XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

XM25 grenade launcher also known as the "Punisher" is a Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System, and Individual Semiautomatic Air Burst System is an air burst grenade launcher derived from the XM29 OICW. XM25 Grenade Launcher was developed by the ATK corporation of USA, with the help of the famous German arms manufacturer Heckler und Koch. It was fielded to soldiers serving in the War in Afghanistan and is projected to enter full-rate procurement in 2013.

XM25 Ammunitions

The XM25 features a target acquisition system that calculates the range to a target with a push of a button and transfers the data to the electronic fuse built into the 25mm round. When fired, the projectile is designed to explode directly above targets out to 600 meters, peppering enemy fighters with shrapnel.

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

The XM25 has created a lot of excitement in the infantry community, but it has also attracted its share of criticism from door-kickers that the five-shot, 14-pound weapon system is more of a burden than a benefit to combat units.

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

The XM25 fires 25 mm grenades that are set to explode in mid-air at or near the target. A laser rangefinder in the weapon is used to determine the distance to the target. The user can manually adjust the detonating distance by up to 10 feet (3.0 m) shorter or longer; the XM25 automatically transmits the detonating distance to the grenade in the firing chamber. The grenade tracks the distance it has traveled by the number of spiral rotations after it is fired, then detonates at the proper distance to produce an air burst effect. These features make the XM25 more effective than traditional grenade launchers at the task of hitting targets that are behind cover or dug into the ground.

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

As the XM25 is a stand-alone weapon, its operator (grenadier) will have to carry an additional personal defense weapon, such as pistol or a carbine. Current plans are to issue about two XM25 weapons to infantry squad. It also mustbe noted that XM25 will not replace neither M249SAW / light machine guns, nor the 40mm underbarrel grenade launchers (current issue M203 or proposed XM320 single shot add-on shotweapons).

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Overview:

• Type: Grenade launcher
• Place of origin: Germany
• In service: 2010-present
• Used by: U.S. Army
• Wars: War in Afghanistan
• Production history
• Designer: Heckler & Koch, Alliant Techsystems
• Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch, Alliant Techsystems

Specifications:

• Weight: 6.35 kg (14.0 lb) empty
• Length: 749 mm (29.5 in)[1]
• Cartridge: 25mm
• Muzzle velocity: 690 ft/s (210 m/s)
• Effective range: 550 yd (500 m) for point targets, 765 yd (700 m) for area targets
• Maximum range: 1,100 yd (1,000 m)
• Feed system: 4-round box magazine