Mk.19 (Mark 19) automatic grenade launcher / grenade machine gun (USA)

Picture 1: The very early (probably prototype) Mark 19 model 0 grenade launcher; note that it lacks sights and any grips.

Picture 2: The Mk.19 mod.1 was the first upgrade of the basic design; about 1000 of such guns were converted from Mod.0 or built as new

Picture 3: Experimental Mk.19 mod.2 grenade launcher in remotely-controlled from, with electric trigger. Note that it had much slimmer profile - too bad it never worked well

Picture 4: Mk.19 mod.3 automatic grenade launcher on tripod, with ammunition box attached. Today it is one of most widespread designs of this class in the world

Picture 5: Firing Mk.19 mod.3 automatic grenade launcher in infantry configuration

Picture 6: Mk.19 mod.3 on US riverine craft

Caliber: 40x53mm High Velocity
Type: blowback operated, belt fed automatic grenade launcher 
Overall length: 1095 mm
Weight: 35.3 kg gun body plus 20 kg M3 tripod mount or 9.1 kg lightweight tripod mount
Effective range: up to 1500 m (point target); 2200 m maximum range
Rate of fire: 300 - 400 rounds per minute

Development of the Mark 19 (Mk.19 in short) grenade machine gun was initiated by US Navy in 1966, after the initial experience gained during Vietnam war. Since about 1962, US forces in Vietnam used several multi-shot 40mm grenade launchers that fired low velocity 40x46mm M406 grenades originally developed for M79 single-shot weapon. Among these, most notable was the Mark 18 belt-fed grenade launcher, developed by Hughes corporation; this was a hand-cranked weapon that provided significant short-range firepower to riverine crafts and marine infantry. However, all such weapons lacked effective range, and US Navy decided to develop a new, automatic, self-powered weapon around the high-velocity 40x53mm M384 grenade (which was originally developed for US Army's M75 automatic grenade launcher, used on UH-1 and AH-1 combat helicopters). Development of Mark 19 automatic grenade launcher began in July 1966, and by October 1967 firs three working prototypes of the new weapon were ready for official field trials. The production Mark 19 Model 0 grenade launchers entered service in Vietnam in early 1968, on board of riverine crafts and UH-1 Huey gunship helicopters belonging to US Navy. In around 1971, the basic design was slightly improved, and type classified as Mark 19 Model 1; these weapons were manufactured by US Naval Ordnance Station Louisville. In around 1974, US Navy attempted to produce more streamlined version of the basic design, known as Mk.19 Mod.2, but this development never went past prototype stage, and in 1976 work began on simplified and more robust improved version of the Mk.19, which was type classified as Mark 19 Model 3 (Mk.19 mod.3) in 1981. The manufacturing contract for Mk.19 Mod.3 weapons was granted to Saco Defense (now General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products - GDATP). By the year 2000, at least 25 thousands of Mk.19 mod.3 grenade launchers were in service worldwide, mostly with all branches of US armed forces.

The Mark 19 Model 3 (Mk.19 mod.3) automatic grenade launcher is air cooled, belt fed, blowback operated machine gun. It fires from open bolt and uses advanced primer ignition principle to decrease peak recoil. To provide minimum of parts and maximum reliability of feeding, Mk.19 uses two-stage feed, when each round is first withdrawn rearwards from the belt on the opening stroke of the belt and then placed into T-slot cut in the bolt face; on the closing stroke, the round is already properly positioned on the bolt and is feed straight to the chamber; empty cartridge cases are ejected to the bottom as they are pushed down from the T-slot by the next cartridge (the same principle has been employed on some WW1 era machine guns). Ammunition is fed using special disintegrating belt; when rounds are fed into the chamber, links stay on the case and are ejected from the gun along with spent cartridge cases. Ammunition is usually supplied in belt boxes with capacity of 32 or 48 rounds. Loaded 32-round box weights about 19 kg (42 lbs). Mk.19 grenade launcher is fitted with dual spade grips, and can be fired in semi-automatic of full automatic modes. Alternatively, electric trigger pack can be installed for remote controlled mounts. It can be installed on standard M3 tripods (using Mark 64 cradle / adapter) for infantry use, or on various vehicle mounts on jeeps, armored vehicles, naval vessels etc. By default, Mk.19 mod.3 grenade launchers are equipped with machinegun type iron sights, but other types of sighting equipment (including night sights and range-finding electronic sights) are available. Today the primary ammunition type for Mk.19 mod.3 in US service is the 40mm M430 High Explosive, Dual Purpose (HEDP) round, which can penetrate up to 50mm (2") of rolled homogenous armor and provide effective anti-personnel fragmentation effect with damage radius of about 15 meters (lethal damage / kill zone radius 5 meters).

 

MM-1 40mm grenade launcher (USA)

Caliber: 40x46mm
Type: multi-shot, revolver type 
Overall length: 635 mm
Weight: 5.7 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 150 m point targets, up to 350 m area targets
Capacity: 12 rounds

The MM-1 revolver grenade launcher is manufactured in USA by the Hawk Engineering Co, and is in use by Special Forces of USA, as well as of several South American and African countries. While MM-1 may look much like up scaled Milkor MGL grenade launcher, most probably the MM-1 traces its ancestry back to the Manville machine projector, a revolver-type 20-shot tear gas gun, developed in USA for police use before the Second World War. The MM-1, while being relatively heavy and quite bulky, can provide devastating firepower, with practical rate of fire as much as 30 rounds per minute. It may be very useful in ambushes and other fast-pacing close combat scenarios.

MM-1 is a revolver-type weapon, with the heavy cylinder being rotated for each shot by the clockwork-type spring. Spring is wound manually during the reloading. To reload the cylinder, the rear part of the gun is released and rotated sideways to expose the rear of the cylinder, which is connected to the front part of the frame and barrel.

