All about Grenade launchers and grenades

[Major Shaitan Singh]

The system arms and armies of the world RPG RPG *(grenade) is not the last place. For example, in the Army of the armed forces of most states in the departments (sections) is armed with at least one RPG with a crew of two people.


The Soviet Union and then Russia has always paid attention to the development and implementation of the troops means antitank warfare. The domestic industry over the past 70 years has created many fine examples of different operating principle and purpose grenade launchers and rocket-propelled grenades.



That's classification of some of them:

RPG-2 : caliber - 40 mm caliber grenade - 80 mm grenade weight - 1.8 kg, the weight of the explosive charge - 0.4 kg, the sighting range - 100 m, armor - 200 mm, weight of the complex - 2.9 kg (adopted in 1972);

RPG-7 (TKB-02) : caliber - 40 mm caliber grenade - 85.93 or 105 mm sighting range - 500 m, weight - 6, 72 kg, length - 970 mm, RPG-7D - 640 mm disassembled as shots: PG-7V, PG-7VM, PG-7VL, PG-7VR, TBG-7V (adopted in 1963)

RPG-16 (TKB-076) : the caliber of the barrel - 58.3 mm sighting range - 520 m, the maximum range - 800 m, length - 1105 mm, weight - 10.4 kg (adopted in 1971)

RPG-29 "Vampire" : caliber - 105 mm, weight - 8.3 kg, length - 1780 mm, sighting range - 700 m (adopted in 1989), the combat units (CU) is similar warhead PG-7P;

RPG * -18 "The Fly" (TCB-076) : caliber - 64 mm, length - 690 mm, weight - 1.3 kg, sighting range - up to 200 m, armor - 200 mm (adopted in 1972) ;

RPG * -22 "Net" (TKB-0125) : caliber - 72.5 mm, length - 765 mm, weight - 3.5 kg sighting range - 50-250 m, armor - 300 mm warhead warhead is similar PG- 9 (adopted in 1980).

RPG * -26 "Aglen" : caliber - 72.5 mm, weight - 2.7 kg sighting range - 200 m, similar to the warhead warhead PG-9 (+ presence of a second pezogeneratora in Pym - guarantee response on protective grids and the branches of trees ) (adopted in 1985).

RPG * -27 "Meadowsweet" : katibr - 105 mm, weight - 7.5 kg sighting range - 200 m, armor - up to 800 mm, similar to the warhead warhead PG-7P (adopted in 1989).


In addition to the classic hand-RPG and RPG * for service in many units of the security forces are: SPG-9, RPO "Lynx", RPO-A "Bumblebee", AGS-17 "Flame" GP-25 "Fire" and GP-30 " Shoestring. "

For GP-25 (GP-30) created VOG-25 (VOG-25P) code 7P17. Round weight 0,255 kg of explosives - 0,048 kg.


Important stuff



Calculation easel RPG-29 position
Fire the RPG and RPG * not as easy as it seems at first glance. Shooting must take into account a number of factors: distance to the target, air temperature, wind speed and direction, speed and direction of target motion, and more. It should be remembered that the jet (dynamo-reactive) weapons are characteristic hazardous areas - because of the emitted back at high speed and the temperature of the powder gases.There is also the shooter strict requirements for proper definition minimum allowable premises from which the shot.When fired RPG-7 from the room the size of a small kitchen (7 - 9 sq. M and a volume of 17 cubic meters 23) arrows at risk of being fired reflected from the back wall of powder gases, shell-shocked (can damage stuh) and even thrown out the window!Masking position for jet (dynamo-reactive) weapons is of paramount importance, especially when the May room for maneuver and change positions. There must use all available means, from watering the soil with water to vystilanija tarpaulin and other materials at hand area swept powder gases. Very good disperses powder gases shrub. In view of the considerable masses of RPGs and RPG * the most effective fire will be at supine and the knee. RPG is undoubtedly a positive impact on the accuracy and availability of marksmanship has a bipod and a telescopic sight.

