U.S. Vehicle Grenade Launchers

Light Vehicle Obscuration Smoke System (LVOSS) (NSN 1040-01-454-1625), Vehicle Mounted Nonlethal Grenade Launcher (VMNLGL)

The LVOSS (previously known as VMNLGL) is a self-defense smoke obscurant and non lethal device system externally mounted on light vehicles, primarily the Highly Mobile Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The LVOSS uses M90 smoke grenades which are low in toxicity and which minimize safety hazards to personnel and the environment. The system can also be used to deliver anti-riot grenades (L96A1, L97A1, M98, and M99).

Installation kit M304 (NSN 1055-01-449-1531):

Used on M966 HMMWV.
One M7 discharger, turret or rear mounted.
One arming/firing unit (NSN 1095-01-450-2798).
One wiring harness (NSN 6150-01-453-9284).
One installation kit (NSN 1055-01-449-1530).

Installation kit M305 (NSN 1055-01-449-1530):

Used on M1025/1026 HMMWV.
Four M7 dischargers, roof mounted.
One arming/firing unit.
One wiring harness (NSN 6150-01-454-1626).
One installation kit (NSN 1055-01-449-1531).

Installation kit M310 (NSN 1055-01-451-2285):

Used on M1114 HMMWV.
Four M7 dischargers, roof mounted.
One arming/firing unit (NSN 1095-01-450-2799).
One wiring harness (NSN 6150-01-453-9288).
One installation kit (NSN 1055-01-451-2285).

M7 Discharger (NSN 1040-01-454-1625):

60° coverage per discharger.
Plastic (Xenoy®)

M6 Countermeasure Discharger

"Discharger, Grenade, Smoke, Countermeasure: M6." The M6 is a 4-tube smoke grenade discharger that enables combat vehicles to conceal themselves from threat surveillance, target acquisition, and weapon guidance systems. The system provides up to 360° coverage, overhead screening protection, and can interface with the Vehicle Integrated Defense System (VIDS) control.

Used on Stryker family of vehicles.
Four tubes are independently addressable.
Mounts on all armored platforms.
Capable of firing all standard 66mm smoke grenades.
2 x 2 design.

M6 Discharger:

Height: 8 in (203 mm)
Width: 7 in (178 mm)
Depth: 9 in (229 mm)
Weight: 9.8 lb (4.4 kg)
Cast aluminum
Unit Cost: $1,000 (FY 2006)

M239 Smoke Grenade Launcher (NSN 1040-01-015-0874)

"Launcher, Grenade, Smoke: Screening, RP, M239." The M239 smoke grenade system provides a self-screening smoke capability for armored vehicles for concealing maneuvers or vehicle activities.

Used on M60 tank and M88 recovery vehicle.
One British No. 9 Mark 1 left hand smoke grenade discharger and protective canvas cover.
One British No. 9 Mark 1 right hand smoke grenade discharger and protective canvas cover.
A push button firing switch.
Two smoke grenade stowage boxes, each with a salvo for one discharger.
An electrical installation kit composed of a power (arming) switch box, mounting bracket, electrical wiring harnesses, and connectors.

Both dischargers are wired to launch grenades from alternate barrels upon activation of either push button on the smoke grenade discharger push button unit. Activation of one push button will launch six grenades, three from each discharger. Activation of both push buttons simultaneously will launch all twelve grenades. A single discharger barrel cannot be fired.
TM 9-2350-256-20: M239 dischargers on M88A1

TM 9-2350-256-20: M239 dischargers on M88A1

TM 9-2350-256-10: M239 controls on M88A1

No. 9 Mark 1 discharger:

Height: 10 in (254 mm)
Width: 15 in (381 mm)
Depth: 18 in (457 mm)
Weight: 33 lb (15 kg)
Power Source: 24 Vdc.
Cast aluminum.
Six barrels.

M243 (NSN 1040-01-059-0560), M257 (NSN 1040-01-070-1213), M259 (NSN 1040-01-107-7501) Smoke Grenade Launchers

"Launcher, Grenade, Smoke: Screening, RP." Launches screening smoke grenades by electrical ignition. Four aluminum discharger tubes mounted on an aluminum discharger base are angled to launch grenades in an arc. Smoke grenades are muzzle-loaded into discharger tubes. Launcher uses vehicle's electrical system.

