Dispatches – Small Arms Defense Journal

Dispatches: ISOF Arms & Equipment: Grenade Launchers & Anti-Armour Weapons

Miles Vining — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 23:41:46 +0000

Whilst employed less frequently than the other types of small arms and light weapons covered in this series, grenade launchers and anti-armour weapons have still played a role in Iraqi Special Forces’ operations during the re-conquest of parts of Iraq from the Islamic State. Complementing other types of weapons used in the fighting, weapons firing high-explosive (HE) munitions were used sparingly due to the significant collateral damage they could inflict on the civilian population of Mosul, as well as the logistical burden of ammunition resupply from a limited Iraqi support infrastructure.

Photo credit: An ISOF operator with a 40 × 46SR mm high explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) round chambered in his M203 UBGL. Of the M203 models in use, very few are mounted with the appropriate flip-up leaf sights that align with the M4 front sight post for aiming purposes. Instead, many of the ISOF grenadiers place AN/PEQ-2 aiming devices at the 12 o’clock position. This does not pose an issue when used with M203 models with 12-inch barrels, but complicates mounting for the variants with 9-inch barrels that use the shorter handguards. To solve this predicament, some ISOF grenadiers have been using M16A2-type carry handle mounts which attach to the standard A2 carrying handle on an M4 pattern rifle and have a Picatinny rail extension that rests over the handguard of the rifle. This allows any Picatinny-mounted optic to be placed in a forward position.

One of the key systems in service with ISOF is the 40x46SRmm M203 under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL), typically coupled with an ISOF member’s M4 pattern self-loading rifle. The two primary variants in use are a 9-inch barrel version using an early type of short, ventilated, replacement handguard and the more modern and widely used 12-inch barrel M203 that is mounted underneath the barrel and Picatinny handguards of an M4 rifle. The 9-inch barrel version, in addition to its reduced length, has a distinctive shape. In the past, there have been at least five makers of this configuration: Colt, Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT), Knight’s Armament, AirTronic and RM Equipment. The examples in Iraq appear to be primarily sourced from surplus U.S. military stocks. Most of these are Colt manufactured. However, LMT examples have also been documented in use.

Photo credit: This ISOF operator has the 9-inch barrel M203 with an early short, ventilated handguard mounted to his M4 pattern rifle. Note the A2 carrying handle optics mount with EOTech 512 holographic sight.

Of the M203 models in use, very few are mounted with the appropriate flip-up leaf sights that align with the M4 front sight post for aiming purposes. Instead, many of the ISOF grenadiers place AN/PEQ-2 aiming devices at the 12 o’clock position. This does not pose an issue when used with M203 models with 12-inch barrels but complicates mounting for the variants with 9-inch barrels that use the shorter handguards. To solve this predicament, some ISOF grenadiers have been using M16A2-type carry handle mounts which attach to the standard A2 carrying handle on an M4 pattern rifle and have a Picatinny rail extension that rests over the handguard of the rifle. This allows any Picatinny-mounted optic to be placed in a forward position.

Interestingly, images showing ISOF fighters with M203 pattern grenade launchers rarely show any spare cartridges among the soldiers’ gear. In fact, there is very little video or imagery showing ISOF members firing these weapons. Current and former members of ISOF revealed that supplies of 40x46SRmm cartridges are extremely low ISOF-wide. Grenadiers are carrying their M203 UBGLs and even have purpose-designed MOLLE pouches mounted on their plate carriers, but very few combatants have been issued more than one round. In some cases, no ammunition is carried. In order to deliver HE direct supporting fires on the battlefield, ISOF troops have instead turned to a variety of man-portable, anti-armour systems that can be hand-carried throughout the dense urban streets of Mosul. These range from 84mm AT4 recoilless weapons to the ubiquitous RPG-7.

