M16A2 United States Assault Rifle, 5.56 mm

M4 United States Carbine, 5.56 mm

Developed as a "tactical" accessory, it is attached to a shoulder fired rifle (usually a M16, shown here attached to a M4 5.56mm Carbine). It is a single shot attachment that fires a variety of 40mm low velocity high explosive and special purpose grenades that does not interrupt normal execution of the weapon it is attached to.

The M249 squad automatic weapon, commonly called SAW, is a hand carried gun that has a bipod attached for use in ground operations.

    The M60 is the first United States machine gun to have a true quick change barrel. It was specifically designed for light weight, and components design was simplified for manufacture. Stampings or fabrications were used wherever possible. The quick change barrel, light weight and adaptability for use as either a heavy or light machine gun, as well as relative ease of manufacture, make the M60 superior to the Browning guns it replaces. The performance of the lined and plated barrel of the M60 in sustained fire is exceptional. An added factor of advantage in the case of the M60 versus the Brownings is that the M60, like most other weapons with a quick change barrel, has no headspace adjustment problem.

    The M60 has been modified somewhat since original manufacture. The receiver has been strengthened by the addition of several pins, and the feed tray now has a hanger assembly pinned to it. The hanger assembly is used with a 100-round ammunition box, for some peculiar reason called a bandoleer in some publications. The box or bandoleer is merely slipped down over the hanger and makes it relatively easy to move the gun around with ammunition in place ready to fire.

M72A1 66mm Light Antitank Weapon (LAW))

The M72 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (or LAW as it is referred to) is the world's first disposable, shoulder-fired, anti-armor weapon. Its history puts the LAW's origins back to the 1960s. Many changes have taken place in the LAW's construction since its beginnings, but the premise for the weapon is still the same: it can be carried by one soldier, operated by one soldier, and is quite effective.

The warhead is a small HEAT rocket that has been improved upon in recent years with the addition of propulsion technologies. It has the capability of piercing tank/vehicle armor up to 350m. Not only is the LAW used against armored vehicles, but they can also be used within urban structures, just as they were in Somalia.

The M136 AT4 is the Army's primary light anti-tank weapon. The M136 AT4 is a recoilless rifle used primarily by Infantry Forces for engagement and defeat of light armor. The recoilless rifle design permits accurate delivery of an 84mm High Explosive Anti-Armor warhead, with negligible recoil. The M136 AT4 is a lightweight, self-contained, antiarmor weapon consisting of a free-flight, fin-stabilized, rocket-type cartridge packed in an expendable, one-piece, fiberglass-wrapped tube. The M136 AT4 is man-portable and is fired from the right shoulder only. The launcher is watertight for ease of transportation and storage. Unlike the M72-series LAW, the M136 AT4 launcher need not be extended before firing. Though the M136 AT4 can be employed in limited visibility, the firer must be able to see and identify the target and estimate the range to it. Subsequent to the initial fielding of the weapon, a reusable night sight bracket was developed and fielded. It permits utilization of standard night vision equipment. The system's tactical engagement range is 250 meters and has been used in multiple combat situations. The round of ammunition is self-contained in a disposable launch tube. The system weighs 15 pounds and can be utilized effectively with minimal training.

Launcher.

Length..................... 1,020 mm (40 inches)

Weight (Complete System) .. 6.7 kg (14.8 pounds)

Rear Sight................. Range indicator, graduated in 50-meter increments

Rocket.

Caliber ................... 84 mm

Muzzle Velocity............ 290 mps (950 fps)

Length .................... 460 mm (18 inches)

Weight..................... 1.8 kg (4 pounds)

Minimum Range Training ........... 30 meters (100 feet)

Combat ................. 10 meters (33 feet)

Arming.................. 10 meters (33 feet)

Maximum Range ............. 2,100 meters (6,890 feet)

Maximum Effective Range ... 300 meters (985 feet)

 

Penetration: 400 mm of rolled homogenous armor
Time of Flight (to 250 meters): less than 1 second
Muzzle velocity: 950 feet (285 meters) per second
Operating temperature: -104 to +140° F (-40 to +60°C)
Ammunition: Rocket with shaped charge warhead
Unit Replacement Cost: $1,480.64

Named after a formidable Scottish battle sword, the Claymore is a directional fixed fragmentation mine primarily for anti-personnel use, and is also effective against thin-skinned vehicles. Fragments will readily perforate the outer body, injuring or killing the occupants. Fragments will also puncture types, petrol tanks, crank cases and radiators. When detonated, a fan-shaped pattern of spherical steel fragments is projected over a 60-degree horizontal arc, covering a casualty area of 50m at a height of two meters.

Functioning
When the mine M18A1 has been armed, the actuation of the firing device handle (safety ball in armed position) will provide sufficient energy (electrical) to detonate blasting M6. The detonation of the cap, in turn, detonates the high explosive charge.

Detonation of the high explosive charge causes fragmentation outward of the plastic matrix and projection of the spherical fragments outward in a fan-shaped pattern. This mine is sufficiently water proof to function in water for 2 hours.

Fragmentation
The mine M18A1 delivers 700 highly effective steel fragments in a fan-shaped pattern approximately 2 meters high and 60 degrees wide at a range of 50 meters. These fragments are effective up to a range of 100 meters forward of the mine.

Back Blast
Within an area of 16 meters to the rear and sides of the mine, back blast can cause injury by concussion and secondary missiles. Up to 100 meters to the rear and sides of the mine, all friendly personnel must be under cover for protection from secondary missiles.