INFANTRY SUPPORT WEAPONS
While emphasis continues to be placed on dismounted operations for armed forces, ADJ reporter Adam Baddeley claims that it has generated a need on the side of infantry to increase available firepower that was previously provided by accompanying armoured vehicles.
The XM25 capability is being implemented, beside refining existing capabilities provided to soldiers, with reduced size, weight and volume. XM25 CDTE system provides a single dismounted soldier with a dedicated 25mm grenade launcher, able to quickly generate airburst effects against enemy troops behind walls, corners or in trench.
The K11 assault rifle, recently fielded by S. Korea, is an integrated bolt action rile with magazine fed loaded 20mm grenade launch.
Rhein****ll Waffe Munition is developing two new launchers with effective range of 700m and includes an airburst design.
The Austrian Madritsch AG77 A1 40mm is a lightweight grenade launcher for the Aug Steyr assault rifles.
Russia"s KBL produces the GP-30 which uses the VOG-25 and VOG-25P caseless fragmentation rounds, with a claimed fire rate of 2-3 times that of the US M203. The Acrus 40A3 UGBL is produced by Bulgaria and is mechanically sighted for ranges of 50-400m.
The US is said to be replacing its M203A2 with the H&K AG36, designated M320 underbarrel grenade launcher with day/night sighting systems. A number of militaries use the AG36 UGL.
The MGL-140, by Milkor, is a grenade launcher used buy US Marine Corps. It is in service with over 30 countries. It fires from a revolving magazine to ranges of 400m.
The new fire control unit, by FN Herstal, is an underbarrel 40mm design, very low in weight-0.5 kg - has been selected by US special operations forces. It features automatic aiming, and includes a laser range finder and other features.
The RAG-30, by Technopol, is a 30mm grenade launcher, appears to be similar to the old Bren gun.
Denel Land Systems, S. Africa, offers a range of 40mm designs. General Dynamics produces the Mk19 and the Mk47 Striker 40 used by US S0F.
The Nordic Vingmate, by Rhein****ll, is a system that is gaining some success. Has been used in Afghanistan by a number of coalition forces.
The XM806 is a crew-served lightweight 0.50 caliber machine gun. It weighs 31.8 kg.
Shoulder launched weapons against tanks include the Javelin as an effective example. The Nammo Talley 66mm M72A6 has been selected by US to replace the AT4 as an anti-tank weapon. The USMC have for long used the shoulder-launched SMAW against bunkers. It was used in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The M3, by Saab Bofors Dynamics, is an 84mm Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle, while the Russian RPG-7 is still used against armour vehicles.
Infantry support weapons
