| XM174 | |
| Origin: | United States |
| Type: | Automatic grenade launcher |
| Is Ranged: | YES |
| Used By: | See users |
| Wars: | Vietnam War |
| Design Date: | 1968 |
| Manufacturer: | Aerojet Ordnance Manufacturing Company |
| Weight: | 7.25 kg |
| Length: | 712 mm |
| Cartridge: | 40×46 mm |
| Action: | Simple blowback, closed bolt |
| Rate: | 350 RPM |
| Feed: | 12 round drum magazine |
| Sights: | Iron |
The XM174 is a mounted automatic 40 mm grenade launcher heavily based on the M1919A4 machine gun and the M79 grenade launcher, but fed from an ammo can.[1] It was used in the Vietnam War as a tripod mounted crew-served weapon and as a weapon mounted on various vehicles and aircraft. The XM174 has the same fire control group as the M1919A4.[2]
The ammunition was held in a drum canister with a maximum capacity of twelve 40 mm rounds. The launcher was also capable of semi-automatic fire.
U.S. Air Force Security Police personnel in Vietnam were also issued the XM174 automatic grenade launcher which was often used on perimeter defense posts and heavy weapons vehicles.[3]
- US Army, USMC, USAF