M320 grenade launcher

Infobox Weapon
name= M320 Grenade Launcher Module


caption= M320 with detachable buttstock
origin=flagcountry|Germany
type= Grenade launcher
is_ranged=yes
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manufacturer=Heckler & Koch
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weight=1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
length=350 mm (13.7 in.)
part_length=280 mm (11 in.)
crew=1
cartridge= 40x46 mm low velocity grenade
action= Single shot, double action
rate= 5 to 7 rounds per minute
velocity= 76 m/s
range= 150 m
max_range= 400 m
feed= Single shot
sights=
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M320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) is the U.S. Military's designation for a new single-shot 40 mm grenade launcher system to replace the M203.cite web|url=http://www.ausa.org/webpub/DeptArmyMagazine.nsf/byid/KHYL-6L7MAD|title=XM320 Grenade Launcher Module And XM26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System - Army Magazine] [https://peosoldier.army.mil/pmsw/index.asp Product Manager Individual Weapons] (US Army) at Picatinny Arsenal conducted a competitive bidding process for a new 40mm grenade launching system, Heckler & Koch was awarded a contract to provide the XM320 beginning in 2006. The M320 was developed from but is not identical to the Heckler & Koch AG36.cite web|url=http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl17-e.htm|title=AG36 / AG-C / EGLM / XM320 grenade launcher - Modern Firearms ] The M320 is expected to enter full production in November 2008.

Overview

The M320 has three major parts: a grenade launcher, Day/Night Sight (DNS) produced by Insight Technology, Inc and a hand held Laser Range Finder (LRF). Some of the benefits are:

*The M320, as with the M203, can be attached to the M16 assault rifle and the M4 Carbine attaching under the barrel forward of the magazine. The M320 can also be used dismounted with a stock attached to be used in a stand alone model like the M79.

* The Day/Night Sight allows the grenadier to effectively engage the enemy in the dark.

* The sights on the M320 are located to the side of the launcher. This avoids the problems that the M203 had with its sight design. The M203's sights were mounted on top of the launcher and could interfere with the rifle's sights and they had to be attached separately. This meant two separate operations had to be performed when adding the grenade launcher to the weapon, and since the sights were not integral to the M203, they had to be re-zeroed every time the launcher was reattached to the rifle.

* The M320 can fire all NATO high-explosive, smoke, and illuminating grenades. Its breech opens to the side, allowing it to fire a variety of newer rounds which are longer, in particular certain non-lethal rounds.

* The M320 operates in double action mode, with an ambidextrous safety. In case of misfire, the M320 operator merely has to pull the trigger again. The M203 used a single action mode which was cocked as the breech was closed. The M203 operator has to cycle the breech to re-cock the firing pin, then pull the trigger again.

* The LRF helps eliminate range estimation errors common in shots greater than 100 meters, thus increasing first round hit probability.

References

See also

* AG36 - German Army
* KAC Masterkey
* M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System
* Rifle grenade
* Under-slung Grenade Launcher
* Related Lists:
** List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces
** List of crew served weapons of the US Armed Forces
** United States 40 mm grenades
** List of modern weapons

External links

* [https://peosoldier.army.mil/factsheets/SW_IW_M320.pdf PEO Soldier/PM Inidivdual Weapons]
* [http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl17-e.htm Modern Firearms]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m320.htm Global Security]
* [http://www.hk-usa.com/le_xm320_general.html HK USA]