This is a single-shot reloading grenade launcher that can be mounted under a rifle. It was designed by the American AAI company and finalized in 1968. The first batch of about 600 pieces was produced. It is used as one of the tactical accessories for the M16 rifle and M4 carbine.

【Military Weapon Subplane】Author: Friedrich Lau

During the entire Vietnam War, in order to improve the combat firepower of individual soldiers, the U.S. Army developed a variety of grenade launchers, one of which was the M203. This is a single-shot reloading grenade launcher that can be mounted under a rifle. It was designed by the American AAI company and finalized in 1968. The first batch of about 600 pieces was produced. It is used as one of the tactical accessories for the M16 rifle and M4 carbine . According to the United States The Army's Grenade Launcher Attachment Development (GLAD) program was developed primarily for use in close combat operations where direct fire is not possible. Currently, the launcher can be produced under license by a number of arms manufacturers, including Colt Defense Company, at a cost of US$1,082 per unit.

▲The US 173rd Airborne Division fighting in Vietnam

Subsequently, the M203 has successively launched many modifications, differing in launcher length and quick disassembly and assembly capabilities. At the same time, non-accessory versions of independent launchers have also been launched. In addition, the M203 has also launched versions adapted to the standard rifles of other countries' military forces, such as Canada's C7 rifle. The total combat weight of the M203 is only 1.4 kilograms, the launch tube length is 30cm, and the total length is 38cm. When mounted under the barrel of a rifle, the trigger is located in front of the magazine. Different from the M79 grenade launcher equipped by the US military in the early days of the Vietnam War, this grenade launcher hung under the rifle allows the operator to quickly switch between the rifle and the launcher.

▲The M203 grenade launcher hung on the M16 rifle is reloaded

Since the 40x46mm grenade launched by M79 has a better killing effect when attacking enemy buildings, destroying bunkers, light armored vehicles and infantry groups, the M203 continues This type of ammunition. In addition, the ammunition that can be fired by the M203 also includes the following types: M433 high-explosive dual-purpose ammunition, M576 deer ammunition , M651 tear gas ammunition, M583A1 White Star parachute signal flare, M781 training ammunition, M585 cluster white star flare, M713 smoke signal flare, etc. The launcher has a maximum firing range of 400 meters, but the effective firing range is 150 meters against armored vehicles , and 350 meters against infantry. Soldiers can fire from prone, standing or kneeling positions.

▲ In 2019, U.S. Marine Corps soldiers used the M203 grenade launcher during weapons familiarization training

▲ A U.S. Navy SEAL carrying a field radio to participate in tactical training

After being put into the battlefield in Vietnam in the early 1970s, the M203 quickly played a role on the battlefield. And later followed the US military in participating in a series of other military operations including the 1983 invasion of Grenada, peacekeeping in Lebanon, the Gulf War, and in Haiti and Somalia in the 1990s. In recent years, the United States has also used this weapon in the Afghanistan War and the Iraq War. In addition to the US military, it has also appeared in many conflicts that have broken out around the world.

In 2019, the U.S. Pentagon began to gradually replace the M203 with the new M320 grenade launcher. As a lightweight grenade launcher, the M320 is safer and more ergonomic when firing. In addition to being hung under the rifle, the M320 can also be used independently. It first entered service with the U.S. Army and was later used by the U.S. Marine Corps.

▲The M320 grenade launcher