The new Balkan grenade launcher is undergoing military tests. Special forces weapon Ags 40 Balkans adopted for service

The domestic grenade launcher system AGS-40 "Balkan" (or 6G27 according to the GRAU Index) has been produced in Russia since 2008. It is designed as a descendant weapon based on a domestic development - the Kozlik automatic mounted grenade launcher. This type weapons designed to annihilate enemy forces, infantry concentrations and damage telecommunication lines. This will be discussed in this article.

Design Features

When mentioning the AGS-40 “Balkan”, as well as the fact that this weapon is a grenade launcher, an ignorant person immediately comes to mind with a look similar to either the well-known RPG-7 or the tubular RPG-26.

Unlike the mentioned models, the AGS-40 “Balkan” automatic grenade launcher has supports in its design on which it is mounted. Due to the peculiarity of firing (almost a burst), the grenade launcher constantly twitches. Therefore, there is a chair between the rear support frames so that the shooter presses the weapon to the ground with his weight while shooting. The caliber of the fired projectile is 40 mm.

Automatic grenade launcher AGS-40 “Balkan” and its characteristics

Unlike the AGS-17 “Plamya” automatic grenade launcher currently in service, which fires 30-caliber shells, this grenade launcher shows much more effective firing results. The rate of fire of the AGS-40 "Balkan" has a very impressive figure - 400 rounds per minute. That is, this gun is capable of firing 400 deadly projectiles per minute, each of which behaves like an exploding grenade.

The grenade launcher magazine holds belts for 20 7P39 grenades. These are caseless projectiles; the technology for their use is similar to VOG-25 projectiles. That is, the chamber of the projectile flies out of the barrel along with the grenade itself, and is an integral part of it.

The weight of the weapon on the machine is 32 kg. Barrel length - 400 mm, firing range 2500 meters. This is the AGS-40 “Balkan”.

Grenade launcher

Russia has long been famous for its weapons development. The Balkan complex was developed back in the early nineties. The main elements were successfully designed and tested in action, but due to the difficult economic situation in the country, the development was not put into service, and the idea of ​​mass production was postponed. Or maybe they just decided to leave such a significant “ace in their hole” for later. After all, at that time “Kozlik” completely justified itself.

The mentioned combat “animal” has a 40-mm caliber and 16 kilograms of weight. Due to its low weight, it is easy to carry, but when firing, the complex requires additional weighting. The shooter actually has to press the weapon to the ground with his entire body weight.

When comparing the AGS-40 “Balkan” with it, the weight immediately catches your eye - 32 kg. There are no issues with weighting, especially since there is a seat for the shooter to more comfortably press the shooting monster to the ground. But there will be some difficulties with transportation. On the other hand, when carried, the seat plate is placed against the back, not the angles of the machine supports.

Additional accessories

In addition to the machine on which the grenade launcher itself is mounted, it is possible to install additional devices, for example, an optical sight, which allows you to adjust the shooting.

Feeding shells is possible either using a belt or by installing a box magazine.

It should also be mentioned that domestic designers have improved the principle of caseless shooting, increasing the mass explosive in Balkan shells from 40 grams to 90, according to a statement by Oleg Chizhevsky, director of the Pribor company, which produces Balkan together with Izhmash.

Comparison with AGS-17 "Flame"

Adopted by the USSR army in the early 70s. After the collapse of the Union, it entered service with the republics that were part of it. Used in many local military conflicts. In particular, in Afghanistan.

Experienced soldiers often carried out “break-in” of recruits by firing blank shells at shelters, so that the soldiers got used to the combat situation.

The grenade launcher itself has a machine that allows you to adjust the firing angle and hit the enemy in closed and hard-to-reach positions: on back side hill, in trenches, fortified ditches, etc.

In Afghanistan, the practice of welding AGS-17 to the hulls of tanks and armored personnel carriers has become widespread. Thanks to such “grenade launcher nests” it was convenient to drive the Mujahideen out of their shelters.

