For half a century of the Bundeswehr's history, its soldiers have already received the fourth "soldier's bride". Before that, the "girlfriends" of the German recruits were the G98, FAL and G3 rifles. In 1995, the Heckler & KochG36 assault rifle was adopted by the Bundeswehr
NSThe search for a replacement for the G3 began in 1970, when the tactical and technical requirements for a new assault rifle were formulated. The contract for its development was received by Heckler & Koch, who in 18 years created the G11 rifle for a caseless cartridge. However, the G11 did not enter service, and in 1992 the Bundeswehr returned to the issue of replacing the G3. There were three reasons for this.
First, by the 90s, the armies of all leading countries switched to assault rifles chambered for a low-impulse cartridge. Only Germany remained committed to the 7, 62x51 cartridge, which by this time was already an anachronism. This also contradicted the NATO standardization program, where the 7.62x51 cartridge was recommended for single machine guns and sniper rifles.
The second reason is the change in the tasks of the Bundeswehr. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, the military doctrine of the FRG radically changed. The primary goals of the Bundeswehr were peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations, the fight against drug trafficking, smuggling and pirates. This required the high reliability of the weapon in any climate - in the mountains and deserts, with strong dust, with prolonged lack of proper maintenance and lubrication. The heavy and bulky G3 rifle was not very suitable for these purposes, and the efficiency of firing in bursts with such a powerful cartridge left much to be desired.
The third reason was technical. In addition to obsolescence, infantry weapons systems (P1, MP2, G3, MG3) have worn out their resource physically and need to be replaced. It would be unwise to resume production of outdated weapons systems to replace worn-out samples.
The financial situation of the Bundeswehr in the early 90s was significantly different from the situation in the 70s and 80s, and therefore it was decided not to finance the development of new models of small arms, but to purchase samples already available on the market. This provided for the new tactical and technical requirements for the assault rifle and light machine gun developed on September 1, 1993. The selection of rifle models for participation in the competition was carried out by a special working group, which included representatives of the army, air force and navy. The group selected 10 models of assault rifles and 7 models of light machine guns. After the preliminary stage, two systems remained - the Austrian Steyr AUG and the German Heckler & Koch HK50. If a decision was made in favor of the Austrians, it was envisaged to deploy the production of AUG rifles in Germany. However, this did not happen: after conducting comparative tests at the WTD91 training ground in Mepn and military tests of weapons in infantry schools, the military opted for the HK50 rifle and the MG50 light machine gun based on it. Another argument that tipped the scales in the direction of the company from Oberndorf was that Heckler & Koch was already the official supplier of the Bundeswehr.
On May 8, 1995, an official decision was made to adopt the HK50 assault rifle and MG50 light machine gun and assign them the army designations G36 and MG36. In September 1996, new rifles began to enter the armed forces, special forces and military units operating in crisis regions. They continued military trials of the G36. Then the rest of the Bundeswehr and the infantry schools were equipped with new rifles. The adoption of the G36 rifle was of great importance for the German army. This is evidenced by the holding of a special official ceremony for the transfer of new weapons to the army, aviation and navy, which took place on December 3, 1997 at the Hammelsburg infantry school. After that, equipping the troops with new rifles was to take on a massive scale. In July 1998, the 50,000th G36 was released, and in the next five years it was planned to completely complete the replacement of the G3 with the G36. Despite this, even to this day, it has not been possible to re-equip the Bundeswehr with new assault rifles. A number of G3 rifles remained in service, where they are used primarily for training purposes, for training recruits and training reservists.
Most of the rifle's parts (receiver, stock, forend, grip, magazine) are made of high-strength polymer. These parts have a rough outer surface, which allows you to securely hold the rifle, and in severe frost they do not pose problems when touching the weapon with bare hands. Thanks to the plastic, the cost of the G36 rifle is low at 600 euros.
Explosion - diagram of the G 36 rifle: 1 - barrel with receiver;
2 - carrying handle with sights; 3 - shutter;
4 - shoulder rest; 5 - butt pad with a returnable spring; 6 - handle with trigger assembly; 7 - shop; 8 - carrying strap; 9 - forend; 10 - bipod
The barrel of the G36 rifle has 6 right-hand grooves of a regular profile with a pitch of 7 '' (178 mm) typical for rifles chambered for SS109. The bore is chrome-plated. The barrel is screwed into the receiver liner using a special wrench and fixed in it with a threaded nut. The insert is poured into the receiver and has cutouts from the inside, into which, when locked, the bolt lugs enter.
