AG-11 grenade launcher
| AG-11 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Under-barrel and standalone grenade launcher |
| Place of origin | Astronea |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2003-present |
| Used by | Astronean Armed Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1990s |
| Manufacturer | ALA Corporation |
| Unit cost | $3,200 |
| Produced | 1996-present |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 320 mm (13 in) |
| Barrel length | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Cartridge | 40x46mm grenade |
| Cartridge weight | Breech-loaded, tilting barrel |
| Action | Single shot |
| Muzzle velocity | 75 m/s (250 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 400 m (440 yd) |
| Feed system | Manually loaded |
| Sights | Folding ladder sight, picatinny mounted optics |
| References | |
The AG-11 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher that attaches to assault rifles of various types for use as an underslung. The AG-11 attaches under the barrel of the rifle via RIS mounts, and features a trigger group with a manual safety lever and a pistol grip for ease of handling.
Aiming is accomplished using standard ladder sights, which are located on the left side of the launcher body and folded down when not in use. The AG-11 can fire a variety of munitions including HEDP, fragmentation, smoke and CS canisters, as well as programmable "smart" munitions and flare illumination rounds.
As a standalone version, the AG-11 is equipped with folding leaf sights, a retractable stock, picatinny rails for mounting optics and a laser-aiming module, a sling bracket and a folding fore grip. This allows the standalone to use programmable munitions, allowing for the equipping of laser range finding and targeting systems. The AG-11 uses a break-action steel barrel, swinging out on the left for loading shells.
The AG-11 has seen active use with the Astronean Armed Forces since 2003, and has also been used by riot police units in its standalone configuration, firing less-lethal munitions such as CS gas, flash bangs, rubber balls and bean bag rounds. Its tightly sealed construction protects the weapon from weather damage, and is able to operate in wet, hot, cold, muddy and sandy environments without interfering with firing.
The AG-11 has a maximum range of 400 metres, although reports of Astronean troops angling the launcher at a higher trajectory to extend its range, similar to a mortar, are not unheard of.
Design
AG-11 | |
|---|---|
 AMW-280 assault rifle with underslung AG-11 |
The AG-11 is a single-shot weapon with a break-action steel barrel. The AG-11 barrel swings out laterally for loading, allowing for the use of longer rounds when necessary, e.g. baton or flare rounds. When open, the breech is on the left. For installation without RIS, the rifle's existing barrel handguard is removed and replaced by the AG-11 universal handguard mount. The mounting cover replaces of the weapon and fitted using mounting brackets that screw to the weapon, holding it firmly in place.
The width and height of the mounting cover are both adjustable via internal screws which tighten and loosen as necessary. The handguard will fit to most rifle designs, and specific mounting systems are available for AK platform rifles, mimicking the GP-25 series of grenade launcher under-barrel mounting style.
The weapon has a trigger group with a manual safety lever and a pistol grip for ease of handling. Aiming is accomplished using standard ladder sights, which are located on the left side of the launcher body and folded down when not in use.
The manufacture of the weapon uses extensive polymer and strengthened aluminium, like many other modern firearm designs. This retains the overall strength of the weapon while reducing the weight, an important factor for an underslung weapon. By keeping the weight under 1.5kg, the AG-11 is less cumbersome when attached to a weapon, improving handling and ergonomics.