Photo credit: This ISOF fighter has the 9-inch barrel M203 but also has a handguard-mounted flip-up sight. He has taken off the A2 type handguard and replaced it with an EOTech 512. Interestingly, images showing ISOF fighters with M203 pattern grenade launchers rarely show any spare cartridges among the soldier’s gear. In fact, there is very little video or imagery showing ISOF members firing these weapons. ARES spoke with current and former members of ISOF, and it was revealed that supplies of 40 × 46SR mm cartridges are extremely low ISOF-wide. Grenadiers are carrying their M203 UBGLs and even have purpose-designed MOLLE pouches mounted on their plate carriers, but very few combatants have been issued more than one round. In some cases, no ammunition is carried. In order to deliver high explosive direct supporting fires on the battlefield, ISOF troops have instead turned to a variety of man-portable anti-armour systems that can be hand-carried throughout the dense urban streets of Mosul. These range from 84 mm AT4 recoilless weapons to the ubiquitous RPG-7.

ISOF employ both the U.S.-supplied Saab 84mm AT4 single-shot recoilless anti-armour weapon and the RPG-7 multipurpose recoilless weapon of Soviet origin. There has also been limited use of 66mm M72 LAW-type rocket launchers. Although the AT4 is single-use and somewhat bulky to carry on foot, the reliance on vehicles as a base of operations and for fire support means that ISOF teams are rarely far from a mobile firebase in combat. AT4 anti-armour weapons seem to be in good supply due to U.S. logistics support of its own forces.

Photo credit: An ISOF fighter with a 40 × 46SR mm red star cluster illumination round in a chest-mounted pouch. Note the rounded M4 handguards rather than the standard 3-sided Picatinny type. These have occasionally been seen in use by ISOF with their M203 UBGL-equipped rifles. ISOF employ both the US-supplied Saab 84 mm AT4 single-shot recoilless anti-armour weapon and the RPG-7 multipurpose recoilless weapon of Soviet origin. There has also been limited use of 66 mm M72 LAW type rocket launchers. Although the AT4 is single-use and somewhat bulky to carry on foot, the reliance on vehicles as a base of operations and for fire support means that ISOF teams are rarely far from a mobile firebase in combat. AT4 anti-armour weapons seem to be in good supply due to US logistics support of its own forces.

Whilst the RPG-7 is generally less accurate than the AT4, it does allow a single ISOF team to sustain a reasonably high rate of fire whilst remaining foot-mobile. PG-7V and PG-7VL anti-tank projectiles are carried, as are limited numbers of OG-7V anti-personnel projectiles. Many of the projectiles appear to be of Bulgarian origin, but a wide range of manufacturers’ munitions are known to be circulating within Iraq, and ISOF are likely to have employed captured and recovered stockpiles. Either the operator or an assistant is often seen carrying purpose-designed backpack pouches for carrying spare rounds. RPG-7 pattern weapons from a variety of Eastern Bloc countries appear to be in use, and it appears that most originate from Iraqi Interior Ministry purchases, rather than supplies to ISOF via foreign military sales from the United States.

Photo credit: An ISOF operator dashes between cover with an AT4 slung across his back. Operating primarily from vehicles allows ISOF personnel to carry less non-combat equipment, making more room for larger items such as the AT4.

Photo credit: An ISOF grenadier prepares to fire his AT4 at an insurgent position. The PRC-152 radio mounted on his back indicates that he is probably a team leader. Note also the M9 self-loading pistol. Whilst the RPG-7 is generally less accurate than the AT4, it does allow a single ISOF team to sustain a reasonably high rate of fire whilst remaining foot-mobile. PG-7V and PG-7VL anti-tank projectiles are carried, as are limited numbers of OG-7V anti-personnel projectiles. Many of the projectiles appear to be of Bulgarian origin, but a wide range of manufacturers’ munitions are known to be circulating within Iraq, and ISOF are likely to have employed captured and recovered stockpiles. Either the operator or an assistant is often seen carrying purpose-designed backpack pouches for carrying spare rounds. RPG-7 pattern weapons from a variety of Eastern Bloc countries appear to be in use, and it appears that most originate from Iraqi Interior Ministry purchases, rather than supplies to ISOF via Foreign Military Sales from the United States.

Photo credit: This ISOF team is employing both the AT4 and the RPG-7 anti-armour weapons. Note that the RPG-7 gunner has a PG-7V type projectile loaded, whilst his assistant (carrying spare ammunition) provides rear security for the team.

