Heckler & Koch GMG
Heckler & Koch GMG
GMG | |
---|---|
Type | Automatic grenade launcher |
Place of origin | Germany |
Service history | |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | War in Afghanistan (2001–present) |
Production history | |
Designed | 1992-1995 |
Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
Produced | 1996-Present |
Variants | GMW |
Specifications | |
Mass | 28.8 kg Gun, 10.7 kg tripod and 8 kg softmount. |
Length | 1090 mm |
Barrel length | 415 mm |
Width | 226 mm (without ammunition box) |
Height | 208 mm |
Cartridge | 40x53 mm |
Action | API Blowback |
Rate of fire | 350 rounds/min |
Muzzle velocity | 241 m/s |
Effective firing range | 1500 m |
Maximum firing range | 2200 m |
Feed system | 32-round disintegrating, closed-link belt |
Sights | Reflex sight and back-up leaf sight |
The GMG (Granatmaschinengewehr or "grenade machine gun") is an automatic grenade launcher developed by Heckler & Koch for the German Army. It is also often referred to as GMW or GraMaWa (Granatmaschinenwaffe).[1]
GMG | |
---|---|
Type | Automatic grenade launcher |
Place of origin | Germany |
Service history | |
Used by | See Users |
Wars | War in Afghanistan (2001–present) |
Production history | |
Designed | 1992-1995 |
Manufacturer | Heckler & Koch |
Produced | 1996-Present |
Variants | GMW |
Specifications | |
Mass | 28.8 kg Gun, 10.7 kg tripod and 8 kg softmount. |
Length | 1090 mm |
Barrel length | 415 mm |
Width | 226 mm (without ammunition box) |
Height | 208 mm |
Cartridge | 40x53 mm |
Action | API Blowback |
Rate of fire | 350 rounds/min |
Muzzle velocity | 241 m/s |
Effective firing range | 1500 m |
Maximum firing range | 2200 m |
Feed system | 32-round disintegrating, closed-link belt |
Sights | Reflex sight and back-up leaf sight |
Design details
It fires 40 mm grenades at a rate of about 340 rounds per minute. The GMG is belt-fed, and can be loaded from either side, making it easy to mount on most platforms. With a variety of day and night sights available, the GMG can be used for most medium range infantry support situations.
The weapon is 1.09 m long and has a 415 mm rifled barrel; the ammunition box has dimensions of 470x160x250 mm. The gun operates on a recoil operated blow back basis. It weighs 29 kg; the tripod is an additional 11 kg.
Testing and operation
The HK GMG was tested in the Yuma desert in Arizona in 1997 in order to compete for future United States contracts.
Users
Canada: 304 ordered.[2] Designated as the C16 Close Area Suppression Weapon (CASW) and license-built by Rheinmetall Defence Canada.[3]
Greece[6]
Lithuania: Lithuanian Armed Forces.[9]
Malaysia: Used by Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL) of the Royal Malaysian Navy.[10]
Poland: Wojska Specjalne RP.
Portugal[6]
United Kingdom: 44 purchased in 2006 for use in Afghanistan and Iraq.[16] Designated as L134A1.[17]
United States: Used by USSOCOM.[16]
See also
Comparison of automatic grenade launchers