AGS-17 "Flame" is a Soviet 30 mm automatic heavy-duty grenade launcher, the main task of which is to destroy enemy manpower, located both openly and hidden behind the folds of the terrain or in the simplest field fortifications. It was developed in OKB-16 and put into service in the distant 1970. The operation of the grenade launcher began in 1971.
The AGS-17 mounted grenade launcher is a powerful and effective anti-personnel weapon with excellent performance characteristics. AGS-17 is still in service with the Russian army, as well as the armed forces of the former Soviet republics, China, Iran, India, Finland, North Korea and other countries. Despite the appearance of more modern images of these weapons (AGS-30 "Balkan", AGS-40), the AGS-17 is currently the main automatic grenade launcher of the Russian armed forces.
During its long life, the AGS-17 managed to "smell gunpowder". The baptism of fire of this weapon was the war in Afghanistan. The grenade launcher showed high combat effectiveness in the difficult conditions of mountains and rugged terrain. The AGS-17 was "successful" not only among Soviet soldiers, it was also "respected" by the Mujahideen, using captured samples of this weapon with pleasure. Soviet soldiers often independently welded the AGS-17 onto the armor of combat vehicles, which significantly increased their firepower. Often this grenade launcher was the only means of "getting" the enemy when other types of regular weapons were ineffective.
After Afghanistan, the AGS-17 "Flame" participated in two Chechen campaigns and in other conflicts in the expanses of the former USSR.
Currently, the AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher is widely used by all parties to the civil conflict in Syria. To increase mobility, AGS-17 is often installed on various types of military equipment. And not only on infantry fighting vehicles, BRDM or MT-LB, but also on ordinary pickups, jeeps or improvised armored vehicles.
The undoubted advantages of the AGS-17 are its reliability, simplicity and high versatility - you can fire not only from the machine, but also install a grenade launcher on military equipment, helicopters, shoot both on a hinged and on a flat trajectory.
Serial production of the AGS-17 "Flame" was launched at the Vyatka-Polyansky machine plant "Hammer". Since its adoption, several modifications of the grenade launcher have been developed. In addition to the USSR, licensed production of the AGS-17 was launched in China and the former Yugoslavia.
The history of the creation of the AGS-17 grenade launcher
The Soviet Union, without exaggeration, can be called the birthplace of easel automatic grenade launchers. For the first time, the idea to combine the powerful damaging effect of fragmentation ammunition with the rate of fire of automatic weapons came to the mind of the talented Soviet gunsmith Taubin back in the early 30s. The military liked this idea - their own design bureau was created for the designer (in the future, OKB-16). The Taubin grenade launcher (AG-TS) had a caliber of 40 mm and worked according to the free-barrel recoil scheme. Prototype weapons were made and tested. The grenade launcher even managed to take part in the Soviet-Finnish war, and in the future they planned to install it on armored vehicles, combat aircraft, armored boats ...
However, the new type of weapons had very influential opponents, the main of which was the head of the Artillery Directorate of the Red Army Kulik, who "killed" the project. True, it should be noted that this was not too difficult to do, since the Taubin grenade launcher had a lot of shortcomings. As a result, instead of the AG-TS, a 50-mm mortar was adopted by the Red Army, and work on an automatic grenade launcher was stopped. Taubin himself was arrested and shot...
For a long time, the development of such weapons in the Soviet Union was not carried out at all. The situation changed only at the end of the 60s, after the Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher was adopted by the US Army. This weapon performed well during the Vietnam War, so it is not surprising that the Soviet military wanted to get its equivalent. By personal order of Ustinov, we also started creating such weapons.
The development of new weapons was entrusted to the same Taubinsk OKB-16, which was led by a student and follower of the gunsmith, Alexander Nudelman. In reality, work on the project began in 1968, and a year later a firing model of a grenade launcher was ready, and in 1970, under the designation AGS-17, it was put into service. In 1971, these weapons began to enter the units of the Soviet army. It should also be added that back in 1969, the development of an aviation version of the grenade launcher began. They planned to arm combat helicopters.
The development of a shot for a grenade launcher was carried out by specialists from GSKB-47 (today it is the famous "Basalt"). He received the designation VOG-17. After the AGS-17 was put into service, a new VOG-17M grenade with an instant impact fuse was developed for it. He provided the detonation of ammunition in contact with almost any surface. Later, even more advanced VOG-30, VOG-30D, GPD-30 appeared.
The first grenade launchers had a barrel with an aluminum radiator, then its finning began to perform the cooling function.
