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M301 grenade launcher: Difference between revisions

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{{Era|HCW|Post}}
{{Status|Canon}}
[[File:Na4FT.jpg|200px|thumb|right|An M301 Grenade Launcher attachment mounted on top of the barrel of an [[M6634 flamethrower]].]]
{{Weapon infobox
|name=M301 grenade launcher
|image=[[File:MERCH HellbringerNA4.jpg]]<br>An M301 Grenade Launcher attachment mounted on top of the barrel of an [[M6634 flamethrower]].
|manufacturer=
|series=
|type=[[Grenade launcher]]
|cost=
|variant=
|service=[[Human-Covenant War]]
|length=
|width=
|height=
|weight=
|ammotype=[[40mm grenade]]s
|capacity=
|feed=
|operation=
|rate=
|velocity=
|optics=
|range=
*{{Convert|99|ft|m|sp=us}} {{C|horizontal}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*{{Convert|164|ft|m|sp=us}} {{C|vertical}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
}}
{{Quote|The only thing I can think of that would make the [[MA5C assault rifle|MA5C]] any sweeter would be an under-slung shotty or a forty mike mike.|Anonymous UNSC Serviceman}}
{{Quote|The only thing I can think of that would make the [[MA5C assault rifle|MA5C]] any sweeter would be an under-slung shotty or a forty mike mike.|Anonymous UNSC Serviceman}}
The '''M301 40mm Grenade Launcher''', also known as the "forty mike-mike" among troops, was a [[United Nations Space Command]] weapon designed to fire explosive [[grenade]]s. It can be [[Weapon attachment|attached]] to the [[MA5B assault rifle|MA5B]] and [[MA5C assault rifle]]s<ref name="FUUUU">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle '''Bungie.net''': ''MA5C Assault Rifle'']</ref> and the [[M6634 flamethrower]]. In service with the [[UNSC Marine Corps]], the M301 grenade launcher is commonly given suppression, anti-armor, and anti-vehicle roles.<ref name="he320">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''UNSC Weapons'', ''page 320'' (2011 edition)</ref>
The '''M301 40mm Grenade Launcher''', also known as the "forty mike-mike" among troops, is a [[United Nations Space Command]] weapon designed to fire explosive [[grenade]]s. It can be [[Weapon attachment|attached]] to a number of weapons.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}


In assault rifles, the launcher is fitted under the barrel, replacing the [[Flashlight|flashlight attachment]] standard to the MA5 series. [[Hellbringers]] were equipped with this to launch [[flashbang grenade]]s used to stun and surprise enemy troops.<ref>'''[[Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 40''</ref> The M301 grenade launcher is capable of firing 40mm grenades at targets within a 99-foot (30 meters) zone, and up to 164 feet (50 meters) vertically—depending on wind, trajectory, and skill. The grenade launcher's rare tendency to detonate in the hands of unskilled operators has led to the M301 seeing limited use.{{Ref/Reuse|he320}} It has seen increased use within the last hundred years.{{Ref/Reuse|he320}}
==Overview==
===Design details===
The M301 takes the form of an [[Wikipedia:Grenade launcher#Attached|underbarrel]] grenade launcher, which can be employed on a variety of firearms. The launcher commonly sees usage on the [[MA5B assault rifle|MA5B]] and [[MA5C assault rifle]]s fitted under the barrel, replacing the [[Flashlight|flashlight attachment]] standard to the [[MA5 series]].{{Ref/Site|Id=BNetMA5C|URL=http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BAGAssaultRifle|Site=Bungie.net|Page=MA5C Assault Rifle|D=16|M=12|Y=2007|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/MA5C}} The weapon is also employed on the [[M6634 flamethrower]] - the latter of which employs the launcher mounted above the firing nozzle of the flamethrower.{{Ref/Reuse|HWSG40}}{{Ref/Game|Id=HW1|HW|M6634 flamethrower in-game model}}


==Trivia==
The M301 grenade launcher is capable of firing 40mm grenades at targets within a 99-foot (30 meters) zone, and up to 164 feet (50 meters) vertically—depending on wind, trajectory, and skill. The grenade launcher's rare tendency to detonate in the hands of unskilled operators has led to the M301 seeing limited use.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
*The M301 wasn't confirmed as a weapon attachment until the release of the Hellbringer action figure, clearly sporting the grenade attachment that wasn't seen in previous artwork.
 
