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XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System

Killing people who are hiding behind obstacles or inside buildings is a tough nut for an infantryman. It means storming the position—almost always tactically stupid—or calling in support from mortars or aircraft. In the time it takes to get this support, enemies can move to safety. Also, mortars take several shots to be properly aimed, which means multiple shots before hitting a target. No smart enemy sticks around to witness the finish of this triangulation. The XM-25 solves these problems by being a very precise grenade launcher.



The first step is to lift the boxy, 12.5-pound weapon and aim a red laser dot at the target. This is a rangefinder. With the press of a button the user increases the range that he wants the 25-mm explosive round to detonate. Special Operations has already received the weapon (for testing, not fielding); Army troops could receive it as early as 2013.



I tried out the XM-25 at Aberdeen. My shot careened into the building and created a satisfying "ding" as the inert round struck metal. I was happy, but the ballistic computer and the microchip in the round did all the work. All I had to do was match the sight's red crosshairs on the structure and pull the trigger. The reciprocating barrel slides back to reduce recoil, but the XM-25 kicks hard. Good thing the weapon did the aiming for me.