ARDE 40 mm under barrel grenade launcher

The 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher,[lower-alpha 1] is a single shot grenade launcher developed by ARDE and Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli[1] for use with the INSAS and AK-47 rifles used by the Indian Army. Stand alone versions of the grenade launcher exist.[3]

Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, 40mm
40MM UBGL by ARDE
TypeGrenade launcher
Place of originIndia
Service history
In service2010–present[1]
Used byIndian Army
Production history
DesignerArmament Research and Development Establishment[1]
Designed2010
ManufacturerOrdnance Factory Tiruchirappalli
No. built10,000 (September 2019)[2]
Specifications
Mass1.5 kg (unloaded)
Length450mm
Barrel length350mm
Cartridge40x46mm
ActionSingle shot, Pump Action
Rate of fire5 to 7 round/min
Muzzle velocity250 ft/s (76 m/s)
Effective firing range28-400m
Maximum firing range400m
Feed systemBreech Loading
SightsVarious sights developed by ARDE for the launcher:
  • Post type foresights
  • Ladder sight with 50m steps
  • Illuminated bubble sight for indirect firing
  • Tritium illuminated sight for night firing.[3]

As of September 2019, around 10,000 UBGLs were manufactured.[2]

History

In 2020, its ammunition's production began in India (it was earlier imported), in Ammunition Factory Khadki, Pune under Atmanirbhar Bharat. The first ammunition consignment was sent to the Border Security Force.[5]

Design

The 40mm UBGL can be attached to Indian INSAS and AK-47 rifles, and has a 3-point attachment for rigidity. The UBGL has an in-built safety to prevent accidental firing. The trigger system is located on the side of the barrel, allowing the soldier to fire both the rifle and grenade launcher without having to change his firing posture.[3] Its maximum range is 400 metres.[6]

The weapon uses a simple ladder sight mechanism, similar to the GP-25. It also has tritium illuminated sights for night firing. The ammunition fired by the UBGL is similar to the Milkor MGL used by the Indian Army, allowing for standardisation.[3]

The UBGL's can be equipped with Air Burst rounds for enhanced lethality.These rounds uses programmable electronic fuse for detonation and has self destructive capabilities in case of missing the target.[7]

To install the UBGL, the handguard of an INSAS/AK-type rifle needs to be removed first before the device is installed.[4]

References
  1. "Bulk Production Clearance for 40mm UBGL" (PDF). DRDO. August 2010. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 September 2010. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  2. "40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India".
  3. "Under Barrel Grenade Launcher 40 mm". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  4. "[DEFEXPO 2020] Indian UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) for INSAS -". 25 February 2020.
  5. "40 mm UBGL (UNDER BARREL GRENADE LAUNCHER) AMMUNITION BY AFK, PUNE". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  6. "INFANTRY SUPPORT WEAPONS - Asian Military Review". Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  7. DRDO,Technology Focus, Vol 29, Issue 5 (October 2021). "Small arms and ammunition" (PDF). DRDO. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

Notes
  1. No official name is given to the grenade launcher as of March 2020.[4]

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