“We are moving proactively and quickly to standardize this part of the pistol.  This is a voluntary exchange specifically for the new Gen4 models,” said Gary Fletcher, Vice President of Glock, Inc.  “We have developed a program for consumers to send in their existing recoil spring assemblies and receive new ones at no cost.”

The replacement of the Gen4 pistol RSA can be performed as part of the regular field-strip process; consumers do not need to take the Gen4 pistol to an armorer.  Consumers wishing to participate in the exchange program are urged to call (877) 745-8523 to order their new recoil spring.  For more information on the details and shipping requirements on the replacement program, visit www.teamglock.com.

Glock, Inc. Donates $75,000 at 2011 Modern Day Marine
Glock, Inc. donated a total of $75,000 to two separate organizations during the 2011 Modern Day Marine held in MCB, Quantico, VA September 27 – 29.  Glock Vice President Josh Dorsey presented $50,000 to the Young Marines and $25,000 to the Marine Corps League during a presentation held at the Iwo Jima Memorial, Quantico on Wednesday, September 28th.

“Glock is proud to contribute to organizations such as the Young Marines and the Marine Corps League, which play such a vital role in providing aid to the families of America’s fallen heroes as well as develop the characteristics of our nation’s future leaders,” said Glock Vice President, and former Marine, Josh Dorsey.  “Glock has a long-standing tradition of supporting those that put themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms we currently enjoy.”

U.S. Special operations command Contract Awarded to SureFire
SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of high-end illumination tools and tactical products, has been awarded its largest suppressor contract to date.  The $23.3 million contract, for an indefinite quantity of sound suppressors, suppressor adapters, blank firing adapters and training adapters, was awarded by officials of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division – the primary solicitation center for U.S. Special Operations Command as part of the Family of Muzzle Brake Suppressors (FMBS) contract.

The FMBS solicitation was the most comprehensive modern suppressor evaluation conducted by the U.S. military to date.  It focused on criteria that subjected suppressor systems to prolonged testing on a variety of firearms platforms.  SureFire suppressors were chosen based on test criteria such as: Reliability, Sound Reduction, Accuracy, Point of Impact Shift, Endurance/Durability, and Operational Suitability.  While these requirements reflect the suppression needs for firearms including the MK13 sniper rifle, the United States Marine Corps is already employing SureFire’s FA762SS suppressor system on every M40A5 sniper rifle.

“From day one, SureFire’s commitment has been to increase the safety and success of the war fighter and peacekeeper by developing products that exceed the standards for performance and quality,” said Barry Dueck, Director of SureFire’s Suppressor Division.  “Our suppressors are no exception.  We build these to enhance the operational capabilities of our customers, knowing that their lives often depend on their equipment, and we’re very pleased that USSOCOM will now have multiple models available to improve their operational effectiveness.”

U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Roth Appeal
The U.S. Supreme Court opened its Fall 2011 term by denying the certiorari petition of Professor J. Reece Roth, a professor emeritus at the University of Tennessee who had been convicted of violating the Arms Export Control Act (AECA).  The conviction was based in part upon Professor Roth permitting a foreign graduate student access to technical data relating to an Air Force military drone project.  In January of this year, the Sixth Circuit dismissed Professor Roth’s appeal.  The denial of certiorari ends the legal appeals process for Professor Roth.

Los Angeles Police Department Chooses to Continue Using Remington Shotguns
Remington Arms Company, LLC is proud to announce that the Los Angeles Police Department again chose the Remington Model 870 Police Magnum and Model 870 Police Marine Magnums as their department issued shotguns.  “We are excited and proud to supply LAPD its shotguns as we have continued to produce our police weapons to the highest standards in our custom police build area to insure the quality of our weapons going out to police departments across this great nation.” said Rick Johnson, Director of Law enforcement sales.

ATK Awarded $37 Million Contract to Provide Lightweight 30mm Ammunition to the UK MOD
ATK has been awarded a $37 million contract to provide lightweight (LW) 30mm ammunition – including the M788 TP (target practice) training round and the M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) tactical round – to the United Kingdom’s (UK) Ministry of Defence (MoD).  The contract reinforces ATK’s position as a preferred provider of medium-caliber ammunition to allied forces worldwide.  Both rounds will support the United Kingdom’s fleet of AH-64 Apache Helicopters.

