Sunday, 17 May 2009
cutted pic problem
Saturday, 16 May 2009
AMSD OM 50 Nemesis sniper rifle (Switzerland)
OM 50 Nemesis rifle, prototype
image: AMSD, Switzerland
OM 50 Nemesis Mk III rifle (production version) with replacement barrels and silencer (shown next to the rifle)
image: AMSD, Switzerland
| OM 50 Nemesis Mk I | OM 50 Nemesis Mk II | OM 50 Nemesis Mk III | |
| Caliber | .50 BMG (12,7x99) | ||
| Operation: | bolt action, single shot | bolt action, magazine-fed repeater | |
| Overall length | from 1029 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1562 mm (with 838mm barrel) | buttstock fully extended: from 1029 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1562 mm (with 838mm barrel) buttstock folded: from 774 mm (with 381mm barrel) to 1232 mm (with 838mm barrel) | |
| Barrel length | 381 to 838 mm (15" to 33"), changeable | ||
| Weight, empty | 10 to 15 kg, depending on installed barrel | ||
| Feed system | single shot | 5-round detachable box magazine | |
The concept, for what later became the "Nemesis" large caliber sniper rifle, was devised in 2001 by two former military, the retired US Marine Corps officer, James Owens and the Swiss Chris Movigliatti. First prototype was tested only 3 months after the design inception. In 2003, first production batch of rifles was made by AMSD, a Swiss company, highly specialized in the design of precision military light armament. The new weapon was officially christened as the OM 50 Nemesis (OM standing for names of the designers, 50 for caliber and Nemesis for the ancient Greek goddess of justice and vengeance).
The prime niche for this new weapon is precision anti-material shooting for military and police applications. The weapon can be configured as well for urban warfare as for long range target operations. A civilian version exists also for long range precision shooting. For this reason, the OM 50 Nemesis rifle features a fully modular design with three basic versions, known as Mk I, MK II and Mk III respectively. Each of these versions can be fitted with a variety of quick-change barrels, of different profiles and lengths, as well as with different add-ons (high efficiency muzzle brakes or detachable silencers / sound moderators). Barrel lengths vary from 381 mm / 15 inches for short range (urban) shooting against hardened targets and up to 838 mm / 33 inches for accurate long-range shooting. Barrel change can be accomplished in the field in less than 2 minutes, using a DIN screwdriver.
All OM 50 Nemesis rifles are built around the same aviation grade aluminum-alloy receiver and (steel) bolt group with a manually operated, rotary bolt. Bolt heads lock directly into the barrel extension with three radial lugs, relieving receiver from most of the stress and providing constant headspace, needing no adjustment. Barrels are free-floated, and are held in the receiver by a set of cross-screws. Trigger is of two-stage type, fully adjustable. The forend is attached to the receiver. Top of receiver is provided with one or more Picatinny type rails which can accept a variety of telescope and other accessories (laser; Night Sight; light). The top rail can be delivered with a 20 MOA to 40 MOA angle.
The OM 50 Nemesis Mk I has a manual feeding block, and features an adjustable fixed buttstock. It can be upgraded to the OM 50 Mk II configuration by taking out the manual feeding block and replacing/adding (1) the 5-round detachable box magazine, (2) the side-folding adjustable buttstock, (3) the folding bipod (attached to forend) and (4) the rear folding monopod (attached to the buttstock). Further upgrade, which includes extended forend with additional Picatinny rails, constitutes the OM 50 Mk III configuration. Depending on the mission, a particular version of the OM 50 Nemesis can be easily converted by the operator to another (up and down), with installation or deinstallation of necessary parts and modules.
Accuracy of the OM 50 rifles in field (real-life) conditions is described as 0,5 MOA at 300 meters and sub 1 MOA at 1000 meters; in testing, while fired by an experienced USMC sniper, OM 50 rifle shot 6x5 cm (about 2 1/2 inch) groups at 1000 yards (911 meters), which accounts for sub 0,25 MOA accuracy. The gun has already been commissioned with various police and military special operation forces.