M243 system:

Used on M113 APC.
Two dischargers.
Eight discharger caps.
One arming firing unit.
Two grenade storage boxes.

M257 system:

Used on M1 Abrams and M2/M3 Bradley.
Two dischargers.
Eight discharger caps.

M259 system:

Used on M113 APC.
Two dischargers.
Eight discharger caps.
One arming firing unit.

Discharger:

Height: 9.5 in (241 mm)
Width: 11.5 in (292 mm)
Depth: 6.31 in (160 mm)
Weight: 11.2 lb (5.1 kg)
Cast aluminum.
Four barrels.

M250 Smoke Grenade Launcher (NSN 1040-00-000-0138)

"Launcher, Grenade, Smoke: Screening, RP, M250." Launches screening smoke grenades by electrical ignition.

Used on M1 Abrams, M93 Fox.
One No. 19 Mk 2 left hand smoke grenade discharger and protective canvas cover.
One No. 19 Mk 2 right hand smoke grenade discharger and protective canvas cover.

Each discharger is an aluminum casting with six barrels angled to launch grenades in an arc. Smoke grenades are muzzle-loaded into discharger barrels. The launcher uses the vehicle's electrical system.

Pressing one of two push switches in the turret sends an electrical charge to the dischargers. Dischargers are wired to fire grenades from alternate barrels. Pressing one push switch launches a salvo of six grenades (three from each discharger). Pressing both switches launches a salvo of twelve grenades. The charge flows through an electrical contact in the grenade base and fires the grenade's squib fuze.

TM 9-1040-267-20&P: M250 Dischargers

No. 19 Mk 2 discharger:

Height: 11 in (279 mm)
Width: 12 in (305 mm)
Depth: 16 in (406 mm)
Weight: 33 lb (15 kg)
Power Source: 24 Vdc.
Cast aluminum.
Six barrels.

M315 Grenade Launcher Installation Kit (NSN )

"Installation Kit, Grenade Launcher: Adjustable, Multi-purpose, 66mm, Turret Mounted, M315." Installs M7 smoke grenade dischargers onto light vehicles. The M315 installation kit provides a temporary platform for hardtop HMMWV variants to fire 66mm grenades. It works in combination with the M98, M99, L96A1, and L97A1 66mm non-lethal grenades and extends the M98 and M99 capabilities with a bracket that allows the launch angle to be depressed for firing between 50, 75, and 100 meters.

M966, M1025/1026, M1043/1044, M1045/1046 HMMWVs.
Each kit contains hardware to equip 2 vehicles.
Temporary installation.
No vehicle modification required.

AMMUNITION

Smoke grenades contain fire-producing chemicals and are dangerous to exposed personnel outside the vehicle.

Data for 66mm smoke grenade ammunition.
Grenade	Spectrum Screened	Fill Material	Time to Effective Cloud	Obscuration Duration	Range	Weight
L8A3	Visual	Red phosphorous, butyl rubber	8 seconds	3 to 4 minutes	98 feet (30 m)	1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
M76	Visual and IR	Brass flake	2 seconds	45 seconds	98 feet (30 m)	4 lbs (1.81 kg)
M81	IR and radar	Brass flake and graphite	2 seconds	20 seconds	98 feet (30 m)	?
M82	Visual	Titanium dioxide (smoke agent)	2 seconds	45 to 60 seconds	98 feet (30 m)	3.1 lbs (1.41 kg)
M90	Visual and near IR	Terephthalic acid	6 seconds	20 seconds	115 ft (35 m)	?