The Mk 19 AGL

Photo credit: An ISOF convoy under attack. It appears an SVBIED has just detonated nearby. Note the RPG-7 gunner crouched behind the HMWWV with spare ammunition on his back; his assistant is also carrying spare rounds. In addition to man-portable systems, ISOF also makes extensive use of the MK 19 40 × 53SR mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL). Within the ISOF arsenal the MK 19 is almost entirely confined to a vehicle-mounted role, generally fitted to turrets with improvised armour mounted on M123 series HMWWVs. The majority of the HMWWVs in use carry M2 type heavy machine guns (HMG) as a primary source of firepower. A small number are instead armed with MK 19 AGLs, however. Unlike 40 × 46SR mm ammunition, 40 × 53SR mm cartridges for the MK 19 appear to be readily available. Although ISOF has this automatic HE fire support capability, it has been used relatively infrequently in recent operations due to the potential friendly-fire and collateral damage it can inflict in the confined spaces these engagements have been fought in. The MK 19 is also considered by some ISOF members as less effective than the M2 HMG at stopping certain lightly-armoured, relatively fast SVBIEDs used in ambushes in tight urban terrain. The MK 19 AGLs in use with ISOF are largely US-supplied versions made by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, but a small number are believed to Korean Daewoo K4 models.

In addition to man-portable systems, ISOF also make extensive use of the Mk 19 40x53SRmm automatic grenade launcher (AGL). Within the ISOF arsenal, the Mk 19 is almost entirely confined to a vehicle-mounted role, generally fitted to turrets with improvised armour mounted on M123 series HMWWVs. The majority of the HMWWVs in use carry M2-type heavy machine guns (HMGs) as a primary source of firepower. A small number are instead armed with Mk 19 AGLs, however. Unlike 40x46SRmm ammunition, 40x53SRmm cartridges for the Mk 19 appear to be readily available.

Although ISOF have this automatic HE fire support capability, it has been used relatively infrequently in recent operations due to the potential friendly-fire and collateral damage it can inflict in the confined spaces these engagements have been fought in. The Mk 19 is also considered by some ISOF members as less effective than the M2 HMG at stopping certain lightly armoured, relatively fast SVBIEDs used in ambushes in tight urban terrain. The Mk 19 AGLs in use with ISOF are largely U.S.-supplied versions made by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, but a small number are believed to Korean Daewoo K4 models.

40x53SRmm ammunition has also been modified for use in improvised air-delivered munitions, dropped on to battlefield targets by commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In the Iraq-Syria theatre, this concept was first employed by the Islamic State, but such munitions are now employed by Iraqi security forces, including ISOF. Iraqi government forces often make use of commercially available shuttlecocks to provide some aerodynamic stabilization.

Photo credit: A MK 19 automatic grenade launcher fitted to the turret of an ISOF HMWWV. 40 × 53SR mm ammunition has also been modified for use in improvised air-delivered munitions, dropped on to battlefield targets by commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In the Iraq-Syria theatre, this concept was first employed by the Islamic State, but such munitions are now employed by Iraqi security forces, including ISOF. Iraqi government forces often make use of commercially-available shuttlecocks to provide some aerodynamic stabilisation.

This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES). See armamentresearch.com for further original content.

Dispatches: Iran’s Toophan-3 Anti-Tank Guided Weapon

Miles Vining — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 23:28:51 +0000

The Toophan-3 is a recent addition to the family of anti-tank missiles that grew out of licensed TOW production in the 1970s.

According to previous video issued by Iran’s state broadcasting company (IRIB), Tehran has a top-attack version of its Toophan (“typhoon”) anti-tank guided missile. The Toophan series are derived from the U.S. BGM-71 TOW series of anti-tank guided weapons (ATGW). This marks Iran’s return to the licit arms market, while also belying the previous illicit transfers of similar missiles to Iraq and elsewhere in the region. It has been previously reported that Toophan systems were intercepted en route to the Gulf of Aden in 2015. Toophan missiles have also been documented as being in service with pro-government, predominantly Shi’a militias in both Syria and Iraq.

The Toophan-3 (T3) is a recent addition to the family of anti-tank missiles that grew out of licensed TOW production in the 1970s. The family includes the Toophan-1 (a licensed copy of the BGM-71A), Toophan-2 (a BGM-71C derivative) and at least two other variants designated the Toophan-5 and Qaem (developed from the Toophan missile), which have no direct TOW counterparts.