Special thanks to Christian R. Vermeulen (Switzerland) for information
GM-94 grenade launcher (Russia)
GM-94 grenade launcher in ready position
GM-94 launcher with barrel opened forward for reloading, and shoulder stock folded
Caliber: 43mm
Type: multi-shot, manually reloading, cartridge firing
Overall length: 810 mm (540mm with shoulder stock folded)
Weight: 4.8 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 300 m
Magazine capacity: 3 rounds
GM-94 grenade launcher is a relatively recent development of famous Rusian KBP design bureau, located in the city of Tula. It is intended mostly for various Spetsnaz elements of Russian army, FSB (Federal Security service) and MVD (Internal Affairs Ministry). GM-94 is a weapon for urban warfare - its main goal is to provide troops with short and very short range weapon firing high explosive and non-lethal (tear gas) shells. It uses proprietary 43mm ammunition, available in several loadings, with non-fragmenting HE (FAE / thermobaric) warhead, les-lethal (tear gas canister or rubber slug), and several others. The key feature of HE warhead is that it is made mostly of plastic, and its primary kill effect is achieved by the blast (high temperature and high pressure). Kill radius is said to be about 3 meters, while safe standoff (minimal range of fire) range is only few meters more. Therefore, such ammunition can be safely used during room-to-room searches from very short range, without the danger of hitting the operator or his teammates with occasional fragments.
GM-94 is manually operated, magazine fed weapon. Tubular magazine holds three rounds and is located above the barrel. Magazine loading gate is located at the top of the receiver. The sliding, rifled barrel is located below the receiver. Breech of the weapon is stationary, and for reloading barrel is moved forward (to eject spent case), then moved rearward to load fresh round from magazine above. Barrel is enclosed into polymer heatshield / handguard. GM-94 is fitted with double-action trigger and manual safety. Sights are of open type, with flip-up rear. Shoulder stock is made from steel tube and is fitted with rubber buttpad. For more compact transportation and storage shoulder stock can be folded up and forward. In emergency situations GM-94 can be fired with shoulder stock folded, from off-hand position. Alternatively, GM-94 can be supplied with fixed, skeleton type buttstock made of plastic.
43mm VGM-93 grenade weights about 250 gram and contains up to 160 gram of thermobaric explosive mixture. Muzzle velocity is about 85 m/s. With direct hit, it can destroy armor plates up to 8mm (~1/3 of an inch) thick.
AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher (Russia / USSR)
AGS-17 grenade launcher on 6T8 tripod
AGS-17 grenade launcher, close-up view
Close-up view on the receiver of AGS-17. Clearly visible are dual grips, optical sights, ballistic table (printed on the receiver top cover) and charging handle (hanging on the short steel cable from the rear of the receiver).
Caliber: 30x29B
Type: blowback operated, belt fed automatic grenade launcher
Overall length: 840 mm
Weight: 18 kg gun plus 12 kg tripod 6T8
Effective range: up to 800 m point targets; 1700 m maximum range
Rate of fire: 350-400 rounds per minute
Development of the AGS-17 (Avtomatischeskyi Granatmyot Stankovyi - Automatic Grenade launcher, Mounted) has been started USSR during in 1967 by the OKB-16 design bureau (now it is famous KBP - Instrument Design Bureau, located in the city of Tula). Most probably, its development was inspired by the Soviet-Chinese border clashes of late 1960s, as well as initial experience with several US automatic grenade launchers, learned from North Vietnamese troops who often were on receiving end of these formidable weapons. It was through that the automatic grenade launcher is one of the most effective infantry support weapons against typical Chinese "human wave" attacks. This lightweight weapon was to provide infantry with close to medium range fire support against enemy personnel and unarmored targets like trucks and other such equipment. First prototypes of new weapon entered trials in 1969, and mass production commenced in 1971. At the same timeframe, the special heliborne version AG-17 was developed for installation on Mi-24 Hind gunship helicopters. Never used against Chinese, AGS-17 was widely used by Soviet troops in Afghanistan as a ground support weapon or as a vehicle weapon on improvised mounts installed on armored personnel carriers and trucks. It is still in use with Russian army as a direct fire support weapon for infantry troops; it is also installed in several vehicle mounts and turrets along with machine guns, guided rocket launchers and sighting equipment. A special airborne version AG-17A was installed in door mounts of several Mi-8 Hip combat transport helicopters, and on gun pods used on late model Mi-24 Hind gunships; this weapon had thick aluminium jacket on the barrel and used a special mount and electric remotely controlled trigger.