Western intelligence services were very surprised to find in the late 70s in the Soviet army entire grenade launcher platoons as part of motorized rifle battalions armed with AGS-17. By the way, in the United States, the attitude of the military to automatic grenade launchers for a long time was very ambiguous. Until the early 80s, the Americans continued to improve the same Mk. 19. Only in 1981, the Mk was adopted by the US Army. 19 mod.3, which did not cause any complaints.
For the first time in real combat conditions, the AGS-17 automatic grenade launcher was used during the Sino-Vietnamese war of 1979. However, the real test for him, of course, was Afghanistan. It can be said without exaggeration that the grenade launcher passed it brilliantly.
A little about the classification of the easel grenade launcher
Despite its name, the AGS-17 grenade launcher, according to the Soviet classification, belonged to small-caliber automatic guns. Accordingly, his shot is an ordinary artillery cartridge with a cartridge case and a high-explosive fragmentation projectile. The designation of weapons is associated, rather, with the functions that mounted grenade launchers perform on the battlefield. The main tactical task of this class of weapons is to support infantry units on the battlefield.
In fact, the AGS-17 is a small gun, which is served by a crew of two people. One of them fires, and the second fighter brings ammunition and helps when changing the firing position.
Description of the design of the AGS-17 "Flame"
Automatic weapon works due to the recoil energy of the free shutter. The pressure of the powder gases on the bottom of the sleeve takes the bolt to the rear position, extracts the spent cartridge case, feeds a new shot and compresses the return springs. Sending a grenade into the chamber occurs when the shutter rolls.
The design of the grenade launcher includes the following elements:
- a box with a trunk;
- trigger mechanism;
- receiver;
- gate;
- reloading mechanism;
- return springs.
The box serves to accommodate the main parts and details of the grenade launcher. A rifled barrel is inserted into its front part, and a butt plate is attached to the back part. On its outer side there is a descent trigger.
On the inside of the box, on the left and right, there are two guides along which the massive shutter moves. It is equipped with a vertical rammer and a special comb that removes the used cartridge case. Inside the shutter there is a hydraulic recoil brake, which increases the cycle of the weapon's automation, which increases the accuracy and accuracy of fire of the AGS-17. Also in the channel of the shutter are two return springs.
In the cover of the box there is a reloading mechanism, which is a clip and a cable with a T-handle. It is located above the trigger and remains stationary during firing.
USM AGS-17 - trigger type, it is located on the left side of the box and is connected to the trigger with a rod. The grenade launcher is capable of both automatic and single fire. There is a flag-type fuse that locks the trigger sear.
To control and hold the grenade launcher during firing, two folding handles are located in its rear part, between which there is a trigger.
Disassembling and assembling a grenade launcher is not very difficult, and can be done even in the field.
Shooting from the AGS-17 is carried out from the SAG-17 machine, which consists of two parts - the upper and lower machine. The grenade launcher is attached to the machine with a bracket and two flanges.
The ammunition feed of the grenade launcher is tape, the tape is metal, link with an open link. The capacity of the tape is 30 shots, and since it does not have a shank, its first link is left empty. The equipped tape is placed in a special round box. The tape feed mechanism consists of a lever with a roller and a spring-loaded feeder. You can equip the tape with shots both manually and with the help of a special device.
The tape box has a carrying handle, a flap with hooks and a lid, as well as a special curtain that covers the mouth.
The AGS-17 grenade launcher is equipped with optical and mechanical sights. They allow you to fire both on a flat and on a mounted trajectory. The PAG-17 optical sight is mounted on a special bracket, which is located on the left side of the receiver. It is equipped with two light filters that simplify aiming in bright sunny and cloudy weather.
The mechanical sight of a grenade launcher consists of a rear sight and a front sight. It is usually used for direct fire at distances up to 700 meters. The optical sight is universal, it can also be used when firing from closed positions.
Ammunition AGS-17 and their features
In 1971, along with a grenade launcher, a fragmentation shot VOG-17 was adopted. However, almost immediately it became clear that his fuse needed to be improved. This is how the VOG-17M shot with an instantaneous striker appeared. Each shot consists of a grenade with a fuse, as well as a cartridge case with a primer and a powder propellant charge.
The thin-walled body of the grenade and a special shirt in the form of a steel spring with a notch during the explosion produce a large number of fragments, guaranteed to disable the enemy's manpower within a radius of seven meters.
