Wikipedia

ARDE Under Barrel Grenade Launcher

The 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher,[a] 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. Standalone versions of the grenade launcher exist.[3]

Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, 40mm
A UBGL.
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:[3]
  • Post type foresights
  • Ladder sight with 50m steps
  • Illuminated bubble sight for indirect firing
  • Tritium illuminated sight for night firing

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

History

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An Indian Army soldier with an INSAS AR outfitted with a UBGL.

The UBGL was in Indian military service since 2010.[4] It was reported by the Indian Ministry of Defence in 2011 that paramilitary forces ordered around 100 UBGLs.[5]

In 2020, production of 40mm rounds began in Ammunition Factory Khadki under Atmanirbhar Bharat.[6] The first ammunition consignment was sent to the Border Security Force.[7]

On August 2, 2021, OFT announced that the UBGL was made compatible with the Trichy Assault Rifle (TAR), which is being brought into service by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and various State Police Forces.[8]

Design

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The UBGL can be attached to the INSAS and various AK-47 rifles.[2] It has a three-point attachment system to be able to mount the UBGL to the rifles with a built-in safety to prevent accidental discharge.[9]

The trigger system is a button located on the left side of the barrel, allowing the soldier to fire both the rifle and grenade launcher without having to change his firing posture.[3][4] Its maximum range is 400 metres.[10]

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]

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

Ammunition

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The UBGL can be used to fire Practice, HEAP, HEDP and RP-type 40mm rounds.[7]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b c "40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India".
  3. ^ a b c d "Under Barrel Grenade Launcher 40 mm". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 11 December 2014. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d "[DEFEXPO 2020] Indian UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) for INSAS -". 25 February 2020.
  5. ^ https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/155963/AR-eng-2011.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  6. ^ "Ammunition Factory Khadki, Pune, manufactured 40 mm UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) Ammunition - GKToday".
  7. ^ a b "40 mm UBGL (UNDER BARREL GRENADE LAUNCHER) AMMUNITION BY AFK, PUNE". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  8. ^ Chennai, PIB (2 August 2021). "LAUNCHING OF 40 X 46 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) for TAR and AK-47 Rifle". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Small arms and ammunition" (PDF). DRDO. Technology Focus. October 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2021.
  10. ^ "INFANTRY SUPPORT WEAPONS - Asian Military Review". Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2015.

Notes

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