CS/LS06 “Chang Feng” Submachine Gun

By N.R. Jenzen-Jones

The Chang Feng submachine gun (SMG)—known in its latest iteration as the “CS/LS06”—is in service with Chinese law enforcement and paramilitary personnel, as well as specialised units from other nations. The design is notable for its 50-round helical magazine and is often issued with a suppressor. Development of the Chang Feng SMG began in the mid-1990s by the Chongqing Changfeng Machine Company Ltd., based in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing.

The weapon was conceived by veteran designer Qing Shangsheng, under the auspices of the Changfeng Military Products Research Institute. In addition to leading the design team for the QSZ-92 pistol, Mr. Qing had previously worked on a number of other small arms projects, including the Type 64 7.62×17mm pistol, Type 67 7.62×17mm suppressed pistol, Type 80 7.62×25mm submachine gun, Type 56-2 self-loading rifle, both 7.62 and 5.45 light machine guns (“squad automatic weapons”), and a variety of sporting pistols, a signal pistol and even a derringer. Prior to working on the CF05, he had already secured a patent for a high-capacity quad-stack, double-feed magazine for the Type 56-2.

Prototypes

According to a 2006 interview with the designer, he initially developed the concept in secrecy between 1993 and 1994 and did not share it with the factory manager until 1996. Four main series of prototypes were then developed. The first prototype used the weapon’s helical magazine to form part of the buttstock, fitted with a removable rubber butt pad. Versions of Prototype I were developed with different burst functions: Prototype I-1 had a two-round burst mechanism, and Prototype I-2 had a three-round burst mechanism. The second prototype’s magazine moved so that it sat above the barrel and introduced the closed-bolt, blow-back operation.

Prototype II was fitted with a telescoping stock. Both Prototypes I and II were chambered for 5.8×21mm.

It was determined that export sales were to be a priority for this weapon, and the weapons were updated to chamber the internationally popular 9×19mm cartridge. At this point, the program adopted the designation “QC-9” for the guns. As well as the new chambering, Prototype III saw experimentation with under-folding buttstock designs. Prototypes III-1 and III-2 have slightly different folding stock configurations. Prototype III-2 also introduced an optics mounting capability.

Prototypes I, II and III were all able to feed from a secondary feed device—a detachable box magazine housed in the pistol grip of the gun. These were QSZ-92 pistol magazines, which are produced in both 5.8×21mm and 9×19mm versions. A separate magazine release, located on the pistol grip, is visible in the first three prototype series. In the first prototype, it was possible to inadvertently introduce a feeding issue with both magazines fully seated. In Prototypes II and III, the box magazine could not be fully seated until all rounds were fired from the helical magazine, tripping a switch.

By Prototype IV, the design had returned to using a telescoping buttstock, and the alternate box magazine feed system was removed. A magazine release button is still seen on the pistol grip of all prototype weapons. In Prototypes II and III, the forward and rear pistol grips are connected via a bridging structure. Prototype IV-1 also has this “bridged” configuration; however, by Prototype IV-2, the furniture design is essentially finalised and is close to the production gun. The prototypes had a cleaning kit stored in the front pistol grip, which was also dropped from production guns. By the last prototypes, the translucent brown helical magazines appear to have been introduced, and translucent white magazines followed in early production guns.

A number of further changes were made as the QC-9 progressed through development. The weapon underwent trials in 2004, and issues with extractor strength, feeding issues, trigger issues, and the fire selector were resolved. The weapon was finally approved for serial production in May 2005. The production version of the weapon, now designated the CF05, was publicly showcased at the first annual China International Exhibition on Police Equipment and Anti-Terrorism Technology and Equipment (CIPATE) on May 10, 2005.

Export Variant

In 2006, the export variant of the weapon was approved, and the designation CS/LS06 was applied. Export versions of the weapon have occasionally been marketed as the Type 06, but CS/LS06 remains the most common name. “CS” likely stands for “China South,” as in “China South Industries Group,” which included Changfeng amongst its subsidiaries. This designation is seen on the title page of an English-language SMG manual from the mid-2000s (China South Industries Corporation’s “Operation & Maintenance Manual of 9mm Light Submachine Gun Type CS/LS06,” state-owned document #236), which was intended for the export version of the gun. It has been suggested by several observers that “CS06” is the designation for the firearm, whilst “LS06” is the designation for the suppressor. Not only is there no evidence to support this claim, “CS/LS” designations are applied to other export submachine guns without suppressors. The Changfeng Machine Company merged with Jian She several years ago, and so the “CF05” designation is unlikely to be used again.

The Chang Feng design is a hammer-fired, blow-back operated submachine gun chambered for 9×19mm, firing from a closed bolt and feeding from a 50-round helical magazine. The design uses a telescoped bolt which wraps around the barrel when in battery. At the end of its rearward travel, the bolt is stopped against the rear of the barrel assembly, rather than the receiver. The polymer receiver features a collapsible stock, and the barrel is threaded to accept a suppressor, which is typically supplied with the gun.

CS/LS06 Features

The CS/LS06 features a combined fire selector/safety, which allows for safe (B), semiautomatic (D) and automatic (L) modes to be selected. The selector can be removed like a “key” to the gun, locking it in the safe position. A three-position aperture sight is marked for 50m (“5”), 100m (“10”) and 150m (“15”) engagement ranges. The stock is extended from the collapsed position simply by pulling it rearward. It is collapsed by pressing in the buttstock latch on the left-hand side of the weapon. Detailed disassembly is quite complex, but a basic field strip can be conducted relatively quickly without tools.

The most notable feature of this weapon is its 50-round helical magazine. Helical magazines, often confused with drum magazines, use a staggered-helix design, which allows for a substantial increase in carrying capacity in a relatively compact form-factor. This results in a cylindrical magazine, which is often (as in this case) mounted above the weapon’s receiver, rather than below it.

Whilst helical magazines have been repeatedly tested in western countries (one early example of an internal helical magazine can be seen in the Evans Repeating Rifle, patented in the late 1860s, for example), they have typically found more favour in China, Russia and their client states. Perhaps the magazines of this type, with which most western readers will be familiar, are those used with the American Calico series of firearms. In fact, Qing expressly stated that the CF05 helical magazine design was influenced by a research trip a colleague took to the United States, where this person observed the Calico designs. Nonetheless, the construction of the magazine is closer to the Russian PP-19 Bizon submachine gun type.

Their inherently complex design makes helical magazines more prone to failure. The Chang Feng SMG manual gives a “failure rate” for the weapon of “equal to or less than 3 ‰,”  or three failures in every 1,000 rounds fired (1 in 334, or thereabouts). This failure rate would be considered unacceptably high by modern western standards, even under the assumption that this probably refers to all stoppages rather than just parts “failures.”