The Toophan-3 closely resembles the BGM-71F (TOW-2B).

The T3 closely resembles the BGM-71F (TOW-2B). Both operate by using magnetic and laser sensors whilst passing over the target, causing the munition to function a downward-facing explosively formed penetrator (EFP) against the relatively thin top armour of most armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs). Unlike the TOW-2B, the T3 employs only a single EFP. In addition, the T3’s EFP is narrower, which is likely to lower its effectiveness even further. However, the claimed penetration (>80 mm RHAe)—consistent with common rule-of-thumb estimates relating penetration to warhead diameter—is still enough to successfully neutralise most modern AFVs.

The Toophan-3 heavy anti-armour guided missile 2.

Large interest in the emergence of the T3 at a March 2016 Defense, Security & Aviation Fair underscored the importance Tehran placed on re-entering the global arms market. In 2006, the United Nations Security Council banned Iran’s export of arms in a resolution linked to the nuclear dispute. The JCPOA, signed July 2015 to resolve this issue, promised to remove these restrictions. Although, in theory, Tehran remains bound by these resolutions until certain provisions are implemented and verified, in practice these details have been brushed aside by Tehran in its hurry to win over new and old customers alike. This is especially true when the customers, like Iraq, are potential geostrategic allies.

The Toophan-3 displayed at a March 2016 Defense, Security & Aviation Fair in Baghdad.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS*

Length: 1.16m

Weight: 19.1kg

Diameter: 150mm

Range (Day): 3,500m

Range (Night): 2,500m

Average Velocity: 240 m/s

Warhead Diameter: 128mm

Warhead Weight: 1.7kg

Penetration: 80mm RHAe

* Claimed specifications as per Ministry of Defense’s export webpage.

This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES). See armamentresearch.com for further original content.

Dispatches: V11N2

ARMAMENT RESEARCH SERVICES (ARES) — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 07:15:31 +0000

A YPG sniper employing a Zagros AMR against Islamic State forces at the Battle of Al Hawl, November 11, 2015. (AL MASIRAH)

Craft-Produced Anti-Materiel Rifles and Light Cannon in Yemen By Yuri Lyamin/ImproGuns

Makeshift Adaptations Still Lethal A video published on August 23, 2017, which was purportedly produced by the “Defense Industry Department” of the armed forces who are loyal to the Ansar Allah (“Houthi”) movement, shows several types of craft-produced weapons being developed and employed, including anti-materiel rifles and light cannon up to 23mm and even 30mm in calibre. The video was first broadcast on the Houthi-owned Yemeni TV channel Al Masirah and gives some basic specifications for each of these weapons. It should be noted that the technical specifications given are not necessarily accurate. In particular, the claimed ranges of these weapons will, in reality, vary significantly with user skill—almost invariably being much shorter than described. The Sarem 8mm sniper rifle is stated as having a maximum range of 1,600 metres and a weight of 4kg. This weapon appears to be a Mauser Karabiner 98k type bolt-action rifle chambered for the 7.92x57mm cartridge. It is quite probably the Yugoslav M48 copy which has been seen several times in the region. These old rifles are fitted with what appear to be 6x24mm POSP optical sights. Despite their age, these rifles can pose a threat in experienced hands, particularly when fitted with an optic.

Craft-produced light cannon Shown next are craft-produced anti-materiel rifles (AMRs) chambered for the common Soviet-origin 12.7x108mm and 14.5x114mm cartridges, commonly used by heavy machine guns. As is common practice for many craft-produced AMRs globally, surplus barrels from weapons such the Soviet/Russian DShK and KPV type heavy machine guns form a key component in the construction of such rifles. The weapons are typically simple single-shot bolt-action guns, occasionally being magazine fed. prepared for inspection. (AL MASIRAH)