AGS-17 may look inferior ballistically to its major rival, American Mk.19 mod.3 grenade launcher, as it has somewhat lighter grenade with smaller muzzle velocity and slightly shorter range; the selection of available ammunition is also much less versatile as the only mass-made 30mm rounds for AGS-17 are VOG-17 and improved VOG-30, fragmentation antipersonnel grenades with lethal damage / kill zone radius of about 7-9 meters. However, in ready to fire position AGS-17 is almost two times lighter than Mk.19 mod.3 and thus can be easily moved and maneuvered across the battlefield by the crew of two men.
AGS-17 is manufactured in Russia by the Molot Engineering Plant JSC, as well as in China by state factories and in Serbia (former Yugoslavia).
"Balkan" 6G27 automatic grenade launcher (Russia)
"Balkan" automatic grenade launcher
"Balkan" automatic grenade launcher, with belt drum attached
7P39 40mm caseless ammunition for "Balkan" automatic grenade launcher loaded in belt
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.
AGS-30 grenade launcher / machine gun (Russia)
AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher on standard tripod; the vertical projection installed on tripod at the right side hosts folding carrying handle which allows to haul the weapon over the battlefield in ready to fire position.
Russian soldier fires the AGS-30 grenade launcher
Caliber: 30x29B
Type: blowback operated, belt fed automatic grenade launcher
Overall length: 1100 mm
Weight: 16 kg gun complete with tripod
Effective range: up to 800 m point targets; 1700 m maximum range
Rate of fire: 400 rounds per minute
AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher has been developed by the famous KBP (Instrument Design Bureau) as a more lightweight alternative to the already proven and successful AGS-17 weapon of same caliber. Development started in early 1990s, with first produced weapons appearing by 1999. Today AGS-30 is being manufactured by ZID factory in the city of Kovrov (Russia) and is being issued to Russian army and several special purpose Internal Affairs Ministry units. Compared to AGS-17, AGS-30 is almost two times lighter (16 kg with tripod, 30 kg loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition in standard belt drum). It can be easily carried trough battlefield by a single man; its proprietary lightweight mounts provides wide arc of fire and allows for indirect fire at longer distances. This weapon is used mostly in infantry fire support applications, and also is installed on several Infantry Combat Vehicles of recent Russian manufacture. In vehicle applications, AGS-30 is usually installed in remotely controlled mounts or turrets, and is equipped with electric trigger unit.
AGS-30 is air cooled, belt fed, advanced primer ignition blowback operated grenade machine gun / launcher. AGS-30 fires from open bolt and uses non-disintegrating steel belts with open pockets. Upon the closing movement of the bolt, fresh round is pushed forward into the barrel from its loading position; empty cases are ejected to the bottom. AGS-30 is fed from special belt drums that hold 29 linked rounds, same as used in AGS-17. Loaded belt drum weights about 14 kg (31 lbs). Interestingly, spade grips are installed on the gun cradle integral to tripod, instead of the gun body; trigger is located at the right spade grip. AGS-30 can fire in single shots and full automatic modes. Standard sighting equipment is 2.7X magnification PAG-17 optical sight; backup iron sights also provided.
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 upscaled 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.
XM25 grenade launcher / air bursting assault weapon (USA)
XM25 grenade launcher prototype (possibly mock-up)
Image: ATK Corp.
another XM25 grenade launcher mock-up
XM25 mock-up demonstrator
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 reticle 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.DENEL PAW-20 "Neopup" handheld grenade launcher (South-Africa)
PAW-20 grenade launcher, right side. Note that it has dual Picatinny rails which host collimating (red dot) sight at left, and a laser pointer at right
PAW-20 with night vision sight and laser pointer. Note that magazine projects well below its housing
representative of DENEL Corp demonstrates PAW-20 weapon
20mm ammunition for PAW-20 grenade launcher (shown are High Explosive Incendiary rounds)
Caliber: 20x42
Type: semiautomatic, magazine fed
Overall length: 845 mm
Weight: 5.9 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 1000 m (area targets)
Magazine capacity: 7 rounds
PAW-20 (PAW stands for Personal Assault Weapon) is a most recent development of the South-African company Gemaco Elbree Pty Ltd, and is marketed by South African military corporation DENEL. Ammunition of new type, developed for PAW-20, is produced by the PMP - DENEL munitions. While in some advertising texts the PAW-20 was listed as a "new assault rifle", it is obviously not a true assault rifle, but, rather a semi-automatic grenade launcher, which is intended as an infantry support weapon. PAW-20 fires specially developed explosive ammunition of 20mm caliber, using relatively short, straight cartridge cases. Muzzle velocity is about 300 m/s, which is quite low by artillery standards but rather high by standards of hand-held grenade launchers. Intended targets for PAW-20 are infantry in the open and behind light covers, as well as unarmored or lightly armored vehicles and thin-walled buildings. While maximum effective range for PAW-20 is given as 1000 meters, it is obviously stated for "area" targets such as groups of soldiers; against point targets like cars or machine gun nests, effective range will be much less probably no more than 300-400 meters - unless gun will be used in conjunction with laser rangefinder and computerized sight with built-in ballistic calculator.
