Mk 19 Automatic Grenade Launcher

The Mk 19 is the U.S. military's crew-served 40mm automatic grenade launcher, a blowback-operated belt-fed weapon that delivers high-explosive dual-purpose grenades at 325 to 375 rounds per minute out to 1,500 meters. Typically tripod-mounted or fitted to vehicle ring mounts, it is usually paired with an M2 .50 caliber on vehicle cupolas to give a convoy both penetrating and area-suppression fire.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems produces the Mk 19 MOD 3 for all services, and the weapon has been fielded continuously since the 1980s on Humvees, MRAPs, JLTVs, and Navy small boats. Emerging programs including the Army's Lightweight Automatic Grenade Launcher will eventually complement or replace the Mk 19, but the legacy weapon remains the workhorse.

Related Systems