M320 40mm Grenade Launcher Module (GLM)As with other Grenade Launchers, the M320 40mm weapon is intended to bridge the gap between hand grenades and indirect fire assets. The M320/M320A1 Grenade Launcher serves the same function as the decades old M203/M203A1 Grenade Launcher but with many improvements. On 1 July 2009, Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division received the first fielding of the M320 Grenade Launcher (and began the process of training with the weapon for combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
M320 40mm Grenade Launcher Module (GLM)
In 1966 the PM-Individual Weapons, Picatinny, NJ, received requirements for an improved version of the Vietnam-era M203 Grenade Launcher. While the M203 was a successful grenade launcher, in use since 1969, it had drawbacks and limitations. Based on the requirements, a 2005 contract with Heckler & Koch for an existing GLM, and further development, the M320/M320A1 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) for the M16 rifles and M4 Carbines was fielded in 2009. Like the M203, the M320 attaches under the barrel of the rifle or carbine, but the M320 can also convert to a stand-alone weapon, resembling a modern M79 Grenade Launcher. Improvements in the sights on the M320 40mm Grenade Launcher are significant as the remedy to the shortcomings of the sights on the M203. The M320 integral day/night sighting system is located on the side of the launcher, a position that reduces interference with rifle and carbine sights, makes attaching the launcher a single operation, and eliminates the need to re-zero after reattaching to a weapon. The new sights provide targeting capability during day and night conditions out to the maximum effective range. Other advantages of the M320 include:
M320 Grenade Launcher AmmunitionThe M320 fires a range of low velocity 40mm cartridges, the same cartridges used with M79 and M203 grenade launchers. Examples include the High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) 40mm rounds and an array of less-than-lethal munitions, including CN/CS/OC tear gas rounds, smoke, non-lethal projectiles, signal (eg Star Parachute) and practice rounds (blue upper case). See the Olive-Drab.com page on 40mm Grenade Cartridges for more information. M320 40mm Grenade Launcher Characteristics
The M320 Grenade Launcher mounts on the M16 family of rifles while the M320A1 mounts on the M4 Carbine family. The M320 Grenade Launcher is made by Heckler & Koch, baed on the H&K model AG36 grenade launcher. Over the next few years after 2009, the US military will purchase more than 71,000 M320/M320A1 GLMs at a unit cost of about $3,500 according to news reports. Find More Information on the InternetThere are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there. For good results, try entering this: m203 grenade. Then click the Search button. |