Technical Characteristics
Calibre, mm 14.5
Mass, kg 52.2
Rate of fire, shot/min 550..600
Combat rate of fire, shot/min 70..80
Target range, m
ground
air
2000
1500
Barrel cooling air
Power supply of electric trigger, V 27
Overall dimensions (length, width, height), mm 1980x162x225
Technical Characteristics
Caliber, mm 12.7
Firing rate, rounds per minute not less than 600
Bullet muzzle velocity, m/s 820-860
Aimed firing range, m up to 2,000
Barrel weight, kg 9.25
Loaded magazine weight, kg 11.1
50 cartridges belt weight, kg 7.7
Machine gun traverse angle
relative to fixed bipod � 15�
Grouping (R50) at 100 m range, mm not more than 300
Technical endurance, shots 10,000
Armor piercing capability at 100 m, mm up to 20
Background: Although the MK 19 is a recent entry into the Army guns inventory, development began in 1963. The first version was a hand-cranked multiple grenade launcher called the MK 18. In 1966, the need for more fire power inspired the development of a self-powered 40-mm machine gun called the MK 19 MOD 0. This model was neither reliable enough nor safe enough for use as a military gun. Product improvements begun in 1971 resulted in the 1972 MOD 1, of which only six were produced. The MOD 1 performed effectively in Navy riverine patrol craft, and broader applications for the MK 19 were found. In 1973, the Navy developed the MOD 2, which featured improved reliability, safety and maintainability. In 1976, a complete redesign resulted in the MK 19 MOD 3, which the Army adopted in 1983. The Army will use the MK 19 within the tactical environment for defense, retrograde, patrolling, rear area security, MOUT, and special operations.
AMMUNITION
The MK 19 fires six types of cartridges: M430I / M430A1 high-explosive dual-purpose grenades, M383 high-explosive grenade, M385I / M918 training practice, and M922/M922A1 dummy rounds.
The HEDP (high-explosive, dual-purpose) M430 cartridge, joined with M16A2 links, is the standard round for the MK 19. The impact-type round penetrates 2 inches of steel armor at 0-degree obliquity and inflicts personnel casualties in the target area. This round is packed in an M548 ammunition container (48 rounds, linked, in each container). It is olive drab with a yellow ogive and yellow markings. It has a PIBD, M549 fuze, and Comp B filler. It arms between 18 to 30 meters and has a casualty radius of 15 meters.
Identification-Olive drab with yellow-olive and yellow markings.
Fuze-Point initiating, base detonating (PIBD) M549.
Filler-Composition B.
Arming distance-18 to 30 meters.
Kill radius-Approximately 5 meters.
Maximum range-2,200 meters.
Wound radius-Approximately 15 meters.
Maximum effective range-1,500 meters.
The two HE (high-explosive) cartridges inflict personnel casualties in the target area with ground burst effects. Their fillers and body materials differ although performance traits are the same. Neither has the armor penetrating ability of the HEDP M430 round. They are both in wooden boxes, 50 rounds to a box.
HE M383 or M383E1. These rounds are linked with M16A2 links, DODAC B571.
HE M384. These rounds are linked with M16A2 links, DODAC B470.
The M383 is designed to inflict personnel casualties. It is packed in linked, 48-round belts.
Fuze-Primer detonating (PD) M533.
Filler-Composition AS.
Arming distance-18 to 36 meters.
Blast radius-15 meters.
Maximum range-2,200 meters.
The M385 is an inert round with a propellant charge. The M385 practice rounds are joined with either M16A1 OR M16A2 links, B490. They are packed the same as the HE rounds, in wooden boxes, 50 rounds to a box.
The M918 is a flash-bang round with a propellant charge.
Propellant-M2.
Maximum range-2,200 meters.
Maximum effective range-1,500 meters.
These rounds are totally inert and are used to check gun functioning and to train gun crews. They are issued only to armorers. The M922 dummy cartridges are joined with M16A2 links. Each MK 19 is allowed one 10-round belt (DODAC B472), which is packed in an M2A1 metal box. These inert cartridges are used to check weapon function and for crew training.