Later, additional shots were developed for the AGS-17: VOG-30 and GPD-30. For the preparation of grenade launchers, a special training shot VUS-17 was developed. The location of the fall of this ammunition is easy to determine by the orange smoke that it releases.
Existing modifications of the AGS-17 grenade launcher
Since the start of mass production of the AGS-17, a number of modifications of the grenade launcher have been developed:
- AGS-17 "Flame". The basic version of the grenade launcher, which is fired from the SAG-17 tripod;
- AG-17D. A modification of the grenade launcher, specially designed for the Terminator infantry support combat vehicles;
- AP-30 "Flame-A". Aviation version of the grenade launcher, adopted in 1980. It differs from the base one by the shot counter, the smaller rifling pitch in the barrel and, which is the main thing, the presence of an electric trigger. The rate of fire of the aircraft modification is higher, so the barrel of the AP-30 received a massive cooling radiator. This grenade launcher is usually placed in a special container;
- AG-17M. Modification for combat boats, it was also planned to be used on the BMP-3;
- KBA-117. Ukrainian modification of the grenade launcher, created by the specialists of the Artillery Armament company. It is an element of combat modules of armored vehicles.
The main performance characteristics of the grenade launcher
Below are the main performance characteristics of the AGS-17:
- caliber, mm: 30;
- weight without tape and machine, kg: 18;
- weight of a box with grenades, kg: 14.5;
- rate of fire: 50-100 or 350-400;
- sighting range, m: 1700;
- calculation, people: 2;
In 1971, the arsenal of the Soviet Army was replenished with a new model related to "hand artillery" - the AGS-17 grenade launcher, called the "Flame". This type of weapon is compact, efficient, trouble-free and, in terms of its technical performance, has no equal among analogues developed in other countries. He shoots accurately, far, and his lethal effect is deadly. Versatility of use is provided by additional accessories that allow you to fire in conditions of poor visibility and install an automatic grenade launcher on various types of equipment, both ground and air. Targets to be hit may be in a direct line of fire or behind terrain folds; the flight path of the ammunition, depending on the elevation angle, is flat or mounted. In general, the AGS-17 is a weapon for a wide range of purposes.
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 backlight batteries used for shooting at night. In the upper part 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 possibility of horizontal swing. 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 means of fire destruction prompted the designers of the Bureau. 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 placed in a hanging container (GUV, that is, a universal helicopter gondola) mounted on the external suspension units of assault helicopters. Aviation specifics required certain design changes. Ammunition consisting of three hundred shells is placed in the GUV. The activation of the weapon, unlike the infantry version, is carried out remotely by means of an electric drive. A sharp increase in the rate of fire (up to 500 against 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 a change in terms of the cutting step. The initial speed, increased due to the movement of the system, required a more intensive rotation of the grenade to ensure the desired accuracy of the hit.
Other installation options
The AGS-17 "Flame" grenade launcher can be mounted not only on aviation equipment. It is a regular armament of motorized infantry armored vehicles (BMD-3, BTR-70). Its usual place of installation is the left course, but if necessary, the weapon can be easily removed and used separately. Its use is the same 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 AGSs. At its core, this grenade launcher is a compact artillery gun capable of firing both direct fire and a canopy at a distance of up to 1.7 km. So it was used.
Application practice
For the first time, the AGS-17 grenade launcher was baptized by fire during the Chinese aggression against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1979. He showed himself well, was used for its intended purpose, that is, to defeat the living unprotected enemy force. In some cases, fire was directed at squares. The next episode, and rather lengthy, of the combat use of this type of weapons was the war in Afghanistan. Soldiers and officers of a limited contingent of Soviet troops during the fighting repeatedly demonstrated ingenuity, making changes to the design and enriching the practice of tactical use of various systems, including the AGS-17. So, 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, then its effectiveness increases significantly. Also during the fighting, the soldiers empirically determined the optimal burst length - from 3 to 5 grenades.
Shot
Unlike ordinary people, gunners call a shot not only the physical process of pushing a charge out of the barrel with powder gases, but also a set of items necessary for this. For firing from cannons and howitzers, shells with cartridge cases and caps are needed, sometimes (large-caliber guns) and bags of gunpowder. The standard shot for the AGS-17 grenade launcher is the VOG-17 grenade. In addition to it, additional ammunition has been developed (VOG-17M, VOG-30, differing in the mass of explosives). 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, rather corresponding to aircraft cannon ammunition, only with a rounded tip. Within a radius of seven meters, a grenade destroys all life with fragments.
