integral rifle component. The rifle component is more or less conventional, gas operated, rotary bolt selective-fire weapon which uses M16-type magazines. Its layout is more or less similar to US-made M16 or Korean-made K2 rifles. The trigger unit is a common part between grenade launcher and rifle components, with single safety / fire selector lever providing fire from grenade launcher (single shots) or rifle (single shots or 3-round bursts).

Ammunition
At the present time, two types of 20mm ammunition are specified for K11 grenade launcher - the K167 HE air-burst grenade and K168 TP target practice grenade. Rifle component can use any NATO-standard 5.56mm ammunition. Aside from being able to fire 20 to 30 rounds of standard 5.56 mm NATO munitions depending on the size of the magazine provided, there is a 20 mm air-burst grenade launcher that can hold six grenade rounds to be used to take out multiple targets.

Production and usage
The K11 shows more than passing similarity to the ill-fated American XM-29 OICW weapon, but it appears that K11 has better chances to see the service - it is believed that first unit of South Korean army could receive the K11 weapons in 2010. The weapon is to be given to two in each squad, but it will not replace grenadiers who are currently issued with K2 rifles with underslung K201 grenade launcher. On the other hand, every Special Warfare Command who are deployed to overseas will equip the weapon. This is not surprising, considering the fact that Republic of Korea is among world's leading countries in the field of design and production of advanced micro-electronics, and also has an established defense industry and strong motivation for constant upgrade of military equipment.

As of now, the K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon is proposed for infantry squad support role, multiplying soldiers capabilities to engage enemy personnel in defilade and soft-skinned vehicles and equipment, using 20mm air-burst grenades with pre-programmed fuse and 5.56mm ammunition for short- to medium range direct fire.

Accessories
The K11 Advanced Individual Weapon System is equipped with an electronic fire control unit, which includes laser rangefinder, environmental sensors, ballistic computer, and day (optical) and night (IR) sighting channels. The ballistic computer output is fed to the electronic aiming reticle (providing visible point of aim pre-set for proper range) and to the fuse-programming unit in the grenade launcher, which sets the 20mm grenade to explode at specified range, above or to the side of the target, to provide maximum kill effect from explosive fragmenting warhead.

[McDethWivFries]

Aliens eat your heart out!

[buglerbilly]

Aliens eat your heart out!

Is that a Technical comment or a subjective remark................:rofl

[Gubler, A.]

Those Aliens M41A "Pulse Rifles" were actually .45 Thompson SMGs with an underslung 12 guage shot gun. But this Korean thing looks the stuff until you notice that reloading bolt at the rear. The 20mm is NOT semi auto unlike the OICW so the grenadier won't be able to shoot adjust fire for high accuracy.

[McDethWivFries]

Is that a Technical comment or a subjective remark................:rofl

definitely not technical since the Pulse Rifle (thx Abe, forgot what it was called) had the 'grenade launcher' underneight with the mg on top. Always thought it was rather cool how they could fit 99 rounds into one of those small mags, then again if it was a thompson i can see how they'd fit 99 .45 'caseless' rounds into it (o:

[Gubler, A.]

Always thought it was rather cool how they could fit 99 rounds into one of those small mags, then again if it was a thompson i can see how they'd fit 99 .45 'caseless' rounds into it (o:

I thought it was meant to be an EML: electro magnetic launcher or Guass Rifle in which case the bullets are just the flechettes with no need for powder, cases, etc. But "99" rounds? A bit more coincidence with the highest number of a two digit LED...

[McDethWivFries]

But "99" rounds? A bit more coincidence with the highest number of a two digit LED...

quite (o:

Re the caseless ammo, i always wondered how they got the nice muzzel flash and mg sound if there was no powder to fire off, unless thats where MS got their idea from...

[Gubler, A.]

Re the caseless ammo, i always wondered how they got the nice muzzel flash and mg sound if there was no powder to fire off, unless thats where MS got their idea from...

I think an EML produces some flash and bang, but obviously not the same as the exploding energetics in SAA. Of course being Hollywood they even have flash and bang for energy weapons like the Star Wars 'blasters'. Its all psuedo science so pretty hard to explain rationally.

As to Metal Storm there were quite a few multi bullet - single case - single barrel weapons. O'Dwyer just took it a step further to multi bullet - multi case(less) - single barrel. Or perhaps a step too far?

[buglerbilly]

ST Kinetics Awarded 40mm HEDP-SD Supply Contract by the Finnish Army


40mm HV family.

08:25 GMT, June 15, 2010 Paris | ST Kinetics, the land systems arm of ST Engineering, has been awarded a contract by the Finnish Army for the supply of 40mm High Velocity, High-Explosive Dual Purpose - Self Destruct (HV HEDP-SD) ammunition. This is a repeat order from the Finnish Army, a customer ST Kinetics has been supplying to since 2000.

The 40mm HV HEDP-SD round is designed to NATO STANAG 4403 for use in 40mm automatic grenade launchers. The ST Kinetics-patented mechanical self-destruct fuze is highly reliable and conforms to the MIL-STD-331 standard for fuze safety, reliability and performance. The HV HEDP-SD rounds can significantly reduce incidence of duds, especially in snow, swamp and sandy terrains.

"We are pleased to secure another contract from the Finnish Army, one of our key 40mm customers in Europe. This is a strong endorsement of the superior features of our HEDP-SD rounds, making it a clear leader in high velocity self destruct munitions." -- SEW Chee Jhuen, President, ST Kinetics

ST Kinetics is a leading provider of Total 40mm Solutions, offering a comprehensive range of 40mm grenade launcher weapon systems, and a family of high velocity and low velocity 40mm ammunition that include high explosive, enhanced blast, self-destruct, air bursting, surveillance, insensitive and less-than-lethal rounds. Our key customers in Europe include the Armed Forces in UK, Sweden, Spain and Slovenia. ST Kinetics is committed to maintaining its 40mm market leadership through product innovation and ammunition reliability.

The full range of ST Kinetics’ Total 40mm Solutions are on display at Eurosatory 2010 (Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre) from 14 to 18 June 2010, Hall 6 Stand M320.

[buglerbilly]

Video of Metal Storm 3GL attached to M16.............a curiosity or will it ever get a REAL contract?

[buglerbilly]

NOT your usual Grenade Launcher, but this one is a grenade, a pair of grenades, you launch on an electric UAV that has inflatable wings.............all in a small package that can be hand-carried to the battlefield............

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

The Grenade Goes High-Tech

Posted by Graham Warwick at 7/23/2010 2:51 PM CDT

Unmanned technology is getting into everything, even the lowly grenade. Missile house MBDA's US arm has unveiled TIGER - Tactical Grenade Enhanced Range - which is basically a 1lb warhead with inflatable wing, electric propeller, autopilot and camera attached.


Concept: MBDA

TIGER is MBDA's candidate for the US Army's Lethal Miniature Aerial Munition System program. It is designed to enable small units to counter snipers, destroy IEDs and attack targets that are beyond small-arms range or obscured by buildings,

Hand-launched, the weapon will fly for up to 2 miles, following pre-programmed waypoints and sending back video from a nose-mounted camera to a laptop ground station, which the operator can use to adjust the impact point.

[Ecky]

Not sure if this is the right thread - but, Metal Storm has a client!!! :faint

Source: asdnews (http://www.asdnews.com/news/29570/Metal_Storm_Awarded_Volume_Weapons_Production_Cont ract.htm)


Metal Storm Awarded Volume Weapons Production Contract
Published on ASDNews: Aug 3, 2010

(Brisbane, Australia, August 3, 2010) -- Defence technology specialist Metal Storm announces it has been awarded a major production contract to supply 500 MAUL(tm) weapons and 50,000 rounds of non-lethal ammunition.

The contract, valued at US$3,365,000, has been placed by the Correctional Service of Papua New Guinea and was signed by the Minister of Correctional Service, the Honourable Tony Aimo MP and the Acting Correctional Service Commissioner Mr Henry Wavik. MAUL(tm) weapons will be deployed to Correctional Service Officers in charge of security at prison facilities throughout the country, providing non-lethal response capabilities that can be lifted to immediate lethal response if necessary.

The Minister, the Honourable Tony Aimo MP said that PNG Correctional Service sees the capacity of MAUL(tm) to deliver a rapid and escalating response as exactly what is necessary for security in PNG prisons.

"PNG is delighted to be able to source weapons at the leading edge of shotgun technology and we hope in due course to have about 1500 of these weapons in service", the Minister said. He expects ratification of the urgent purchase through the usual government protocols shortly, and the first 50 weapons to be delivered by February 2011.

Metal Storm CEO, Dr Lee Finniear, said the production contract was a watershed for the Company after many years of research, development and testing.

"This order for a significant number of weapons and substantial quantities of ammunition is an important milestone in the Company's commercial development" said Dr Finniear. "We see this application for MAUL(tm) as absolutely what it was designed to deliver, being a lightweight, semi-automatic non-lethal weapon that can be rapidly scaled to lethal force if necessary".

"MAUL(tm) also has the advantage for PNG that if weapons fall into unauthorised hands they cannot be used with conventional ammunition purchased illegally. This supports Government initiatives to stem the flow of illegal weapons in PNG ".

"This initial order for 500 MAUL(tm) weapons, is for a single organisation within Papua New Guinea. Looking at the number of similar organisations worldwide, it clearly indicates that the global market potential for MAUL(tm) is very large", he said.

Metal Storm Chairman Mr Terry O'Dwyer said that the production contract came at an ideal time for the Company.

"International interest in our weapon systems is building rapidly" he said, "as our marketing continues, the Company expects to identify opportunities of a similar or larger size over the coming months."

[Milne Bay]

Hmm...
Hasn't affected the share-price yet.

[buglerbilly]

General Dynamics Awarded $25 Million by U.S. Army to Produce MK47 Weapon Systems

(Source: General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products; issued October 1, 2010)



CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has been awarded a $24.9 million contract by the U.S. Army to produce MK47 advanced lightweight grenade launcher (ALGL) systems.

The contract supports a foreign military sale and is a firm fixed price award for 130 MK47 systems that each include the lightweight video sight systems, spare parts and technical support.

I wonder who's procured this? Israel?The American SpecFor are the only people I know using them?

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in January 2012 and be completed by August 2012. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics.

The TACOM Contracting Center (TCC) in Rock Island, Ill., awarded the contract in July. Program management will be conducted in Burlington, Vt., with production occurring at General Dynamics' Saco, Maine, facility. Work will be completed by the company's existing workforce.

"The MK47 is a reliable, portable 40mm grenade weapon system suited for mobile, tactical combat infantry units, particularly against soft and lightly-armored targets," said Mike O'Brien, vice president and general manager of gun systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. "The MK47 has been demonstrated in combat to be a one-shot, one-kill weapon system."

The MK47, also known as the Striker(40), is an ALGL capable of firing air bursting munitions. General Dynamics is partnered with Raytheon to build the lightweight video system fire control, which assists in the detection, recognition and first-round engagement of target threats.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, located in Charlotte, N.C., provide a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance weapon and armament systems, defensive armor, countermeasure systems and aerospace composite solutions, as well as off-road axle and suspension systems. It is also a leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical detection systems.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,000 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

BREAKING NEWS: Screaming Eagles to Get Airburst Gun

by christian on October 14, 2010



I’ll tease Kit Up! readers with a breaking news story we’ll feature in full on the front page of Military.com tomorrow morning.

Army officials approved Friday the fielding of about 40 of the Star Ship Troopers-esque XM-25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement Weapon System for a line infantry battalion in the 101st Airborne division serving in Afghanistan.................

