Image source: topwar.ru
The German concern Rheinmetall has introduced a new version of the promising 40mm automatic grenade launcher SSW40 with magazine feed. The weapon has a relatively small mass: with one round of ammunition in the chamber and a three-grenade magazine inserted, it weighs about 6 kg. This is quite an acceptable weight for infantry units, and therefore the developer assumes that the SSW40 will be widely used in the military, at the squad level, displacing traditional machine-tool counterparts.
This weapon is designed to fire both low-velocity (LV) and medium-velocity (MV) grenades. The effective range of fire is 250 and 600 meters, respectively, which gives the infantry a significant advantage in the range of destruction. The maximum firing range is up to 900 m, depending on the type of ammunition.
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Buttstock with active recoil compensation mechanism
The stock uses an active recoil compensation mechanism, which allows the SSW40 to be used as a handgun. Two magazine configurations are available, accommodating 3 or 5 rounds of ammunition. The weight reduction was achieved through innovative developments, which was reflected in the design of the "open barrel". The fire translator allows you to adjust the type of ammunition used and the firing range. Grenades that are longer than the size of the magazine are loaded manually.
Image source: topwar.ru
Manual charging
The new modification, which looks different with an "open barrel", is equipped with two aiming systems: a standard optical sight and an advanced fire control system (FCS), which is currently under development. The FCS highlights the target with a red dot, which is adjusted according to the data of the built-in laser rangefinder, which increases the probability of hitting the first shot.
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Scopes and a fire translator located between them
Rheinmetall is also developing a high-explosive fragmentation grenade with programmable detonation, optimized for use with the SSW40. This munition, designed, in particular, to destroy targets in the shelter, will receive commands from the electronic fuse control system via the infrared channel immediately after departure from the barrel.
Rheinmetall explained that the company is preparing to demonstrate the SSW40 with standard 40mm grenades to international customers next month, and programmable ammunition is expected to be unveiled later.
- they declare in the concern.