Standard ammunition at this time is available in HE, HE-I and TP (practice) variety, with other types being in development. Weight of the round warhead is listed as 105 gram, and it seems that new round consists of a standard 20mm projectile (as used in aircraft cannons) loaded into short, straight-walled case of 42mm length. All ammunition is point-detonating only, unlike the American XM-25, to which PAW-20 is a direct competitor.
PAW-20 is semiautomatic, gas operated weapon with rotary bolt locking. The entire barrel / bolt group is allowed to recoil within the polymer gun housing for about 75mm (3"), in attempt to decrease peak recoil down to manageable level. General layout of the gun is somewhat unusual as the pistol grip with the trigger is located at the right side of the receiver. Gun is fed from detachable box magazines which hold 7 rounds of ammunition. Empty cartridge cases are ejected through the window on the left side of the weapon, right in the front of the firer's face. Sighting equipment is installed on two Picatinny-type rails located in parallel at the top of the gun housing. Preferred sighting arrangement seems to be a red-dot type collimating sight, but other sight options also available
RPG-22 antitank disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade (USSR / Russia)
RPG-22 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade (drawing from original manual)
RPG-22 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade, cut-out sample
Caliber: 72.5 mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 755 / 850 mm
Weight: 2.7 kg complete
Effective range: up to 160 m
Armour penetration: ~400 mm RHA
The RPG-22 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade is an improved version of the earlier RPG-18 weapon. It was designed during late seventies and adopted by Soviet army in 1980. Production of the RPG-22 ceased in around 1993, as its penetration was found to be insufficient and it was replaced in production by more powerful RPG-26 rocket-propelled grenade. Due to the large stocks of the RPG-22, produced during its time, it served with Russian army for some more years, and few may still be stored somewhere in Russian army reserves. It also can be found in service with other armies of the ex-USSR countries. Key improvements of the RPG-22 over the RPG-18 included more powerful rocket motor, redesigned launcher tube and warhead of larger caliber, with bigger charge of explosive, to provide rougly 25% increase in armour piercing capability.
The RPG-22 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The smoothbore barrel / container is made from two parts, main tube and a telescoping forward extension, which slides over the barrel, both 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, 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 outer extension is pulled out. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the rear sight; lovering the rear sight de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brough 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, accelerating it to about 133 m/s. The shaped charge (HEAT) warhead is loaded with 360 gram of explosive charge, resulting in armor penetration of up to 400 mm of homogenous steel armor.
antitank disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade RPG-18 (USSR / Russia)
RPG-18 rocket-propelled grenade; top, launcher in ready to fire position, bottom - launcher in collapsed position, cut-out to show the grenade inside
Caliber: 64 mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 705 mm when stored, 1050 mm in ready to fire position
Weight: 2.6 kg complete
Effective range: up to 150 m
Armour penetration: ~ 300 mm RHA
The RPG-18 (Rocket Propelled Grenade in Soviet / Russian nomenclature, as it was considered as a single round of ammunition [grenade] rather than a weapon [grenade launcher]) was adopted by Soviet army in 1972. Most probably, its development was inspired by US-made M72 LAW disposable anti-tank weapons, which saw significant use during Vietnam war. Indeed, the RPG-18 bears more than passing resemblance to the M72 LAW in its design and appearance. The RPG-18 was produced for Soviet (and later Russian) army up until early 1990s, and is now obsolete.
