The XM174 is a mounted automatic 40 mm grenade launcher heavily based on the M1919A4 machine gun and the M79 grenade launcher, but fed from an ammo can.[1] It was used in the Vietnam War as a tripod mounted crew-served weapon and as a weapon mounted on various vehicles and aircraft. The XM174 has the same fire control group as the M1919A4.[2]
| XM174 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Automatic grenade launcher |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See users |
| Wars | Vietnam War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1968 |
| Manufacturer | Aerojet Ordnance Manufacturing Company |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 7.25 kg |
| Length | 712 mm |
| Cartridge | 40×46 mm |
| Action | Simple blowback, closed bolt |
| Rate of fire | 350 RPM |
| Feed system | 12 round drum magazine |
| Sights | Iron |
The ammunition was held in a drum canister with a maximum capacity of twelve 40 mm rounds. The launcher was also capable of semi-automatic fire.
U.S. Air Force Security Police personnel in Vietnam were also issued the XM174 automatic grenade launcher which was often used on perimeter defense posts and heavy weapons vehicles.[3]
Users
edit
United States - US Army, USMC, USAF
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=390
- ^ https://www.historicalfirearms.info/post/163541774724/xm174-grenade-launcher-in-the-early-1960s
- ^ "NAM 64-75 /zbrane/ XM174". nam.wz.cz. Archived from the original on 30 March 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
External links
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