Vektor Y3 AGL

Infobox Weapon
name=Vektor Y3 AGL


caption=Y3 AGL showing optical sight and 20 round feeding box.
type=Grenade launcher
origin=South Africa
is_ranged=yes
service=
used_by=South Africa
wars=
designer=Vektor (Denel)
design_date=
manufacturer=
production_date=
number=
variants=
weight=32 kg (weapon), 18 kg (tripod)
length=844 mm
part_length=300 mm (12 in)
width=281 mm
height=267 mm
crew=
cartridge= 40 mm grenade
caliber=
action= long recoil
rate= 280–320 rounds/min
velocity= 242 m/s
range=
max_range= 2200 m
feed= 20 round belt
sights= optical or electronic (ballistic computer)

The Vektor Y3 AGL is a South African automatic grenade launcher manufactured by Vektor which is a subsidiary of Denel. It fires 40 x 53 mm calibre 40 mm grenades at a rate of 280 – 320 rounds per minute [http://www.denellandsystems.co.za/y3_40_infantry_products.html Official Vektor Y3 AGL Site.] Retrieved on May 14, 2008.] .

It can be vehicle mounted using a special bracket or used with a tripod [http://www.denellandsystems.co.za/y3_40_infantry_products.html Official Vektor Y3 AGL Site.] Retrieved on May 14, 2008.] . The weapon (with tripod) is man portable by a team of 3.

The Y3 appeared first to the public in 2003 during a Defence Systems & Equipment international exhibition (DSEi) show in Britain [ [http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/DSEi2003.htm DSEi 2003.] Retrieved on May 14, 2008.] .

Electronic sight

Because of trajectory of 40 mm grenades, the target might be out of sight when the weapon is used for indirect fire. If the coordinates are known (calculated from observation post) this ballistic computer can determine the launcher's aim taking its position and tilt into account [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Automatic+grenade+launchers:+new+automatic+40+mm+grenade+launchers...-a0171018007 Automatic grenade launchers: new automatic 40 mm grenade launchers and ammunition are being produced as armies seek to bolster the firepower of infantry units deployed in the War on Terror. Much of this renewed interest results from experience gathered in Afghanistan and Iraq.] Retrieved on May 14, 2008.] .

Ammunition

The Swartklip (English: "black rock") company, also a subsidiary of Denel produces a range of "high velocity" 40 grenades (40 x 53 mm as opposed to standard 40 x 46 mm) [http://kr.blog.yahoo.com/shinecommerce/10151.html?p=1&t=3 남아공산 40mm 자동유탄발사기 Vektor Y3 AGL.] Retrieved on May 14, 2008. ko icon] .

;High Explosive (HE):Designed for used against vehicles and personnel (with a casualty radius of 5 m)

;High Explosive Dual Purpose (HE DP):This round has some armour piercing capability (50 mm armour, 350 mm concrete) and is designed for use against vehicles and fortifications.

;Practice:This round produces a flash and smoke intended for realistic simulations and training.

;Target Practice Tracer:Similar to the Practice round, but producing a visible light trail similar to tracer ammunition.

;Target Practice:This round is inert and has the same ballistic properties as the HE and HE DP rounds.

See also

* LAG 40 grenade launcher, similar weapon
* HK GMG, similar weapon
* XM174 grenade launcher, similar weapon
* AGS-17, similar weapon, but smaller 30 mm calibre
* Milkor MGL, another South African 40 mm grenade launcher
* Mk 19 grenade launcher, similar weapon

References