The Counter Defilade Target Engagement - Essay Example

In the current configuration of XM25, the grenade launcher operator must have an individual self-defense weapon – a pistol or a shortened machine gun. The main purpose of XM25 is the expansion and enhancement of opportunities for infantry firing at the squad level. It is assumed that this system will complement such existing means of fire support as a 40mm grenade launcher (M203 or XM320) and machine guns M249SAW. Through the use of a combined aiming system XM104, combining day and night channels, laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, compass, and external interfaces, XM25 will greatly increase the efficiency of hitting compared to the existing 40mm grenade launcher. The sighting range of a 25mm grenade will be up to 500 meters against point targets (window of a house, machine-gun, etc.) and up to 700 m against area targets.

The main type of ammunition will be XM25 HEAB (High Explosive Air Bursting) grenade type. Programming the distance of the explosion will occur automatically according to the laser range finder just before the shot. If necessary (e.g. due to refusal of sighting system) HEAB type grenades can be impact-detonated. In addition to grenades of HEAB type XM25 can use the shots with warheads of other types, including thermobaric (air explosives), armor-piercing cumulative (armor up to 50mm), cluster for close combat (filled with arrow-shaped striking elements), non-lethal (tear gas or rubber bullets). By the present time samples of the XM25 grenade launcher have already been field tested under combat conditions in Afghanistan.

Conclusion
The XM25 grenade launcher is a magazine-fed semi-automatic weapon. Automation uses the energy of powder gases moved from the barrel, locking of the barrel is carried out by rotating the bolt. The weapon is designed by the bullpup scheme; the breech and magazine are located behind the handle. The weapon is made of plastic. The trigger guard is enlarged and covers the whole arm; its front end is designed as an additional lever to hold the weapon. In addition, in front of the trigger guard, there are additional controls for the aiming system (including a laser rangefinder, explosion mode, etc.). On the top of the weapon, there is an XM104 sighting system, which combines conventional telescopic sight, electronic-optical night sight, laser rangefinder, electronic compass, and ballistic computer. The sighting system and the launcher itself have the necessary interfaces for programming grenades before firing, as well as for communication of the sighting system with other display devices, such as a helmet display of the soldier.