M243 smoke grenade launcher
The M243 smoke grenade launcher is a 4-barreled 66 mm grenade launcher used on M113A2/A3 APCs[1] and selected Humvees such as the Ground Mobility Vehicle.[2]
The M243 primarily uses the L8A1/L8A3 round filled with red phosphorus.[3] Upon activation, a dense cloud of white smoke is created from ground level up to a minimum height of 7 metres (23 ft) and between 20 and 50 metres (66 and 164 ft) from the vehicle in 2 to 6 seconds. The cloud lasts 1 to 3 minutes depending on wind speed and other weather conditions.
Unlike very similar grenade launchers (the M257 and M259), the M243 has a steel storage box mounted on the outside of a vehicle that stores four grenades.[4]
See also
- Ground Mobility Vehicle – (US)SOCOM program - American Special Operations Humvees that can install M243s.
References
- ↑ "M113 Armored Personnel Carrier". AFV Database (AFVDB.com). Archived from the original on 2008-08-21. Retrieved 2026-05-15.
- ↑ "Ground Mobility Vehicle". American Special Ops. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ "ITV M901". AFV Database. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- ↑ "TM 9-1040-267-20&P" (PDF). NSN Depot. Headquarters, Department of the Army. February 1984. Chapter 1, Page 3. Retrieved 16 August 2026.
- U.S. Vehicle Grenade Launchers - Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide
- M243 (NSN 1040-01-059-0560), M257 (NSN 1040-01-070-1213), M259 (NSN 1040-01-107-7501) Smoke Grenade Launchers Technical Manual