M320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM)
The XM320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM), a derivative of the German-made AG-36, is a low-velocity grenade launcher. The XM320 is a 40mm grenade-launching weapon module that will replace selected M203 series grenade launchers currently mounted on the M16/M4 series of rifles and carbines, and will also provide a grenade-launching capability for the Objective Individual Combat Weapon Increment I system. The XM320 40mm grenade launcher can be used in a stand alone mode when the add-on, multi-position sliding buttstock is added, or as a separable under-barrel module with the M16 Rifle, the M4 Carbine, or the XM8 Carbine.
The integral day/night sighting system provides accurate gre-nade fires out to the maximum effective range of fielded ammunition. The open-architecture attachment system enables mounting on M16A2, M16A4, M4, and OICW Increment I rifles and carbines. The unrestricted breech mechanism allows the use of longer ammunition than currently fielded, ensuring a degree of system growth. It is lighter, safer, and more reliable than the M203 through the use of lighter materials and a more modern trigger/firing system.
In September 2004 the U.S. Army ARDEC, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806 announced [Solicitation Number: W15QKN-04-R-0425] a requirement [first posted on 26 April 2004 ] for a 40mm Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) as an approved Soldier Enhancement Program system item. Soldier Enhancement Program systems require a Commercial Off the Shelf(COTS)/Non-Developmental Item (NDI) solution. The system must be ready to use or require only minimal modification (expected modifications are sight and rifle/carbine integration). The GLM will replace the M203 Grenade Launcher as a lethality upgrade in the emerging U.S. Army "Units of Action" and it will also be fielded within the Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
The GLM shall be more reliable, more ergonomic, more accurate and safer than the M203 Grenade Launcher. The GLM shall be capable of firing all current U.S. standard 40mm x 46mm low-velocity ammunition. It must have a breach mechanism that is able to accept improved lethality munitions with longer payloads/projectiles than current 40X46mm munitions to accommodate system growth. The GLM must initially mount on the M4 Modular Weapon System with a mounting architecture flexible enough for adaptation to the M16A2 and M16A4 rifle as well as future rifles/carbines. The mounting hardware can differ for each host weapon; however, the basic launcher and sighting system must be able to mount to all host weapon variations with only minor modifications. When removed and replaced, the module will return to its normal bore alignment regardless of the host weapon interface.
The GLM must have a probability of hit (within a 5 meter radius) of: P(H)_>.60 at 100m,>.50 at 200m_> .30 at 300m_>.20 at 400m. The GLM shall include a sight that provides day and night targeting and a secondary sight in the event the primary sight becomes inoperable separated from the weapon. The GLM system must have a range determination capability. Each GLM shall possess a stand-alone capability in addition to its role as a combination weapon.
The GLM requirement will be met with a base contract of 60 systems for developmental testing to be procured in FY05. Contract will also contain two options. The first option will contain quantities for 500 to 2000 systems and the second option will have quantities of up to 9000 systems. The contractor must be able to sustain a delivery schedule of 350 systems per month with a possible increase of as much as 1,000 systems per month beginning sixty (60) days from successful completion of First Article Testing. The offeror shall submit four (4) bid samples, in addition to written technical proposals, at least two must have a day/night sighting system and a range determination device. All four will have an M4 MWS mounting configuration, a manual sight, and a stand-alone kit. The winning offeror must be able to deliver 10 of the 60 systems NLT 30 days from the date of award for safety certification/developmental testing. There shall also be a First Article Test (FAT) quantity of five (5) items that must be passed prior to approval of the first option.
On 12 May 2005 Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. was awarded a competitive contract to produce the new add-on grenade launcher for the US Army. This award marked the completion of a full and open competition among several companies to provide a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) shoulder-fired grenade launcher that met or surpassed all user-developed requirements. The total potential value of this contract is $29 million with a potential purchase of more than 11,000 launchers, day/night sights, and assorted items (tools, parts, and accessories) over the life of the contract. The XM320 Grenade Launcher Module was selected after months of rigorous bid sample testing, including a user evaluation at the Army’s Aberdeen Test Center in Aberdeen, Maryland.
Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. of Sterling, Virginia is the U.S. affiliate of Heckler & Koch, GmbH of Oberndorf, Germany. HK Defense supplies the US military and federal law enforcement agencies with technologically advanced firearms, logistical support, training, and specialized design services. Parent company Heckler & Koch is the firm behind some of the most of well known firearms of the last fifty years including the G3 rifle, MP5 submachine gun, USP pistol, and newer models such as the G36 weapon system, the UMP submachine gun, the MP7A1 personal defense weapon, and the HK416 enhanced carbine.
The open architecture of the XM320 will enable soldiers to easily attach the launcher, in seconds and without tools, to current and newly emerging weapon platforms ranging from compact carbines to light machine guns. The XM320 GLM is unique in that it uses a side-opening barrel that permits the use of all current 40x46mm ammunition as well as many longer cartridges that, due to their overall length, could not be fired from the M203 grenade launcher.
The use of a double-action trigger system allows the XM320 to be safely loaded and unloaded while the launcher remains in an uncocked condition. The double-action trigger system is controlled by the use of an ambidextrous manual rotary safety lever and also permits multiple primer strikes without the need to open the breech.
The sights for the XM320 are attached directly to the grenade launcher’s receiver ensuring the zero (aiming/impact point) of the weapon is retained when it is removed and later reinstalled on another weapon or when its used in the stand-alone mode. The building block design approach of the XM320 allows for a choice of three distinct sighting systems. A ranging day/night sight produced by Insight Technology Inc. of Londonderry New Hampshire provides a high probability of 24-hour first round target engagements within 5 meters out to 350 meters. A mechanical ladder sight can also be used in combination on the XM320 launcher.
Lighter in weight than the U.S. M203 grenade launcher, the XM320 is a combat-proven design produced by Heckler & Koch based on lessons learned from producing more than 30,000 similar launchers that have been in service since 2000 with the military forces of Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and Portugal.
During U.S. Army testing the robust HK Grenade Launcher Module received superior marks for accuracy, reliability, and modularity. The XM320 Grenade Launcher Module provides unmatched performance and combat capability for the U.S warfighter—permitting the destruction of point targets and the suppression of area targets under both day and night conditions. Current plans call for the first Army deliveries to begin in early 2006.
