Oldest Weapons Still in Continuous Service in the US military

The USS Gerald R. Ford sailed on her maiden voyage out of Norfolk on October 4, 2022, representing the most modern aircraft carrier in existence. Although this modern vessel represented a significant upgrade, it also emphasized the longevity of some of America’s military equipment, especially when compared to the typical airplane lifespan estimated at about fifty years.

However, cheaper pieces of military equipment exist, such as simple aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford. A list has been prepared by CEOWORLD magazine, which puts together a ranking showing America’s oldest military weapons, their period of manufacture, and continuous usage. Certain weapons, albeit ceased from being used in wars, still remain active in military training and ceremonies.

1. M224 LWCMS

   Year Introduced: 1978
   Type: Mortar
   Designer/Manufacturer: US Military
   In 1978, M224 Lightweight Company Mortar System substituted the mortars dated back to WWII – M2 and M19. It can fire up to 3,500 metres using 60-millimetre ammunition, which is almost twice the range of its predecessor. It weighs only about 37.5 lbs and has a twenty-round firing rate within an interval of one minute, supported by a three-man crew.

2. M240

   Year Introduced: 1977
   Type: General-purpose machine gun
   Designer/Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale
   A standard US Army firearm created by FN was introduced into service back in 1987 – the M240. It employs ordinary 7.62x51mm NATO rounds on further ranged distances of fire. A modernized version of this weapon is lighter but still plays an important role, being a major service weapon of the US Army and Marine Corps.

3. Emory S. Land Class Submarine Tender

   Year Introduced: 1977
   Type: Submarine tender
   Designer/Manufacturer: Lockheed
   Introduced in 1977, the Emory S. Land Class Submarine Tender, designed and manufactured by Lockheed, serves as a vital support vessel for Los Angeles class nuclear attack submarines and other surface ships. These tenders function as floating workshops, capable of conducting maintenance operations at sea or in port while also providing essential supplies.

4. Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier

   Year Introduced: 1975
   Type: Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
   Designer/Manufacturer: Newport News Shipbuilding
   The Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier, with its first deployment in 1975, represents a formidable force in the U.S. Navy. These nuclear-powered carriers, measuring 317 meters (1,040 feet) in length, can accommodate about 4,700 personnel and carry up to 60 aircraft. As of 2022, they held the title of the largest warships globally until the introduction of the Gerald R. Ford class in 2022.

5. M67

   Year Introduced: 1968
   Type: Hand grenade
   Designer/Manufacturer: US Military
   Introduced in 1968, the M67 hand grenade, a 2.5-inch diameter sphere-shaped fragmentation grenade, played a crucial role in close combat. It became the most widely used frag grenade among U.S. troops during the later years of the Vietnam War, boasting a lethal blast radius of 5 meters and the ability to cause injuries up to three times that radius.

6. AAV-7

   Year Introduced: 1972
   Type: Amphibious armored personnel carrier
   Designer/Manufacturer: United Defense
   In response to the need for an improved amphibious armored personnel carrier, the AAV-7, also known as the “Battle Bus,” was introduced in 1972. Developed by United Defense, it became a mainstay of the U.S. Marine Corps, proving effective in transporting troops from sea to land under combat conditions.

7. USS Blue Ridge Class Amphibious Command Ship

   Year Introduced: 1971
   Type: Amphibious command and control ship
   Designer/Manufacturer: US Military
   The USS Blue Ridge Class Amphibious Command Ship, designed from the ground up as a command and control center for fleet leaders of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, entered service in 1971. These ships, equipped to keep pace with amphibious assault forces, house a crew of about 560 enlisted personnel and 34 officers, with expected service until 2039.

8. BGM-71 TOW

   Year Introduced: 1970
   Type: Anti-tank missile
   Designer/Manufacturer: Hughes Aircraft Company
   The BGM-71 TOW, introduced in 1970, is a wire-guided anti-tank missile developed by the Hughes Aircraft Company. Utilizing thin, unspooling wires for guidance, the TOW system became one of the most widely used anti-tank missiles, demonstrating its effectiveness against mobile targets at considerable distances.

9. Remington 870

   Year Introduced: 1969
   Type: Shotgun
   Designer/Manufacturer: Remington
   The Remington 870, introduced in 1969, is the oldest shotgun still in use by the U.S. military. Originating from the Marine Corps’ quest to replace World War II-era shotguns, the Model 870 Mark 1 features a bayonet adapter, rifle sights, and an extended magazine of eight rounds, including one in the chamber.

10. Mk 19

    Year Introduced: 1968
    Type: Grenade launcher
    Designer/Manufacturer: Saco Defense
    The Mk 19 grenade launcher, introduced in 1968, is a potent weapon with the capability to fire 40mm high explosive grenades at a rapid rate, reaching up to 60 rounds per minute. Typically mounted on heavy vehicles or tripods, it poses a significant threat, capable of penetrating up to 50mm of armor plating with a direct hit.

