U.S.-based Barett has revealed its new SSRS 30x42 mm grenade launcher as an alternative to the legacy 40 mm revolving ones.
X user Gregory Knowles has posted the image of the grenade launcher taking a new route from AUSA 2024.
SSRS, unlike M32-esque grenade launchers, which use a revolver mechanism and each slot has to be reloaded one at a time, is fed with a rifle-style magazine, which allows for rapid reloads. Despite the large frame, SSRS weighs 6.3 kg with the optic and has a magazine size of five rounds.
The grenade launcher is also seen to be fitted with the XM157 optic, which is also used on the XM7 rifle, which is planned to become the U.S. Army's new infantry rifle. The optic capable of 1-8x zoom incorporates a ballistic computer and laser range finder to improve practical accuracy at extended ranges.
The 30x42 mm grenades are being developed to be capable of reaching a range of 500 m in less than three seconds, suggesting a muzzle velocity far higher than 40x51 mm Medium Velocity grenades used on hand-held grenade launchers at 166+ m/s.
The U.S. Army previously tested a similar grenade launcher in 25 mm calibre, XM25, with magazine feeding and advanced optics for air-burst capability. The low lethality of the 25 mm grenades and the unreasonable cost caused the idea to be rejected.
This also isn't the first time Barett embarked on developing a small calibre-high velocity grenade launcher. The firm previously developed the XM109 long-range grenade launcher chambered in 25x59 mm from its trademark M107 anti-materiel sniper rifle. Despite the clear range advantage over even the Mk19 grenade launcher, the difficulty of carrying the weapon around and excessive recoil was its downfall.