 

M203 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher (USA)

Picture 1: XM148 / Colt CG-4 grenade launcher on early model M16 rifle. The XM148 served as a proof of concept for more sucessful M203 grenade launcher

Picture 2: M203 40mm grenade launcher installed on the M16A1 assault rifle

Picture 3: M203 grenade launcher with M16 handguards, removed from the rifle

Picture 4: Drawing from M203 manual, which depicts the loading process, from top to bottom: 1) opening the breech 2) inserting the round of ammunition and 3) closing the breech

Caliber: 40mm (40x46)
Overall length: 380 mm
Weight: 1.36 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 150 meters point target, up to 350 meters area target

The M203 grenade launcher has been developed between 1967 and 1968 by the AAI Corporation of USA on the contract from US Army. this contract has been issued on the basis of the experience, gained by the US armed forces in Vietnam with the M79 40mm grenade launcher (which was successful design but required an additional personal defense weapon to be carried by grenadier) and unsuccessful XM-148/CG-4 40mm underbarrel grenade launcher, developed in mid-sixties by Colt in attempt to cure deficiencies of the M79. The new underbarrel grenade launcher was intended to be used with all available 40mm ammunition, and to be attached to the existing infantry rifle then in service, the M16A1.In the late 1968 the AAI design has been type classified as XM203, and in early 1970 first M203 units went to Vietnam for field evaluation. After successful tests US Army ordered large quantities of M203, and since AAI had no resources for mass production, the manufacturing contract has been issued to Colt. Later on, more or less exact copies of M203 were produced in Egypt, South Korea and Bulgaria (as UBGL-M1, with mount suitable for Kalashnikov AKM and AK-74 type  rifles). During the 1990s, M203 went into several modifications, such as shorter-barreled M203A2 (with 9 inch barrel, as opposed to standard 12 inch barrel), intended for shorter M4 carbines used by US SOCOM, as well as versions with MIL-STD 1913 (Picatinny rail) compatible mounts. M203 launchers are still being used by US armed forces, and by many other armies, including those of Australia, Israel, South Korea, Philippines, Turkey and some others.

The M203 is a single-shot, breech-loading weapon with rifled barrel. The loading is achieved by sliding the aluminum barrel forward, then inserting the round of ammunition into the breach and sliding the loaded barrel back into the battery. The barrel is held in-battery by the manually controlled lock, which is disengaged by depressing the barrel catch lever at the left side of the launcher, above the middle of the barrel. The loaded cartridge is held at the breech face by the extractor claws, and remains stationary when barrel is opened forward. Once the barrel clears the fired case or unfired round, it is free to fall down from the breech face, so the next round can me loaded if necessary. The self-cocking firing unit with its own trigger is located at the rear of the M203 receiver, also made from aluminum alloy. The manual safety in the form of the swinging flap is located inside the trigger guard, just ahead of the trigger. The rear part of the barrel is covered with polymer handgrip. The standard M203 easily installs on the M16A1 or M16A2 type rifle, and installation requires about 5 minutes of work and a standard screwdriver for clamping screws. If necessary, M203 can be mounted on a separate shoulder-stock / pistol grip assemblies (available from several companies, such as Colt or Knight's Armament) to be used as a stand-alone weapon. Standard sights for M203 are of ladder type, and graduated from 50 to 250 meters in 50m increments. The optional quadrant sight can be installed on the left side of the M16A1/A2 carrying handle, and it allows aiming at the ranges of up to 400 meters.

Device "DM" noiseless grenade launcher / carbine (USSR / Russia)

Picture 1: Device "DM" noiseless grenade launcher / carbine

Picture 2: MVD Spetsnaz operator is aiming with Device "DM" noiseless grenade launcher / carbine
Photo: Rugevit.ru

Picture 3: 9mm PFAM noiseless cartridge, loaded with armor piercing bullet

Picture 4: 9mm PMAM noiseless blank cartridge, which is used to propel 30mm BMYa-31 grenade (shown above the cartridge)

Caliber: 9mm / 30mm
Type: single-shot muzzle-loading launcher (with optional 9mm noiseless bullet-firing capability)
Overall length: 720 mm (480 mm when shoulder stock is folded)
Weight: 3.9 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 300 m with grenade, up to 200 mm with 9mm bullet
Armour penetration: ~10 mm

The Device "DM" (Изделие ДМ in Russian nomenclature) noiseless grenade launcher / carbine is another unique weapon, which was developed during 1970s for Soviet Spetsnaz forces. It is based on the Device "D" (Изделие Д in Russian nomenclature) noiseless grenade launcher / handgun and shares same principles of noiseless firing / grenade launching and uses same ammunition. The key improvements of the DM device over its predecessor are lighter weight of the complete weapon and greater rate of aimed fire, thanks to its magazine feed for cartridges (grenades are still manually loaded into the muzzle from the front). It is still issued in limited numbers to Soviet (now Russian) elite military Spetsnaz and FSB (former KGB) anti-terror units, although it appears that it was mostly replaced by Tishina / Kanarejka noiseless grenade launcher / assault rifle weapon complex. Like its predecessor, the Device DM was to be used against military facilities such as C&C posts, ammunition and fuel storage depots, radar installations, parked tactical aircrafts, and most important, tactical / medium range ballistic missile launchers. It also can be used to disable vehicles used by terrorists and against terrorists themselves, thanks to noiseless but powerful 9mm PFAM ammunition loaded with AP bullet.

