Metal Storm multi-shot grenade launcher
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Caliber: 40mm (others possible)
http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl18-e.htm
Type: stacked-projectile, caseless multishot system
Overall length: n/a
Weight: n/a
Effective range: up to 400 m
Capacity: 3 shots (current 40mm model, single barrel)
The Metal Storm grenade launching system is a radical step from most conventional firearms. Using the ancient principle of an "Roman candle", Metal Storm weapon systems currently are promoted in a variety of calibers and applications. One of such applications is the 40mm, multi-shot grenade launcher, that could be either mounted on the infantry rifle to create an enchanced-capability infantry weapon like the Australian AICW system, or to be mounted on stationary or vehicle platforms in multi-barrel configurations.
Key advantage of Metal Storm system is its mechanic simplicity. In fact, the standard Metal Storm grenade launching unit is no more than a single rifled barrel, loaded with several projectiles, stacked one upon the another. There are no loading mechanisms, no feed units nor magazines or belts - each barrel is a magazine itself. Projectiles are fired using powder charges, located in the hollow hase of each projectile, and there's no case left to extract and eject after each shot; Powder is ignited by the electric ignition system, wired to the electrinic fire control module through small ports in the wall of the barrel. When user press the firing button or trigger, electronic fire control module sends the ignition impulse to the charge of the foremost projectile in the stack; when trigger is pressed for the second time, module ignites the second charge and then next, until barrel is empty. Once all the rounds in the barrel are shoot out, it can be removed from the host and then either collected and later sent to factory for reloading, or simply discarded.
Current 40mm grenade launching module, developed for the AICW rifle/GL system, contains three grenades stacked one in front of another in single barrel. Each barrel has an electronic interface which is connected to the fire control unit, built into the host platform. This is about the simplest systems, at least from the operator's point of view (from developer's point of view, there's plenty of complications and difficulties, most of which seems to be already overcome). However, there is one drawback when Metal Storm system is compared to existing mechanically or manually reloaded systems - latter systems still can be fired once batteries are dry; Metal Storm always require some sort of electric power to operate. This problem may seem critical, especially for military purposes, but, actually, it is not. For example, several Soviet/Russian anti-tank grenade launchers (like RPG-16 or RPG-29) are built using electric rocket ingnition; necessary electricity is provided by the magneto-impulse generators, powered by the pull of the trigger. Same idea also could be possibly applied to the Metal Storm system.
If i am not wrong Singapore have tied up with the Australians on Metal Storm technology. So i am wondering if we have developed a similar multi-shot grenade launcher for our SAR-21 much like what they have done to their Steyr-AUG. I think it is possible as both the SAR-21 and the Steyr are of bull-pup designs. Check out the link for a diagram.
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more advanced weapons for the layman.
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Reloading is gonna be a problem or not?
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According to the article...Originally posted by wonderamazement:Reloading is gonna be a problem or not? Once all the rounds in the barrel are shoot out, it can be removed from the host and then either collected and later sent to factory for reloading, or simply discarded.
So i supposed one have to remove the empty barrel and fixed in a new barrel with new rounds in it. As to how difficult that is i can't be sure. -
Like quite mahuan ah... It's like a 40mm version of a LAW...Originally posted by tankee1981:So i supposed one have to remove the empty barrel and fixed in a new barrel with new rounds in it. As to how difficult that is i can't be sure. -
haha, why need this when we have so many 40mm AGL everywhere?
more than half our M113 and Bionix are fitted with AGL....and still got Light Strike version....and man-portable version...
this thing 3 rounds only....AGL got many many rounds ready to fire in auto.... -
The only thing different is... It's caseless and electronically fired...Originally posted by specialOps:haha, why need this when we have so many 40mm AGL everywhere?
more than half our M113 and Bionix are fitted with AGL....and still got Light Strike version....and man-portable version...
this thing 3 rounds only....AGL got many many rounds ready to fire in auto.... -
Its not just a hand held AGL. MetalStorm represents a new technology when it comes to shooting projectiles out of a weapon.
