Rheinmetall Prepares the MR500 for Phase II of US Army’s GSS.

American Rheinmetall Systems (ARS), a U.S. subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defence, has finished Phase I of the US Army’s Grenadier Sighting System (GSS) development program which is intended to equip M320 Grenade launchers with nighttime engagement capabilities and increased accuracy at extended ranges.

MR500 on Rheinmetall stand at AUSA 2017

ARS completed its delivery of twenty units for testing and user evaluation a few months ago and is now waiting on user feedback to finalize its offering for Phase II of the developmental program. ARS’s GSS offering, named the MR500, is one of just two systems to be shortlisted to fulfill the GSS program requirements.

In addition to the GSS program, ARS has also recently demonstrated the MR500’s ability to program airburst munitions through a separately funded program; further supporting the warfighter with commonality across weapon systems as well as improved lethality.

Rheinmetall’s MR500 is a manually adjusted clip-on aiming system specifically developed for low and medium-velocity 40mm grenade launchers and shoulder-launched rockets. This innovative device gives the operator a significantly improved first round hit capability at all ranges; resulting in increased efficiency and lethality, while reducing ammunition consumption. The unit also offers a night time capability not currently available for the M320. The MR500 is designed to minimize engagement time while providing users with customizable features such as its ambidextrous design and easy to use interface.