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Low speed, high speed: the mystery of the speed of 40mm grenades, which one has more advantages?
In recent years, 40mm grenades have continued to receive attention in military weapons around the world. Today, many countries have already developed or adopted 40mm grenade launchers. NATO currently specifies three standard families of 40mm grenades: low velocity (LV), medium velocity (MV) and high velocity (HV). Each of these three types of ammunition has a specific range of use and purpose and can meet different combat needs.
40×46mm low velocity bullet (LV)
Low velocity ammunition is one of NATO’s standards for high and low grenade launchers, and is especially suitable for handheld grenade launchers such as M79, M203, etc. The propellant of this type of ammunition generates low pressure and can reach a speed of 78 to 84 meters per second in short-range use, which gives it a unique advantage in striking short-range targets.
In addition, in addition to combat munitions, there are also crowd control munitions such as sponge grenades, showing their potential for non-traditional uses.
40×51mm medium velocity bullet (MV)
Medium-velocity projectiles are a type of grenade between low-velocity projectiles and high-velocity projectiles in NATO standards. They are specially designed for handheld grenade launchers and have an average speed of 100 meters per second. In addition to providing a longer strike range, this munition also meets the needs of the US Special Operations Command for enhanced range and lethality.
Compared with traditional low-velocity grenades, the maximum range of medium-velocity grenades can reach 800 meters, showing its adaptability on changing battlefields.
40×53mm high-velocity bullet (HV)
The high-speed projectile is specially designed for automatic grenade launchers installed or carried by personnel. The high pressure of the propellant can bring the speed to 241 meters per second. This type of ammunition is particularly suitable for tactical situations requiring rapid response due to its relatively high muzzle velocity.
For targets facing solid bunkers, the characteristics of high-velocity rounds make them a popular choice, especially when troops need to provide continuous fire support.
Development of smart ammunition
In terms of innovation in grenade launcher technology, the development of the US Army's SAGM (Small Individual Grenade) has been a highlight in recent years. This type of smart grenade is equipped with a proximity fuse, which is helpful for striking targets under cover. Its air burst function greatly enhances the lethality of the grenade.
Application of green ammunition
At the same time, modern armies are gradually paying attention to environmentally friendly ammunition, such as the MK281 non-toxic ammunition used by the US Marine Corps and Army. This type of ammunition is characterized by no residue and non-toxicity, which can reduce environmental pollution during training.
40mm grenade designs from other countries
Many countries have also made innovations in 40mm grenades, such as the specific ammunition designs of Poland and Romania, which all show that ammunition of this caliber is ushering in a diversified transformation in military applications around the world.
Future Outlook
The rapid evolution of 40mm grenades reflects the continuous adaptation of various countries to tactical needs, and the conversion between low-speed and high-speed ammunition has also triggered discussions on the military's demand for ballistic performance. With the advancement of technology, ammunition design may develop in a more intelligent and flexible direction in the future.
In this military context, readers can’t help but wonder: In the future battlefield, which speed grenade will have more advantages and become the key to victory?