The technology is applicable to turrets, and other weapons as well. However, the success of metal storm depends on NATO adoption of its rather unique type of rounds. -
This potential weapon(SAR-21 with Metal Storm tech) is designed as a potential replacement for the current M16-M203 combo ,which there are 2 gunners using that in every SAF infantry section.Originally posted by specialOps:haha, why need this when we have so many 40mm AGL everywhere?
more than half our M113 and Bionix are fitted with AGL....and still got Light Strike version....and man-portable version...
this thing 3 rounds only....AGL got many many rounds ready to fire in auto....
The advantages in using such a weapon is that there is more standardisation as now there is no need to supply M16 spare parts to the SAF infantry, by then only the Ultimax remained. Of which the ST people are also experimenting with SAR-21 LMG but not being produced and fielded probably due to that our current SAW is still superior.
Secondly by packing the 40mm rounds in barrels, it is possible that this will allow the gunner to carry more rounds due to better arrangement and storage of ammo.
Lastly, there is also less time wasted to reload in the heat of the battle as there are 3 rounds in the barrel ready for firing as opposed to only one in the current M203 system. -
tankee, not likely.Originally posted by tankee1981:This potential weapon(SAR-21 with Metal Storm tech) is designed as a potential replacement for the current M16-M203 combo ,which there are 2 gunners using that in every SAF infantry section.
The advantages in using such a weapon is that there is more standardisation as now there is no need to supply M16 spare parts to the SAF infantry, by then only the Ultimax remained. Of which the ST people are also experimenting with SAR-21 LMG but not being produced and fielded probably due to that our current SAW is still superior.
Secondly by packing the 40mm rounds in barrels, it is possible that this will allow the gunner to carry more rounds due to better arrangement and storage of ammo.
Lastly, there is also less time wasted to reload in the heat of the battle as there are 3 rounds in the barrel ready for firing as opposed to only one in the current M203 system.
The new Metal Storm rounds are 40mm as well, and if they were to be loaded even 3 in tandem inside a new under rifle GL, the GL is gonna increase both length n weight. The weapon is also electrically fired, so there's gonna be a power source involved as well.
The key point about metal storm is its firing rate thats unimpeded by mechanical parts. We are looking more at urban combat vehicle turrets etc, as well as non-lethal projectiles in multiple tubes. -
CIWS for our Leo2
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This 40mm system can be used to engage RPGs...
Firing 12 40mm HE rounds simultaneously is not funny... especially if you are the target...
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I am not sure about the increase in weight but one thing is for sure, with Metal Storm technology, the rounds are caseless.Originally posted by Shotgun:tankee, not likely.
The new Metal Storm rounds are 40mm as well, and if they were to be loaded even 3 in tandem inside a new under rifle GL, the GL is gonna increase both length n weight. The weapon is also electrically fired, so there's gonna be a power source involved as well.
The key point about metal storm is its firing rate thats unimpeded by mechanical parts. We are looking more at urban combat vehicle turrets etc, as well as non-lethal projectiles in multiple tubes.
As for the increase in length, the diagram shown have no apparent increase in length of the original Steyr AUG. But of course, that is only a diagram and not a working model. -
Current 40mm rounds may not be caseless ( I don't know, im not M203 trained), but at least you only have the weight of 1 in the chamber. =)Originally posted by tankee1981:I am not sure about the increase in weight but one thing is for sure, with Metal Storm technology, the rounds are caseless.
As for the increase in length, the diagram shown have no apparent increase in length of the original Steyr AUG. But of course, that is only a diagram and not a working model. -
Caseless ammunition means you save on the weight of the gunpower required to fire the warhead so you save space reqiured for the casing as well.
What i find about the metal storm is that it's very "inefficient" in terms of sustainability and real ops as of this moment from info available online.
1) You need 20 seconds to reload a mag of 4 rounds which can be fired in under 1 second. (Youtube video the one under metal storm live firing near the end)
2) if you watched the video i mentioned where you have a frontal view of the two men reloading the metal storm, you will notice the bronze ammo tube has a shiny round thing sticking out. That's the 40mm grenade. I dont know about you but having live ammo half exposed sounds like fireworks in the making to me. Some blur sotong just drop the tube head first boom...(This is in reference to those who want to use this on the M203. Any tired trooper will be tempted to fire all at a go to lighten the load too..no?)