*The M301 may be related to the modern-day [[wikipedia:M203 grenade launcher|M203 grenade launcher]], an underslung weapon that could be attached to assault rifles and other weapons. Since [[Hellbringer]]s don't appear to carry an entirely different weapon apart from their M6634 Flamethrower, the M301 was indeed more likely a grenade launcher attachment rather than a stand-alone weapon.
===Ammunition===
*It was originally meant to be part of the MA5B during the development phase of ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', while it was still intended for the PC.{{citation needed}} As such, its canonicity was debatable until mentioned by [[Bungie]] in a description of the MA5C.{{Ref/Reuse|FUUUU}}
The M301 fires [[40mm grenade]]s. The launcher can be used to fire regular high-explosive munitions or [[Flashbang grenade|flashbangs]].{{Ref/Reuse|HWSG40}} This has earnt the launcher the nickname "forty mike-mike" among UNSC service personnel.{{Ref/Reuse|BNetMA5C}}
 
===Usage===
The launcher is employed in the [[UNSC Marine Corps]], in which it is commonly used in suppression, anti-armor, and anti-vehicle roles.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc09|Enc09|Page=306}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=320}} The launcher is also used by the Marine Corps' [[Hellbringers]], who use the launcher mounted on their flamethrowers to fire [[flashbang grenade]]s - used to stun and surprise enemy troops.{{Ref/Book|Id=HWSG40|Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide|Page=40}}
 
The launcher's tendencies to rarely explode in the hands of unskilled operators saw it given limited usage, though it has seen increased use within the last hundred years.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc09}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}
 
==Operational history==
===Human-Covenant War===
The M301 was employed in [[2526]] during the [[Battle of Netherop]] and [[Operation: SILENT STORM]] by the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] of [[Blue Team|Blue]], [[Green Team|Green]] and [[Gold Team]]s.{{Ref/Novel|HSS|Chapter=3}}{{Ref/Novel|HSS|Chapter=15}}{{Ref/Novel|HSS|Chapter=20}} It was later used during [[2531]] by Hellbringer forces attached to {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} during the [[Harvest campaign]], [[Battle for Arcadia]] and [[Battle of Trove]].{{Ref/Reuse|HW1}}
 
===Post-war era===
The M301 continued to see service in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts]], with Blue Team continuing to use the launcher underslung on the MA5C rifle in [[Operation: RETRIBUTION]].{{Ref/Novel|HRet|Chapter=14}}
 
==Gameplay==
===''Halo Wars''===
The M301 is useable in ''[[Halo Wars]]'', as an upgrade available for the [[Hellbringers|Hellbringer]] units. When unlocked, the grenade launcher allows Hellbringers to fire flashbang grenades as their Y-ability - stunning enemy infantry.
 
==Production notes==
{{Main|Cut Halo: Combat Evolved weapons#Assault rifle}}
During [[Development of Halo: Combat Evolved|early development]], ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' was to feature an underbarrel grenade launcher on the MA5B assault rifle. This grenade launcher survived through several iterations of the rifle's evolution, with the weapon at one point even sporting a secondary magazine forward of the main trigger to load grenades. At this time, the rifle's name given in the game HUD was '''MA-5 ICW/30mm CGL''' - possibly standing for something akin to ''Model A-5 Individual Combat Weapon/30mm Caseless Grenade Launcher''. This is in contrast to the M301's final 40mm sizing.
 
Ultimately, the grenade launcher was removed entirely, and only later referenced in a [[Bungie.net]] post about the MA5C rifle for ''[[Halo 3]]''.{{Ref/Reuse|BNetMA5C}} The weapon was first visually depicted in a [[McFarlane Toys]] figurine for the Hellbringer in ''Halo Wars'', which featured the launcher mounted atop the Hellbringers' distinctive flamethrowers.
<gallery>
File:PXH_MA5OICW_GrenadeLauncher_Screenshot.jpg|An early iteration of the assault rifle firing a grenade.
File:PXH CornerPeek.jpg|Another early assault rifle iteration boasting the grenade launcher and dedicated magazine.
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==

Latest revision as of 09:27, December 6, 2023

M301 grenade launcher
MERCH HellbringerNA4.jpg
An M301 Grenade Launcher attachment mounted on top of the barrel of an M6634 flamethrower.
Production overview

Type:

Grenade launcher

Specifications

Ammunition type:

40mm grenades

Effective range:

  • 99 feet (30 m) (horizontal)[1][2]
  • 164 feet (50 m) (vertical)[1][2]
Service history

