XM25 CDTE: Difference between revisions
Added Defense Tech reference + cost & unit purchase amount |
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These features make the XM25 more effective than traditional grenade launchers at the task of hitting targets that are behind cover or dug into the ground. |
These features make the XM25 more effective than traditional grenade launchers at the task of hitting targets that are behind cover or dug into the ground. |
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The system is under development by [[Heckler & Koch]] and [[Alliant Techsystems]] |
The system is under development by [[Heckler & Koch]] and [[Alliant Techsystems]], while the target acquisition/fire control is developed by L-3 IOS Brashear. The most recent deployment plans call for a purchase of 12,500 XM25s at a projected cost per weapon system of $25,000.<ref name="defensetech_20100506">{{cite web|url=http://defensetech.org/2010/05/06/army-sending-precision-grenade-launcher-to-afghanistan/|title=Army Sending Precision Grenade Launcher to Afghanistan|last=Grant|first=Greg|work=Defense Tech|accessdate=2010-05-06}}</ref> |
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==Specifications== |
==Specifications== |
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Revision as of 20:48, 7 May 2010
| XM25 Individual Airburst Weapon System | |
|---|---|
| File:XM-25 army.jpg A Soldier aims an XM-25 weapon system at Aberdeen Test Center, Md. | |
| Type | Grenade launcher |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Heckler & Koch |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) |
| Cartridge | 25 x 40 mm |
| Effective firing range | 500 m point, 1000 m area |
The XM25 is an airburst grenade launcher derived from the XM29 OICW.
It fires 25 mm grenades that are set to explode in mid-air at or near the target. A laser rangefinder in the gun is used to determine the distance to the target. The user can manually adjust the detonating distance by up to three meters shorter or longer. The gun automatically transmits the detonating distance to the grenade in the firing chamber. The grenade tracks the distance it has traveled by the number of spiral rotations after it is fired.[1] These features make the XM25 more effective than traditional grenade launchers at the task of hitting targets that are behind cover or dug into the ground.
The system is under development by Heckler & Koch and Alliant Techsystems, while the target acquisition/fire control is developed by L-3 IOS Brashear. The most recent deployment plans call for a purchase of 12,500 XM25s at a projected cost per weapon system of $25,000.[2]
Specifications
- Caliber: Low-velocity 25 x 40 mm grenade.
- Thermobaric
- Flechette
- Training
- High-explosive airbursting.
- Non-lethal
- Range: 500 m point, 700 m area.
- Operation: Gas operated semi-automatic.
- System weight: 14 lbs (6.35 kg).
- Target acquisition/fire control (XM104).
- Weight: 2.54 lbs
- 4x thermal sight with zoom.
- 2x direct view optical sight.
- Ballistic computer.
- Digital compass.
- Laser rangefinder.
- Ammunition fuse setter.
- Environmental sensors.
Program status
- April 2005 - First prototypes are delivered to the U.S. Army for field-testing.[3]
- September 2005 - Test firing by regular troops at Grafenwöhr Training Area.[4]
- Summer 2009 - Field tests in Iraq or Afghanistan.[1]
- 2012 - Forecast deployment.[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Kleiner, Kurt (2009-06-06). "Radio-controlled bullets leave no place to hide". New Scientist. Retrieved 2009-06-14.
- ^ Grant, Greg. "Army Sending Precision Grenade Launcher to Afghanistan". Defense Tech. Retrieved 2010-05-06.
- ^ ATK Delivers First XM25 Prototypes to U.S. Army for Testing and Evaluation
- ^ Soldiers test new weapons at Grafenwöhr - EUCOM
External links
- XM25 Airburst Weapon System - ATK
- Program Executive Office Soldier (PDF)
- XM25 grenade launcher - Modern Firearms
- XM25 Airburst Weapons System - Global Security
- Military.com - A First Look at the XM25