The kit included “smart projectiles” equipped with a range finder, fuse and liquidator. That is, the crew did not have to fear a fragment from their own projectile - if one fell less than twenty meters away, there would be no explosion. On the other hand, a grenade that flies more than a kilometer away will explode automatically.

The grenade launcher was convenient, it was quickly aimed at in battle, but during transportation, both soldiers from the crew of this grenade launcher were involved in dragging it from place to place. When shooting, one participant shoots, the other feeds the cartridges and holds the tape.

Thanks to the improved design of the AGS-40 Balkan, the tape no longer gets stuck. A box is used if necessary. And one person can easily handle the transportation.

Conclusion

In the end, I would like to say that the very idea of ​​​​creating the first grenade launcher in the world appeared when a person decided to expand the capabilities of the grenadier - a soldier throwing a grenade.

The first automatic grenade launcher allowed not only further than a person, but also bursts. Gradually there was a struggle with difficulties in operating such a structure. Technical thought and scientific progress do not stand still.

Supporting infantry in attack and defense has been and remains the main task of tactical specialists and engineers. The Soviet Union, as often happens in the arms business, was the first to create a new type of weapon, automatic grenade launchers. The work began back in the 1930s, and time has not been kind to either the designers or their brainchild.

Despite the difficulties, experience, engineering and talent led to the creation of the AGS-40 Balkan. Although the troops are at the stage of receiving this weapon, it has already made itself known, and quite loudly, in the weapons world.

Creation of "Balkan"

In 1934, an institute was opened in the USSR that dealt with an unusual type of weapons for that time. Under the leadership of Yakov Grigorievich Taube, workers were designing an automatic grenade launcher, the latest development at that time. The prototype presented a couple of years later caused a mixed reaction from the military.

His firepower was undeniable, automatic and 40.6 mm caliber provided reliable infantry cover. At the same time, the model had many shortcomings and was clearly not suitable for production. Not given the opportunity to finalize the prototype, Taube was sent to do something else, and a 50-mm company mortar came into service.

The outbreak of war contributed to the work on creating weapons.

Taube was shot as an enemy of the people and a pest, and the development of his design went into the archives for decades.

Taube's ideas were returned to in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The successful experience of using similar weapons US Army in Vietnam. Remembering that the archive contains ready-made developments and that people who remembered Taube can be found, the military department places an order for the creation of an automatic grenade launcher.

The design bureau that continued its work presented a project for an automatic grenade launcher. Having received the go-ahead for development, engineers already in 1972 brought the AGS-17, which received the name “Flame,” to testing and subsequent acceptance into service.

Seven years later, the weapon received its baptism of fire in Afghanistan. The fighters of the Limited Contingent of Troops could not help but appreciate the impressive power of the “Flame”. Indirect recognition of merit was the fact of welding AGS onto moving equipment.

Few types of weapons could so increase the power of a unit in battle and enjoy such love.

“Door artillery”, that’s what the OKSV fighters in Afghanistan called grenade launchers converted for a specific type of transport in slang.

There were also serious disadvantages, the main one of which large mass products. It was often simply not possible to carry a 30-kilogram AGS body on you to a combat exit, and this without ammunition.

War experience allowed us to improve the model to ASG-30. The caliber remained the same, 30 mm, but the weight was halved, leaving 16 kilograms. This sample served during the fighting in Chechnya. Once again, the army's ingenuity worked technical miracles, modernizing weapons in ways that no engineer would have guessed.

For example, fighters from one of the squads special purpose removed everything from the AGS, leaving only the barrel and trigger and installing optics. The result was a kind of specially powerful sniper rifle.

The accumulated experience was enough for another modernization, but numerous difficulties in the 1990s did not allow the modernization to be carried out. Practically ready weapon It turned out to be frozen, and only at the beginning of the 21st century was it remembered and presented at arms shows the ASG-40 “Balkan”, which immediately caused a stir. The military department, after a series of improvements and solving some minor problems, adopted new sample.