Reloading the magazine is a much more complex operation than that for conventional detachable box magazines. According to the gun manual:

5.2 Cartridge loading: Load required cartridge from loading port of cylinder (as shown in fig. 26, never miss loading), then apply spring force clockwise (as shown in fig. 27). Each turn of cylinder could contain 8 rounds and 50 rounds at maximum. Turns of spring force required is decided according to loading rounds. Turns of applying spring force equals to (X+1;n—rounds of loading cartridge [sic] …

That wording will likely be opaque to most readers, but thankfully the manual also includes a table which makes the process comparatively straightforward. Paraphrased, it indicates:

Table 1

Whilst the export weapons have almost exclusively been seen with opaque black polymer magazines, the manual notes “This gun is equipped with black opaque cylinder; if cartridge indication is required, brown semi-transparent cylinder could be equipped.” The weapon is typically offered for export with Chinese-made accessories, including a laser/light module (LLM; the most common appears to be the LLR-2), optical day sight, grenade launcher and suppressor.

The latest model of the gun features HK-style red and white pictographic safety/selector markings, new furniture textures, a forward-canted front pistol grip and trigger guard, a modified stock design and the model name moulded into the plastic on the left-hand side of the weapon.

The suppressor attaches via a left-hand metric thread on the barrel, located behind the muzzle device. A retaining/indexing pin is located below the muzzle. The SMG manual recommends disassembly and servicing of the suppressor after 150 rounds have been fired. Some limited suppressor testing was undertaken by Dr. Philip H. Dater and Dan Shea, the results of which were published in the Small Arms Defense Journal, “Chinese CS06 LSMG and LS06 Suppressor,” Vol. 3, No. 4.

In Service

The Chang Feng submachine gun has been documented in service with Chinese police and paramilitary forces. It is used by the elite No. 1 Detachment of the Beijing Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, known as the Blue Sword Commando Unit. Other police units around the country have also used the weapon, and it has been documented in a number of high-profile police actions, including protection of the Beijing Olympics and a hostage rescue action in Changchun, the capital of China’s northeast Jilin Province.

The weapon is also issued to components of the People’s Armed Police, including 3rd Group, 13th Detachment of the Beijing General Corps, known as the Snow Leopard Commando Unit. Snow Leopard personnel were observed carrying the weapon during training prior to the Beijing Olympics and in the Sino-Russian “Peace-Mission 2007” joint military exercise. In recent years, Chinese security forces are believed to be moving away from the Chang Feng design and toward new designs which are supposedly capable of firing a broad range of 9×19mm ammunition, from less-lethal to +P+ loads. Nonetheless, those that remain in arsenals are likely to continue to be seen.

A number of export sales have also taken place, with confirmed transfers to Myanmar (Burma), Venezuela and Uganda. In Venezuela, the weapon is used in a close personal protection role by the 509 Special Forces Battalion of the Army, Presidential Honor Guard personnel and members of the Special Unit for Security and Protection of State Personalities (UESPPE).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Calibre: 9×19mm

Overall Length (buttstock collapsed): 412mm (w/out suppressor); 631mm (w/suppressor)

Overall Length (buttstock extended): 595mm (w/out suppressor); 814mm (w/suppressor)

Barrel Length: 232mm

Weight: 2.2kg (empty w/magazine); 2.9kg (loaded with 50-round magazine)

Sight Radius: 285mm

Rate of Fire: 800 rds/min

Feed Device: 50-round detachable helical magazine

V0: 360 m/s

SOURCES

 ARES CONMAT Database.

China South Industries Corporation, “Operation & Maintenance Manual of 9mm Light Submachine Gun Type CS/LS06,” State-owned document #236. [No date.]

FirearmsWorld. “CS/LS06” 2012. firearmsworld.net/china/smg/cf05/lwsmg.htm.

NORINCO, Small Arms. Sales catalogue. 2012.

Pérez, Pedro, “Chinese ‘Chang Feng’ Submachine Gun in Venezuela.” The Hoplite Magazine. August 19, 2019. armamentresearch.com/chinese-chang-feng-submachine-gun-in-venezuela.

Special thanks to Ellie Chang, Pedro Pérez, Maxim Popenker and Timothy G. Yan.

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

INTRODUCTION

Although Ethiopia has produced small-caliber ammunition for at least 60 years (and probably 90 or more), little information is publicly available regarding Ethiopian outputs, and knowledge of Ethiopian cartridges is largely restricted to specialist circles. This piece is intended as a general introduction to Ethiopian ammunition production, with a deeper look at three calibers produced during the post-WWII period under the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie.

ARES has accessed substantial quantities of Ethiopian-made 7.92x57mm, .30-06 and 7.62x51mm cartridges from this period, which are becoming more accessible in global civilian markets, particularly in the United States. We have assessed the physical characteristics and markings of both the cartridges and their packaging, below. ARES Researcher Ian McCollum has also conducted some limited velocity testing.

HISTORICAL PRODUCTION

The first ammunition factory in Ethiopia was established sometime during the early 20th century. According to an Ethiopian defence industry source, the first ammunition production facility was founded under the reign of Emperor Menelik in 1911 to produce ammunition for “Wejigra and Wechefor rifles.” A Czech source describes the first factory in Ethiopia as having been established by Czech interests, sometime in the 1920s, under the reign of Empress Zäwditu. In exchange for exported hides and skins, Ethiopia imported Czech glassware, furniture, sugar, textiles and porcelain. Another source refers to a factory of this time period only as “Tiyet Fabrica” and gives no further details. In any case, the outputs of this factory or factories appear to be limited, and little is known about the subject today.

Between 1947 and 1950, the Emperor Haile Selassie I Ammunition Factory was established in Addis Ababa by Považské Strojárne of Czechoslovakia. It is possible that this factory may have been built on the site of the earlier Tiyet Fabrica, or simply constituted a retrofit and upgrade of that same factory. Some sources refer to this as the Mexico ammunition factory,” in reference to its location near Mexico Square, in Addis Ababa. During this period Ethiopia also served as the “cover destination” for Czechoslovak arms deliveries to Israel. The communist coup d’état of February 1948 in Czechoslovakia did not dampen relations much, and the factory received ongoing support from the Warsaw Pact-aligned regime.

It appears that after the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie, the ammunition factory in Addis Ababa bearing his name was renamed, and the “M.E.D.” headstamp was introduced. This may be an acronym for the Department of Defence Industry (DDI), the government office under the Ministry of Defence that became responsible for all defence production in Ethiopia. This eventually became the Defense Industry Sector (DIS), and later was reconstituted under the state-owned Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC).

Ammunition was originally produced primarily for domestic use, in calibers required by the Ethiopian Armed Forces. A range of firearms were used over the decades, but some important ones for our purpose included: FN Herstal M30 series bolt-action rifles; the Czech ZH-29, FN Herstal M30 BAR self-loading rifles; ZB vz. 26 general-purpose machine guns in 7.92x57mm; M1 Garand and Browning M1918 BAR self-loading rifles; M1917 and M1919 general-purpose machine guns in .30-06; and Springfield M14 and Beretta BM 59 self-loading rifles (7.62x51mm).

