XM25 Individual Airburst Weapon System

The XM25 is an airburst grenade launcher derived from the XM29 OICW.

It fires 25 mm grenades that can be set to explode in mid-air after traveling a certain distance. This feature makes the XM25 more effective than traditional grenade launchers at the task of clearing entrenched positions.

The system is under development by Heckler and Koch and Alliant Techsystems.

pecifications

* Caliber: Low-velocity 25 x 40 mm grenade.
** Thermobaric
** Flechette
** Training
** High-explosive airbursting.
** Non-lethal
* Range: 500 m point, 1000 m area.
* Operation: Gas operated semi-automatic.
* System weight: 14 lbs (6.35 kg).
* Target acquisition/fire control (XM104).
** Weight: 2.54 lbs (1.15 kg).
** 2x thermal sight with zoom.
** 2x direct view optical sight.
** Ballistic computer.
** Digital compass.
** Laser rangefinder.
** Ammunition fuze setter.
** Environmental sensors.

Program status

* April 2005 - First prototypes are delivered to the U.S. Army for field-testing. [ [http://atk.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=452 ATK Delivers First XM25 Prototypes to U.S. Army for Testing and Evaluation] ]
* September 2005 - Test firing by regular troops at Grafenwöhr Training Area. [ [http://www.eucom.mil/english/FullStory.asp?art=725 Soldiers test new weapons at Grafenwöhr - EUCOM] ]

References

ee also

* Barrett XM109
* XM307
* Mk 47 Stryker
* PAW-20
* List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces

External links

* [http://www.atk.com/Customer_Solutions_MissionSystems/cs_ms_w_fp_IAWS.asp XM25 Airburst Weapon System - ATK]
* [http://peosoldier.army.mil/factsheets/SW_IW_XM25.pdf Program Executive Office Soldier (PDF)]
* [http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl13-e.htm XM25 grenade launcher - Modern Firearms]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m25.htm XM25 Airburst Weapons System - Global Security]
* [http://www.military.com/soldiertech/0,14632,Soldiertech_XM25,,00.html Military.com - A First Look at the XM25]