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz12NmZA2Ft

[ADMk2]

General Dynamics Awarded $25 Million by U.S. Army to Produce MK47 Weapon Systems

(Source: General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products; issued October 1, 2010)



CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has been awarded a $24.9 million contract by the U.S. Army to produce MK47 advanced lightweight grenade launcher (ALGL) systems.

The contract supports a foreign military sale and is a firm fixed price award for 130 MK47 systems that each include the lightweight video sight systems, spare parts and technical support.

[B][I]I wonder who's procured this? Israel?The American SpecFor are the only people I know using them? [/]

The GD Mk47 was one of 2x AGL's shortlisted for our interminable LAND 40 Phase 2. Maybe someone has finally pulled their finger out and made a friggin decision on this???

[buglerbilly]

The GD Mk47 was one of 2x AGL's shortlisted for our interminable LAND 40 Phase 2. Maybe someone has finally pulled their finger out and made a friggin decision on this???

Funny you should mention this, I was just wondering myself as I re-read the post whilst posting the latest on the XM-25....................

[ADMk2]

Nope you were correct the first time. It's Israel...

http://contracting.tacom.army.mil/CFDATA/AWARDS/AWARD_RPT01.cfm

You just have to scroll down the contractor list until you find General Dynamics Armaments and hit search. Brings up a PDF with an enormous amount of data about this purchase, including a breakdown of weapons types etc. Surprising really, how much data is there. I can't copy the PDF and attach it to this post, because I'm restricted to Ipad usage at present...

The contract is the one dated 30/07/2010...

[buglerbilly]

Details are: -

130 x Mk 47 AGL
90 X Air Burst Barrels
10 x Backpack sets
10 x video sights
10 x Simulators

[buglerbilly]

This is an edited copy of the Soldier Systems announcement..............

Breaking News – Army Deploying XM25 To Afghanistan

October 14th, 2010

According to COL Tamilio, Program Manager for Soldier Weapons, last Friday the Army received an Operational Need Statement from the 101st Airborne Division currently serving in Afghanistan for a Battalion’s worth of XM25s (36). In November, the Army will initially field five developmental versions of the XM25 to be accompanied by a New Equipment Training Team as well as ample ammunition. The Army is ordering an additional 36 weapons from the manufacturer. When they are delivered they will replace the initial 5 systems with the 36 new XM25s at a date to be determined.

Updated: This limited fielding is not intended to replace the M4 or any other organic Infantry weapons for that matter, used in Afghanistan. In fact, so long as the technology works as advertised, this is a great opportunity for the Army to consider how to best integrate this revolutionary weapon into the force...................

[Gubler, A.]

Funny you should mention this, I was just wondering myself as I re-read the post whilst posting the latest on the XM-25....................

The word on the street is that the Point Trading "Red Back" version of the H&K GMG has won LAND 40-2 and is just going through offer definition before an order.

[ADMk2]

The word on the street is that the Point Trading "Red Back" version of the H&K GMG has won LAND 40-2 and is just going through offer definition before an order.


I wonder how long Israel has spent on deciding to acquire The Mk 47? I'm guessing we have them 'beat' quite comfortably in this regard...

They will be getting their first deliveries in January 2011 and completing same in August 2011. I'm wondering if we will have even signed a contract by then...

[buglerbilly]

Oh no the Canadians are getting theirs before ours.............:razz

Canadian DND to Acquire C16 Automatic Grenade Launcher Systems Worth $95 Million


The C16 features ground mount capability with cradle and tripod.

06:58 GMT, October 15, 2010

One assumes this is the H&K AGL with a lot of extra shit on it.........looks like it?

Ottawa, Ontario | The Government of Canada has awarded a contract valued at $95 million to Rheinmetall Canada Inc., of Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Québec, for the acquisition of 304 C16 Automatic Grenade Launcher Systems under the Close Area Suppression Weapon (CASW) project.

The C16 Automatic Grenade Launcher System is a modern high-velocity 40 mm weapon system which has multiple interrelated components that include a "grenade machine gun" and an advanced Fire Control System (FCS).

The FCS, which has direct and indirect firing capability, is also equipped with full GPS and a laser range finder.

The C16 system also includes a ground mount group (cradle and tripod), a thermal weapon sight, and multi-purpose and airburst ammunition.

The contract also includes the provision of ancillary equipment, logistics containers, tactical containers, project management, system engineering, spare parts, interim support, and training.

The first systems will be delivered to train the trainers in February 2011. The Infantry School and the Canadian Forces School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering will receive systems in April 2011, and units will begin receiving systems in May 2011.

----
Article courtesy of ADM(PA) (Mat) / Canadina Army

[Deks]

I wonder how long Israel has spent on deciding to acquire The Mk 47?

Pfft, it doesn't count if they don't actually pay for them.

[buglerbilly]

Maneuver Battle Lab evaluates modified rear sight for MK19

Oct 12, 2010

By Vince Little, The Bayonet

Story Highlights

• Experiment held Sept. 30 to Oct. 7
• New design could lower manufacturing, maintenance costs
• Faster engagement times a possibility

Photo credit Vince Little/The Bayonet


Staff Sgt. Micheal Mitchell, left, fires the MK19 40mm grenade machine gun Monday from the top of a Humvee at Ruth Range. At right is his spotter, Pfc. David Behrend. The two were among 10 Soldiers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, who took part in the Maneuver Battle Lab's weeklong experiment on a modified rear sight for the weapon, which also is pictured. Officials said the new design could lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.

FORT BENNING, Ga. (Oct. 12, 2010) -- The Maneuver Battle Lab just wrapped up a weeklong evaluation of a modified rear sight for the MK19 40mm grenade machine gun, comparing its effectiveness to the current version from mounted and dismounted platforms.

Ten Soldiers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment fired the weapon using both sights at Ruth Range and then took it to Buckner Range for vehicle exercises aimed at testing the new sight's durability. The experiment began Sept. 30 and ended Thursday..................

Read here: http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/10/12/46458-maneuver-battle-lab-evaluates-modified-rear-sight-for-mk19/

[ADMk2]

Pfft, it doesn't count if they don't actually pay for them.


Ah, but they ARE paying for them, also that money could be used on anything from JSF's to JDAM's to diesel fuel. The Mk 47 isn't the only AGL available on the American market either...

The point being, we've spent years trying to decide on a 40mm AGL and still haven't officially. The decision making time is ridiculous... It's hardly a decision on the scale of the JSF...

[buglerbilly]

Exactly! There are limited choices and it doesn't take Einstein nor 10 years to work out which is better for our needs.

[Gubler, A.]

But a decision has been made. Buy the big GL with the gucci sight set up. Just it needs some more development before its field service ready. Just because Defence hasn't released a press release explaining it all doesn't mean things aren't happening... This is a pit fall many analysts fall into: mistaking lack of public explanation for lack of activity. Such was the case with all the hoolapalo over the Super Hornet.

[buglerbilly]

BUT there still isn't a contract in place, so despite the fact there is development underway to refine the AGL for Australian use/acceptability there is no production underway. I've no doubt that H&K can provide GL's from stock/near-term production but as more orders come in on top of the Canadian one and UK top-ups then the delivery time frame will stretch out.

The Gucci sight set up should have been secondary to the delivery of guns, and the guns can be used sans "super" sights...............

[ADMk2]

I'm pretty sure the Mk 19's already being used overseas didn't come with the gucci sighting kit, seems they have been put to good use already, though whether there are enough available for non-SF units is probably debatable...

It just seems to me that we spend an inordinate amount of time in development for minute weapons orders. The SPG is a perfect example. We're ordering what, 18x platforms at best? All this development work gives us what? A moderate increase in protection and fire control, over the platform the companies originally tendered? Great. It also gives us an orphan platform, that no-one else in the world sees a need for, a program delay of years and significantly greater cost...

If we MUST have AFADTS why didn't we just pick M109A6 15 years ago when it was offered to us and let the Americans fund the integration for us? All to get a 52 calibre barrel?

Why is that suddenly so important? Is a few extra k's range going to make a huge difference, especially for only 2x operational batteries? A 39 cal barrel is considered good enough for the majority of our future artillery capability apparently...

[Gubler, A.]

The requirement for AGLs has been downgraded somewhat in priority compared to the 84. AGLs will now just be in the DFSW pltn not the inf pltns. As you should know I'm a fierce critic of the procurement practises of the DoD but this is what is happening. They want the Red Back and it needs some development time to be ready for service and that is what is happening. Of course we should have got Mk 47s off the shelf years ago but wouldn't have kept 30,000 DoD/DMO APS and ADF pseudo APS in work now would it.

[Gubler, A.]

If we MUST have AFADTS why didn't we just pick M109A6 15 years ago when it was offered to us and let the Americans fund the integration for us? All to get a 52 calibre barrel?

What integration? It’s already integrated! It was built integrated! Plus of course for the cost of 18 AS-9s you could buy 48 M109A6s and another 12 M777A2s via FMS so each fires battery could have 12 of each and be fully role configurable for SP or airportable depending on need. Nothing new in that to the RRAA.

[buglerbilly]

Austria receives first batch of Madritsch underslung grenade launchers

The Austrian Army is installing Madritsch AG77 A1 40 mm grenade launchers on its Steyr AUG rifles

26 October 2010

AG77 A1 40mm Grenade Launcher



In response to a direct request from the Austrian Army, Madritsch has developed the AG77 A1 40mm Grenade Launcher specifically for use as an underslung launcher for the Steyr AUG rifle. The AG77 A1 is now fully qualified for this purpose.

The AG77 A1 is a versatile, easy to use grenade launcher, fitted with a quick release mount which allows it to be mounted under a rifle, or used with the dedicated launcher. Being a side-opening launcher, the AG77 A1 will accept all types of 40mm low velocity ammunition.

Manufactured from the highest quality steel, aluminium and synthetic materials, the AG77 A1 is designed to withstand the harshest conditions. These materials also make it the lightest rifle grenade launcher available – a very important factor in today’s increasingly complex environment.

[buglerbilly]

From Soldier Systems...........NOT sure if this has any Military possibilities, especially with the 6-round revolver-style GL's around, but it should be significantly lighter..........?

Deuce Launcher from Sage Ordnance

December 17th, 2010



Sage Ordnance Systems Group will exhibit versions of their Deuce Launcher at SHOT Show 2011. Obviously, the biggest improvement that the Deuce offers is an over/under design with two rounds at the ready for that quick follow up shot.

The Standard Deuce package includes the launcher with barrel/caliber selection, barrel duo-block with an integral Picatinny Rail section, two barrel mounted Picatinny Rails, cleaning brush and operator’s manual. They will also have the Deuce Revolution on hand. Standard features are the same as Standard Deuce, but Sage has added a forward grip mount, sight rail, MagPul stock, sling and Pelican Case. Also included are their revolutionary new rear sight module, 20/40 sight module and 60/80 sight module. This sight set-up gives the Grenadier the ability to accurately launch munitions at four different distances most often encountered in less-lethal confrontations, without having to re-zero sights. The sight rail will also provide space to mount optics such as Aimpoints or EOTechs.

The Deuce Over/Under Launcher System is available in three caliber variants including 37mm Sage, 40mm x 46 NATO and 37mm smooth bore. Furthermore, the Deuce uses a five position adjustable length of pull-standard M4 style stock. Additionally, a side folding stock is available as an optional extra (either folding to the left or the right).

To sum up the Deuce … Two Shots! One Launcher!