Such makeshift adaptations have become increasingly common, where captured or damaged vehicles provide a ready source of mounted weapons which can be disassembled and re-purposed. In several cases, damaged weapons have had viable barrels salvaged from them. The allure of such craft-produced AMRs owes to the fact that personnel and even lightly armoured vehicles can be defeated at long range with the large cartridges, making the user difficult to detect. It’s no wonder that, in the absence of large-calibre sniper rifles of industrial production from other countries, locally craft-produced models are appearing frequently in multiple conflict zones. Such weapons are usually produced in typical light workshops equipped with lathes and milling machines, which may be capable of producing relatively high-quality mortars, AMRs and other weapons. In some cases, direct copies of conventionally-produced weapons are made, such as the SPG-9 recoilless guns produced in workshops operated by ISIS in Mosul. The 12.7x108mm Khatef rifle is described as being portable over all terrain, with a weight of 14kg and range of up to 1,500 metres. It appears to be manufactured using a basic tubular receiver into which is fitted a DShK type barrel. Several of these appear to have been taken from a Chinese HMG known as the Type 54. The 14.5x114mm Ashtar is described as having a weight of 28kg and a range of 3,000 metres. This much larger rifle is fitted with a monopod towards the rear to provide balance for the long, heavy barrel.

Khatef, a 12.7x108mm craft-produced bolt-action rifle, with a weight of 14kg and a claimed maximum effective range of up to 1,500m. (AL MASIRAH)

The 20x102mm Hasem has a stated weight of 28kg and maximum range of 2,500 metres. It is billed as being capable of engaging low-flying aircraft such as helicopters. The choice of this calibre is not accidental. Yemen remains one of the countries who continue to use U.S. 20mm M167 Vulcan Air Defense Systems (VADS) which are typically mounted on vehicles and have, in this conflict, been more commonly employed against ground targets. The Zulfiqari 1 is a 23x152Bmm calibre gun, suggested for installation on “all types of military vehicles” and claiming an accurate range of 2,000 metres. It weighs less than 25kg. The Zulfiqari 2 is a larger version weighing some 62kg, with a stated range of 4,000 metres. Construction appears to be very basic, if not crude, with plain steel tubing used for the receiver and grip. The most powerful of the improvised cannons shown is the 30mm Qassem, with a stated weight of 75kg and maximum range of 5,000 metres. There appear to be at least two slightly differing variants, both featuring external spring assemblies to mitigate what is sure to be substantial recoil. One of these appears to be adapted from a pair of automotive (motorcycle) shock absorbers. A tripod is shown for use, although semi-fixed emplacements and vehicle mounts are likely to be more effective. The video also includes some brief footage of the Qassem being manufactured in a workshop using very basic equipment.

Detail of one of the two variants of Qassem 30mm light cannon, featuring an external spring assembly adapted from a pair of motorcycle shock absorbers. (AL MASIRAH)

Detail of shock external spring assemblies on a Qassem 30mm light cannon. (AL MASIRAH)

Houthi fighter with a Khatef 12.7x108mm craft-produced, bolt-action anti-materiel rifle. (AL MASIRAH)

Craft-Produced Firearms Used in Shoot-Out with Police in Odessa By ImproGuns A shootout with police in the Ukrainian city of Odessa on January 19, 2017, left three people dead including the shooter. The attack appears to have been carried out using one or more craft-produced firearms. Valentin Doroshenko, a 57-year-old man who was identified as the shooter, was known locally for his pro-Russia activism, being shown in one photo holding a flag emblazoned with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. He had previously been documented engaging in stunts such as arriving outside the Mayor’s office on horseback to challenge the-then City Head to a duel. A police officer, 27-year-old Sergei Prigarin, died in the hospital after sustaining a gunshot to the chest while another police officer eventually recovered after receiving five gunshot wounds. Photos released by police appear to show a crude, though compact (and evidently functional), improvised submachine gun complete with a homemade magazine. The magazine appears to have been welded together from sheet steel and is very crude in design. The gun is also fitted with a makeshift “laser pointer” sight attached. According to local sources, the weapon was loaded with homemade steel-core ammunition which may well have been capable of penetrating police body armour. Two more improvised submachine guns, a pistol and several fragmentation grenades were discovered in a workshop equipped with lathes and welding equipment, located in a disguised cellar of the home of the suspected shooter.

