Denel Y3 AGL
Denel Land Systems · Machine Gun · In Production · 2003
Also known as: Vektor Y3 AGL, AS88, Denel 40mm Y3 Automatic Grenade Launcher, FPM-03
Overview
The Denel Y3 AGL is a South African 40x53mm high-velocity automatic grenade launcher developed from the Aram AS88 and refined by Vektor, now produced by Denel Land Systems. It operates on the long-recoil principle and fires from an open breech to minimise the risk of grenade cook-off, delivering a cyclic rate of 360 to 425 rounds per minute. Belt-fed from a 20- or 32-round box, it can be mounted on a ground tripod or a vehicle and pairs with the on-board LobSight ballistic computer for direct and indirect fire out to roughly 2,176 metres.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 18000 g (634.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 844 mm (33.23") |
| Barrel Length | 300 mm (11.81") |
| Height | 267 mm (10.51") |
| Width | 281 mm (11.06") |
| Action Type | Long Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 32 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 242 m/s (794 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 6734 J (4967 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2176 m (2380 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 425 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
Calibers
- 40x53mm HV Grenade · primary · 40 mm HV — also known as 40 mm Mk19, 40x53mm SR
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Linked Belt, Box Cased Ammunition
- Safety mechanisms: Open Bolt Operation
- Features: Long Recoil Operation, Fires From Open Breech, Reversible Feed Direction, Dual Loading Two Ammunition Types, On Board Ballistic Computer Lobsight, Tripod Or Vehicle Mount, Firing Solenoid Option, Indirect Fire Capable
Service history
Operators
- South African National Defence Force · adopted 2003 · as Y3 AGL
- Peshmerga
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Originally developed as the Aram AS88; qualification testing completed 1998, operational testing 2002, publicly launched at DSEi 2003
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Aram (Pty.) Ltd. of Pretoria
Notes
Feed direction and ammunition box mountings can be swapped in the field without extra components, and the launcher can be dual-loaded with two different 40mm grenade types for selection on the fly. Its low recoil force and lightweight breech block also allow it to be fitted to light aircraft.
Background
Thanks to its buffered moving assemblies and lightweight breech block, the Y3 generates so little recoil that it can be mounted on light aircraft, and its LobSight ballistic computer lets a three-man crew lob grenades over cover onto targets they cannot even see.