The RPG-18 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 extends the folding open sights. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rotating the rear sight rear and then releasing it, so it springs back to vertical position. Once cocked, the firing mechanism cannot be set to safety, and the cocked grenade should be dischared into the safe direction if there's no 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, accelerating it to about 114 m/s. The shaped charge (HEAT) warhead is loaded with 312 gram of explosive charge, resulting in armor penetration of up to 300 mm (1 feet) of homogenous steel armor.
RPG-7 antitank grenade launcher (USSR / Russia)
RPG-7V antitank grenade launcher with PGO-7 telescope sight and a PG-7VM grenade in ready to load condition (with launch charge attached)
RPG-7D antitank grenade launcher (version for airborne troops), disassembled for transportation / airdrop
PG-7VM HEAT grenade cut-out
PG-7VL HEAT grenade
PG-7VR tandem (dual-warhead) HEAT grenade
TBG-7V Thermobaric (FAE) grenade
OG-7V fragmentation antipersonnel grenade (1999)
Caliber: 40 mm launcher; 40 and 70 - 105mm warheads (depending on the grenade model)
Type: recoilless launch + rocket booster
Overall length: 650 mm
Weight: 6.3 kg unloaded, with PGO-7 telescope sight
Effective range: 200-500 meters, depending on the grenade type
Some grenades, used in RPG-7 (Soviet/Russian origins)
| PG-7V | PG-7VL | PG-7VR | TBG-7V | OG-7V | |
| Year of adoption | 1961 | 1977 | 1988 | 1988 | 1999 |
| Warhead caliber, mm | 85 | 93 | 64 / 105 | 105 | 40 |
| Weight, kg | 2.2 | 2.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 2.0 |
| Effective range, meters | 500 | 500 | 200 | 200 | 350 |
| Armor penetration, mm | 260 | 500 | ERA + 600-700 | - | - |
The RPG-7 is a further development of the previous RPG-2 antitank grenade launcher. RPG-7, in its first version, known as RPG-7V, has been adopted by Soviet army in 1961, and still is widely fielded in Russia and at least 50 more countries. By far, RPG-7 can be considered as one of the most successful antitank grenade launchers ever made. Initially thought as an anti-armor weapon, it latter has been adopted for other fire-support missions by introduction of various types of grenades, such as anti-infantry HE-FRAG, multi-purpose Thermobaric / FAE, and some other types of ammunition. The antitank grenades for RPG-7 also came a long way, from original PG-7V grenade, with penetration of about 260mm/10inches of RHA, and up to 500mm/20inches of RHA or 1.5 meters/5ft of brick wall with single-warhead PG-7VL grenade, developed in 1977. By the late 1980s, a tandem-type PG-7VR grenade has been introduced. This grenade has two warheads and is intended against the most modern tanks, fitted with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor). Front warhead sets off the ERA, and second warhead then penetrates more than 600mm/24in of armor.
The RPG-7 is a shoulder fired, single-shot, smoothbore recoilless launcher. Grenades are loaded from the front, and the rear of the barrel is fitted with venturi nozzle. Because of the recoilless design, there is a dangerous backblast zone, more than 20 meters/60ft long. The antitank grenades are of combination type, using a charge of smokeless powder for RCL-type launch. Once grenade reaches safe distance from the shooter (about 10-20 meters), the built-in rocket booster engine ignites and further accelerates the grenade, greatly enhancing the effective range (up to 500+ meters for single warhead grenades, up to 200+ meters for much heavier tandem or FAE grenades). Because of increase in range, RPG-7 is usually issued with 2.7X fixed magnification optical sight, designated PGO-7. The sight has a range-finding scale for typical targets (tanks) with height of 2.7m/9ft, and windage adjustment scales. RPG-7 also fitted with backup iron sights. RPG-7 uses mechanical ignition system with manually cocked external hammer, and a single-action trigger. Because of this, grenade must be properly aligned with the firing mechanism upon loading.
Each AT grenade consists of a large-caliber HEAT warhead with base fuze, with the 40mm diameter rocket engine behind. The rocket nozzles are located at the front of the engine, close to the warhead. The tail of the rocket is fitted with folding stabiliztator fins, which are extended when grenade leaves the barrel. The launch charge, made of black powder, is loaded into a combustible cardboard case, and attached to the rear of the grenade prior to loading into launcher. Grenades and launch charges are carried in special backpacks. By the original soviet standards, grenadier carries two rounds, and his assistant carries three more. There were several minor upgrades to the basic design of the RPG-7 in USSR and Russia, the most important being the RPG-7D, with two-part takedown barrel, which was issued to the airborne troops. Since RPG-7 was, and still is manufactured in many countries (such as Bulgaria, China, Iraq and Romania, to name a few), there are plenty of modifications in launcher, and, more important, in grenades.