11. M197 Vulcan

    Year Introduced: 1967
    Type: Rotary cannon
    Designer/Manufacturer: General Dynamics
    The M197 Vulcan, a three-barrel rotary cannon, entered service in 1967. Developed by General Dynamics, it was designed to arm U.S. Army gunboat helicopters with a more effective weapon than those used during the Vietnam War. Mounted on modern attack helicopters, the M197 Vulcan utilizes a 700-round, chain-linked magazine of large 20mm rounds, typically fired in bursts of 30 to 50 rounds.

12. CH-47 Chinook

    Year Introduced: 1966
    Type: Transport helicopter
    Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
    The CH-47 Chinook, introduced in 1966, is a distinctive tandem-rotor helicopter that initially served in the Vietnam War, transporting artillery to firebases. Renowned for its ability to navigate mountainous terrains, it proved invaluable during the war in Afghanistan. The CH-47 remains a reliable means to swiftly transport heavy equipment and personnel.

13. GE M134 Minigun
    Year Introduced: 1963
    Type: Rotary medium machine gun
    Designer/Manufacturer: General Electric
    The GE M134 Minigun, introduced in 1963, is a vehicle-mounted version of the M61 Vulcan Gatling-style rotary gun. Capable of spewing between 2,000 and 6,000 rounds per minute, it is known for its formidable suppression capabilities. Unlike its Hollywood depiction, the Minigun requires heavy external power packs and is affixed to air, land, or sea vehicles.

14. LGM-30 Minuteman

    Year Introduced: 1962
    Type: Intercontinental ballistic missile
    Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
    The LGM-30 Minuteman, introduced in 1962, represents the first intercontinental ballistic missile capable of deploying multiple warheads for enhanced destructive power. Integral to the U.S. nuclear triad, the Minuteman III, with a range of about 6,000 miles, is a key component of the U.S. Air Force’s land-based nuclear delivery system.

15. M109 Howitzer

    Year Introduced: 1962
    Type: Self-propelled artillery
    Designer/Manufacturer: United Defense
    The M109 Howitzer, introduced in 1962, is a self-propelled artillery system that revolutionized conventional artillery. Weighing 28 tons and measuring 30 feet in length, it features a 155mm artillery gun in a turret, capable of launching six rounds per minute at targets up to 11 miles away. Defended by a .50 caliber M2 heavy machine gun, it eliminates the need for a tow vehicle.

16. M88 Hercules

    Year Introduced: 1961
    Type: Armored recovery vehicle
    Designer/Manufacturer: Bowen McLaughlin York
    The M88 Hercules, introduced in 1961, stands as one of the world’s most powerful armored recovery vehicles. Functioning essentially as a tank without a turret, its primary role is to recover damaged or stuck armored vehicles, including tanks, even under fire. Equipped with a .50 caliber machine gun and smoke grenade dischargers, the Hercules ensures effective recovery operations.

17. RC-135S Cobra Ball

    Year Introduced: 1961
    Type: Reconnaissance aircraft
    Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
    The RC-135S Cobra Ball, introduced in 1961, serves a critical role under the direct orders of the White House Joint Chiefs of Staff. Operating as a militarized Boeing 707, it conducts reconnaissance missions, collecting visual and electronic data on ballistic targets. With a crew consisting of pilots, navigators, mission specialists, electronic warfare officers, and systems engineers, the Cobra Ball plays a crucial role in verifying treaty compliance.

18. M72 LAW

    Year Introduced: 1961
    Type: Anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher
     Designer/Manufacturer: FA Spinale, CB Weeks, PV Choate
    Developed during the Vietnam War, the M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon), introduced in 1961, represents an effective shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon. This disposable, single-shot rocket launcher is capable of firing various ordnance against tanks and mobile land vehicles. Notably, it features a significant backblast of at least 45 feet from the open back end of the firing tube.

19. M113 APC

    Year Introduced: 1960
    Type: Armored personnel carrier
    Designer/Manufacturer: FMC Corporation
    The M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, introduced in 1960, played a crucial role during the Vietnam War and continues to be relevant today. Weighing 12 tons, it can travel at speeds up to 42 miles per hour, accommodating 11 soldiers and a driver. Protected by a mounted M2 .50 caliber machine gun and a 7.62mm M6 machine gun, the M113 remains in service with around 5,000 units still in use by the United States.

20. M18A1 Claymore

    Year Introduced: 1960
    Type: Directional fragmentation anti-personnel mine
    Designer/Manufacturer: Norman MacLeod
    Named after a medieval Scottish sword, the M18A1 Claymore, introduced in 1960, is an anti-personnel mine armed with hundreds of steel balls. Detonating in a 60-degree arc to about 100 meters, the Claymore’s C4 explosive delivers a lethal spray. Positioned upright, it offers a unique horizontal blast, typically used to prevent ambushes or infiltration attempts by enemy forces.

21. M14

    Year Introduced: 1957
    Type: Battle rifle (currently used ceremonially)
    Designer/Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
    Although retired as a standard-issue rifle, the M14, introduced in 1957, remains in ceremonial use. Replacing the M1 Garand, it fired NATO 7.62mm rounds, offering greater power and accuracy. Despite its phase-out in combat, the M14 persists as a ceremonial gun for the U.S. Tomb Guard.