A slot-type flash suppressor is screwed onto the muzzle of the barrel. When firing blank cartridges, an MPG (Manoverpatronengerat) device is installed in its place, which ensures the normal operation of the weapon's automation. This device also prevents the ejection of unburned powder particles from the barrel, so that the rifle can be used in exercises at relatively close distances. If the weapon is accidentally loaded with a live round, the MPG device is able to delay the bullet without harming either the shooter or the weapon. An AGDUS laser firing simulator can also be mounted on the muzzle of the barrel.
Given the fact that bayonet battle is unlikely in modern conditions, the G36 of the first series did not provide for the attachment of a bayonet. However, the rifle's flame arrester was later changed to accommodate the AK74 bayonet, a large number of which were inherited from the GDR army. Considering the solid price of the new bayonet knife, this idea saved a lot of money. The original G36 bayonet is available in Spanish export only.
At 185 mm from the muzzle there is a gas chamber, which is fixed to the barrel with pins.
Powder gases discharged into it act on a spring-loaded rod with a gas piston (its stroke is 6 mm), which does not have a rigid connection with the shutter. This ensures reliable operation of the automation with different cartridges.
The bolt group consists of two main parts: a rotary bolt with 6 lugs and a bolt carrier. The spring-loaded ejector, mounted in the upper part of the valve, has a wide tooth. Inside the bolt are the drummer and the deflector of the spent cartridge case, and in the back there is a large round hole. A finger is inserted into it, interacting when locking and unlocking with a curved groove on the bolt carrier and forcing the bolt to rotate. An unusual device has a cocking handle. It is located in the upper front part of the bolt carrier and in the non-working position is parallel to the barrel. To load it, you need to turn it 90 degrees, and this can be done both to the right and to the left. The recharging process itself can be performed in two ways. During normal reloading, the bolt handle is retracted and released - the bolt, under the action of the spring, returns to the extreme forward position. If it is necessary to perform the reloading process silently, then the shutter is retracted, but not released completely, but is held by the handle.
So why did the designers of the G36 abandon the roller shutter that proved to be excellent in the G3?
The fact is that unlocking in the semi-free bolt begins immediately after the shot, which is acceptable for weapons chambered for 7, 62x51 and causes problems with 5, 56x45 cartridge with a less durable sleeve. The problem was compounded by a significant variety of cartridges of this caliber, produced by different NATO countries, and differing in ballistics and case materials. The Germans also do not hide the fact that when creating the G36, they largely focused on the schematic diagram of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which they consider to be the standard of reliability for small arms. The AK74 variant chambered for NATO was even considered at the preliminary stage of the 1993 competition as one of the possible alternatives to replace the G3 rifle.
The receiver connects all the critical parts of the weapon and is made of plastic reinforced with multiple steel liners. Two of them play the role of guides for the shutter, and the rest perform a protective function at the points of attachment of the store, butt plate and pistol grip. On the right side of the receiver there is a window for ejection of spent cartridges. A sleeve reflector with a height of 14 mm is rigidly fixed behind the window. With its help, spent cartridges leave the weapon at an angle of 90-100 degrees, without interfering with the shooter when firing from both the right and left shoulders. Another purpose of this part is that it also serves as a retainer for the folded stock.
The magazine receiver is a separate part attached to the receiver with two pins and an axis. The latch of the "Kalashnikovsky" type store is located in front of the trigger guard.
Another piece separate from the receiver is the carrying handle, on which the rifle sights are mounted. It is attached to the receiver with three screws and is located near the center of mass of the weapon, which makes the rifle more convenient to carry.
