Olin Spiw Launcher
Abstract
The area target weapon is a semiautomatic, three-shot grenade launcher, which is blowforward operated, air-cooled and fed by detachable vertical box magazine. It utilizes standard 40mm M406 fragmentation cartridges, as well as practice (smoke, M407) rounds. The launcher is designed to utilize the trigger of the point target element, by means of a connector system which permits firing either element at will. The launcher is fabricated basically of aluminum alloy in order to conserve weight. The use of the blowforward type of action permits the system to be shorter than more conventional actions. It is of conventional length only at the time of feeding. In this system the barrel is also the primary mass (energy storing) member. This allows the system to be light in comparison to systems which require a separate moving mass such as a bolt. The use of a detachable box magazine permits the weapon a high rate of sustained fire as long as loaded magazines are available, since rounds do not have to be individually loaded into the weapon. To assist in this, the weapon has been designed so that it automatically closes and loads upon insertion of a loaded magazine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 12, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0373879
Entities
People
- J. H. Johnson