The GMG (Granatmaschinengewehr or "grenade machine gun") is an automatic grenade launcher developed by Heckler & Koch for the German Army.
[edit] Design details
It fires 40 mm grenades at a rate of about 340 rounds per minute. The GMG is belt-fed, and can be loaded from either side, making it ambidextrous. With a variety of sights available (including night-vision and infrared types) the GMG can be used for accurate, long range bombardments in a large number and types of situations.
The weapon itself is 1.09 m long, the barrel is 415 mm, and the ammunition box has dimensions of 470x160x250 mm. The gun operates on a recoil operated blow back basis. It weighs 29 kg; the tripod is an additional 11 kg.
[edit] Testing and operation
The HK GMG was tested in the Yuma desert in Arizona in 1997 in order to compete for future US contracts.
Cyprus: The Cypriot National Guard uses the GMG launchers on armoured and military utility vehicles.
Finland: The Finnish Army has purchased the weapon for urban, special and coastal Jäger companies and refers to it as 40 KRKK 2005 (KranaattiKoneKivääri or "grenade machine gun").
Germany: The German Army uses the GMG for the infantry and as main armament on the Dingo, Fennek, AGF Serval, Mungo ESK and GTK Boxer vehicles. German airborne troops, the KSK, the Objektschutzregiment of the Luftwaffe, the Spezialisierte Einsatzkräfte Marine and Marineschutzkräfte of the German Navy also use the GMG.
Greece: The Hellenic Army uses 633 GMG launchers on armoured and military utility vehicles.
Ireland: Used by the Irish Army Rangers on their F350 patrol vehicles. It is also used by the cavalry on the CRV variant of the Piranha IIIH. Also projected for use on the LTAV when it is selected and comes into service.
Latvia[1]
Lithuania
Netherlands: The Dutch Army bought 18 as an operational requirement in 2006, the Dutch Battlegroup in Afghanistan has received 11 GMGs, the Dutch Special Forces have received four. The remaining three are for training purposes.
Slovenia: The Slovenian Armed Forces use it for home and international missions. Portable and on LAV Valuk 6x6.
Sweden: Crew-served and fitted on the Combat Boat 90, mainly used by Kustjägarna.
United Kingdom: In late 2006 the British Ministry of Defence placed an order for GMGs to be fitted on "Wimik" (Weapons Mount Installation Kit) Land Rovers used by the Royal Marines, Army and RAF Regiment.
[edit] See also
Another GMW/GMG of the German Army
[edit] External links