The design of "Balkan" and its closest competitors

The first thing that catches your eye when you get acquainted with the AGS-40 is the chair. In order to prevent the car from being thrown up when fired (the prototype design was also called “Kozlik”), as well as for the convenience of the operator, a seat was welded to the frame.

The ASG fires from an open bolt.

The drummer is rigidly attached to the bolt frame, and it also plays a role gas piston. The spring ensures locking, and the firing pin breaks the grenade primer. Reloading occurs under the influence of powder gases. The design of the ammunition plays a big role.

Caseless shots provide a high rate of fire, eliminating distortions and jamming. Belt for 20 charges, feed from the right from a metal box.

It is interesting to compare the Russian model and its closest competitors in terms of tactical and technical characteristics. For example, consider the American Mark 47 Striker and the German HK GMG:

• the caliber of all presented samples is 40 mm;
• the weight of the AGS is 32 kg, the Americans are slightly larger, 41 kg, the German creation of Kohler and Koch weighs 46.5 kg:
• the barrel length of the systems is, respectively, 400 mm, 330 mm and 577 mm;
• rate of fire, AGS 40 - 400 rounds per minute, Stryker 225 - 300, GMG - 340;
• firing range Russian weapons 2500 meters, at Western analogues 2200 meters.

From this it is clear that domestic weapons surpasses foreign analogues in some indicators. When compared, the American model is closest in characteristics, however, at joint exhibitions and open shows it often fails. The low reliability is caused by design features that US engineers have not yet been able to correct.

This should also include the traditional army love for various kinds of modifications and improvements “on the knees,” as well as the practice of non-standard, non-standard use of weapons in combat operations and exercises.

Application of AGS and prospects for modernization

The history of the use of automatic grenade launchers dates back to more than one battle and more than one war. Born before the deployment of troops to Afghanistan, the system performed well in the mountains. There were no more effective automatic weapons capable of covering an ambush or entrenched militants.

30 mm grenades fired in bursts were guaranteed to destroy the enemy. Using it with armored vehicles, which solved the problem of mobility and heavy weight, made the weapon indispensable.

The improved model, AGS-30, also showed excellent performance in battles, already in Chechnya.

The reliability of components and ammunition saved the lives of more than one soldier. According to the recollections of participants in those events, the enemy left positions or chose another place to attack if the AGS, or, in slang, “borders” began to work on it. Interesting moment of the fight Russian special forces with one of the gangs coming out of the gorge.

In order to block the path, it was necessary to lock the exit from the valley. For this purpose, the feds used a converted AGS-30, transformed by the hands of the company Kulibin soldiers into sniper rifle.

The shooter needed only three shots to bring down part of the rock and prevent the militants from escaping.

Further developments followed the principle of “improving what already works well.” New system The AGS-40 "Balkan", which was put into service, has not exhausted its service life. Changing the grenade made it possible to make the shot even more powerful and increase the firing range. Despite this, work to improve the system is still ongoing.

Video

AGS-40 is a new grenade launcher that is superior to all Russian models of this class

The Russian AGS-40 “Balkan” grenade launcher is a seriously redesigned model of an automatic grenade launcher, created using the experience of producing the AGS-17 and AGS-30. This model was developed by NPO Pribor. Having a caliber of 40 mm, the automatic grenade launcher surpasses previous models not only in the power of the ammunition used, but also in the combat range.

General information about the new Russian grenade launcher

The new grenade launcher, which has been produced in small batches since 2008, is designed for the following purposes:

• Destroying concentrations of unprotected enemy manpower;
• Destruction of unarmored vehicles;
• Destroying enemy infantry located in trenches or using the terrain as cover.