Tape and calculation
Shooting from the AGS-17, as its name implies, is carried out mainly in automatic mode, although the design also provides for a single one (OV). Grenades are fed into the feeder by a tape consisting of links connected according to the “crab” system, which, in turn, is placed in a box in a snail-like fashion. 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 last link that is inserted into the charge receiver tray. The capture of ammunition is carried out not by the sleeve, but by the grenade itself. The equipment of the tape can be done manually, but usually a special machine is used for this, which, if necessary, is also used for discharge. The calculation consists of two people: the shooter and the second number, also trained in firing and helping to reload the weapon, as well as carry it in case of foot movements. The weight of the grenade launcher is considerable - 18 kg (with a machine tool 52 kg), plus ammunition.
The performance characteristics of the AGS-17 Soviet and Yugoslav (licensed) production are slightly 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 rate of fire of the "Yugoslav" is much higher (400 rds / min.), But this advantage does not always please the soldiers, especially in conditions when ammunition needs to be saved. The aiming 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 prism optical PAG-17. In the case of direct fire at distances up to 700 meters, it is easier for the calculation 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. Aiming signs are applied in the form of corners and strokes, with a division value of 100 and 50 meters, respectively. On either side of the center crosshairs are lateral correction icons. Electric lighting for night mode is supplied with batteries.
Mark-19 and AGS
The first automatic grenade launcher was made by the Americans in 1967. In 1968, the first trial batch of Mark-19 (aka Mk-19) was sent to Vietnam for practical tests, mainly on riverine 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 China, 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.
Views: 3681AGS-17 "Flame" - Soviet automatic grenade launcher of 30 mm caliber. Designed to destroy enemy manpower and firepower located outside shelters, in open trenches and behind natural terrain folds - hollows, ravines, reverse slopes of heights, etc.
The development of an automatic 40.8-mm infantry grenade launcher with various installations was carried out in the USSR back in 1932-1939. in KB Ya.G. Taubina, however, did not arouse much interest and was finally closed after Taubin was repressed. A.E. Nudelman, who took over the leadership of OKB-16, could not then continue to develop this topic and returned to it thirty years later. In 1971, the 30-mm easel automatic grenade launcher created at Nudelman's KBTM was put into service under the designation AG-17 "Flame" (in the easel version - AGS-17). The grenade launcher was created as an anti-personnel weapon, striking the enemy’s manpower with fragmentation ammunition with flat and mounted fire.
The AGS-17 "Plamya" grenade launcher is designed for a VOG-17 or VOG-17M (30x20) shot with a fragmentation grenade. Design Bureau "Pribor" was the lead developer of shots. The grenade has a fragmentation jacket with semi-finished elements in the form of a notched wire spring, a bursting charge weighing 36 g, and a percussion head fuse. The fuse is cocked at a distance of 10-30 m from the muzzle of the barrel. The radius of continuous destruction by fragments is 7 m. The mass of the shot is 350 g, grenades - 280 g. The VOG-17M shot has a fuse with a self-liquidator set for 25 s, the mass of the shot is 348 g, grenades - 275 g, explosive charge - 34 g, the reduced area of the lesion is 70 m2. Later, the VOG-30 shot was developed, which, with the same dimensions and weight, is 1.5 times larger than that of the VOG-17M, the area of destruction.
Automatic grenade launcher AGS-17 "Flame" operates due to the return of a massive free shutter. The relatively low gas pressure and short barrel length made it possible to apply a simple automation scheme. The quick-detachable rifled barrel of the grenade launcher is attached to the receiver by a contactor with a pin. Closer to the breech breech, fins are made to increase the cooling surface. On a later modification, a thickened heavy barrel was introduced with annular grooves that play the same role as the fins. The shutter of the grenade launcher is rectangular. A vertically moving rammer is mounted in its front part, on the upper plane there is a comb for actuating the mechanism for extracting a spent cartridge case, a hook and a curved groove. Inside the shutter there is a hydraulic recoil brake, which slightly increases the duration of the automation cycle, which increases the accuracy of fire.
The hydraulic brake consists of a cylinder into which kerosene is poured, a rod with a piston and a flange at the free end of the seal that prevents the working fluid from flowing out. The cylinder has four windows of variable section, the piston has four holes for the flow of kerosene. The hydraulic brake is actuated by means of a rod flange: when the bolt rolls back, it rests against the butt plate of the grenade launcher, and when moving forward, it rests against the stops of the receiver. Two return springs are symmetrically placed in the shutter channel. The cable reloading mechanism mounted in the cover of the receiver bears the "generic features" of the design bureau, which specialized in aviation weapons. The mechanism includes a clip that catches the bolt hook and a cable with a T-handle thrown over the clip roller. When the cable is pulled by the handle, it pulls the clip, and with it the bolt, back. When firing, the reloading mechanism is stationary.