RPG-7 is a simple and inexpensive weapon, yet it possess a high threat to most modern tanks, and also can serve in a number of other roles, making it a true one-man artillery.
RPG-2 antitank grenade launcher (USSR / Russia)
RPG-2 antitank grenade launcher with grenade; note that stabiliztator fins on grenade are unfolded as after the launch
Caliber: 40 mm barrel; 82mm warhead
Type: recoilless
Overall length: 650 mm
Weight: 2.83 kg empty; 4.67 kg loaded with grenade
Effective range: 100-150 meters
Armour penetration: 200 mm
RPG-2 antitank grenade launcher has been adopted by Soviet Army in 1949. During 1960s it has been gradually replaced in USSR by the much more effective RPG-7, and later widely exported to pro-soviet countries. RPG-2 saw a lot of combat in Vietnam and mid-east. It also has been produced under the license in several countries.
The only type of grenade used in RPG-2 was the PG-2 HEAT, with RCL-type launch. A propellant charge, made of black powder, has been loaded into cardboard case, which was attached to the grenade before loading. The grenade with attached propellant was inserted into the smooth-bored barrel from the front. To fire it, shooter had to cock the external hammer with its thumb, aim the launcher using the open sight, and fire it by pulling the trigger. Upon the launch, grenade unfolded six stabiliztator fins. The effective range was about 150 meters, estimated penetration was about 200mm RHA. While the RPG-2 can be manned and fired by one man, the standard crew is two men - the grenadier, who carries the launcher with three grenades in special backpack, and his assistant, who is armed with assault rifle and carries three more grenades.
HK GMG grenade launcher / machine gun (Germany)
HK GMG on tripod (low position) with ammunition box
image: Heckler-Koch
HK GMG on tripod (high position) with ammunition box; note that ammunition can be fed from either side
image: Heckler-Koch
Caliber: 40x53mm High Velocity
Type: blowback operated, belt fed automatic grenade launcher
Overall length: 1180 mm
Weight: 28.8 kg gun body plus 10.7 kg tripod and 8 kg softmount
Effective range: up to 1500 meters against point targets, up to 2200 m maximum
Rate of fire: 350 rounds per minute
The GMG (Grenade MaschinenGewehr in German or Grenade Machine Gun in English) was initiated by the famous German Heckler-Koch company as a private venture in around 1992. Bundeswehr (German army) commenced trials of GMG in 1995, and by now it is in use by German army, and is also offered for export.
HK GMG is air cooled, belt fed, blowback operated grenade machine gun / launcher. It fires from open bolt and uses advanced primer ignition to decrease the peak recoil. Feed is using NATO-standard disintegrating belts; feed unit can be easily set up to fed belt from either side of the weapon. Cradle for standard ammunition boxes is attached to the mount; standard box holds 32 linked rounds and weights about 19 kg loaded. GMG can fire in single shots or bursts; fire mode is controlled by the safety / fire selector switch. Gun controls include spade grips at the rear of the receiver with the trigger between. GMG is attached to special tripod or US M3 tripod through proprietary softmount, which also carries additional trigger and horizontal spade grips, shoulder rod and sight mountings. GMG can be fitted with a variety of day and night sights; backup iron sights are provided by default.
HK69 40mm grenade launcher (Germany)
HK69 grenade launcher, with shoulder stock retracted; short-range rear sight in ready position
image courtesy www.autoweapons.com
HK69 grenade launcher, with shoulder stock extended
image courtesy www.autoweapons.com
HK69 grenade launcher, ladder sight in ready position
image courtesy www.autoweapons.com
Caliber: 40mm (40x46)
Overall length: 683 mm with stock extended; 463 mm with stock retracted
Weight: 2.76 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 150 meters point target, up to 350 meters area targets
The HK69 grenade launcher has been developed by the famous company Heckler-Koch from Germany. This launcher has been adopted by the Bundeswehr (German army) in 1974 as the "Granatpistole 40 mm", or "GraPi 40mm" in short. This weapon is also offered for export under its original name, the HK69.
