MK. 79 E-2
Weapon Name- MK. 79 E-2
Round Type- 40mm x 46mm
Over-all length- 32 inches stock retracted, 36.5 inches stock extended
Barrel length- 8 inches
Weight- 6.5 lb
Rate of Fire- 720 RPM (Theoretical)
Feed Mechanism- Internal Tube Fed
Round Capacity- 6
Effective Range- 350 meters
Range- 400 meters
Accuracy- 5 MOA
Accessories- Picanty Rail
Quick switch firing mechanism- N/A
Scope/Sights- Picanty Rail
Muzzle Velocity- 75 m/s
Firing System- Metal Storm 3GL
Miscellaneous/electronic information- The weapon is essentially a modified, elongated 3GL metal storm grenade launcher designed to be used as a standard alone weapon.
Basic Information
The weapon is essentially a modified, elongated 3GL metal storm grenade launcher designed to be used as a stand alone weapon.
3GL can fire 6 shots in semi automatic mode and allows the shooter to maintain eye contact with the target during an engagement. This significantly increases the probability of hit and probability of kill. Further, a semi automatic capability enables rapid multiple shots to first penetrate cover, such as a light armored or soft skin vehicle, window or door opening, then incapacitate targets inside.
The change from the stand alone M79 grenade launcher to the modular, single shot M203 in the 1970s has been the only real change in grenade launching capability at squad and platoon level in the last 35 years.
The 3GL provides a semi automatic capability at squad and platoon level without adding an additional weapon to the squad.
Why is Semi Automatic Fire Important? - because history suggests that under combat fire, soldiers actually resort to firing their 5.56 barrel after firing the first 40mm round rather than risking manually reloading under fire. 3GL solves this dilemma. "Winning the firefight is about the speed and immediate availability and delivery of firepower."
It should be noted that each round is roughly .5 a pound, and can be carried in ammunition boxes or bandoleers on the soldier.
