Use Case – How to Improve the Existing Efficiency of Nanotechnology Application in the Military Industry

Release Date

Sep 15, 2025

Use Case 5
Industry: Defense Industry
Product:

Defense & Automotive (Military Vehicles and Heavy Equipment)

Product

External and Internal Nanoprotection for Hand Grenade Launchers (RBG 40/6 M11)

  • Advanced anti-friction, anti-wear, and heat-resistant protection designed for barrels and critical weapon components.

  • Challenge: Barrel wear and abrasion represent one of the most persistent problems in grenade launchers and other large-caliber weapon systems. Without advanced protective measures, barrels degrade quickly under extreme firing conditions, reducing accuracy, increasing maintenance costs, and requiring frequent replacement.

Problem:

Defense stakeholders faced several recurring issues with hand grenade launchers and similar weapon systems:

  • Excessive friction and wear accelerated the deterioration of internal barrel surfaces.

  • Abrasion and heat stress from repeated firing cycles compromised structural integrity.

  • Lack of effective long-term coatings led to shorter barrel life, more frequent downtime, and higher operational costs.

  • Conventional surface treatments could not meet the evolving performance requirements of modern combat environments.

Solution

Canyon Engineering provided both the technical materials and professional expertise required to apply advanced nanotechnology-based anti-friction, anti-wear, and heat-resistant coatings.

At the start of the project, user-specific problems and operational requirements were carefully analyzed to ensure tailored solutions.

The nanoprotection technology was then applied to:

  • Complete internal and external surfaces of hand grenade launchers (RBG 40/6 M11).

  • Barrels of all calibers, including large-caliber systems, offering versatile applicability across defense platforms.

Results & Benefits

  • Extended Barrel Life: Testing demonstrated that treated barrels achieved lifespans up to 80% longer than untreated counterparts.

  • Abrasion Resistance: Internal barrel surfaces maintained structural integrity under high-stress firing cycles, reducing deformation and erosion.

  • Heat Resistance: Coatings withstood repeated thermal stress, maintaining consistent performance even under heavy use.

  • Operational Readiness: Reduced need for barrel replacements lowered logistical burdens and ensured greater mission reliability.

  • Scalable Application: Technology can be adapted to a wide range of calibers, ensuring consistent benefits across diverse defense systems.

Summary

Through the integration of nanotechnology-driven external and internal protections, Canyon Engineering successfully addressed critical challenges in barrel wear, friction, and heat resistance for hand grenade launchers and large-caliber weapons.

By combining technical resources with dedicated expert personnel, the solution not only improved performance but also extended barrel life by up to 80%, delivering substantial operational and cost-saving benefits to the defense industry.