Hungarian tanks in the Second World War. Armored vehicles of World War II Hungary

The 30-mm automatic easel grenade launcher AGS-17 "Plamya" was developed at KBTM named after. Nudelman and adopted by the Soviet Army in 1971. Designed to arm infantry companies and motorized rifle regiments and serve to destroy unprotected enemy personnel located both openly and behind reverse slopes and other obstacles, using flat and mounted fire. From a tactical point of view, the grenade launcher advantageously combines the properties of mortars - the ability to conduct overhead fire, the properties of automatic guns - a high rate of fire and the lightness and maneuverability of heavy machine guns. AGS is very effective in covering area unprotected targets and concentrations of manpower.

Fire is usually carried out from a tripod machine, with the help of which the AGS-17 grenade launcher can be equipped with attack helicopters (aviation version - AG-17A (213P-A), - adopted for service in 1980. AG-17A is located in an suspended closed gondola GUV (gondola universal helicopter) with an ammunition load of 300 rounds in a single belt and is used to arm combat helicopters. Unlike the infantry version, the aviation version of the grenade launcher is equipped with an electric trigger, has a shot counter, the rate of fire is increased to 420-500 rounds/m. The barrel is equipped with a massive radiator that promotes cooling barrel at a more intense rate of fire, since when fired from a flying carrier (helicopter), the grenade acquires extra speed, the barrel rifling pitch has been reduced from 715 mm to 600 mm to increase the rotation speed of the grenade and ensure its stabilization in flight. The body weight of the AG-17A is 22 kg), combat boats (AG-17M) in a turret installation (in this version the grenade launcher is equipped with a radiator similar to an aircraft one, but has a mechanical release) or armored personnel carriers-70 (BMD-3). On the BMD-3, the grenade launcher is installed on the directional mount, to the left of the driver (if necessary, it can be removed and used as an infantry one).

The AGS-17 grenade launcher was first used in combat conditions in 1979 on the Vietnamese-Chinese border.

The weapon was widely used during the war in Afghanistan. Some of the grenade launchers were captured by the Afghan Mujahideen as trophies. The infantry version of the AGS-17 grenade launcher was not supplied abroad and is currently in service with the armed forces of the former Soviet republics.

The caliber of the AGS-17 is smaller than the caliber of the American Mk-19, so the domestic grenade launcher has a higher rate of fire. The operation of the AGS-17 automation is based on the principle of using the recoil energy of a free shutter. The tape box is placed on the right side of the receiver. The spent cartridges are thrown down from it.

The grenade launcher is powered by a link metal belt with a “crab” type link. The links are connected by mutual engagement using stamped bends and cutouts and do not have separate connecting parts (in the form of springs, rings, etc.). The link grips hold the shot not by the cartridge case body, but by the grenade body - this is caused by the ratio of the sizes of the grenade and the cartridge case. The longitudinal movement of the shot is limited by the stop of the cartridge case in the bend of the link. The shots are fed by squeezing them in the transverse direction. Tape feed is right-handed. In the infantry version, the belt contains 30 links, but its capacity is 29 shots. This is due to the fact that the tape does not have a shank or false link as a separate part, and this role is played by the outermost empty link, which is inserted into the receiver tray. The tape is placed in a cartridge box with spiral guides, shaped like a snail. The box is mounted on the machine on the right. The tape can be loaded either manually or using a rigging machine. The latter can also be used to unload the tape.

For direct fire at a range of up to 700 m, an open mechanical sight is used, located on the left side of the grenade launcher body, which appeared on grenade launchers in the late 70s. Early release grenade launchers open sight did not have. For shooting at ranges up to and including maximum, including from closed positions, a prismatic optical sight PAG-17. The PAG-17 sight has a 2.7x magnification. At night, it is possible to illuminate the sight scale using a special device mounted on the sight body and a power supply attached to the left leg of the machine.

Types of ammunition (shots):

• fragmentation;
• educational;
• cumulative.

Specifications

Video

AGS-17 was developed at the Nudelman Design Bureau and entered service in 1970. It is designed to eliminate enemy personnel in open areas, in field fortifications and light shelters. The caliber of the weapon is 30 mm.

Description

The AGS-17 “Plamya” grenade launcher has excellent tactical and technical parameters and can hit the enemy with flat and overhead fire. The weapon is still in service with the Russian army. This model is also used by dozens of countries near and far abroad. The main advantages of the grenade launcher are versatility, reliability and simplicity of design. It can be operated not only from the machine, but also mounted on different kinds technology.

AGS-17 has proven its effectiveness in practice in dozens of conflicts. The first real tests of weapons took place in Afghanistan. The grenade launcher proved to be excellent in mountain confrontations; it was actively used not only by Soviet troops, but also by the Mujahideen. Weapons also took part in the first and second Chechen companies. It is now being used in Syria.

