M234 launcher

TheM234 Riot Control Launcheris anM16series rifle orM4series carbine attachment firing aM755 Grenade round.The M234 mounts on the muzzle, bayonet lug and front sight post of the M16. It fires either the M734 64 mm Kinetic Riot Control or the M742 64 mm CSI Riot Control Ring Airfoil Projectiles. The latter produces a 4 to 5 foottear gascloud on impact. The launcher is capable of firing from 4 to 6 projectiles per minute. The velocity is sufficiently high to prevent dodging by target individuals at effective ranges. The effective range of the projectile is 40 meters on an individual and 60 meters on groups of individuals with a maximum range of 100 meters. The main advantage to using Ring Airfoil Projectiles is that their design does not allow them be thrown back by rioters with any real effect. The M234 is no longer used byUnited Statesforces. It has been replaced by theM203 40mm grenade launcherandnonlethalammunition.

Launcher, Projectile, 64 mm, Riot Control, M234
Type	Less-lethal Weapon
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1978–1995
Used by	United States
Production history
Designed	1973–1978
Produced	1978–1987
Specifications
Cartridge	1.25 ounce, 64 mm Ring Airfoil Projectile
Rate of fire	4 to 6 projectiles per minute
Muzzle velocity	200 ft/s (61 m/s)
Effective firing range	40 meters individuals, 60 meters small groups
Maximum firing range	100 meters
Feed system	Muzzle Loading

Ring airfoil projectile

Thering airfoil projectile(RAP) is designed as anincapacitant.The original design used kinetic andtear gasprojectiles for use in the M234 Riot Control Launcher. The design of the RAP is an aerodynamic, circular-tubed-shaped munition that discharges tear gas on impact and/or usesblunt force traumato subdue or deter a subject. The main advantage to using RAPs is that their design does not allow them be thrown back by rioters with any real effect.

See also

• List of individual weapons of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Riot control

External links

• Army Field Manual, FM19-15