To schedule a demo contact Sage Ordnance.

mailto:%20sales@sageinternationalltd.com

[buglerbilly]

Sage Deuce Grenade Launcher

I first blogged about the 40mm Deuce grenade launcher late last year. I was able to handle it at Sage's SHOT boot and was quite impressed with it. The weight and height is not much more than a single barrel launcher and the width is, of course, the same. According to the company, on average a solider need 1.4 grenades to achieve an objective1 (be that taking out a target, blasting down a wall, etc.), this means that, on average, a reload is needed with a single shot like the M320 or M203. The downside of the system is that is is too bulky to mount under a M4.


Photo by and © Bryan Jones

[buglerbilly]

Another one from SAGE, shouldn't be too hard to go to 40mm with this basic design..............From SHOT Show 2011 via the Firearm Blog

Sage Prototype Semi-Automatic 37mm Grenade Launcher

Sage have developed a very cool 37mm semi-auto magazine-fed grenade launcher (although 37mm rounds are only manufactured with less-lethal payloads). It is surprisingly compact. This is in part because it ejects upwards and has a rebated rim (the rim is much smaller than the cartridge diameter).


Bryan Jones grinning at a joke told by a Sage employee (off camera)


Photo by and © Bryan Jones

[buglerbilly]

Army Produces New IR Illum Rounds

by christian on January 28, 2011



Back in 2002, the Army’s ammo development office introduced the first infrared illuminating rounds for the service’s various mortar calibers.

But now, Soldiers have the power to light up the night without, well, “light” from the tubes of their 40mm grenade launchers.

Also approved for full materiel release in October, this cartridge provides an illumination/signaling capability via an infrared candle – a first of its kind for the M203 and M320 40mm grenade launchers. The round can also be fired from the legacy M79 40mm grenade launcher.


“The M992 provides a capability not previously available to the Soldier that takes advantage of U.S. Armed Forces technology to improve night-time operation success,” said Gregory Bubniak, Project Officer for 40mm Ammunition, Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM-MAS). “It enhances night operation capabilities of troops equipped with night vision equipment, while producing minimal visual signature outside of the infrared spectrum. This will allow users to access the approximately 90,000 cartridges available in inventory.”

The Army plans to purchase 22,000 IR 40mm rounds this year.

Picatinny also announced the release of new 105 and 155mm IR illum rounds for use in the field. The 155 round in particular produces more than two minutes of IR illum with a diameter twice the amount of the visible light projectile.

The Army plans to finish buying 7,000 so-called “M1066″ rounds in this FY and procure 4,000 rounds each year thereafter. The Marine Corps is also getting into the game with a buy of 8,000 rounds in FY ’11 and 4K thereafter.

I’ve never seen this capability in the field, nor have I ever heard of it before. All I’ve ever had any experience with is visible light illum rounds. Kit Up! would love to hear whether anyone can give us the straight gouge on how well these work and how they’ve changed tactics in the field.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1CNhLqf7c

[buglerbilly]

XM-25 Dubbed ‘The Punisher’

by christian on February 2, 2011



We’re teasing a story here that will run as the lead item on Military.com tomorrow on the latest from the field concerning the XM-25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System.

Apparently, Joes like it so much they’ve started calling it “The Punisher,” since when the bad guys try to shoot at Soldiers, they get punished for their transgression. Units in Afghanistan have been clamoring to get their hands on the weapon, PEO officials say, and so far two unnamed units have been testing the “game changing weapon” and a third will get it if the Army can gin up the dough to buy more of the 25mm airbursting rounds (which apparently cost $1,000 each since at this point they’re all hand made).

“I had one lieutenant tell me that normally these engagements take us 15 or 20 minutes to get through, [but it’s] several minutes when the XM-25 is involved. It’s that quick,” said the Army’s top weapons buyer, Col. Doug Tamilio. “One major told me every time the XM-25 was involved in engaging enemy positions, firing stopped immediately.”

But no matter how effective the weapon is, the Army only has five of them in the field and basically is pleading for more money to buy 36 more and field them to Afghanistan as soon as they can (Tamilio said it would take a year from inking the contract to getting them in the squads).

PEO Soldier CO Brig. Gen. Pete Fuller compared the XM-25 to other high-priced, high-profile Army weapons programs, saying it’s hard to convince the powers that be to fund a “Punisher” over a new vehicle with high-profile primes.

Don’t cut the XM-25 and say ‘oh, well, I think a [Ground Combat Vehicle] is more important than an XM-25.’ Hey, be very careful about that…

Aahhh, let the games begin…

Be sure to read the entire story tomorrow on the front page of Military.com.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1CqQJSm4X

[buglerbilly]

More on the XM25 Deployment to Afghanistan..........via Soldier Systems

February 3rd, 2011

According to information released by COL Douglas Tamilio, PM Soldier Weapons, the XM25 deployment we wrote about last fall has been going very well. Despite the fact that the Army was only able to deploy five developmental systems to theater, the XM25 has been referred to as a “game changer”. In fact, BG Peter Fuller revealed to a group of journalists attending PEO Soldier’s media round table that while the Army still hadn’t come up with a name for the XM25, Soldiers certainly had. Dubbed the “Punisher” by troops, the XM25 is said to end engagements with enemy combatants in a matter of minutes. Soldiers fire the 25mm airburst munitions on enemy emplacements and return fire disappears.

The XM25 utilizes specialized 25mm airburst munitions that receive range to target information from the weapons sighting system. The weapon programs the grenade prior to launch and it detonates once it reaches the target. This allows the shooter to detonate the grenade above dug in adversaries or behind other forms of cover.

The only problem so far with the weapon is that there aren’t enough of them to go around. The Army is currently seeking funds for an additional 36 weapons but even once funding is secured, it will be at least a year before they are ready. As the program is still in Milestone B meaning it remains in development, no weapons or ammunition has been produced by the contractor in three years and there are no spares. Given a go ahead to produce more of both would require subcontractors to begin the work of hand building additional weapons and ammunition. At this point, production as we commonly perceive it does not yet exist for the XM25. Ammunition currently costs about $1000 per round for the hand crafted versions but COL Tamilio expects production versions to go for $35. If the program remains on its current schedule, the XM25 should reach Milestone C which is a production decision in FY2013.

When asked about future enhancements to the system, COL Tamilio responded that Soldiers are asking for increased range beyond the 500M for point and 700m for area targets to around 1000m. He felt that this was fully achievable but that everything is a balancing act and in order to increase range the warhead would have to be reworked. Additionally, such changes meant that new certifications would have to be completed which can take more than six months to accomplish. As far as weight is concerned, most Soldiers who have employed the weapon were not concerned with the current 12.5 lbs due to its effectiveness. And, most of these troops were carrying additional weapons for self protection. Finally, there is interest in developing a longer lasting battery since the current rechargeable is difficult to support in the field.

COL Tamilio also revealed that the idea to deploy the weapon to Afghanistan actually originated in his office and that a rudimentary plan had already been formulated before the Operational Needs Statement was received from OEF forces. This allowed them to rapidly support the ONS which was received 8 October, 2010 with a fielding 30 days later.

The systems were accompanied initially by training personnel but as they were used in combat by various small units in differing terrain they were always accompanied by a senior NCO from the Maneuver Center of Excellence as well as a Major from PM Soldier Weapons. During this period, 100s of rounds were expended in contact with the enemy. The Army Test and Evaluation Command is current writing a report on the XM25′s deployment which was formally referred to as a Forward Area Operational Assessment.

Based on information in the FOAA report, the Army will have a better idea of how the program should proceed. Additionally, the information may be used to validate operational employment concepts for the system. In the meantime, one thing remains certain. The Army has no plans to replace the newly fielded M320 40mm grenade launcher with the XM25. It will be purely a supplemental capability.

Bottom line to the new Congress…Free up some cash for the XM25 so we can keep this thing on track.

[buglerbilly]

Inside the XM-25 After Action Reports from Afghanistan

by christian on February 4, 2011



Kit Up! obtained information late Thursday regarding the true numbers behind what the Army is calling a “game changing” weapon that leaves the enemy “no place to hide.”

We ran a story on Military.com the next day that reflected the Army’s enthusiasm for what Soldiers are calling “The Punisher” and illustrating how the counter-defilade gun can stop firefights in their tracks.

Kit Up! learned, however, that while the XM-25 is impressive, the weapon had been fired a few more than 50 times in less than 10 engagements and had chalked up only two suspected kills.

After getting the brush off from PEO Soldier Weapons initially, they later set up an interview for us to talk to Col. Tamilio (PEO Soldier Weapons), LtCol. Lehner (XM-25 PM), Maj. Christopher Conley (XM-25 field evaluator) and Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Smith (XM-25 field evaluator) to “tell the American people” whats really going on with the weapon.

So, here’s the straight dope (and this is verified by another source not connected with PEO Soldier — and NOTE: I do know at least one of the units who has used the XM-25 in Afghanistan, but I agreed not to reveal the information for OPSEC reasons).

The XM-25 has fired 55 rounds in nine firefights between Dec. 3 and January 12, when the formal Forward Operational Assessment ended. Officials say the weapon “disrupted” two insurgent attacks against an observation post, destroying one PKM machine gun position in one of those attacks. That is where the ”usually our engagements last for 15-20 minutes. With the XM-25 they’re over in a few minutes” line came from.

The XM-25 also “destroyed” four ambush sites during engagements on foot patrols or movements to contact. In one instance, the 25mm HE round exploded on a PKM gunner and he was either wounded and fled or scared and fled, but dropped his machine gun, which Soldiers later recovered.

Two units within the 101st Airborne have used the XM-25 since November. The first unit fired 28 rounds in four TICs, the second unit fired 27 rounds in five TICs.

Keep in mind, however, these numbers reflect the AAR from the formal forward operational assessment. Both Lehner and Conley are heading back over to The Stan in a couple weeks to get more data since the weapon is still being used as we write this.

Contrary to what we’d heard on Thursday, both Conley and Smith said Soldiers usually carried the XM-25 as their primary weapon when on patrol with no personal weapon at all. Typically on patrol, the XM-25 gunner is used for overwatch, so he’s not kicking in a door or searching a qalat.

Here’s how SFC Smith described one of the attacks on an OP where the XM-25 knocked out the bad guy:


If you know anything about Afghanistan you know that the enemy likes to hide behind stuff and we really can’t shoot through boulders and stuff like that. On the first engagement we were engaged by PKM fire up on the OP. And what happens is you receive fire and you return fire. …What happened was when we initially received the PKM fire, you reengage with your 240s and your M2s and your M4s, and after we figured we really weren’t getting to the enemy enough, the Soldier was directed to fire with the XM-25 … and like I said before, the enemy likes to hide behind rocks and boulders and we really can’t shoot through stuff like that. After [the Soldier] engaged with four rounds of the XM-25, the firefight just ceased. We really couldn’t go out and do any BDA or anything like that. But you could tell that when the XM-25 brought the difference to whether they would stay there 15 or 20 minutes shooting, taking pot shots at us where the actual fight ended after using the XM-25. That was due to the ability of the XM-25 to shoot beyond targets and behind targets.

Smith said it turned a 15-20 fight into a 5-7 minute fight. Might have been a nice weapon to have at Wanat or Keating…

So while the body count racked up by The Punisher isn’t great — those with experience in Afghanistan know fights are usually at a range where BDA is impossible. But what really matters is that the shooting stops. PEO officials pointed out that in the nine TICs where the XM-25 was used, not one single Soldier was injured or killed.