Serial production of the modification in question has been launched at the Molot machine-building plant. In addition, its modifications were made in the former Yugoslavia and China.

Development and creation

The first prototype of the AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher was developed by designer Taubin in the 30s of the last century. Combining the rate of fire with the damaging effect of shrapnel turned out to be a pretty good idea. The new kind The Ministry of Defense became interested in weapons, prototypes were created and trial tests were carried out.

The development of the grenade launcher was carried out by OKB-16, at that time already headed by Nudelman. The first working model was ready in 1967. After testing and making some adjustments to the design, the model was accepted for service.

Peculiarities

AGS-17 in its class belongs to a small-caliber automatic gun. It fires small-caliber artillery charges filled with high-explosive fragmentation. The name of a weapon is more related to its tactical tasks rather than its design features. Together with under-barrel analogues, the modification in question formed a new category - support weapons.

The first baptism of fire of a grenade launcher took place during the Vietnamese-Chinese conflict, and the real test was the war in Afghanistan, where the weapon showed itself exclusively with positive side. The first versions were equipped with a barrel with an aluminum cooling radiator, and later models were equipped with fins on the external working surface.

Device and principle of operation

The AGS-17 grenade launcher operates by rolling back the free bolt. When fired, the powder gases act on the bottom of the cartridge case, throwing the bolt to the rearmost position. As a result, the return springs are compressed, the next charge is supplied to the delivery line to the input window, as well as the subsequent reflection of the spent element. When the bolt rolls forward, ammunition is delivered to the chamber and the firing pin is cocked. At the moment the locking part reaches the extreme frontal position, the bolt is disconnected from the firing pin. Moved back under the pressure of the mainspring, it hits the firing pin lever. The igniter primer heats up and a shot occurs.

The design of AGS-17 includes the following elements:

• trigger mechanism;
• receiver;
• recharging unit;
• receiver;
• return springs.

The grenade launcher is equipped with a rifled quick-change barrel, which is fixed on the box with a lock and pin. The rectangular bolt has a rammer that moves vertically, as well as a comb that serves to remove the spent cartridge case.

A recoil mechanism is located in the inner part of the shutter. It optimizes automation, increasing the accuracy and accuracy of fire. This unit includes a rod with a piston, a cylinder filled with kerosene and a flange to prevent liquid leakage. When rolling back, the brake block locks on the butt plate, and when moving forward, it rests against special protrusions of the receiver.

Other nodes and elements

The receiver cover has a reloading mechanism, which includes a clip, a cable and a handle in the shape of the letter “T”. The bolt is retracted when the cable is pulled back. When firing from the AGS-17, the reloading unit remains stationary.

The striking part is of the trigger type. During the descent, the lever of the striker located in the bolt is affected. The trigger mechanism is located on the left side of the receiver. The grenade launcher has a safety lever that locks the sear. There is also a mechanism for adjusting the rate of fire; its functionality depends on the duration of the gun’s automation cycle. The upper fixed position is up to 400 shots, the lower position is up to 100 shots (per minute).

The weapon is controlled by a pair of horizontal folding handles, between which the trigger lever is located. The grenade launcher's feed belt is metal with open links. It is placed in a round box mounted on the right side of the receiver. The feed mechanism includes a spring-loaded rammer and a lever with a roller. The used tape is removed from the seat downwards using a special reflector.

The magazine carrying box has a handle, a lid, a flap with latches, and a special curtain designed to mask the neck during transportation. The shot tape can be loaded manually or using a special machine. A 30-link magazine with cartridges is placed in the box, the outermost one is inserted into the receiver and plays the role of a shank.

Aiming system

To aim an automatic grenade launcher at a target, an optical sight of the PAG-17 type is used. It is mounted on a bracket on the left side of the receiver. The device makes it possible to fire directly at a distance of 700 meters. It is also used for indirect fire. In addition to optics, the system also includes a mechanical sight consisting of a front and rear sight.

The gun is mounted on the SAG-17 machine. In the stowed position, it folds and moves with the second design number. All supports of the device are adjustable, which makes the use of the grenade launcher convenient, regardless of the situation and terrain.

TTX AGS-17

Below are the main parameters of the tactical and technical plan:

• caliber - 30 mm;
• trunk length (total) - 29 (84) cm;
• weight with machine - 52 kg;
• rate of fire - 65 salvoes per minute;
• damage radius - 7 m;
• starting speed of ammunition - 120 m/s;
• combat crew - 2-3 people;
• sighting range - 1.7 km.

