Heckler & Koch HK GMG (GMW / GraMaWa)

Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) [ 1996 ]

The Heckler & Koch HK GMG makes use of the high-velocity 40x53mm grenade through a repeat-fire function.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/17/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image copyright HK-USA marketing material.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

The Heckler & Koch GMG ("GranatMaschinenWaffe" or "GraMaWa") is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher similar in form and function to the American Mk 19 series. It fires a high-velocity 40x53mm grenade in various warhead types to suit mission requirements. The high-velocity form contrasts the 40x46mm low-velocity series found in several shoulder-fired weapons. The high-velocity version is primarily reserved for vehicle-mounted guns. As such, the GMG is an oversized automatic grenade projector usually fitted to a heavy duty pintle mounting or tripod assembly.

Overall dimensions include a running length of 1,090mm with a barrel of 415mm long. The field version of the weapon consists of the 29kg gun system and 11kg tripod. The automatic nature of the weapon utilizes a recoil-based API (Advanced Primer Ignition) blowback action consistent with cannon caliber types 20mm and larger. Through the API action, the primer is ignited while the bolt is still in motion (moving forward) during which the cartridge is still being seated into the chamber. The bolt moves both forward and backward in the action, allowing for a reduced recoil force to be achieved which serves an automatic weapon such as this very well. The GMG can achieve a rate-of-fire of 350 rounds per minute and fires each grenade at a muzzle velocity of 790 feet per second out to an effective range of 1,500 meters and maximum engagement range of 2,200 meters. The GMG is fed by a 32-round disintegrating link belt usually held in an accompanying ammunition box. Feeding is through the right side of the receiver with spent casings ejected through a port on the left side. A carrying handle is fitted at the base of the barrel while additional aiming handles are present at the rear of the receiver. The barrel is capped by a long slotted muzzle brake. While fitted with standard iron sights, a reflex optical sight is also provided.

The GMG was designed by engineers at Heckler & Koch from 1992 to 1995 before seeing adoption by German Army forces in 1996. The series continues production today (2013) and is in the inventories of Canada (as the licensed-produced Rheinmetall-Canada "C16 CASW"), Finland (as the "40 KRKK 2005"), Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, the United Kingdom (as the "L134A1") and the United States (under SOCOM).©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Heckler & Koch GmbH - Germany
Manufacturer(s)

Canada; Finland; Germany; Greece; Ireland; Latvia; Lithuania; Malaysia; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Slovenia; United Kingdom; United States
Operators

1996
Service Year

Germany
National Origin

FIRE SUPPORT
Capable of suppressing enemy elements at range through direct or in-direct fire.

SPECIAL FORCES
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.

1,090 mm
(42.91 inches)
Overall Length

415 mm
(16.34 inches)
Barrel Length

104.72 lb
(47.50 kg)
Empty Weight

API Blowback; Automatic
Action

BLOWBACK OPERATION
Gas pressure from the rearward movement of the ignited cartridge case provides the needed bolt movement, ejecting the spent case and stripping a fresh case from the magazine.

40x53mm
Caliber(s)
May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

32-round disintegrating belt
Rounds

Iron; Optional Optics.
Sights

Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information.

5,000 feet
(1,524 meters | 1,667 yards)
Max Effective Range

350
Rounds-per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

790 ft/sec
(241 m/sec)
Muzzle Velocity

Granatmaschinengewehr (GMW / GraMaWa) - Base Series Designation.

C16 CASW ("Close Area Suppression Weapon") - Canadian Army designation.

40 KRKK 2005 - Finnish Army designation

L134A1 - British Army designation

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Images

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Image of the Heckler & Koch HK GMG (GMW / GraMaWa)

Image copyright HK-USA marketing material.

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