Grenade launchers against infantry


Shooting from the RPG-26

The nature of the fighting in Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Karabakh, Chechnya changed narrow specialization of armor-piercing rocket-propelled grenades. On the first place there is the need to defeat the RPG and RPG * enemy personnel and its fortifications, and not small armored vehicle. But for the destruction of manpower better suited high-explosive fragmentation (PF) ammunition. Unfortunately, until 2000 - half a century of existence, and a quarter-century RPG RPG * - at us and did not appear serial high-explosive warhead. The truth is already in the authoritative reference book «Jane's Infantry Weapons» pointed out the existence of the Russian OG-7 to the RPG-7, but "alive" in his army has not been seen.


In reality, while there were Chinese and Arab fragmentation and nadkalibernye caliber rounds for RPG-7. And many foreign models, such as 84-mm «Carl Gustaf» (Carl Gustav) M2-550 are in ammunition (BC) in addition to the cumulative and fragmentation is still smoke and lighting shots. What PF CU urgently needed to confirm the practice of many combat operations. In our own experience could make a low efficiency of cumulative warhead in cases where their enemy against our troops. High armor (usually 3-5 calibers) and a weak high-explosive action led to the fact that when the cumulative PG-7V torn in 4-5 meters from the personnel, dressed in winter clothing, besides lung contusions, and a pair of holes jackets and RD-54, no other effects were not. And if the grenade exploded? ..

Need a high-explosive shot


Not to be unfounded, we will try to solve the tactical problem.


The figure shows a typical episode of the battle in the city: on the second floor of the building - the position of the enemy sniper or machine gunner. Range - 200 meters. It is clear that the enemy will move from room to room, so as not to be affected. The first floor has captured our assault group.

Question: what and how quickly destroy the enemy?

The choice is not very large: the RPG-7, RPG * -22 (26, 27) ,RPO-A, SE-25, AGS-17 (30). Having carefully considered the dispersion table and drawing itself, it is easy to conclude that the most effective and accurate to use the RPG-7 and AGS-17.It is believed that the power of the VOG-25 is 1.4 times higher than the 30-mm projectile OFZ to the gun 2A42 (BMP-2). In practice it is not so because of the extremely low mass fragments VOG-25, comparable to the tin. Good VOG-30 created SSPE "Device", which has 1.6 times the area of injury and five times better utilization of the material body in comparison with VOG-17.

Using RPG * - 22 (26) will be ineffective and dangerous for his troops because of the large dispersion and to have erred in determining the distance, sending a grenade on the ground floor to his. And because the first shot of the RPG * -22 (26) rarely falls. RPO-A or RPG * -27 lounging half of the house. In addition, the feature of thermobaric munitions is "leaking" of a detonation wave in the lower floors that can defeat their fighters. Important is a high probability of response to the branches of a tree highly sensitive piezoelectric fuze RPG RPG * (though the cap can not be removed) and the change in the flight path due to touch feathers stabilizer branches. Yes, and "drive" in each window so dear for ammunition will be expensive for the budget of any army, and in the fight against militants and still leave a lot of money for the restoration of the destroyed ( comparative characteristics of the most powerful weapons are shown in the table ).

Answer: RPG * have insufficient accuracy and redundant power to solve problems in the course of anti-terrorist operations. By the way, the high cost of training personnel shooting RPG * and frequent failures caused by the absence of PUSov and other simulators. Weight themselves RPG or RPG * , their rate of worn BC do not allow full use of weapons in the fleeting street fight. The most simple, reliable and cheap way to destroy this enemy will use the AGS-17 (30). But, unfortunately, the ACS is not handguns, and not in every department it is. A training and nailing calculation for instant deployment of weapons requires a lot of time.

Where are you, RPG-16?


Hand bazooka RPG-16

In the conduct of combat in forested mountainous terrain picture is somewhat different. SPG-9, and the most important shots to him, although it is tempting (there grenade) into the mountains to haul heavy and long, is not conducive to the mobility of counter-terrorism units. Of the long-range means remain RPG-29 "Vampire", the RPG-7, RPO-A and AGS-17.Moreover, the RPG-7 has an insufficient range of mountains. At the RPO-A pack of two shots weighs 21 kg, which is equal to the mass of 60 (!) VOG-17. RPG-29 "Vampire" requires the calculation of two well-trained fighters and a few carriers of ammunition. And the price of a grenade launcher and make every shot gasp any taxpayer. In this regard, recall that was once the RPG-16 "hits". And, probably, sooner removed RPG-16 production and weapons. Yes, to deal with it today bronetselyami weak, but for shooting fragmentation grenade on the "infantry" goals, especially at long range would be just right. Grenade differed extremely accurate results, the beautiful "windproof" grenade was quite simple, reliable and quickly dismantled into two parts for carrying.