These two rounds make up ATK’s family of LW30mm ammunition and were originally developed and fielded for the M230 automatic cannon and the AH-64 Attack helicopter.  The M789 HEDP round provides the accuracy and armor penetration capabilities necessary to effectively defeat today’s threats, and the cost-effective, ballistically-matched M788 training rounds enable improved warfighter performance in active theaters around the globe.  ATK has produced more than 14 million LW30mm cartridges rounds since 1977.

“Lightweight 30mm ammunition provides superior multi-role, multi-target defeat capabilities,” said Dan Olson, Vice President and General Manager, ATK Integrated Weapons Systems.  “Our M789 rounds are currently in use supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are proud to provide U.S. and allied forces worldwide with the medium-caliber munitions necessary to prevail in mission-critical scenarios.”

LaserMax Resolves Patent Infringement Lawsuit with NcStar
LaserMax announced a favorable conclusion of the patent infringement litigation which it initiated in December of 2008 against New Century NcStar, Inc. (NcStar).  LaserMax and NcStar settled the lawsuit concerning NcStar’s alleged infringement of LaserMax’s U.S. Patent No. 7,421,818, through NcStar’s manufacture or sale of products including, but not limited to, its products identified in its literature as ATPRLS, ATPRLS-G, APUSP, APCUSP, and ATPFLS, which include accessory mounts with embedded laser sights.

In the parties’ settlement of this case, NcStar has expressly and irrevocably acknowledged the validity of the ‘818 patent and has agreed to cease manufacture and sale of the products listed above.  NcStar has also agreed to recall any remaining inventory of those products from resellers, including brick-and-mortar dealers, catalogs and websites, and wholesale distributors.  Finally, NcStar has agreed to pay LaserMax an undisclosed sum.  The remaining terms of the settlement are confidential.

LaserMax’s CEO Susan Houde-Walter commented, “Once again, this is good news for LaserMax and the firearms industry.  LaserMax makes quality lasers which should never be confused with imitation products.”

Smith and Wesson Reports Strong First Fiscal Quarter Results
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation announced financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2012.  Total company net revenue for the first quarter was $99.2 million, up 4.5% from the year ago quarter.  Firearm division revenue was $91.7 million, an 18.0% increase over the first quarter last year, and was strong across nearly all product lines, particularly in Smith & Wesson brand handguns, which recorded a 26.6% year-over-year revenue increase for the quarter.  Security solutions division revenue was $7.5 million for the first quarter, down 56.4% from the year-ago quarter.

At the end of the quarter, firearm backlog was $148.8 million and security solutions backlog was $19.9 million.  Backlog is cancellable until shipped or work has been performed.

Michael F. Golden, Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Orders for our firearms remained strong in the quarter, evidenced by increased sales of our Smith & Wesson brand pistols and modern sporting rifles.  In fact, firearm unit sales in our consumer channel were up 44.4% compared with the adjusted NICS* increase of 10.8% for the same three-month period ending July 31.  Professional orders for our M&P pistols increased, and handgun growth in general was supported by the continuing consumer trend toward smaller firearms designed for concealed carry and for personal protection. While the environment for our security solutions business remained challenging primarily related to constraints in government spending, we continued to focus on reshaping the business and expanding our portfolio with new products to better address the current market environment.”

ATK to Relocate Corporate Headquarters to Northern Virginia
ATK announced today that it will relocate its corporate headquarters as of October 1, 2011 to Arlington, Virginia, where the company will expand its existing office space.  The company will continue to maintain a strong presence in Minnesota, including approximately 210 Minnesota-based corporate employees.  In total, ATK employs approximately 2,700 people in Minnesota.  ATK currently employs approximately 3,500 people in the Mid-Atlantic region, where it operates facilities in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell welcomed ATK to northern Virginia, and said, “We are pleased that ATK is joining the vibrant aerospace and defense community that contributes so much to the commercial base of our state, and look forward to the company’s continued growth and progress here.”

