Mercury medium velocity

Wednesday, 18 June, 2008

Yesterday at the show, Chemring Defence and Martin Electronics Inc (MEI) announced the introduction of Mercury, a family of mediumvelocity 40mm grenades that promises to transform the firepower available to an infantry section.
Filling the gap between existing low-velocity (LV) and high-velocity rounds, Mercury doubles the range capabilities of LV rounds while losing none of their mobility. Current LV rounds, typically fired from small launchers underslung from assault rifles, have very limited range. Conversely, high-velocity systems require heavy firing posts, usually mounted on vehicles.
Chemring and MEI have developed a round that can be fired from existing launchers, but with only a minimal increase in recoil compared with current LV rounds. Maximum effective range is increased to 800m, while offering improved direct fire accuracy at 300m.