Gangs quick guide Defense and the Interior have known efficacy of PF ammunition and began to "reinvent the wheel".In the course is the use of pipes and UB-32 to start Nursi, and homemade single-shot grenade under VOG-17, and an increase in the sample explosive grenades RPG-7 and more. In some CIS republics even used all sorts of ersatz for increased firepower.

Summing


Hand grenade under explosive fragmentation grenade at an exhibition in Yekaterinburg (2012). In the foreground - a 40-mm grenade RG-6 (6G30)
From the above we can draw the following conclusions:


1. The troops in dire need of urgent establishment of a multiply charged hand grenade under VOG-17M (30) with increasing length of the barrel for most flat trajectory and accuracy Efficiency, power and reliability of operation of VOG-17 (30) to solve most common problems during fire anti-terrorist operations are sufficient. And if the department in addition to GP-25 (30) have a pair of multiply hand grenade, many tactical problems could be solved. And the destruction by fire long-range profitable for us, as we shall substitute the less people under enemy fire. Especially actual samples under VOG-17M already have - for example, TKB-0249 "Crossbow" VN Telesh.In extreme cases, you can borrow from the Navy (with appropriate revisions ammunition) following anti-sabotage means: dvuhstvolny DP-64 grenade launcher "Nepryadva" (caliber - 45 mm, weight - 10 kg, range - up to 400 m, adopted in 1990 g);

2. TsKIB SOO-PCU, the head developer of RPG and RPG * ,and their chief designer VA Chulitskaya in collaboration with relevant organizations, it is desirable to create a high-explosive warhead existing analogues. And ideally you need to create shrapnel fragmentation warhead with a given subdivision housing. To comply with the Hague Conference, to the relevant conventions, ammunition may be called and combined: incendiary cumulative and cumulative-explosive and even "fragmentation propaganda." In the army should act as cumulative and fragmentation munitions, in my opinion, in the ratio 1: 2.

3. As a grenade during anti-terrorist operations finally lifted task of destroying armored vehicle, but rather, they were transformed into the problem to stop erupting cargo transport unit commanders want to offer something new teaching methods. To improve the psychological stability and confidence in the development of personnel in their weapons, develop skills of fire on high-speed maneuvering targets use in training grenade firing inert (!), a grenade on a moving tank (of course, from the combat training group, go to the overhaul). At the same time can be attached to the tower a couple of belt targets. Let snipers will try to remove the "crew" in motion. Similar experiments were carried out and really showed to be extremely effective.

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Antitank grenade launchers system both in Russia and abroad at the end of the last century has undergone significant changes. This is due to a revision and a significant expansion of the range of tasks that must be performed in such models on the battlefield. Still remains relevant to them defeat modern tank in any angles. However, this problem is very complex due to the weight and size restrictions currently existing weapons. The most successful it can be solved with anti-RPG-7V1 complexes and RPG-7V2 with a shot PG-7VL, PG-7VR and TBG-7V.

Modern methods of conducting combat operations require grenade launchers for new, often unusual properties. The first is the ability to safely and effectively engage equipped weapon emplacements, crews and crews, lightly armored vehicles (LBT), Open and covered manpower. As the experience of combat operations, the use for these purposes the traditional cumulative ammunition often inefficiently.





Reactive assault grenades RShG-1 and-2 RShG

Reactive assault grenades RShG-1 (caliber 105 mm) and RShG-2 (caliber 73 mm), developed by the specialists of FSUE "SSPE" Basalt "using the principle of modular design and manufacturing, most fully meet modern requirements.These patterns are based on well-known rocket-propelled grenade RPG-26 and RPG-27 by equipping them with modern warheads multivariate damaging effect.

RShG-1 modular warhead thermobaric warheads - Individual armed soldiers are highly effective cumulative, high-explosive, fragmentation and incendiary actions simultaneously. Accurate firing range - 600 m. Its design is implemented for the first time in the world formed in the interaction with the target shaped charge, reliably hitting lightly armored vehicles. Warhead design is patented and has no analogues in the world.