HK69 is a single shot, breech-loading weapon with rifled barrel. The barrel is made of steel, and is hinged to the receiver to be tipped up at the rear for loading and unloading. The single-action firing mechanism has an exposed hammer and ambidextrous manual safety, located above the trigger. The barrel latch, which unlocks the barrel for reloading, is located next to the hammer but operates independently, so the launcher could be safely reloaded with the hammer down, and the hammer can be cocked later at necessary moment. The launcher is fitted with polymer pistol grip and with retractable shoulder stock with rubber buttpad. The sights consist of a front blade and a folding-down ladder sight, graduated from 50 to 400 meters in 50m increments, with additional "short-range" flip up rear sight, graduated for 50 and 100 meters range. The HK69 can fire all types of 40mm low-velocity ammunition, including the HE-FRAG, HE-DP, smoke, illuminating and various less-lethal (tear gas canister, rubber baton) rounds.
QLB-06 / QLZ-87B semi-automatic grenade launcher (PR China)
QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher, left side
Image: Poly technologies, Inc
QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher, right side
Caliber: 35x32mm SR
Type: gas operated, magazine fed semi-automatic grenade launcher
Overall length: 1046 mm
Weight: 9,1 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 600 m (point targets), 1000 m (area targets)
Feed and capacity: drum magazine, 4 or 6 rounds
The QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher is a further evolution of Chinese QLZ-87 automatic grenade launcher. It was first unveiled to general public in 2006. The double designation (QLB-06 or QLZ-87B) stems from the fact that internal Chinese sources (press) call this weapon as QLB-06, while Poly Technologies Inc, an export corporation of PLA, calls it QLZ-87B in its advertising literature. Either way, this weapon is a further step in direction of a lightweight, one-man portable infantry support weapon which can be used on squad or platoon level. Because this weapon is even lighter than its predecessor, the QLZ-87, an automatic fire mode was abandoned, and the design was changed to better suit "rifle-type" shooting positions using integral bipod. Magazine capacity also was decreased. Nevertheless, it appears that basic action of the gun remained more or less the same. It is yet to be seen if this weapon will prove itself any good, but on paper it seems as a formidable squad- or platoon-support weapon against both enemy personnel or light armor.
The QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher is gas operated weapon that uses direct gas impingement system. Barrel is locking by rotary bolt. Unlike its precursor, QLB-06 / QLZ-87B grenade launcher uses separate cocking handle on the right side of a newly designed aluminum alloy receiver. Cocking handle is of folding type. Barrel is fitted with prominent muzzle brake, and action employs an additional recoil buffer for moving parts in attempt to decrease the felt recoil. Gun is fitted with standard pistol grip with trigger and manual safety. Folding bipod is attached to the barrel. Adjustable open sights are installed on the top of the integral carrying handle, and a Picatinny rail is provided on the left side of receiver for installation of the telescope or night sight. 3X fixed magnification telescope sight appears to be a standard issue accessory for this weapon.
Ammunition range (DF 35mm) includes HE, HE-DP, HE-I and practice (marking) rounds, with maximum range of about 1750 meters. Muzzle velocity is about 190 m/s, complete round weights about 250 gram. For HE ammunition, lethal radius of fragments against infantry is listed as 10-11 meters. For HE-DP ammunition, armor penetration is listed as 80mm RHA (probably at 90o).
QLZ-87 automatic grenade launcher (China)
35mm W87 experimental automatic grenade launcher of late 1990s
35mm QLZ-87 automatic grenade launcher in "light" configuration (on bipod, with 6-round drum), left side
image: www.gun-world.net
QLZ-87 grenade launcher in "heavy" configuration (on tripod, with 15-round drum), right side
image: www.gun-world.net
Chinese soldier fires QLZ-87 grenade launcher
image: www.gun-world.net
Caliber: 35x32mm SR
Type: gas operated, magazine fed automatic grenade launcher
Overall length: 970 mm
Weight: 12 kg in light configuration (with scope and bipod, less magazine); 20kg on tripod, less magazine
Effective range: up to 600 m point targets; 1700 m maximum.