Lastly, Col. Tamilio said that the XM-25 will likely stay with the unit that has it now in Afghanistan through the winter. Around March they’ll bring the five weapons back, see what kind of wear and tear they endured and refit them to “like new” condition. Then they want to give the five Punishers to a unit who’s spooling up for deployment and have them take the XM-25s over with them.

“We really want them to train up with it in the US before they go,” Tamilio said, adding they’ll keep the weapons in the field as long as they hold up.

One interesting vignette Maj. Chris Conley told me:


The troops are very excited to carry it. We’ve limited who can carry it based on the number of folks that we’ve trained. But within that group of Soldiers that are trained on the operation of the XM-25 it’s definitely a case of — I heard a Soldier say ‘Hey he carried it yesterday so I get to carry it today…’ There’s certainly some posturing and whatnot between the Soldiers to try to get to carry it. We trained a guy on Christmas and he was literally thanking me saying “Wow, this is the best Christmas ever!”…

I’m sure that Soldier’s mom wouldn’t be pleased to hear that…but some of the rest of us can understand his enthusiasm.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/02/inside-the-xm-25-after-action-reports-from-afghanistan.html#ixzz1D2U4kvLQ

[buglerbilly]

Army Wants 36 More 'Punisher' Weapons in 2012

(Source: US Army; dated Feb. 3, web-posted Feb. 8, 2011)


After troops in Afghanistan gave rave reviews to the five XM25 weapon prototypes they tested, the US Army is trying to speed up its production. (US Army photo)

They should emasculate with a blunt razor blade the dickhead that came up with the "Punisher" tag................:p

WASHINGTON --- Only five XM25 weapons exist today, but Soldiers lucky enough to have used them in Afghanistan are saying more are needed.

Two Soldiers took the prototype weapons into theater to link them up with requesting units. They trained troops on the weapon's use and managed the Forward Operational Assessment to collect information about the weapon's performance in theater and how Soldiers used it.

"The XM25 brought the difference to whether they would stay there 15 to 20 minutes shooting (and) taking pot shots or the actual fight ended after using the XM25," said Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Smith, Soldier Requirements Division, Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, Ga. "That was due to the defilade capabilities of the XM25 to shoot beyond targets and behind targets."

The XM25 allows Soldiers to engage defilade targets -- those behind a barrier, protected from oncoming weapons fire. The XM25 measures the distance to the enemy's protective barrier, and can then program the round to detonate a user-adjustable distance past that -- allowing Soldiers to put an air-bursting round directly above the enemy's head, inside their protected area.

The round measures the distance it travels by counting its own rotations after leaving the barrel.

Both Smith and Maj. Christopher Conley, an assistant product manager for Program Manager Soldier Weapons, at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., were part of the team that brought those weapons into theater for Soldiers to use in actual combat. The five prototype weapons entered theater in November, and were first used in combat Dec. 3.

Since then, hundreds of XM25 rounds have been fired in theater, though only 55 of those rounds were fired as part of combat, on nine different operational missions.

"We disrupted two insurgents on an OP (observation point) and we silenced two machine-gun positions -- two PKM positions," Conley said, describing some of the scenarios he witnessed in theater where the XM25 had been used. "We destroyed four ambush locations, where the survivors fled."

"And when we launched it at a longer range target, who was carrying a machine gun and it exploded near his target -- it either badly wounded him or scared him good enough that he dropped his machine gun and ran away," Conley recalled.

Overall in Afghanistan, the five XM25s have been with two separate units. The first unit used the weapon on four engagements and fired 28 rounds in combat. The second unit was able to use the XM25 on five engagements and fired 27 rounds in combat.

"The troops are very excited to carry it," Conley said. "We've limited who can carry it based on the number of folks that we've trained. But within that group of Soldiers that are trained on the operation of the XM25, I heard a Soldier say 'hey, he carried it yesterday, so I get it today.'"

Some Soldiers who've used the XM25 in Afghanistan had taken to naming the weapon -- though there is no official name for the system yet.

"The kids are calling it 'the Punisher,'" said Brig. Gen. Peter N. Fuller, who heads up the Program Executive Office Soldier. "I don't know what we're going to title this product, but it seems to be game-changing. You no longer can shoot at American forces and then hide behind something. We're going to reach out and touch you."

Conley said during the Forward Operational Assessment, the performance of the XM25, and Soldier response to the system, provided positive response to three questions about the system from Army leadership, including if the weapon gives "higher probability of effect," if the weapon provides more survivability for the Solider, and how will the weapon be used at squad and platoon level.

"What our Soldiers have told us is, when we do fire this weapon, it does have a high probability of effect," Conley said. "The enemy stops firing. They flee. They drag off their casualties. Essentially, a Soldier is very happy when the enemy stops firing at him."

Soldier survivability is also increased with the XM25 because it allows Soldiers to fire on the enemy from protected positions, while the enemy themselves believe they are in protected positions.

"We have increased the survivability of our Soldiers because our Soldiers no longer have to maneuver from their cover position to gain an advantageous firing spot for the enemy," Conley said. "We are able to stay behind cover, and we welcome (the enemy) to stay behind cover -- because we'll get you."

Conley and Smith also said that Soldiers were using the XM25 as their primary weapon -- forgoing additional weapons like the M4, for instance.

When the Forward Operational Assessment ended in January, and the testing organization had enough data to send to the Army leadership, they expected to take the weapons home, but Soldiers thought otherwise.

"We had the Soldiers ask us to leave the weapon there and the ammo there," said Conley. "They did not want to give up that capability. The word got back to us, we made the decision, let them keep the XM25, let them keep that additional ammunition. We will then go ahead and go back downrange and collect up any additional data that they have received."

Now the Army is working to find the money to build an additional 36 XM25 weapons, said Col. Doug Tamilio, the Army's program manager for Soldier weapons. "The Army is looking to find some kind of funding that we can put against maybe a battalion set," he said. "It will depend on how much funding we can get. The idea would be if we can get that funding, we absolutely would try to get these into the fight in a year. And we think we can do that. "

Right now, an obstacle to getting more XM25s into theater is that each weapon and each round must be built by hand, Tamilio said. There are no production lines yet for the system.

The Army won't begin mass producing the XM25 until sometime in 2013 at the earliest, Tamilio said. Before that, improvements must be made to the system, including those learned from its use in Afghanistan.

Tamilio said improvements include improved battery life, as the XM25 is full of electronics. Also, he said, the 12.5-pound weapon could be lightened some, though Soldiers are now overwhelmed by the capability of the weapons. Tamilio also said Soldiers would like to see the weapon's range extended to about 1,000 meters. Its current range is about 500 meters for a point target and 700 meters for an area target.

The XM25, officially called a "counter-defilade target-engagement system," recently reached a milestone decision B in its acquisition cycle and has only recently entered into the engineering and manufacturing development phase, or EMD, of the procurement process.

"We still have to get through EMD, still get some fixes into the gun that we know need to be fixed -- to make it durable and reliable," Tamilio said. "We have to go through a very stringent safety procedure with this gun."

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

This looks like a really nice bit of kit...........via Soldier Systems

S&S Precision’s M320 Accessories

February 17th, 2011

As the M320 becomes more and more common in the Army, troops are beginning to realize how versatile it is and what an improvement over the M203 it offers. For example, it is easily attached and detached from the M4 and M16 for use as a stand alone Grenade Launcher. As issued, when it is used in this stand-alone configuration, the shoulder stock is awkward and there is not a versatile direct-over-bore mounting solution for aiming devices. But, for those who want more from their M320, S&S Precision has developed a Buttstock and GL Sight Mount, that when attached to the M320, greatly increase its versatility.



Sure, there’s a stock available from H&K and the buttpad is huge. The S&S Precision option is manufactured from 7075 Aluminum, with a small rubber composite pad and attachment point for retention systems. Additionally, it features three stops and is easily removed from the weapon like an M4 stock.



The GL Sight Mount consists of a Mount Base as well as two configurable bases; a Low Profile Rail and a Stepped Rail. As you can see, it is designed to mount directly above the bore rather than offset to the side and can be configured with either rail to accommodate your aiming solution. The mount is raised in order to facilitate a good cheek weld. This also means that you can fully collapse the stock below the mount.



Additionally, S&S Precision builds the M320 holster, designed specifically to carry the weapon in its stand alone configuration. Made from Kydex, it is a rigid holster and features a bungee back up retention as well as a barrel plug to keep it debris free.



For more information visit S&S Precision online. The more popular S&S Precision products become, the more likely they will be knocked off. Ensure you are purchasing products from authorized dealers lest you risk buying counterfeits made with substandard materials. For a full list of dealers, visit www.sandsprecision.com/distributors.

[buglerbilly]

Via the Firearm Blog................

M67 90mm recoilless rifle back in use

MJM has blogged about the return of the M67 90mm recoilless rifle to active duty ...

Fans of the 9mm: multiply the caliber by 10. If you like the Judge, and are intrigued by the .338 Lapua Magnum and 50 BMG, ponder the diameter difference. The 90mm recoilless rifle is fired from any ordinary rifle position, man-portable, and truly without recoil. It has been around for about 50 years, was phased out in favor of the disposable weapons of similar mission (mostly anti-tank, anti bunker) some with advanced aiming and control. The M72 LAW, the Dragon, the AT4 came afterward, for example.

I learn today that MJM’s old unit, the 1st of the 506th Infantry (101st Airborne Division) is bringing back the 90mm recoilless rifle.



Being the armchair-Lieutenant that I am, it has been amusing to watch how many obsolete weapons have been brought back into action during the past decade. The M14 is one notable example. Another is the M72 LAW. The Marines should be receiving their first batch of newly manufactured M72A7 LAWs in April.

[buglerbilly]

From the Firearm Blog..........

China’s OICW: Type 05 Strategy Rifle (ZH-05 5.8mm + 20mm)

Photos have appeared online showing a new combination rifle from China. Like the XM-29 OICW, it combines an assault rifle (chambered in China's standard 5.8mm round) with a semi-automatic 20mm airburst grenade launcher. The below weapon appears to have be built upon a Type-03 rifle.





Another photo shows a different rifle with the rifle and grenade launcher in reverse positions:



Given China's fondness for producing and equipping their troops with both bullpup and conventional rifles, I suspect one or both of these rifles are prototypes.

A Russian article about the system says (Translated using Google)...


At the heart of China's kit is a new combined assault rifle, ZH-05. It represents-automatic grenade launcher similar to the XM-29 OICW. In developing the ZH-05 provides for the conjugation of the complex with the infantryman combat systems, in particular the presence of a data channel video information with an eye on the helmet-mounted display, a soldier or a commander.

Weight of the rifle is about 5 kg, slightly less than 6.1 kg Daewoo K11 and 6.8 kg of the American XM-29. ZH-2005 allows firing with two kinds of different caliber ammunition intended for use in primary and secondary weapons systems. In the primary weapon ammo is shot with a 20-mm air fragmentation grenade explosion. In the ammunition support weapons systems include standard cartridges 5.8 mm.

The measured range-finder range to the target displayed on sight and entered automatically into the fire control system to calculate corrections for the shooting conditions and determine the number of revolutions grenades on the trajectory. Programming grenades carried in the arms, at the stage of loading, and provides an introduction to the original data and amendments issued by the ballistic computer, to solve the problem of combining non-contact point with the contour of a grenade explosion goal.

