Information paper on the XM-25 Weapon And Ammunition Essay

Information paper on the XM-25 Weapon And Ammunition - Essay Example With the increase in caliber the weight of the module grenade and ammunition also increased, so that the mass of complex weapon XM29 became excessive and it was decided to divide it into two separate systems. In general it is possible that in future, by reducing the masses the components again will be combined into one compact machine gun, grenade launcher and aiming module. In the current configuration of XM25 the grenade launcher operator must have an individual self-defense weapon – a pistol or a shortened machine gun. The main purpose of XM25 is expansion and enhancement of opportunities of infantry firing at the squad level. It is assumed that this system will complement such existing means of fire support as 40mm grenade launcher (M203 or XM320) and machine guns M249SAW. Through the use of a combined aiming system XM104, combining day and night channels, laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, compass and external interfaces, XM25 will greatly increase the efficiency of hitting compared to the existing 40mm grenade launcher. Sighting range of 25mm grenade will be up to 500 meters against point targets (window of a house, machine-gun, etc.) and up to 700 m against area targets. The main type of ammunition will be XM25 HEAB (High Explosive Air Bursting) grenade type. Programming the distance of the explosion will occur automatically according to the laser range finder just before the shot. If necessary (e.g. due to refuse of sighting system) HEAB type grenades can be impact-detonated. In addition to grenades of HEAB type XM25 can use the shots with warheads of other types, including thermobaric (air explosives), armor-piercing cumulative (armor up to 50mm), cluster for close combat (filled with arrow-shaped striking elements), non-lethal (tear gas or rubber bullets). By the present time samples of XM25 grenade launcher has already being field tested under combat conditions in Afghanistan. XM25 grenade launcher is a magazine-fed