XM25 CDTE Grenade Launcher

The XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System, also known as the Punisher, is an air burst grenade launcher derived from the XM29 OICW. It was fielded to soldiers serving in the War in Afghanistan and is projected to enter full-rate procurement in 2011.

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