In service:

Human-Covenant War

 

"The only thing I can think of that would make the MA5C any sweeter would be an under-slung shotty or a forty mike mike."
— Anonymous UNSC Serviceman

The M301 40mm Grenade Launcher, also known as the "forty mike-mike" among troops, is a United Nations Space Command weapon designed to fire explosive grenades. It can be attached to a number of weapons.[1][2]

Overview[edit]

Design details[edit]

The M301 takes the form of an underbarrel grenade launcher, which can be employed on a variety of firearms. The launcher commonly sees usage on the MA5B and MA5C assault rifles fitted under the barrel, replacing the flashlight attachment standard to the MA5 series.[3] The weapon is also employed on the M6634 flamethrower - the latter of which employs the launcher mounted above the firing nozzle of the flamethrower.[4][5]

The M301 grenade launcher is capable of firing 40mm grenades at targets within a 99-foot (30 meters) zone, and up to 164 feet (50 meters) vertically—depending on wind, trajectory, and skill. The grenade launcher's rare tendency to detonate in the hands of unskilled operators has led to the M301 seeing limited use.[1][2]

Ammunition[edit]

The M301 fires 40mm grenades. The launcher can be used to fire regular high-explosive munitions or flashbangs.[4] This has earnt the launcher the nickname "forty mike-mike" among UNSC service personnel.[3]

Usage[edit]

The launcher is employed in the UNSC Marine Corps, in which it is commonly used in suppression, anti-armor, and anti-vehicle roles.[1][2] The launcher is also used by the Marine Corps' Hellbringers, who use the launcher mounted on their flamethrowers to fire flashbang grenades - used to stun and surprise enemy troops.[4]

The launcher's tendencies to rarely explode in the hands of unskilled operators saw it given limited usage, though it has seen increased use within the last hundred years.[1][2]

Operational history[edit]

Human-Covenant War[edit]

The M301 was employed in 2526 during the Battle of Netherop and Operation: SILENT STORM by the SPARTAN-IIs of Blue, Green and Gold Teams.[6][7][8] It was later used during 2531 by Hellbringer forces attached to UNSC Spirit of Fire during the Harvest campaign, Battle for Arcadia and Battle of Trove.[5]

Post-war era[edit]

The M301 continued to see service in the Post-Covenant War conflicts, with Blue Team continuing to use the launcher underslung on the MA5C rifle in Operation: RETRIBUTION.[9]

Gameplay[edit]

Halo Wars[edit]

The M301 is useable in Halo Wars, as an upgrade available for the Hellbringer units. When unlocked, the grenade launcher allows Hellbringers to fire flashbang grenades as their Y-ability - stunning enemy infantry.

Production notes[edit]

Main article: Cut Halo: Combat Evolved weapons#Assault rifle

During early development, Halo: Combat Evolved was to feature an underbarrel grenade launcher on the MA5B assault rifle. This grenade launcher survived through several iterations of the rifle's evolution, with the weapon at one point even sporting a secondary magazine forward of the main trigger to load grenades. At this time, the rifle's name given in the game HUD was MA-5 ICW/30mm CGL - possibly standing for something akin to Model A-5 Individual Combat Weapon/30mm Caseless Grenade Launcher. This is in contrast to the M301's final 40mm sizing.

Ultimately, the grenade launcher was removed entirely, and only later referenced in a Bungie.net post about the MA5C rifle for Halo 3.[3] The weapon was first visually depicted in a McFarlane Toys figurine for the Hellbringer in Halo Wars, which featured the launcher mounted atop the Hellbringers' distinctive flamethrowers.

  • An early iteration of the assault rifle firing a grenade.

    An early iteration of the assault rifle firing a grenade.

  • Another early assault rifle iteration boasting the grenade launcher and dedicated magazine.

    Another early assault rifle iteration boasting the grenade launcher and dedicated magazine.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 306
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 320
  3. ^ a b c Bungie.net, MA5C Assault Rifle (Retrieved on Dec 16, 2007) [local archive] [external archive]
  4. ^ a b c Halo Wars: Official Strategy Guide, page 40
  5. ^ a b Halo Wars, M6634 flamethrower in-game model
  6. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 3
  7. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 15
  8. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 20
  9. ^ Halo: Retribution, chapter 14

v • d • e
 
List of infantry support weapons in UNSC service
Anti-vehicle weapons
Guided munitions launchers
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