Tecmash AGS-40 (Balkan)

History

The grenade launcher has become a crucial asset on the modern battlefield, serving as both a powerful suppressive and psychological tool. Its versatility allows for indirect fire, integration with assault rifles, and deployment on tripods, vehicles, and aircraft. Originating from the Cold War era, the AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher played a significant role in indirect suppression, succeeded by the Hyundai AGS-30 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

In response to the need for a more modern solution, the Russian military introduced the AGS-40 "Balkan" in 2017. The design, dating back to the 1980s, experienced delays due to the turbulent period following the Soviet Union's dissolution. Manufactured by Tecmash Research and Production Association, the AGS-40 weighs 71 lbs on its heavy-duty tripod and over 100 lbs with ammunition. Notable features include a shift to 40mm caseless cartridges, a pneumatic piston for automatic fire, and advanced optics for accurate long-range shots.

The AGS-40's advancements mark a departure from traditional Soviet designs, incorporating innovative elements such as a redesigned loading mechanism and a shift to a 40mm caliber. Its delivery to the Russian Armed Forces is set to begin in January 2022, showcasing its role as a modern and effective addition to military arsenals.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 2022

Origins: Russia

Categories: Automatic grenade launcher (AGL)

Manufacturer: Tecmash Research and Production Association (TRPA) / TsKID SOO / GNPP Pribor Russia

Operator: Russia

Roles

Fire Support: Ability to suppress enemy elements at a distance using direct or indirect fire.

Special Forces: The qualities of this weapon have proven its worth to special forces who need a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special operations. Special weapons for specific characters on the battlefield.

Notable Features

Portable: Despite its size/weight, the product can be transported on foot.

Target/area suppression: Inherent ability to provide suppress power to target/target area.

Semi-automatic fire: Internal action allows triggering a single bullet per trigger, triggering a semi-automatic loading mechanism for continuous fire.

Automatic fire: Internal action allows multiple rounds to be triggered in quick succession with a single trigger pull.

Repeated Shots: The system has built-in automatic or pseudo-automatic function, which can achieve repeated triggering.

Vehicle Assembly: Versatility allows it to be mounted on vehicles as an anti-infantry/area suppression solution.

Ability to use rifle scopes/visual aids: Support for mounting optics (scopes) to improve accuracy in long-range shooting.

Iron Mask: Support for "iron sights" for inherent accuracy within a range.

Direct Fire: Allows to direct his fire to enemy positions/targets.

Tripod mount: Can be mounted on a tripod assembly, which usually has a heavy-duty construction to increase accuracy in long-distance shooting.

Trunnion mount: Can be mounted on a trainable trunnion assembly for extra support.

Customizable: Design allows users to customize certain components for customization.

Shock detonation: The explosion of this entry depends on the impact with the target/target area; typical mass for direct fire weapons (rockets/rocket launchers).

Psychological: Entry has inherent psychological effects on battlefield participants due to possible damage/loss.

Dimensions and Weights

Curb Weight: 70.55 lbs (32.00 kg)

Attractions: Iron sight; optional optics.

Action

Open the latch: The system uses an internal mechanism, in which the bolt and associated working parts are located in the rear of the receiver, without a cartridge chamber. Pulling the trigger moves the bolt forward, chambering the cartridge and firing the bullet in one motion - and eventually resets throughout the cycle by the energy generated.

Gas Power: Proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Shock detonation: Design relies on impact on detonating target.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber: 40mm caseless (7P39)

Circle/Feed: 40 rounds of shaky conveyor belts.

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived: 8,200 feet (2,499 m | 2,733 m)

Rate of fire: 400 Number of revolution