It was planned that the new automatic grenade launcher would be put into service Russian army in 2017, although special forces have been using it since 2008. Weapons engineers had to develop a new weapon, the power of which would significantly exceed all others Russian analogues. Judging by the few reviews from special forces soldiers who managed to use this automatic grenade launcher in practice, the engineers coped with the tasks one hundred percent.

Although the AGS-40 is considered a further development of the AGS-30, it was created on the basis of one of the prototypes, which was developed back in the 90s. This is a Kozlik grenade launcher, which had a caliber of 40 mm, but was never able to enter mass production.

History of the development of automatic grenade launchers

The Soviet Union was the first to master the production of automatic grenade launchers, so without exaggeration it can be called the birthplace of weapons of this type. Although Western weapons experts claim that the USSR received development of automatic grenade launchers from the Germans in 1945, in fact, Soviet developments in this area began much earlier. In the early 1930s, the famous gunsmith designer Yakov Grigorievich Taubin was able to interest the government Soviet Union with his bold and revolutionary project.

In 1934 it was created design department, which was developing an automatic grenade launcher. During a year genius designer Taubin was able not only to develop a project for an automatic grenade launcher, but also to make a prototype model, which was allowed for testing in 1935. Naturally, it was impossible to create a perfect weapon without flaws in a year. Exactly because of this reason prototype The 40.6 mm grenade launcher failed to pass state tests.

Dissatisfied with the test results, the government closed the design bureau and censured its director. Taubin lived in disgrace for 6 years. In 1941, he was suddenly arrested and, accused of aiding the enemy, was shot. The design engineers working with Taubin were so frightened that they did not return to development of an automatic grenade launcher until the late 1960s.

In 1970, Taubin's followers developed the first automatic grenade launcher, called the AGS-30 "Flame". In 1972, it successfully passed state tests and was adopted by the Soviet army. This weapon worked well in the Afghan war. Despite concerns that the design of an automatic grenade launcher would be too complex, combat conflicts have shown that the grenade launcher is incredibly reliable.

During Afghan war The soldiers liked the AGS-17 so much that they even welded it to the hulls of infantry fighting vehicles, thus modernizing military equipment.

The appearance of the AGS-30 and the further development of this weapon

Ten years after the first automatic grenade launcher was put into service, its characteristics no longer met modern requirements. In the second half of the 1980s, development began on a next-generation grenade launcher, which was supposed to replace the previous model. It was planned to develop a new grenade launcher by 1990, but well-known events slowed down the development of all types of Russian weapons for a long time.

Despite the economic difficulties plaguing Russia in the 1990s, the Instrument Design Bureau was able to present its new development, the AGS-30, by the mid-90s. The new weapon was identical in its combat characteristics to the AGS-17 “Plamya” automatic grenade launcher, but its weight was halved. Now the weapon could be easily transported by one soldier, although the combat crew consisted of two people.

Despite the significant weight reduction, the designers were unable to increase the range of destruction of the new grenade launcher, since even the ammunition remained the same. Only later did engineers manage to create a more powerful grenade, but it could also be used by the AGS-17.

In this regard, back in the late 1980s, the USSR was developing a new automatic grenade launcher, which had a caliber of 40 mm. New project received the name TKB-0134 “Goat”.

The appearance of the AGS-40 grenade launcher

Since the USSR collapsed, the Kozlik grenade launcher project was never completed. However, in the mid-1990s, these developments were used to create a new model of automatic grenade launcher. The new weapon was called AGS-40, but its development lasted for for a long time. The first limited series of new Russian grenade launchers, consisting of 6 pieces, was transferred to the Russian army only in 2008. This weapon had to be tested in the field.

Tests were carried out over for long years, but as a result the grenade launcher was recommended for adoption. According to the latest information, it was supposed to enter service before the end of 2017. According to the developers, the new Russian grenade launcher still has no equal among similar foreign models.

