Rheinmetall SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40)

40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL)

Germany | 2023

"The SSW40 was unveiled by German concern Rheinmetall during Eurosatory 2022 as a squad-level fire support solution."

Image from official Rheinmetall marketing materials.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 06/15/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40) is a new 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) unveiled by Rheinmetall of Germany during Eurosatory 2022. The company bills the weapon as the world's first 40mm-class automatic-action, magazine-fed, shoulder-fired grenade launcher all-in-one system. The design is intended to broaden the grenade-firing / fire support capabilities of modern infantry at the squad-level - suitable for unseating those stubborn foes behind embankments, under cover, or in buildings.

The launcher's design arrangement and function are very "rifle-like" as it employs the proven assault rifle configuration complete with shoulder stock, barrel assembly, and integrated pistol grip / trigger unit. Sighting devices allow for some accuracy-at-range as the weapon can reach out to targets / target areas as far away as 900 meters. The SSW49 is cleared to fire all 40mm grenade types - those currently found in the various Western inventories and those developments still to come - encompassing a broad range of projectile types including HE-FRAG (High-Explosive, FRAGmentation), Anti Tank (AT), door breaching, airburst, training rounds, general illumination and smoke, and sound / flash rounds based on mission need.

This versatility means the SSW40 can find operators at the law enforcement (special police) level as well.

The magazine feed utilizes a "quick change" feature which enhances the inserting of a fresh cassette / magazine into the frame. The frame further supports IR optics and laser aimers as well as the usual telescopic sighting devices found on common combat arms. Internally, the automatic action is aided by a self-regulating recoil system to keep barrel climb at a minimum and enhance precision between Direct Line of Sight (DLoS) and Non-Line of Sight (NLoS) actions.

Beyond its use against infantry, the SSW40 can be deployed against "soft-skinned" / light-armored vehicles with the appropriate projectile chambered.

The mobile battlefield of the future may very well require the facilities of the SSW40 where on-the-spot fire support will be needed to defeat embedded enemy infantry - particularly in urban fighting environments and scenarios. The advantage of the Rheinmetall approach is its assault rifle styling and handling, making it a portable and ideal tactical-level / infantry-level solution.

Development of the SSW40 is expected to conclude during 2023.

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Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Rheinmetall SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

12
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Physical
The physical qualities of the Rheinmetall SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

Semi-Automatic Action
Action

40mm
Caliber(s)

10-round detachable box magazine.
Feed

Supported Optics; Back-Up Iron Sights.
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Rheinmetall SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40) 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) family line.

SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40) - Base Series Designation.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Rheinmetall SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Rheinmetall - Germany

[ Germany (possible) ]

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Image of the Rheinmetall SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40)

Image from official Rheinmetall marketing materials.

Going Further...
The Rheinmetall SSW40 (Squad Support Weapon 40) 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) appears in the following collections:

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