Rate of fire: 500 rounds per minute
After much experimentation with locally built copies of Soviet AGS-17 grenade launcher, Chinese experts developed their own concept of such infantry support weapon. For some reasons they decided to trade some firepower for mobility, and to develop the lightest possible weapon, which can be operated and carried on battlefield by a single man. Furthermore, they developed their own 35mm grenade ammunition. To achieve minimum weight of weapon, they used locked breech action (that minimizes weight of recoiling parts) and discarded the complicated belt feed in the favor of much simpler magazine feed. early experiments were conducted with weapons known as W-87. these were distinguishable by wood buttstocks, bottom pistol grips and large conical flash hiders. W-87 launchers used top feed with box or drum magazines. With the time the design evolved, and several years ago PLA adopted the QLZ-87 automatic grenade launcher, that is a further development of W-87. At the present time (early 1987) the QLZ-87 launcher is being used by Chinese troops of Hong Kong garrison, as well as by some units located near the strait that separates mainland China and Taiwan. From available information it seems that QLZ-87 still has some teething problems and probably will be gradually improved in coming years.
The QLZ-87 grenade launcher is gas operated, locked breech weapon that uses rotary bolt and direct gas impingement system probably borrowed from M16 rifle. Gas system is fitted with manual adjustment valve. Charging of the weapon is conducted by pulling back and forward the pistol grip which is (unusually) located at the right side of weapon. This pistol grip is accompanied with trigger and safety/fire selector that allows for single shots and full auto fire. The steel receiver is of tubular shape and rather slim; at the top of the receiver there is a fixed carrying handle. Rear part of receiver is fitted with rubber shoulder pad. Feed is using drum magazines of various diameter, that can hold 6, 9, 12 or 15 rounds; standard capacities seem to be 6 or 15 rounds. Drums are attached at the bottom of the gun, unlike earlier W87 weapons. The smaller capacity drums are used in "light" configuration when gun is used from integral bipod; larger capacity drums are mostly used in heavy configuration, when gun is used from special tripod. Standard sighting equipment is telescope sight with fixed magnification which is offset to the left to provide low profile of weapon while firing at high angles.It must be noted that rate of fire of QLZ-87 is rather high for such a weapon, especially consider its relatively low weight, and it must be a tough task to control the gun in full auto fire, especially in "light' configuration. Relatively small magazine capacity (even the biggest 15-round magazine holds two times less ammunition than a belt box for AGS-17 or Mk.19 launchers) also decreases the suppressive fire capabilities of the QLZ-87, but it seems that PLA experts prefer maneuverability over firepower.
There are few types of 35mm ammunition for QLZ-87 weapon; these include fragmentation shells that provide kill zone with claimed radius of about 10 meters, and armor piercing grenades with penetration up to 80 mm (not confirmed). The weight of complete 35mm round is about 250 gram, muzzle velocity about 190 m/s
Modern handgun bullets.
 | 1 - metal jacket 2 - lead 3 - hardened steel core |
FMJ - standart hardball bullet
| | 1 - metal jacket 2 - lead core Main bullet type, and only one accepted for "official" warfare by international agreements |
| | 1 - metal jacket 2 - lead core Semi-jacketed bullet with exposed lead at bullets' nose. Has bigger stopping power than FMJ |
| | 1 - metal jacketd 2 - lead 3 - expansive hole Semi-jacketed expansive bullet. In some military handguns may cause jams. |
Hydrashock - commercial JHP bullet with central rod to achieve better expansion on impact
 | 1 - metal jacket 2 - lead 3 - expansive hole 4 - steel core |
Lead WadCutter - Target bullet
 |
Lead SemiWadCutter - Target bullet
 | Same as WadCutter, but with sligthly improved ballistic. |
 |
GLASER SAFETY SLUG - 1 - metal tip 2 - metal jacket 3 - shot load Typical .38sp Glaser is filled with ~30 pieces of #6 shot or ~200 pieces of #12 shot THV - "Tres Haute Vitesse" - "Very High Speed" (French) Light high-speed core-less bullet with high stopping power
SJ ESC - Semi-Jacketed Exposed Steel Core
 | Light Armour-piercing bullet with hardened steel core. Bullet has alluminium jacket that covers all except the head of bullet. Designed in Russia for 9mm cartridges such as 9x18mm Makarov PBM and 9x21mm SP-10. This bullet, fired from Makarov, is capable to penetrate standart army issue armor vest at 30 meters. When loaded in more powerful 9x19 or 9x21 cartridges, this bullet shows even more potential |
