More Grenade Machine Guns for front line troops
8 Feb 08
Since its introduction into service last year the Grenade Machine Gun has proved to be an effective and popular asset with front line troops. As part of the MOD's Fire Support Weapon programme, more of these battlefield dominating weapons will soon be in theatre.
The Grenade Machine Gun in action in its tripod-mounted role
[Picture: DE&S]
The Ministry of Defence has ordered a further batch of Grenade Machine Guns (GMG) to equip the front line infantry, adding to the significant numbers which have already proven to be hugely effective on operations; particularly in Afghanistan. The latest batch brings to an end the purchase programme of an impressive and lethal piece of kit.
GMGs have a rate of fire of up to 340 rounds a minute, and fire 40mm diameter high explosive grenades out to ranges of two kilometres in either single shot or automatic modes. The ammunition is dual purpose and can be used against enemy troops in defensive positions.
The Fire Support Weapon programme includes the procurement of a full suite of the latest weapons optics to support the GMG, including a telescopic day sight, image intensifying and thermal night sights and a laser rangefinder, which allow the weapon to be effective day and night in all environments. The total value of the programme, which also includes the development of simulated training systems to allow training on the weapon without firing live ammunition, is more than £18m.
The Grenade Machine Guns have proven to be effective in extreme conditions, perfoming well across the range of operational environments
[Picture: DE&S]
Colonel Peter Rafferty, who leads Defence Equipment & Support's Dismounted Close Combat project team, said:
"This contract completes our planned buy of the equipment, a large proportion of which has been delivered ahead of schedule to meet the urgent requirements of the men on the ground.
"Reports from the front line have been extremely favourable, with the weapon's effectiveness allowing infantry company commanders to engage and defeat the enemy at range, providing overmatch of the enemy and the ability to achieve mission success more rapidly.
"The grenade machine gun, whether mounted on vehicles or on a tripod, has given our troops a major boost in the firepower they can bring to bear on the enemy.
"It's extremely effective – especially when teamed up with the powerful 0.5in calibre machine gun – and does the job that was intended. It's so accurate that a well-trained user can put a grenade through the window of a building over a kilometre away."
Colonel Rafferty added:
"The grenade machine guns were needed both to support infantry in difficult terrain, and to completely dominate the battlefield when in open terrain.
"While this programme will deliver the system mainly for use in a tripod-mounted role from the ground, it can also be mounted on several in-service vehicles, including armoured Land Rovers and the Mastiff protected patrol vehicle."
"It's so accurate that a well-trained user can put a grenade through the window of a building over a kilometre away."
Colonel Peter Rafferty
Before entering service, the entire system completed a rigorous testing process, including a series of user trials run by the Infantry Trials and Development Unit in jungle, desert and Arctic conditions, which demonstrated that it was the best available system to meet the requirements of the military users.
The final batch of weapons will be delivered in spring 2008 to equip men in the Royal Marines, the RAF Regiment and Mechanised Light and Air Assault Infantry Battalions.
GMG at a glance
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch, Germany
Service Designation: L134-A1
Ammunition Types : 40mm high velocity, high explosive dual purpose (HEDP) grenades for operations, 40mm high velocity flash bang grenades for training
Target Effect: The HEDP ammunition is dual purpose and has an anti-armour and anti-personnel effect
Rate of Fire: The GMG can fire in either single shot or automatic modes at a rate of up to 340 rounds per minute
Range: Up to 2,000m
GMGs can fire off up to 340 rounds of high explosive grenades over a two kilometre range every minute
[Picture: DE&S]
Weight: The gun weighs approximately 30kg. The complete (tripod-mounted) system weighs approximately 60kg
Sighting System: The system is provided with a range of sights, including image intensifying and thermal sights, to enable direct and indirect fire in all light conditions, providing a 24-hour capability
Operational Usage: The system will be fired when ground mounted on a tripod but can also be mounted on several vehicles with a Weapon Mount Installation Kit. The system will support a variety of missions, from airfield security to forward operating base protection and vehicle patrols
Programme Cost: The total programme cost is approximately £18m, which includes weapons, ancillary items, sights, laser rangefinders, vehicle integration and training systems
Delivery: Deliveries will complete this spring
This article first appeared in the February 2008 issue of Preview magazine - for Defence Equipment and Support, the equipment capability customer and industry.