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Ordnance Notes -- by Bob Stoner GMCM(SW) Ret.
Mk 19 Mod 0 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher
Photo: US Navy
Mk 19 Mod 3 40mm machinegun. The only apparent difference from the Mk 19 Mod
0 is the
addition of the flash suppressor to the Mod 3 barrel. Internal components are
different and parts
are not interchangeable. The Mk 19 Mod 3 is now in use by all branches of the
US Military.
The Mk 19 Mod 3 40mm grenade launcher is now
standard issue with the U.S. armed forces. Development of the Mk 19 began
in 1963 by Naval Ordnance Station, Louisville, KY. The Mk 19 Mod 0 was
adopted for service by the navy in 1966. The Mk 19 was designed to fire
the M383 HE grenade projectile that was used by the helicopter-borne M5 machinegun
system used on the UH-1 helicopter.
The Mk 19 Mod 0 had problems during its Vietnam
war deployment and after a product improvement program from 1971 to 1972, six
units were deployed with Naval riverine forces as the Mk 19 Mod 1. User
improvements resulted in the Mk 19 Mod 2 being fielded in 1973. More user
improvements resulted in a complete redesign of the Mk 19 during the years 1973
to 1976. The definitive Mk 19 Mod 3 was released for service in 1976.
The Mk 19 Mod 3 was adopted by the USMC in 1982 and by the U.S. Army in 1983.
The Mk 19 is a blowback operated and air-cooled. Its receiver resembled
a shortened version of a .50 Browning machinegun without the barrel support
and a short barrel.
The Mk 19 fires 60 rounds/minute in rapid fire
and has a 325 to 375 rounds/minute cyclic rate. Its maximum range is 2,200
meters (2,405 yards) and a maximum effective range of 1,550 meters (1,695 yards).
Muzzle velocity of the grenade is 790 feet/second. Overall length is 41.5
inches (Mk 19 Mod 3).
Weight is 72.5 pounds (Mk 19 Mod 3), without
mount.
The high-explosive, dual-purpose (HEDP) M430/M430A1
grenade can penetrate up to 2 inches of armor. The grenade has a
kill radius of 5 meters (16.5 feet) and wounding radius of 15 meters (50 feet).
Grenade arming distance is 15 to 30 meters (50 to 110 feet).
WARNING: The 40mm grenades used by the
Mk 19 and M79/M203 grenade launchers are NOT the same. Grenades for the
latter two launchers develop much lower pressures than those fired by the Mk
19. The M79/M203 grenade launcher barrel is aluminum, while that of the
Mk 19 is steel. The Mk 19 grenade round is longer than those used
by the M79/M203 launchers. Attempts to fire the Mk 19 grenade round
in the M79/M203 launcher will destroy the weapon and damage or kill the
operator.
Ammunition types are: M430/M430A1 HEDP;
M383 HE; M385/M918 TP (target practice); M922/M922A1 dummy rounds.
Links: steel, disintegrating M16A1 or M16A2. HEDP, HE, and TP ammunition
is pre-linked in M548 boxes with 48-round lengths. The Mk 19 is a very
significant boost to the firepower of a special warfare unit.
R-1
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© 2002 Bob Stoner
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