57-year-old Russian activist Valentin Doroshenko’s crudely made steel weapon. (Odessa Regional Police)

Crudely improvised submachine gun complete with a homemade magazine and laser pointer. (Odessa Regional Police)

Shooter’s makeshift workshop in disguised cellar. (Odessa Regional Police)

Shooter’s homemade projectile. (Odessa Regional Police)

Shooter’s “workshop” equipped with lathes and welding equipment. (Odessa Regional Police)

Craft-Produced Anti-Materiel Rifles in Service with the Kurdish YPG By Ian McCollum The Fight Against Vehicle-Borne Explosive Devices The Kurdish YPG (People’s Protection Units) employ various craft-produced anti-materiel rifles (AMRs), and ARES has obtained photographs and details for several examples. These photographs and the accompanying contextual information came from a confidential source who served in a sniper tabor (platoon) of the YPG from June 2015 through August 2016. Such guns are also produced by a number of other factions operating in Syria and Iraq, as well as non-state and state actors in other conflict zones. Craft-produced small arms and light weapons, including anti-materiel rifles such as these, are covered extensively in a forthcoming report authored by ARES personnel for the Small Arms Survey. In combat use, these rifles are used primarily for defence against vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), serving a secondary role as counter-sniper weapons. VBIED armour has been generally increased to the point that standard rifle calibres used by designated marksmen (typically 7.62x54Rmm and 7.62x51mm) are not able to stop them reliably. Instead, the YPG turned to heavier weapons. Whenever available, modern anti-materiel rifles such as the Chinese M99, Zastava M93 and Barrett M82 are in high demand, as are direct-fire recoilless weapons and rocket launchers and anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs). To supplement these scarce and more broadly useful weapons, the YPG has developed several of its own indigenous AMR designs built around barrels taken from heavy machine guns and light cannon.

Foreground, 14.5mm Ser Portative; background 12.7mm Zagros. Picture taken July 7, 2016, Battle of Manbij. (ED NASH/ARES)

AMR against Islamic State group at the Battle of Al Hawl, November 11, 2015. (ED NASH/ARES)” width=”100%” /> The two main rifles in service are the Zagros, chambered for 12.7x108mm, and the Ser (and shorter Ser Portative), chambered for 14.5x114mm. Conceptually similar guns have been built in 23x152Bmm, but the YPG determined that these were too massive and bulky to be practical. Islamic State group continued to employ a handful of guns in this calibre, however. All of these rifles are made by fabricating simple tubular receivers and bolts to match up to barrels from DShKM, W-85 and KPV pattern guns. In at least one case, the barrel of a Kord heavy machine gun was used. The barrels may be salvaged from damaged or inoperable guns, or they may be spare barrels accompanying functional guns, depending on circumstances. The resulting rifles are single-shot only. According to ARES’ source, the Ser Portative was a shortened version of the 14.5mm Ser introduced early in the summer of 2016 in an effort to make the latter more portable. It reportedly succeeded in this, although at the price of very intense felt recoil and muzzle blast. In addition, they are reported to have destroyed optical sights in as few as five rounds. The Zagros was reportedly reserved for use at longer ranges, as it was more comfortable for the user and more accurate to use, because it could be more precisely zeroed with a telescopic sight. The full-length Ser has apparently been largely removed from combat, as it is too bulky for offensive use, and its role has been largely changed to supporting air strikes from CJTF-OIR forces. It is important to note that all of these rifles are almost exclusively used with ammunition made for machine guns, rather than precision ammunition. This will limit the potential accuracy of the weapons; however, it is unlikely to reduce their effectiveness in the anti-vehicle and anti-materiel roles for which the YPG use them. The availability of AP, API and other specialty ammunition types is likely to compensate for limited precision or accuracy.

Weaponry of a three-man YPG sniper unit. Foreground is a 12.7mm Zagros, with two 14.5mm Ser Portatives behind, as well as two 7.62x51mm Sako TRG-22 rifles. The Kalashnikov type rifles leaning against the wall are the men’s individual weapons. Photo taken July 7, 2016, Battle of Manbij. (ED NASH/ARES)

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Photographs and contextual information courtesy of Ed Nash. Special thanks to ImproGuns, Jonathan Ferguson and several confidential sources.