Mk 18 Mod 0 grenade launcher
The Mk 18 Mod 0 was a 40x46mm grenade launcher used by the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and also the last known hand crank operated firearm since the Gatling gun. It was replaced by the Mk 19 grenade launcher in service with the United States Armed Forces.
| Mk 18 Mod 0 grenade launcher | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Mk 18 Mod 0 grenade launchers (right and on tripod) at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. | |
| Type | Grenade launcher |
| Place of origin | .svg.png){kind=small} |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1960s - Early 1970s |
| Used by | United States Navy |
| Wars | Vietnam War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Honeywell Corporation and Aeronautical Products Division |
| No. built | 1200 |
| Specifications | |
| Crew | 2 |
| Cartridge | 40 x 46 mm grenade |
| Caliber | 40mm |
| Barrels | 1 |
| Action | Hand cranked, manual reloading |
| Rate of fire | 250 rounds per minute |
| Effective firing range | 2200 yards |
| Feed system | Belt |
| Sights | Iron sights |
A Mk 18 grenade launcher in use on a Patrol Craft Fast (on top of the dual .50 M2 Browning machine guns)
Design
This weapon is a manually-operated, belt-fed. The use of a split breech mechanism allowed the weapon to be light and simple.
Employment
The Mark 18 was used primarily on small boats or in fixed positions such as bunkers; their primary users were the so-called "river rats" and the SEALs. They could be mounted on M2HB, M60, M1919 tripods, or pintle mounts, but could not be fired without such a mount.
Armored Troop Carrier (LCM)s of the Mobile Riverine Force usually mounted two Mk 18s.[1]
A Mk 18 grenade launcher (upper) displayed at Hanoi Weaponry Museum
gollark: I said the time wrong, but I don't think it was used in the 4 hours up to then.
gollark: Wait a minute, I rechecked this, and I think mine 0 actually *was* used correctly?
gollark: I think I *can* mine fuel in all my mines right now, though.
gollark: Well, they can ASK.
gollark: Do what, RVP people?
See also
- Comparison of automatic grenade launchers
References
- Sherwood, John (2015). War in the Shallows: U.S. Navy and Coastal and Riverine Warfare in Vietnam 1965-8. Naval History and Heritage Command. p. 176. ISBN 9780945274773.
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