RShG impact on APC

Reactive assault grenade RShG-2 is also equipped with a thermobaric warhead arming, Accurate firing range - 350 m. The characteristic feature of RShG-2 - the possibility of defeat nestled in engineering structures manpower, including being in body armor, even indirect contact with embrasure.


Design use grenades universal modules significantly reduced development costs and the development of mass production. Experts know that when you start a new model in a series of such costs make up 50% of the initial batch at its optimum amount (not less than 6000 pcs.). In modern conditions due to lack of funds, this factor becomes a major. Another important feature - the ease of the process of development of combat use and exploitation of new types of troops.Fighter, having skill with RPG-26 and RPG-27, can easily be used on the battlefield RShG-1 and-2 RShG without special training.

Thus, in recent years by rocket grenade assault RShG-1 and-2 RShG successfully occupied "niche" in the Land Forces and with the greatest efficiency can be used by special forces, intelligence and sabotage groups. According to experts, these samples in terms of "cost-effectiveness" has no equal in the world that could guarantee their good export prospects.


RShG impact on the concrete shelter

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Modern weapons that are based on the latest achievements of science and technology, have high levels of combat and operational and technical properties. But whatever the ultimate weapon, no matter how high fighting properties it does not possess, the result is always determined by its use by man. That is why a constant concern of developers weapons is not only the creation of prospective weapons, but new learning tools.

Some new models of Russian grenade launchers firing and training tools were first presented in 2008 at the annual gathering of the leading staff of the combat training arms and services, military districts and fleets Russian Armed Forces.


Prospective grenade


Deputy Head of the Combat Training Glaanogo Russian Defense Ministry, Major General IA Buvaltsev at the presentation of the latest developments FSUE "SSPE" Basalt "Training Center in Sec. Alabino
At the presentation held by specialists of FSUE "SSPE" Basalt "Training Center in the village. Alabino were presented modern designs and the latest developments of this company in the field of grenade launchers.


The first is a multi-purpose multikaliberny grenade launcher RPG-32. Its feature is that the device is reusable with automatic trigger gun is small weight (3 kg) and dimensions (length 360 mm). Before shooting, depending on the task, it attaches to the container with the selected type of shot 72 caliber 105 mm or a grenade in cumulative or thermobaric fragmentation armor-piercing equipment. Total weight grenade launcher, depending on the type of shot is 6-10 kg, and its length - 900-1200 mm. This design provides a rational combination of total payload hand-rocket launcher and ammunition worn with tasks and types of targeted goals.

The new launcher has significant capabilities. Accurate firing range - 700 m. The damaging effects of 105-mm HEAT grenades, punching at least 650 mm homogeneous armor (after overcoming armor) provide effective engagement of the newest and most advanced tanks. 72-mm rounds with cumulative grenades provide medium- and defeat all legkozaschischennyh armored vehicles. Shots both calibers with thermobaric warhead grenades equipment can effectively deal with lightly armored and unarmored vehicles, with sheltered and unsheltered force of the enemy, as well as affect various fortifications and concrete shelters.


Demonstration of the new RPG-32 "Hashim"

RPG-32 has high ergonomics, which provides ease of application of the various provisions, speed and precision guided weapons to target and ease of loading. In the stowed position the sights and elements elektrostrelyayuschego mechanism placed in the starting device. You can acquisition grenade night sight.


According to experts of the RPG-32 is currently the most advanced grenade launcher in the world and has the best indicators of combat and operational characteristics.

Another novelty, demonstrated during the presentation was the upgraded version of the famous grenade launcher RPG-29 "Vampire" ( see. more >>> ). The new modification of the RPG-29 is mounted on tripod machine mechanisms guidance and completed automated fire control system with day and night sights and laser range finder that automatically take into account the shooting conditions. Just as when firing the RPG-29 used in the new modification shots with tandem and thermobaric fragmentation armor-piercing warhead. Grenade launcher provides effective engagement of various (including of the strong armored) targets at distances up to 700 m.

In the class of disposable rocket launchers were presented as received recognition rocket-propelled grenade RPG-26 and RPG-27 and based on them rocket assault grenades RShG-1 and-2 RShG and news - RPG-28 and RPG-30.

