New fire control sight for 40mm weapon systems

Rheinmetall has expanded its product range in the field of 40mm weapon systems with the introduction of the Vingmate Multi-Ray MR 500 fire control sight. The innovative device increases the first-shot hit probability of the grenade launcher, minimizes engagement time, and significantly enhances combat power. Furthermore, it can be easily customized to the shooter's needs, is suitable for ammunition with extended range, and can also program grenades with air burst function.
Rheinmetall's MR 500 is an ergonomic add-on sighting system specifically designed for 40mm ammunition in the low-velocity and medium-velocity range. It is also suitable as a sight for shoulder-fired rocket launchers (such as M72/AT4). Weighing only around 300 grams, the device features a visible and an infrared target marker. It can be used for both add-on and stand-alone grenade launchers. 32 ballistic curves can be stored, with two of them selectable via a quick switch. The MR500 is suitable for left and right-handed shooters and can be used at any time of day or night. A CR123 battery provides up to 96 hours of operation. The MR 500 can also communicate with other devices, such as the newly introduced TAC-Ray add-on module by Rheinmetall. This module, which offers a laser rangefinder with optional range of 1,500 or 2,000 meters, as well as visible and IR laser markers and illuminators, in extremely compact dimensions.

The field-ready and cost-effective MR 500 meets current and future requirements of the US Army for a sight for the M320 grenade launcher module.

With the MR 500, Rheinmetall reinforces its leading role as a "One-Stop-Shop" for 40mm weapon systems. This includes other fire control sights from the Vingmate family such as the Vingmate 4500, already in use with US SOCOM for grenade machine guns and heavy machine guns, Vingmate MR 800 for grenade launchers, and Vingmate SL for shoulder-fired weapons.
Furthermore, Rheinmetall offers a wide range of ammunition in the calibers 40mm Low Velocity, Medium Velocity, and High Velocity (HV). Rheinmetall's 40 mm x 53 HV Airburst Munition (ABM) has recently been fully qualified by the German Army and the Dutch Armed Forces. The German military has introduced this type of ammunition as DM131. With programmable "Airburst" ammunition, the detonation timing of the projectiles can be programmed. In Rheinmetall's technology approach, this is done through an infrared signal transmitted by the fire control sight after the projectile leaves the weapon's barrel. The effect of the projectiles is then delivered at a precisely determined distance above their target - even if the target is behind cover. Therefore, the new ammunition significantly enhances the combat power of the battle-proven 40mm grenade machine guns of the German Army. With the appropriate fire control technology, the DM131 achieves an effective range of 2,200 meters. The ammunition system is also qualified for the US MK19Mod3 grenade machine guns and the MK47.

Rheinmetall Defence online: www.rheinmetall-defence.com