Check Test of Launcher, Grenade, 40mm, M203, under Arctic Winter Conditions

• Main Author: Owen, Benjamin P.
• Other Authors: ARMY ARCTIC TEST CENTER FORT GREELY AK
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1975
• Subjects: Guns; *RIFLE GRENADE LAUNCHERS; LOW TEMPERATURE; TRANSPORTATION; MODIFICATION; FIRING TESTS(ORDNANCE); MAINTAINABILITY; RELIABILITY; HANDLING; ACCEPTABILITY; ARCTIC REGIONS; GUN SIGHTS; COLD WEATHER TESTS; GUN COMPONENTS; M-203 GRENADE LAUNCHERS(40-MM); 40-MM PROJECTILES; M-433 PROJECTILES(40-MM); M-16A1 GUNS(5.56-MM); M-16 GUNS(5.56-MM); Arctic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADB004403; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADB004403

The U.S. Army Arctic Test Center conducted a Check Test of an Improved Launcher, Grenade, 40mm, M203 under arctic winter conditions at Fort Greely, AK. The purpose of the test was to evaluate improvements intended to correct previously reported problems related to guide rails, handgrips, and primer punchouts. The test was conducted at ambient temperatures varying from -4 Fto -64 F in a variety of typical arctic field locations. A total of 1000 rounds of 40mm, M433, HEDP ammunition was fired from each of five improved M203 launchers. Testing consisted of preoperational inspection, transportability and handling, maintenance evaluation, reliability, and adequacy of corrective actions. Cold weather performance characteristics of the 40mm, M433, HEDP ammunition were recorded and reported for information only. It was concluded that the previously reported problems had been corrected and that the improved M203 launcher can be operated successfully in the arctic winter environment. It was recommended that the improved M203 launcher be considered acceptable for use in the Arctic.