Heckler & Koch GMG
Introduction
H&K GMG
Forward side view of GMG automatic grenade launcher on a tripod.
Source: Anderle -
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Canada - Rheinmetall Canada
Greece - EBO
German for "grenade machine gun"
GraMaWa / Granatmaschinenwaffe
German for "grenade machine weapon"
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40 KrKK 2005 (Finnish service)
Description
Introduction
The GMG is a modern automatic grenade launcher of German origin. It was developed by Heckler & Koch as a private venture in the early 1990's. GMG stands for "Granatmaschinengewehr", which is German for "Grenade Machine Gun".
Design
The GMG uses blowback operation with advanced primer ignition, a method used in the original US Mk 19 but omitted in later models. It is a belt fed weapon that feeds from left to right. Iron sights are fitted, although usually a reflex or night vision sight is attached. The GMG can be used on a tripod but is usually vehicle mounted.
Firepower
The GMG fires 40x53mm high velocity grenades from belts, mostly of 32 rounds. The GMG is a select-fire weapon with a cyclic rate of fire of 350 rpm. The maximum range is 2.2 km, but the effective range is 1.5 km. The standard HEDP grenades have a lethal radius of 5 m, wounding radius of 15 m and will pierce the armor of most light armored vehicles.
Users
The first user for the GMG was the German army, which uses it on a variety of vehicles such as the Fennek and Dingo. The GMG has been sold to a variety of European nations and the US Special Forces.
Variants
H&K GMG
Right side view of GMG automatic grenade launcher on a tripod.
Source: Heckler & Koch -
© copyright lies with original owner
Variants of the GMG
GMG: The GMG is an automatic grenade launcher that fires 40x53mm high velocity rounds. This standard GMG model is the most common version.
GMW: For infantry use on a tripod a lighter model was developed. This is known as the GMG light or GMW, which stands for "Granatmaschinenwaffe". The GMW lacks a muzzle attachment, soft mount ability and ammunition box bracket.
Details
Related articles
Mk 19 MOD 3
The GMG was developed for the same role as the widely used American Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher.