A grenade launcher is a firearm that is capable of hitting enemy equipment, structures and manpower by firing a special large-caliber ammunition. An appropriate grenade is used as a shell. It is noteworthy that even 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 manual, anti-tank and under-barrel. The first group of large-caliber weapons is a single-shot or revolver type. Subbarrelled are designed to hit small targets at a distance of 400 meters. It is worth noting the hinged trajectory of the shot. The portable anti-tank weapon is designed to inflict critical damage on 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. Designed in 1978 for AK and AN machines. Later, Bulgaria received a production license. GP-25 - barrel grenade launchers of Russia with self-cocking trigger. This ensures the safety of transporting weapons in an active state. The grenade takes off along a rotational hinged path, which is regulated by the handle of the device.
It is charged 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 hits are made per minute. To reduce recoil during a shot, 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
It is an addition to the AK-103 assault rifle. These modern grenade launchers of Russia entered service only in 2009. Developments were based on the previous model of the GP-25 series.
The main objective of the modernization of the grenade launcher was to increase the reliability of the trigger mechanism, ensure the safety of handling during hostilities and increase the level of manufacturability of its widespread production. First of all, the shock system was improved. The trigger mechanism was completely redone, and the plumb line was completely removed. As a result of modernization, the full-time sight went to the right side. Most ballistic characteristics remained unchanged.
The GP-34 has a 40 mm caliber. The mass of the device is 1.4 kg. The speed of the shot varies within 75 m / s, so the maximum distance of 400 meters, the projectile will fly in 5.5 seconds.
Hand grenade launcher "Brass knuckles"
It is an autonomous portable weapon of shock type. Designed for partial destruction of equipment and structures using special supplies. Such Russian grenade launchers can shoot both percussion shells and tactical (gas tear, lighting, signal). Fragments of VOG-25 and their modernized versions are most often used as supplies. Hand grenade launchers of Russia "Kastet" are ideal for mounted attacks of enemy trenches, trenches and buildings.
The trigger mechanism is self-cocking. Butt - folding. Sight - mechanical, takes into account the derivation of the projectile. The store is absent, as the “Fist” 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. Net weight is 2.5 kg. The maximum flight distance of 250 meters, the projectile passes in 4 seconds.
Hand grenade launcher anti-tank manual RPG-7
Widespread use of RPG-7 received during the Second World War. Currently, these grenade launchers of Russia have been modernized, but most of them are decommissioned.
The creation of a fail-free launcher and a
cumulative projectile made it possible to develop a completely new anti-tank weapon that is light and convenient. In the mid-1940s, RPG-7s were the last frontier of infantry defense.
A prototype of a reactive launching structure fell into the percussion mechanism. Its essence was that after departure from the trunk at a distance of 20 meters at the charge, the main engine would turn 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 a little 1 meter. Projectile weight varies in the range from 2 to 4.5 kg. The flight speed is 145 m / s. The maximum distance to the target is 700 m.
Hand grenade launcher anti-tank manual RPG-32
In international codification, weapons are known as Hashim. These anti-tank grenade launchers of Russia are considered multi-purpose. The initial development of weapons was conducted under the leadership of the armed forces of Jordan. Later, the creation of a full version of the Russian engineers engaged in a joint program.
One of the distinguishing features of the RPG-32 is the reusable launch mechanism. Also during the development, it was decided to reduce the weight of the grenade launcher to 3 kg. At the same time, the length compared with previous models also decreased - 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, the targets hit can be both static and dynamic.
The grenade launcher kit also surprises with ergonomic indicators. Thanks to these qualities, quick and accurate guidance from any position is ensured. Recharging takes up to 7 seconds. The advanced configuration has a
night vision scope. The projectile speed is 140 m / s.
Assault rocket launcher RShG-2
Also known as the Basalt project. In service since 2003. Such Russian grenade launchers are single-shot. There are three types of ammunition: fragmentation, high-explosive and incendiary.
Jet weapons are designed to destroy unarmored or lightly protected vehicles, infantry and enemy fire weapons. Suitable for combat in trenches and rooms.
Targeted shooting is provided at a distance of up to 350 meters. Such an impressive result is achieved thanks to the thermobaric shock 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.
Multipurpose rocket launcher (RMG)
In battle, many models of the Basalt 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 multipurpose ones.
In the new RMG, the warhead is divided into two shock components. Now the projectile is capable of not only piercing thick armor, but also at the same time providing incendiary and explosive action through the formation of a cloud of
explosives. Thus, the grenade launcher is suitable for attacking both equipment and missions, bunkers, infantry and low-flying aircraft.
Caliber - 105 mm. The weight of the weapon is 8.5 kg. A grenade hits a target at a distance of up to 600 m.