Barrett XM109
A prototype semi-automatic grenade launcher for anti-materiel roles.
Last updated
Neil Lee / ARDEC · Public domain
The Barrett XM109 is a prototype semi-automatic grenade launcher originally called the Objective Sniper Weapon (OSW) and later the Anti-Materiel Payload Rifle (AMPR).[1] Barrett Firearms Manufacturing developed this weapon, which uses 25 × 59 mm grenade ammunition.[1] This rifle was built to fulfill a 1994 requirement and can destroy light armor and equipment at distances reaching 2 km.[1]
How it changed
An M82 rifle's upper receiver can be replaced with an XM109 upper receiver to create a functional XM109.[1] The XM109 offers greater range and a shorter overall length than the earlier M82/M107 systems.[2] Its 25 × 59 mm cartridge potentially delivers more power than even the Mk 211.50 BMG cartridge.[2] Prototypes existed since the late 1990s, and effectiveness studies were released in 2002.[2]
Ten prototypes were known to exist in 2004.[2] The XM109 and Barrett XM500 were folded into a broader Anti-Material Rifle Congressional Program in 2006.[2] Because the propellant charge was small and the projectile heavy, the muzzle brake's effectiveness was limited, producing recoil exceeding 60 foot-pounds, whereas the M107 generates 36 foot-pounds.[2]
What the maker and period sources say
A 2004 briefing update from Barrett Firearms Manufacturing described the XM109 as a semi-automatic grenade launcher for engaging light armored vehicles.[1] The Globalsecurity.org account states the XM109 offers greater range and shorter overall length than the M82/M107.[2] That account also reports the weapon's recoil force exceeded 60 foot-pounds, compared to 36 for the M107.[2] The Globalsecurity.org account adds that reducing recoil was a project goal as of 2004.[2]
According to the same briefing, the weapon employs the M82/M107 lower receiver combined with a fresh 25mm upper receiver.[1]
References
- Wikipedia, "Barrett XM109" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Gates, "XM109 Briefing Update May 11, 2004", Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, INC (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia, "Barrett XM109" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: "XM109 Anti-Materiel Payload Rifle (AMPR)", Globalsecurity.org (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
Each numbered sentence above was checked against the source it cites before publication. Sentences citing Wikipedia adapt text from the English Wikipedia article Barrett XM109 (contributors), used under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is available under the same licence. Other sources were used for facts only; no text or images are copied from them.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Barrett XM109 (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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