Milkor Y2
Milkor (Pty) Ltd · Machine Gun · In Service · 1983
Also known as: Milkor MGL, MGL Mk 1, 40mm Multiple Grenade Launcher
Overview
The Milkor Y2 is a South African 40mm six-shot multiple grenade launcher and the original member of the Milkor MGL family. Designed by Andries Piek around a spring-driven revolving cylinder, it was demonstrated to the South African Defence Force in 1981 and accepted into service under the designation Y2 in 1983. Firing the full range of 40x46mm low-velocity grenades from a hand-held, shoulder-fired weapon, it lets a single operator place six aimed rounds on target in a few seconds out to roughly 400 metres.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5300 g (187.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 7000 g (246.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 778 mm (30.63") |
| Folded Length | 630 mm (24.80") |
| Barrel Length | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 76 m/s (249 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 664 J (490 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Black |
Calibers
- 40x46mm Grenade · primary · 40mm Low Velocity — also known as 40mm LV, 40x46mm LV, 40mm grenade
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Double Action Trigger
- Features: Spring Driven Revolving Cylinder, Six Shot Cylinder, Collapsible Stock, Armson Oeg Sight, Double Action Only Trigger
Service history
Operators
- South African Defence Force · adopted 1983 · as Y2
- South African National Defence Force · adopted 1994 · as Y2
Conflicts
- South African Border War (1966-1990)
Production
Estimated total produced: 50,000 · Production years: 1983-present
More than 50,000 MGL-family launchers produced since 1983; adopted in over 50 countries under various designations
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Andries Piek
Notes
The Y2 is the SADF service designation of the original Milkor MGL Mk 1, widely credited as the world's first mass-produced multi-shot 40mm hand-held grenade launcher. Later export and improved models (MGL Mk 1L, Mk 1S, M32) descend from this design.
Background
Engineer Andries Piek reportedly worked out the Y2's spring-driven revolving-cylinder mechanism in the early 1980s, giving a single South African soldier the sustained 40mm firepower that previously required a whole squad of grenadiers.