The trigger mechanism assembly is mounted on the left wall of the receiver, allows only continuous fire at a variable pace. The percussion mechanism is trigger. When moving forward, the bolt uncoupler cocks a cylindrical, horizontally moving trigger (sometimes called a striker). When descending, the trigger moves back and with its front protrusion hits the striker lever located in the bolt. The descent is carried out by turning the sear through the trigger plate of the trigger lever, mounted in the form of a wide key on the butt plate of the grenade launcher. The safety lever locks the trigger sear. Inside the trigger there is a mechanism for regulating the rate of fire of a hydraulic type (another "aviation" element, however, it works quite reliably in infantry weapons). By adjusting the flow rate of kerosene from one part of the trigger cavity to another through the inclined holes of the fixed piston, it is possible to control the speed of the trigger. This changes the duration of the automation cycle.
The rate of fire control knob has a flag that occupies two fixed positions. In its upper position, the maximum rate of 350-400 shots / min is provided, in the lower position - the minimum (50-100 shots / min). To control the AGS-17 "Flame" are two folding horizontal handles. The trigger lever is located between them. Food - from a metal link tape with an open link. The box with the tape is attached to the right wall of the receiver. The feed mechanism includes a feed lever with a roller and a spring-loaded feeder. When the shutter rolls back due to the interaction of the roller of the feed lever and the curved groove of the shutter, the feed lever rotates, the feeder delivers the next shot to the receiver window, the wedges of the receiver puller separate the shot from the tape. When the bolt moves forward, the rammer rises with the receiver copiers and captures the shot by the cartridge case cap. Then, descending, sends a shot into the chamber. When recoiling, the rammer releases the sleeve, the bolt with its crest turns the reflector mounted on the axis in the receiver housing, and the reflector throws the sleeve down from the receiver.
On the left side, on the AGS-17 "Flame", the PAG-17 optical sight is mounted on a bracket. The sight grid allows direct fire at a distance of up to 700 m (on early release grenade launchers - up to 550 m). For firing at long ranges, the elevation angle mechanism and the side level are used. Horizontal aiming - using a goniometer. The fire is fired from a tripod folding machine SAG-17. The body of the grenade launcher is mounted in the cradle of the machine. The machine has sector mechanisms for horizontal and vertical guidance, a sleeve reflector, a precise leveling mechanism, openers on its legs. In the stowed position, the folded machine is carried by the second calculation number. In combat, the grenade launcher is carried on the machine by the legs and belts. AG-17 "Flame" is also used to arm armored vehicles and helicopters.
In Afghanistan, Chechnya, Dagestan and a number of other conflicts, the AGS-17 "Flame" has proven to be an effective and reliable infantry support weapon. It is characterized by a relatively simple design, sufficient accuracy and accuracy of fire. The possibility of conducting mounted fire allows you to take on the functions of a mortar in sharply rugged terrain. However, according to military customers, it is necessary to increase the aiming range and increase the overall effectiveness of fire by 2-2.5 times. AGS-17 "Flame" is in service with the armies of Russia, the former Soviet republics of China, Afghanistan and Angola, Chad, Cuba, Iran, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Poland.
Specifications:
- Weight, kg: with a machine tool and a sight - 31, the body of a grenade launcher - 18, boxes with grenades - 14.5;
- Length, mm: 840 mm;
- Barrel length, mm: 305 mm;
- Calculation, people: 2 - 3;
- Projectile: 30x29 mm;
- Caliber, mm: 30;
- Rate of fire, shots / min: 50-100 (single), 350-400 (bursts);
- The initial speed of the projectile, m / s 185 m / s;
- Sighting range, m: 1700.
TTX AGS-17
Combat calculation: 2-3 people
Caliber: 30 mm
Ammunition: VOG-17, VOG-17M, VUS-17
Target range: 1700 m
Initial grenade speed: 185 m/s
Radius of continuous damage: 7 m
Rate of fire: 50-100 or 350-400 shots/min
Weight of a grenade launcher with a machine tool and a sight: 31 kg
Grenade launcher body weight: 18 kg
Shot box weight: 14.5 kg
Tape capacity: pomegranate 29
Ammunition: 87 shots (3 boxes)
Length: 840 mm
Barrel length: 305 mm
AGS-17 "Flame" (GRAU index - 6G11, grenade launcher index with machine - 6G10)- 30 mm automatic grenade launcher on the machine. Designed to destroy manpower and firepower of the enemy located outside shelters, in open trenches (trenches) and behind natural terrain folds (in hollows, ravines, on reverse slopes of heights).