Data for 66mm anti-riot grenade ammunition.
Grenade	Type	Payload	Despenser Time	Range	Weight
L96A1	Irritant	23 canisters filled with CS compound (orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile)	10 to 12 seconds	213 to 312 ft (65 to 95 m)	1.25 lbs (0.57 kg)
L97A1	Practice	23 canisters filled with CA (cinnamic acid)	10 to 12 seconds	213 to 312 ft (65 to 95 m)	1.25 lbs (0.57 kg)
M98	Distraction	3 bursting pyrotechnic submunitions	N/A	164 to 328 ft (50 to 100 m)	1.6 lbs (0.73 kg)
M99	Blunt Trauma	3 bursting submunitions, each with 140 PVC balls	N/A	164 to 328 ft (50 to 100 m)	1.6 lbs (0.73 kg)

L8A1, L8A3 Smoke Grenades

"Grenade, Launcher, Smoke: Screening, RP, UK L8A1." "Grenade, Launcher, Smoke: Screening, RP, UK L8A3." These grenades provide a self-screening smoke capability for armored tactical vehicles. The L8A1 and L8A3 red phosphorus screening smoke grenades are identified by the markings at the base of the casing.

The grenade is propelled from the discharger by pressure build-up in the metal base when electrical current at the electrical firing clip ignites the F92 squib-type electric fuze and propellant charge. The propellant charge simultaneously ignites the delay composition within the delay holder. During flight, the delay composition burns through (3/4 of a second for the L8A1, 1 second for the L8A3) and ignites the black powder bursting charge. The bursting charge ignites the red phosphorus and butyl rubber composition and bursts the rubber body. The ignited smoke composition disperses to produce a white smoke cloud within two seconds after firing at approximately 98 feet (30 m) from the launching device.

The L8A3 grenade generates a smoke cloud faster and more dense than the L8A1. The smoke cloud lasts for more than 2 minutes for both the L8A1 and L8A3 grenades. A phosphine gas atmosphere is generated from the smoke mix in L8A1 and L8A3 grenades.
MCWP 3-12: L8A1, L8A3

L96A1 CS Grenade (NSN 1330-01-459-4018)

"Grenade, Discharger: Anti-Riot, Irritant, CS, L96A1." Provides standoff delivery of irritants from light tactical vehicles for riot/crowd control and protection of convoys in peacekeeping operations. The L96A1 is used primarily with the M7 discharger, which is a component of the Light Vehicle Obscuration Smoke System (LVOSS), and similar 66mm grenade dischargers.

The female connector of the propulsion base makes an electrical connection with the firing circuit when pushed onto the male electrical connector at the base of the discharger tube. When the launch system is armed and the firing button is pushed, the firing circuit directs electrical energy from the vehicle's battery to the electric match, which is housed inside the propulsion base. The hot gases emitted from the ignition of the gun powder/black powder ignite the igniter cord and cambric inside the rubber payload via the delay detonator.

Type Classification Date: January 4, 2002. Unit cost: $187 (USMC, Fiscal Year 2009).

Length: 7.28 in (185 mm)
Diameter: 2.6 in (66 mm)
Weight: 1.25 lb (0.57 kg)
Color: Light gray with red and brown bands.
Muzzle Velocity: 118 ft/sec (36 m/s)

L97A1 Anti-riot Practice Grenade (NSN 1330-01-459-4032)

"Grenade, Discharger: Anti-Riot, Irritant, CS, L96A1." The anti-riot practice grenade is used as the training grenade for the L96A1. The L97A1 is used primarily with the M7 discharger, which is a component of the Light Vehicle Obscuration Smoke System (LVOSS), and similar 66mm grenade dischargers.

The female connector of the propulsion base makes an electrical connection with the firing circuit when pushed onto the male electrical connector at the base of the discharger tube. When the launch system is armed and the firing button is pushed, the firing circuit directs electrical energy from the vehicle's battery to the electric match, which is housed inside the propulsion base. The hot gases emitted from the ignition of the gun powder/black powder ignite the igniter cord and cambric inside the rubber payload via the delay detonator.

Type Classification Date: January 4, 2002. Unit cost: $128 (USMC, Fiscal Year 2009).

Length: 7.28 in (185 mm)
Diameter: 2.6 in (66 mm)
Weight: 1.25 lb (0.57 kg)
Color: Blue with brown and green bands.
Muzzle Velocity: 118 ft/sec (36 m/s)

M76 Infrared Smoke Grenade

"Grenade, Launcher, Smoke, IR Screening, M76." Provides a self-screening visual through far infrared smoke capability for armored tactical vehicles. The M76 infrared screening smoke grenade is identified by the markings at the base of the casing.

The grenade is propelled from the discharger when an electrical current at the firing contact activates the electrical match. The electrical match ignites the propellant, which both launches the grenade and ignites the pyrotechnic time delay detonator. Launch acceleration causes the setback lock to displace aft, out of engagement with the safe and arm slider/bore rider. When the slider/bore rider clears the launch tube, it moves into the armed position, which aligns the transfer lead with the time delay detonator and the booster lead. When the time delay detonator ignites the transfer lead, booster lead, and central burster, the grenade bursts, creating an infrared obscuring brown cloud.

Type Classification Date: 1985.

Length: 9.3 in (236 mm)
Diameter: 2.59 in (66 mm)
Weight: 4 lb (1.81 kg)

M82 Smoke Grenade

"Grenade, Launcher, Smoke: Simulant Screening, M82." Provides a self-screening training capability for armored tactical vehicles. Designed to simulate the L8A3 and M76 smoke grenades. The M82 smoke grenade is identified by the markings at the base of the casing.

The M82 is an electronically-initiated, propellant-launched grenade that functions to disseminate a white screening cloud 98 feet (30 m) forward of the firing vehicle. The environmentally acceptable smoke composition consists of 1.8 pounds of titanium dioxide. The grenade's plastic body houses the launch system, the safe and arming mechanism, the explosive booster and burster, and the smoke composition. The M82 is designed to simulate the L8A3 and M76 smoke grenade and can be used during gunnery or force-on-force training.

Unit cost: $108 (Fiscal Year 2008).
PM CCS: M82

M90 Smoke Grenade

"Grenade, Launcher, Smoke: Screening, TA, M90." Provides a self-screening through near infrared wave length smoke capability for light tactical vehicles. The M90 grenade is used primarily with the M7 66mm grenade discharger, but it can also be fired from the M250, M257, and M6 grenade dischargers.

The M90 grenade contains three individual smoke canisters that are ejected out of the grenade body when electric current is applied to the firing contacts, activating the electric match. The electric match ignites the propellant which burns to create pressure and hot gases inside the grenade body. This ignites the three individual canisters and propels them out of the grenade body a distance of 115 feet (35 m). A salvo of four grenades will produce a 30 meter x 2 meter high white smoke screen within six seconds after launch, screening a stationary vehicle approximately 20 seconds depending on weather conditions.
JPEO-CBD: M90

M98 Nonlethal Distraction Grenade (NSN 1330-01-484-7773)

"Grenade, Launcher: Non Lethal, Distraction, M98." Enhances the capability of friendly forces to conduct force protection without direct contact with rioting crowds. The audio/visual stimuli will temporarily affect vision and disorient/confuse the combatant. The M98 is used primarily with M7 discharger, which is a component of the Light Vehicle Obstruction Smoke System (LVOSS), and similar 66mm grenade dischargers. Each grenade has 3 canisters that contain a cardboard ballast material and individual bursting charges.

The M98 grenade is an electrically launched grenade. The launch system consists of electrical contacts for discharger/grenade interface, and electric match initiator, and a black powder propulsion charge in a fiberglass filled nylon propulsion base. The female connector of the propulsion base makes an electrical connection with the firing circuit when pushed into the male electrical connector at the base of the discharger tube. When the launch system is armed and the firing button is pushed, the firing circuit directs electrical energy from the vehicle's battery to the electric match which ignites the black powder propulsion charge.

Upon ignition of the propulsion charge, a pusher plate propels 3 canisters from the grenade body and also transfers some of the hot propulsion gases through the grenade body to ignite the canisters and expel the end cap. Depending upon the discharger launch elevation, the canisters travel 164 to 328 feet (50 to 100 m) before impacting the ground. A pyrotechnic delay burns for approximately 4.5 seconds before releasing the M98 audio/visual stimuli (170 decibel bang and quick flash of light). The delay of this grenade is designed so the canisters are ground bursting munitions.

