Grenade launcher
Grenade launchers are relatively simple tubular weapons which can launch several different types of grenades using means such as compressed gas or an electromagnetic charge.[1] Grenade launchers benefit from their ability to fire ordnance on an arching trajectory, allowing their shots to clear obstacles and lay down suppressive fire on unseen foes.[3][4] While a variety of common grenade types can be fired by grenade launchers they are almost universally loaded with frag and krak grenades.[1] Other types include anti-plant, blind, hallucinogenic, plasma, smoke, stun, virus and xeno-filament grenades.[3][4]
Grenade launchers are a common weapon used by Imperial Guard infantry squads thanks to their ability to lob grenades greater distances and with more accuracy than can be thrown. Their primary duty is to lay down suppressive fire and destroy light vehicles and buildings.[2] Other races also make use of grenade launchers. Among the Eldar the Aspect Warriors known as the Swooping Hawks use launchers strapped to their legs, while Harlequin Shadowseers make use of a launcher which fits on their shoulders. The Tau Pulse Carbine is also equipped with an underslung grenade launcher for launching EMP grenades.
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Known Patterns
Cadian pattern grenade launcher
The Cadian pattern grenade launcher is the standard launcher used by the Cadian Shock Troopers. This drum-fed weapon is capable of a relatively high rate of fire and carries twenty 40mm grenades, with the weapon pivoting forward to reload. Front and rear sights, the latter of which flips up and is notched for different ranges, assist the user in aiming the weapon. A wide-legged stance is required to fire the grenade launcher, as its recoil is comparable to that of a boltgun and liable to cause injury if improperly used.[2]
Mezoa Grenade Launcher
Produced on the Forge World of Mezoa this launcher, despite its single-shot nature, is considered a superior weapon in the Koronus Expanse thanks to its superiority in range, accuracy and firing systems compared to other available weapons.[4]
Voss pattern Grenade Launcher
This automatic grenade launcher carries six rounds in a revolving drum magazine. While a common weapon is its unpopular for its inaccuracy.[4] The Voss pattern, Mk V launcher is commonly used by the Elysian Drop Troops.[5]
Gallery
Krieg Grenade Launcher[7]
Voss Grenade Launcher[4]
Grenade Launcher[8]
Mordian Iron Guardian with a Grenade Launcher[9]
Vostroyan Firstborn with a Grenade Launcher[10]
Stormtrooper with a Grenade Launcher[11]
An Armageddon Steel Legion member with a Grenade Launcher[12]
Related Articles
- Auxiliary Grenade Launcher
- Disposable Grenade Launcher
- Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher
- Missile Launcher
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 40,000: Wargear (2nd Edition), pg. 25
- 2: Imperial Munitorum Manual (Background Book), pg. 74
- 3: Dark Heresy Core Rulebook, pg. 136
- 4: Rogue Trader Core Rulebook, pg. 125
- 5: Imperial Armour Volume Four - The Anphelion Project, Pg. 136
- 6: Imperial Armour Volume Eleven - The Doom of Mymeara, pg. 101
- 7: Imperial Armour Volume Five - The Siege of Vraks - Part One, pg. 95
- 8: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, pg. 84
- 9: GW Website Mordian with Grenade Launcher
- 10: GW Website Imperial Guard Vostroyan with Grenade Launcher
- 11: GW Website Imperial Guard Storm Troopers with Flamer and Grenade Launcher
- 12: GW Website Steel Legion Grenade Launcher
| Melee Weapons | Chainsword • Combat Knife • Hunting Lance • Power Weapon |
|---|---|
| One-Handed Weapons | Bolt Pistol • Laspistol • Hellpistol • Hotshot Laspistol • Plasma Pistol |
| Two-Handed Weapons | Lasgun • Flamer • Grenade Launcher • Hellgun • Hotshot Lasgun • Lascarbine • Long-Las • Meltagun • Plasma Gun • Shotgun • Sniper Rifle |
| Heavy Weapons | Autocannon • Heavy Bolter • Heavy Flamer • Heavy Stubber • Lascannon • Missile Launcher • Mortar • Ripper Gun |
| Grenades | Frag Grenade • Krak Grenade • Melta Bomb |