The development of an easel automatic grenade launcher for arming the infantry units of the Soviet Army began in 1968. The following year, on the basis of an infantry grenade launcher, the development of its aviation version was started, intended for installation on combat helicopters in special suspended gondolas. In 1971, a new grenade launcher, designated AGS-17 (Automatic Grenade Launcher Easel) began to enter service with the units of the Soviet Army.
It was widely and successfully used during the fighting in Afghanistan and in later local conflicts. The production of AGS-17 is still ongoing in Russia, at the Molot plant (Vyatskiye Polyany). In addition to Russia, AGS-17 was produced or is being produced in China and the former Yugoslavia.
It should be noted that compared to most Western competitors (for example, the American Mk.19 mod.3)
AGS-17 has a slightly lower power and a lower muzzle velocity of a grenade (185 m/s for AGS-17 versus 240 m/s for Mk.19). In addition, AGS-17 has a much smaller range of ammunition - in fact, the only combat shot for AGS -17 is a high-explosive fragmentation grenade VOG-17 or its modified version VOG-30. The main advantage of the AGS-17 compared to its Western counterparts is its much lower weight, which significantly increases the mobility of the grenade launcher in dismounted combat conditions.
AGS-17 is used not only in the mounted infantry version from the ground or from armored vehicles, but is also installed in the turret installations of a number of new domestic armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. During the war in Afghanistan, infantry AGS-17s were often installed in the doorways of Mi-8 transport helicopters.
The AGS-17 grenade launcher is built on the basis of automatic blowback, the fire is fired from an open shutter.
Cartridges are fed by a belt, from a non-loose steel tape with a capacity of 30 rounds (only 29 shots are actually loaded, the first link remains empty). The tape is placed in round cartridge boxes with a carrying handle, the weight of a full box is about 14 kg. Fire control is carried out using two horizontally located folding handles; the release key is located between the handles on the butt plate of the receiver.
The cocking of the shutter is carried out using a T-handle, one-sidedly connected to the shutter with a steel cable and carriage. The grenade launcher is usually mounted on a 6T8 tripod specially designed for it. Regular sighting devices - PAG-17 optical sight with a magnification of 2.7X. On the cover of the receiver of the grenade launcher, a ballistic table is applied on top for firing at different ranges. A grenade launcher in combination with a machine tool and a sight allows firing both along flat and overhead trajectories.
In the early 1970s, the Soviet Union developed and adopted the 30-mm AGS-17 heavy automatic grenade launcher. The grenade launcher was created as an anti-personnel weapon, striking enemy manpower located outside shelters, in open trenches (trenches) and behind natural terrain (in hollows, ravines, on reverse slopes of heights) with fragmentation ammunition (VOG-17, VOG-17M) with flat and overhead fire. The grenade launcher is fired in short (up to 5 shots), long (up to 10 shots) bursts and continuously. Automatic grenade launcher operates due to the impact of a massive free shutter. A relatively weak propellant charge, a low muzzle energy of a grenade, and a short barrel length made it possible to apply a simple automation scheme.
The machine consists of a base, a swivel, lower and upper cradles and a vertical aiming mechanism.
The sight consists of a body in which the goniometer and elevation angle mechanism are assembled, and a head with an optical system.
The grenade launcher kit includes: three boxes for shots with nine ribbons of 10 links each, a carrying case for the body of the grenade launcher, two straps for carrying the machine, a set of spare parts, tools and accessories, and a form. In addition, one cold firing tube is provided for six grenade launchers.
The rifled barrel of the grenade launcher is quick-detachable, in the receiver it is fastened with a lock with a pin. Closer to the breech breech, fins are made to increase the cooling surface.
The shutter of the grenade launcher is rectangular. A vertically moving rammer is mounted in its front part, on the upper plane there is a comb for actuating the mechanism for extracting a spent cartridge case, a hook and a curved groove. Inside the shutter there is a hydraulic recoil brake, which slightly increases the duration of the automation cycle, which increases the accuracy of fire. The hydraulic brake consists of a cylinder into which kerosene is poured, a rod with a piston and a flange at the free end of the seal that prevents the working fluid from flowing out. The cylinder has four windows of variable section, the piston has four holes for non-flow of kerosene. The hydraulic brake is actuated by means of a rod flange: when the bolt is rolled back, it rests against the butt plate of the grenade launcher, and when moving forward, against the stops of the receiver. 
