XM320 Grenade Launcher Module

XM320 Grenade Launcher Module
XM320 with detachable buttstock
Type	Grenade launcher
Place of origin	Germany
Production history
Manufacturer	Heckler & Koch
Specifications
Weight	1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
Length	350 mm (13.7 in.)
Barrel length	280 mm (11 in.)
Crew	1
Cartridge	40 x 46 mm grenade
Caliber	46 mm
Action	Single shot, double action
Rate of fire	5 to 7 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity	76 m/s
Effective range	150 m
Maximum range	400 m
Feed system	Single shot

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

XM320

XM320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) refers to the U.S. Military's designation for a new single-shot 40 mm grenade launcher to replace the M203.^[1] Through a competitive bidding process, Heckler & Koch was awarded a contract to provide the XM320 beginning in 2006. It is expected that the military will change the designation to M320, removing the "X" (experimental) designation. The XM320 was developed from but is not identical to the HK AG-C.^[2]

Overview

The XM320 is, in principle, very similar to the older M203. With the benefit of experience over the years, H&K engineers improved on that earlier design in the following ways:

• Like the M203, the XM320 attaches to the M16 assault rifle and the M4 Carbine, and could also be attached to the HK 416 and the now-canceled XM8. Both attach under the barrel forward of the magazine.

• The XM320 has a pistol grip in front of the trigger, unlike the M203 where the magazine functions as a hand grip when firing.

• The sights on the XM320 are located to the side of the launcher. This avoids the problems that the M203 had with its sight design: (I) sights mounted on top of the launcher interfered with the rifle's sights, (II) sights were attached separately, resulting in two separate operations when adding the grenade launcher to the weapon, and (III) because the sights were not integral to the M203, they had to be re-zeroed every time the launcher was reattached to the rifle.

• The XM320 can fire all of the high-explosive, smoke, and illuminating grenades previously fired from the M203. However, because its breech opens to the side, instead of the pump-style of the M203, the XM320 can also fire a variety of newer rounds which are longer, specifically certain non-lethal rounds.

The launcher attached to an M4 Carbine, with the breech open

• The XM320 operates in double action mode, with an ambidextrous safety. The M203 used a single action mode which was cocked as the breech was closed. In case of misfire, the XM320 operator merely has to pull the trigger again, versus the M203 operator who has to cycle the breech to re-cock the firing pin, then pull the trigger again.

• The XM320 is lighter than the M203.^[1]

References

See also

• AG36 - German Army
• KAC Masterkey
• XM26 Lightweight 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

• AG36 / AG-C / EGLM / XM320 grenade launcher - Modern Firearms
• M320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) - Global Security
• XM320 - HK USA

Donate to Wikimedia