“The relocation of ATK’s headquarters to the Washington D.C. area will provide our company with opportunities for increased engagement with our customers and Congress, as well as with our aerospace and defense industry peers that already are located in the region.  Expanding our presence and visibility in the Washington area will support our strategy of creating a more global, diversified company,” said Mark W. DeYoung, President and CEO.

Insight Technology HX Tactical Flashlight Rebate
Insight Technology recently announced that it is offering a fall rebate on the complete line of HX Tactical Hand-Held Flashlights.  The mail-in rebate is available to any consumer who purchases HX lights from now through December 31, 2011.  Rebates include $40 back on both the HX120 & HX150 and $50 back on the HX200.

Each light can be customized to start on any brightness level or function and offers programmable settings that include: auto off, constant on, momentary on, dimming, a blinding strobe and SOS beacon, making this series an incredibly versatile and possibly life saving tool.

Rebate coupons have been distributed to authorized dealers and distributors and can also be downloaded at www.insighttechgear.com and www.eotech-inc.com.  Customers will receive rebate checks within 8 weeks of receipt.

Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice Selects SIG Sauer Pistols
SIG Sauer GmbH., the leading manufacturer of commercial, law enforcement and military firearms, has been selected as the official duty pistol provider of the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice.

The SIG Sauer Model P250 will replace the stock of Walther P5s and Glock 17s currently in use by the Netherland police.  Approximately 42,000 PPNL variants will be delivered between 2011 and 2013.

This contract marks the first time in 25 years that the Netherland police service has chosen a new sidearm.  The P250 was selected over offerings from Walther, Heckler & Koch, and Beretta.

“After two years of exhaustive testing, we are gratified to see the P250 selected as the weapon of choice,” said Managing Director, Dr. Andreas Wende, SIG Sauer GmbH.  “We appreciate the Ministry taking the time for a complete and intensive testing process in making this decision.  SIG Sauer is grateful to have been selected, and we look forward to proudly serving with the Netherland National Police.”

Silencerco Acquires SWR (Southeastern Weaponry Research) Manufacturing
Silencerco has acquired SWR manufacturing.  The acquisition, which was agreed to on August 9, 2011 will serve the industry and consumers by combining the forces of two companies that have a common history of innovative products and superb customer service.  This merger will result in streamlined manufacturing resulting in decreased delivery times and most importantly, more innovative product design and increased brand awareness.  This merger creates a new benchmark for customer service and product innovation.

The merger of Silencerco and SWR positions the new entity to be one of the top innovative manufacturers of sound suppression technology in the country.  Manufacturing of both company product lines will be performed in Utah at the Silencerco facility.  The addition of new equipment and resources will allow Silencerco and SWR to service the law enforcement, military and consumer industries with increased productivity, shorter wait times for delivery and will add to the unique and innovative product design that will further revolutionize the firearm suppression industry.

Henry Graham, the current President of SWR, will continue to be available to his existing networks as Director of SWR at Silencerco.  SWR products will continue to be manufactured and supported, and technical support for legacy SWR products will remain unchanged.  “I am excited about this acquisition, it provides SWR with the resources it needs to elevate production, innovation, and service to a level that was otherwise out of reach,” said Henry Graham, President of SWR.  The new relationship between Silencerco and SWR will enhance manufacturing, reposition branding and marketing efforts into a larger, more effective social network, and continue in offering preeminent individualized customer support.

Urban warfare, snipers and insurgents are hiding in buildings and they will try to do devastating attacks on soldiers and the insurgents are protected by the building they are firing from.  When the soldiers are approaching the buildings, it is a good chance that some of them will be killed.  What they need is a weapon that can level the playing field – the shoulder mounted assault weapon.  As western armies are seeking lighter equipment for their dismounted infantry, anti-tank weaponry is also required to shed some weight.  An option to reduce weight and cost is the use of unguided rockets, assisted by advanced ranging, sighting and motion sensors to compensate for aiming errors.  Performing entrances in a building is one of the most dangerous things the soldiers do in urban warfare.  They have to handle the door. Then they have to place explosives on the door, and then give away their position, and if it is a reinforced door, they need more explosives and they can’t stay there.  What if they could handle this from a safe distance?