In 2013, the AGS-40 automatic grenade launcher was presented to the world community at an arms exhibition in the UAE. New development Russian military industry caused a sensation.

Nuances of the AGS-40 design

The Kozlik grenade launcher got its name for a reason. Due to its caliber, the weapon bounced a lot when fired. The new grenade launcher got rid of this feature, since the weapon’s tripod machine received a seat for the shooter. The fighter's weight now prevents the weapon from bouncing. The weight of the new grenade launcher is 32 kg, which is equivalent to the weight of the AGS-17. The box of ammunition also weighs about 14 kg. Despite its weight, the new grenade launcher has become significantly more powerful than its predecessors. The characteristics of the 40 mm grenade launcher are as follows:

• The firing range of the grenade launcher is 2,500 meters;
• Rate of fire up to 400 rounds per minute;
• You can shoot from a grenade launcher both along a flat and mounted trajectory;
• Shooting can be carried out either in single shots or in bursts.

In addition, the grenade launcher can fire for a long time and continuously. The metal used for the barrel of the weapon is resistant to overheating and does not deform.

Grenades for the new grenade launcher

The AGS-40 automatic grenade launcher can be called a grenade launcher system, since its ammunition was developed specifically for this weapon. The new grenade is called 7P39. Its special feature is the presence of a two-chamber ballistic engine. It was the use of a specially designed grenade that allowed the automatic grenade launcher to achieve such performance.

The 7P39 model grenade has the following features:

• The chamber with the charge is integral with the grenade body;
• It does not have a separate sleeve;
• The weight of the explosive reaches 90 grams, which affected the power of the grenade launcher;
• This scheme had a beneficial effect on the operation of weapon automation.

Although the new automatic grenade launcher currently uses only one type of ammunition, its power is sufficient to solve most combat missions.

Operating principles of the AGS-40 grenade launcher

The grenade launcher works according to the following scheme:

• Firing is carried out from an open bolt;
• The firing pin acts as a gas piston; it is connected to the bolt frame by a rigid connection;
• After the shot, the bolt group returns to its original position due to the spring. She moves further, while locking the barrel channel;
• The firing pin breaks the ammunition capsule, causing a shot to occur;
• The powder gases that are formed after the shot act on the firing pin, which moves backward along with the bolt frame.

After this, the firing cycle is considered completed and is repeated in the same sequence.

Ammunition for the grenade launcher is located in a metal belt, in the amount of 20 pieces. This tape is placed in a box, which is attached to the right side of the grenade launcher. As sighting devices There are two types of sights used. The first sight is mechanical, the second is optical. Considering that the weight of the grenade launcher with ammunition is 46 kg, the designers said that they will soon equip it with special mounts that will allow it to be installed not only on armored vehicles, but also on boats and helicopters.

Automatic grenade launchers are a continuation of a branch of evolution that began with the advent of the first grenades. The first grenade launchers solved the problem of throwing grenades over long distances. Gradually, the design of grenade launchers was improved. Russia can be proud of its automatic grenade launchers, which not only were invented in the USSR, but also currently have no analogues in terms of power and rate of fire in the world.

AGS-40 is a new grenade launcher that is superior to all Russian models of this class

The Russian AGS-40 “Balkan” grenade launcher is a seriously redesigned model of an automatic grenade launcher, created using the experience of producing the AGS-17 and AGS-30. This model was developed by NPO Pribor. Having a caliber of 40 mm, the automatic grenade launcher surpasses previous models not only in the power of the ammunition used, but also in the combat range.

General information about the new Russian grenade launcher

The new grenade launcher, which has been produced in small batches since 2008, is designed for the following purposes:

• Destroying concentrations of unprotected enemy manpower;
• Destruction of unarmored vehicles;
• Destroying enemy infantry located in trenches or using the terrain as cover.