Carabiner G 36 K with short barrel
The performance characteristics of the G36 rifle
<table width = 232 designation
<td width = 233 width = 232 width = 233 & Koch, Oberndorf / Neckar
<td width = 233 powder gases from the bore
<td width = 233 (758) mm
<td width = 233 mm
<td width = 233 mm
<td width = 233 (98) mm
<td width = 233 mm
<td width = 233 width = 232 width = 233 right groove
<td width = 233 mm
<td width = 233 920 m / s
<td width = 233 J
<td width = 233 m
<td width = 233 m
<td width = 233 m
<td width = 233 63 kg
<td width = 233 21 kg
<td width = 233 127 kg
<td width = 233,483 kg
<td width = 233 width = 232 firing
<td width = 233 rpm
<td width = 233 N
<td width = 233 rounds
<td width = 233g
<td width = 233 collimator sight, 3x optical sight ZF 3 x 40
The butt plate of the receiver is connected to it by means of an axis, which also secures the pistol grip. A return spring with a tubular guide is inseparably connected to it, as well as an elastomer shock absorber with a length of 14 mm and a diameter of 12 mm, which softens the impact of the bolt in the extreme rear position. The pistol grip of the G36 rifle is practically borrowed from the G3, but with a number of important improvements. It is attached to the receiver with two axles and contains a trigger and safety mechanisms inside itself, as well as a slide delay. Compared to the G3, the trigger is simpler and easier to clean. The holes for fixing the lever of the translator-safety catch from the outer surface of the handle are transferred to its inner surface. It is believed that in this case there is less risk of dirt getting into these holes and interfering with the change of fire modes. There are three positions of the safety-translator - "protection" (white letter "S"), "single fire" (red "E") and "automatic fire" (red "F"). The safety-translator lever is reversible and can be easily operated with your thumb. In addition, the length of the lever is selected in such a way that in the positions "F", "S" it slightly touches the index finger, due to which the arrow can determine its state by touch. The slide lag of the G36 is very peculiar. With the help of a small latch at the front of the trigger guard, it can be turned on and off, depending on the wishes of the shooter. Disabling the slide delay is recommended in bad weather to reduce the likelihood of dirt getting into the receiver. The dimensions of the trigger guard allow shooting with both thick winter army gloves and neoprene gloves used by combat swimmers.
The buttstock of the G36 rifle is a plastic frame, with a rubber butt pad 142 mm high and 32 mm wide. It folds to the right side of the receiver, while maintaining the ability to fire. The design of the stock and reflector mechanism has been thought out in such a way as to ensure unhindered ejection of casings through a folded stock. The only inconvenience in this case is experienced by left-handed shooters, who in this case are forced to use the "alien" left translator-safety - the right one closes the folded butt. Like the G3, the G36 rifle butt has two pairs of holes into which, in order to avoid loss during disassembly, the extracted axles are inserted.
The plastic forend is attached to the receiver with an axle and is not connected to the barrel. The forend is made long (330 mm) and can be used as a support. In order to improve the removal of hot air from the barrel, 19 rectangular holes are provided in the forend: six on each side (6x20 mm in size) and seven in the lower part of the forend (10x20 mm). At the front end of the forearm, an axle is also located, which simultaneously acts as a swivel for attaching a belt and a unit for mounting a bipod.
The rifle sights are mounted on a carrying handle and consist of an upper collimator sight and a lower optical sight. Both are manufactured by Hensoldt AG. The German military decided to abandon the traditional mechanical sight, since combat experience showed that inexperienced shooters achieve significantly better results when shooting with optics, they learn marksmanship faster and, under stress, optics provide less aiming time. For the first time, such a combined sight (collimator + optical sight) was tested on one of the prototypes of the G11 rifle. He was taken as the basis for the sights of the future G36.
A collimator sight is the simplest optical system of lenses projecting an image at a scale of 1: 1. It is equipped with a photodetector closed by a safety flap. It captures daylight and forms a 650 nm light beam from it, directed into the shooter's eye. This beam passes through the light filter and is perceived by the shooter as a red dot (aiming mark). The light filter is designed in such a way as to retain the light flux in the spectral range of the aiming mark and to allow the rays of other spectra to pass unhindered. The lenses of the collimator sight are made of a special type of glass that absorbs the red color reflected by the light filter in the direction of the target, which the shooter can give to the enemy.
At dusk or at night, you can turn on a battery-powered photodiode to form the reticle. The battery is rated for 60 hours, which is quite enough, since in practice the backlight is turned on only for relatively short periods of time. When using the backlight, a special sensor adjusts the brightness of the aiming mark depending on the illumination. In addition, you can switch the diode to high power mode by pressing the button. Normal mode will automatically resume after 30 seconds.
A collimator sight is used at distances up to 200 m, at long distances the shooter must use the lower, optical sight.
The Hensoldt ZF 3x40 riflescope is made of fiberglass-reinforced polyamide and weighs only 30 grams. It has a threefold magnification and is used for aiming at distances from 200 to 800 m. The optical system of the sight includes a lens, a lens with a reticle, a reversing lens and an eyepiece. The reticle consists of a crosshair and a circle, the center of which is the intersection of the reticle. The center of the crosshair corresponds to a distance of 200 m, at this distance the rifle is aimed. The circle around the crosshair has several purposes. Its diameter corresponds to the height of a human figure with a height of 1.75 m at a distance of 400 m. The lower point of intersection of the circle with the vertical line of the sight corresponds to a firing range of 400 m. Below it there are two more crosses for shooting at ranges of 600 and 800 m. Points of intersection of the circle with the horizontal line of the sight is used for shooting at moving targets. They correspond to the amount of lead when firing at a running soldier (target speed 15 km / h) at a distance of 200 m. In addition, there is a rangefinder scale on the sight reticle, which makes it possible to estimate the distance to the target by the height of a standing human figure.