3) Why metal storm is deadly is because you can launch 100+ 40 mm grenades so closely together that it literally becomes a wall/ munition of larger calibre. Pretty sure that if a 155mm shell lands on a tank, the tank is a goner too.
Metal storm provides quick reaction speed but it's draw backs are limited ammo supply and super slow reload vs expending of the ammo.
Frankly, i rather they can make guided mortar bombs, fast cheap(not so if they are guided) and sustainable. One heck of a thing to attack armour with too (*120mm mortars duh)
4) People may not know but 40mm grenades have really limited combat effective range. Yeah i know people say 40mm on our AGL is 1+ km, do you know how light is the 40mm grenade that's fired out? If it's windy or raining, it -will- go off course.
5) The only thing i find that's actually viable is the usage of Metal Storm on UCAV. That's only because you can carry alot alot alot of this few shots only weapon, dump the grenades on the high prize target, then return to reload by the tray. Then go round and round. Cheap and effective bombing. -
The rounds are supposedly "Safe". Since they are fired electrically. Of course, I'm not referring to a cook off. I doubt any ammunition is "cook off" safe.Originally posted by CM06:Caseless ammunition means you save on the weight of the gunpower required to fire the warhead so you save space reqiured for the casing as well.
What i find about the metal storm is that it's very "inefficient" in terms of sustainability and real ops as of this moment from info available online.
1) You need 20 seconds to reload a mag of 4 rounds which can be fired in under 1 second. (Youtube video the one under metal storm live firing near the end)
2) if you watched the video i mentioned where you have a frontal view of the two men reloading the metal storm, you will notice the bronze ammo tube has a shiny round thing sticking out. That's the 40mm grenade. I dont know about you but having live ammo half exposed sounds like fireworks in the making to me. Some blur sotong just drop the tube head first boom...(This is in reference to those who want to use this on the M203. Any tired trooper will be tempted to fire all at a go to lighten the load too..no?)
3) Why metal storm is deadly is because you can launch 100+ 40 mm grenades so closely together that it literally becomes a wall/ munition of larger calibre. Pretty sure that if a 155mm shell lands on a tank, the tank is a goner too.
Metal storm provides quick reaction speed but it's draw backs are limited ammo supply and super slow reload vs expending of the ammo.
Frankly, i rather they can make guided mortar bombs, fast cheap(not so if they are guided) and sustainable. One heck of a thing to attack armour with too (*120mm mortars duh)
4) People may not know but 40mm grenades have really limited combat effective range. Yeah i know people say 40mm on our AGL is 1+ km, do you know how light is the 40mm grenade that's fired out? If it's windy or raining, it -will- go off course.
5) The only thing i find that's actually viable is the usage of Metal Storm on UCAV. That's only because you can carry alot alot alot of this few shots only weapon, dump the grenades on the high prize target, then return to reload by the tray. Then go round and round. Cheap and effective bombing.
I'm not sure at which point of development they've reached already, but yeah, the last time I checked in, they reloading was still done by hand, with the gun tubes pointing vertically up, and a "loader" hatch position directly under it. I suppose a loading system would have been right at the top of development priorities? Haha -
The rounds are fired electronically, they arent only ARMED when fired though. That round thing you see is almost identical to what you will find when you find a "dud" of any 40mm ammo. Anything that relies on -Impact- to activate it's explosives are never safe. Same reason why you dont poke the primer cap of your rounds with a sharp object either. It's been quite a few years since Metal Storm has been around. From the lack of news i suppose they havent found a solution to the loading system yet. Unless you carry a mobile 40mm grenade making factory along with you, you will run out of ammo before you can say finish :"Ammo loaded"Originally posted by Shotgun:The rounds are supposedly "Safe". Since they are fired electrically. Of course, I'm not referring to a cook off. I doubt any ammunition is "cook off" safe.
I'm not sure at which point of development they've reached already, but yeah, the last time I checked in, they reloading was still done by hand, with the gun tubes pointing vertically up, and a "loader" hatch position directly under it. I suppose a loading system would have been right at the top of development priorities? Haha