MEI Hellhound (grenade) explained

The MEI Hellhound 40 mm low-velocity multi-purpose grenade is a fixed-type munition designed to be fired from a 40×46mm grenade launcher such as the M79, M203, M320 (attached to the M16 series of rifles or M4 carbine), or Milkor MK-1.^{[1] [2]} The round consists of a metal projectile body, a fuze, and a cartridge case assembly. Upon impact with the target, the firing pin is driven into the detonator, which in turn sets off the round, producing a jet which sets off the explosive from the base forward. This results in an armor-piercing jet of molten metal and fragmentation of the projectile body.^[3] The MEI Hellhound uses the same high-low propulsion system as other 40 mm grenade launchers.^[4]

Technical information

• Type: High-explosive dual purpose (HEDP)
• Manufacturer: Martin Electronics, Inc. (MEI)
• Body material: Steel
• Weight: 224.56 grams (87.67 grams A5)
• Fuse: SF801/M550
• Length: 110mm
• Charge: A5
• Weapons: M79, M203, Milkor MK-1 launchers
• Penetration: 90mm mild steel at normal impact with anti-personnel fragmentation
• Range: (Max.) 400 m (437.6 yds), lethal radius of around 30 feet^[5]
• Muzzle velocity: 80 m/s (262 ft/s)

See also

• MEI Mercury
• China Lake NATIC (EX-41)

External links

• M433 40mm Cartridge High-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) round specs
• MEI HELLHOUND Grenade Round Specs Sheet (PDF)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Crane . David . 2005-06-15 . New Milkor MGL-140/MEI Hyper-Lethal 40mm Combo/Weapon System for Infantry . 2024-02-21 . DefenseReview.com . en-US.
2. Web site: Crane . David . 2006-03-17 . Marines Get New Six-Shot 40mm Grenade Launcher: Meet the M32 MGL. . 2024-02-21 . DefenseReview.com . en-US.
3. Web site: 40MM LV Multi-Purpose Grenade Product Information Sheet . 2024-02-20 . DefenseReview.com.
4. Web site: Crane . David . 2009-04-19 . Airtronic USA China Lake Multi-Shot Pump-Action 40mm Grenade Launcher System for Special Operations . 2024-02-21 . DefenseReview.com . en-US.
5. Book: Tilstra, Russell C. . Small Arms for Urban Combat: A Review of Modern Handguns, Submachine Guns, Personal Defense Weapons, Carbines, Assault Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Anti-Materiel Rifles, Machine Guns, Combat Shotguns, Grenade Launchers and Other Weapons Systems . 2014-01-10 . McFarland . 978-0-7864-8875-9 . en.