For shooting at night, the Hensoldt NSA 80 night sight can be mounted on the rifle. It is mounted on the rifle carrying handle and is used in conjunction with the day sight. Due to this, weight is saved (the weight of the NSA 80 with a power source is 1.2 kg), the operation of the rifle is facilitated, since the soldier uses a familiar sight with a familiar scale when shooting at night. The device is equipped with automatic brightness control and receives current from two standard batteries, which guarantee its continuous operation for 90 hours. The NSA 80 is also the standard night sight for the Panzerfaust 3 grenade launcher and MG 4 machine gun.
The complete abandonment of the mechanical sight was a rather bold move on the part of the military, but it gave rise to a number of problems associated with the operation of optics. In rain or high humidity, optical sights may fog up, they are very sensitive to dirt and mechanical stress. Since the manufacturing companies did not provide protective devices for optics, in Afghanistan the soldiers of the Bundeswehr themselves made cases for sights from fabric. Now, however, German firms have established the production of such cases from camouflage fabric. Such a cover is fastened on a loop to the carrying handle and has a Velcro fastener that allows you to quickly remove it from the scope with lightning speed.
The mechanical sight (more precisely, some of its similarity) is still present on the G36. It is a simple front sight and a primitive slot on the carrying handle, but it is impossible to use it due to the installed collimator sight. It is only required for some export rifle models supplied without a collimator. The presence of this rudimentary sight gave rise to one of the most popular jokes in the Bundeswehr about the G36. Its essence lies in the fact that in a combat situation, in the event of a breakdown of the optics, it is prescribed to knock down the collimator with an improvised heavy object in order to use the backup mechanical sight. However, in practice, this is impossible - attempts to knock down the optics firmly on glue and fixed with screws will not lead to anything, except for the breakage of the handle itself and all three sights.
The G36 rifle magazine holds 30 rounds - 10 more than the G3 magazine. In addition, its body is made of transparent plastic for visual control of cartridge consumption. There are two protrusions on the side surface of the magazines, allowing them to be connected together. Likewise, without the use of tape or special connecting clips, you can combine up to three magazines, increasing the ammunition ready for firing and carried with the weapon to 90 rounds. It is recommended to use such a bunch of magazines when installing the NSA 80 night sight, since the additional magazines compensate for the change in the position of the center of mass of the weapon caused by the installation of the sight shifted forward. The method of connecting plastic stores is somewhat similar to the principle of the Lego children's constructor, so the G36, which has a large number of plastic parts, received the nickname "Lego-Gewehr" ("Lego-rifle").
When performing special tasks, the G36 can also be equipped with a Beta C - Mag drum magazine from the MG36 light machine gun with a capacity of 100 rounds. This magazine consists of two drums of 50 rounds, packed inside a "snail". Its weight with cartridges is 2 kg.
Also optional for the G36 is a bipod. It is attached to the front of the forearm. In the stowed position or when firing from the hands, the bipod racks can be folded, located under the forearm. The length of the racks is 27.5 cm, the weight is 0.21 kg. At the ends of the posts, there are thickenings with holes 10 mm in diameter. These holes are used to attach ski poles when shooting from skis.
Thanks to them, a comfortable and high support for standing shooting is constructed from ski poles and a bipod.
The G36 rifle belt is a multi-functional design. It is made of high-strength nylon and is made of doubles, so that the rifle can be worn in addition to the classic ways - over the shoulder, across the back or across the chest - also biathlon (like a backpack behind the back), hip or hunting. Adjustable belt length (maximum 2 m), width 2.5 cm, weight 110 g. The only part borrowed from the G3 belt is steel carabiners. In front, the strap is attached to the swivel in the front of the forearm, in the back - depending on the individual characteristics of the shooter. Right-handers can attach the strap to the swivel on the left side of the receiver; left-handers have the opportunity to attach the strap to one of the holes in the butt that serve to accommodate the axles during disassembly. There is another option for attaching the strap, suitable for both left-handers and right-handers - using another hole located in the back of the stock.
