ARDE Under Barrel Grenade Launcher
The 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher,[a] is a single shot grenade launcher developed by ARDE and Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli[1] for use with the INSAS and AK-47 rifles used by the Indian Army. Stand alone versions of the grenade launcher exist.[3]
| Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, 40mm | |
|---|---|
 A UBGL. | |
| Type | Grenade launcher |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2010–present[1] |
| Used by | Indian Army |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Armament Research and Development Establishment[1] |
| Designed | 2010 |
| Manufacturer | Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli |
| No. built | 10,000 (September 2019)[2] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1.5 kg (unloaded) |
| Length | 450mm |
| Barrel length | 350mm |
| Cartridge | 40x46mm |
| Action | Single shot, Pump Action |
| Rate of fire | 5 to 7 round/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 250 ft/s (76 m/s) |
| Effective firing range | 28-400m |
| Maximum firing range | 400m |
| Feed system | Breech Loading |
| Sights | Various sights developed by ARDE for the launcher:[3]
|
As of September 2019, around 10,000 UBGLs were manufactured.[2]
History edit
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The UBGL was in Indian military service since 2010.[4] It was reported by the Indian Ministry of Defence in 2011 that paramilitary forces ordered around 100 UBGLs.[5]
In 2020, production of 40mm rounds began in Ammunition Factory Khadki under Atmanirbhar Bharat.[6] The first ammunition consignment was sent to the Border Security Force.[7]
On August 2, 2021, OFT announced that the UBGL was made compatible with the Trichy Assault Rifle (TAR), which is being brought into service by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and various State Police Forces.[8]
Design edit
The UBGL can be attached to the INSAS and various AK-47 rifles.[2] It has a three-point attachment system to be able to mount the UBGL to the rifles with a built-in safety to prevent accidental discharge.[9]
The trigger system is a button located on the left side of the barrel, allowing the soldier to fire both the rifle and grenade launcher without having to change his firing posture.[3][4] Its maximum range is 400 metres.[10]
The weapon uses a simple ladder sight mechanism, similar to the GP-25. It also has tritium illuminated sights for night firing. The ammunition fired by the UBGL is similar to the Milkor MGL used by the Indian Army, allowing for standardisation.[3]
To install the UBGL, the handguard of an INSAS/AK-type rifle needs to be removed first before the device is installed.[4]
Ammunition edit
The UBGL can be used to fire Practice, HEAP, HEDP and RP-type 40mm rounds.[7]
References edit
- ^ a b c "Bulk Production Clearance for 40mm UBGL" (PDF). DRDO. August 2010. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
- ^ a b c "40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India".
- ^ a b c d "Under Barrel Grenade Launcher 40 mm". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
- ^ a b c d "[DEFEXPO 2020] Indian UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) for INSAS -". 25 February 2020.
- ^ https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/155963/AR-eng-2011.pdf
- ^ "Ammunition Factory Khadki, Pune, manufactured 40 mm UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) Ammunition - GKToday".
- ^ a b "40 mm UBGL (UNDER BARREL GRENADE LAUNCHER) AMMUNITION BY AFK, PUNE". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
- ^ https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1741582
- ^ "Small arms and ammunition" (PDF). DRDO. Technology Focus. October 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2021.
- ^ "INFANTRY SUPPORT WEAPONS - Asian Military Review". Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
Notes edit
External links edit
- 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher at the Wayback Machine (archived February 23, 2020)
- 40mm UBGL - TAR at the Wayback Machine (archived August 1, 2022)