It was planned that the new automatic grenade launcher would be adopted by the Russian army in 2017, although special forces have been using it since 2008. Weapons engineers had to develop a new weapon, the power of which would significantly exceed all other Russian analogues. Judging by the few reviews from special forces soldiers who managed to use this automatic grenade launcher in practice, the engineers coped with the tasks one hundred percent.

Although the AGS-40 is considered a further development of the AGS-30, it was created on the basis of one of the prototypes, which was developed back in the 90s. This is the Kozlik grenade launcher, which had a caliber of 40 mm, but was never able to enter mass production.

History of the development of automatic grenade launchers

The Soviet Union was the first to master the production of automatic grenade launchers, so without exaggeration it can be called the birthplace of weapons of this type. Although Western weapons experts claim that the USSR received development of automatic grenade launchers from the Germans in 1945, in fact, Soviet developments in this area began much earlier. In the early 1930s, the famous gunsmith designer Yakov Grigorievich Taubin was able to interest the government of the Soviet Union with his bold and revolutionary project.

In 1934, a design bureau was created that was developing an automatic grenade launcher. Within a year, the brilliant designer Taubin was able not only to develop a project for an automatic grenade launcher, but also to make a prototype model, which was allowed to be tested in 1935. Naturally, it was impossible to create a perfect weapon without flaws in a year. It is for this reason that a prototype 40.6 mm grenade launcher could not pass state tests.

Dissatisfied with the test results, the government closed the design bureau and censured its director. Taubin lived in disgrace for 6 years. In 1941, he was suddenly arrested and, accused of aiding the enemy, was shot. The design engineers working with Taubin were so frightened that they did not return to development of an automatic grenade launcher until the late 1960s.

In 1970, Taubin's followers developed the first automatic grenade launcher, called the AGS-30 "Flame". In 1972, it successfully passed state tests and was adopted by the Soviet army. This weapon has proven itself well in the Afghan war. Despite concerns that the design of an automatic grenade launcher would be too complex, combat conflicts have shown that the grenade launcher is incredibly reliable.

During the Afghan War, the soldiers liked the AGS-17 so much that they even welded it to the hulls of infantry fighting vehicles, thus modernizing military equipment.

The appearance of the AGS-30 and the further development of this weapon

Ten years after the first automatic grenade launcher was put into service, its characteristics no longer met modern requirements. In the second half of the 1980s, development began on a next-generation grenade launcher, which was supposed to replace the previous model. It was planned to develop a new grenade launcher by 1990, but well-known events slowed down the development of all types of Russian weapons for a long time.

Despite the economic difficulties plaguing Russia in the 1990s, the Instrument Design Bureau was able to present its new development, the AGS-30, by the mid-90s. The new weapon was identical in its combat characteristics to the AGS-17 “Plamya” automatic grenade launcher, but its weight was halved. Now the weapon could be easily transported by one soldier, although the combat crew consisted of two people.

Despite the significant weight reduction, the designers were unable to increase the range of destruction of the new grenade launcher, since even the ammunition remained the same. Only later did engineers manage to create a more powerful grenade, but it could also be used by the AGS-17.

In this regard, back in the late 1980s, the USSR was developing a new automatic grenade launcher, which had a caliber of 40 mm. The new project was named TKB-0134 “Kozlik”.

The appearance of the AGS-40 grenade launcher

Since the USSR collapsed, the Kozlik grenade launcher project was never completed. However, in the mid-1990s, these developments were used to create a new model of automatic grenade launcher. The new weapon was called AGS-40, but its development took a long time. The first limited series of new Russian grenade launchers, consisting of 6 pieces, was transferred to the Russian army only in 2008. This weapon had to be tested in the field.

Tests were carried out over many years, but as a result, the grenade launcher was recommended for adoption. According to the latest information, it was supposed to enter service before the end of 2017. According to the developers, the new Russian grenade launcher still has no equal among similar foreign models.

In 2013, the AGS-40 automatic grenade launcher was presented to the world community at an arms exhibition in the UAE. A new development in the Russian military industry has caused a sensation.