The 7.92x57mm, .30-06 and 7.62x51mm cartridges assessed by ARES share marked physical similarities with Czech cartridges, confirming accounts of Czech support in providing manufacturing equipment and technical support. .303 British cartridges were also produced for Ethiopian domestic use. At some point during production (with examples from 1959–1963), 7.92, .303 and .30-06 cartridges were marked with a caliber designation in the headstamp.

CONTEMPORARY PRODUCTION

Current production of ammunition in Ethiopia takes place under the auspices of the Homicho Ammunition Engineering Industry (HAEI), which is located 140km to the west of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, in the Western Shewa Zone of the Oromia regional state, near the town of Ambo. Homicho was established in 1987 as “Project 130.” The factories were established with Soviet and North Korean assistance. In 2010, the company was restructured as a subsidiary of the state-owned METEC. It is sometimes referred to in unofficial Ethiopian sources as the Homicho Ammunition Engineering Complex.

HAEI has produced 7.62×39, 7.62x54Rmm, 12.7x108mm and 14.5x114mm cartridges. In addition to small-caliber ammunition, Homicho has also produced medium- and large-caliber munitions and components. An official METEC source describes the outputs as ranging from “7.62mm bullets up to 130mm artillery ammunitions.” According to official information, HAEI is comprised of seven factories located on a 980,000 square meter lot in a 224-hectare complex, producing the following outputs:

1.    Small- and medium-caliber ammunition

2.    Large-caliber ammunition

3.    Extrusion and forming

4.    Cases and liners

5.    Explosives and propellants

6.    Fuzes and detonators

7.    Rockets

7.62×39, 7.62×51, 7.62x54R and possibly other caliber cartridges without headstamps have been produced by Homicho in recent years. The three confirmed calibers all feature cartridge cases, projectiles, primers, sealants and other details consistent with the post-Selassie .30-06 and 7.62×51 detailed herein. Examples of unmarked HAEI cartridges can be seen in Figure 2.5, which is from a “Small Arms Survey” report examining weapons documented in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states of Sudan in 2013.

HAEI has supplied substantial quantities of its products to the Ethiopian military and domestic law enforcement, as well as the Armed Forces of Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and elsewhere. Examples have also been documented during seizures from non-state actors in various African states, including the Central African Republic, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, and in the holdings of private security companies such as Saracen International Ltd.

Homicho has also been under international scrutiny for its ties to North Korea. In addition to historical Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) assistance in constructing and operating the Ambo plant, HAEI previously listed the Korea Mineral Trading General Corporation (a DPRK state-owned entity) as one of its major suppliers in a company document. Important Ethiopian outputs—including the development and production of the ET-97 and ET-97/1 self-loading rifles—have been directly supported by the DPRK (in this case the Korea Ryongbong General Corporation). Assistance continued until at least as recently as 2007, and both the UN and Western states pressured Ethiopia to sever ties. Analysis shows there has been an ongoing relationship between the two countries in more recent years.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

A quick visual analysis of random samples across all three calibers indicated that the ammunition was clean and well-packaged, with clear annealing marks on the shoulders. All examples were free from obvious external corrosion. The 7.62 NATO showed some evidence of a case mouth sealant below the neck.

Projectiles

The .30-06 and 7.62 cartridges feature ball projectiles with a lead core and a gilding metal-clad steel (GMCS) jacket. The 7.92 cartridges also feature lead-core ball projectiles, but a single box of ammunition contained cartridges featuring projectiles with a mix of GMCS and cupronickel-clad steel (CNCS) jackets. These were all marked with the same headstamp.

ARES Researcher Ian McCollum pulled and weighed projectiles taken from 10 rounds of each caliber. The bullet weights (in grains) were as follows:

NOTE: The average weight of 7.92 GMCS projectiles was 197.6 grains, while the average weight of 7.92 CNCS projectiles was 197.2 grains.

Profile view of the projectiles from the three calibers assessed. Note the GMCS and CCS projectile jackets for the 7.92x57mm cartridges, at right.

Propellant

While the 7.92x57mm cartridges make use of a square flake-type propellant, cylindrical propellant is used in both the .30-06 and 7.62x51mm rounds. That used in the .30-06 is of the cord-type, with no perforation, while the 7.62 rounds make use of single-perforated tubular type.

Markings

The markings on the ammunition packaging and the headstamps are in Amharic, the official working language of Ethiopia, and are marked in the fidäl or Ge’ez script. The headstamps of the 7.92x57mm ammunition ARES assessed, for example, are marked “ቀኃሥ”, which is transliterated as follows:  YESቀ = q+ä = qä

ኃ = h+a = ha

ሥ = s+ə = sə

These are the initials of Haile Selassie, whose name is written in Amharic as “ቀዳማዊ ኃይለ ሥላሴ.” This can be transliterated to Latin script as Qädamawi Haylä Səllasé, so his initials are “Qä. Ha. Sə.” or “ቀ ኃ ሥ,” as seen on the headstamps.

The 7.62x51mm and .30-06 cartridges assessed by ARES are marked with the headstamp “መ ኢ ድ,” or “M.E.D.” These headstamps appeared following Emperor Haile Selassie’s removal from the throne in 1974.

All of the cartridges assessed used the Berdan priming system. The 7.92 cartridges featured a translucent blue sealant at the primer annulus, while the .30-06 and 7.62 cartridges featured a translucent red sealant.

The headstamps and packaging markings for each of the calibers assessed were as follows:

7.92x57mm Headstamp

.30-06 Headstamp 

 7.62x51mm Headstamp

PACKAGING

7.92x57mm Packaging

7.92x57mm ammunition was packaged in inner cardboard packaging (with white ribbon pull-tabs) of 15 rounds. Twenty of these smaller cardboard boxes were contained within intermediate cardboard packaging. Five 300-round boxes were contained with each wooden crate, for a total of 1,500 rounds per crate. Markings were as follows:

Outer Packaging 

Intermediate Packaging

Inner Packaging

.30-06 Packaging

Two packaging methods for .30-06 ammunition were observed in the ARES sample. For the ammunition packaged in bandoliers, four bandoliers of six en bloc clips were packaged in each ammunition can. The ammunition can was an over-painted western example. The clips were marked ”SF” for ”Serini in France.” Other reported examples are marked ”BRW,” “HA,” “IS” and “SA.” Each clip holds eight rounds, for a total of 192 cartridges per can. Markings were as follows:

Outer Packaging

Inner Packaging 

Loose cartridges were packaged in cardboard inner packages (with white ribbon pull-tabs) of 15 rounds. Twenty such cardboard boxes were contained within each ammunition can, for a total of 300 rounds. The ammunition can was probably an over-painted western example. Markings on the outer packaging were as follows (the inner boxes were unmarked):

Outer Packaging

 7.62x51mm Packaging

7.62x51mm cartridges were packaged in 20-round inner cardboard boxes, with cardboard dividers between four sections of five rounds each. Fourteen of these packages were included in each ammunition can, for a total of 280 rounds. The can was an over-painted British H82 Mk 1 type, produced in February 1959. Markings on the outer packaging were as follows (the inner boxes were unmarked):

Outer Packaging 

 TEST-FIRING

In order to gather more data about this little-known ammunition, ARES also tested the velocity of a sample of these cartridges. Fifteen rounds of each caliber were test-fired, and a chronograph was used to record the projectile velocity (given below in feet per second) at a measured distance of 3m from the muzzle of the weapon (V3).