Also in the equipment includes: protective clothing with the elements of moisture and plamezaschity and NBC protection, as well as personal body armor (the basis of this subsystem is to vest and unloading of the new modification, which is hinged on personal body armor, the so-called "e-vest" - system optoelectronics and other electronic equipment as part of a personal computer, communications, interface, human-machine, satellite navigation receiver, etc.; knapsack with a capacity for drinking water as well as spare magazines for assault rifles and hand grenades).

"Manpack electronic platform, which is the foundation," heart "of the kit includes including those optoelectronic and radio equipment, are included in the e-vest." Hardware platform is built on the digital interface and has an open architecture to include, as appropriate, and new or additional samples of electronic equipment.
Judging by the photos and reports from China, this complex "digital equipment" field trials will be accepted for service in late 2011 or early 2012.

[buglerbilly]

Jordan orders Hashim anti-tank weapon

Tuesday, 22 February, 2011



The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) has awarded Jordan Russian Electronic Systems Company (JRESCO) a contract for an undisclosed amount to supply new RPG-32 antitank weapons. JRESCO was formed in 2005 by the local King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) and Rosoboronexport of Russia to develop the RG-32 shoulder-launched grenade rocket system.

Deliveries to the JAF will start at the end of this year with the new facility having an annual production capacity of up to 60,000 units. JRESCO plans to offer the RPG-32 for export. It is expected that a firing demonstration to potential export customers will be held in Jordan in May or June 2011.




Caliber: 105mm (also can fire special 72mm rockets)
Type: rocket
Overall length: 1200 mm (complete with 105mm launch container) or 900 mm (complete with 72mm launch container)
Weight: 3 kg unloaded, 10 kg loaded with 105mm rocket, 6kg loaded with 72mm rocket
Effective range: up to 200 m
Armour penetration: ERA + 650 mm RHA with 105mm PG-32V tandem HEAT rocket

The RPG-32 multipurpose grenade launcher was developed between 2005 and 2007 by Russian state-owned FGUP 'Bazalt' organization on request and under contract from Jordan. First RPG-32 'Hashim' grenade launchers will be delivered to Jordan from Russia in 2008, but it is planned that mass production of RPG-32 and its ammunition will be conducted in Jordan under license at the JRESCO factory. The RPG-32 is a modular weapon that inherited proven and successful solutions in design of the weapon and rockets from earlier Russian grenade launchers, and it can be used to successfully engage and destroy a wide variety of battlefield targets, from modern main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers to bunkers, military equipment and troops in defilade or in the open. This versatility is achieved by using as much as four types of ammunition in one weapon - two types of 105mm rockets and two types of smaller and lighter 72mm rockets. In each caliber,there's a HEAT rocket (with tandem warhead in 105mm caliber, optimized against ERA-equipped tanks) and a FAE / thermobaric rocket with enhanced fragmentation effect, optimized against lightly armored and soft targets.

The RPG-32 multipurpose grenade launcher consists of a short, reusable launcher tube with grips, firing controls and sight mount, detachable collimating sight and disposable ammunition containers, which are pre-loaded at the factory and attached to the rear end of the launcher before firing. Once rocket is fired , theempty container is detached from the launcher and discarded. There are four types of rockets available for RPG-32, all ballistically matched to the maximum range - two in 105mm caliber and two in 72mm caliber.All use solid-fuel rocket motors which burn out completely while rocket is still in the launcher, and all are stabilized in flight using switch-blade type folding fins at the rear.

[buglerbilly]

Army Pitches XM-25 Purchase Plan

by christian on February 25, 2011



More of our budget data diving, the Kit Up! team found the line item that shows how the Army plans to buy the XM-25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement system.

2012 will mark the first year the Army has purchased the XM-25 as a formal program and is officially the Lowe Rate Initial Production amount. The Army is asking for $16 million to buy five Punishers — four intended for the active Army and one for the National Guard.

Now, that seems like an awful lot per unit cost: $3.2 million each. I’m checking on why that is but suffice to say this cost could include tooling and parts and ammo for future buys and remember, these weapons and the ammo are currently hand built; there is no tooling in place to crank these things out in an efficient manner.

More interestingly, the Army outlines its plan over the next five years to by more XM-25s: 40 weapons in 2013 for $34 million; 1,028 weapons in 2014 for $70.3 million; 1,337 weapons in 2015 for $70.3 million; and 1,656 weapons in 2016 for $70.2 million.

So the Army is dead serious and devoting $216 million over the next five years to field over 4,000 XM-25s. We’ll keep a very close eye on this as the budget filters through the Tea Partiers and defense budget cutters of Capitol Hill to see if the nearly quarter billion dollars for the Punisher stays in.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1F1BMqm75

[buglerbilly]

Via the Firearm Blog...........neat bit of kit!

Neopup 20mm vs. Door, Truck & Wall

The 20mm semi-automatic grenade launching Denel Neopup PAW-20 remains one of the weapons I would most love to get my hands on. Unlike the XM25 and simular airbirst grenade launcher, the Neopup is a direct fire weapon. In other words, you aim at your target and pull the trigger.

The first 1:30 minutes of this video is old material, after that it is new video footage of the Neopup being tested against doors, a truck and some brick walls.

[buglerbilly]

From the Firearm Blog............

Airtronic MK777 lightweight RPG-7 launcher

Airtronic USA has introduced a lightweight version of their RPG-7 launcher. The MK777 weighs just 7.7 lbs, about half the weight of their other RPG-7 launcher, the Airtronic RPG-7(USA).



The launcher has a metal liner covered with a carbon composite wrap manufactured by ATK. It is compatible with RPG-7 ammunition.

[buglerbilly]

From the Firearm Blog..............

South Korean K-11 has plagued by problems, government disagrees

Back in 2009 I reported that South Korea's K11 OICW-style weapon was to be the first of its class to be deployed. Since then I had heard nothing about it and seen no evidence that the deployment went though until two articles that appeared last week on Korean news websites.


Daewoo K11

Chosun.com has reported a range of problems with the new weapon.

http://translate.google.co.kr/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=ko&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ko&tl=en&u=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/03/07/2011030700205.html

Apparently 39 K-11 are fielded in total. Of that 20 are in Afghanistan. 7 of 20 in Afghanistan are faulty. The laser range finder has a bug and refuses to reset, one unit has a problem with the barrel and with correctly programming the airburst grenade, another has a condensation problem with the receiving lens and so range measurement does not work at night and another unit fires bursts of 5.56mm instead of single shots when in semi-auto. It sounds like some very poor quality control!

Another news website,MK.co.kr, reported that production has been delayed due to manufacturing problems.

DAPA, the Korean defense acquisition agency, responded by saying there are no production problems and the only problem with the gun that has not yet been solved it is one related to the fire control system.

[ Many thanks to the uribury871 who for info, links and translation. ]

[buglerbilly]

FN Fire Control Unit (FN FCU)

FN Herstal has developed a 40mm grenade launcher sighting system called the FN Fire Control Unit (FN FCU).


FN FCU mounted on FN SCAR

The FCU is mounted on a picatinny rail above the launcher. A laser range finder calculates the distance to the target and a clinometer measures the angle/elevation to the target. A ballistic computer then calculates the required angle of fire and a red dot sight is moved to point at the correct aiming point. The cant indicator will tell the operator if the weapon is canted and require realignment.

As you can see in the photo, iron sights and/or optics can still be used. This system could be used on standalone launchers or under-barrel launchers.

It looks good in theory, as do other 40mm laser sighting systems, but I have heard from various readers that one system, the H&K M320 laser sighting system, is not very useful in the field and I wonder if the problems with that system also apply to the FN FCU. Back in 2008 Sean wrote ...


I was a grenadier in the Army and deployed to Afghanistan in ’06 where they tried to foist that sight on us, and to a man, we hated it. firing a 203 is easy; couple of trips to the range, you’re good to go. it’s just about learning angles and distances and generally being comfortable with the weapon. once you’re there, you can fire, as a guess, 20 or so accurate rounds a minute. that sight cuts that in half. i don’t know much about the 320, but that sight has got to go.

Sean elaborated here.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2008/12/05/40mm-m320-grenade-launcher-will-be-replace-m203-next-year/#comment-3884

[buglerbilly]

From the Firearm Blog...........Tony Williams listed as an Ammo Egg-spurt..........dear God what has the World come to? :doh

Chinese QLZ-87 35mm grenade launcher

A reader emailed me this photo of a Bolivian solider carrying a strange firearms and asked what weapon he was carrying.



I was unable to identify it but Tony Williams, our resident ammunition expert, was. It is a Chinese QLZ-87 35mm grenade launcher.

According to Guns.ru, this fully automatic grenade launcher, like the AR-15, using a direct gas impingement system. It uses 6-round or 15-round drum magazines. The 'light' configuration, pictured above, weighs 26 lbs.

[ Many thanks to Tony for providing identification. ]

[ Many thanks to Norm for emailing me the photo. ]

[ADMk2]

Obviously a close quarter battle weapon by the look of it...

;)

[Milne Bay]

Going by the photo, this seems to be what passes for crowd control in Bolivia.
I am intrigued by the kit out on this boy.
I wonder what he is going to use those extra pocket rounds for? Perhaps the torch doubles as an assault rifle.

[Exsandgroper]

Going by the photo, this seems to be what passes for crowd control in Bolivia.
I am intrigued by the kit out on this boy.
I wonder what he is going to use those extra pocket rounds for? Perhaps the torch doubles as an assault rifle.

With so many buttons on the sleeve, is this to stop him from wiping his nose on the said sleeve?

Cheers

[buglerbilly]

ATK Awarded XM25 Contract

March 28th, 2011



Back in early February we published a story about the deployment of three of the 25mm XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement Systems to Afghanistan for a Forward Area Operational Assessment. Word was that the weapons were performing well and the only real question was how to fund additional development of the system.

System developer ATK has announced today that they were awarded a 30 month, $65.8 Million contract for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase by the US Army. EM&D is the next step toward full development and fielding for a program of record. The technology behind the XM25 is impressive. The system includes not only the basic weapon and ammunition but also target acquisition and fire control systems which integrate the thermal sight with direct-view optics, laser rangefinder, compass, fuze-setter, ballistic computer, laser pointer and illuminator.

“The XM25 provides the soldier on the ground a precision weapon to quickly and accurately engage targets behind cover or exposed targets, at ranges and accuracies not seen in today’s small arms,” said Bruce DeWitt, Vice President and General Manager of ATK’s Advanced Weapons Division. “A soldier using basic rifle marksmanship skills can effectively engage targets in less than five seconds while also reducing the chances for collateral damage.”

Interestingly, ATK is referring to the XM25 as the Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System rather than the Counter Defilade Target Engagement System that we have seen in times past.

In addition to program lead ATK, the team also includes Heckler & Koch and L-3 Brashear.

[buglerbilly]

Via the Firearm Blog............



Video of the XM25

PEO Solider has published this video of the XM25 ...

What is interesting is watching the shrapnel pattern. If the grenade was detonated two, or maybe even one, yards behind the target, the target could escape unscathed or with very minimum damage.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Lessons from Losing: How Tiger Is Refining MBDA's Plans

Posted by Robert Wall at 4/4/2011 4:59 AM CDT

Hand-launched Munitions, another kind of launched grenade with obvious extended range abilities..................

In an article in this week's issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology (subscription required), we examine how MBDA is adapting its business approach in the U.S. to help it secure more business down the road.

It involves increasing its engineering resources and demonstrating, on its own dime, more technology.

At the center of the new approach is the Tiger small, hand-launched weapon. The company lost out in a recent competition, in part because the system may not have been demonstrated to a sufficient level of maturity. But MBDA is not giving up, and now is positioning Tiger for a competition down the road.

