KNR
UAG-40
None: The
Ukrainians had been using the Mk 19 AGL since the mid-2000s, but they were never
totally happy with it, especially its weight.
Therefore, in 2011, design work began on a replacement for the Mk 19,
AGS-17, and AGS-30 AGLs, especially to produce an AGL which is lighter, more
handy, and still fired the NATO 40mm HV round.
Development was considerably hastened after the Russian annexation of
Crimea in 2014 and the Russian invasion of Eastern Ukraine a few months later.
Combat testing of the UAG-40 began in late 2016, and it is now under
full-rate production. The UAG-40 has made an appearance at several international
arms shows, and Ukraine seems to be concentrating its sales force in the Middle
East.
The problem with
an AGL firing 40mm HV from a lighter weapon is the recoil.
To do this, the UAG-40 uses a variant of the blowback system called
Advanced Primer Ignition (API). In
the API system, the grenade is fired before the bolt is fully in battery and is
still moving forward. The gases
producing a rearward impulse must first overcome the forward motion of the bolt,
and this slows and then stops the bolt before it reaches the rear of the
receiver. The bolt does not strike the breech face with the amount of power as
most AGLs. A hefty recoil spring
aids in reducing recoil further, and a longer chamber also keeps the cartridge
from being ruptured by the API system.
The primary
Ukrainian concern was accuracy over range, and as a result, the muzzle velocity
of the UAG-40 is lower than most 40mm HV AGLs.
However, accuracy is increased by the lower recoil forces, and is also
increased by a tightening rate of rifling in the barrel.
The inside of the barrel starts with 12 rifling grooves, increases to 18
grooves mid-barrel, and to 24 rounds at the last third of the barrel, so it is
not like progressive rifling. A 15.75-inch barrel contributes to this accuracy
while keeping the weapon light in weight.
Weight reduction
is accomplished by the considerable use of titanium alloys and carbon fiber.
The tripod/cradle, for example, is 80% titanium alloy, and the receiver
uses a large amount of carbon fiber.
The tripod weight is only 40 kilograms, including an ammunition box in
the cradle.
The UAG-40 has a
leaf site on the rear of the receiver, and also has a Picatinny Rail atop the
receiver for mounting optics.
Weapon |
Ammunition |
Weight |
Magazine |
Price |
UAG-40 |
40mm NATO High Velocity
|
18 kg |
32 Belt, 48 Belt |
$1533 |
Weapon |
ROF |
Round |
SS |
Burst |
Range |
IFR |
UAG-40 |
5 |
HVCC |
1 |
2 |
240 |
Nil |
|
5 |
HVHE |
1 |
2 |
200 |
2030 |
|
5 |
HVHEDP |
1 |
2 |
200 |
2030 |