The rifles used for testing the ammunition were as follows:

.30-06                         M1917 Enfield (26in. barrel)

7.62×51         Israeli Kar.98K rework (23.6in. barrel)

7.92×57          German Kar.98K (23.6in. barrel)

The recorded velocities were as follows:

NOTE: Entries marked with an asterisk (*) required two primer strikes before functioning.

During testing, both the 7.92 and 7.62 cartridges exhibited hang-fires in approximately 50% of cases. None of these exceeded 0.5 seconds in duration (estimated). Video of some of this testing is being uploaded to Mr. McCollum’s Forgotten Weapons YouTube channel for consumer interest.

7.92x57mm

.30-06  

7.62x51mm

Data collected by Ian McCollum. Special thanks to Fitsum Abera, Jack Dutschke, Federico Graziano and Daniel Hughes.

See armamentresearch.com for further original content.

In January 2014, various journalists, aid workers, and others have documented the presence of brass shotgun slugs in the streets of Kiev. An eyewitness (interviewed by ARES) described one such projectile as having been fired into a crowd he was standing with. Two images (IMG #1 and #2 right) depicting the fired projectiles were posted on Twitter by Christopher Miller and Oleksandr Aronets, both on the 22nd of January, 2014.

The projectiles shown are specialised armor-piercing (AP) 12 gauge shotgun projectiles, believed to have been developed and produced by the Spetstekhnika (Specialized Equipment) design bureau, a facility located in Kiev and associated with the Ukraine Ministry of Internal Affairs. The projectiles are comprised of either a brass or aluminium slug and a core of (likely hardened) steel, designed to act as a penetrator. The design of the projectile has been optimized for stopping vehicles, and the cartridge is referred to as a “car stopper.” (IMG #4 opposite page center), provided by a fellow IAA member, shows an example of a complete cartridge, an unfired projectile, and a wad column. It should be noted that the cartridge case pictured, with a headstamp indicating production by Baschieri & Pellagri Spa of Italy, is commercially available and does not indicate where the loaded cartridge was produced. Shotgun shells are particularly difficult to identify from headstamps alone, as a range of third-party producers can be involved in the supply of shotgun cartridge cases (hulls and brass heads) to manufacturers of complete cartridges. Shotgun shell cases supplied on government contracts often follow commercial marking practices, making them difficult to distinguish from cartridges used for civilian purposes.

Contrary to some information circulating online, these slugs are not Blondeau-type projectiles. Additionally, the larger “end” of the projectile is the forward portion. There also appears to be some confusion as to the purpose of these cartridges, with some sources claiming they are primarily used as breaching rounds. Unlike dedicated breaching cartridges, which typically make use of frangible projectiles of sintered metal powder, these slugs are not intended to disintegrate upon impact.

Suffice to say, these projectiles are lethal, and would not generally be fired in the course of a crowd-control action. Firing such cartridges against human targets certainly constitutes lethal force and, whilst effective within range constraints, would be an unusual choice. Other cartridge types would be more readily available, cheaper, and more effective if lethal force was required.

This article is courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES) – www.armamentresearch.com

Armor-piercing (AP) 12 gauge shotgun projectiles fired in Kiev. Christopher Miller.

Armor-piercing (AP) 12 gauge shotgun projectiles fired in Kiev. Oleksandr Aronets

From left to right: a complete cartridge, an unfired projectile, and a wad column. Confidential source

The MRO is a self-contained, disposable, single-shot 72.5 mm rocket launcher, developed from the larger 93 mm RPO family to provide a lighter alternative. Both the MRO and RPO series weapons have descriptions translated from Russian as “flamethrowers,” referencing the three incendiary-type warhead variants produced.

The MRO-A,pictured in, carries a thermobaric warhead and is distinguishable by the two short red stripes towards the firing end of the weapon. The MRO-D variant carries a white phosphorous (WP) smoke warhead, identifiable by one red stripe, and the MRO-Z an incendiary warhead, marked by a single yellow stripe. The RPO series is available in the same variants, featuring the same markings and designations.

The presence of the MRO in Ukraine was significant because, unlike the RPO, it is not known to be in the Ukrainian military arsenal. As seen, a cache of RPO-A launchers was allegedly captured from pro-Russian separatists following fighting at the Donetsk airport. In late January 2014, Pravda News also reported a request Vitaly Zakharchenko, then Ukrainian Interior Minister, asking for permission to use the RPO-A to “help maintain public order and public safety.”

Special thanks to Ivan Kochin and Yuri Lyamin for their assistance.

Technical Specifications:

MRO series:
Calibre: 72.5 mm
Length: 900 mm
Weight: 4.7 kg
Effective Range: 90 m
Maximum Range: 450 m
Variants: MRO-A (Thermobaric warhead), MRO-D (WP Smoke warhead), MRO-Z (Incendiary warhead)

RPO series:
Calibre: 93 mm
Length: 920 mm
Weight: 11 kg
Effective Range: 200 m
Maximum Range: 1000 m
Variants: RPO-A (Thermobaric warhead), RPO-D (WP Smoke warhead), RPO-Z (Incendiary warhead)

The Ukrainian copies are produced under license by Tactical Systems Ltd (TS). According to B&T, the license for the entire APR range (four models), along with other B&T products, was approved by the Swiss licensing body, SECO, in 2009. The TS rifles are known as the TS 308 and TS 338, and are produced in Ukraine and branded with the TS logo. B&T told us there may also be “some
technical differences.”

According to Konstantin Khurshudian, director of Tactical Systems, TS series rifles were sold to the Ministry of Internal Affairs for use by special security forces during the 2012 UEFA European Championship. Thus far, Ministry of Internal Affairs forces are the only users. The APR range is available with B&T produced suppressors and anti-mirage bands, and B&T branded Schmitt & Bender optics. These are likely available for the TS copies as well. According to the Tactical Systems and B&T websites, TS also distribute B&T produced rifles in Ukraine.

