Engineering:XM174 grenade launcher

From HandWiki
XM174
Automatic-grenade-launcher.gif
TypeAutomatic grenade launcher
Place of originUnited States
Service history
Used byUS Army/USMC, USAF
WarsVietnam War
Production history
Designed1968
ManufacturerAerojet Ordnance Manufacturing Company
Specifications
Mass7.25 kg
Length712 mm

Cartridge40x46 mm
ActionRecoil
Rate of fire350RPM
Feed system12 Round Drum Magazine
SightsIron

The XM174 is a mounted automatic 40mm grenade launcher heavily based on the M1919A4 machine gun and the M79 grenade launcher, but fed from an ammo can. It was used in the Vietnam War as a tripod mounted crew-served weapon and as a weapon mounted on various vehicles and aircraft. The XM174 has the same fire control group as the M1919A4.

The ammunition was held in a drum canister with a maximum capacity of twelve 40 mm rounds. The launcher was also capable of semi-automatic fire.

U.S. Air Force Security Police personnel in Vietnam were also issued the XM174 automatic grenade launcher which was often used on perimeter defense posts and heavy weapons vehicles.[1]

See also

  • Comparison of automatic grenade launchers

References