US deploys 'game-changer' weapon to Afghanistan

[jimnyc]

Just saw this awesome gun on Yahoo's headlines this morning. Can't wait to see how many terrorists it can kill. Better to kill them than capture them and infringe in their rights!!
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http://i54.tinypic.com/263h6ph.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/wqqxjn.jpg

WASHINGTON (AFP) – It looks and acts like something best left in the hands of Sylvester Stallone's "Rambo," but this latest dream weapon is real -- and the US Army sees it becoming the Taliban's worst nightmare.

The Pentagon has rolled out prototypes of its first-ever programmable "smart" grenade launcher, a shoulder-fired weapon that uses microchipped ammunition to target and kill the enemy, even when the enemy is hidden behind walls or other cover.

After years of development, the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System, about the size of a regular rifle, has now been deployed to US units on the battlefields of Afghanistan, where the Army expects it to be a "game-changer" in its counterinsurgency operations.

"For well over a week, it's been actively on patrols, and in various combat outposts in areas that are hot," said Lieutenant Colonel Chris Lehner, program manager for the XM25.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20101201/sc_afp/usmilitaryweaponsafghanistan

[CSM]

We shall see how much of a "game changer" it is. IMO, it's time to upgrade the venerable M4/M16 to a higher caliber round that can penetrate cinder block, etc. The other issue with the grenade launcher is collateral dammage. launch one of those puppies at some guy hiding behind women and children and the bleeding hearts will want them banned by the Geneva convention and the poor soldier who fired the thing will be charged with murder, convicted by some Congressperson without benefit of trial and then stuck in a prison for life.

[jimnyc]

And God forbid it doesn't kill the enemy instantly. The way this weapon delivers its "payload" might be considered "torture" to some idiots. I mean, it hurts, will leave an emotional scar and likely a permanent visual scar. The military might want to check with the UN before overstepping their authority.

Or just make the gun bigger and kill the fuckers outright and the torture argument goes out the window.

[CSM]

And God forbid it doesn't kill the enemy instantly. The way this weapon delivers its "payload" might be considered "torture" to some idiots. I mean, it hurts, will leave an emotional scar and likely a permanent visual scar. The military might want to check with the UN before overstepping their authority.

Or just make the gun bigger and kill the fuckers outright and the torture argument goes out the window.

We shall see. I am all for killing the enemy and worrying about paperwork later.

[BoogyMan]

When I saw the title of the thread I thought we might be using loudspeakers to broadcast Nancy Pelosi speeches or something.......the enemy would surrender in droves. :)

[Gaffer]

It's a teched up M79 grenade launcher. Instead of having to guess the range and lob one into the area it now gives you the range and wind speed and figures in all variances, then sets the round to go off at a certain point. Nothing like an explosive round going off right over your head to ruin your day.

[darin]

It's not a grenade - From what I understand it's a HE round. :) Think...I dunno...Bradley?

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/images/xm307-25mm.gif

[Gaffer]

It's not a grenade - From what I understand it's a HE round. :) Think...I dunno...Bradley?

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/images/xm307-25mm.gif

I'm guessing it has multiple shells. The explosive power is probably a lot more than the old M79. They have developed things so much more since I was in and using that stuff.

Is that the shell they use?

[CSM]

I used the thumper in the past and liked it ok ... simple and effective for it's day. On the other hand, I am all for anything that gives our soldiers an edge.

[darin]

I'm guessing it has multiple shells. The explosive power is probably a lot more than the old M79. They have developed things so much more since I was in and using that stuff.

Is that the shell they use?

I can't be sure. It's 25mm, however...same size round as a Bradley - so I'm guessing the rounds might be interchangeable.

[namvet]

did they ever get the AA-12 auto shotgun into service ???? it use's a grenade round to. amour piercing, HE and frag.


http://www.vincelewis.net/myimages48/aa12-frag.jpg