HK AG36

HK AG36
general information
Military designation:	AG40-2, AG-C, AG-NL, L17A1, L123A2, M320
Developer / Manufacturer:	Heckler
Manufacturer country:	Germany
Production time:	since 2002
Weapon Category:	Grenade launcher
Furnishing
Overall length:	350 mm
Total height:	210 mm
Total width:	90 mm
Weight: (unloaded)	1.5 kg
Barrel length :	215/280 mm
Technical specifications
Caliber :	40 mm shells
Possible magazine fillings :	1 cartridge
Fire types:	Single fire
Visor :	Ladder sight , DNS , RAAM , FCU-1.5M
Charging principle:	manually
Lists on the subject

The HK AG36 is a 40 mm grenade launcher produced by the German weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch , which was designed for the G36 assault rifle . The grenade launcher has been exported to numerous countries and can now be mounted on a variety of assault rifles. The AG36 is intended to replace the 40 mm grenade pistol ( HK69A1 ) in the Bundeswehr in the long term . As a stand-alone weapon, it is possible to mount a stock on the AG36 and use it like the HK 69 or the old American M79 .

history

Colt AR-15 with XM148

When it became apparent during the Vietnam War that infantry also had to be able to fight opponents in cover and lightly armored vehicles outside the maximum throwing range of hand grenades, the Picatinny Arsenal developed the 40 mm grenades . Initially, the projectiles were brought to the target with the M79 grenade launcher Blooper , until an underflow grenade launcher for the AR-15 series was developed with the Colt XM148 "the Bitch" . Due to design flaws in the launcher, which was developed in just 47 days - including a trigger design that was not front-appropriate - the M203 grenade launcher was purchased from AAI instead. By integrating the launcher on the assault rifle, weight could be saved: Instead of 2.7 kg for the M79, the new XM148 / M203 launchers weighed only 1.3 kg, so that the shooter could carry more ammunition.

The Bundeswehr has been using the HK69 grenade pistol together with the HK G3 fully automatic rifle since the 1970s to be able to fire 40 mm grenades. During the development of the HK G11 , mounted grenade launchers played no role, so there was no improvement here. It was only with the procurement of the modern HK G36 that the development and procurement of a modern 40 mm underflow grenade launcher began. The first models of the AG36 launcher were added to the troops from 2002. As part of the IdZ program , the grenade launchers are to be equipped with the FCU-1.5M ballistic computer from FN from 2013 .

Heckler & Koch also developed a variant for the HK XM8 , which was called the XM320. Like the visor of the XM8, the DNS ballistic computer of the XM320 was developed by Insight Technology . The lower barrel grenade launcher was later adopted by the US Army as the M320, but redesigned for use on Picatinny rails . The weapon can also be used as a stand-alone device. In this configuration, the AG36 was also sold to the Armed Forces of Canada (AG-C), the Netherlands (AG-NL) and the United Kingdom (L17A1). The UK also procured a customized version for the Enfield L85 called the L123A2.

overview

The hit rate of 40 mm grenade launchers is very low. For example, the US Army specifies a hit rate of 15% at a distance of 100 m for the M203 / M320 underflow grenade launchers. This drops to only 5% in 250–300 m. In this scenario, the targets were only exposed for 3 to 8 seconds. With longer exposure, the hit rate increases, as the soldiers have more time to estimate distances and aim: In a troop trial shooting by the Bundeswehr, shooters with ladder sights needed around three minutes and eight rounds of ammunition to attack three targets at different distances between 100 and 350 meters. The reasons for the low hit rate are:

1. The distance to the target must be estimated. With a destruction radius of 5 m and a neutralization radius of 15 m, this estimate must be very precise.
2. The sighting is done by a ladder sight, the distance marks of which are indicated in steps of 50 m. The stopping point of an intermediate distance must be estimated.
3. The caliber length of the barrel is very small, as is the muzzle velocity of the grenades, which leads to a very steep, imprecise trajectory.
4. The grenade explodes on impact on the ground, which is ineffective. Even small terrain obstacles and bumps offer the opponent protection from flying fragments.

