The APAV 40 is a missile-shaped projectile that it can be used to engage either dug-in enemy infantry or light armored vehicles through indirect or direct line-of-sight firing. For the former, the projectile strikes at infantry by way of a fragmentating body that sends shards of piercing/slicing metal about an area. This is usually suitable to dislodge, maim, or kill stubborn enemy elements at range. For the latter role, the projectile is rated to pierce armor up to 100mm thick and its direct fire action is aided by the "Alidade" sighting system, an attachment added along the forward section of the FAMAS carrying handle. This attachment is ranged out to 100 meters to provide some accuracy over range. The grenade features a blunt head for impacting and a finned tail unit for stabilization during its flight path. Its caliber is 40mm and an overall weight of 405 grams is reported along with an overall length reaching 352mm. Its portability allows a rifleman to carry several rifle grenades into combat. The filling is comprised of a hexogen-tolite (RDX-TNT) mix.
The original APAV 40 F1 model required actuation through a blank cartridge fired from the assault rifle. The more modern APAV 40 F2 variant now relies on a live-round firing system utilizing a bullet-trap arrangement.
The AC58 is another rifle grenade adopted by the French Army and designed for the anti-armor role. This weapon is also supported by the FAMAS rifle.
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