Versions
MG36 - light machine gun based on the G36 rifle. The military wanted to have an assault rifle and a light machine gun of the same caliber in service with the infantry squad. Therefore, the MG36 was supposed to enter service as an addition to the single MG3 machine gun, but this did not happen. The light machine gun differed from the base rifle only by a slightly weighted barrel, a larger magazine and the presence of a bipod. The MG36 machine gun could not conduct long-term automatic fire, therefore, after much deliberation, it was decided to equip the troops with a new MG4 machine gun of 5, 56 mm caliber with a quick-change barrel and belt feed. They refused to equip the troops with MG36 machine guns, having made a compromise decision: the bipod and drum magazine began to be supplied to the G36 as additional accessories. With them, the G36 is used as a light means of infantry fire support.
G36K (Kurz) - a shortened version with a barrel length of 318 mm. Designed for the Bundeswehr Special Forces KSK. The length of the weapon with the stock folded is 615 mm, and the weight, compared to the basic version, is reduced by 0.33 kg. Due to the shortening of the barrel, a slightly different design of the flame arrester was used. An IR laser can be mounted on the right side of the forearm, and a tactical flashlight on the left.
G36C (Compact) - an even shorter version with a 228 mm barrel. Equipped with a picatinny bar. In the Federal Republic of Germany, it is used by the KSK, combat swimmers and the military police.
G36V(previously designated G36E) - an export version, in which the collimator sight, and the standard telescopic sight is replaced by a simplified 1, 5-fold.
Partial disassembly parts G 36
G36KV (G36KE) - shortened export version.
G36A1 - a modernized version. Supplied to the troops since 2002.
G36A2 - the second modernization of the rifle (2004). It has a new collimator sight and a modified forend with a tire for mounting tactical accessories (usually LLM-01 LTsU).
G36KA1 and G36KA2 - modernized shortened versions. Picatinny rail, accessory rail under the forend, optional silencer. Unlike the KA2, the KA1 variant does not have a built-in optical sight.
SL8 - the civilian version of the G36, designed primarily for associations of reservists. In accordance with Article 37 of the Federal Republic of Germany Weapons Law, a number of design changes have been made in it that do not allow the rifle to be classified as a military weapon: the automatic fire mode and the flash suppressor have been removed, the magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds, the folding stock has been replaced with a permanent one with a removable cheek, and the carrying handle - an extended rail for mounting various types of sights. Other differences include a thickened and somewhat elongated barrel, stock length adjustment, reduced trigger pull due to the sporty bias of the model.
SL9 - sniper rifle based on SL8 chambered for 7, 62x37 (developed by H&K on the basis of.300 Whisper cartridge). A silencer is installed on the 33 cm barrel, which not only reduces the noise of the shot, but also modifies it in such a way that it does not look like the usual sound of a shot. Used in the anti-terrorist GSG-9.
The G36 rifle turned out to be a very well thought out and respectable design. When rifles are accepted by the military at a distance of 100 m, the STP of a series of 5 shots is allowed to deviate no more than 6 cm and a dispersion radius of no more than 10 cm. The accuracy and accuracy of fire of the G36 is much better than these standards.
It should be noted the extremely low recoil, which makes shooting even with automatic fire very comfortable.
The large impulse of the cartridge 7, 62x51 of the G3 rifle led to a strong dispersal of hits in the queue, therefore the charter prescribed to fire from it in short bursts only "when a numerically superior enemy suddenly appeared at a short distance." In other cases, it was prescribed to fire single shots. On the contrary, the G36 is perfectly controlled when firing with automatic fire and allows aimed shooting in short bursts, even from unstable positions. Shooting from the G36 is more acceptable for women who make up 15% of the Bundeswehr contingent today.
Another plus of the G36 is its ergonomics. The controls are conveniently located, equally accessible for right- and left-handed operation. The cocking handle is foldable and does not interfere with the carrying of the weapon, and there is also no risk of catching it and accidentally pulling the bolt back.
The protruding parts of the rifle are very few. The optical sight is located low, but it is quite convenient for aiming, since shooting with it is mainly carried out from a prone position. On the contrary, the top positioning of the collimator is favorable for standing and kneeling shooting. Thanks to the use of plastics, the G36 is one of the lightest assault rifles available.
To date, the G36 rifle has been purchased by a total of 35 countries, and in the armed forces of Germany, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Indonesia and Malaysia, it has been adopted as a standard model of infantry weapons. The G36 and its compact versions are especially popular in various police services, border guards, commandos and special forces. The G36 was well received in the German army, although a number of shortcomings made it the target of criticism. The most serious of them are low reliability in very heavy pollution and the absence of a mechanical sight. It is possible that these shortcomings will be eliminated in a new assault rifle, which is currently being developed at Heckler & Koch as a replacement for the G36.