Play media file

The M320 grenade launcher during a target practice

In contrast to assault rifles, whose hit rate is stochastic and can only be improved by an automated firing of a shot (see: Future Soldier / Weapons and Fire Support ), grenade launchers can be significantly increased in combat value by ballistic computers and air-igniting grenades. The Bundeswehr will therefore be purchasing the FCU-1.5M ballistic computer from 2013. In a comparative shooting, the FCU novices were able to hit the above-mentioned targets in just under a minute and a half with just three grenades, so that five grenades (approx. 1.15 kg) could be saved, with the FCU weighing around 0.6 kg. In perspective, the next step is an improvement in ammunition, which can be achieved with LV shells with extra length, spring fragmentation grenades or air burst ammunition .

technology

construction

The AG36 is made of fiber-reinforced plastic and aluminum alloys . While housing components such as the handle are made of polymers , the barrel is made of forged aluminum. The barrel length for the AG40-2 and AG-C / EGLM variants is 280 mm, and for the M320 version only 215 mm. The tube is connected to the housing at the front end and is rotatably mounted horizontally. For loading and unloading, the rear end of the pipe can be swiveled to the left after actuating a locking lever. This means that grenades that are too long can be loaded. The weapon has a double-action-only trigger , above the trigger guard is the switch for unlocking the barrel, which can also be operated with the index finger. In addition, a selector switch for safe (S) and fire (F) that can be operated with both hands is attached above the handle, which can be reached with the thumb.

All versions of the AG36 weigh around 1.5 kg and offer the same functionality, but differ in the way they are mounted on the main weapon. In the specialized versions AG40-2 (G36), XM320 (XM8) and L123A2 (L85), the forearm of the assault rifle must be changed; The add-on grenade launchers thus become an integral part of the main weapon. The versions M320, AG-C, AG-NL and L17A1 are designed for mounting on Picatinny rails and can be mounted on any weapon. There are different stocks for each model so that the grenade launchers can also be used without an assault rifle (stand-alone).

Aiming aids

M4 with M320 and ladder sight

M4 with M320 and Day / Night Sight

The mechanical ladder sight is attached to the side of the add- on weapon. The distance markers give stopping points in steps of 50 m for targets at distances of 50 to 400 m. A so-called Picatinny rail is also mounted to accommodate a laser light module (LLM) or other auxiliary sights. The ladder sight has two scales: the left scale (yellow) is used for firing close-range ammunition in the range up to 30 m, the right scale (white) for firing low-velocity ammunition in the range up to 350 m.

The US Army will purchase the M320 from 2006 together with the Day / Night Sight ( DNS ) from Insight Technology. The combination of M320 and DNS was planned as part of the HK XM8 and was made ready for series production after the assault rifle program was discontinued. The M203 variant is called AN / PSQ-18A. The sight weighs 440 grams and is mounted on the left of the forearm of the weapon. It has a rear sight and front sight as well as an infrared laser and spotlight. The distance to the target must be entered manually and is displayed on an LCD at the rear end. The complete sight then rotates around the transverse axis in order to adjust to the calculated elevation angle. If the weapon is tilted , an LED flashes red, which changes to green when the weapon is held correctly. If the open sight is now aimed at the target, the grenade strikes at the specified distance after being fired.

