The U.S. Army has awarded FN America with a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice contract valued at $2 million to further develop its submission for the Precision Grenadier System, a next-generation primary soldier weapon system and family of ammunition The FN Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30) was designed in the United States and will be manufactured by FN America at its plant in South Carolina. The Soldier-portable, semi-automatic, medium-velocity, flat-trajectory grenade launcher will enable warfighters to engage targets at extended ranges with payloads more effective than existing technologies.
“This program is a U.S. Government priority with the shift in modern warfare and engagements, and FN is honored to be selected to develop this new, innovative solution,” said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO for FN America. “Once developed and implemented, this weapon system could radically change future battlefield strategies. It will offer new capabilities at the squad level and upgraded tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system.”
FN’s solution successfully met the Department of Defense (DoD) key performance criteria during extensive testing, while also delivering desired characteristics. In addition, the company’s solution is easily manufacturable and logistically supportable due to state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, ensuring the program will be cost-effective. The FN MTL-30 is the first in this family of launchers and ammunition, as FN works with the DoD to help solve one of the world’s most pressing battlefield needs.
“The FN MTL-30 shoulder-fired launcher can engage in close-quarter warfare, defeat targets in defilade, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS),” said John Bungard, senior director of military development programs for FN America. “It could also be networked with FN remote weapon stations to create a multi-layered defense against UAS. Providing solutions that can counter multiple threats is critical for future battlefield engagements. We are excited that the Army is interested in maturing our PGS solution. We are fully committed to this system and its development.”
The FN MTL-30 is chambered for 30 mm medium-velocity grenades and features a detachable-box magazine with a three- or five-round capacity. At just 35 inches in length and 8.5 inches tall, the weapon weighs slightly more than 10 pounds. The bolt catch, magazine release and safety selector are all ambidextrous, plus there is an M4-style telescoping buttstock with a modular cheek riser. The modular rail system has a contiguous top rail for mounting of visual augmentation systems and other devices, plus side M-LOK slots with a MIL-STD Picatinny rail.
For the soldier, the FN MTL-30 is lighter and more streamlined than previous options. Real time soldier feedback has led to a prototype that is far more user-friendly, incorporating a footprint users will be familiar with due to the M4-style controls, grip and buttstock. The system features a soft-shooting launcher with low felt recoil, enabling rapid target engagement with effective payloads from an extremely controllable system. In addition, FN’s modular system is fully serviceable at the user level and has significant parts commonality with existing components.
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