A YouTube video (http://youtu.be/B4OgynH-7Is) shows Ukrainian security forces equipped with what is likely the TS 308 rifle, fitted with what appears to be a customised buttstock. It is unclear whether these stocks are offered by Tactical Systems, or whether the weapons are modified after purchase by Ministry of Internal Affairs troops. It also features a range of other weapons, including various AK type rifles, SVD type rifles, PKM machine guns, PM type pistols, and what appears to be a Sako TRG-22 sniper rifle. TRG-22 rifles are known to be in use (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UBcVIFLzhU&feature=related) by the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ specialised ‘Omega’ (?????) anti-terrorist unit.

Special thanks to Mari Batashevski. Thanks to Karl Brügger, Jonathan Ferguson, Konstantin Khurshudian, and a confidential source.

An interesting video was released by the Ukraine Military TV YouTube channel (http://youtu.be/PA34D9AVN30). The video shows pro-Russian separatists being captured by Ukrainian forces, and documents the man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) allegedly seized with these combatants. It shows a Polish-made PPZR (Przenosny Przeciwlotniczy Zestaw Rakietowy; portable anti-aircraft missile system – sometimes written simply “PZR”) Grom MANPADS.

The Grom (Polish for “thunder”, and sometimes stylized “GROM”) is a Polish-designed MANPADS drawing its design cues from the Soviet 9K38 Igla (NATO reporting name: SA-18). It is widely believed that Polish agents were able to purchase the original plans for the 9K38 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Work on the Grom began in 1992 and was conducted at several state-controlled design bureaus in Poland. Whilst the capabilities of early Grom missiles were largely identical to the 9K38, the system has continued to improve and later models are more advanced. The Grom continues to be offered for export by MESKO S.A., part of the BUMAR holding group.

Markings on a PPZR Grom MANPADS missile tube in Ukraine. (Ukraine Military TV YouTube channel)

The example shown in the video is fitted with a Russian-made 9P516 gripstock (without IFF; the IFF version is designated 9P516-1), designed for the 9K38. Whilst ARES has not seen Russian or Polish sources that explicitly state that the 9P516 gripstock is compatible with Grom missiles, it would not be surprising to learn as much, given their shared origins. The battery coolant units (BCUs) in the video may also be of Russian origin.

Markings on the missile launch tube indicate that it was produced in 2007. Interestingly, one of the few known foreign exports of the Grom was to Georgia, who is believed to have purchased 30 launchers and 100 missiles in 2007. Russian forces are known to have captured some of these, and Poland later accused Russia of planting materiel from this contract in Chechnya for political reasons. Whilst far from concrete evidence of supply, it is interesting that missiles from the same year as those ordered by Georgia and captured by Russian forces should turn up in the hands of pro-Russian separatists, fitted with Russian produced gripstocks. Of course, it is also possible that such systems were exported to other parties in the region. ARES will be sending an official tracing request to the Polish and Russian governments, as well as the manufacturers of the missile tube and gripstock.

PPZR Grom MANPADS advertising flyer. Note different design in gripstocks. (MESKO S.A.)

Special thanks to Eliot Higgins for the link, and a technical specialist who wishes to remain anonymous.

(This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES) – www.armamentresearch.com and was originally published May 20, 2014)

The Fabrique Nationale d’Herstal (FNH) FN 303. (Zuma Press)

The Fabrique Nationale d’Herstal (FNH) FN 303 is a purpose-designed, semiautomatic weapon that uses compressed air to propel projectiles approximately 100 meters. It functions primarily as an impact weapon, although several of the available (FN-proprietary) projectiles have secondary effects, as described below. The weapon is constructed primarily of polymer, and is relatively lightweight at 2.2 kg. There is a Picatinny rail along the top of the receiver, and folding front and rear iron sights. An EOTech holographic sight, specifically calibrated to match the FN 303’s ballistic profile, is also available. The FN 303 is fed from a 15-round detachable drum magazine, which features a clear polymer back plate to allow for rapid identification of round count and type. Magazine changes can be accomplished in a few seconds, and magazines can be reloaded in around 30 seconds. The weapon is factory-set to a muzzle velocity of 86-91 metres per second. Compressed air canisters are factory-specified, and the user manual warns against using other containers. One full tank should last for at least 100 shots.

FN 303 ammunition has also been documented in Turkey with 18mm (.68 calibre) glycol-based impact munition for the FN 303. Other available projectiles include powder-based impact, impact plus indelible marker paint, impact plus washable marker paint, and impact plus irritant powder. The munitions all contain a bismuth payload to provide weight for impact, and are fin-stabilised to provide accuracy at longer ranges than many other less-lethal launchers. All have the primary effect of incapacitating the target or degrading his or her will to fight through force of impact.

Marker rounds have the secondary effect of assisting authorities in identifying potentially threatening individuals. The irritant projectile contains a synthetic
capsaicin known as PAVA (for pelargonic acid vanillylamide; also known as nonivamide), which delivers a disruptive or incapacitating effect. At close range, these projectiles have been known to penetrate sheetrock, hollow-core doors, and auto glass and still affect the target behind cover. FN Herstal estimates the range for point targets at 50 meters, but the weapon can be effective out to 100 meters against area targets, such as crowds. FNH USA estimates the minimum engagement range at 1 meter, but U.S. DoD policy forbids engagement at ranges less than 5 meters.

Turkish law enforcement personnel photographed wielding the TAC 700 riot gun. (The Atlantic)

As with other impact munitions such as rubber bullets or 37/40mm impact projectiles, it is essential to engage targets in the limbs or torso to avoid serious injury. The FN 303 manual warns that, “Death or serious injury may result from projectiles striking the head or neck.” It is important to remember that there are risks inherent to the use of all less-lethal systems; this is precisely why there is a trend towards the use of the term ‘less-lethal’ rather than ‘non-lethal’. Comparatively safe systems, such as the FN 303, are often a preferable alternative to the use of live rounds or other, more dangerous less-lethal solutions.

It appears that the Turkish police tested the FN 303 in 2008, and introduced it into service in 2010. A 2010 article from Dünya Bülteni, a Turkish news site, suggests the use of both washable (pink) and indelible (yellow) marker projectiles. (www.dunyabulteni.net/index.php?aType=haber&ArticleID=122880, published July 26, 2010). Damien Spleeters has more on the presence of FN 303 launchers in Turkey at his excellent site, Damspleet (www.damspleet.com/post/52814245459/trying-to-quell-protests-turkish-police-uses, published June 12, 2013). The FN 303, in particular, seems to be the cause of frequent confusion when it comes to identification. In one particularly egregious example from The Daily Mail (www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1374315/Gaddafis-letter-Barack-Obama-calls-end-unjust-war.html, published April 7, 2011), an FN 303 seen in Libya was described as an ‘American
submachine gun’.

