MEI HELLHOUND
Encyclopedia
The MEI HELLHOUND 40 mm Low Velocity Multi-Purpose Grenade is a fixed type ammunition designed to be fired from a 40 mm Grenade Launcher
such as the M79
, M203
, M320 (attached to the M16
series of rifles or M4 carbine
), or Milkor MK-1
. The round consists of an A5 filled metal projectile
body with a rotating band, a point initiating-base detonating fuze
with Safe and Arm technology, and a cartridge case assembly. Upon impact with the target, the firing pin
is driven into the detonator
, which in turn initiates the spit backcharge, producing a jet which initiates the explosive train from the base forward, resulting in an armor-piercing jet of molten metal and fragmentation
of the projectile body. The MEI Hellhound uses the same High-Low Propulsion System
as other popular 40mm grenade launchers, which keeps the recoil forces in bonds for an infantry small arm.
Grenade launcher
A grenade launcher or grenade discharger is a weapon that launches a grenade with more accuracy, higher velocity, and to greater distances than a soldier could throw it by hand....
such as the M79
M79 grenade launcher
The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break-action grenade launcher that fires a 40x46mm grenade which used what the US Army called the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low, and first appeared during the Vietnam War...
, M203
M203 grenade launcher
The M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilize the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Though versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was...
, M320 (attached to the M16
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
series of rifles or M4 carbine
M4 carbine
The M4 carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 designed by Eugene Stoner and made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle, with 80% parts commonality.It is a gas-operated,...
), or Milkor MK-1
Milkor MGL
The MGL is a lightweight 40 mm semi-automatic, 6-shot grenade launcher developed and manufactured in South Africa by Milkor Ltd. The MGL was demonstrated as a concept to the South African Defence Force in 1981. The operating principle was immediately accepted and subjected to a stringent...
. The round consists of an A5 filled metal projectile
Projectile
A projectile is any object projected into space by the exertion of a force. Although a thrown baseball is technically a projectile too, the term more commonly refers to a weapon....
body with a rotating band, a point initiating-base detonating fuze
Fuze
Fuze Beverage, commercially referred to as just Fuze , is a manufacturer of teas and non-carbonated fruit drinks enriched with vitamins. Currently the brand consists of five vitamin-infused lines: Slenderize, Refresh, Tea, Defensify, and Vitalize...
with Safe and Arm technology, and a cartridge case assembly. Upon impact with the target, the firing pin
Firing pin
A firing pin or striker is part of the firing mechanism used in a firearm or explosive device e.g. an M14 landmine or bomb fuze. Firing pins may take many forms, though the types used in landmines, bombs, grenade fuzes or other single-use devices generally have a sharpened point...
is driven into the detonator
Detonator
A detonator is a device used to trigger an explosive device. Detonators can be chemically, mechanically, or electrically initiated, the latter two being the most common....
, which in turn initiates the spit backcharge, producing a jet which initiates the explosive train from the base forward, resulting in an armor-piercing jet of molten metal and fragmentation
Fragmentation (weaponry)
Fragmentation is the process by which the casing of an artillery shell, bomb, grenade, etc. is shattered by the detonating high explosive filling. The correct technical terminology for these casing pieces is fragments , although shards or splinters can be used for non-preformed fragments...
of the projectile body. The MEI Hellhound uses the same High-Low Propulsion System
High-Low System
The High-Low system also referred to as the "High-Low Pressure system", the "High-Low Propulsion System", and the "High-Low projection system", is a design of cannon and antitank launcher using a smaller high-pressure chamber for storing the propellant...
as other popular 40mm grenade launchers, which keeps the recoil forces in bonds for an infantry small arm.
Technical Information
- Type: High-explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP)
- Manufacturer: Martin Electronics, Inc. (MEI)
- Body Material: Steel
- Weight: 224.56 grams (87.67 grams A5)
- Fuse: SF801/M550
- Length: 110 mm
- Charge: A5
- Weapons: M79, M203, Milkor MK-1 launchers
- Penetration: 90 mm mild steel at normal impact with anti-personnel fragmentation
- Range: (Max.) 400 m (437.6 yds)
- Muzzle Velocity: 80 m/s (262 ft/s)
See also
- M32 Grenade LauncherMilkor MGLThe MGL is a lightweight 40 mm semi-automatic, 6-shot grenade launcher developed and manufactured in South Africa by Milkor Ltd. The MGL was demonstrated as a concept to the South African Defence Force in 1981. The operating principle was immediately accepted and subjected to a stringent...
(Milkor MGL) - M79 grenade launcherM79 grenade launcherThe M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break-action grenade launcher that fires a 40x46mm grenade which used what the US Army called the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low, and first appeared during the Vietnam War...
- China Lake NATIC (EX-41)China Lake NATICThe China Lake Model is a pump-action grenade launcher that was developed by the Special Projects Division of the China Lake Naval Weapons Center, which provided equipment to Navy SEALs.- History :...
- M203 grenade launcherM203 grenade launcherThe M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilize the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Though versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was...
- M320 grenade launcher
- MK19Mk 19 grenade launcherThe Mk 19 Grenade Launcher is a 40 mm belt-fed automatic grenade launcher or grenade machine gun that entered U.S. military service during the Cold War, first seeing action during the Vietnam War and remaining in service today.-Overview:...
- SAG-30
External links
- M433 40mm Cartridge High-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) round specs
- MEI HELLHOUND Grenade Round Specs Sheet (PDF)
- Martin Electronics, Inc. Home Page
- Defense Review: New Milkor MGL-140/MEI Hyper-Lethal 40mm Combo/Weapon System for Infantry
- Military.com: MASTER BLASTER: Milkor MGL-140 40mm Multiple Grenade Launcher
- Military.com: SIX-SHOT: Meet the M-32 MGL