22. KC-135 Stratotanker

    Year Introduced: 1957
    Type: Aerial refueling and transport aircraft
     Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
    The KC-135 Stratotanker, introduced in 1957, holds a crucial role as an aerial refueler for various branches of the U.S. military. It has been a stalwart in major U.S. conflicts involving air support since the Vietnam War. Beyond refueling, the aircraft is employed in aeromedical evacuations, transporting wounded personnel. With a capacity of up to 83,000 pounds of cargo, its versatility extends to cargo transport.

23. M60

    Year Introduced: 1957
    Type: Medium machine gun
    Designer/Manufacturer: Saco Defense
    M60, introduced in 1957, stands out as a fearsome general-purpose machine gun, earning the nickname “The Pig.” Weighing 23 pounds, it could sustain a rate of fire of 100 rounds per minute. Despite its phased-out status, it continues to be used on the Sikorsky Seahawk helicopter.

24. Caterpillar D9

    Year Introduced: 1955
    Type: Bulldozer
    Designer/Manufacturer: Caterpillar
    The Caterpillar D9, introduced in 1955, plays a pivotal role in military engagements by eliminating obstructions and creating defensive structures. Armored for protection against small arms fire and artillery shell fragments, it also serves as a recovery vehicle. Whether in its trademark yellow for civilian use or camouflaged for military applications, the D9 is a reliable asset in combat engineering.

25. B-52 Stratofortress

    Year Introduced: 1954
    Type: Strategic bomber
    Designer/Manufacturer: Boeing
    The B-52 Stratofortress, introduced in 1954, is the first long-range heavy bomber of the U.S. armed forces. Originally designed for nuclear bomb deployment, its role has evolved to include conventional bombing and missile transport. Equipped with advanced communication systems and real-time intelligence feeds, the modern B-52 variant is expected to serve beyond 2040.

26. C-130 Hercules

    Year Introduced: 1954
    Type: Transport Aircraft
    Designer/Manufacturer: Lockheed
    The C-130, a stalwart in the U.S. military’s airlift capabilities, boasts the longest continuous production run among military aircraft. This versatile aircraft, designed by Lockheed, can be adapted for special operations, serving as a gunship or facilitating the insertion and extraction of special ops units. The latest iteration, the C130J Super Hercules, features enhanced avionics, reduced crew requirements, and increased speed.

27. M15 Mine

    Year Introduced: 1950
    Type: Anti-tank Blast Mine
    Designer/Manufacturer: US Military
    First deployed during the Korean War, the M15 represents a larger and more potent evolution of anti-tank mines, succeeding the M6 from post-WWII and the M1 used in WWII. While modern and lighter mines like the M19 have since been introduced, the M15 remains in stock due to its proven effectiveness against battle tanks and armored vehicles.

28. M61 Vulcan

    Year Introduced: 1946
    Type: Rotary Cannon
    Designer/Manufacturer: General Electric
    General Electric’s M61 Vulcan, a hydraulically or pneumatically operated 20mm six-barrel rotary cannon, has maintained its effectiveness for over 75 years. The modern variant can fire approximately 6,000 rounds per minute, with each barrel engaging one of every six rounds. Mounted on fighter aircraft like the F-16 and F-22 Raptor, the M61 remains a formidable force. Notably, its size is surpassed by the massive 30mm GAU-9/A rotary cannon on the A-10 “Warthog” Thunderbolt II.

29. M18 Smoke Grenade

    Year Introduced: 1942
    Type: Smoke Grenade
    Designer/Manufacturer:** US Military
    The M18 Smoke Grenade, in service for over 80 years, exemplifies the principle: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” A smokier iteration of the M16 used in WWII, the M18 produces smoke in four colors (green, yellow, red, or white), as opposed to the seven of its predecessor. This enduring and reliable smoke grenade continues to serve essential roles in military operations.

30. M2 Browning

    Year Introduced: 1919
    Type: Heavy Machine Gun
     Designer/Manufacturer: John Browning
    John Browning’s M2 Browning, a recoil-operated, air-cooled heavy machine gun, has surpassed a century of service. This rapid-fire weapon played a pivotal role in shifting military tactics during WWI. The modern M2 can fire up to 800 rounds per minute, with a maximum range of 6,800 meters and an effective range of about 2,000 meters.

31. M1911

    Year Introduced: 1911
    Type: Semi-automatic Pistol
    Designer/Manufacturer: John Browning
    John Browning’s legacy extends to the M1911 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, which has been in service since 1911. A testament to Browning’s ingenuity, this powerful handgun served as the primary sidearm until the 1980s, when it was succeeded by the Beretta M9. However, U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations units continue to use the M1911 under the modern M45 designation.

32. M1903 Springfield

    Year Introduced: 1903
    Type: Bolt-action Rifle
    Designer/Manufacturer: Springfield Armory
    The M1903 Springfield, a bolt-action rifle, is employed ceremonially, notably by the Tomb Guard. Its historical significance stems from its role as the standard military infantry rifle in WWI. While its service extended into WWII, its use diminished in subsequent conflicts such as Korea and Vietnam.

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