The AGS-17 is a Soviet-designed automatic grenade launcher currently in production in Russia and in service worldwide.

Description

Not unlike a heavy machine gun , the AGS-17 is a heavy infantry support weapon designed to operate from a heavy tripod or be mounted on an installation or vehicle. The automatic grenade launcher fires a steady rate of special 30mm grenades in either direct or indirect fire modes to provide suppressive and lethal fire support against soft targets. The weapon has limited anti-armor capability.

The weapon operates using a blowback mechanic to sustain operation. Rounds are fired through a rifled barrel which is removable quickly to reduce barrel stress. Ammunition is held in a metal box feed, and is linked. Standard boxes contain 29 rounds of linked ammunition. The tripod is equipped with fine levelling gear for indirect fire trajectories.

Versions of the AGS-17 have been designed to equip vehicles and helicopters.

Ammunition

Two types of ammunition are currently commonly fired from the AGS-17. The VOG-17M is the currently available version of the original 30mm grenade ammunition, and has a basic high explosive fragmentation warhead. The VOG-30 is similar but contain better explosive filler and an enhanced fragmentation design that greatly increases the effective blast radius.

Specification

Manufacturer's specifications for the AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher:

• Calibre: 30mm
• Muzzle velocity: 185 m/sec.
• Weight (with mount and sight): 31 kg
• Weight (mount): 12 kg
• Rate of fire: 400 rpm
• Sighting range: 1700 m
• Ammunition capacity: 29 rounds (box)
• Ammunition weight: 350 g
• Ammunition flight weight: 275 g
• Kill radius (VOG-17M): 71 sq. m
• Kill radius (VOG-30): 112 sq. m