IWI GL 40S Grenade Launcher
IWI will be debuting their new 40x46mm GL 40S Grenade Launcher at upcoming Eurosatory ’12 expo. It is a standard single shot grenade launcher that integrates well with the Tavor. It is side opening and so accommodates longer 40mm rounds.
From the press release …
Developed in cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the IWI GL 40 Grenade Launcher – which weighs only 1.400 kg – is a single-shot 40x46mm launcher, ergonomically designed, versatile, and compatible with all types of assault rifles. Available in two barrel lengths – for 400m and 300m range – the GL 40 is designed for low and medium velocity (longer than usual range) rounds. Unlimited feed for most 40mm rounds enables operation in any situation or combat conditions. The stand-alone option enables firing separately from the launcher when it is dismantled from the weapon.
Attaching to the lower rail of the weapon and locking rapidly with the lever, the GL40 can be quickly assembled and disassembled by a single soldier without any additional tools. Due to its side-opening barrel, which allows a simple injection and extraction of the grenade, it can use various lengths of ammunition including long grenades. Picatinny rails on the bottom and sides enable the incorporation of various devices and accessories.
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this design is very nice, the grip is quite unique for a UGL and i can see it's use. What seems wrong about this is that using the grip to fire it while UB might make it a bit unwieldy. As for the UB vs RL grenade debate thats going on here, i do agree that the life of both of them is limited, eventually we will have a way to give every soldier that firepower in a more compact, or a more convienent form (i doubt this will be soon, the US army still hasnt replied to the email i sent detailing the next step in man portable artillery - back mounted mortars)
My preference is for the GL to be a standalone. A rifle/UGL combo makes for neither a good GL nor a good rifle.
IMO, a rifle is something you hold in your hands most of the time, a rifle/UGL combo means you'd be holding BOTH weapons in your hands at ALL TIMES even though you use only one at a time, and the one you'll use most often is the rifle. So why add the weight of the GL to it?
Weight issue aside it makes the rifle bulky.