Defcom XL200

History

Defcom LLC, Michigan Commercial, USA, has developed the XL200 orbital 40mm grenade launcher as a replacement for the long-barreled 40mm M203 base system and the newer Heckler & Koch HK 320 grenade launcher. The XL200 complies with current Mil Spec 1913 Picatinny and STANAG 4694 NATO rail system standards for attaching to the front end of a modern assault rifle or automatic carbine.

A special self-contained body called the "XL220" allows the XL200 launch tube and action to be supported by a rifle-like body system, complete with accessory rail sections, integrated pistol grip and folding double-support metal stock.

The XL200 has an overall weight of 1.3 pounds, an overall length of 12.75 inches, and a barrel that is only 9 inches long. According to Defcom's marketing materials, the barrel is rifled to U.S. military specifications. A ribbed polymer cover surrounds the launch tube for a very firm forward grip, while the operating system relies on a double-action trigger. The one-piece trigger is surrounded by a thin protective ring that contains the main rifle's magazine and can be used as a pistol grip on the XL200.

Ambidextrous lever controls allow for safe and free-fire functionality. Like the M203 series, the XL200 fires a standard 40x46mm slow-moving grenade, ready to use multiple warheads/payloads. Like the M203, the XL200 is limited to single-shot firing due to the size of the 40mm grenade case. The XL200 system attaches to the base of the primary weapon at two points and features a US Defense locking lever for quick operator release/installation.

Loading and reloading the weapon is accomplished simply by sliding the barrel body forward and tilting the assembly down to expose the breech. The locking face is made of high-quality titanium and is reusable. The shells are then loaded in the usual way, with the breech closed before firing. Used boxes are manually ejected before being reloaded.

The XL200 is certified to fire all currently supported US military and NATO low velocity 40mm howitzers. Compared to the M203 series, the XL200 is billed as being lighter (up to 40% less) and shorter, while using fewer parts and being easier to maintain and repair.

Currently, Defcom LLC sells two body finishes for the XL200 - a matte black finish and a desert sand finish. Defcom also sells another completely self-contained grenade launcher, the XL79, which is a modernized version of the Vietnam-era M79 with an integrated pistol grip (with an oversized trigger ring), a cutout shoulder rest, and upper/lower attachment rail furniture.

This is a demolition weapon similar to the M79 with a flip-up rear sight.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes