Feasibility study for replacing the MK19 automatic grenade launching system

The Army's MK-19 weapon system is an automatic grenade launcher capable of destroying thin-skinned vehicles and dismounted targets at ranges up to 2200 meters. Since its first use in the 1960s, the MK-19 has remained largely unchanged while technology has improved. This research will determine if an alternative weapon system provides a significant improvement in lethality over the MK-19. The Joint Combat and Tactical Simulation (JCATS)is used to test weapon variants against a variety of enemies in terrain similar to current operating environments. The results of these tests - along with the weapon's mobility, user interface, and logistics footprint - are analyzed, weighted, and scored through the use of the Systems Decision Process (SDP) developed by the U.S. Military Academy's Department of Systems Engineering. Ultimately, this report provides a recommendation to the Army's Program Manager of Advanced Crew Served Weapons on which weapon provides the greatest value to our troops in theater.