The U.S. Army awarded a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) contract worth $2 million to FN Herstal America, LLC to develop its proposal under the Precision Grenadier System (PGS) program — a next-generation primary weapon system and ammunition family intended to enable “precision engagements” with greater lethality and accuracy compared with legacy grenade launchers.
FN’s proposal, called the FN Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30) and designed in the United States for manufacture at FN Herstal America’s South Carolina plant, is a soldier-portable, semi-automatic, medium-velocity, flat-trajectory grenade launcher meant to engage targets at extended ranges with payloads more effective than existing technologies. According to the company’s press release, the solution met the DoD’s key performance criteria and features characteristics that facilitate manufacture and logistical support, which would contribute to program efficiency.
In terms of performance and design, the FN MTL-30 is chambered for 30 mm medium-velocity grenades and uses a removable box magazine with a capacity of 3 or 5 rounds. It measures 35 inches long and 8.5 inches high, and weighs just over 10 pounds. The system incorporates ambidextrous controls (bolt catch, magazine release and safety selector), an M4-type telescoping stock with modular cheek adjustment, and a modular rail system with a contiguous top rail for mounting optical magnification systems plus M-LOK side slots alongside a MIL-STD Picatinny rail.
Regarding user adaptation and firing behavior, the release states the design incorporates “real-time soldier feedback,” which resulted in a prototype with controls and ergonomics similar to the M4, as well as a “smooth” firing experience with low apparent recoil that enables “rapid target engagement” from a highly controllable system. FN adds that its system is “fully user-operational” and features a high degree of “common parts” with existing components.
The company included statements from its executives. “This program is a U.S. government priority given the change in modern warfare and engagements, and FN is honored to have been selected to develop this new and innovative solution,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “Once developed and fielded, this weapon system could radically transform future squad-level battlefield tactics. It will provide new squad capabilities and enhanced tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system.”
John Bungard, Senior Director, Military Development Programs, added: “The portable FN MTL-30 can participate in close-quarters combat, defeat concealed targets, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It could also be networked with FN remote weapon stations to create a multilayered UAS defense.” Jim Williams, Vice President, Military Programs, noted: “The technologies we have incorporated have allowed FN to create a system that is much lighter, more compact, and more maneuverable than previous soldier-operated grenade launchers.”
FN recalled in its release its history as a small arms supplier to the U.S. Army and listed current contracts and related products, including the FN M240 and its variants; the FN M249 lightweight machine gun; and platforms for USSOCOM such as the FN MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR. The company also highlighted its prior experience with grenade launchers, mentioning the MK 19, the MK 13 EGLM (linked to the SCAR program) and the FN 40GL offered on the international market.
Images obtained from FN Herstal America.
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