AG36
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The AG36 is a single shot 40 mm x 46 mm grenade launcher for the G36 assault rifle, designed by the German weapons manufacturing company Heckler & Koch. It originally appeared as Heckler & Koch's candidate for the US Army's Enhanced Grenade Launcher testing series for use with the XM-8 and FN SCAR rifles.
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[edit] Overview
As in many modern weapon systems including the G36 series, extensive use of polymers and high strength aluminium in the AG36 launcher contributes to its low mass and durability. It is capable of firing almost all 40 mm x 46 mm rounds, including plastic training rounds, flexible baton rounds, CS gas, and OC (oleoresin capsicum, the same chemical used in pepper spray) gas cartridges, WP/HE (white phosphorus/high explosive) and HE grenades.
As is commonly mistaken, the "A" is not an addition to the name "G36" which is short for "Gewehr Model 36" but in fact its name is an abbreviation of the German Anbaugranatwerfer literally meaning "attached grenade launcher" and the 36 coming from the name of the primary weapon it was designed to enhance, the G36.
Contrary to its American counterpart, the M203, the AG36 swings out laterally for loading, allowing for the use of longer rounds when necessary, e.g. baton or flare rounds, and has a standard pistol grip available. It can also be fitted to the M16, Diemaco C7/C8.
It was accepted for service by the British Army as the L17A1/A2, for use on their L85A2 IW (Individual Weapon) infantry rifles, they were purchased to replace the section 51 mm Light Mortar.
An improved version is known as the AG-C.
[edit] Specifications
- Caliber: 40 mm x 46 mm
- Weight: 3.30 lb (1.49 kg)(unloaded)
- Width: 3.50 inches (89 mm)
- Barrel length: 11.00 inches (279mm)
- Overall length: 13.90 inches (353mm)
[edit] In video games
The AG36 appears as a weapon in the video game Far Cry but only fires explosive rounds and not any other kinds of ammunition. A modified AG36 also appears in Perfect Dark on an XM8. This version has a magazine with a similar appearance to a shorty-M16 magazine. It made a return in Perfect Dark Zero on a G36. Also the AG36 features as the grenade launcher on the L85A2 in Battlefield 2 : Euro Force and again on the L85A2 in the "Project:UK Forces" modification for Operation Flashpoint Resistance.