Modifications

Several variations of the grenade launcher in question have been developed:

1. AGS "Flame". Basic equipment of the gun, mounted on a tripod machine type SAG-17.
2. AGS-17-30. Aviation modification developed in 1980. The model differs from the standard version in the presence of an electronic trigger, a salvo counter, a reduced pitch of the barrel rifling, an accelerated rate of fire, and an enlarged cooling radiator. The grenade launcher was usually located in a special hanging container.
3. 17-D. Version installed on the Terminator-type infantry fighting vehicle.
4. 17-M. Marine modification mounted on combat boats and BMP-3.
5. KBA-117. The model was developed by designers of the Ukrainian Artillery Armament Design Bureau and is included in the equipment of combat modules of land and water armored vehicles.

AGS-17 grenades

Several types of charges can be used as ammunition for the specified grenade launcher. The most commonly used shells are VOG-17 and VOG-17M. Each cartridge consists of a cartridge case, a powder charge, a grenade (with a thin-walled body and an internal filling of rectangular wire), and an instantaneous fuse.

During the firing process, the primer heats up, the powder charge ignites in the cartridge case, and a salvo is fired. The fuse is activated into the firing position only after 50-100 meters of flight, ensuring the safety of the operating crew. The upgraded VOG-17M ammunition is a grenade equipped with a self-destruction system. The gun is also designed for use with practical shots. For example, instead of an explosive, the VUS-17 charge contains a pyrotechnic filling that produces orange smoke at the point of impact. Training cartridges have also been created for the grenade launcher.

Operation and Maintenance

The AGS-17 crew, the characteristics of which are given above, consists of two fighters. If necessary, it can include a shell carrier. Typically, fire is carried out in automatic mode, although single-shot shooting is also possible. The most effective is considered to be hitting targets in short bursts of 3-5 grenades.

In a combat situation, the gun is moved together with the machine; special belts are used for this. It is worth noting that this is not so simple, since the mass of the grenade launcher is 18 kg (with the machine - 52 kg). This does not take into account the weight of the ammunition. This feature is the main disadvantage of the weapon. Otherwise, the AGS-17 is a reliable and effective automatic grenade launcher, easy to maintain and operate. Disassembling the model does not require additional tools and can be done in the field without any problems. The weapon has repeatedly proven its viability and right to exist in practice, participating in various wars and conflicts. We can safely say that in many respects the model is superior to its foreign competitors.

Bottom line

The AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher, despite its advanced age, still remains “in service.” This indicates its reliability and effectiveness. An additional advantage of the weapon is its versatility, which allows you to work with it not only from the machine, but also from aircraft, land and sea armored vehicles.

In 1971, the arsenal of the Soviet Army was replenished with a new model related to “hand artillery” - the AGS-17 grenade launcher, called “Flame”. This type of weapon is compact, effective, trouble-free and, in terms of its technical performance, has no equal among analogues developed in other countries. It shoots accurately, far, and its impact is deadly. Versatility of use is ensured by additional accessories that allow you to fire in poor visibility conditions and install an automatic grenade launcher on different types equipment, both ground and air. Targets to be hit may be in the direct line of fire or behind folds of terrain; The flight path of the ammunition, depending on the elevation angle, can be flat or mounted. In general, the AGS-17 is a weapon with a wide range of uses.

Machine SAG-17

The first modification was a system mounted on a relatively low tripod supporting a box consisting of two parts (upper and lower). In addition to the main function, the machine also performs an additional one: it serves as a supporting structure for the illumination batteries used for shooting at night. At the top of the device there are two cradles, upper and lower. The first is designed for direct installation of a grenade launcher using trunnions and has the ability to swing horizontally. There is also a latch connecting the cradle with the AGS-17 earring. The lower one provides horizontal guidance within the firing sector and supports the mechanism of the vertically swinging part. The entire tripod, together with the machine, consisting of two cradles, is unified and has the name SAG-17.

Aviation option

The high efficiency of the fire weapon prompted the designers of the bureau named after. Nudelman to consider other options for its application. In 1980, the 213P-A helicopter complex was put into service, which is an AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher located in an overhead container (GUV, i.e., a universal helicopter gondola), installed on the external suspension units of attack helicopters. Aviation specifics required certain design changes. The GUV contains ammunition consisting of three hundred shells. The weapon, unlike the infantry version, is activated remotely via an electric drive. A sharp increase in the rate of fire (up to 500 versus the usual 65 rounds per minute) caused, in turn, the need to cool the barrel, implemented by an air radiator. The barrel has also undergone changes in terms of the cutting pitch. The initial speed, increased due to the movement of the system, required more intense rotation of the grenade to ensure the required accuracy of the hit.