The heart of the Device "DM" (Изделие ДМ) weapon complex is the 9mm (9x93) noiseless cartridge, designed along the lines of the smaller 7.62mm (7.62x63) PZ "Zmeya" cartridge. The heavy steel cartridge case holds small powder charge and a piston, which can move inside the case to violently push the projectile out of the case and then jam itself at the case mouth, capturing powder gases (prime source f the gun shot sound and flash) inside the case. There are two types of cartridges intended for use in Device D - the 9mm PFAM "Falanga" cartridge, loaded with AP bullet, and 9mm PMAM "Mundshtuck" cartridge, loaded with pusher rod which transfers the energy of the piston to the separately loaded grenade. The "Falanga" bullet is made of hardened steel with brass driving band at the front. The bullet weight is about 28 gram (432 grains) and the muzzle velocity is about 250 m/s (820 fps). According to available information, PFAM bullet can penetrate 5mm of mild steel at 100 meters. The 30mm grenade, which is used along with 9mm PMAM cartridge, is designated BMYa-31 "Yascheritsa" (Lizard). This projectile is loaded with unspecified amount of explosive or incendiary composition, and can penetrate up to 10mm of steel and then ignite fuel stored behind it. BMYa-31 grenade weights about 130 gram (~4.5 oz) and PMAM cartridge propels it out of the muzzle cup launcher with muzzle velocity of about 110 m/s (360 fps). BMYa-31 projectile features pre-engraved rifling and a pusher rod at the rear, which comes into the contact with the piston of the propelling cartridge when gun is fully loaded. Inert grenade projectiles also are available for live fire practice.

The Device DM itself is a manually operated, magazine fed bolt action 'carbine'. The large box magazine contains five rounds of 9x93 ammunition, either of PMAM (grenade launch) or PFAM  (with AP bullet) type. Unusual thing is that the magazine also serves as a pistol grip, necessating a special (and somewhat uncomfortable) hold on the gun. To launch grenades, gun must be loaded with magazine containing PMAM type blank cartridges and fitted with an additional grenade sight, which is attached to the left side of the gun. Grenades are loaded into the muzzle cup from the front until locked inside by the spring retainer. Cup launcher is equipped with special manual extractor necessary for unloading of unfired grenades and stays on the gun when firing the 9mm bullets using PFAM ammunition. Weapon is equipped with underfolding shoulder stock, made of stamped steel, and a detachable adjustable bipod. 

M79 40mm grenade launcher (USA)

Picture 1: M79 grenade launcher, with ladder sight in 'ready' position

Picture 2: Same M79 launcher, with various types of 40mm rounds (Illum, HE-FRAG, buckshot, 22lr multi-barrel adaptor etc)

Picture 3: M79 launcher, partially opened for  reloading

Caliber: 40mm (40x46)
Overall length: 737 mm
Weight: 2.72 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 150 meters (point target), up to 350 meters (area target)

The story of a "Thumper" or "Blooper" (both were unofficial nick-names for M79) began in 1951, when the US Army recognized the need to fill the gap between the maximum range of a hand-thrown grenades (about 50 meters) and the minimum range of 60mm mortars (about 400 meters). By the 1952, the army had a desired projectile, made in the form of a 40mm hollow ball, loaded with HE charge and with a pre-fragmented shell, made from notched square wire, blazed together to form a shell. early tests were conducted using spring-powered launchers and cup-shaped grenade launcher adapters for M1 Garand rifle, all under the codename PROJECT NIBLICK. In the 1952-53 Picatinny Arsenal developed a short, stubby, rimmed cartridge case about 46mm long, with so-called "high/low pressure" system, to launch the 40mm shells. The high/low pressure" system consists of a small, thick-walled compartment at the base of the cartridge case, where propellant (smokeless gunpowder) is stored. This compartment is connected to the empty cartridge interior by several vents. The small compartment formed the "high pressure" area, necessary to achieve proper burning characteristics of a propellant, while the empty interior of the case formed the "low pressure" area, resulting in mild barrel pressures, and low projectile velocities. This system allowed for lighter and less expensive cartridge cases and barrels, while maintaining necessary ballistic properties. the resulting cartridge has been type-classified as M406 HE-FRAG. Springfield Armory (the former Government arsenal) began to develop several launchers for 40mm M406 ammunition, and by the 1960 the first hand-held, single shot 40mm grenade launcher has been officially type classified as M79. First production M79 units were issued to US troops in 1961, and before production in USA ceased in 1971, more than 300 000 of M79 launchers were manufactured in USA by several contractors. Copies of M79 were later manufactured in south Korea by Daewoo and in South Africa by Milcor. At the present time the M79 is no longer used by US army, although it still can be encountered in the hands of soldiers of many other countries, such as Australia, El Salvador, Israel, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and some others.

First widely used in Vietnam, the M79 turned to be a complete success. Reliable and quite accurate in the hands of a trained operators, it provided extremely mobile firepower to smallest of the infantry units. Following the successful development of the M406 HE-FRAG round, several other types of 40mm ammunition were rapidly developed, including smoke and illumination rounds, HE-DP (dual purpose, fragmentation/antitank), incendiary, buckshot canister (for close-combat and self-defense). The key downside to the M79 was that it required the grenadier to carry an additional personal defense weapon, such as pistol or a submachine gun. This inconvenience was the key reason for development of the M203 underbarrel grenade launcher, which superseded the M79 in the service since early 1970s.

The M79 is a single shot, break-open weapon with rifled barrel. The barrel is hinged to the receiver and is locked closed by the rotating the lever at the tang of the receiver. 40mm cartridges of various types are loaded from the breech, then barrel is closed. Internal hammer is cocked automatically upon reloading. There is a manual safety, which automatically switches on when gun is reloaded. The trigger guard can be hinged sideways, so the gun can be fired in the winter gloves. The stock is made from wood, and the butt is fitted with the rubber recoil pad. Open sights consist of a hooded front sight and an adjustable ladder-type rear (with windage adjustment), and is graduated from 75 to 375 meters in 25 m increments. It must be noted that trained operators often left the rear sight in its folding down position, and aimed down the barrel, still achieving good accuracy.