Here's an MBDA video of the device:


Uploaded by TheSidelobe on Apr 4, 2011
MBDA is developing the Tiger hand-launched munition with an eye on special operations customers.

[buglerbilly]

The RGW 90 Family – Heavy Infantry Weapons for Today’s Armed Forces


The RGW 90 AS can engage both hardened and urban targets.

DND Presents Tailored Solutions for the South American Armed Forces

06:01 GMT, April 13, 2011 The LAAD Defence and Security Exhibition is taking place in Rio de Janeiro from 12 to 15 April 2011. Organised through cooperation by the Brazilian MoD, the Armed Forces and the country’s main industrial associations, LAAD counts amongst the largest and most important events in the defence exhibitions circuit, enabling manufacturers of land-, air- and naval defence systems to present their latest developments to competent visitors from Latin American countries.

In particular, Brazil plays a key role in the sub-continent’s defence market. The monetary volume of defence procurement has increased by about 50% over the past six years, making Brazil one of the main, when not the main Latin American customers of weapons systems and other defence-related materiel for the three Services. The national strategy for the modernisation of the Armed Forces is articulated on a short-term (by 2014), a medium-term (by 2020) and a long-term target, with the latter to be achieved by 2030 resulting in the Armed Forces being organised and fully equipped for the contemporary military requirements. This ambitious effort is backed by a solid financial plan, making it fully manageable.

Based on this background situation, Brazil is emerging as an important future partner for the German defence industry. The Brazilian Armed Forces already have a number of German weapons systems in their inventory, including e.g. Leopard 1A5 MBTs, different types of small arms and five Type 209/1400 submarines.

One of the most important efforts covered by the long-term modernisation target is the Future Combatant project (Combatente do Futuro). Similar to a number of such programmes currently underway in advanced countries, it calls for a wide-scope modernisation of the equipment of individual soldiers, to include amongst others new communication systems, body armour, night vision devices and several different types of small arms.

The German defence industry, thanks to its excellent technological know-how and a range of appropriate heavy small arms, is very well placed to contribute to this programme and accelerate its implementation. In this framework, the German company Dynamit Nobel Defence is attending LAAD to present its range of most modern and efficient infantry weapons, enabling the engagement of armoured vehicles as well as targets behind cover, with tailorable (scalable) on-target effects. The systems on show at LAAD include the light RGW 60 family and the RGW 90 infantry anti-armour weapon, as well as the derivative RGW 90 AS (Anti-Structure), optimised for use against buildings, bunkers and other field fortifications, as well as to engage targets behind cover. For use against heavily protected MBTs, Dynamit Nobel Defence shows at LAAD the very well-known Panzerfaust 3 and the further improved Panzerfaust 3 T with tandem shaped-charge warhead to defeat ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour).

All of these weapons systems could easily be integrated within the Combatente do Futuro programme, thus offering a significant strengthening of the combat capabilities of light infantry units (e.g. Special Forces, Paratroops or Commandos) without organic direct-fire support assets. All Dynamit Nobel Defence infantry weapons are compatible with the installation of night vision devices, are simple in use and offer a significant combat range of between 300-400m. The Panzerfaust 3 family further provides the option of an increased range up to 600m through the addition of the Dynarange fire control sight, as in successful use by the Dutch Armed Forces.

REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAVY INFANTRY WEAPONS

The new conflict scenarios, including most notably asymmetric warfare and the fight against terrorism, establish a requirement for efficient infantry weapons, enabling the soldiers to engage different types of targets, however with tailorable on-target effects according to the nature of the threat. Within this general requirement, a very important role is reserved for easily transportable systems, yet enabling the long-range, scalable engagement of protected targets as well as targets behind cover. Additional requirements for these systems are simplicity of use, very compact size in order to facilitate transport and storage onboard AFVs and helicopters, and compatibility with the installation of different sights (night vision, laser pointer etc.) to further increase first-round hit probability. These requirements originate directly from the combat experience of international troops, particularly as regards military operations in urban terrain (MOUT). Scalability is of outmost importance during combat in built-up areas, in order to minimise the risk of collateral damage.

While in the past heavy shoulder-fired tube infantry weapons were mostly designed and deployed for anti-armour applications, the range of targets has since greatly expanded. Particularly in a MOUT context, weapons that can be used from within enclosed spaces to engage targets within enclosed spaces or under cover are necessary, in order to give light infantry units a previously unheard- of firepower. The operations in Afghanistan have highlighted the robustness of urban structures, offering protection and concealment to the enemy. Clay walls up to 80cm thick are often encountered, that would withstand attacks with standard heavy infantry weapons while even the shaped charge warheads of anti-tank missile systems will not have enough energy for adequate behind-wall effects. The same applies to combat positions protected by reinforced concrete or other forms of hardening, which currently do pose a very serious obstacle to infantry on foot.

These types of targets can only be efficiently engaged with infantry weapons, possessing sufficient energy to break through the target’s protection, while maintain adequate residual energy to destroy the target behind the protection. This requirement can only be satisfied through the adoption of an innovative technology that will combine high effectiveness and accuracy with scalability of on-target effects.

These results are being made possible by the RGW 90 AS system, already in service with NATO forces. The RGW 90 AS belongs to the RGW 90 family, developed by DND with different types of warheads and also already in service in various countries.

RGW 90 – A FAMILY OF UNIVERSAL INFANTRY WEAPONS

The RGW 90 family was developed with the design goal of an accurate, compact and efficient dual-mode infantry weapon, with a max. weight not exceeding 10kg and a combat range of up to 400m.

The throwaway weapon’s barrel has a length of less than 1m and accommodates a 90mm-dia. warhead, combining adequate steel armour-piercing capability and reduced weight. The shaped charge warhead’s design is based on a combination of HESH (explosive) and HEAT (armour-piercing) technologies, making the RGW 90 an ideal weapon for infantry units engaged in MOUT or asymmetric combat. The RGW 90 will break through concrete or brick walls, and it can be used to destroy hardened/protected targets such as field fortifications, MG or sniper emplacements, makeshift bunkers, RPG positions and so on, as well as of course armoured vehicles.

A simple and easy-to-use mechanism (retractable stand-off probe on the warhead’s nose cone) enables the operator to select, immediately before firing, whether he intends for the warhead to detonate in a HESH or HEAT mode. For enhanced armour-piercing capabilities, the probe is extracted and the warhead will thus detonate at the optimal stand-off distance from the armour plate, to enable full stretching (elongation) of the HEAT’s jet. Under these conditions, the RGW 90’s single shaped charge warhead will pierce up to 500 mm of armoured steel, enabling it to engage even heavy MBTs on their sides. To rather activate the HESH function, the probe is retracted within the warhead, resulting in a delayed detonation that will open large holes through concrete or brick walls and will completely destroy sandbag bunkers and other field fortifications. Irrespective of the selected detonation mode, the fin-stabilised warhead takes only 1.2 sec. to fly to 300m, offering a high hit probability even against targets on the move.

The RGW 90 is based on the Davis (a.k.a. countermass) recoilless gun principle, and it can thus be used from within enclosed spaces with the additional advantages of reduced flash/smoke and sound signatures that would not betray the firer’s position.

ANTI-STRUCTURE BREAK-THROUGH MUNITION

Another requirement stemming from the MOUT experience is for new anti-structure munition natures that would enable the destruction of small buildings, fortified emplacements in built-up areas or hardened sandbag bunkers. Such targets would traditionally require the intervention of artillery assets or other heavy weapons, whose use is however nowadays sharply limited due to the imperative need to minimise collateral damage.

To satisfy this new requirement, Dynamit Nobel Defence has developed the RGW 90 AS (Anti Structure) as a specialised variant of the RGW 90. This maintains the same basic characteristics of the family, but features a dedicated tandem warhead based on the same principle as the Bunkerfaust in service with the German and Dutch armies. Here again the operator has the choice of two warhead detonation modes, “Mousehole” or “Blast”. The former will open a very large hole in the wall enabling own forces to enter the building, while the latter ensures maximal beyond-wall effects. Selection of the appropriate mode is by turning a button in the stand-off probe to set the delay for detonation of the second (aft) warhead in the tandem arrangement. With a short delay, the aft warhead will detonate just while it is passing through the hole in the structure, which has been opened by the detonation of the first warhead. The effects of the detonation of the main warhead will thus be absorbed mostly by the structure, enlarging the original break-through hole into a man-size “Mousehole”. The long delay on the other hand implies that the main warhead will detonate beyond the structure/wall and inside the target (e.g., a bunker). The choice of the warhead mode can also be exploited for scalability purposes, in that in the “Mausehole” mode the effects inside the target are much reduced.

The RGW 90 AS is able to create man-size holes even in reinforced concrete, and it can break through lime/mud walls up to 80cm thick. The differences between the RGW 90 AS and the above-mentioned Bunkerfaust refer to the significantly lighter and more compact design, the selectable warhead modes, and the higher blast effect of the second (main) warhead when compared to the Bunkerfaust’s splinter-optimised design.

CONCLUSION

Die RGW 90 AS counts amongst the strongest and most efficient infantry weapons as currently available in its class. Compact size, reduced weight and scalable effects make this weapon an excellent choice for Paratroops and other light infantry units. In MOUT conditions, the RGW 90 AS contributes an important firepower for infantry troops, who must operate without AFV or air support. Modern armies are expected to procure the RGW 90 AS to fill an equipment gap, which is particularly evident as regards Paratroops within NATO countries.

----
By Thomas Meuter

(Translation by defpro.com editorial staff)

[buglerbilly]

Newly Developed FN Fire Control Unit on Display at IDEF 2011

(Source: FN Herstal; issued April 28, 2011)

FN Herstal will introduce its newly developed FN Fire Control Unit to the Turkish market at IDEF trade show being held in Istanbul from 10 to 13 May 2011

The FN Fire Control Unit: First Round Hits. On Target. Every Time.

Successful target engagement with 40mm LV tube-launched grenades requires precise range estimation to the target and launch at the exact elevation angle, while keeping correct azimuth aiming.

With the FN Fire Control Unit (FN FCU), the shooter can now rely on a light, compact and easily used device to significantly maximize first-round hit probability.

The FN FCU consists of:
-- a laser range finder (LRF), which calculates the distance between the shooter and the target
-- a clinometer, which measures the difference in elevation/depression between the target and the shooter
-- a ballistic computer, which calculates the angle of launch required
-- a moving red reticle sight, which gives the correct aiming point
-- a weapon cant indicator, which indicates when weapon realignment is required.

Two models are available: the FN FCU-850N and the FN FCU-1.5M. Both offer similar aiming/firing capabilities and benefits, with the FN FCU-1.5M featuring a laser range finder undetectable with Night Vision Goggles.

The FN FCU can fit on any stand-alone or underslug grenade launcher featuring a top Picatinny rail.

Belgium-based FN Herstal is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of small caliber weapons, integrated weapon systems and associated ammunition for Military and Law Enforcement as well as Special Forces Operators worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

(Small) XM25 Punisher Update

by christian on April 29, 2011



While I had program manager LtCol Chris Lehner on the horn the other day discussing the M110 replacement/rebuild, I asked him for the latest on the XM25 Counter Defilade Engagement System.

Here’s what he said:


We just reset the weapon which is part of providing it to another unit because one unit has used it — very successfully — while they rotated out their replacement now has it and we already have a bunch of engagements with that as well. Our plan was to get that in the Soldiers’ hands, train them prior to the spring offensive. And we have accomplished that mission because they’ve got it in their hands and the spring offensive is just starting.

