Orbital ATK is getting ready to deliver a new smart weapon to the Army for use in special situation. Beginning sometime in 2016, the Army will begin taking in a stock of XM25 grenade launchers. What makes this grenade launcher special is that it can take out enemies behind cover.
This works by allowing the user to point at the enemy (has a visual lock range up to 1,640 feet) and allowing the XM25’s laser based rangefinder to choose when the grenade launched will explode. The XM25 works for enemies behind cover by allowing the user to dial in extra distance (maximum of 2,300 feet) and the laser system will detonate the grenade in mid-air over the target. This would allow US troops fire without having to expose themselves to fire, picking a spot close enough and letting the XM25 handle the rest.
The XM25 provides the soldier with a 300 percent to 500 percent increase in hit probability to defeat point, area and defilade targets out to 500 meters. The weapon features revolutionary high-explosive, airburst ammunition programmed by the weapon’s target acquisition/fire control system (TA/FC).
The system integrates ballistics computation in the full-solution TA/FC. The soldier places the aim point on target and activates the laser rangefinder. The fire-control system provides an adjusted aim point. The soldier places the adjusted aim point on target and pulls the trigger. Target information is communicated to the chambered 25 mm round. As the round speeds down range, it measures the distance traveled and bursts at the pre-programmed distance.
The XM25 precisely delivers airbursting munitions in all conditions. It is five times more lethal at the M203 maximum range and continues to provide lethality well beyond the M203’s maximum ability. The system is designed for optimum performance at 300 meters but will perform to 500 meters and beyond. It includes five different types of ammunition: thermobaric, flechette, training, high-explosive airbursting and nonlethal.
While the Army will see the XM25 in 2016 and send it for active trials in service, a number of early prototypes were used in Afghanistan in 2010. Those field test showed the potential of the XM25 letting the project move ahead.
Via: (Engadget)
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