40mm grenade doubles range of existing weapon

[unhappycamper]

40mm grenade doubles range of existing weapon
- Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jun 18, 2008 6:42:30 EDT

PARIS — There’s a new 40mm grenade in the works that doubles the range of today’s 40s and for the first time will let ground troops shoot them in direct fire mode.

From a shoulder-fired grenade launcher, the new medium-velocity, Mercury 40mm grenade will have an effective range of 800 meters compared with the 400-meter range of a standard, low-velocity, 40mm round, said David Codling, sales and marketing manager for Chemring Defence. Codling spoke during the program’s “launch” briefing to reporters Tuesday at the 2008 Eurosatory: the International Land, Airland and Homeland Defense Exhibition.

In addition, the Mercury’s increased velocity will let infantry troops shoot directly at targets out to 300 meters, Codling said. Standard velocity grenades have to be fired indirectly on an arc to engage targets.

The joint business venture between the European firm Chemring Defence and Martin Electronics, located in Florida, began two years ago after hearing repeated reports that combat troops wanted such as round.

“In a lot of reports from Afghanistan and Iraq, they are looking for that additional reach,” Codling said.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/06/army_grenade_061708/



uhc comment: Here's what a belt o them things look like -->

[tabasco]

1. Nice.

I always liked the 203.

I wonder if this new launcher still has the rifle attached or if it's a standalone.

[unhappycamper]

2. No clue.

I carried the 203 under attachment my second tour.