Vietnam Mk18 Mod0 Hand-Crank Grenade Launcher

Published on December 20, 2017
Duration: 10:35

This guide details the operation and basic maintenance of the Mk18 Mod0 hand-cranked grenade launcher, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers safety procedures, loading, firing, rate of fire, and ammunition belt considerations for this unique Vietnam-era weapon. The Mk18 Mod0 utilizes a split-breech mechanism and is designed for 40x46mm low-pressure rounds.

Quick Summary

The Mk18 Mod0 is a Vietnam-era hand-cranked grenade launcher using 40x46mm low-pressure rounds. It features a split-breech mechanism operated by a hand crank, offering a practical rate of fire of 100-200 RPM and impressive reliability, averaging 5,000 rounds between stoppages. Its short effective range made it suitable for naval patrol boats.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Mk18 Mod0
  2. 00:45Ammunition & Obsolescence
  3. 01:49Development & Deployment
  4. 03:12Mechanical Operation
  5. 04:54Internal Components & Belt System
  6. 07:57Performance & Reliability
  7. 08:56Sights & Technical Specs

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ammunition does the Mk18 Mod0 grenade launcher use?

The Mk18 Mod0 grenade launcher is designed specifically for 40x46mm low-pressure rounds. It is not compatible with the higher-pressure 40x53mm rounds used in modern automatic grenade launchers.

What is the operational mechanism of the Mk18 Mod0?

The Mk18 Mod0 features a unique split-breech mechanism with rotating spindles, operated by a hand crank. This system chambers, fires, and ejects rounds from a belt-fed system.

How reliable is the Mk18 Mod0 grenade launcher?

Testing indicated high reliability, with the Mk18 Mod0 averaging 5,000 rounds between stoppages, provided the operator maintains a consistent cranking pace.

What was the intended role and effectiveness of the Mk18 Mod0?

Primarily used by the Navy on patrol boats during the Vietnam War, its short effective range (approx. 250 yards) made it ideal for close-quarters engagements and quickly breaking contact.

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