XM25 DCTE fires 25 mm grenades that are set to explode in mid-air at or near the target. A laser rangefinder in the weapon is used to determine the distance to the target. The user can manually adjust the detonating distance by up to 10 feet (3.0 m) shorter or longer; the XM25 automatically transmits the detonating distance to the grenade in the firing chamber. The grenade tracks the distance it has traveled by the number of spiral rotations after it is fired, then detonates at the proper distance to produce an air burst effect. These features make the XM25 more effective than traditional grenade launchers at the task of hitting targets that are behind cover or dug into the ground (i.e. in defilade.) One of the weapon's developers, Richard Audette, believes that the XM25 is a big leap forward because it is the first small arms weapon to use smart technology.
The system has been developed by Heckler & Koch and Alliant Techsystems, while the target acquisition/fire control is developed by L-3 IOS Brashear.
| XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System | |
|---|---|
| Type | Grenade launcher |
| Place of origin | Germany United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2010-present |
| Used by | U.S. Army |
| Wars | War in Afghanistan |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Heckler & Koch, Alliant Techsystems |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch, Alliant Techsystems |
| Number built | 5 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 6.35 kg (14.0 lb) empty |
| Length | 737 mm (29.0 in) |
| | |
| Cartridge | 25 × 40 mm |
| Muzzle velocity | 690 ft/s (210 m/s) |
| Effective range | 550 yd (500 m) for point targets, 765 yd (700 m) for area targets |
| Maximum range | 1,100 yd (1,000 m) |
| Feed system | 6 or 8 air-burst 25mm grenades box magazine |