Lehner promised a more detailed update in the next PEO Soldier roundtable with reporters, probably next month.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1KyBIOswO
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

Army Wants More XM25s in Afghanistan

by Matthew Cox on June 17, 2011



Army weapons officials are waiting on Congress to approve a request for nearly $25 million to buy 36 XM25 counter-defilade weapons for the war zone. If approved, the money would satisfy an “operational needs statement” from commanders in Afghanistan.


Thirty-six guns doesn’t sound like a lot, but “it’s a battalion’s worth of weapons — one per squad,” Col. Doug Tamilio, the head of Project Manager Soldier Weapons, told Kit Up! recently.

Now, before anybody breaks out their calculator, the $24.7 million request will also buy a bunch of spare parts, ammo and testing support, Tamilio added.

The Army currently has five XM25s in Afghanistan. The so-called “punisher” has been performing well and is a popular item out on patrol, weapons officials maintain. Fielding more XM25s will make it easier for Army weapons experts to collect additional data and help determine how effective these 25mm air-bursting rounds really are against live enemy targets.

Unlike the prototypes that were sent to Afghanistan, this next batch of XM25s will be slightly more refined. They will likely have a “carbon-fiber backbone” that should shave about a half pound off of the 12-pound system, Tamilio said. The jury is still out on whether future XM25s will continue to be black, he said.


“I would hope Congress would act on this in the next month,” Tamilio said. “It should take about a year to 18 months to get the weapons built, tested and fielded. Then one battalion going to theater will go fully outfitted with X25s.”
Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/06/army-wants-more-xm25s-in-afghanistan.html#ixzz1PawI0zUT
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

The grenadier’s shifting role in Infantry Squads

by Jack Murphy on September 8, 2011



When a brand new Milkor Mk14 grenade launcher arrived mid-deployment I immediately recognized the older, but functional, South African design. After putting smoke, flare, HE, and even firing a XM576E1 buckshot round through it was I was more than satisfied and knew I’d be taking it out with us on future patrols. I liked it enough that it got me to thinking about how it work when employed as a soldier’s primary weapon.

While I was in the Q-Course, I talked to one Cold Warrior who told me that his ODA used to have each team member patrol with the under barrel M203 grenade launcher attached to their M16′s. Their SOP was that when taking enemy fire each soldier would turn to face in the direction of the contact and fire off a 40mm High Explosive round. The idea of a dozen HE rounds suddenly coming down on the enemy during a ambush is certainly appealing. For better or worse, his team never had the opportunity to validate this tactic in combat.



Now I’ve been told that various US and NATO units within ISAF are patrolling with a grenade launcher as their primary weapon. While positive reports about the XM25 continue to pour in, it also appears more units are adopting this technique with the HK M320 as a stand-alone. Of course grenadiers are nothing new, the idea being to beef up the fire power (and for a little added reach into the defilade) within a infantry squad just as the M249 SAW is an effort to integrate a light machine gun as an organic weapon in squad sized elements.

The concept of rolling out with just a 40mm grenade launcher was utilized as far back as the Vietnam War when a MACV-SOG operator named Henry King carried an experimental (I suspect the China Lake Model 40mm) pump action grenade launcher as his primary weapon on at least one cross border mission into Laos, so writes John Stryker Meyer in his memoir,“Across the Fence.” Just in case things went south, and they frequently did, King also carried a Browning High Power pistol as a backup. SOG operators are also reported to have fired Flechette or double-ought buckshot rounds from their M79′s during the close quarter engagements they encountered in South East Asia.

While I don’t want to get to deep into current operational techniques, I’m just glad that I won’t be on the receiving end of 6 x 40mm grenades any time soon!

Kit Up! contributor Jack Murphy is a former Ranger, Special Forces Soldier and is the author of the military thriller Reflexive Fire.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/09/the-grenadiers-shifting-role-in-infantry-squads.html#ixzz1XN9z3Lmt
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

XM25 Renamed

October 6th, 2011

According to COL Scott Armstrong, the Army has renamed the XM25. Originally called the Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System it is now known as the Individual Semi-automatic Airburst System to more accurately describe what it actually does.



I still prefer “Punisher.”

[Gubler, A.]

Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System it is now known as the Individual Semi-automatic Airburst System

They've just come up with a sayable acronym: iSaas.

Either that or its a Steve Jobs memorial...

[buglerbilly]

You can just see troops changing iSaas to in-your-ass.............much more appropriate for an AGL

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog........

More Info on the XM25

October 6th, 2011

In addition to a new name, the XM25 is going to get a facelift, according to BG Camille Nichols, PEO Soldier. During today’s media roundtable she amplified comments by PM Soldier Weapons, COL Scott Armstrong stating that an additional 36 XM25 Punishers would be produced and eventually make their way to Afghanistan.

COL Armstrong mentioned that the 36 new launchers would receive slight upgrades based on Soldier feedback. According to comments by BG Nichols, these include buttstock and pistol grip modifications. The Army should receive the new weapons by late 2012 and have them ready for combat six months later.

[Gubler, A.]

Hang on, the XM25 is getting an appearance change and a new name? Definitely homage to the passing of Steve Jobs. Edison of the 21st century he was NOT.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.................

AUSA – S&S Precision

October 11th, 2011



Look what we spied in the Heckler & Koch booth. An M320 Grenade Launcher cradled in an S&S Precision Holster and tricked out with their accessory package which cuts over a pound off of the weight of a standard configuration launcher.



www.sandsprecision.com

[buglerbilly]

ATK, IMI Highlight Air Burst System at AUSA 2011


The U.S. Army is evaluating five XM25 'Individual Semiautomatic Air Burst System'. According to the Program Manager said, "Rifle-to-rifle contacts where the XM25 is employed are very short." Photo: US DOD

Few months ago the U.S. Army has sent five examples of the new XM25 ‘Individual Semiautomatic Air Burst System’ developed by ATK, for evaluation by soldiers in Afghanistan, and the feedback received is encouraging. “We are getting great feedback from the Soldiers in the field on this weapon. The Soldiers are really excited to keep the weapon system and have requested to keep it longer than we had initially decided to leave those prototypes in theater” said Col. Scott Armstrong, the program manager for Soldier weapons at Program Executive Office Soldier said.

Armstrong noted the recent name change helps users focus on the weapon’s true benefits. “The reason we have renamed it is because that is really the materiel solution we have brought to the Army to be able to bridge the gap that was identified as counter-defilade targets.” The weapon is currently in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. Congress has approved an additional $24.7 million in funding for 36 new prototype XM25s. “We are hoping to have those in our hands for testing by the end of 2012 and downrange six months later to conduct additional field testing with a battalion size unit,” Armstrong said.

While the XM25 offers a full solution integrated weapon, a different concept introduced by Israel Military Industries (IMI) is making headway with the Israeli military testing an add-on modification to standard rifles mounting 40mm grenade launchers, offering airburst-style weapon similar to the XM25. The MPRS is in testing with the Israeli Defense Force and could be ready for fielding in early 2012, Peretz said. The company has also demonstrated for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps; IMI has partnered with General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GD-ATP) to market the system in the U.S.

IMI’s Multi Purpose Rifle System (MPRS) is designed to dramatically improve the accuracy and range of 40mm rifle grenades. The system features an integrated optics, laser rangefinder and processor, all integrated into a single unit that mounts on any rifle with Picatinny rails. Using a touchpad that mounts to a grenade launcher, a soldier can program a special 40mm grenade to accurately explode over a target at ranges beyond 250 meters. “At over 100 or 150 meters, it is very difficult to hit with a 40mm grenade launcher, but with this, you can hit very accurately — from 200 meters you can go right through a window.”

While the XM25 weighs 6.35 kg (14 pounds) with a loaded four-round magazine. The MPRS’s optic/computer, ambidextrous touch pad and connection cable adds only about one pound to a rifle equipped with a 40mm grenade launcher and four grenades – around 6.70 (15 pounds total). While the XM25 offers the benefit of an automatic loading and rapid burst, the Israeli can be fielded more quickly and benefit from existing logistics suport, training and tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP). Both systems are currently on display at the 2011 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington.


ATK, IMI Highlight Air Burst System at AUSA 2011. The U.S. system, developed by ATK is currently undergoing operational evaluation in Afghanistan. The Israeli system is being tested by the Israeli Army. The XM25 weighs 6.35 kg with a loaded four-round magazine while an M-16 with MPRS totals 6.70 with the same load of ammo. The XM25 offers the benefit of an automatic loading and rapid burst, the Israeli can be fielded more quickly and benefit from existing logistics suport, training and tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP). Photos: US Army, IMI

[buglerbilly]

Rheinmetall: One of the world’s leading suppliers of advanced 40mm technology


40mm Milkor MGL semi-automatic grenade launcher. (Photo: US Marine Corps, Mark Oliva)

16:08 GMT, October 11, 2011 Despite all the talk of automation and unmanned systems, it is clear that “boots on the ground”, i.e. infantrymen, are as important as ever and will continue to play a decisive role in future military scenarios. Particularly in modern asymmetric conflicts, ground troops have to be able to respond in a scalable manner to multiple threats worldwide. Rheinmetall’s array of 40mm ammunition – along with quite a few other products made in the USA in close cooperation with Germany’s best-known defence contractor – serves as a veritable combat multiplier for the infantry and other dismounted troops.

It bridges the gap between hand grenades and mortars. Widely used today, the Group’s 40mm x 46 low-velocity ammunition (LV, velocity: 78 m/s) is available in a wide variety of versions, including HE/fragmentation, shaped charge with fragmentation jacket (HEDP: high explosive dual purpose) as well a number of other service and practice rounds, together with non-lethal payloads such as kinetic impact munitions or irritant.

Rheinmetall’s 40mm x 53 high-velocity ammunition reaches a speed of 240 m/s and has a maximum effective range of 2,200 metres. Here, too, the Group supplies a wide assortment of different cartridges, including newly developed HE and HEDP airburst ammunition which is programmed by an infrared programming unit.

The US armed forces likewise trust in Rheinmetall’s 40mm expertise. The Army, Air Force and Marines and the security forces of the Department of Energy have already been using the company’s 40mm day/night LV and HV practice ammunition for years. Produced in the United States by American Rheinmetall in Camden, Arkansas, these cartridges never result in unexploded ordnance or cause brush fires on firing ranges. Moreover, they contain no toxic components.

The 40mm MK 313 Low Velocity – High Explosive Dual Purpose (LV-HEDP) will see the start of USMC qualification in 2011.

At present, Rheinmetall is the leading maker of new 40mm x 46 Medium-Velocity ammunition (MV, velocity: approx. 100 m/s). It can be fired by individual infantrymen equipped with handheld or platform-mounted grenade launchers, attaining an enhanced range of 400 to 700 metres, and enabling rounds with a higher payload, greater lethality, a first shot kill probability and modified fuse technology to be fired. Rheinmetall’s programmable airburst ammunition constitutes another important new capability, allowing troops to engage targets taking cover in trenches, behind stonewalls, etc. The company’s MV ammunition will be available in service and practice versions. It is currently undergoing NATO qualification.

Rheinmetall’s 40mm-LV Ammunition can be fired from all standard stand-alone and underslung grenade launchers such as the M79 “Blooper”, the XM320, the M203 or the SCAR EGLM/ Mk13 Mod 0. Rheinmetall is also developing the GL Cerberus grenade launcher (as an underslung- or standalone system) and the magazineloaded AGL Hydra automatic grenade launcher. The latter in particular gives the grenadier enormous firepower, since it can fire three-round bursts. Moreover, the 40mm rounds pack more punch than the XM25 weapon system.

