40mm grenade launcher from Rippel Effect
Christopher F Foss
Being shown for the first time at IDEX this year is the new Extended Range Grenade Launcher 40mm (XRGL40), which has been developed as a private venture by South African company Rippel Effect (Stand 4516). This is now being put through final qualification tests and is expected to be ready to enter production in April this year. It is claimed that the new XRGL40 has a range of up to 800m and can fire six rounds in three seconds.
According to the company, the longer range is obtained firing the patented 230g Extended Range Low Pressure (ERLP) grenade at 125m/s. An integral gas obturation system ensures that optimum propulsion is obtained without an increase in chamber pressure.
The new XRGL40 has a six-round magazine and is semi-automatic. The progressively rifled steel barrel has a specialised internal coating which is hardened to withstand the higher erosion and rotation forces of 40 x 51mm medium velocity rounds with a muzzle velocity of 125m/s while still being compatible with the standard velocity (76m/s) rounds.
A novel sighting system has been specially developed for the new XRGL40 and this is mounted on an integral NATO standard rail for rapid removal. The company has confirmed to the Show Daily that the newgeneration XRGL40 will be marketed alongside its older and shorter range multiple MSGL40 launchers.
Rippel Effect was previously known as Milkor Marketing and is the prime contractor and developer for the 40mm MGL, of which more than 30,000 have been manufactured for sale to more than 20 countries worldwide.
Production of the 40mm MGL is currently undertaken by South Africa’s Sonoro (Pty) Ltd. Rippel Effect has a network of agreements in place with ammunition manufacturers worldwide, although the preferred supplier is Denel Munitions of South Africa, with which it has an exclusive arrangement covering the development and qualification of the new family of ERLP extended range ammunition for use with the new XRGL40.
In addition to its range of 40mm weapons and unique sighting systems for the launchers, Rippel Effect supplies sniper rifles in various calibres, assault rifles and carbines, mine and ballistic protected vehicles and soft-skinned military vehicles for use as troop carriers and weapon platforms.
 Extended Range from XRGL40 complete with sighting system |