BDM M141, 83mm, Bunker Defeat Munitions –Previously Known as the SMAW-D
The BDM M141, 83mm, Bunker Defeat Munitions is a small mounted assault weapon.  It can be fired with different rockets against different targets and the weapon can take out bunkers and fortified positions.  The BDM is, in spite of its light weight, absolutely lethal.  With it, the soldier can take out buildings, caves and even tanks.  At squad level, they have the immediate fire power with their M72.  Nothing is safe from this as its new warhead makes the difference.  The soldiers on the ground have an efficient weapon to cause an absolute havoc.  It gives one a capability to take out snipers in security without their own troops having to enter the building.  That gives the bonus of taking out the target permanently without risking their own lives.  The BDM has a state-of-the art munition technology that functions in milli-seconds after entering inside the target when the rocket explodes and making maximum damage at the target.

M72 Light Anti Tank Weapon – LAW with Reflex Sight. (Nammo)

Originally developed and fielded as the M141 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon-Disposable (SMAW-D), the U.S. Army has re-designated the SMAW-D as the M141 Bunker Defeat Munition (BDM).  The BDM is the first lightweight shoulder fired weapon system with true multipurpose effectiveness.  It has the same High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) rocket used in the SMAW.  The HEDP rocket is packaged in a rugged, compact telescoping, disposable launcher that has all gunner controls needed to aim and fire the weapon.  Each launcher has an integral night vision device (NVD) mount that accepts any night sight or laser aiming light with a rail-grabber attachment.  The BDM round has a unique fuze that automatically selects the warhead detonation mode to maximize destructive effects for each target type.  No gunner actions are needed – the fuze selects the proper mode when the rocket hits the target.  Detonation of the high explosive charge is delayed against soft targets, allowing the rocket to bury deep inside.  Targets like sand bag bunkers are annihilated.  Rocket impact on a hard target causes immediate warhead function and the resulting squash effect creates enormous holes in solid concrete or triple brick walls, and open man-sized holes in simple concrete block or single brick walls.  Light armoured vehicles suffer huge perforations.

System characteristics 

• Single shot, disposable
• Target over-match effects against field fortifications, urban structures, and lightly armoured vehicles
• High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) rocket packaged in light weight, rugged, disposable launcher
• Simple to place into operation under any battlefield condition; airdrop certified and easily transported by one soldier
• Each round has a unique fuze that automatically selects proper detonation mode to maximize warhead destructive effects on soft or hard targets
• Soft Targets – fuze delays warhead detonation until rocket is buried deep into target
• Hard Targets – fuze detonates immediately upon impact with target
• Produces large target holes, propelling large fragments inside a vehicle or behind a wall
• Unrivalled destruction against earth and timber bunkers
• Can breach 8-inch reinforced concrete walls and 12-inch triple brick walls
• Provides devastating effects against light armour
• Range-Minimum 15 m
• Range-Effective 250 m
• Range-Maximum 500 m

Launcher has permanent night vision device mounting bracket permitting quick attachment of the AN/PVS-4 night sight, AN/PAQ-4 or AN/PEQ-2 laser aiming lights, or similar devices with rail grabber attachment.

M72A7 Light Anti-Tank Weapon launcher and projectile. (Nammo)

Nammo Talley, Inc. has demonstrated other warheads that offer mission specific options to the proven HEDP destructive capability.  A simple, effective, low cost firing trainer has been developed for BDM using a subcaliber trainer rocket and insert barrel.  Back blast effects are similar to the live round, at lower level to permit repeated firings in each training session.