Device "D" noiseless grenade launcher / pistol (USSR / Russia)

Picture 1: Device "D" noiseless grenade launcher / pistol less accessories

Picture 2: Device "D" noiseless grenade launcher / pistol with muzzle launcher cup for grenades and a detachable shoulder stock / holster
Picture 3: Device "D" noiseless grenade launcher / pistol complete with muzzle launcher cup for grenades, detachable shoulder stock / holster and a bipod
Picture 4: 9mm PFAM noiseless cartridge, loaded with armor piercing bullet
Picture 5: 9mm PMAM noiseless blank cartridge, which is used to propel 30mm BMYa-31 grenade (shown above the cartridge)

Caliber: 9mm / 30mm
Type: single-shot muzzle-loading launcher (with optional 9mm noiseless bullet-firing capability)
Overall length: ~ 400 mm less holster / stock and launcher cup
Weight: ~2.8 kg unloaded, 4.5 kg complete with shoulder stock / holster, launcher cup and bipod
Effective range: up to 300 m
Armor penetration: ~10 mm

The Device "D" (Изделие Д in Russian nomenclature) noiseless grenade launcher / handgun is an unique weapon, which was developed during 1960s or early 1970s for Soviet Spetsnaz forces. One of the main goals of the Spetsnaz at the time (in the case of the outbreak of the 'hot' war in Europe) was to attack and disable / destroy key NATO facilities such as C&C posts, ammunition and fuel storage depots, radar facilities, parked tactical aircrafts, and most important, tactical / medium range ballistic missile launchers. All these targets were relatively 'soft-skinned', so it was estimated that a 30mm projectile could carry enough explosives to penetrate the skin of the vehicle or equipment container and cause enough damage to disable it (i.e. ignite the fuel in the storage tank or make Pershing ballistic missile or fighter-bomber aircraft inoperable). To provide the Spetsnaz operators with maximum stealth, it was decided to make noiseless / flash-less launcher for such projectile, as this would help to hide actual firing position and thus improve chances of getaway. To provide more flexibility for the operators, it was decided to make the weapon dual purpose - it can fire 30mm explosive or incendiary grenades against material targets (aircrafts, fuel tanks, missiles etc) at ranges of up to 300 meters, or 9mm AP bullets against enemy personnel at ranges of up to 200 meters. Designated Device "D" (Изделие Д), this weapon was issued to certain units of Soviet Spetsnaz since ninety seventies, and apparently is still in limited use by elite Russian military Spetsnaz and FSB (former KGB) anti-terrorist units.

The heart of the Device "D" (Изделие Д) weapon complex is the 9mm (9x93) noiseless cartridge, designed along the lines of the smaller 7.62mm (7.62x63) PZ "Zmeya" cartridge. The heavy steel cartridge case holds small powder charge and a piston, which can move inside the case to violently push the projectile out of the case and then jam itself at the case mouth, capturing powder gases (prime source f the gun shot sound and flash) inside the case. There are two types of cartridges intended for use in Device D - the 9mm PFAM "Falanga" cartridge, loaded with AP bullet, and 9mm PMAM "Mundshtuck" cartridge, loaded with pusher rod which transfers the energy of the piston to the separately loaded grenade. The "Falanga" bullet is made of hardened steel with brass driving band at the front. The bullet weight is about 28 gram (432 grains) and the muzzle velocity is about 250 m/s (820 fps). According to available information, PFAM bullet can penetrate 5mm of mild steel at 100 meters. The 30mm grenade, which is used along with 9mm PMAM cartridge, is designated BMYa-31 "Yascheritsa" (Lizard). This projectile is loaded with unspecified amount of explosive or incendiary composition, and can penetrate up to 10mm of steel and then ignite fuel stored inside. BMYa-31 grenade weights about 130 gram (~4.5 oz) and PMAM cartridge propels it out of the muzzle cup launcher with muzzle velocity of about 110 m/s (360 fps). BMYa-31 projectile features pre-engraved rifling and a pusher rod at the rear, which comes into the contact with the piston of the propelling cartridge when gun is fully loaded. Inert grenade projectiles also are available for live fire practice.

The Device D itself is a large, single-shot, bolt action pistol. It is loaded with single cartridge through the opening at the top when bolt is retracted. Once cartridge is placed in the gun, the bolt is pushed forward and then rotated to lock. To provide necessary accuracy when firing a heavy weapon, it can be fitted with detachable shoulder stock / holster and a detachable adjustable bipod. To launch grenades, gun must be fitted with detachable muzzle cup launcher and an additional grenade sight, which is attached to the left side of the gun. Launcher PMAM cartridges are loaded same way as bullet-firing PFAM cartridges, and grenades are loaded into the muzzle cup from the front until locked inside by the spring retainer. Cup launcher is equipped with special manual extractor necessary for unloading of unfired grenades.

RPG-32 'Hashim' antitank / multipurpose grenade launcher (Russia / Jordan)

Picture 1: RPG-32 'Hashim' antitank grenade launcher in ready to fire configuration (with launcher container attached) and two 105mm rockets shown in inflight configuration - PG-32V tandem HEAT top and TBG-32V thermobaric / FAE bottom

Picture 2: RPG-32 'Hashim' launcher and two preloaded containers with rockets

Caliber: 105mm (also can fire special 72mm rockets)
Type: rocket
Overall length: 1200 mm (complete with 105mm launch container) or 900 mm (complete with 72mm launch container)
Weight: 3 kg unloaded, 10 kg loaded with 105mm rocket, 6kg loaded with 72mm rocket
Effective range: up to 200 m
Armour penetration: ERA + 650 mm RHA with 105mm PG-32V tandem HEAT rocket

The RPG-32 multipurpose grenade launcher was developed between 2005 and 2007 by Russian state-owned FGUP 'Bazalt' organization on request and under contract from Jordan. First RPG-32 'Hashim' grenade launchers will be delivered to Jordan from Russia in 2008, but it is planned that mass production of RPG-32 and its ammunition will be conducted in Jordan under license at the JRESCO factory. The RPG-32 is a modular weapon that inherited proven and successful solutions in design of the weapon and rockets from earlier Russian grenade launchers, and it can be used to successfully engage and destroy a wide variety of battlefield targets, from modern main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers to bunkers, military equipment and troops in defilade or in the open. This versatility is achieved by using as much as four types of ammunition in one weapon - two types of 105mm rockets and two types of smaller and lighter 72mm rockets. In each caliber, there's a HEAT rocket (with tandem warhead in 105mm caliber, optimized against ERA-equipped tanks) and a FAE / thermobaric rocket with enhanced fragmentation effect, optimized against lightly armored and soft targets.