The other two systems sighted are the TAC 700 riot gun, produced by PepperBall, and the Tippmann LE-900. Both of these are essentially repurposed paintball guns, operating in a similar fashion and firing a similar projectile. Unlike the FN 303, the TAC 700 and LE-900 air cartridges can be refilled without the need for special equipment. They are selective fire weapons, capable of semiautomatic fire, three-round burst, and fully automatic fire at rates of up to 700 and 900 rounds per minute, respectively. PepperBall describe the TAC 700 as target accurate out to 60 feet (approximately 18 meters), or for area saturation out to 150 feet (48 meters). Both systems are chambered for .68 calibre paintball-type projectiles. Tippmann, a well-known manufacturer of paintball markers, ammunition, and equipment, produce a range of .68 calibre markers. It should be noted that PepperBall-branded systems are also based on Tippmann paintball markers.

A man firing the 37/38mm Penn Arms PL-8 rotary launcher. (AFP)

A wide range of projectiles are available for the systems. PepperBall lists several of their branded projectiles on their website, including inert, marking, water-filled, and glass-breaking (solid nylon) varieties. Additionally, there are the eponymous ‘PepperBall’ projectiles, available in ‘Live’ and ‘Live X’ formulae. The Live projectiles are filled with Capsaicin II, whilst the Live X range contain PAVA, described by PepperBall as “10x hotter than Live projectiles.” Numerous other .68 calibre paintballs are available from other retailers, including a variety of pepper, chili, and PAVA-filled examples. One South African website, Xtreme Paintball, (www.paintballguns.co.za) lists its solid nylon projectiles as ‘Skull Breakers’.

(This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES) and was originally published by them December 4, 2013. www.armamentresearch.com.)

Captured From Rebel Forces in South Sudan

Seen in the bottom centre of the photo is a 9K310 Igla-1 (NATO designation: SA-16 Gimlet) man-portable air defence system (MANPADS). The weapons pictured were purportedly captured by soldiers of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) stationed in South Sudan to protect key government installations from rebel forces. The weapons were displayed in Bor, the capital of Jonglei state. The 9K310 system was produced in the Soviet Union, and then later in Russia, and entered service in 1981. Whilst not as capable as the later generation 9K38 (SA-18) and 9K338 (SA-24) MANPADS, the 9K310 system is notably more effective than the earlier, ubiquitous 9K32 and 9K32M (SA-7a and SA-7b, respectively) systems. These include a higher top flight speed, greater firing range, and more sophisticated fuzing (delayed impact and magnetic, as well as grazing) and guidance mechanisms.

Also pictured are a variety of small arms and light weapons more commonly seen in the region, including rifles, medium and heavy machine guns, and RPG-7 projectiles. Amongst the latter are pictured two TBG-7 (or a close copy) thermobaric projectiles. These were developed in the Soviet Union sometime in the late 1980s, and are designed to disable enemy personnel in urban or mountainous terrain (including enemy combatants in buildings or fortifications) through a combination of heat and overpressure, as well as a secondary fragmentation effect.

(This article was reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES) and originally published February 1, 2014 – www.armamentresearch.com.)

Recent images from the Russian seizure of the Crimean peninsula have highlighted the range of weaponry employed by Russian forces and combatants identified as either pro-Russian militias or private security contractors. Amongst these weapons is the GM-94, a pump-action grenade launcher chambered for a proprietary 43mm cartridge. These polymer-cased rounds are available in HE, HE-FRAG, thermobaric, illumination, smoke, and various less-lethal loadings. The GM-94 is fed from a three-round tubular magazine (3+1 capacity) located above the barrel, and the weapon features a double-action trigger and manual safety.

The presence of these weapons would be consistent with claims of Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz) or Russian-backed private security contractors operating in the region. Regardless, it is important to note that the GM-94 has been observed in several other countries, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and even Libya.

GM-94 grenade launcher. (Alexander Garr)

Numerous other weapon systems have also been observed in the hands of pro-Russian forces in civilian clothes or unmarked uniforms, including AK-74M, AKS-74N, AKMS, and AS “Val” rifles, SVD, SVDS, and VSS sniper rifles, PKM and PKP machine guns, GP-25 and GP-30 under-barrel grenade launchers, and PP-9 “Klin” submachine guns. Many of these weapons have been fitted with post-production accessories, including rails, foregrips, PBS series suppressors, and various optics.

(This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES) – www.armamentresearch.com and was originally published on March 2, 2014.)

Under Land 40 Phase 2 (L40/2), the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) are intending to deliver two new direct fire support weapons to the Army’s infantry battalions and special operations forces, and to the Royal Australian Air Force’s Airfield Defence Guards.  The first, the Medium Direct Fire Support Weapon (MDFSW), has already been selected and fielded, with the M3 Carl Gustav 84mm recoilless rifle replacing the M2 variant previously in service.  The second system, slated to be a “Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launcher (LWAGL) fitted with a night sight and a fire control system,” has yet to be selected.

The L40/2 program has been the subject of some controversy, with the original tender having closed in October 2007 and no systems having been introduced to date.  Two contending systems were shortlisted for trials in 2008.  The first pairs the Heckler & Koch Grenade Machine Gun (GMG E) with the Vingmate Fire Control System (FCS) and Softmount Combi from Vinghøg AS of Norway (now part of Rheinmetall Defence), and two different 40x53mm Air Burst Munitions (ABM) from Rheinmetall Defence.  The second contender is the General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP) MK47 Mod 0 system (also known as the Striker 40), outfitted with the AN/PVG-1 Lightweight Video Sight (LVS) developed by Raytheon and optimised for the MK285 Programmable Pre-fragmented High Explosive (PPHE) 40x53mm round, developed by Nammo AS of Norway.

As Australian Defence Magazine reported in July 2010, it is an open secret that the winning bidder was Melbourne-based Point Trading, who originally offered the HK GMG E with Vingmate FCS pairing.  In April 2011, a Department of Defence spokesperson told the Sydney Morning Herald that Defence had “cancelled contract negotiations with the preferred tenderer because it became clear that the company was not going to deliver what Defence had assessed it had promised.”  The spokesperson went on to say that Defence might turn to “off-the-shelf” weapons used by allies in Afghanistan, thought to be a nod to the MK47 in use with USSOCOM forces there.  The contract was put back out to tender, and the program appears to have stalled.

Heckler & Koch (HK) GMG E with Vinghøg Vingmate FCS and Softmount Combi at Land Warfare Conference.

The introduction of a LWAGL with an advanced FCS will be advantageous for Australian forces for a number of reasons, with many of these benefits stemming from the increased first round hit probability.  This eliminates the need to ‘walk’ fire on to a target when engaging, allowing an operator to maintain the element of surprise, engage multiple targets rapidly, and reduce ammunition consumption (which, in turn, results in longer mission endurance).  The accuracy of these systems also lends itself to reducing collateral damage, and the airburst capability allows operators to engage targets in defilade.  Accurate first round hit capability is also important when firing shaped charge munitions (such as HEDP) against armoured vehicles or hardened targets such as bunkers.

