Increasing The Range Of The AGS Automatic Grenade Launchers
To better compete with Western analog systems and address contemporary trends, NPO Pribor developed a new grenade, the VOG-30D 7P36D, in 2013 and adopted in 2023. This advancement has increased the firing range of the AGS-17 and AGS-30 automatic grenade launchers by approximately 25% due to improvements in the grenade’s aerodynamic design.
This is not the first development of its kind, a similar initiative was undertaken by TsKIB “SOO,” a subsidiary of KBP, in 1999 with the introduction of the GPD-30.
The new VOG-30D grenade represents a significant advancement in the effectiveness of the AGS series, effectively closing the capability gap with Western counterparts. In addition to its increased range, it features a fragmentation radius that is 1.5 to 2 times more effective than its predecessors.
Compared to the standard VOG-17 and VOG-30 rounds, the new ammunition has a maximum range of up to 2,123 meters, an increase from 1,730 meters, and a blast radius of up to 13 meters. This marks a substantial improvement, as the VOG-17 has an impact radius of 7 meters, while the VOG-30 has an impact radius of 10 meters.
One option to enhance the maximum firing range of grenades using traditional methods is to increase the propelling charge, which boosts the initial velocity. However, this approach also results in increased recoil. Instead, a more straightforward method was utilized to extend the range while maintaining the same level of recoil. This involved improving the grenade’s aerodynamic design, thereby enhancing its aerodynamics and increasing its ballistic coefficient.
For comparison, consider the VOG-17 grenade with a flat base versus the VOG-30D, which features a boat-tail design. The boat-tail design increases the grenade’s ballistic coefficient compared to the flat base of the VOG-17. This aerodynamic improvement reduces drag, improves velocity retention, and enhances accuracy. Notably, the grenade’s flight time was reduced by a factor of 1.4 at a range of 1700 meters.
The VOG-30D features a minimized flash, which reduces the likelihood of exposing the position of the grenade machine gun crew. This improvement is likely achieved by using flash retardants in the propellant powder. Further, the arming distance was increased from 10 meters to 20 meters.
Basics About VOG Grenades
The VOG grenade operates using a high-pressure grenade mechanism. When fired, the primer ignites the propellant charge within the high-pressure chamber. The resulting high-pressure propellant gases expand and propel the grenade out of the barrel.
The VOG series consists of 30mm High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-Frag) grenades designed for anti-personnel use. Multiple iterations of these grenades have been developed, enhancing their effectiveness through improved explosive filling and an advanced HE-Frag design that significantly increases the effective blast radius.
Additionally, the VOG grenades feature a setback-fired pyrotechnic delay self-destruct mechanism that activates the VMG point-detonating system 10 to 100 meters, depending on the version. This pyrotechnic element includes a 25-second delay.
Iran
The VOG-30D has been used in the Russo-Ukrainian war and has attracted attention, particularly as Russia and Iran strengthen their strategic alliance to enhance their military capabilities. This collaboration focuses on the transfer of materials and technology between the two nations. Iran has expressed interest in various Russian weapons and technologies, including the VOG-30D. In 2023, during a visit by an Iranian delegation to Russia, officials from Iran conveyed their interest in producing the VOG-30D.
Thoughts
The VOG-30D is a cost-effective solution that enhances existing weapon systems by increasing their range and expanding their lethal blast radius. Additionally, the development of the AGS-40 in Russia has extended its effective range to 2,500 meters. This highlights the ongoing competition for improved firepower and offers a competitive advantage over most Western systems. The AGS-40 requires new weapon systems and the integration of a new caliber.
Both the VOG-30D and the AGS series of automatic grenade launchers greatly enhance infantry combat effectiveness by providing a high volume of firepower.
These systems can launch 30mm grenades at a cyclic rate of 350 to 400 rounds per minute while maintaining a practical sustained rate of approximately 40 rounds per minute. This efficient delivery system allows infantry units to provide a significant volume of indirect fire, effectively suppressing enemy positions and impeding their operational mobility. The employment of VOG-30D ammunition presents a cost-effective means to enhance infantry effectiveness. This strategy addresses current capability needs while the Russian Ministry of Defense considers the adoption of the AGS-40, which is intended to succeed the AGS-17 and AGS-30.
