Vektor Y3 AGL

Vektor Y3 AGL

Y3 AGL showing optical sight and 20 round feeding box.
Type Grenade launcher
Place of origin  South Africa
Service history
Used by SANDF[1]
Production history
Designer Denel Land Systems
Specifications
Weight 32 kg = 70.56 lb (weapon),
18 kg = 39.7 lb (tripod)
Length 844 mm (33.23 in)
Barrel length 300 mm (11.8 in)
Width 281 mm (11.06 in)
Height 267 mm (10.5 in)
Cartridge 40 mm grenade
Action long recoil
Rate of fire 280–320 rounds/min = about 5/sec
Muzzle velocity 242 m/s (540 mph)
Maximum range 2200 m (1.37 miles)
Feed system 20 round belt
Sights optical or electronic (ballistic computer)

The Y3 is a South African automatic grenade launcher manufactured by Denel Land Systems. It fires 40x53mm grenades at a rate of 280–320 rounds per minute[2].

It can be vehicle mounted using a special bracket or used with a tripod.[2]. The weapon (with tripod) is man portable by a team of 3

The Y3 appeared first to the public in 2003 during a Defence Systems & Equipment international exhibition (DSEi) show in the UK.[3]

Contents

Electronic sight

Because of trajectory of 40 mm grenades, the target might be out of sight when the weapon is used for indirect fire. If the coordinates are known (calculated from observation post) this ballistic computer can determine the launcher's aim taking its position and tilt into account[4].

Ammunition

Rheinmetall Denel Munitions produces a range of "high velocity" 40 grenades (40 x 53 mm as opposed to standard 40 x 46 mm)[5].

High Explosive (HE)
Designed for used against vehicles and personnel (with a casualty radius of 5 m)
High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP)
This round has some armour piercing capability (50 mm armour, 350 mm concrete) and is designed for use against vehicles and fortifications.
Practice
This round produces a flash and smoke intended for realistic simulations and training.
Target Practice Tracer
Similar to the Practice round, but producing a visible light trail similar to tracer ammunition.
Target Practice
This round is inert and has the same ballistic properties as the HE and HE DP rounds.

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.army.mil.za/equipment/weaponsystems/infantry/Y2_Y3_Grenade_Launchers.htm
  2. ^ a b Official Vektor Y3 AGL Site. Retrieved on May 14, 2008.
  3. ^ DSEi 2003. Retrieved on May 14, 2008.
  4. ^ Automatic grenade launchers: new automatic 40 mm grenade launchers and ammunition are being produced as armies seek to bolster the firepower of infantry units deployed in the War on Terror. Much of this renewed interest results from experience gathered in Afghanistan and Iraq. Retrieved on May 14, 2008.
  5. ^ 남아공산 40mm 자동유탄발사기 Vektor Y3 AGL. Retrieved on May 14, 2008. (Korean)