New learning opportunities


The family of rocket-propelled grenades development of FSUE "SSPE" Basalt ": RPG-26, RShG-2 and ISP-26 for training in shooting

Efficacy of even the most modern weapons depends entirely on the level of training of the human operator and weaponize its commanders. To this end, in all armies of the world is carried military and psychological preparation. Its effectiveness depends on the applied learning tools.


Today the means of learning is accepted to a wide variety of devices arsenal have. The creation of new learning tools with high didactic opportunities has long been a subject of special attention and an integral part of the creators of the new weapons and military equipment. Learning tools designed to facilitate and accelerate the development of weapons of objects, their combat use and operation. They are at the stage of initial training, can significantly reduce the use of expensive weapons and ammunition.

Complex learning tools such shooting antitank grenade was created in Russia. These include tools for training and simulation shooting, electronic simulators, laser shooting simulators and defeat.



The latest developments rocket-propelled grenade RPG-27, RPG-30 and RPG-28, some consider an asymmetric threat to US security

Terms of combat use of hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and their ability to determine the need for shooting at short range order of 50-300 m, that is, when the enemy can have a real and significant impact on the fire arrow-rocket launcher. In other words, all activities grenade occurs in conditions of combat stress. In addition, the loud sound of the shot, flame jet or material protivomassy behind the grenade also create certain adverse effects on the shooter and others with the shot. That is why the high efficiency of rocket-propelled grenades provided a high level of comprehensive training shooting.


For a long time in many armies of the world for training in shooting from grenade launchers were used in a loose adaptation barrel for firing a bullet.

In the Soviet Union and Russia for this purpose use the device for target practice - STS-7 (RPG-7), STS-9 (for SPG-9) and STS-29 (for the RPG-29). Shooting from the cartridges are manufactured with a tracer bullet through the barrel of a special deposit, located in the layout grenades. The design provides a pool ballistics matches only one firing range and that without accountability characteristics of movement grenade on the trajectory. These modifications allow, to a certain extent, to impart the necessary skills arrows-thrower. However, the lack of conjugation paths bullets and grenades, the characteristic sound of the shot and the flame jet behind the grenade reduced their similarity live firing of these weapons.


Shot IRG-27B to fire the ISP-27

In addition to device type CCP for shooting training in many armies of the world used the shots with an inert filling head (combat) of the grenade. When firing inert grenades provided complete conjugation paths with grenades in combat gear, the same level of sound of the shot and the generation of hazardous flame jet behind the grenade launcher. In Russia, created all analogues grenade inert warhead grenade type RPG-7V, RPG-29, SPG-9, RPG-18, RPG-22, RPG-26 and RPG-27.


Unlike shots inert warhead from the fighting is in the design of the head. That is why they cost significantly less than the cost of the grenade and the difference is only the cost of warheads.In this regard, the shots inert warhead to be used only in the final stages of training and during control checks have undergone training shooters grenade.

Difficult conditions of combat use grenade launchers in combat require hand-grenade throwers ability to quickly and correctly use its weapons to destroy the selected target. Ensuring a high probability that at a distance of aimed fire is possible with the mandatory accounting of all shooting conditions, and especially crosswinds and flanking target motion, ie the correct application of the rules of shooting. These skills are developed only in the course of regular training.


Education firing the RPG-26 using the ISP-26

To this end, Russia was an electronic simulator 9F700 for generating and improving the skills of the different types of shooters armed grenade and rocket infantry flame throwers.The simulator simulates various conditions of firing rocket-propelled grenades and allows us to study and train archers application of the rules of shooting at various targets. In addition, it allows the manager to carry out training objective control the level of training arrow operator in the learning process. However, due to their features electronic simulator can not replace a real fire with rocket-propelled grenades.

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

Another means of training a new generation actively used in combat training began firing laser simulators and destruction (LISP). Their main purpose - to improve the skills of shooting from different weapons in a bilateral training and combat simulation shooting fire weapons. The disadvantage of LISP as electronic simulators is that they do not reproduce the real sound of a shot and do not create a flame jet behind the grenade, ie do not provide conditions for the development of real "combat reflexes."




In order to address the shortcomings inherent in the transfer of funds to training specialists main developer grenade launchers in Russia - Federal State Unitary Enterprise "SSPE" Basalt "were created entirely new means of simulation shooting. They are called practical training equipment (ISPs). At present, various means of simulation created for all modern Russian grenade launchers.


