Heckler & Koch · Rifle
XM25 CDTE
Gas-operated · 25x40mm Grenade · introduced 2010
Also known as The Punisher, Individual Semiautomatic Air Burst System, ISAAS
About the XM25 CDTE
The XM25 CDTE (Counter Defilade Target Engagement) is a semi-automatic, shoulder-fired 25x40mm grenade launcher developed for the United States Army to engage enemies behind cover. Its defining feature is a Target Acquisition Fire Control System with a laser rangefinder and ballistic computer that programs each round to detonate at a precise distance, allowing programmable airburst grenades to explode above or beside defilade targets. Developed by Heckler & Koch and Alliant Techsystems, it was field-tested in Afghanistan from 2010 before the program was cancelled in 2017.
Soldiers in Afghanistan nicknamed the XM25 'The Punisher' for its ability to kill enemies hiding behind walls and in trenches by airbursting a grenade directly over their position, defeating the cover they relied on.
XM25 CDTE specifications
General
- Type
- Rifle
- Action
- Gas-operated
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Calibres
- 25x40mm Grenade
- Magazine capacity
- 5 rounds
- Magazine
- Detachable box magazine
Dimensions
- Overall length
- 762 mm (30.0 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 6.30 kg (13.89 lb)
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Polymer
- Finish
- matte
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 210 m/s (689 fps)
- Effective range
- 500 m
History
- Introduced
- 2010
- Discontinued
- 2017
- Production status
- Prototype
- Country of origin
- US
- Designer
- Heckler & Koch / Alliant Techsystems
Features
- Programmable airburst ammunition
- Target acquisition fire control system
- Laser rangefinder
- Thermal sight
- Ballistic computer
- Semi-automatic
Safety
- Manual safety
Often nicknamed 'The Punisher.' A small number of prototypes saw combat evaluation in Afghanistan. The U.S. Army terminated the XM25 program in 2017 after Orbital ATK pulled out and reliability/cost concerns persisted.
