In 1951, American weapons designers began to work on the creation of a 40-mm single-shot grenade launcher. Design work lasted for ten years. The United States Army received new weapons in 1961. Today it is known as the M79 grenade launcher. Information on its device and technical characteristics is presented in this article.
Origin
The M79 grenade launcher was designed in 1961 by the gunsmiths of the Picatinne and Springfield arsenals. This model is also known under the unofficial names of Blooper and Thumper. In the technical documentation, the grenade launcher is listed as M79. Since 1961, namely with the advent of this weapon, the American infantrymen had the opportunity to destroy enemy personnel from 400 m, as well as disable transport and lightly armored military equipment.
On the history of weapons
In 1951, the United States Army needed new infantry weapons. Soon, the military command of the arsenals was given the task: to develop more effective devices for throwing fragmentation shells. By definition, the new model is a “manual mortar, ” since it is mainly used for mounted shooting. According to experts, the M79 is much better than standard hand-held mortars, since American infantrymen can now fire at the enemy from elevations. In addition to shooting from top to bottom, direct fire is also available. The latter is applicable for nearby purposes. It can not be argued that the M79 grenade launcher is unique in its kind.
In 1943, the American designer Stuart Long created a similar grenade launcher, which, due to the ammunition that was not worked out to the end, was never received by the U.S. Army. The fact is that this model fired 58-mm grenades, which were similar to the fragmentation Mk II. The ammunition was modified for use with rifled barrels by means of expelling charges. At the Picatinna Arsenal, we went further and began designing new 40 mm fragmentation munitions. According to experts, both grenade launchers are presented with almost identical state charges, breaking in half for this purpose by rifled barrels, wooden butts, sights and "arctic" triggers. The latter were so named for the reason that the infantryman could easily fire even in winter fur gloves.
About shells
In 1952, the first specimen of fragmentation ammunition was created. Its warhead was a 40-mm sphere, the hollow walls of which contained explosives, as well as ready-made striking elements - steel balls. However, according to experts, the mass production of such shells to the state could be too expensive. As a result, in the manufacture of warheads, they decided to use a welded steel wire with a square cross section. She wound on a special mandrel, and in order to burst faster and form striking fragments, she was equipped with transverse notches. As a result of the rupture of such an ammunition, all living things were affected within a radius of five meters.
About the production of grenade launchers
After successful tests at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in 1961, serial production of these grenade launchers was established. The American defense industry produced 350 thousand units. The assembly was carried out at the arms arsenal in Springfield. Everything was supplied there from the Picatinny Arsenal and from the Ordance Division Crosley and Corp factories located in Connersville, Indiana. Deliveries were made of aluminum shells, shrapnel shirts and fuses.
About device
The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot weapon containing a rifled barrel. This is a model with open sights, which are represented by the front sight and the whole. The latter can be folded if necessary. The whole is marked at a certain distance, which varies between 75-375 m. The step length is 25 m. The grenade launcher is made with a wooden butt and forearm. In an effort to minimize recoil during firing, American designers equipped the butt of the grenade launcher with a rubber recoil pad-shock absorber. The box is equipped with swivels, to which the gun belt is attached. To reload a weapon, its barrel is enough to fold down and remove the already used sleeve. Then, instead of the shot, a new grenade is inserted. After that, the trunk is locked.
About the technical characteristics of the M79 grenade launcher
The technically described model has some interesting nuances.
- The weight of a loaded weapon is 2.93 kg, with an empty ammunition load - 2.7 kg.
- The total length of 731 mm, barrel length - 357 mm.
- It shoots with grenades 40x46 mm.
- Within one minute, up to 6 shots can be fired.
- The maximum destruction range does not exceed 400 m. The grenade launcher is effective at a distance of up to 350 m, it is from this distance that aimed fire is provided.
- The M79 is designed with a single-shot ammunition and is equipped with a rising sight.