Other installation options

The AGS-17 “Plamya” grenade launcher can be mounted not only on aircraft. It is the standard weapon of motorized infantry armored vehicles (BMD-3, BTR-70). Its usual installation location is the left directional one, but if necessary, the weapon can be easily removed and used separately. The same is true for its use on armored boats - as an additional weapon for a turret installation. In both cases, there is no need for additional trigger drives; firing is carried out in the same way as in the infantry version. New models of equipment are also equipped with stationary and removable AGS. At its core, this grenade launcher is a compact artillery piece, capable of firing both direct fire and overhead at a distance of up to 1.7 km. That's how they used it.

Application practice

For the first time, the AGS-17 grenade launcher underwent baptism of fire during the Chinese aggression against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1979. It performed well and was used for its intended purpose, that is, to defeat living, unprotected enemy forces. In some cases, fire was directed at squares. The next episode, and quite a long one, of the combat use of this type of weapons was the war in Afghanistan. During combat operations, soldiers and officers of a limited contingent of Soviet troops repeatedly demonstrated their ingenuity, making changes to the design and enriching the practice of tactical use of various systems, including the AGS-17. Thus, in particular, it was found that if the frame of an automatic grenade launcher is welded to the armor of an armored personnel carrier or infantry fighting vehicle, its effectiveness increases significantly. Also, during the battles, soldiers empirically determined the optimal burst length - from 3 to 5 grenades.

Shot

Unlike ordinary people, artillerymen call a shot not only the physical process of pushing a charge out of the barrel by powder gases, but also the totality of items necessary for this. To fire from cannons and howitzers, you need shells with cartridges and primers, and sometimes (for large-caliber guns) bags of gunpowder. The standard shot for the AGS-17 grenade launcher is the VOG-17 grenade. In addition to this, additional ammunition has been developed (VOG-17M, VOG-30, differing in explosive weight). They consist of a cartridge case equipped with a propelling powder charge and a primer, as well as the grenade itself. In essence, these shots are no different from fragmentation artillery shells, with the exception of a rather small caliber (30 mm) and dimensions that are more likely to correspond to aircraft cannon ammunition, only with a rounded tip. Within a radius of seven meters, the grenade destroys all living things with fragments.

Tape and calculation

Firing from the AGS-17, as is clear from its name, is carried out primarily in automatic mode, although the design also provides for single (OV). Grenades are fed into the feeder by a belt consisting of links connected using a “crab” system, which, in turn, is placed in a snail-shaped box. The magazine capacity is 29 shots, although there are only 30 links. The fact is that there is no shank as such in the tape; its role is played by the outermost link, inserted into the charge receiver tray. The ammunition is grabbed not by the cartridge case, but by the grenade itself. The tape can be loaded manually, but usually a special machine is used for this, which, if necessary, is also used for unloading. The crew consists of two people: the shooter and the second number, who is also trained in firing and helps to reload the weapon, as well as carry it in case of walking. The weight of the grenade launcher is considerable - 18 kg (with the machine 52 kg), plus ammunition.

The performance characteristics of the AGS-17 of Soviet and Yugoslav (licensed) production are somewhat different, although not significantly. The caliber and ammunition are completely unified (30 x 29 B). The barrel of the grenade launcher produced in the SFRY is longer (305 versus 290 mm), which explains the high initial velocity of the projectile (185 and 120 m/s, respectively). The Yugoslav's rate of fire is much higher (400 rounds/min.), but this is an advantage soldiers are not always happy, especially in conditions when ammunition needs to be conserved. Sighting range of both samples is the same and is 1700 m. The minimum distance to the target is 1000 m.

Sights

The AGS-17 manual includes instructions for using, in addition to the main mechanical sight, also the PAG-17 prismatic optical sight. In the case of direct fire at distances of up to 700 meters, it is easier for the crew to do without optics. PAG-17 is needed for firing from closed positions or at distant targets. Its design allows it to also be used as a range finder if the dimensions of the object are known. The lens is equipped with light filters, there are two of them. One has a neutral color and slightly reduces the light intensity in sunny weather, the other is designed for aiming at dusk and is made using a brightening orange optical layer. The sighting marks are applied in the form of corners and strokes, with division values ​​of 100 and 50 meters, respectively. On the sides of the central crosshair there are lateral correction icons. Electric illumination for night mode is equipped with batteries.

Mark-19 and AGS

The Americans were the first to make an automatic grenade launcher in 1967. In 1968, the first trial batch of Mark-19 (aka Mk-19) was sent to Vietnam for practical testing, mainly on river armored boats. Despite many technical advantages, it is inferior to the Soviet model, created three years later. The main advantage is the smaller caliber, thanks to which the AGS-17 grenade launcher has a higher rate of fire. However, the Mark-19 has become a kind of standard for designers of rapid-fire “hand artillery” in Western countries, while Soviet weapons have traditional adherents in the PRC, where they are produced under license. The gloomy glory of AGSs is confirmed by their reliability and high efficiency, qualities that have been repeatedly tested during many wars and conflicts of recent decades.