The RPG-32 multipurpose grenade launcher consists of a short, reusable launcher tube with grips, firing controls and sight mount, detachable collimating sight and disposable ammunition containers, which are pre-loaded at the factory and attached to the rear end of the launcher before firing. Once rocket is fired , the empty container is detached from the launcher and discarded. There are four types of rockets available for RPG-32, all ballistically matched to the maximum range - two in 105mm caliber and two in 72mm caliber. All use solid-fuel rocket motors which burn out completely while rocket is still in the launcher, and all are stabilized in flight using switch-blade type folding fins at the rear. 

Glock 17, Ruger .22LR Revolver, Sniper Rifle at Subang Shooting

These are the weapons that I’ve used at the Subang Shooting Club. Liked the Sniper Rifle immensely. The view from the scope feels like in the game “Helo”. 

 

The Glock 17 is a bit too small for my hands. My pinky finger cannot get a good grip. Due to the kick of the 9mm, difficult to control the gun when firing. The Glock 21 would be a better choice for my hands.

The Ruger .22LR Revolver is a good practice gun. You can have a lots of fun using this revolver. Shoots 10 per reload.

MRO-A small disposable thermobaric grenade launcher / rocket-propelled flame-thrower (Russia)

MRO-A small rocket-propelled flame-thrower in ready to fire position

Caliber: 72.5mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 900 mm
Weight: 4.7 kg complete
Effective range: up to 90 m (maximum 450 meters)

The MRO-A small rocket-propelled thermobaric grenade / rocket-propelled flame-thrower is a derivative of the RPG-26 anti-tank rocket grenade (similar in concept to RShG-2 assault rocket grenade), with primary differences being the warhead(s) and sights. Instead of the HEAT warhead as in RPG-26, the MRO-A carries a Fuel-Air Explosive (thermobaric warhead in Russian nomenclature, as its primary kill effect is achieved by high temperature and blast pressure wave) warhead which is intended against softskinned and lightly armored vehicles, buildings, military installations and enemy personnel in defilade or in the open. There also are two other versions of the MRO, the MRO-D with smoke warhead and MRO-Z with incendiary warhead. It was adopted by Russian army in around 2002, and is issued to Chemical troops in the Russian army, to supplement larger and more powerful RPO-A weapons. MRO-A is also offered for export.

The MRO-2 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The single-piece smoothbore barrel / container is made of fiberglass. The rocket is contained in the barrel tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, made of rubber; those covers shall not be removed manually and are destroyed during the rocket launch. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the safety lever and exposing the trigger button; lowering the lever de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brought back to safe mode if the there's no immediate target. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with four switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel. The sights are similar to that used on RPO-A (with fixed front and folding, ladder type diopter rear), and there's a folding forward grip under the barrel.

"Balkan" 6G27 automatic grenade launcher (Russia)

Picture 1: "Balkan" automatic grenade launcher

Picture 2: "Balkan" automatic grenade launcher, with belt drum attached
Picture 3: 7P39 40mm caseless ammunition for "Balkan" automatic grenade launcher loaded in belt
Picture 4: 7P39 40mm caseless grenade: cut-out view and rear view (right)

Caliber: 40mm
Type: automatic grenade launcher
Overall length: n/a
Weight: 32 kg unloaded on tripod + 14 kg loaded box with 20 rounds
Effective range: up to 2500 m
Rate of fire: 400 rounds per minute

The development of a new Soviet automatic grenade launcher, which should have been more powerful than then (and now) standard AGS-17, was initiated in about 1980. New weapon was developed along with the new 40mm 'caseless' grenade ammunition, similar in concept to the VOG-25 rounds developed for GP-25 underbarrel grenade launcher, but of large size and thus more powerful. The development was conducted between Central Bureau of Sporting and Hunting guns (TSKIB SOO) in Tula, which was responsible for weapon, and GNPP "Pribor", which was responsible for ammunition. Early prototypes were known as TKB-0134, but during late eighties its development stalled due to poor economical situation and general turmoil caused by the dissolution of the Soviet Union. During early 1990s the project was resurrected under the 'Balkan' codename, and its development then dragged on slowly for almost 20 years. It seems that this slow development now is almost complete, as recently (summer 2008) GNPP "Pribor", which is now a prime contractor for 'Balkan' project, has demonstrated prototype of the 6G27 40mm grenade launcher and associated 7P39 40mm caseless ammunition during IDELF-2008 military exhibition in Moscow. According to the manufacturer, the Balkan grenade launcher and its ammunition are now undergoing official Army trials and are almost ready for adoption and mass production. Compared to the current Russian 30mm automatic grenade launchers AGS-17 and AGS-30, the Balkan possess extended maximum range (2,500 meters as opposed to 1,700 meters for 30mm guns) and fires heavier grenade which is significantly more effective.

