Hand grenade launchers are used as weapons in police operations, peacekeeping missions and in the conduct of hostilities, the effect of this type of weapon is noticeable when used in confined spaces, such as buildings, houses, narrow streets to disable enemy personnel. With their modest weight and overall dimensions, grenade launchers are a fairly powerful weapon, the striking effect of which is comparable to the combat capabilities of artillery mounts.
Hand grenade launchers differ from other small arms in a dangerous area of use, that is, due to their high power, use at ultra-short distances is dangerous for a grenade launcher. In addition, the hand grenade launcher allows you to radically change the course of a local battle, but it is also a revealing factor when using it.
Hence, we can conclude that for the successful use of hand-held grenade launchers in police actions, in countering terrorism, fighting in urban conditions, they must meet such requirements as:
- maximum reduction in the range of safe use of weapons;
- reduction of unmasking effect (smoke, sound, flash);
- the possibility of using this weapon in a confined and confined space;
- high mobility of the grenade launcher (light weight, convenient dimensions);
- the highest possible rate of fire;
- improved hit rates (accuracy and accuracy).
It was for these requirements that the GM-94 hand grenade launcher was developed in the 90s by the Tula Instrument Design Bureau. The grenade launcher system has a caliber of 43 mm.
Purpose of GM-94:
The GM-94 manual grenade launcher is used for:
- ensuring the cessation of aimed fire by the enemy in open areas and in internal premises;
- Disabling the largest number of enemy manpower in urban conditions, confined spaces, mountainous areas;
- temporary incapacitation of enemy units using specific ammunition (blinding, smoke screen, fire);
- defeat of vehicles and vehicles with light armor.
The hand grenade launcher from the Tula designers turned out with a minimal unmasking effect - a quiet sound of a grenade being fired, a complete absence of a fiery flash of a shot. GM-94 is completely safe for a grenade launcher when firing in open areas, in confined and confined spaces, and various vehicles.
The grenade launcher is made according to the scheme of a 12-mm "Lynx" pump-action shotgun. The Lynx rifle is also a proprietary development of Tula designers. It entered the series in 1995 and has successfully established itself on the market.
The grenade launcher is reloaded by physical effort of moving the forearm with the barrel forward. This arrangement made it possible not to use a sliding bolt, which ultimately made it possible to reduce the weight and overall characteristics. With the help of the side lugs and the receiver mirror, the barrel is locked. The barrel is located under the tubular magazine, which increases the stability of the entire grenade launcher when firing.
The magazine is loaded on top of the grenade launcher, which makes it easier to reload the GM-94 with ammunition. The fired grenade casings are thrown down, which is very important when firing in closed rooms.
The firing mechanism is self-cocking, which allows the hand-held grenade launcher to be in constant combat readiness during use.
The grenade launcher turned out to be easy to use, reliable in operation, suitable for left-handers and right-handers.
The time for bringing the GM-94 to combat readiness is no more than 2 seconds.
For firing from a grenade launcher, 43 mm VGM-93 grenades are used, subdivided into:
- irritating effects, the so-called "smoking" type;
- shock and shock effects;
- thermobaric impact.
The ability to use these types of grenades makes the grenade launcher an effective multi-purpose weapon.
Used grenades:
- The VGM 93.100 thermobaric grenade is designed to defeat the enemy within a radius of three meters from the detonation of a grenade, defeat armored vehicles with armor up to 8 mm, effectively demolishes wooden and brick defenses due to the effect of overpressure. Shatter-proof action, safe distance for use 5 meters;
- VGM 93.200 and VGM 93.300 irritating grenades create unbearable conditions for the enemy, forcing him to feverishly leave the defensive fortifications. Effective area up to 100 square meters in open areas and up to 300 cubic meters in closed rooms;
- shock-shock grenades VGM 93.400 and VGM 93.600 neutralize the enemy with minimal damage to health;
- training grenades VGM 93.700 and VGM 93.700 are intended for training in the use of a grenade launcher in any conditions.
Main characteristics of GM-94:
- used shots VGM 93;
- unfolded length 81cm;
- folded length 54 cm;
- weight 4.8 kilograms;
- aimed firing 300 meters;
- maximum range of 600 meters;
- safe use of 5 meters to the target;
- average shot speed 100 meters / sec.
Additional Information
In 2007, the hand grenade launcher entered service with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and in 2008 the Federal Security Service also begins using the hand grenade launcher in its units.