M72 (European Version)
The M72 Light Anti Tank Weapon (M72 LAW) is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading short-range weapons.  Being compact and light (3.5 kg), possessing small dimensions and easy to operate, it provides excellent performance at a highly competitive price.  It is optimized to carry multiple rounds by every soldier.  It has a versatile firepower with combat demonstrated effects against various targets.  It is simple in operation and gunner skills are quickly developed and maintained with use of a subcaliber rocket trainer.  No gunner training system can match the M72 21mm rocket for effective skill building and low cost.  The simple barrel insert quickly converts any tactical launcher (empty) into a firing marksmanship trainer.  The fully qualified trainer rocket realistically simulates tactical round firing effects, achieving and maintaining superior gunner skills.  It is a durable round of ammunition with proven 20+ year shelf life.  The high velocity rocket increases effective range dependent of versions, M72A4, A5, A6, A7 350 meters.  Minimum range is 20 meters.

Further enhancing the existing versions of this weapon, the newly improved M72 EC LAW (Enhanced Capacity) and M72 ASM RC (Anti Structure Munition-Reduced Caliber) are introduced.  The improvements have been based on extensive feedback on the weapon following recent military operations, as well as incorporating the latest industry safety requirements.  The unique advantages of this product remain in place – specifically, ease of use, light in weight and small dimensions.

M72A9 ASM (Anti-Structure Munition) and M72 ASM-RC
M72A9 ASM is the fire power at squad level.  They don’t need to call for artillery and air power close support.  In a typical urban situation often the only way to take out a hidden sniper, is to use heavy artillery like a rocket, a mortar or air strike.  The chances are that this is not likely to take out the sniper, but also the entire building and in a city that can mean collateral damage.

M72 ASM FFE (Anti Structure Munitions – Fire From Enclosure) – launcher FFE and ASMFFE rocket low angle. (Nammo)

A direct result of Soldiers Lessons Learned, the M72A9 ASM was fielded to give devastating firepower to every squad member and keep size and weight to a minimum.  The time delay fuze allows the round to penetrate the target, placing the high output blast fragmentation warhead inside to maximize effectiveness.  Proven to penetrate brick, adobe, concrete block, and most common MOUT walls, doors and windows, the M72A9 ASM provides every Soldier the ability to defeat threat personnel from stand-off distances and protected positions.

System characteristics:

• High performance enhanced blast explosive
• Structure penetrating warhead with time delay fuze
• Combat proven
• Weight 4.3 kg (M72A9-ASM)
• Weight 3.5 kg (M72ASM-RC)
• In service – In production

M72 ASM FFE (Anti-Structure Munition – Fire From Enclosure)
To meet the need of Warfighters around the world, a new M72 production unit is in development and will soon truly satisfy the Fire From Enclosure goal.  Firing noise will be dramatically suppressed; smoke and flash are completely eliminated – with no loss in muzzle velocity.

M72A7 LAW (Light Anti-Armor Weapon)
The improved M72 LAW delivers increased reliability at longer standoff ranges, retaining battle-proven design and operational features of the combat-tested original M72 LAW.  A higher velocity rocket motor, armed with more effective warheads, provides capability to defeat a wide spectrum of targets encountered in today’s fields of operation.  Defeats light armour and retains a moderate capability against main battle tanks, when engaged from top, side and rear angles of attack.  Effective against brick and concrete walls.

This system has gone through numerous improvements over the years based on worldwide combat experience as well as new requirements from the users. The new RAM offers scalable effect in the target ranging from low collateral damage to maximum penetration. The new warhead features an enhanced blast explosive to ensure maximum effect in structures. This represents the preferred choice for urban war fighting. (Nammo)

M72 Subcaliber Rocket Trainer
No gunner training system can match the M72 21mm rocket for effective skill building and low cost.  The simple barrel insert quickly converts a tactical launcher into a firing marksmanship trainer.  The fully qualified trainer rocket realistically simulates tactical round firing effects, achieving and maintaining superior gunner skills.

M72 EC MK2 ENHANCED CAPACITY
This version is constructed on basis of numerous improvements over the years based on worldwide combat experience as well as new requirements from the users.

