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McDonnell Douglas Scorpion

1985 COLD WAR

History of the McDonnell Douglas Scorpion

In the 1980s, the U.S. Army introduced the MPIM (Multi-Purpose Individual Munitions) program to better equip standard infantry with more devastating urban assault weapons. One of the entries proposed during the period was "Scorpion," built by longtime aircraft manufacturer McDonnell Douglas and sponsored by the U.S. Army Missile Command.

Scorpions are not accepted for several reasons.

The rationale behind the Scorpion is a portable weapon system that fits under the barrel of a standard M16 assault rifle, with the host weapon receiving some kind of field modification. This resulted in a launch tube-like assembly that closely approximates the form and function of the in-service M72 light anti-tank weapon (detailed elsewhere on this site). Also single-use, the Scorpion is designed to be easy to use and maintain, while allowing the M16 rifle to retain its full combat capabilities.

Aiming is via the existing M16 sight, but the weapon has its own trigger assembly and firing mechanism. Total weight is 9 lbs when ready to fire and nearly 10 lbs carried while traveling. The overall length is 30.5 inches and the official caliber is 52 mm.

In combat, the weapon can be used to penetrate any material - wood, brick, concrete (armor) - and has a rate of fire close to 5 rounds per minute. It can also destroy Earth structures and the light armor of vehicles. The effective range is 985 feet and the muzzle velocity is 1,350 feet per second.

The reported blast diameter was 20 feet.

However, several key drawbacks are apparent, chiefly its operational weight and length: 9 pounds, heavier than the main rifle it was designed to carry, effectively doubling the infantry's payload requirements. Its over 30" length also contributes to the 40" M16 rifle, and about a quarter of the Scorpion assembly's length extends beyond the M16's muzzle - making it impractical to carry the entire weapon system in urban environments actual.