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Heckler & Koch AG36



Overview


AG36

Latvian soldier with G36KV assault rifle with AG36 grenade launcher.
Source: US DOD (Sgt Rob Summitt) - © public domain

Origin
Germany
Type
Grenade launcher
Entered service
Early 2000's
Status
In service
Development
Late 1990's
Developer
Germany - Heckler & Koch
Production
2002 - present
Producer
Germany - Heckler & Koch
Unit cost
About € 3.000
Designations
AG36 / Anbaugranatwerfer 36
German for "attachable grenade launcher 36"
AG-C (variant for C7 & C8)
L17A1 (AG-C in UK service)
Notable users
Germany
United Kingdom
Spain

Description


Introduction

The AG36 is a grenade launcher of German origin. It was developed by Heckler & Koch in the 1990's for use under the G36 rifle. The name AG36 stands for "Anbaugranatwerfer 36", which is German for "attachable grenade launcher 36". Compared to the older HK 79 the AG36 is lighter, easier to use and more ergonomic.

Design

The AG36 is an under barrel grenade launcher that can be used as a stand alone weapon using a kit. It consists of a barrel, pistol grip and G36 forearm with integrated ladder sight. The barrel opens sideways which makes it easier to load grenades in the prone position. The pistol grip features a double action trigger mechanism.

Firepower

The AG36 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. As the barrel opens sideways rounds of any length can be loaded. The rate of fire is about 6 rounds per minute. The effective range against point targets is 150 m. Area targets can be engaged out to 400 m.

Users

The first and main user of the AG36 is the German military. The standard AG36 is used by many nations that have acquired the G36 series assault rifle. The AG-C is used by various nations, mainly located in Europe.

Variants


AG36

The AG36 is the original version that was developed to attach to the G36 assault rifle. The handguard that is attached to the grenade launcher houses the sights and replaces the original handguard on the G36. The handguard has two rows of ventilation slots instead of one row on standard G36 handguards.

AG-C

The AG-C is a modification of the AG36 that was developed to fit on the M16 series of assault rifles. It attaches to Picatinny rails under the forearm of the weapon, making it in theory attachable to much more weapons than the M16 series alone. The ladder sight has been moved to the left and is attached by brackets.

AG-NL: Dutch variant with optical sight instead of a mechanical one.
L123A2 UGL: AG-C with special mount for use on the British L85A2.
AG-HK416: Variant for use on the HK 416 series assault rifle.

Details


Facts AG36
General
Origin
Germany
Type
Underbarrel grenade launcher
Caliber
Caliber
40x46mm NATO
Feed system
Single shot
Barrel length
280 mm
Rifling
6 grooves, 1.2 m right hand twist
Muzzle velocity
79 m/s
Operation
Action
Breech loading, side opening barrel
Fire selector
0 - 1
Rate of fire
Single shot, double action trigger
Dimensions
Length
348 mm
Width
89 mm with ladder sight
Height
205 mm
Weight
1.5 kg empty
Sights
Mechanical
Iron sights, ladder type rear sight
Sight radius
148 mm
Range adjustment
50 to 350 m gradation
Optics
Optional instead of ladder sight

Media


Related articles


Heckler & Koch G36

The AG36 was developed for use with the G36 series assault rifle.

Diemaco C7

The AG-C was developed for use on the C7 assault rifle, as well as other AR15 pattern designs.

Heckler & Koch HK 79

In German military service the AG36 replaced the older HK 79.