Reliable information about the design of the Balkan grenade launcher is not yet available, but it appears that it shares the basic design of the early TKB-0134 grenade launcher, and thus, unlike most other weapons in its class, is gas operated and uses rotary bolt locking. Balkan uses specially developed 40mm "caseless" ammunition. More properly, the cartridge case for propellant load is integral to the projectile and flies away through the barrel; powder gases emerge into the barrel through four apertures in the base of projectile, as in the small rocket). Since powder gases emerge directly into the barrel, Balkan's firing pin also serves as a gas piston; after the discharge, gas pressure in the barrel forces the firing pin back. Since the firing pin is rigidly connected to the bolt carrier, this causes bolt carrier to retract, and in turn to rotate and unlock the bolt. Once the bolt is unlocked, the bolt group is free to recoil under the residual pressure and accumulated inertia of the bolt carrier. Gun fires from open bolt. Feed is from special disintegrating belts, from right side. Belts are factory-loaded and supplied to troops in special canisters, each holding two belts with 40 rounds. For combat use, belts are loaded into 20-round drum containers, which are attached to the right side of the gun. Firing controls include dual horizontal spade grips with thumb trigger in the middle, and a large cocking handle on the right side of the weapon. Balkan is equipped with optical sight and also can have back-up iron sights. The standard mounting is a tripod, inherited from AGS-17 and improved with introduction of the gunner's seat at the rear. It is possible that, once adopted, the Balkan grenade launcher will also be installed on various vehicle mountings as well.

Milkor MGL Mk.1 40mm grenade launcher (South Africa)

Picture 1: Milkor MGL Mk.1 grenade launcher 


Picture 2: Milkor MGL-140 grenade launcher, with longer cylinder and Picatinny type accessory rails 

Picture 3: Milkor MGL-140 in action 

	Milkor MGL Mk.1 / Mk.1S	Milkor MGL-140
Caliber	40x46mm
Type	multi-shot revolver
Overall length, shoulder rest open/folded	730 / 630 mm	787 / 661 mm
Weight	5.3 kg empty (5.6 kg Mk. 1S)	6 kg empty
Effective range	150 m point targets; up to 400 m area targets
Capacity	6 rounds

The Milkor MGL six-shot 40mm grenade launcher is the world's first mass-produced multi-shot 40mm hand-held weapon. Developed by the South-African company Milkor, it entered production in 1983, and served with South-African National Defense Forces for more than twenty years. Since the 1996, an improved version of the basic design entered the production, it has been designated MGL Mk.1. The Milkor MGL is also used by more than twenty other countries worldwide. Milkor MGL offers significant firepower increase, compared to US-made M79 single shot 40mm launcher. The rapid-fire capability (six shots in less than three seconds) is essential in ambush situations and in quick-pacing urban warfare. The Milkor Mk.1 is now offered for export, and an almost exact copy of Mk1, is manufactured in Croatia by the RH Alan company as RGB-6. The most recent modifications of the Mk.1 launcher, which are manufactured and offered in USA under license by the Milkor Marketing Inc., are the Milkor Mk.1S and Milkor MK-140. These two launchers differ from original Mk.1 by having stronger, stainless steel frame (as opposed to the original aluminum frame), as well as by having four Picatinny-type accessory rails around the barrel. The difference between Mk.1S and Mk-140 is the length of the cylinder - while Mk.1S retains the original cylinder, the Mk-140 has a longer cylinder, which can accommodate a wider variety of the less-lethal 40mm ammunition, which usually has longer warheads. Both types also an fire all standard 40x46mm 'lethal' ammunition, including HE, HE-FRAG, HEDP and others.

The Milkor Mk.1 is a revolver type, hand-held grenade launcher. The six-shot cylinder is rotated by the clockwork-type spring for each shot. Spring is wound manually during the reloading. For reloading, the rear part of the frame (along with the pistol grip) is unlocked and then rotated sideways around the top strut of the frame, until the chambers in the cylinder are exposed for reloading. Once cylinder is reloaded, the rear part of the frame is rotated back and locked into position. The double-action firing mechanism has a manual safety above the pistol grip. All Mk.1 launchers are fitted with the red-dot type sight, with range scale. Modern versions, M.1S and Mk.1L, also can be fitted with other types of sighting equipment, using Picatinny rail on the top of the barrel. The top folding shoulder stock has a rubber recoil pad.

XM25 grenade launcher / air bursting assault weapon (USA)

Picture 1: XM25 grenade launcher prototype (possibly mock-up)

Picture 2: another XM25 grenade launcher mock-up

Picture 3: XM25 mock-up demonstrator

Picture 4: 25mm ammunition for XM25: left TP (practice), right HEAB (air bursting) 

Caliber: 25mm
Type: semiautomatic, magazine fed 
Overall length: n/a
Weight: less than 5.45 kg (12 lbs) unloaded
Effective range: up to 500 m against point targets, up to 700 m against area targets
Magazine capacity: 6 rounds

The XM25 is being developed by the ATK corporation of USA, with the help of the famous German arms manufacturer Heckler und Koch. The XM25 semiautomatic grenade launcher (air bursting assault weapon in the manufacturer's terms) is a direct result of the American XM29 OICW program, which has been suspended in 2004 due to impossibility of reaching weight goals, and subsequently split up into two OICW Block 1 systems - the XM8 5.56mm modular carbine, and the XM25 25mm semiautomatic grenade launcher, along with XM104 target acquisition / fire control system (FA/FCS, also known as 'computerized sight'). It is possible that in the future the XM8, XM25 and XM104 will be again combined into single modular system. However, current plans are to produce and test XM25/XM104 system as a stand-alone weapon, which will greatly improve the firepower of every infantry squad. The 25mm HEAB (High Explosive Air Burst) programmable ammunition will have at least three times longer effective range against point target, when compared with current 40mm systems such as M203 single-shot or Milkor Mk.1 multi-shot grenade launchers. It also will improve lethality and hit probability thanks to the rage-finding day/night sight, combined with ballistic computer, which will automatically pre-set the aiming reticule in the sight for measured range and program the 25mm grenades to explode in air exactly over or next to the target. The point-detonating capability also will be retained for back-up or anti-vehicle operations. The 25mm ammunition, used in XM25, will share the HEAB warheads with the 25mm crew-served XM307 OCSW weapon, but the cartridge will be shorter, to provide slower velocity and less recoil. XM25 also will be provided with other than HEAB ammunition options, such as FAE/thermobaric and HEAT (armor piercing, with penetration up to 50mm/2inch of RHA) point-detonating warheads for anti-personnel and anti-vehicle use, as well as canister flechette rounds (loaded with multiple steel darts for close combat). Training and less-lethal ammunition also is planned for XM25.