System characteristics

LAUNCHER IMPROVEMENTS

• Increased hit probability due to axial trigger and reflex sight
• Reduced weight –carbon fibre inner tube
• Picatinny rails

WARHEAD IMPROVEMENTS

• Penetration in RHA exceeds 350mm
• Octol replaced with PBXW-11(IM type explosive)

NEW DUAL SAFETY FUZE

• Acceleration safety
• Bore rider
• Fuze dud-safety, no energy after 15 sec

IM PACKING

• Rubber based fire-stop material
• The system withstands more than 30 minutes in fuel fire

EC MK2

• Alternative low cost warhead
• Penetrates 350mm in RHA
• Bore sighted rails for reflex sight on both sides of the launcher
• The system’s top benefits are:
• Light weight
• Small size
• Easy to operate
• Maintenance free
• Right or left hand operation
• Low cost
• High performance.
• Caliber: 66mm,
• Carry weight: 3.2 kg,
• Penetration: 350mm in RHA,
• Safety temperature: +71°C,
• Function against 0.5mm steel,
• Function with oblique angle: 70° NATO,
• Dispersion: <2.5 mills, dual safety fuze.

BDM M141 launcher with HEDP projectile. (Nammo)

REFLEX SIGHT FOR M72 LAW
Improved Operability Day and Night Illumination principle – Daylight will illuminate the optical reticle. In darkness the reticle will be illuminated by external light sources.  The sight has a ballistic reticle with AV moving target aim points.

Technical specification:

• Weight 240 grams
• Field of view by 120mm eye distance min. 50 mills
• Service temperature +71C/ -40C
• Reticle illumination Thritium gas source. Total activity 40G.Bq/1081Mci.
• option: Battery source.

The sight can be used by both right and left handed gunners: slide on, aim and fire.  Slide off for use on the next weapon.  The sight can be used with night vision goggles.

The US Army’s programmes for developing two different 25mm grenade launchers – the shoulder-fired XM25 from Alliant Techsystems and the crew-served XM307 ACSW (Advanced Crew-Served Weapon) by General Dynamics – are probably the most ambitious small arms projects in existence.  They are meant to revolutionise the effectiveness of small-arms fire by detonating HE/fragmentation grenades directly over the target, thereby greatly increasing the number of casualties, not just of standing men but also those hiding behind cover.  Such rounds are known as HEAB (High Explosive Air Burst) or ABM (Air Bursting Munition).

To achieve this requires some sophisticated technology.  The XM307 is fitted with a day/night sight with a laser rangefinder, a ballistic computer and a fuze-setter.  The gunner first lases the target to establish the range (this can be overridden if the target is at a slightly different distance than the aiming point); the system then takes atmospheric conditions and weapon tilt angle into account before indicating the aiming mark in the sights.  The gunner can set the fuze mode for airburst, PDSQ (point detonating super-quick), PD delayed-action or deactivate; it also contains a self-destruct element.  The projectile fuze measures the distance by counting the number of rotations: its spin rate is 21,000-28,000 rpm. The XM25 uses the same technology, with a shorter, lower-velocity cartridge limiting the range to around 700m rather than 2,000m.

The XM307 was originally intended to replace most of the .50 M2HB and 40mm Mk 19 AGLs, while the nearest comparators to the XM25 are the much bulkier six-shot revolvers chambered for the low-velocity 40mm grenade round, such as the  Milkor MGL, adopted by the USMC as the M32.  Adoption of the XM25 might therefore be expected to lead to a reduction in the use of the 40mm LV (low velocity) weapons, if not their eventual disappearance.

The manufacturers of 40mm GLs and ammunition are not taking this lying down, however, and have come up with a range of new developments to keep their products attractive.

Ammunition for Shoulder-Fired Grenade Launchers
The 40x46SR low velocity (LV) grenade round has now been around for almost half a century, originally chambered in stand-alone single-shot guns like the M79, but subsequently in underbarrel grenade launchers (UGL) such as the M203, and more recently the six-barrel revolvers mentioned above.  The muzzle velocity is only 250 fps, limiting the maximum range to about 400m.

