A grenade launcher is a firearm that is capable of hitting enemy equipment, structures and manpower by firing a special large-caliber ammunition. The corresponding grenade is used as a projectile. It is noteworthy that half a century ago such a portable weapon was called a mortar. Today, there are many types of grenade launchers, but according to the main criteria they are divided into hand-held, anti-tank and underbarrel. The first group of large-caliber weapons is of the single-shot or revolving type. Underbarrels are designed to hit small targets at a distance of up to 400 meters. It is worth noting the hinged trajectory of the shot. A portable anti-tank weapon designed to deal critical damage to enemy armored vehicles.
Grenade launcher GP-25
It is part of the AK-74 assault rifle. It is attached to the main axis, has its own trigger mechanism. Developed in 1978 for AK and AN assault rifles. Later, Bulgaria received a license for production. GP-25 - Russian grenade launchers with a self-cocking trigger. This ensures the safety of transporting weapons in the active state. Grenadeflies out along a rotary hinged trajectory, which is regulated by the handle of the device. It is loaded from the muzzle, fixed by a special spring-loaded system attached to the fuse. It is worth noting the absence of a sleeve. Up to 6 aimed strikes are made per minute. To reduce recoil when fired, a rubberized shock absorber is attached to the butt. Such Russian grenade launchers (see photo below) can be used in a standing and sitting position, in a trench and on equipment, in static and in motion.
Caliber - 40 mm. The net weight is 1.5 kg. When fired, the projectile flies 400 meters to the target in just 5 seconds.
Grenade launcher GP-34
Is an addition to the AK-103 assault rifle. These modern Russian grenade launchers entered service only in 2009. The development was carried out on the basis of the previous model of the GP-25 series. The main task of modernizing the grenade launcher was to increase the reliability of the trigger mechanism, ensure safe handling during combat operations and increase the level of manufacturability of its wide production. First of all, the shock system has undergone improvement. The trigger mechanism was completely redone, and the plumb line was completely removed. As a result of modernization, the standard sight moved to the right side. Most of the ballistic characteristics remained unchanged.
GP-34 has a 40mm caliber. The weight of the device is 1.4 kg. The shot speed varies within 75 m / s, so the maximum distance inA projectile will fly 400 meters in 5.5 seconds.
Handmade grenade launcher "Kastet"
It is a self-contained portable impact weapon. Designed for partial destruction of equipment and structures with the help of special supplies. Such Russian grenade launchers can fire both impact and tactical projectiles (tear gas, lighting, signal). Fragmentation VOG-25s and their upgraded versions are most often used as supplies. Hand grenade launchers of Russia "Kastet" are ideal for mounted attacks on enemy trenches, trenches and buildings. Trigger - self-cocking. The example is folding. Sight - mechanical, takes into account the derivation of the projectile. There is no magazine, as the Brass Knuckles is a single-shot grenade launcher. The compactness of the weapon is achieved through a folding shoulder rest. RGM "Kastet" has a 40-mm caliber. The net weight is 2.5 kg. The maximum flight distance of 250 meters is completed in 4 seconds.
RPG-7 anti-tank hand grenade launcher
The RPG-7 was widely used during the Second World War. At the moment, these Russian grenade launchers have been modernized, but most of them have been decommissioned.
The creation of a trouble-free launcher and a cumulative projectile made it possible to develop a completely new anti-tank weapon, which is lightweight and convenient. In the mid-1940s, RPG-7s were the last frontier of infantry defense.
The prototype of the reactive trigger structure lay in the firing mechanism. Its essence was that after departurefrom the barrel at a distance of 20 meters near the charge, a sustainer engine was turned on, increasing the speed of the grenade and the firing range. The weapon had a standard forty-millimeter caliber. The mass was 6.3 kg, and the length did not reach 1 meter a little. The weight of the projectile varies from 2 to 4.5 kg. The flight speed is 145 m/s. The maximum distance to the target is 700 m.
RPG-32 hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher
In international codification, the weapon is known as "Hashim". These Russian anti-tank grenade launchers are considered multi-purpose. The initial development of weapons was carried out under the leadership of the armed forces of Jordan. Later, Russian engineers under a joint program took up the creation of a full-fledged version.
One of the distinguishing features of the RPG-32 is the reusable launch mechanism. Also in the course of development, it was decided to reduce the mass of the grenade launcher to 3 kg. At the same time, the length has also been reduced compared to previous models - 70 cm instead of 91-95 cm.
The weapon supports two types of caliber: 72 and 105 mm. It all depends on the type of grenade: whether it will be thermobaric or cumulative. The RPG-32 projectile is capable of penetrating 650 mm armor at a distance of 700 m. At the same time, targets can be both static and dynamic. The grenade launcher set surprises with ergonomic indicators. Thanks to these qualities, fast and accurate guidance from any position is ensured. Reloading takes up to 7 seconds. In the extended configuration there is a night vision sight. Projectile flight speed - 140 m/s.
RSHG-2 assault rocket launcher
Also known as the Bas alt project. In service since 2003. Such Russian grenade launchers are single-shot. There are three types of ammunition: fragmentation, high explosive and incendiary.
Reactive weapons are designed to destroy unarmored or lightly protected vehicles, infantry and fire weapons of the enemy. Suitable for fighting in trenches and indoors. Aimed shooting is provided at a distance of up to 350 meters. Such an impressive result is achieved thanks to the thermobaric percussion mechanism. Caliber - 72.5 mm. The net mass of the weapon is only 3.8 kg with a length of 0.77 m. The speed of unhindered flight is 144 m/s.
Multi-Purpose Rocket Launcher (RMG)
In battle, many models of the Bas alt project did not differ in reliability and convenience. Therefore, in the mid-2000s, the Ministry of Defense decided to upgrade the existing Russian rocket-propelled grenade launchers to multi-purpose ones.
In the new RMG, the warhead is divided into two shock components. Now the projectile is capable of not only penetrating thick armor, but at the same time providing incendiary and high-explosive action through the formation of a cloud of explosives. Thus, the grenade launcher is suitable for attacking both vehicles and tasks, pillboxes, infantry and low-flying aircraft. Caliber - 105 mm. The weight of the weapon is 8.5 kg. The grenade hits a target at a distance of up to 600 m.