Rheinmetall is presenting the world’s first automatic, magazine-loaded, shoulderfired grenade launcher at Enforce Tac 2024. Both weight, dimensions and handling of the SSW40 are similar to assault rifles. The weapon had its premiere at last year’s edition of this fair.
Photos: Rheinmetall AG
Thanks to a recoil-reducing and selfregulating recoil system, the SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40) can fire all available 40mm Low Velocity (LV) ammunition types as well as the new Rheinmetall 40mm Medium Velocity (MV) ammunition.
The new MV ammunition has a significantly increased velocity and a flat trajectory, allowing targets to be engaged more quickly and increasing the effective range of the system to 900m. Combined with the broad spectrum of Rheinmetall’s 40mm LV/MV ammunition portfolio, the infantry user achieves unprecedented flexibility and effectiveness on the battlefield of the future.
The first test firings were successfully carried out at the beginning of 2024. The market launch with series production will start in 2025.
The 40mm MV ammunition family combines Rheinmetall’s combined experience in 40mm LV and High Velocity (HV) ammunition. Therefore, the SSW40 can be used with the following ammunition types:
- HE Fragmentation (HEFRAG);
- Anti-Tank (HEDP);
- Door Breaching (HEBE);
- Air Burst (HEAB);
- Training (TPM, TPM-T);
- Illumination / Fog;
- Sound & Flash and Irritation Ammunition (CS).
Via a quick magazine change, the SSW40 can be used in any near peer as well as asymmetric conflict scenario and offers superior firepower in any terrain, even against medium-weight armoured vehicles.
The interfaces on the SSW40 also allow the inclusion of laser light modules, fire control sights as well as IR programmers for aerial explosive point ammunition. The SSW40 can also be integrated on vehicle mounts or field mounts.