Nuances of the AGS-40 design

The Kozlik grenade launcher got its name for a reason. Due to its caliber, the weapon bounced a lot when fired. The new grenade launcher got rid of this feature, since the weapon’s tripod machine received a seat for the shooter. The fighter's weight now prevents the weapon from bouncing. The weight of the new grenade launcher is 32 kg, which is equivalent to the weight of the AGS-17. The box of ammunition also weighs about 14 kg. Despite its weight, the new grenade launcher has become significantly more powerful than its predecessors. The characteristics of the 40 mm grenade launcher are as follows:

• The firing range of the grenade launcher is 2,500 meters;
• Rate of fire up to 400 rounds per minute;
• You can shoot from a grenade launcher both along a flat and mounted trajectory;
• Shooting can be carried out either in single shots or in bursts.

In addition, the grenade launcher can fire for a long time and continuously. The metal used for the barrel of the weapon is resistant to overheating and does not deform.

Grenades for the new grenade launcher

The AGS-40 automatic grenade launcher can be called a grenade launcher system, since its ammunition was developed specifically for this weapon. The new grenade is called 7P39. Its special feature is the presence of a two-chamber ballistic engine. It was the use of a specially designed grenade that allowed the automatic grenade launcher to achieve such performance.

The 7P39 model grenade has the following features:

• The chamber with the charge is integral with the grenade body;
• It does not have a separate sleeve;
• The weight of the explosive reaches 90 grams, which affected the power of the grenade launcher;
• This scheme had a beneficial effect on the operation of weapon automation.

Although the new automatic grenade launcher currently uses only one type of ammunition, its power is sufficient to solve most combat missions.

Operating principles of the AGS-40 grenade launcher

The grenade launcher works according to the following scheme:

• Firing is carried out from an open bolt;
• The firing pin acts as a gas piston; it is connected to the bolt frame by a rigid connection;
• After the shot, the bolt group returns to its original position due to the spring. She moves further, while locking the barrel channel;
• The firing pin breaks the ammunition capsule, causing a shot to occur;
• The powder gases that are formed after the shot act on the firing pin, which moves backward along with the bolt frame.

After this, the firing cycle is considered completed and is repeated in the same sequence.

Ammunition for the grenade launcher is located in a metal belt, in the amount of 20 pieces. This tape is placed in a box, which is attached to the right side of the grenade launcher. Two types of sights are used as sighting devices. The first sight is mechanical, the second is optical. Considering that the weight of the grenade launcher with ammunition is 46 kg, the designers said that they will soon equip it with special mounts that will allow it to be installed not only on armored vehicles, but also on boats and helicopters.

Automatic grenade launchers are a continuation of a branch of evolution that began with the advent of the first grenades. The first grenade launchers solved the problem of throwing grenades over long distances. Gradually, the design of grenade launchers was improved. Russia can be proud of its automatic grenade launchers, which not only were invented in the USSR, but also currently have no analogues in terms of power and rate of fire in the world.

The very idea of ​​​​creating automatic grenade launchers arose due to the insufficient effectiveness of the use of grenades by infantry. It is simply impossible to throw the best live grenade by hand at a distance of 40-50 meters, and even then these standards are suitable for training sessions. In a real battle, under enemy fire, the throwing range does not exceed 20 meters, which increases the risk of being hit by shrapnel and the grenade launcher himself. What was needed was a kind of “slingshot” that would allow ammunition to be thrown over a long range, and even better, a machine gun that could fire grenades. This is how the AGS appeared - an effective weapon of long-range and close combat. The most famous domestic AGS-17 “Flame”, which entered service Soviet army in the early 70s of the last century, is still used in the Russian army. And not only in it - in export version and in various modifications this one is automatic easel grenade launcher is still used in several dozen countries. The AGS was tested in combat in Afghanistan, although it had previously been well-tested at army training grounds.

