Heckler & Koch AG36
Overview
AG36
Latvian soldier with G36KV assault rifle with AG36 grenade launcher.
Source: US DOD (Sgt Rob Summitt) -
© public domain
German for "attachable grenade launcher 36"
AG-C (variant for C7 & C8)
L17A1 (AG-C in UK service)
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
Media
AG36
AG36 mounted on a G36K rifle of a German KSK operator.
Source: Unknown
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
UGL
UK soldier with L85A2 assault rifle with L17A2 UGL grenade launcher.
Source: US Marine Corps (Cpl John Scott Rafos)
Copyright: public domain
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.