New learning tools are up overall regular disposable grenade launcher or grenade launcher rounds for reusable loose-barrel grenade and practical with a jet engine and equipment with an inert warhead smaller diameter, length and weight than grenades. Ballistics practical simulation grenades and shooting accuracy them fully complies combat at all ranges of aimed fire. This allows for target practice using the rules for firing grenades in a variety of conditions for their use.

Simulation rocket-propelled grenade has tracer to monitor its flight simulator and is equipped with alarms on purpose.Relatively high level of sound of the shot and the presence of flame jet when fired in a high degree of similarity shots grenade.


Antitank rocket launcher RPG-29 "Vampire" with the fire control system


Assembling the layout shot, loading layout grenades before firing, aiming and the shot made similarly regular samples.Design simulation grenades you can use it for shooting real tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. Device provides multiple ISPs use their resources - not less than 300 shots, while the cost of a single shot 3-4 times lower than inert.


New training tools are not just for primary education, but also to improve the skills and maintain the necessary skills in firing rocket-propelled grenades, especially for teaching correct treatment of various shooting conditions. ISPs can successfully replace the system teaching aids shots inert warhead and all types of bullet devices for target practice.

The presence today in the training shooters grenade Russian army various learning tools with new features can significantly reduce the cost and time for training, while improving their skills.

 

[Major Shaitan Singh]

In 1934, Charles Manville created for the police unique weapon revolver to fire cartridges 12 gauge with tear gas. The first option was a semi-automatic weapon with a 24-round drum, driven by a spring. It had no stock and intended for firing from the hip. Two years later, Manville developed a variant of the caliber of 25 mm with a 18-round drum. Weight unloaded it was 7 kg. Has also developed a cartridge, metal shell bursting with tear gas, instead of the former, in which the chemical composition are directly discharged through the barrel of the small range, often affecting both target and arrow.

In 1939 there was a sample of Manville caliber 37 mm. Mounted on a rather clumsy four-legged machine, he weighed more than 60-mm mortar, but metal explosive shells at half efficiency. Orders he was not. In 1943, Manville destroyed all the drawings, the remaining samples, parts, dies and fixtures for the production of gas weapons. Reasons for this are known only to himself. In 1946, the firm "Lake Erie Chemical Co." all property acquired Manville. But it only made him pyatistvolny pistol 12 caliber for firing gas cartridges.

Unusual revolver weapon Manville would leave no trace in the history of small arms, if not Hollywood. In 1981, in the film adaptation of the novel by Frederick Forsyth "Dogs of War" is one of the 25-mm grenade launcher simulated samples Manville. And although it was kinotryuk scenes with him impressive.



Filling the gap between highly effective hand grenades and mortars, grenade South African MGL Mark I and in the foreseeable future continues to occupy a leading position among the hand grenade launchers 40x46 mm

By coincidence, in 1981 the South African Defence Force was demonstrated breadboard 40 mm multiply charged grenade launcher MGL (Multi-shot Grenade Launcher). A year later, he was adopted and in 1983 produced commercially by Milkor.


MGL is a six-shot revolver gun ammunition under 40 × 46 mm. Grenade launcher consists of a lightweight steel barrel length 310 mm, sight OEG firm "Armson" steel frame drum with spring drive and a folding stock. The buttstock is adjustable. Latch fuse two-sided. The grenade launcher is equipped with a fuse of the shot when accidentally dropped. Weight unloaded - 5.3 kg.

MGL grenade launcher first modification was to the Armed Forces of Defense of South Africa and other countries. But now more widely spread.

For loading grenade launcher, pull the drum axle pin and tilt mechanism frame sideways. When rotating aluminum drum twisted his spring. After loading the drum, he returned to the place again and its axis is fixed pin.



Although grenade launcher MGL Mark I provides a higher rate than single-shot grenade M79, M203 or NK69A1, it is heavier than them (5.3 kg) and has a number of large dimensions

Self-cocking trigger a grenade is not connected kinematically with the drum.Rotation of the drum is controlled by the stopper, which is driven by powder gases during firing. When you press the trigger cocked and then released the hammer and takes the shot. Gas pressure in the drum and releases the lock allows the spring to turn it up until the next camera axis is aligned with the drummer. If there was a flash in the pan, it is possible to re-pull the trigger.


