XM320
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| XM320 | |
|---|---|
 XM320 |
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| Type | Grenade launcher |
| Place of origin | |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) |
| Length | 350 mm (13.7 in.) |
| Barrel length | 280 mm (11 in.) |
| Crew | 1 |
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| Cartridge | 40 x 46 mm grenade |
| Caliber | 46 mm |
| Action | Single shot, double action |
| Rate of fire | 5 to 7 rounds per minute |
| Muzzle velocity | 76 m/s |
| Effective range | 150 m |
| Maximum range | 400 m |
| Feed system | Single shot |
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XM320 refers to the U.S. Military's designation for a new single-shot 40 mm grenade launcher to replace the M203. Through a competitive bidding process, Heckler & Koch was awarded a contract to provide the XM320 beginning in 2006. It is expected that the military will change the designation to M320, removing the "X" (experimental) designation.
[edit] Overview
The XM320 is, in principle, very similar to the older M203. With the benefit of experience over the years, H&K engineers improved on that earlier design in the following ways:
- Like the M203, the XM320 attaches to the M16 assault rifle and the M4 Carbine but is also capable of attaching to the developmental XM8. Both attach under the barrel forward of the magazine.
- The XM320 has a pistol grip in front of the trigger, unlike the M203 where the magazine functions as a hand grip when firing.
- The sights on the XM320 are located to the side of the launcher. This avoids the problems that the M203 had with its sight design: (I) sights mounted on top of the rifle interfered with the rifle's sights, (II) sights were attached separately, resulting in two separate operations when adding the grenade launcher to the weapon, and (III) because the sights were not integral to the M203, they had to be re-zeroed every time the launcher was reattached to the rifle.
- The XM320 can fire all of the high-explosive, smoke, and illuminating grenades previously fired from the M203. However, because its breech opens to the side, instead of the pump-style of the M203, the XM320 can also fire a variety of newer rounds which are longer, specifically certain non-lethal rounds.
- The XM320 operates in double action mode, with an ambidextrous safety. The M203 used a single action mode which was cocked as the breach was closed. In case of misfire, the XM320 operator merely has to pull the trigger again, versus the M203 operator who has to cycle the breech to re-cock the firing pin, then pull the trigger again.
The XM320 was developed from but is not identical to the AG36.
[edit] See also
- Related Lists:
