Milkor MGL

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MGL
A Marine tests the new M32 MGL in Iraq.
A Marine tests the new M32 MGL (MGL-140) in Iraq.
Type Grenade launcher
Place of origin Flag of South Africa South Africa
Service history
Used by South Africa,
Indian Army,
Malaysian Armed Forces,
U.S. Marine Corps,
Colombian Army
Swedish Army.
Production history
Designer Armscor
Designed 1981
Produced 1983–present
Specifications
Weight 5.9 kg (13 lb) empty
Length 812 mm (32 in), stock extended

711 mm (28 in), stock collapsed
Barrel length 310 mm (12 in)
Cartridge 40 mm grenade
Action Double action
Rate of fire 2 rounds/sec (rapid fire)

18 rounds/min (sustained)
Effective range 375 m (400 yd)
Feed system 6 rounds, non-removable cylinder

The MGL is a grenade launcher manufactured in South Africa by the Milkor company (renamed Rippel Effect in 2007).

It is a clockwork (spring-driven) revolver multiple-shot weapon, intended to significantly increase a small squad's firepower when compared to traditional single-shot grenade launchers like the M203. The MGL is designed to be simple, rugged and reliable. After its introduction in 1983, the MGL was gradually adopted by over 30 countries; it has since proven its effectiveness in harsh environments ranging from jungles to deserts.

In the last decade, several upgrades were made to the original design.

[edit] Variants

[edit] MGL

The original MGL was designed in 1981. It began production in 1983 for the South African Defence Force, under the designation Y2. It features a rotating revolver-style cylinder magazine with six chambers, capable of accepting most 40 mm grenades. The cylinder is spring-loaded and rotates automatically while firing, but it must be wound back up after every reload. The rear of the cylinder (including the pistol grip) is unlatched and pivoted counter-clockwise to expose the chambers during reload. Each new round is loaded manually, one by one, because the cylinder cannot be removed like a magazine.

The weapon features a folding metal stock and an adjustable, IR-capable Trijicon Armson Occluded Eye Gunsight (red dot sight) that allows precision fire at ranges up to 375 m. The position of the front vertical grip is adjustable for comfort. The weapon also has a fire selector safety switch just above the rear pistol grip.

[edit] MGL Mk-1

The Mk-1 is a modified version of the original design. It began production in 1996.

Two "product improved" variants were introduced in 2004 by Milkor Marketing. The first is the Mk-1S, which replaces the aluminum construction of the Mk-1 with a stronger stainless steel body, and adds several Picatinny rails—four around the barrel, and one more on top of the main frame. The folding Mk-1S stock is also adjustable for length of pull.

The second variant is the Mk-1L, which features a new sliding butt-stock and a 140 mm long cylinder. Certain special-purpose grenades such as tear gas canisters and less-lethal impact rounds are too long to fit in older models of the MGL, but they will fit in the Mk-1L's extended chambers. As a result, the weapon can fire a wider range of ordnance, and is more suitable for use in peacekeeping and riot control operations. The Mk-1L also incorporates all the improvements found in the Mk-1S. A reflex sight was added in 2005, replacing the Armson OEG sight. This sight automatically adjusts for changing light conditions and is compatible with 3rd generation night vision equipment. It includes a cross hair design reticule that helps estimate range.

[edit] MGL-140

The MGL-140 was introduced in 2005 by Milkor USA. It features a Crane-style Vltor Modstock, a "Sopmod Tan" finish, and a weighted two-stage trigger. It has a 140 mm long chamber designed to accept all lengths of standard low velocity 40mm grenades including the new Hellhound "hyper-lethal" wide blast radius ammunition manufactured by Martin Electronics Inc (MEI). The MGL/Hellhound combo is being touted as a significant improvement over traditional grenade launcher systems.

[edit] M32

In late October 2005, the United States Marine Corps awarded Milkor USA a contract to produce some 200 MGL-140 launchers, featuring unspecified modifications made at the USMC's request. The order was manufactured in the United States by Milkor USA Inc. The new version, designated M32 Multiple Grenade Launcher, were deployed to Iraq in March 2006 for testing with all Marine battalions.

[edit] XRGL40

XRGL40
Production history
Produced 2007–present
Specifications
Weight 4.9 kg (10.8 lb) empty
Length 770 mm (30.3 in), stock extended

680 mm (26.8 in), stock collapsed
Barrel length 260 mm (10.2 in)
Cartridge 40 mm grenade
Action Double action
Effective range 375 m (400 yd) (40 × 46 mm)
800 m (850 yd) (40 × 51 mm)

The latest version—introduced in 2007—is named for the extended range (XR) of 800 m (850 yd) it offers over the standard 375 m. It uses a new "extended range low pressure" (ERLP) 40 × 51 mm grenade that launches at 125 m/s instead of the standard 75 m/s without an increase in chamber pressure. It remains compatible with conventional 40 × 46 mm grenades. In addition to this change, it is also slightly lighter (1 lb) and has a modified sight (with laser range finder).

[edit] See also

[edit] External links