Left side view of operator with X-95 rifle with full size X-95 GL 40 under barrel grenade launcher.
Source: IWI -
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The GL 40 is a modern grenade launcher of Israeli origin. IWI developed it in the late 2000's as a more modern alternative to the M203 grenade launcher for both domestic use and for export sales. The M203 proved somewhat difficult to integrate properly with the bullpup Tavor rifle and is considered an outdated design by today's standards.
The GL 40 incorporates many design features of modern grenade launchers, such as the extensive use of polymer to reduce weight, a sideways opening barrel to allow loading of shells of any length and improved ergonomics and a double action trigger. The standalone model features a folding or telescopic stock. The under barrel models are quick detachable since they use a Picatinny interface.
The GL 40 is a single shot weapon that fires NATO standard 40x46mm low velocity grenades. Besides high explosive fragmentation rounds there is a wide selection of other types of rounds available. As the barrel opens sideways rounds of any length can be loaded. The effective range against point targets is 150 meters. Area targets can be engaged out to 400 meters, or 300 meters for the short barrel models.
The GL 40 is evaluated by Israeli forces and possibly is already in use. The GL 40 is also aimed at the export market. It is offered alongside the Galil ACE and X-95 rifles, but can also be mounted on other types of rifles and standalone models are available.
The GL 40 is available as standalone grenade launcher and as an under barrel grenade launcher for use on rifles. The standalone model also differs from the under barrel models in lacking a mounting system on top. Instead it features a Picatinny rail for mounting optics.
GL 40: Baseline full size model of the standalone GL 40. Different types of buttstocks can be fitted.
GL 40 Short: Model with shorter barrel and reduced maximum range of 300 meters.
Version of the GL 40 intended to be mounted on the Galil ACE series of assault rifles.
ACE GL 40: Standard full size model for use as under barrel grenade launcher on the Galil ACE. Can also be used on other rifles with Picatinny rail on the bottom of the forearm.
ACE GL 40 Short : Model with shorter barrel and reduced maximum range of 300 meters.
Version of the GL 40 intended to be mounted on the 2nd generation Tavor assault rifle, the X-95.
X-95 GL 40: Full size model of the GL 40 under barrel grenade launcher. This model is specifically tailored to the X-95 bullpup assault rifle. It features a pistol grip that fits the contours of the X-95 rifle.
X-95 GL 40 Short: Model with shorter barrel and reduced maximum range of 300 meters.
The GL 40 is not be confused with the 40GL, a standalone grenade launcher of Singapore origin.
The GL 40 was developed as modern alternative to the American M203, which was used on the first generation Tavor assault rifle.
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