Collimator type equipped with a sighting mark as a single vertical red line. It requires the hand of binocular vision. Shooter takes aim with his eyes open and sees the reticle on the target. OEG sight allows the shooter to increase hit probability at ranges up to 400 meters. Thus, he fills the gap between hand grenades (maximum effective distance throwing 30-40 meters) and 60-mm mortar (with a minimum range of 300 to 400 meters).

After 12 years of production of consumer reviews from around the world, it became clear that upgrading some nodes grenade would increase its reliability and simplified treatment. As a result, recently appeared grenade launcher MGL Mark I. All previously released grenade launchers can be modified under this option. During my last trip to South Africa, I was able to get acquainted with the. new grenade launcher MGL Mark I and shot a lot of it.



Grenade launcher MGL Mark I is equipped with Collimator type, which is provided with aiming mark in the form of a single vertical red line. Shooter takes aim with his eyes open and sees the reticle on the target,
The unusual two-chamber system start grenade caliber 40 × 46 mm was developed in the Laboratory of US Army Ballistics Research at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The very idea originated in Germany during the Second World War.Aluminum sleeve with brass container powder charge, located in front capsule, contains about 0.32 g of powder mortar M-9 (advanced, fast-powder). Charging high-pressure chamber has six circumferential openings are closed.


When the firing pin strikes the primer, then ignites the gunpowder in the pressure chamber. A burning powder produces pressure in the chamber of about 2400 kg / cm², gases intrude into the holes and move a larger volume chamber (low pressure chamber). When the gases pass into the large chamber, the pressure drops to a level of not more than 210 kg / cm, which is sufficient to disperse the grenade in the barrel to a desired speed for throwing. In this case, the recoil momentum is small enough to be able to shoot from the hip. The initial velocity grenades only 75 m / s; it can easily be seen in flight. Progressive rotation speed cutting creates grenades 3700 rev / min, which provides sufficient stability in flight and the percussion fuze arming.



MGL grenade launcher modification Mark Is

There is a wide range of ammunition 40 × 46 mm. The most common type - with shaped-charge fragmentation grenade, which provides defeat light armored vehicles, combined with the ability to engage manpower. Most of the shaped-charge fragmentation munitions, including the M848A1, produced by the South African «Swartklip», create effective range of at least 5 meters (zone in which the wounded receive 50 percent of manpower). There is also a cumulative grenade ammunition, equipment with red phosphorus and rubber bullets. Different manufacturers around the world produced a large number of signal rounds of 40 × 46 mm;among them - the smoke with a parachute, for setting smoke screens to mask and ground targets. In addition, there illumination shells with a parachute, pyrotechnic shells for salutes and illumination and signal ammunition. Ammunition for the suppression of mass disorders include tear gas (CS), and traumatic ammunition "beater knees" (cartridges equipped with five oak acorns).

With a wide range of ammunition and a relatively high rate of fire, grenade launcher MGL Mark I and in the foreseeable future will occupy a leading position among the hand grenade. Filling the gap between highly effective hand grenades and mortars, MGL Mark I provides the reliability is much higher than that of the previous version.

Main characteristics MGL

Caliber: 40 × 46 mm

Length in firing position: 730 mm

Length folded: 630 mm

Uncharged Weight: 5.3 kg

Drum capacity: 6 rds.

Effective range: 150 ... 400 m

In 1996, the company has created several Milkor improved in detail the modification of a grenade launcher MGL Mk.1 ( See above. ), and in 2004 there were two of the most recent modifications - Milkor MGL Mk.1S and Milkor MGL Mk.1L ( the latter also referred to as MGL-140). These modifications are characterized by the presence of the guide type Picatinny rail on the barrel for fastening additional sights and other accessories, in addition, option MGL Mk.1L (MGL-140) has an elongated drum, you can charge it with new non-lethal grenades (gas, rubber canister or the like) having an increased length of the munition. Currently MGL grenade launchers in service with the armies and other security agencies in more than thirty countries around the world. In addition, an unlicensed copy of MGL made in Croatia.