As the XM25 is a stand-alone weapon, its operator (grenadier) will have to carry an additional personal defense weapon, such as pistol or a carbine. Current plans are to issue about two XM25 weapons to infantry squad. It also must be noted that XM25 will not replace neither M249 SAW / light machine guns, nor the 40mm underbarrel grenade launchers (current issue M203 or proposed XM320 single shot add-on shot weapons).

The XM25 is a gas operated, rotating bolt, semiautomatic weapon. It is designed using bullpup layout, with the magazine and bolt located in the buttstock. The weapon housing is made from impact-resistant polymer. The ejection windows for spent cartridge cases are located on both sides of weapon; at any moment, however, only one ejection window is used, the other being closed by the integral dust cover. This, along with ambidextrous controls, allows the operator to fire XM25 from either shoulder, as required. The top of the weapon is fitted with the rail and electronic interface, and will accept XM104 TA/FCS sight unit. The interface is required to provide range information for programming unit, which sets up the grenade airburst fuse at the instant of firing. The XM104 sighting unit is battery-operated, but, shall it fail due to battery run-out or damage, the XM25 could still be used as a direct-fire weapon with the grenades automatically set to point-impact detonation mode. The additional fire mode, rangefinding and sight control buttons are located at the front of the enlarged triggerguard. XM25 uses detachable, single stack magazines, which hold 6 rounds. 

 

M72 LAW antitank rocket launcher (USA)

Picture 1: M72 LAW rocket launcher in extended (ready to fire) position and the M72 HEAT rocket / grenade in in-flight configuration, with tail fins extended

Picture 2: M72 LAW launcher in ready to fire (top) and storage / transport (bottom) configurations

Picture 3: Firing the M72 LAW weapon

	M72 trough M72A3	M72A4 through M72A7 'Improved LAW'
Caliber	66 mm
Type	rocket launcher
Weight	2.5 kg	3.5 kg
Overall length (launcher open / closed)	899 / 665 mm	980 / 775 mm
Effective range	up to 150-170 meters	up to 350 meters
Armour penetration	up to 300 mm for M72A3	350 mm for M72A4 150 mm for M72A6/A7

US Army started its search for an inexpensive, simple and effective one-man lightweight antitank weapon (LAW) in the middle 1950s. By the 1961, the Hesse Eastern Co developed a shoulder fired, disposable rocket launcher with HEAT warhead, which has been adopted by US armed forces as the M72 LAW. Based on the idea, first brought up by Germans during the WW2, the LAW provided individual infantrymen with lightweight, recoilless, disposable weapon, which was extremely simple to operate, and effective against armored vehicles and many types of field entrenchments and light fortifications. Widely used in Vietnam and in other smaller wars, M72 LAW provided soldiers with additional firepower. Adopted by several other countries, the M72 LAW is now being offered in the 'Improved LAW' versions by the Talley Defense Systems Co (USA), which offer longer effective range and better effectiveness against modern treats.

All weapons in the M72 family are of same basic design, and differ mostly in projectile and rocket engine types, as well as in safety measures. The M72 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The smoothbore barrel / container is made from two parts, aluminum inner tube and fiberglass outer tube. The inner tube is telescoped into the outer tube in storage / transport position, and is pulled out and to the rear prior to firing. The rocket is contained in the inner tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon, at least 15 meters (45 ft) long. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, which are opened automatically when inner tube is pulled out. This movement (opening of the launcher tube) also automatically cocks the firing mechanist and extends the open sights. The 'Improved LAW' series weapons have longer barrel tubes to accommodate longer warheads and more powerful rockets. The M72A4 and M72A5 warheads are optimized for greater armor penetration and are better suited for use against the tanks, while M72A6 and A7 warheads are optimized against targets such as APC / MICW vehicles, with lesser penetration but more significant behind the armor blast / kill effect.

 

AT4 / M136 antitank grenade launcher (Sweden)

Picture 1: AT4 launcher tube (fired) and grenade in in-flight configuration, with stabilizator fins extended 


Picture 2: US-made M136 / AT4 launcher, fitted with removable night sight

Picture 3: AT4 in action

Caliber: 84mm
Type: recoilless launch 
Overall length: 1040 mm
Weight: 7.5 kg
Effective range: up to 150 meters against moving targets, about 300 meters against stationary targets
Armour penetration: 500+ mm

The AT4 recoilless antitank weapon is a joint effort of the Saab Bofors Dynamics AB (Sweden) and ATK Inc (USA). developed in early 1980s, the AT4 has been adopted by US armed forces as M136 LAW (Light Antitank Weapon, generally replacing earlier M72 LAW), and also is used in Sweden, Brazil, Ireland and few other countries. The AT4 is manufactured in USA and Sweden.

AT4 is a disposable, single shot, recoilless weapon, available in several versions, which differ mostly in the type of warhead. The original 84mm HEAT warhead for AT4 has been "borrowed' from Carl Gustaf M2 recoilless rifle, but, unlike the Carl Gustaf, there's no separate round of ammunition to load into barrel - instead, the entire weapon resembles the one round of ammunition, along with firing and safety mechanism, polymer smoothbore barrel / container, and open sights. To improve accuracy and effectiveness, each unit can be fitted with quick-detachable sight mount.