Two return springs are symmetrically placed in the shutter channel. The reloading mechanism is mounted in the cover of the receiver and includes a clip that catches the bolt hook and a cable with a T-handle thrown over the clip roller. When the cable is tightened by the handle, it pulls the clip, and with it the bolt, back. When firing, the reloading mechanism is stationary. The percussion mechanism is a hammer. When moving forward, the bolt uncoupler cocks a cylindrical, horizontally moving trigger (sometimes called a striker). When descending, the trigger moves back and with its front protrusion hits the striker lever located in the bolt. The descent is carried out by turning the sear through the trigger plate of the trigger lever, mounted in the form of a wide key on the butt plate of the grenade launcher. The safety lever locks the trigger sear. Inside the trigger is a mechanism for regulating the rate of fire of hydraulic mud. By adjusting the flow rate of kerosene from one part of the trigger cavity to another through the inclined holes of the fixed piston, it is possible to control the speed of the trigger. This changes the duration of the automation cycle. The rate of fire control knob has a flag that occupies two fixed positions. In the upper position, the maximum rate of 350-400 rounds per minute is provided, in the lower position - the minimum (50-100 rounds per minute). The trigger assembly is mounted on the left wall of the receiver. The AGS-17 is controlled by two folding horizontal handles. The trigger lever is located between them. AGS17 has a tape feed, the tape is metal, link, with an open link. 
The box with the tape is attached to the right wall of the receiver. The feed mechanism includes a feed lever with a roller and a spring-loaded feeder. When the shutter rolls back due to the interaction of the roller of the feed lever and the curvilinear groove of the shutter, the feed lever rotates, the feeder delivers the next shot to the receiver window, the wedges of the receiver puller separate the shot from the tape. When the bolt moves forward, the rammer rises with the receiver copiers and captures the shot at the bottom of the cartridge case. Then, descending, sends it into the chamber. When recoiling, the rammer releases the sleeve, the bolt with its crest turns the reflector mounted on the axis in the receiver housing, and the reflector throws the sleeve down from the receiver.
The grenade launcher uses a VOG-17 or VOG-17M shot with a fragmentation grenade.
VOG-17 shot. The grenade has a fragmentation jacket with semi-finished elements in the form of a notched wire spring, a bursting charge weighing 36 grams, and a percussion head fuse. The fuse is cocked at a distance of 10-30 m from the muzzle of the barrel. The radius of continuous destruction by shrapnel is 7 meters. Shot weight 350 g, grenades - 280 g.
The VOG-17M shot has a fuse with a self-liquidator set for 25 seconds, the weight of the shot is 348 grams, the grenade is 275 grams, the explosive charge is 34 grams.
AGS-17 aiming is carried out using the PAG-17 optical sight, which is mounted on a bracket on the left side. The sight grid allows direct fire at a distance of up to 700 m (on early release grenade launchers - up to 550 m). For firing at long ranges, the elevation angle mechanism and the side level are used. Horizontal aiming is carried out using a goniometer.
Tape for shots serves to place shots and feed them into the grenade launcher receiver. It consists of separate pieces of 10 links each. Pieces of the tape are connected to each other with a shot, links between each other in each piece - with the help of cotter pins. The link has front and rear grips, a shank, a connecting ring and a connecting lug.
The equipment of the tape with shots can be done manually or with a loading machine. The equipment machine consists of a body; upper tray for room-shots; lower (front and rear) tray for placing the tape; stars with a handle for moving the tape and equipment of the tape with shots; guide for the movement of the equipped tape; front and rear pullers to separate the shots from the tape.
The shot box is used to store a tape with 29 shots. It has a handle to carry the box; lid and sash closed with latches; shutter for closing the mouth of the box during transportation; a clip with a hook and a tooth for attaching the box to the grenade launcher; an intra-spiral guide (snail) to guide the tape, a ledge to hold the tape. An arrow on the curtain indicates the position of the head of the shots in the box. 
To put the tape in the box, you need to open the lid with a shutter and the sash; place the tape through the neck into the box and push it through the open sash along the snail.