Both contenders’ systems offer significant advantages over the MK19 Mod 3 currently in service with Australian forces.  The MK19 weighs in at 35.0 kg, first entered service in 1968, and features no fire control system in its present package.  The MK19 is in service with elements from the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force, and the Australian Special Operations Command (SOCOMD), and the LWAGL selected is expected to be evaluated for use by each of these elements as well.

Whilst the blowback operated HK GMG E fires from an open bolt, like most automatic grenade launchers, the MK47 is a short recoil operated, locked breech weapon that fires from the closed bolt position.  From a design point of view, this can allow for a more accurate first round fired.  Firing from the open bolt position, however, gives a weapon better cooling characteristics, and can allow for a higher rate of fire.  In fact, GDATP give the MK47’s cyclic rate of fire as “225 – 300 rounds per minute,” with sources indicating the system is not ideal for extended automatic fire.  The HK GMG E, meanwhile, has a cyclic rate of 340 rounds per minute; the MK19 Mod 3 sits at 300 – 400.  Of course, with an increased first round hit probability for the new systems, the rate of fire becomes less important.

Nammo AS MK285 Programmable Pre-fragmented High Explosive (PPHE) 40x53 airburst munition.

The MK47 is a mere 18 kg, with the LVS weighing an additional undisclosed amount (known to be heavier than the Vingmate), whilst the GMG E weighs in at 29 kg plus an additional 5.8kg for the Vingmate FCS.  Both systems are notably lighter than the 35 kg of the current MK19 Mod 3.  Whilst the MK47 is certainly the lighter of the two contenders, both are expected to be frequently deployed as vehicle-mounted weapons, which may limit the MK47’s weight advantage.  The MK47 mounts on the MK108 Mod 0 tripod, whilst the HK GMG E mounts on the Vinghøg Softmount Combi, which is also capable of accepting the M2 heavy machine gun, MK19 grenade launcher, and – in the future – possibly the M240 GPMG.  The GMG/M2 and MK19/M2 mounts are qualified and in service.  Rheinmetall also hope their Softmount Combi will be considered as an upgrade for the existing MK19 fleet.  These mounts would allow the weapon to use the Vingmate FCS and thermal weapons sights, and become airburst munition capable.

Both weapons operate on a “laze, aim, fire” principle, allowing the video sights to determine the range to target and adjust for the specific ballistic profile of the round chambered.  Both sights feature a selectable range of munitions that affect the ranging and aiming procedure.  The Raytheon LVS marks the target location once it has been lazed, allowing the operator to quickly move the ‘donut’ reticule back to the target and fire.  This feature, which could be particularly useful in scenarios such as targeting a particular window in an apartment building, is strangely absent from the Vingmate FCS.  The MK47 features a nylon-sheathed Kevlar pull cord for charging, which is supposedly close to indestructible.  Despite this, the weapon requires a long pull from the lower rear of the housing to charge the weapon, which may be an issue in some vehicle-mounted applications, such as firing from a partially-enclosed turret.

The current MK47 sight, the Raytheon Lightweight Video Sight (LVS), features a black & white display with image intensification (I2) capability, Picatinny (Mil-Std 1913) rails along the top for thermal weapons sights (such as AN/PAS-13 HTWS ), and unique connectors for each component, making them impossible to assemble incorrectly.  It was originally designed in Canada.  A second-generation sight for the MK47, the so-called “Low Cost FCS,” has recently been announced and will feature colour imaging, networking capability, image capture/share options, and thermal integration.  There has also been discussion regarding the possible ability to charge from vehicle power sources.  NIOA, the distributor for the MK47 and FCS in Australia, have billed it as “the most sophisticated FCS available for crew served weapons,” and have stressed its suitability for use with The MK19 and M2 systems as well.

Detail of Rheinmetall ABM 50x53mm ammunition, showing receivers for the IR ‘telegram’ signals sent out by the Velan IR-PU.

The Vingmate FCS is built around a colour day camera with multiple FOV options, a laser rangefinder, ballistics computer, GPS, and DMC.  It also features a modular design to provide an ability to meet future requirements; it is able to mount other optics/sensors and give them the same ballistic compensation as the integral capabilities.  These may include thermal weapons sights, IR/visible laser markers, and so on.  Ongoing improvements to the Vingmate FCS are expected.

Both sights take into account target range, difference in elevation between weapon and target, corrective data input by the user, and ballistic tables, including spin drift compensation.  The net result of this is a dramatic increase in first round hit probability, particularly at extended ranges.  This, in turn, reduces the need to expend additional ammunition and time to defeat the target.  Firing fewer rounds can also decrease the potential for collateral damage, and increase mission endurance.  These FCSs also allow for more controlled and precise grouping and dispersion of multiple rounds.

The incorporated zoom functions, night cameras, and laser rangefinders also increase units’ situational awareness and allow for accurate Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data to be gathered by the operating force.  These help contribute to positive target identification out to the maximum range of the weapon systems, and allow operators to make use of these various functions without having to change to different devices such as laser rangefinders, thermal sights, binoculars, and so on.

The Vingmate FCS is particularly relevant to the modern battlefield, allowing system operators to share collected imagery and data with other units and within the command structure.  Once connected to a Battlefield Management System (BMS), the Vingmate can transfer target data or collected ISR as necessary, contributing to the situational awareness and operational picture of fellow units and the force at large.  The Vingmate system is designed with the quick and simple upgrade of software and ballistic tables in mind, allowing for the easy addition of data for new ammunition types, for example.  This can be conducted on the user’s end, without having to be returned to Vinghøg.  The Vingmate FCS was developed alongside a dedicated video simulator, the VingSim Trainer.  This allows operators to perform simulated training, gaining proficiency with the system’s software menus, selection of various ammunition types, and programming of the various fire modes.  This sort of training saves on the notable cost of firing live airburst ammunition, which would otherwise be necessary (as training ammunition cannot simulate AB functionality), and can allow gunners more time on the system.

HK GMG E with Vinghøg Vingmate FCS and Softmount Combi at Land Warfare Conference 2012.

Both of the competing system integrators have partnered with munitions manufacturing firms to provide a programmable airburst munition for their respective weapons.  GDATP have partnered with Nammo AS of Norway to offer the MK285 Mod 0 Programmable Pre-fragmented High Explosive (PPHE) 40×53 cartridge.  This has been in use with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) forces since 2004, with over 100,000 rounds of MK285 having been fired in combat zones to date, mostly in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The MK285 features a projectile designed by Diehl Munitions in Germany, the MK438 Mod 0 fuze manufactured by Bofors Defence in Sweden, and a cartridge case designed by NICO in Germany, integrated by Nammo.

