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MKEK T-40



Overview


T-40

T-40 grenade launcher with barrel slightly forward and showing red trigger above barrel.
Source: MKEK (www.mkek.gov.tr) - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Turkey
Type
Grenade launcher
Entered service
2000's
Status
In service
Development
1990's
Developer
Turkey - MKEK
Production
2000's - present
Producer
Turkey - MKEK
Designations
ST2 (variant for mounting on G3)
ST5 (variant for mounting on HK 33)
Notable users
Turkey
India

Description


Introduction

The T-40 is a grenade launcher of Turkish origin. The T-40 was developed in the 1990's for use on the G3 battle rifle that is in widespread service in the Turkish military. The design is a mix of two proven designs: the US M203 and German HK 79. Most of the design is based on the M203, but the redesigned trigger mechanism and mounting bracket are based on the HK 79. The result is a better weapon than the M203 at a lower cost than the HK 79.

Design

The T-40 is mostly a copy of the M203 and looks rather similar. The T-40 is a breech loaded grenade launcher that uses standard NATO low velocity 40mm grenades. In order to load a grenade the barrel is moved forward and the grenade is inserted. The weapon is cocked and ready to fire when the barrel slides back in position. The only parts that differ from the M203 are the mounting bracket, barrel release and firing mechanism. The T-40 has a thumb operated trigger on the left side. This position allows for a better balance in the firing position and reduces the time to reach the trigger since the hand does not need to be moved. The barrel release is located in the same position on the right side.

Firepower

The T-40 is a single shot weapon that fires 40x46mm low velocity grenades. Besides the standard high explosive fragmentation rounds there is a wide selection of other rounds available. Due to the distance that the barrel slides forward upon reloading not all types of grenades can be loaded due to their length. An experienced operator can fire 5 to 7 rounds per minute. The effective range against point targets is 150 m. Area targets can be engaged out to 400 m.

Users

The main user of the T-40 is the Turkish military. The T-40 is widely used on G3 battle rifles and HK 33 assault rifles. Limited quantities have been exported. For several years the Israeli Tavor bullpup assault rifle was marketed with a slightly modified T-40 for export sales. This combination is in service with India.

Details


Facts T-40
General
Origin
Turkey
Type
Underbarrel grenade launcher
Caliber
Caliber
40x46mm NATO
Feed system
Single shot, forward sliding barrel
Barrel length
305mm
Rifling
6 grooves, right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
75 m/s
Operation
Action
Double action trigger
Fire selector
Safe - Fire
Rate of fire
Single shot
Dimensions
Length
398 mm
Width
60 mm launcher only
76 mm with sights for G3 model
88 mm with sights for HK 33 model
Height
107 mm for G3 model
121 mm for HK 33 model
Weight
1.75 kg empty for G3 model
1.63 kg for HK 33 model
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, ladder sight
Range adjustment
Up to 400 m

Media


Related articles


M203

The T-40 functions in a similar way as the American M203.

Heckler & Koch HK 79

The design of the T-40 is partly based on the German HK 79.