Both grenade launchers feature a built-in self-regulating hydraulic shock absorber, ensuring that they can fire medium-velocity 40mm x 46 in particular without subjecting the weapon or its firer to greater stress than LV ammunition.

The Düsseldorf-based Group also offers the Vingmate fire control unit as an ideal way of maximizing the effectiveness of HV ammunition. For instance, Rheinmetall recently supplied the Canadian armed forces with the “Close Area Suppression Weapon System (CASW) C16”, consisting of a Heckler & Koch grenade machine gun (GMG) with an integrated Vingmate.

THE FeLVis FIRE CONTROL UNIT

Rheinmetall developed the FeLVis fire control unit in order to optimize the accuracy of ammunition with a strongly curved trajectory, e.g. 40mm cartridges and panzerfaust rounds. Effective in all light conditions and weighing less than 700 grams, the device is attached to a Picatinny rail mounted on the side of the weapon and can carry a wide variety of optical aiming devices. The gunner aims at the target using either the aiming device or the built-in red light laser marker, measuring the exact distance to the target with the laser. At night, the integrated infrared laser marker is used for aiming, supported by an infrared target illuminator.

Taking into account various parameters – distance, temperature, air pressure and ammunition type – the fire control unit calculates the required launch angle as well as automatically aligning the optics. In addition, it informs the gunner if the weapon is at an incline. The gunner then aims again using the fire control unit, adjusts the weapon to the required angle, and engages the target. Furthermore it is already possible to integrate the FeLVis into new individual modular soldier systems. In the future, moreover, combining the FeLVis with airburst ammunition and friend-foe recognition/dismounted soldier identification devices will offer additional options.

RHEINMETALL – PARTNER TO THE INFANTRY

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of defence technology systems, Rheinmetall is an increasingly important partner to the infantry. The Group’s array of infantryoriented products extends far beyond the equipment outlined here, ranging from pyrotechnics and explosive charges to mortar systems, and from add-on devices for small arms such as laser light modules to other electro-optical equipment for crewserved weapons. Rheinmetall also makes the cutting edge “Future Soldier – Expanded System” (IdZ-ES, now IdZ-2), which is destined to bring war-fighters on the ground directly into the network-enabled operations loop.

Highly characteristic of the Rheinmetall approach is the company’s continuous dialogue with users. The Rheinmetall Infantry Symposium, for example, is now a fixture in the ground forces community calendar.

[buglerbilly]

Via the Firearm blog..............

USMC fields MAG-D 40mm Grenade Dispenser

http://www.defenshield.com/product.php?key=16



Marine Corp Times reports that the USMC are fielding the DefenseShield MAG-D (Molle Adaptable Grenade Dispenser). The nifty device, which resembles a large magazine, allows easy access to five 40mm grenades.

MAG-D Demo Video


Uploaded by Defenshield on Jan 3, 2011
Defenshield introduces the MAG-D Grenade Dispenser for 40mm HE-DP grenade loads. The MAG-D dramatically increases the grenadier's combat load -- with each system holding and dispensing up to 5 HE-DP or TP rounds, and eliminates the need to carry rounds in cargo pockets or drop pouches with snaps that may seize shut.

[ Many thanks to Lance for emailing me the link. ]

[buglerbilly]

ATK Receives $24 Million Contract Modification to XM25, Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System Engineering and Manufacturing Development Contract

(Source: ATK; issued November 2, 2011)

ARLINGTON, Va. --- ATK has received a $24 million contract modification to provide the U.S. Army with additional ammunition, hardware, test and analysis support further user assessments of the XM25, Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System (ISAAS).

In March 2011, ATK received a $65.8 million Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract from the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier for the XM25. This 30-month EMD contract provided the necessary funding for the continuing design, integration, production, and testing of full-up systems to ensure the weapon's final design meets performance requirements and is production-ready prior to Army-wide fielding.

In 2010, the U.S. Army began a Forward Operational Assessment (FOA) of the XM25 with soldiers in Afghanistan to determine its capabilities through use in actual combat operations. Based on the weapon's initial success throughout the FOA, the Army has requested the items necessary to continue further weapon assessments. Information gathered during the ongoing operational assessment will provide valuable user feedback that will ultimately support the EMD process.

"The XM25 provides the individual soldier with an advanced capability to quickly engage targets hidden behind walls or in defilade," said Bruce DeWitt, Vice President and General Manager for ATK Advanced Weapons. "By putting smart technology into the soldiers' hands, we're able to provide them with a distinct battlefield advantage by taking away an adversary's ability to hide behind cover."

The ISAAS consists of a rifle that fires a 25mm airbursting round that is programmed by the weapon's integrated target acquisition and fire control system to detonate directly above an intended target. The system allows soldiers to quickly and accurately engage targets by displaying an adjusted aim point based on range, environmental factors, and user inputs. The weapon's target acquisition and fire control integrates a thermal capability with direct-view optics, laser rangefinder, compass, fuze-setter, ballistic computer, laser pointer and illuminator. These capabilities enable the weapon's use during day or night and in all weather conditions.

ATK is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the XM25 program. Program management is headquartered at ATK's Advanced Weapons Division in Plymouth, Minn. Program partners include Heckler & Koch, Sterling, Va. and L-3 Brashear, Pittsburgh, Pa. As a prime contractor, ATK specializes in developing innovative, advanced weapon systems that provide affordable precision and increased weapon platform effectiveness for the individual soldier, tanks, artillery, mortars, naval gun systems, and tactical aircraft.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 22 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Marines Want More Potent Air-burst Weapon

November 22, 2011

Military.com|by Matthew Cox



The Marine Corps wants an air-burst weapon that resembles the technology behind the Army's XM25 but with a more-potent 40mm round.

Weapons officials launched the effort after Marines in Afghanistan complained recently that their standard, 40mm grenade launchers were not performing well in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. Marines shooting high-angle shots with the M203 grenade launcher can cause the round to flip over in some cases, reducing its accuracy.

"The ballistics are all over the place -- if the round doesn't nose over; if it goes down tail first, it reverses the spin," said Charles Clark III, Infantry Weapons Capabilities Integration Officer for the Marine Corps Fires and Maneuver Integration Division, explaining that the Corps wants to improve its ability to engage the enemy with exploding munitions between hand grenade range, which is roughly 30 meters and close-in 60mm mortar range, which is about 200 meters.

"To do that, we realized you are probably going to have to have an air-burst capability," he said.

The Army has enjoyed some success with its XM25 Individual Semiautomatic Air Burst System, a multi-shot weapon it has fielded in limited quantities to soldiers in Afghanistan for evaluation. XM25 is a stand-alone launcher that fires 25mm airburst rounds with the help of its own laser rangefinder and computer.

The Marines are interested in the XM25 but are not convinced that the 25mm rounds will inflict enough damage when they explode over insurgents crouched behind cover.

"I have not seen a detailed analysis on the [XM25's] lethality," Clark said. "We think we can get more lethality out of a 40mm round."

Army weapons officials maintain they are getting good soldier feedback on the XM25's performance in in combat, but admit that most of it is "not quantifiable data" but subjective, survey-style comments.

"There is some specific feedback we have been receiving from soldiers of the capability of that weapon, what it is doing out there operationally, but I can't share with you," Command Sgt. Major Bernard McPherson, CSM of Program Executive Office Soldier, told reporters at the Pentagon in October.

The effectiveness of the 25mm round will be formally evaluated in range tests before it is approved for full fielding, Army weapons officials say.

In addition to concerns over lethality, the Marines say that the current price tag of roughly $30,000 to hand build one XM25 is just too expensive, Clark said.

Right now there are only five prototypes being tested by soldiers in Afghanistan. Congress has approved an additional $24.7 million to pay for 36 new prototype XM25s and the ammunition and spare parts to go with them.

Marine officials have released requests for information to industry for a new optic and an air-bursting 40mm grenade that will work with the service's current grenade launchers.

The Israeli military is testing a 40mm airburst system known as Multi Purpose Rifle System, made by Israel Military Industries Ltd.

The system features a computer, laser rangefinder and optic that can be mounted on any rifle with Picatinny rails. Using a touchpad that attaches to a grenade launcher with Velcro, a soldier can program a special 40mm grenade to accurately explode over a target at ranges beyond 250 meters, IMI officials say.

A short cable connects the optic to the launcher-mounted touch pad. It allows the shooter to set the range of the 40mm round's programmable fuse.

Compared to the 14-pound XM25, the MPRS optic/computer, ambidextrous touch pad and connection cable adds about one pound to a rifle equipped with a 40mm grenade launcher, IMI officials said.

The Israeli Defense Force could field the MPRS in early 2012, said Dan Peretz, corporate vice president for R&D and Business Development at IMI.

Marine officials are aware of the MPRS, which is being marketed in the United States by General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, but are unsure if it is the answer.

"There are some 40mm air-burst systems out there, commercially available -- the Israelis have one … but I don't think that anyone has the solution right now," Clark said.

In addition to the M203 launcher, the Marines hope to find a system that also works with its M32A1 multi-shot grenade launcher.

"If you have an air-burst capability on a multi-shot grenade launcher, you would be wrecking people," Clark said.

© Copyright 2011 Military.com. All rights reserved.

[buglerbilly]

This is the Multi Purpose Rifle System mentioned above: -

http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2005smallarms/thursday/guttel.pdf

Image from Gizmag..............

[ADMk2]

Probably not the right thread really, but have you seen this system before Bug?

http://www.atk.com/capabilities_defense/cs_as_gs_25mm_LW.asp

I wonder if the debacle over Army's 40mm auto-grenade launcher existed because they heard about ATK's new lightweight 25mm Bushmaster? With that new 25mm programmable air burst munition they get a weapon system similar to what they wanted, but with dual feed they can also have one with the lethality (though not the range) of the 25mm on the ASLAV and largely compatible with the existing 25mm Bushmaster to reduce training, support and ammunition overheads, but one that weighs roughly the same as the 40mm AGL's we were looking at buying...

Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me and shows the ridiculousness of that turret they put on the M113 upgrade... They could junk the whole thing and put a Konsberg or CROWS RWS and this 25mm on the M113AS3/4 for a huge upgrade in firepowe, much better sensor/NVG capability and far more useable internal space in the vehicles...

http://www.atk.com/capabilities_defense/PDFs/LW25Bushmaster.pdf

[buglerbilly]

Yeah I've seen that in my wanders.............never really took much notice of it as until someone adopts it, preferably in the US Forces, its never going to be sold Overseas.

The idea is good but then again so was the ASP-30, a 30mm cannon to replace the legacy .50cals using the same mounts.............never procured by anyone that I know of despite being shown in all sorts of AFV's, ATV's and High Mobility vehicles such as the Hummer, see pic............far more punch than a 40mm AGL!



http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product3643.html

[buglerbilly]

By: Stickman

31-01-2012

Product Announcement, Show Report

Spuhr Grenade Launcher T-1 Mount



Spuhr showed us a few mounts at SHOT, the one which caught our immediate attention was the Grenade Launcher Aimpoint T-1 mount. Spuhr states this mount can be set up to work with ” most brands of small Red Dot Sights, such as Aimpoint Micro, Trijicon RMR, Docter, or what the customer prefers.” They also point out the mount can be used with small or medium sized laser sights.

My guess is the T-1 will be the most common optic used, but its always nice to know there are additional options available.

http://www.spuhr.com/grt.html