Latest XM25 Airburst Weapons System

The XM-25 Air Burst Assault Weapon is the air burst portion of the XM29, Integrated Air Burst Weapon. The XM-25 dramatically increases Soldier survivability, standoff and versatility. The air burst weapon provides the Soldier with a 300-500% increase in hit probability to defeat point, area and defilade targets out to approximately 500 meters. The XM-25 weapon includes revolutionary high explosive air bursting munitions and an integrated, multifunctional, all environment, full-solution target acquisition / fire control system. The XM25 25mm Airburst Weapons System provides the infantry soldier with a decisive overmatch capability in a next-generation weapon system that will dramatically increase lethality, range and capability through the use of a family of munitions consisting of thermobaric, high explosive air bursting (HEAB) ammunition.



The XM25 fires 25mm high explosive airbursting (HEAB) munitions. The XM25 incorporates a target acquisition/fire control that integrates thermal, powered direct-view optics, laser rangefinder, compass, fuze setter, ballistic processor, and internal display. The XM25 has a 300-meter range point target and 500-meter range area target capable of defeating defilade (hidden) targets. Spiral development of the XM29 will accelerate fielding of the XM25 subsystem in advance of the dual barrel system. Development of the XM25 will maximize commonality of parts and share the same logistics and supportability resources of the XM29.

The XM25 is equipped with a ballistic computer, thermal sights and zoom capabilities. The XM25 incorporates a target acquisition/fire control that integrates thermal powered direct view optics, laser rangefinder, compass, fuze setter, ballistic processor, and internal display. The XM25 has a 500-meter range against point targets and 500-700-meter range against area targets, and is capable of defeating defilade (hidden) targets.
Ideal for urban combat, the XM25 puts precision firepower in the hands of the Soldier, allows him or her to eliminate threats without causing significant collateral damage. The XM25 fires a High-Explosive (HE), air-bursting 25mm round capable of defeating an enemy behind a wall, inside a building or in a foxhole. Weighing in at less than 12 pounds, the XM25 incorporates a target acquisition fire control that integrates thermal-powered, direct-view optics, laser range-finder, compass, fuse setter, ballistic processor and internal display. As the round flies downrange to the target, it precisely measures the barometric pressure, temperature and velocity of the projectile to a computer chip in the round so that it detonates at exactly the right moment to deliver maximum effectiveness. The XM25 is five times more lethal at the M203 maximum range and continues to provide lethality well beyond the M203's maximum ability, giving Soldiers a 300- to 500-percent increase in hit probability, according to weapon specifications.

The XM25 Assault Weapon is the air burst portion of the XM29, Integrated Air Burst Weapon. The XM25 Air Burst Assault Weapon dramatically increases Soldier survivability, standoff and versatility. The air burst weapon provides the Soldier with a 300-500% increase in hit probability to defeat point, area and defilade targets out to approximately 500 meters. The XM25 weapon includes revolutionary high explosive air bursting munitions and an integrated, multifunctional, all environment, full-solution target acquisition / fire control system. This system supports the Current to Future transition path of the Transformation Campaign Plan (TCP).

Alliant Techsystems (Plymouth, MN) Brashear L3, (Pittsburgh, PA) and Heckler & Koch Gmbh (Oberdorf, Germany) are working in conjunction with PM Soldier Weapons to develop the XM25. The XM25 Air Burst Assault Weapon will reach Milestone B in FY 2005. The System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase will complete development of the XM25 weapon system and verify training solution for the Milestone C approval in FY 2008.