IDEX 2013: Ukraine shows off new AGL

Ukraine's Leninska Kuznya debuted its UAG-40 automatic grenade launcher (AGL) at the IDEX exhibition, held in Abu Dhabi from 17-21 February.

The weapon is in an advanced stage of development, mounted on a lightweight tripod and firing belt-fed 40x53 mm HV (High Velocity) grenades, using the same link as that used with the US MK19 and other 'western' AGLs.

It uses a blow-back operation and the launcher is fitted with what is described as a recoil-reduction system comprising friction-damped cantilever springs located in the receiver walls to help reduce rearward bolt travel velocity, and a multi-baffle muzzle brake. The latter has been designed to reduce muzzle-climb during burst-fire by means of multiple baffles venting gas upwards and to the side. The lower section of the brake has no baffles, so limits the displacement of ground debris during firing from muzzle-blast, ensuring that the target remains in view and the firing position is not unnecessarily compromised.

The barrel features progressive-twist rifling, with the pitch commencing at 1 turn in 8 calibres at the breech-end, through 1 turn in 16 at mid-barrel to 1 turn in 24 at the muzzle.