Type Classification Date: October 17, 2001. Unit cost: $221.80 (USMC, Fiscal Year 2009).

Length: 9.94 in (252 mm)
Diameter: 2.6 in (66 mm)
Weight: 1.6 lb (0.73 kg)
Color: Green and black with brown band.
Muzzle Velocity: 160 ft/sec (49 m/s)
Deployment Radius: 33 to 49 ft (10 to 15 m)

M99 Nonlethal Blunt Trauma Grenade (NSN 1330-01-484-7775)

"Grenade, Launcher: Non Lethal, Blunt Trauma, M99." Enhances capability of friendly forces to conduct force protection without direct contact with rioting crowds. The audio/visual blunt trauma stimuli will temporarily affect vision and disorient/confuse the combatant. The M99 is used primarily with the M7 discharger, which is a component of the LVOSS, and similar 66mm grenade dischargers. Each grenade has 3 canisters with individual bursting charges. Each canister contains 140 PVC balls (0.32 caliber).

The M99 grenade is an electrically launched grenade. The launch system consists of electrical contacts for discharger/grenade interface, and electric match initiator, and a black powder propulsion charge in a fiberglass filled nylon propulsion base. The female connector of the propulsion base makes an electrical connection with the firing circuit when pushed into the male electrical connector at the base of the discharger tube. When the launch system is armed and the firing button is pushed, the firing circuit directs electrical energy from the vehicle's battery to the electric match, which ignites the black powder propulsion charge in the propulsion base.

Upon ignition of the propulsion charge, a pusher plate propels 3 canisters from the grenade body and also transfers some of the hot propulsion gases through the grenade body to ignite the canisters and expel the end cap. Depending upon the discharger elevation, the canisters travel 164 to 328 feet (50 to 100 m) before impacting the ground. A pyrotechnic delay burns for approximately 4.5 seconds before releasing the M99 audio/visual stimuli. The delay of this grenade is designed so the canister are ground bursting munitions.

Type Classification Date: October 17, 2001. Unit cost: $259.80 (USMC, Fiscal Year 2009).

Length: 9.94 in (252 mm)
Diameter: 2.6 in (66 mm)
Weight: 1.6 lb (0.73 kg)
Color: Green and black with brown band.
Muzzle Velocity: 160 ft/sec (49 m/s)
Deployment Radius: 16 to 33 ft (5 to 10 m)

Last updated: 03-MAY-2008
Copyright ©2008 Gary W. Cooke
To the best of my knowledge all military data and images presented in these pages are UNCLASSIFIED, NON-SENSITIVE, and approved for public release.

Sources:
FM 3-19.15, April 2005: Civil Disturbance Operations.
FM 3-22.40, January, 2003: Tactical Employment of Nonlethal Weapons (NLW).
TM 9-1040-267-20&P: M250 Maintenance Manual.
TM 3-1040-268-20&P: M243, M257, M259 Maintenance Manual.
TM 9-1330-200-12 Change 19: Maintenance Manual for Grenades.
TM 9-2350-256-10: M88A1 Operator's Manual.
TM 9-2350-256-20: M88A1 Maintenance Manual.
TM 43-0001-29: Army Ammunition Data Sheets for Grenades.
MCWP 3-12: Marine Corps Tank Employment.
6th Annual Expeditionary Warfare Conference, "Proactive Naval Force Protection: Applying the Non-Lethal Dimension."
FY 2008 Army Procurement of Ammunition Budget Estimates.
FY 2007 Army Other Procurement Budget Estimates.
FY 2008/2009 Procurement of Ammunition, Navy and Marine Corps Budget Estimates.
U.S. Army Project Manager Close Combat Systems (PM CCS) website.
U.S. Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD) website.

U.S. Vehicle Grenade Launchers

Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide

NOTES

LAUNCH SYSTEMS

AMMUNITION

U.S. Vehicle Grenade Launchers Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide

NOTES

LAUNCH SYSTEMS

AMMUNITION

U.S. Vehicle Grenade Launchers

Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide