SSW40: New Firing Support Weapon

Rheinmetall unveiled its new Squad Support Weapon 40 in live firing for the first time. During a trade press event, representatives from various defence media had the opportunity to experience prototypes of the first automatic magazine-fed shoulder-fired grenade launcher for the new 40 mm x 46 medium velocity ammunition.

The SSW40 is designed to bolster the infantry with greater firepower by providing a versatile and at the same time, with a compact weapon. The soldier can handle and operate the weapon in similar fashion to an assault rifle with an operational firing range of up to 900 metres. The SSW40’s airburst capability also makes it suitable for engaging on targets behind cover and for counterattacking drones.

Medium Velocity (MV) ammunition is more powerful than the long-established 40 mm x 46 Low Velocity (LV) ammunition. As a result, MV ammunition has a higher velocity, a longer range and a longer trajectory. Targets can be engaged at ranges of up to 900 metres. Additionally, the MV ammunition can carry a higher payload, further increasing the versatility of the 40 mm ammunition range – including the option of programmable airburst ammunition. Another advantage is that the SSW40 can fire long ammunition types due to its break barrel capability. The MV ammunition bridges the gap to the 40 mm x 53 High Velocity ammunition range, which can only be fired from crew served automatic grenade launchers.

With an empty weight of around four kilograms, a length of approximately 80 centimetres and ambidextrous operation, the SSW40 is extremely ergonomic. Operating the weapon is quickly comprehendible. The main controls are the combined safety and magazine release switch (a customer request), which can be reached with the thumb or index finger of the shooting hand on both sides. The bolt catch on the top of the receiver, the break barrel switch lever in front of the magazine as well as the cocking mechanism in the shoulder stock can be easily operated with either hand. There is also a disassembly switch at the rear of the receiver for fieldstripping and disassembly of the weapon.

The SSW40 should be fully qualified by the company in the fourth quarter, and the first customer verification is also expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Read here how the test shooting at the Unterlüß test center went.