Rheinmetall is offering their Airburst Munitions (ABM) in two varieties, High Explosive (HE) and High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP).  The former is similar to the MK285, intended for use against infantry and infantry in cover, whilst the latter is intended to defeat light and medium vehicles, whilst retaining some effectiveness against infantry in defilade.  The HEDP round will penetrate approximately 80mm of Rolled Homogenous Armour (RHA).  Rheinmetall can offer these rounds in mixed belts, if required by the customer.

Both the Rheinmetall and Nammo offerings are powered by kinetic energy, requiring no on-board battery in the projectile, and both feature point detonating, airburst, and self-destruct function modes.  In the case of the MK285, the self-destruct initiates approximately 18 seconds after launch.  The Rheinmetall ABM cartridges have a self-destruct function that initiates 20 seconds after launch.  Both the Rheinmetall and Nammo cartridges are Insensitive Munitions (IM) compliant, meaning they are less likely to detonate if hit by fragmentation, stray projectiles, or blast effects.  This is becoming an increasingly attractive property for munitions, particularly those likely to be carried in vehicles, with the current threat climate being saturated with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Vingmate FCS at Land Warfare Conference 2012.

Both systems are compatible with non-airburst ammunition, and fire a range of U.S. and NATO-approved 40×53 rounds.  The MK47 was tested with all 40×53 ammunition in the U.S. inventory, at a cost of over $1 million USD.  It is interoperable with all cartridges in U.S. use.  A source familiar with the HK GMG E described the weapon as able to “feed literally anything,” and told us the weapon was tested with a range of both NATO and U.S. standard ammunition.  Both weapons use standard M16A2 disintegrating links, and are supplied with ammunition packaged in boxes of 32 or 48 rounds.

Projectiles are programmed differently in the two competing systems.  The older MK47 Mod 0 programs the projectiles in the barrel of the weapon, using three contacts to impart fuze mode, timing, and other details to the round.  This system cannot be jammed, is not affected by changing battlefield conditions, and guarantees the projectile is programmed before leaving the barrel of the weapon.  The Rheinmetall ABM rounds for the HK weapon, meanwhile, are programmed through the use of light in the infrared spectrum – the Velan IR-PU (Infrared Programming Unit), developed by Vinghøg, sends out twenty ‘telegram signals’ that are detected by eight receivers built into the ABM projectile.  Once the projectile receives four identical telegram signals, the fuze is programmed and the round enters ‘lock down’ mode, making it impossible to reprogram.  Each projectile is programmed individually.  Because rounds are programmed after they have left the barrel, this system can be fitted to any existing AGL.  This method of programming also results in much lower power consumption.

This author was provided the opportunity to fire the MK47 at Land Warfare Conference 2012, in Victoria, Australia.  The system functions were quick to pick up, and with minimal instruction it was possible to punch out two passenger windows on the side of a minivan at just under 250m with one round for each.  Unfortunately, the GMG/Vingmate combination was not available for live fire testing, however simulator-based instruction proved the system’s controls to be very intuitive and straightforward.  In Australia, the total system price for the MK47 with LVS is thought to be around the $100,000 AUD mark as of late 2012.  The price of the HK-based system is unknown at this time.

GDATP MK47 Mod 0 Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher with Raytheon AN/PVG-1 Lightweight Video Sight (LVS). (GDATP)

Whilst the MK47 has been fielded since May 2004, only 1,500 systems are in use.  These are overwhelmingly with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) units, with the weapon seeing use with both Army and Navy components.  One former U.S. Navy Special Warfare operator described the system as “formidable” in training scenarios, but expressed concerns about using it under field stress conditions.  For this reason, he noted that he had never personally used the weapon on operations, and had used the MK19 instead.  The MK47 is also in limited use in the Israeli Defence Forces, and a 2010 foreign military sale is recorded for 130 units to be supplied to an undisclosed country.  The HK/Vingmate system has been fielded since 2009, with approximately 500 systems thought to be currently fielded.  The weapon has seen use with the Norwegian, New Zealand, and Canadian contingents in Afghanistan.  An important note is that some Vingmate FCS systems have been delivered to USSOCOM for use on the MK47 gun itself, as a replacement for the ageing LVS.  The Vingmate systems delivered to USSOCOM for the MK47 also program the MK285 round in the barrel of the MK47, in the same way as the LVS.

Vinghøg partnered with BAE Systems, HK, and Nammo for the Close Area Suppression Weapon (CASW) program in Canada, which delivered 300+ units designated the C16.  The C16 features the same HK GMG E and Vingmate FC combination as is being offered to the ADF, with the substitution of Nammo ammunition.  Canada was, in fact, the first customer for the 40x53mm RF-ABM airburst munition from Nammo.  Since then Vinghøg, as part of Rheinmetall, have been heavily involved in the development of the Velan IR-PU.  Nammo, Vinghog, and H&K have also teamed up for the ongoing 40mm program in Norway.

Whilst both systems offer distinct advantages over Australia’s current service weapon, the differences between the systems are also notable.  The MK47 Mod 0 is certainly a very lightweight automatic grenade launcher, weighing in at approximately 11 kg less than the HK GMG E.  It also possesses a number of attractive design features, most notably its operating system allowing it to fire from the closed bolt position.  The Raytheon LVS, however, simply cannot compare with the significant advantages offered by the Vingmate FCS paired with the HK system.  A colour camera, modular future-proofed design, ability to export important target/ISR data and imagery to a BMS, GPS incorporation, and the lightweight nature of the sight itself make this FCS the obvious choice of the two.  However, with the second generation sight for the MK47 – the “Low Cost FCS” – now being marketed and due for release ‘in the near future,’ this advantage may soon be whittled away.  The Rheinmetall ABM rounds have some advantages over the Nammo MK285, in both lethality and the existence of an HEDP projectile, however they are largely comparable.  Finally, the Vinghøg Softmount Combi appears to be an excellent mounting solution, capable of multi-role use with a range of common fire support weapons.

GDATP MK47 Mod 0 Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher with next generation ‘low cost FCS.’ (GDATP/NIOA Australia)

Defence, and DMO in particular, are playing their cards close to their chest.  Brigadier Mike Phelps, Director General of the DMO’s Integrated Soldier Systems Branch gave a presentation in May 2012 which noted that the acquisition strategy for the LWAGL was “under review” – if anything has changed in the past 15 months or more, Defence have not disclosed details.  Despite multiple requests for information and the submission of detailed questions addressing all parts of the process, Defence would only say: “The LAND 40-2 project schedule was delayed as a result of the termination of contract negotiations of the Lightweight Automatic Grenade Launcher capability, on February 28 2011.  On December 12, 2012, LAND 40-2 was listed as a project of concern.  Defence is reviewing the outstanding Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launcher requirement, and has provided advice for government consideration on the way forward for the project.”

Employees from both contending companies expressed frustration with the handling of the program.  It is no surprise that Land 40/2 has been listed as a “project of concern,” we can only hope that our soldiers in the field get the enhanced capability promised by a LWAGL system sooner rather than later.