The original round fired was the M406 HE/fragmentation type, and High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) rounds have also been available for some time, enabling these launchers to be used to tackle light armour.  Some recent developments have considerably extended the versatility of this round.  From Arcus of Bulgaria comes the AR476 “Anti-Diver” grenade which has a time fuze which is set on impact with the water, detonating the HE at a stated depth of between 5 and 12 metres and with a claimed lethal radius of 12m.  They have also introduced the AR466 “Bouncing” ABHE grenade which on impact is kicked back up into the air by a small nose charge before detonating, to increase the lethal radius – not a new idea, but a very much cheaper way of providing some of the effectiveness of the sophisticated HEAB systems.  A similar RLV-FJ “Jump” round is offered by Arsenal, also of Bulgaria – a country which appears to be innovating with enthusiasm in this field.

More effective conventional ammunition has also been developed, with the latest trend being Medium Velocity (MV) rounds, with the muzzle velocity increased to between 350 and 410 fps, thereby doubling the effective range.  Recoil is claimed to be similar to that of a 12 gauge shotgun, and well below that of a rifle grenade, and they are designed to be used in many existing LV systems.  At a range of 150m the mid-range trajectory will be halved to about 3m and flight time is reduced.  The first in the field was Martin Electronics’ “Mercury”, which is significantly longer than standard 40mm HE rounds to make room for a larger HE charge, doubling the destructive power as well as the range of the conventional M433 HE grenade.  Nammo Raufoss, Heckler & Koch and now Denel of South Africa are also developing MV ammunition, while Arcus have developed “extended range” versions of their HE and ABHE products, capable of about 600m.

IMI and STK are even developing High Explosive Air Burst LV rounds to deliver the same effects as the XM25, although these do of course need to be used in conjunction with special sights with a laser rangefinder and fire control computer, and also a launcher modified to include an electronic fuze setter.  IMI have developed the compact and lightweight Orion sight which offers these facilities and can be fitted to any rifle in conjunction with a modified UGL.

Martin Electronics 40mm LV “DRACO” thermobaric grenade.

Martin Electronics have also introduced a thermobaric round, the DRACO; a type of explosive which is proving particularly popular in some larger weapons in use in the Middle East because of the effectiveness of its high blast overpressure in enclosed spaces such as buildings and caves.  The round is very expensive, however, so attention is now being focused on the much cheaper Hellhound.

The peacekeeping roles which armies frequently have to adopt have generated growing interest in Less-Lethal ammunition for riot control and similar policing activities.  Many manufacturers now offer a very varied range of irritant chemical, impact, combined and paint marker ammunition too extensive to describe here.  Although such munitions have traditionally been used in specialised 37/38mm riot guns, they are increasingly available for the 40mm LV grenade launchers – and, in a few instances, for the 40mm HV AGL as well.

Other types of rounds which are not directly lethal include various smoke and flare types.  There are also some novel developments, most notably the observation rounds containing parachute-borne video cameras that send pictures directly back to the operator, providing an instant view of what lies over the hill or around the corner.  Both STK (with the SPARCS) and Martin Electronics (with the HUNTIR) have developed such rounds for 40mm LV grenade launchers, while the Rafael Firefly, still in development, is equipped with folding “wings” rather than a parachute.

Many of the new rounds are longer than standard, at up to 5.5 inches.  In contrast, ammunition for the semiautomatic XM25 is limited in size (the maximum length is only about 3.5 inches), and cannot hope to emulate the variety of types now available for the 40mm LV GLs, which will be with us for the foreseeable future.

40mm AGLs
The success of the original 40mm LV grenade rounds rapidly led to the development of fast-firing weapons chambered for them, but almost as quickly the need for greater range was realised, so the 40x53SR high velocity (HV) cartridge was developed.  This had the muzzle velocity increased to around 800 fps which, in conjunction with a heavier grenade (about 240g compared with 180g), increased the effective range out to 2,000m.  The first automatic grenade launchers (AGLs – also known as grenade machine guns or GMGs) chambered for this round were externally powered and designed for installation in helicopters: the M75 and M129 both seeing service in Vietnam.  Far more important, however, was a self-powered design, the Mk 19.  This was developed in the late 1960s as a USN project but was subsequently adopted by other services, as well as achieving substantial export sales.

