This video delves into the history and design of the M79 "Bloop Tube" 40mm grenade launcher. It explains the military's need for a better direct-fire weapon than the bazooka, leading to the development of the 40x46mm grenade. The "high-low" system for launching the grenade is detailed, highlighting its accuracy, reliability, and low recoil. The description also mentions the M79's limitation at close range and its eventual replacement by the M203 launcher, while noting the M79's continued global presence due to its robust nature.
This video explores the Vietnam-era Mk18 Mod0 hand-crank grenade launcher, a pioneering weapon developed by Honeywell in 1962. Unlike modern self-loading systems, it operated via a manual crank, similar to a Gatling gun. The Mk18 utilized the same 40x46mm grenade cartridge as the M79, enabling a unique breech mechanism where cartridges remained in their belt. The video details its operation, its unusual breech design with rotating spindles, and its limited effective range which led to its primary use by the US Navy on riverine patrol boats, where its high volume of firepower was an asset. The content is presented in conjunction with Armament Research Services (ARES).
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