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Title:	LAUNCHER, GRENADE - MODEL -  U.S. GRENADE LAUNCHER LOW VELOCITY 40MM
Maker/Manufacturer:	SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
Date of Manufacture:	C 1959
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 6485
Measurements:	OL: BL: 10 lbs.

Object Description:

U.S. GRENADE LAUNCHER LOW VELOCITY 40MM
Manufactured by Springfield Armory, Springfield, Ma. - This is a plastic model, mock-up 40mm. Low velocity. Weighs 10 lbs.

Weapon transferred to the Museum on 30 September 1966.

HISTORICAL SUMMARY OF ACTIVITES:
1JUL63 - 30JUN64 - Low Velocity Grenade Lanucher, 40mm. A bidder's conference was held on 12 September 1963 at Springfield Armory. The objective of Phase I was to provide, with six months after contract placement, a self-powered weapon design and suitable link assembly and feed system design to fire the subject round. Phase II was to fabricate one 12-pound maximum weight weapon and spare parts together with 500 link assemblies and to perform limited firing tests within six months after drawings become available. The technical evaluation of eight proposals was completed and the 'best buy' recommendation was submitted to the Armory's Procurement Division. The low velocity 40mm grenade launcher contract was signed on 20 February 1964 with the Aerojet-General Co., Downey, California.
During the first three months of the program, Aerojet-General Co. completed layouts of their concept and designed, fabricated and tested a fixture to determine link separation and cartrdige ramming capabilities. After a joint technical review, the following changes were recommended by Springfield Armory and were incorporated in the design to meet the military characteristics:
1. Provide a semiautomatic fire capability in addition to the required full automatic capability.
2. Use the closed-bolt concept rather than the open bolt presently planned."
1JUL65 - 30JUN66 - "Low Velocity 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher - An improved modelm prototype SA-2, was delivered by Aerojet-General in July. Development testing of prototype fixtures SA-1 and SA-2 was initiated. A contract supplement was placed with Aerojet-General in the third quarter for fabrication of a sight, buttstock, attachment for the M14 bipod, and a trigger extension for prototype SA-2 to demonstrate portability and to improve the prototype's versatility in various firing modes.
Thirteen presentations and demonstrations were accomplished during the year. The principal presentations were given at BUWEPS, Washington, D.C., on 14 September to the Program Manager, Short Range Weapons; at Quantico on 28 October to Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel; at Dahlgren, Va., on 10 November to Naval Ordnance; at Ft. Benning on 22 April to the Army Infantry Agency; and at Ft. Ord on 9 June for CDEC-IRUS symposium.
The Springfield Armory was asked to accept a program for further engineering development, fabrication and testing of 15 launchers, but indicated that necessary personnel would not be available. Technical assistance will be given to Rock Island Arsenal, which will take over the program."

1JUL66 - 30JUN67 - "Launcher Grenade 40MM Low Velocity Automatic, XM174 - Technical support and assistance were provided to Rock Island Arsenal, as requested, during this period. This was accomplished thru phone contacts and visits to Aero-General Corp., to RIA and Hq, AWC.
A coordination meeting was held at contractor's plant on 3 Aug 66 to clarify desired delivery scheudle and contractor terms. Aerojet will suggest spare parts based on 10,000 based on 10,000 rounds per launcher. It was agreed that a firing rate of 250 to 350rpm would be specified and that the weapon would include right and left hand feed. It was agreed that a stoppage rate of four (4) per 1000 rounds would be satisfactory.
Armory and RIA personnel visited the contractor on 15 Mar 67 to review problem areas. Because of existing problems, it was the Armory representative's opinion that a time extension of two months would be required in order for the contractor to meet the following listed requirements without deviation:
a. Provide full round ejection by immediate action.
b. Provide a suitable sight, correctly calibrated by extension firings, to cover all parameters of the weapon system. (It was suggested to Aerojet that a great deal of time could be saved if the M79 Grenc. Provide firing experience at different angles of elevation and depression utilizing both right and left hand feed.
d. Provide a POMM with each weapon system.
e. Provide one unit package for each weapon system.
It should be noted that early in the development, Aerojet found that the M16 Link could not be used in this weapon. They indicated that the weapon did not have sufficient energy to strip and delink. As a substitute for the M16 link specified in the Letter Contract, the contractor developed a twelve round magazine.
Armory, Hq, AWC, and RIA representatives visited Aerojet on 29 March 1967 to review development progress. Hq, AWC and S.A. agreed that contractor would require additional time to meet critical design and delivery requirements. The failure to properly evaluate weapon performance versus engineering design requirements and to produce an acceptable weapon that must undergo a rigid engineer and user acceptance test has led to the delay in delivery."