Since then, and particularly since the 1990s, a number of rival AGLs have emerged from several different countries: the Spanish Santa Barbara (now General Dynamics Santa Barbara Sistemas) LAG 40 SB, the Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) 40AGL and Light Weight AGL, the Heckler & Koch HK40 GMG (recently bought by the British Army), South Africa’s Denel Y3 AGL, and other weapons from Romania, Poland, Turkey and Pakistan.  Of most significance to the USA is the CG40, a joint project between three companies, commencing in 1995: Nammo (ammunition), General Dynamics Canada (Fire Control) and Saco Defense (now a part of GD) who developed the gun and dealt with system integration.  Some 400 are in service with US special forces, ordered between 2001-5, under the designation Mk 47 Striker.

The HV ammunition used in these guns has not shown the variety found in the LV rounds, partly because of the narrower range of uses of the AGLs and partly because the need to function in an automatic mechanism restricts the characteristics – and particularly the overall length – of the cartridge.  However, a great deal of attention is now being paid to the development of the same kind of airburst technology as that being tested in the XM307.

Nammo 40mm HV PPHE rounds.

The way is being led by Nammo Raufoss, who have developed HEAB ammunition as a part of the CG40 project, under the designation PPHE (Programmable Pre-fragmented HE).  The gun was designed for this from the start, the necessary systems being integrated into the weapon.  These include an image-intensifying video sight linked to a laser rangefinder and incorporating a ballistic computer to indicate the exact aiming point, and an electronic fuze setter by the gun breech.  When used with the appropriate ammunition fitted with the Mk 438 programmable time fuze, the system sets the appropriate time delay on the fuze while it is in the chamber (the gun fires from a closed bolt) so that the grenade bursts directly over the target.  The gun can also use conventional point-detonating 40x53SR ammunition, with which the advanced sights are still useful in providing a high level of accuracy.  The Mk 285 HEAB projectile produces fragments which are mainly distributed sideways and backwards to catch troops behind cover, rather than forwards as with a conventional grenade.  An initial order for 39,000 of this round has been placed for use in the Mk 47 Striker, with deliveries expected to be completed by early 2008.

Nammo are also working on a variation of this system for guns, such as the HK40 GMG, which fire from an open bolt.  The chosen system is radio frequency programming, the fuze being set about 4 to 5 metres after the grenade has left the muzzle.  Since all of the system requirements are contained within a single sight/fire-control/programming unit, this can be fitted to any gun able to mount the unit.

There is yet a third HEAB system, from STK of Singapore; the ABMS (Air Bursting Munition System), which can also be fitted to existing 40mm AGLs.  This was developed in conjunction with Oerlikon-Contraves Pyrotec AG of Switzerland, who adapted the technology developed for their 35mm AHEAD cannon ammunition.  As with AHEAD, the fuze-setting system is attached to the muzzle and sets the fuze as the grenade leaves the barrel.  Like the Nammo systems, special grenades are used with an all-round fragmentation pattern, so they throw fragments behind them as well as in front and to the sides; the Oerlikon/STK type contains 330+ tungsten balls, each weighing 0.25g and intended to penetrate at least some grades of body armour.  The effective range of the system is 40 to 1,600m.

Sectioned 25x59B HEAB for XM307 ACSW.

In the rush to airburst systems, the value of the conventional (and much cheaper) ammunition has not been forgotten.  Nammo have developed a ‘product improved’ M430 HEDP round at the request of the USMC, who have asked for a mechanical self-destruct fuze, a modified (NICO type) propulsion system, insensitive munition (IM) properties using a PBXN-11 main charge, additional incendiary after-armour effect, penetration improved from three to four inches of RHA, and a reduced safety zone to prevent the base of projectile from being blown back towards the gunner (the current limitations being 310m in peacetime, 75m in wartime).  Internal Nammo qualification of this round is expected in spring 2008.

While the 25mm XM307 offers certain advantages, notably gun and ammunition weight plus a much flatter trajectory and shorter flight time, the 40mm AGLs clearly have a lot of life in them yet.  Their ability to fire inexpensive standard ammunition as well as sophisticated HEAB rounds means that they are likely to remain popular long after the XM307 enters service.