“AGS-17 was in service with every motorized rifle or airborne unit as part of OKSVA (Limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan - author), says combat veteran and now senator Franz Klintsevich. - A good “machine” that allowed effective shooting at opposing forces. An experienced fighter could hit the window of a duval or adobe house with a grenade from a distance of a kilometer; as they say, he shot at the bull's eye without even using optical sight. In mountainous terrain, being in dominant positions, this grenade launcher could hit targets at a distance of three kilometers - the grenade was already flying down by inertia until the self-liquidator was triggered. One of the disadvantages of the "Flame" is high recoil, when the barrel lifted up during automatic firing up and interfered with aiming. Therefore, they preferred to fire with single shots, and the gunner had to lean on the grenade launcher with his entire body so that he would not be thrown up. Often, the AGS frame was welded to the turret of an armored personnel carrier or an improvised turret, for which an ordinary rotating wheel from a truck was used. The soldiers did not like to carry it on their backs because of its weight, but in battle it was very helpful with its rate of fire and accuracy of destruction.”

Increasing the caliber from 30 millimeters (for the AGS-17 “Plamya”) to 40 millimeters and the firing range from 1600 to 2500 meters was the need of the army, which required more powerful weapons in this class. This is how the prototype AGS-30 “Kozlik” appeared. Although it was tested in combat conditions, it never entered mass production: when powerful ammunition lightweight body with a weight of 16 kilograms did not allow for effective shooting. Therefore, further development of the automatic grenade launcher continued, and already in 2008, the Federal State Unitary Enterprise SNPP Pribor, which developed this type of weapon, supplied six new 40-mm Balkan automatic grenade launchers to the troops for testing weapons.
It turned out to be heavier - 32 kilograms complete with the body itself, the frame and the seat for the shooter, but it had a higher rate of fire - 400 rounds per minute and a long-range - 2500 meters. Compared to foreign analogues, then “Balkan” surpasses them in these indicators. And, say, the American Mk-47 is capable of firing only 225-300 rounds per minute, and their flight range does not exceed 2200 meters. The weight of the Russian automatic grenade launcher requires its transportation by mechanical means, while it can also be carried manually over short distances. The gunner's seat eases the load on the back and does not interfere with movement. If we recall the experience of combat operations in Afghanistan, the 82-mm “Tray” mortar, widely used in mountainous areas, weighed 42 kilograms in the combat position, and the most inconvenient to carry base plate weighed 17 kilograms. At the same time, they managed to lift them to remote mountainous areas over considerable distances. The “weighted” AGS-40, equipped with a seat for the shooter, which also acts as a counterweight for recoil, allows automatic firing in full mode, and not in single shots. At the same time, its effectiveness in covering area unprotected targets and concentrations of enemy manpower is noticeably higher than that of its predecessors and foreign analogues.
New ideas used in the AGS-40 made it possible to simplify its design. The body of the grenade launcher consists of a 400 mm long barrel, as well as receiver. The main part of the latter has a tubular structure, and next to the breech of the barrel there is an enlarged housing for the system for feeding shots into the barrel. At the rear of the receiver there are fire control handles equipped with a trigger. On the right surface of the weapon there is a swinging lever for reloading, connected to the main automation devices. A bolt group and a recoil spring are placed inside the grenade launcher's receiver. The weapon is equipped with a rotating bolt on which a movable firing pin is installed. To reload the weapon, the energy of the powder gases acting on the firing pin is used. The grenade launcher magazine contains belts for 20 7P39 grenades, which were specially designed for automatic grenade launchers. These are caseless projectiles, the technology of their use is similar to projectiles underbarrel grenade launchers VOG-25. To understand: the grenade “case” flies out of the barrel along with the warhead itself, almost like in a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Reloading takes only a few seconds, so the fire is carried out in automatic mode, which makes it possible to create a high density of fire damage at a high rate of fire.