The British Army has been purchasing the Rapid Acquisition Aiming Module ( RAAM ), a joint development by Vectronix and Wilcox Industries , since 2009 . The device is attached to the left of the forearm of the assault rifle on Picatinny rails and weighs around 500 grams. A reflex sight is located on the top , the elevation angle of which can be adjusted by a servo motor . The shooter points the reflex sight at the target and presses the "Engage" button to measure the distance. The laser beam with a wavelength of 1550 nm can determine distances from 50 to 2000 m, but the RAAM only calculates a fire control solution between 50 and 400. Once this has been determined, the servo motor turns the reflex sight to the correct elevation angle. The shooter must now increase the elevation angle of the weapon until the red dot in the reflex sight is visible and on the target. If the weapon is tilted, an LED at the rear end of the RAAM flashes. Thanks to the reticle with variable brightness, the system can also be used at night. In addition, an optical (635 nm) and infrared (850 nm) laser can be activated to aid German users. At the rear end of the RAAM there is another segment display to show the selected ammunition type, the carrier weapon and the measured distance.

The Bundeswehr procured from 2013 to ballistic computer FCU-1.5M of FN for the Heckler & Koch G36 . This weighs around 600 grams and is mounted on the fore-end of the assault rifle. A G36 change magazine shaft with push button is connected to the ballistic computer via a cable. The shooter can press the laser range measurement button with the trigger finger extended after he has pointed the red crosshair in the FCU's viewing window at the target. The FCU now transmits a laser pulse with a wavelength of 1550 nm and a maximum range of over 900 m, which is safe for the eyes and undetectable. The ballistic computer now calculates the necessary elevation angle of the weapon; the crosshairs in the viewing window are corrected downwards or disappear from the field of view. The shooter must now change the elevation angle of the weapon while keeping the target in view through the viewing window until the crosshair moves back into the field of view from below. If the weapon is tilted, the crosshair flashes to alert the shooter. The FCU-1.5M can bring 50 different types of ammunition to the target and can also be used at night thanks to the reticle with variable brightness. At the rear end of the FCU there is another segment display to show the selected ammunition type, the carrier weapon and the measured distance.

ammunition

With the exception of high-velocity ammunition (HV), the AG36 can fire all types of 40 mm grenades : short low-velocity grenades (LV) with 40 × 46 mm, long LV grenades with 40 × 123 mm, overlong LV grenades with 40 × 140 mm, medium velocity grenades (MV) with 40 × 46 mm and those with extra length 40 × 140 mm. Specifically, the procurement of MV ammunition is only planned in Great Britain. In the following list, only the ammunition of the Bundeswehr is listed in full; all of them are low-velocity grenades.

British Royal Marine Commando with L85A2 and L123A2

M320 with stock as a stand-alone weapon

Explosive fragmentation ammunition (HE-FRAG)

• DM 91 40 × 46 mm
• DM101 40 × 46 mm
• DM101A1 40 × 46 mm

Shaped charge with fragmentation jacket (HEDP)

• DM12 40 × 46 mm

Rubber bullets with foamed head (non-lethal)

• DM119A1 40 × 46 mm
• DM159 40 × 46 mm

CS gas projectiles (CS)

• DM129 40 × 123 mm
• DM149 40 × 123 mm

Practice ammunition

• DM118A1 40 × 46 mm
• DM118A2 40 × 46 mm
• DM168 40 × 123 mm
• DM188 40 × 123 mm

Exercise ammunition (blank)

• DM100 40 × 46 mm
• DM120 40 × 123 mm

It is noticeable that the Bundeswehr does not use spring fragmentation grenades, long HE-FRAG grenades or smoke grenades. The USA, for example, uses the M397 (A1) jumping fragmentation grenades, which are thrown upwards by a small propellant charge when they hit the ground and explode there. In addition, the American soldiers have M713 / 715/716 smoke grenades against ground reconnaissance and M676 / 680/682 parachute smoke grenades against aerial reconnaissance. Martin Electronics (MEI) also developed special 40 × 140 mm ammunition for the M32 grenade launcher . According to the manufacturer, this was qualified for M79, M203, M32 and AG36:

• HELLHOUND: HEDP grenade, produces 45% more fragments than an M433 and has twice the amount of explosives. As an LV grenade, it can be targeted with existing sights.
• DRACO: Thermobaric HEDP grenade, the explosive was mixed with metal powder to increase the heat and pressure wave. Produces 40% more fragments than an M433. Also an LV grenade.
• MERCURY: HEDP grenade, produces 30% more fragments than an M433 and has 25% more explosives. As an MV grenade, new sights are required, the effective range increases to 800 m.
• HUNTIR: Reconnaissance projectile with camera, is shot over the target area. At a height of about 700 ft (213 meters) the protective cap is blown off and the parachute opened. The images are sent to a portable display in real time.

