A grenade launcher is a weapon that fires a specially designed, large-caliber projectile, often with an explosive, smoke, or gas warhead. Today, the term generally refers to a class of dedicated firearms firing unitary grenade cartridges. The most common type are man-portable, shoulder-fired weapons issued to individuals, although larger crew-served launchers are issued at higher levels of organization by military forces.
The M203 is a single-shot 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the high-low propulsion system to keep recoil forces low. While compatible with many weapons, the M203 was originally designed and produced by the United States military for the M16 rifle and its carbine variant, the M4. The launcher can also be mounted onto a C7, a Canadian version of the M16 rifle; this requires the prior removal of the bottom handguard.
The Mk 19 grenade launcher is an American 40 mm belt-fed automatic grenade launcher that was first developed during the Vietnam War.
The AGS-17Plamya is a Soviet-designed automatic grenade launcher in service worldwide.
The Milkor 37/38mm Less Lethal "Stopper" Single-shot was designed and distributed in 1981 by Milkor (Pty) Ltd as a less-lethal anti-riot weapon along with the Milkor 40mm Single shot Grenade Launcher which was designed as a reduced-cost grenade launcher for the SWAPOL Forces. In 2008, Milkor (Pty) Ltd released a new design designated the Milkor 37/38mm or 40mm Stopper Convertible, which is a single shot break-open weapon designed to utilize a variety of 37/38mm or 40mm Less Lethal rounds. As with the original Milkor MGL, the Stopper was originally marketed for Milkor by Armscor.
Rippel Effect is a South African armaments manufacturer, which is known for marketing the Milkor MGL grenade launcher. Founded by employees of Milkor (Pty) Ltd in the 1990s to market Milkor products, the company was originally known as Milkor Marketing but was renamed as Rippel Effect in 2007. The decision to change the name was made to avoid confusion from Milkor (Pty) Ltd and start marketing their own products. Rippel Effect Weapon Systems manufactures and markets the XRGL40 multishot grenade launcher, a fourth generation launcher designed in 2007 by the Rippel Effect Development Team. Rippel Effect Weapon Systems is based in Pretoria, South Africa.
The QLZ-87 is an air-cooled, gas operated 35×32mmSR automatic grenade launcher (AGL) that is crew transportable with limited amounts of ammunition. Unusual for handheld grenade launchers, the QLZ-87 fires high-velocity grenades of 35x32 mmSR caliber, which provides a longer range and flatter firing trajectory.
The Denel Y3 AGL is a South African-manufactured automatic grenade launcher currently manufactured by Denel Land Systems. Originally developed by Aram Ltd as the AS88 as a support weapon for infantry, the patent rights were purchased and modified by Vektor, which later became a division of Denel Ltd. Further enhancements included rate of fire upgrade and the addition of a ballistics computer, with final qualification testing taking place in 1998, and operational testing in 2002. The Y3 was launched during the 2003 United Kingdom Defence Systems & Equipment (DSEi) International Exhibition.
The MEI Hellhound 40 mm low-velocity multi-purpose grenade is a fixed-type munition designed to be fired from a 40×46mm grenade launcher such as the M79, M203, M320, or Milkor MK-1. The round consists of a metal projectile body, a fuze, and a cartridge case assembly. Upon impact with the target, the firing pin is driven into the detonator, which in turn sets off the round, producing a jet which sets off the explosive from the base forward. This results in an armor-piercing jet of molten metal and fragmentation of the projectile body. The MEI Hellhound uses the same high-low propulsion system as other 40 mm grenade launchers.
The MM-1 is a 40x46mm semi-automatic grenade launcher manufactured during the 1980s in the United States by the Hawk Engineering Company. Relatively heavy and bulky, the MM-1 can provide considerable firepower, with practical rate of fire as high as 30 rounds per minute. It can be useful in ambushes and other fast-paced close combat situations.
The MEI Mercury is a family of medium-range low-impulse 40mm grenade (40×46mmSR) developed by Martin Electronics, Inc. (MEI) that can reach out to 800 meters. The rounds are a fixed type ammunition designed to be fired from a 40 mm Grenade Launcher such as the M79, M203, M320, or Milkor MK-1.
JSC Arsenal AD is a Bulgarian joint-stock company based in Kazanlak, engaged primarily in the manufacture of firearms and military equipment. It is Bulgaria's oldest arms supplier.
The Milkor MGL is a lightweight 40 mm six-shot revolver-type grenade launcher developed and manufactured in South Africa by Milkor (Pty) Ltd. The MGL was demonstrated as a concept to the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1981. The MGL was then officially accepted into service with the SADF as the Y2. After its introduction in 1983, the MGL was gradually adopted by the armed forces and law enforcement organizations of over 50 countries. Total production since 1983 has been more than 50,000 units.
The RG-6 is a Russian 40 mm, six-shot, revolver-type grenade launcher developed between 1993 and 1994 by Central Design and Research Bureau of Sporting and Hunting Weapons, Tula, Russia.
The 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, is a single shot grenade launcher developed by ARDE and Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli for use with the INSAS and AK-47 rifles used by the Indian Army. Stand alone versions of the grenade launcher exist.
The Milkor 40mm UBGL grenade launcher is a lightweight single-shot, underslung grenade launcher designed and developed in South Africa by Milkor (Pty) Ltd. It can be attached to most modern assault weapons and rifles using a Picatinny rail system. The UBGL is capable of firing standard 40mm rounds including illumination and observation rounds. Clip-on, clip-off mechanism allows the UBGL to be fitted, with an additional recoil buffer, to any weapon fitted with a Picatinny rail.
The RGP-40 is Polish six-shot revolver-type 40 mm grenade launcher designed by WAT and OBR SM Tarnów and produced by ZM Tarnów. Its design is heavily influenced by the M32 MGL.
AGS‑40 Balkan is a Russian 40 mm caseless automatic grenade launcher and successor to AGS-17 and AGS-30, introduced and adopted by the Russian military.
