M203
From 7th Cavalry Regiment Wiki
The M203 grenade launcher or M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher. It uses High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low, that attaches to many rifles, but was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and its variant, the M4 Carbine. It is an available attachment in AA3, Arma 2 and COD4.
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History
The M203 was the only part of the army's flechette rifle project to go into production. The M203 has been in service since 1969 and was introduced to U.S. military forces during the early 1970s, replacing the older M79 grenade launcher and conceptually similar Colt XM148 design. However, while the M79 was a stand-alone weapon (and usually the primary weapon of troops who carried it), the M203 was designed as an under-barrel system attached to an existing rifle. Because the size and weight of 40mm ammunition limits the quantities that can be carried on patrol, and because a grenade is often not an appropriate weapon for a given engagement (i.e. when the target is at close range or near friendly troops), an under-barrel system has the advantage of allowing its user to also carry a rifle and to easily switch between weapons.
Design Details
The M203 grenade launcher was intended to be used as close fire support for point and group area targets. The round is designed to be effective at penetrating windows, blowing up doors, producing casualties in groups of enemies, destroying bunkers, and damaging or disabling non-armored vehicles. Its primary purpose is to engage enemies in dead space that cannot be reached by grazing fire. A well-trained M203 gunner can also use his weapon to suppress the enemy, both from movement and sight.
- Manufacturer: Colt Defense, Airtronic USA, RM Equipment
- Designer: AAI
- Cartridge: 40x46mm SR (There are 10 different rounds for the M203)
- Capacity: 1 Grenade
- Barrel: 305 mm (12 in)
- Muzzle velocity: 250 feet (76 meters) per second
- Operation: Breech loading, pump action
- Weight (unloaded): 3 lb (1.36 kg)
- Length: 380 mm (15 in)
Game usage
AA3
Only the M16A4 can be outfitted with a M203.
- Max ammo: 3 M433 Fragmentation rounds, 2 M714 smoke round (is training completed)
Arma 2
M16A2, M16A4, M4A1 can be outfitted with a M203.
- Max ammo: X Rounds
COD4
All Assault Rifles except for the MP44 and AK-47 can be outfitted with an M203.
- Max ammo: 2 rounds