The fire is fired from a tripod folding machine SAG-17. The body of the grenade launcher is mounted in the cradle of the machine. It has sector mechanisms for horizontal and vertical guidance, a sleeve reflector, and a precise leveling mechanism. The legs end with coulters with a notch. In the stowed position, the machine is folded and carried by the second calculation number. In combat, the grenade launcher is carried on the machine by the legs and belts. AGS-17 "Flame" has proven to be an effective and reliable infantry support weapon. It is characterized by a relatively simple design, sufficient accuracy and accuracy of fire. The possibility of conducting mounted fire allows you to perform the functions of a mortar. A copy of the grenade launcher is produced in China. 
Disassembly of the grenade launcher can be incomplete and complete: incomplete - for cleaning, lubricating and inspecting the grenade launcher; full - for cleaning when the grenade launcher is heavily contaminated, after being exposed to rain or snow, after degassing and decontamination of the grenade launcher, when placing the grenade launcher for long-term storage, when replacing parts, upon receipt from the warehouse, for disassembled inspection. Excessively frequent disassembly of the grenade launcher is harmful, as it accelerates the wear of parts and mechanisms. It is forbidden to dismantle the parts and mechanisms of the grenade launcher in the subdivision, which is not provided for by this Manual. 
To disassemble and assemble the grenade launcher on a table or clean bedding, using the tool included in the spare parts kit; put parts and mechanisms in the order of disassembly, handle them carefully. When separating or attaching parts of the grenade launcher, do not use excessive force and sharp blows. When assembling the grenade launcher, compare the numbers on its parts with the number on the receiver. With the complete disassembly and assembly of the grenade launcher, the assistant gunner can assist the gunner.
Inspection of the grenade launcher and preparation for firing.
To check the serviceability of the grenade launcher, its cleanliness and in preparation for firing, the grenade launcher is inspected.
Simultaneously with the inspection of the grenade launcher, the serviceability of boxes with tapes, a cover, straps, accessories, spare parts and tools is checked.
Soldiers and sergeants inspect grenade launchers:
Daily;
- before going to class in a combat situation - periodically during the day and before performing a combat mission;
During cleaning.
Officers inspect grenade launchers periodically within the time limits established by the Charter of the internal service, as well as all grenade launchers before firing and before performing a combat mission.
Malfunctions of the grenade launcher, boxes. ^ for shots and accessories must
be eliminated immediately. If the malfunctions of the grenade launcher cannot be eliminated in the unit, the grenade launcher must be sent to a repair shop.
Inspection of shots
The shots are inspected before firing and by order of the commanders.
When inspecting the shots, check for external damage, rust, bruises on fuses, grenade heads, shells; whether the grenades are staggering in the barrels of the shells; whether there are green deposits and cracks on the primers, whether the primer protrudes above the surface of the bottom of the cartridge cases; Are there training shots among the combat shots? 
Shots that have external damage, especially damage to the membranes, are not allowed to be used for shooting. Faulty shots are handed over to the warehouse.
If the shots are dusty and dirty, they must be wiped with a dry, clean rag.
Preparing a grenade launcher for firing
Preparation of a grenade launcher for firing is carried out in order to ensure trouble-free operation during firing.
Preparation of a grenade launcher for firing is carried out under the guidance of the squad leader.
To prepare a grenade launcher for firing, you must:
Clean the grenade launcher, inspect it disassembled and lubricate; assemble the grenade launcher and inspect it assembled;
- inspect the sight and, if necessary, align the sight;
Examine boxes with ribbons;
Immediately before shooting, wipe the bore of the barrel dry, inspect the shots and equip them with ribbons, put the ribbons with shots in boxes.
Member of the Armed Forces of Russia, CIS countries, China, Afghanistan, Angola, Chad, Cuba, Iran, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Poland, South Africa.
Caliber 30 mm
Shot VOG-17, VOG-17M
Weight of grenade launcher without machine 18 kg
Machine weight 12 kg
The mass of the grenade launcher with a tape on the machine 44.5 kg
Curb weight for 29 shots 14.5 kg
Machine weight 12 kg.
The mass of the box equipped with a tape for 29 shots is 14.5 kg
Shot weight 0.35 kg
Grenade weight 0.28 kg
Mass of explosive 0.036 kg
Sight weight 1 kg
The initial speed of the grenade 185 m / s
Muzzle energy 4791 J
Rate of fire adjustable from 50-100 to 400 rpm
Box capacity 29 shots
Minimum mounted firing range 1000 m
The highest height of the trajectory is 905 m
Sighting range 1700 m
Range of a direct shot at a growth figure 250 m
Calculation 2 people
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