American Viven-Bessières WW1 Grenade Launcher
This video delves into the American Vivien-Bessières (V-B) WW1 grenade launcher, a French-designed system adopted by the US. It explains the cup-type launcher's operation, using standard ball ammunition with a pass-through grenade to trigger a time fuse. The V-B launched grenades 80-190 yards and could be fired from the hip, though shoulder firing was discouraged. The video highlights four US iterations, focusing on the Mk IV's improved rifle fixation mechanism, with specific models for the 1903 Springfield and 1917 Enfield. The 1917 V-B launcher remained in US service until the 1930s and saw some WWII use.