In theory, the US Army does not fire oversized grenades, as the M32 launchers and ammunition are only purchased from the Marine Corps. In practice, since the grenades are compatible with the AG36, they can also be used by the Army. The Bundeswehr is also considering the procurement of the HUNTIR reconnaissance projectile or comparable systems for the IdZ-ES.

Versions

Heckler und Koch has adapted the AG36 to a variety of different weapons and country requirements. The following list therefore only includes weapons of order. The following models are based on his design:

•  Canada : AG-C, this variant can be mounted on Picatinny rails.
•  Germany : AG40-2 as an integral part of the HK G36 .
•  Netherlands : AG-NL, this variant can be mounted on Picatinny rails.
•  United States : M320, was originally developed for the HK XM8 . The new variant for the US Army can be mounted on Picatinny rails.
•  United Kingdom : L17A1 for Picatinny rails and L123A2 as an integral part of the British Forces L85 .
•  Latvia : AG36 as an integral part of the HK G36.
•  Lithuania : AG36 as an integral part of the G36V and G36KV.
•  Spain : AG36 as an integral part of the HK G36V.

Web links

Commons : HK AG36  - Collection of Images, Videos and Audio Files

• Heckler & Koch: AG36 | The 40 mm × 46 mounted grenade launcher
• Heckler & Koch: GLM | One system, double benefit
• FN Fire Control Unit FCU-1.5M - product video

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Project Manager Soldier Weapons Briefing, May 2011 ( Memento from September 15, 2012 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF; 6.0 MB)
2. ↑ ^{a b c} BLOG EUROPEAN SECURITY & TECHNOLOGY: Let's go on! Friday 4th January 2013
3. ↑ ^{a b c} EUROPEAN SECURITY & TECHNOLOGY 1/2013, pp. 111–112
4. ↑ ^{a b} HK USA M320 ( Memento from July 11, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
5. ↑ HK USA AG-C / EGLM ( Memento from April 11, 2013 in the web archive archive.today )
6. ↑ HK USA product catalog ( Memento from September 16, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
7. ↑ Technical Manual 3-22.31 Chapter 1 ( Memento of March 7, 2016 in the Internet Archive )
8. ↑ Armed Forces International: Vectronix Wins Major Contracts in the UK for FIST , 16/10/2009 ( Memento from August 11, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
9. ↑ vectronix: RAAM ( Memento from March 4, 2016 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF; 330 kB)
10. ↑ FN Herstal FCU-1.5M
11. ↑ FN FCU, product video
12. ↑ Armada International: The infantry's 40 mm punch: new designs and ammunition types are extending the capabilities of the shoulder-fired 40-mm grenade launcher. With lightweight alloys, composite materials and new warhead technologies these weapons are a far cry from their 1950s ancestors. Oct 1, 2008
13. ↑ Bundeswehr: The 40 mm AG40-2 grenade launcher , accessed on February 28, 2013
14. ↑ Gary's US Infantry Weapons Reference Guide: 40mm Low-Velocity Grenades
15. ↑ MEI Product Guide 2006 (PDF; 1.6 MB)
16. ↑ Armada International: Digital warriors: many armies have opted for the incremental deployment of soldier system technologies to meet the immediate needs of ongoing combat operations. In an unusual twist of events, France appears to be leading the pack in terms of both calendar and deployed capabilities with its Felin. Aug 1, 2008