The AT4 is a typical recoilless weapon, which uses a charge of propellant (gun powder), located inside the open barrel. Both front and rear ends of the barrel are closed with covers, which are destroyed when gun is fired. When weapon is fired, the gas pressure pushes the projectile (fin-stabilized warhead) out of the barrel, while the backblast from the rear part of the open barrel counters any recoil. To allow the soldiers to fire such weapons from confined spaces, SAAB Bofors developed the AT4CS version of the weapon. AT4CS features a counter-mass (some amount of liquid) in the rear part of the barrel, which is pushed back and partly evaporated upon the fire, compensating for the recoil, and effectively blocking the backblast. The standard sights are mounted on folding bases and are factory preset for 200 meters range, with single diopter rear and front post with two additional lead posts for firing at moving targets. For transportation, sights are folded and protected by sliding covers. The firing unit is mounted at the top of the barrel, with manual cocking lever, manual safety switch and a button-type trigger. The projectile itself has a warhead and a tail unit, with front-folding stabilization fins and a tracer unit. Standard warhead is of HEAT type, with shaped charge high explosive filling. There are other types of warheads available for AT4, such as HEDP (used against vehicles with thin armor and infantry, available as AT4 LMAW). 

Carl Gustaf antitank recoilless rifle (Sweden)

Picture 1: Carl-Gustaf M2 (Swedish designation m/48) antitank recoilless rifle

Picture 2: Carl-Gustaf M3 (Swedish designation m/86) antitank recoilless rifle

Picture 3: Carl-Gustaf M2 recoilless rifle / launcher with the breech open for loading

Picture 4: Canadian soldier reloads the Carl-Gustaf M3 recoilless rifle

Picture 5: Just two types of many dozens of different 84mm rounds - the rocket-boosted HEAT round at left, and the HE-FRAG round at right, both made in Belgium by Mecar.

	Carl Gustaf m/48 - M2	Carl Gustaf m/86 - M3
Caliber	84 mm	84 mm
Type	recoilless	recoilless ( + rocket booster on some types of ammunition)
Overall length	1130 mm	1130 mm
Weight, empty w. telescope sight	14 kg	9.5 kg
Effective range	150  meters against tanks 700 meters against stationary targets	150  meters against tanks 700 meters against stationary targets 1000 meters against stationary targets with rocket-boosted ammunition
Armour penetration	up to 400 mm	ERA + more than 500 mm

Swedish arms designers began to experiment with recoilless antitank rifles in early 1940s. Their first design, a shoulder-fired, single shot weapon, fired a 20mm solid projectile from a rifled barrel. This design has been adopted by Swedish army in 1942 as the m/42, but its small-caliber solid projectile was hardly effective against the new tanks, which emerged during the Second World war. By the mid-1940s, Swedish designers adopted the idea of the shaped-charge HEAT ammunition, and by the 1946 produced their first prototype of the large-caliber recoilless rifle, which fired HEAT grenades. This single-shot, shoulder fired weapon quickly evolved into the "Granatgevär 8.4cm m/48 Carl-Gustaf", or "Grenade rifle, caliber 84mm, model of 1948". This simple and effective weapon attracted significant interest and has been adopted by a significant number of military forces around the world. Other than Sweden, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles were adopted by Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, USA and several other countries. Initial production was by the FFV factories, latter transferred to the SAAB-Bofors Dynamics AB, which is the current manufacturer of both M3 rifle and 84mm ammunition. The ammunition also is manufactured in several countries which use the Carl-Gustaf launchers, including the Belgium and India.

While the Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle / launcher was initially devised as an antitank weapon, its tactical role was quickly expanded with adoption of various other types of ammunition, such as high-explosive fragmentation rounds, close-defense shrapnel-type rounds, smoke, illumination and several other types of warheads. In fact, the Carl-Gustaf series recoilless rifles / launchers are among the most versatile weapons of the "one man artillery" type, extremely popular and widely used. Their only drawback is the bulk and weight of the launcher itself, which is significantly heavier than its major rival, the venerable RPG-7 antitank grenade launcher.

The Carl-Gustaf series recoilless rifles / launchers are single shot, breech loading weapons with rifled barrels. Unitary ammunition of 84mm caliber is loaded into aluminum cases with open bottoms, closed by plastic pressure discs. The primers are located at the side of the cartridge case, so the round must be properly aligned in the bore upon the loading. To achieve that, the case rim has a special indexing recess. Most types of projectiles are just warheads which are "blown out" of the barrel by the propellant charge, but some most recently developed types of ammunition has built-in rocket boosters, which are ignited as the round reaches safe distance from the shooter, greatly improving the maximum effective range. The rear part of the barrel is fitted with venturi nozzle, which is hinged to allow loading of the ammunition and ejection of the fired cases or unfired rounds. The M2 (m/48) barrels are made from steel, and the M3 (m/86) barrels are made from thin steel liners enclosed into polymer wrapping, so the M3 launcher is significantly lighter. The firing unit consists of the pistol grip with the trigger and manual safety, which is linked to the ignition module at the rear of the weapon by the tube, located below and to the right of the barrel. Under the barrel, there's also a shoulder rest, an adjustable bipod, and a front support grip. The Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifles / launchers are fitted with folding open sights, located at the left side of the barrel, but usually issued with telescope sight of 2X or 3X magnification, which has range-finding reticule and can be adjusted for temperature and wing conditions.

Standard crew for Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle / launcher is two men, shooter and loader. Ammunition is usually carried in special plastic containers, which hold two types of ammunition each. Most modern HEAT rounds for Carl-Gustaf feature either single or a tandem shaped-charge warhead, and a rocket booster for increased range, and can penetrate up to 500 mm of armor behind the ERA protection.