Revolver caliber 40 mm

Alexander Fighters

From the point of view of the modern concept of a global war, more recently, the former rod for construction of the armed forces and their weapons systems, grenade RG-6, developed at the Central Design Bureau of Research of sporting and hunting weapons (TSKIBSOO or more abbreviated TsKIB), it is unlikely he would find a -or the use of the troops. With the development of the control system and the normal interaction of troops it just is not necessary.


Grenade RG-6 in the folded position

The reason for its occurrence, as well as for the creation of other such systems is the lack of density of fire relatively small mobile groups at distances of throwing a hand grenade range to 300-350 meters. In fact, this small assault operations without the necessary fire support against small groups of the enemy that has no serious defensive position, typical of local conflicts.


No accident home to the first of such a system has become South Africa, reached in decades counterinsurgency war almost perfection in this specific area of engagement ( See above. ). These problems give rise to similar methods of solving them, and confirmed the appearance of 40-mm revolver grenade RG-6 under the shots used to fire the grenade launcher GP-25 (GP-30).

The main element of the design grenade RG-6, one of the authors of which was the designer grenade launcher GP-25 V.N.Telesh is a block of six 40-mm rifled barrels, rotating on an axis fixed to the frame (to use the terminology of revolvers). In the frame of the tubular structure is installed self-cocking trigger mechanism of the GP-25 with a plastic pistol grip, borrowed from a family of machines AK. Inside the frame on the back side placed retractable stock with rubber butt pad.

Front is the hinge on which the tube is reinforced with a handle, a protective shield and sights. The main purpose of the pipe - providing convenient and safe containment of weapons when firing.


40-mm grenade RG-6 (6G30) at the Exhibition of police equipment, weapons and special equipment (Ekaterinburg, 2012)

For the necessary pressure on the loading lever beneath the trigger bracket and the tube to rotate 120 degrees about the hinge. In block barrel from the muzzle 6 stacked grenades. Each held a grenade in the trunk of a spring clamp.Turning block factory spiral spring placed between the unit and its axis. After returning to the starting position of the pipe is ready to fire the weapon.


When you press the trigger (the circuit breaker "OG") is cocked and then released the hammer beating on drums. Drummer prick the capsule, and there shot. When you release the trigger, he under the influence of the spring moves forward, interacting via a bracket-uncoupler ratchet block trunks. The block is released and under the influence of the got spring turns 1/6 turn by moving the barrel with a grenade next to the pipe axis.

Fuse located on the left side of the trigger mechanism in the position of the flag "PR" fixes the trigger. Regardless of the position of the trigger flag is disabled and it is not completely closed when the lid unit trunks.

Sights, consisting of a frame and an adjustable front sight, designed for firing at a distance of up to 400 meters. In the stowed position, they added.


Own little experience with RG-6 made it possible to obtain a purely subjective opinion about its features, which let me share.

Firstly, the peculiarities inherent in the system as it. The need for such weapons in the presence of automatic grenade launcher (eg, AGS-17) is problematic. To carry on a more or less long distances very uncomfortable, almost has no advantages over the "grenade launcher" design mass in unfilled condition 5.6 kg (weight at each VOG-25 - 0.25 kg, and VOG-25P - 0.278 kg ) instead of the machine, and even more so with him - to put it mildly, difficult.

Dignity in the GP-25 only - in a short time from RG-6 can be made 6 shots.However, the time spent on gear unit shafts in the field, almost equal rate of combat RG-6 and GP-25.

Second, the identified shortcomings of the design RG-6. A swivel pipe joint and beyond even work loose during operation and is briefly presents some problems when the return pipe in place after gear unit trunks. Can not be said of the reliable operation of the ratchet block rotation shafts.

After a short nastrela was seen repeated cranking block trunks immediately after firing two steps and, as a consequence, the rest of grenades in the block. It is impossible to hit the primer, which gave a misfire. Limits the scope of a grenade launcher, and the absence of special (cumulative, grapeshot, smoke, lighting, etc.) shots.

When questionable value RG-6 for weapons combat units it can be used in law enforcement forces in suppressing the riots. For this purpose, specially designed 40mm grenade "nails", containing an irritant produced when the spray cloud volume of 500 cubic meters.

The main characteristics of the RG-6

Caliber: 40 mm (type shots VOG-25)

Length in firing position: 680 mm

Length folded: 520 mm

Uncharged Weight: 6.2 kg

Drum capacity: 6 rds.

Effective range: 150 ... 350 m