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Mk 18 Mod 0 grenade launcher

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Grenade launcher
Mk 18 Mod 0 grenade launcher
Mk 18 Mod 0 grenade launchers (right and on tripod) at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.Mk 18 Mod 0 grenade launchers (right and on tripod) at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.
TypeGrenade launcher
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service1960s - 1970s
Used byUnited States Navy
WarsVietnam War
Production history
ManufacturerHoneywell Corporation and Aeronautical Products Division
No. built1200
Specifications
Crew2
Cartridge40 x 46 mm grenade
Caliber40mm
Barrels1
ActionHand cranked, manual reloading
Rate of fire250 rounds per minute
Maximum firing range375 metres
Feed systemBelt
SightsIron sights
A Patrol Craft Fast crewman loads a Mk 18 Mod 0

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.

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.

A Mk 18 grenade launcher (upper) and Mk 19 (lower) displayed at Hanoi Weaponry Museum

References

  1. 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.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
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