Heckler & Koch AG36
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Heckler & Koch AG36 40mm | |
|---|---|
 AG36 grenade launcher |
|
| Type | Grenade launcher |
| Place of origin |  Germany |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Germany, Latvia, U.K as UGL |
| Wars | Afghanistan War, Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Heckler & Koch |
| Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (3.31 lb) |
| Length | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Barrel length | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Width | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Height | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
|
|
|
| Cartridge | 40x46mm |
| Action | Breech-loaded, tilting barrel |
| Rate of fire | Single shot |
The AG36 is a single shot 40 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 XM8 and FN SCAR rifles.
Contents |
[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 40x46mm rounds, including plastic training rounds, flexible baton rounds, CS gas, and OC (oleoresin capsicum, the same chemical used in pepper spray) gas cartridges, white phosphorus, and high explosive rounds.
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.
The AG36 is a part of Germany's Infantryman of the future program.
Unlike 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. In 2006, the United States Army adopted the XM320 grenade launcher, which is derived from the AG36 design.
A further version is known as the AG-C.
[edit] Specifications
- Caliber: 40x46mm
- Weight: 1.49 kg (3.30 lb)(unloaded)
- Width: 89 mm (3.50 inches )
- Barrel length: 279mm (11.00 inches)
- Overall length: 353mm (13.90 inches)
[edit] See also
- M203 grenade launcher - US product
- GP-30 - Russian product
- XM320 Grenade Launcher Module
- British Army UGL
