Rifle-Gas Launched Grenade Concept

The report describes a feasibility study on a novel approach for launching a 40mm grenade. The study was undertaken with the goal of conceiving and developing a future grenade launcher which would be applicable to the Future Rifle System Program. This program advocates a weapon system which is a combination of both a rifle (point fire) and a grenade launcher (area fire). To maximize integration of the launcher to the rifle design, it was theorized to utilize rifle propellant gases to launch a grenade projectile. The proposed concept would provide for reduced grenade ammunition costs, reduced number of launcher component parts, lighter total weapon system weight, and more grenade rounds per combat load. A concept which contained all of the above features was generated, designed, fabricated, and tested. The report describes the various facets which went into each stage of its development.