| Milkor (Pty) Ltd is still a privately owned South African company, internationally
known for its 40mm Multiple Grenade Launchers. Over the last 28 years, Milkor
has supplied in excess of 50 000 weapons to law enforcement and military agencies
in more than 30 countries around the world ranging from less-lethal to lethal
weapons.
Constant research, development and innovation keep Milkor at the cutting edge
on both its 37/38 as well as 40mm niche. Since 1982 the simple and reliable
37/38 mm Stopper Anti-Riot Gun has been in service and is still being produced
by Milkor. It is a lightweight smooth bore weapon designed to give optimum performance
with a variety of 37 mm anti-riot cartridges, like baton rounds, tear gas compounds,
different coloured signal- and illuminating rounds. It is a conventional single-shot,
break-open, breech-loaded weapon with single action firing mechanism. As a riot-
or security weapon the 37mm Stopper can be fired from the shoulder or hip. It
is a limited lethality weapon that can be used effectively both indoors and
outside with minimal damage to personnel and property.
About 20 years ago the need for an Anti Riot Pistol was voiced by the Correctional
Services due to space restrictions in Prisons. Consequently the 37/38 mm Anti
Riot Pistol was developed and it is currently still in use in the South African
Prison Services. It utilises the same ammunition and has the same capabilities
as the 37/38mm Stopper in a more compact form for use in restricted spaces.
It is however the 40mm MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) that made the Milkor
name famous. Although many have since tried to copy the initial design, "There
is still no substitute for the original" as the company’s slogan
so justly puts it.
This weapon is a light, semi-automatic, low velocity, shoulder-fired 40 mm
grenade launcher with a six-round capacity and a progressively-rifled barrel.
It uses the well-proven revolver principle that can deliver 40mm rounds to an
efficient range of 375m at a rapid firing rate of 6 rounds in 3 seconds. A variety
of rounds such as HE, HEAT, HEDP, anti-riot baton, irritant or pyrotechnic can
be used; the cylinder can be loaded or unloaded rapidly.
Presently in production is the second generation MGL Mark 1 (which enhanced
the capabilities of the legendary Y2), as well as the third generation MGL Mark
1S (with 105mm chambers), and MGL Mark 1L (with longer chambers which can accommodate
an even wider range of ammunition including payload rounds). The Mark 1L is
ideally designed for use by armed forces where its extreme versatility can be
used in a live combat or peacekeeping environment. The launcher cannot be accidentally
discharged if dropped.
Milkor furnishes its MGLs with adjustable occluded eye gunsights (OEG) that
has been designed in order to determine the range to the target and can be instantly
adjusted accordingly. It enables the user to increase the hit probability at
ranges of up to 375 metres. The range quadrant is graduated in 25-metre increments,
and the aim automatically compensates for drift.The occluded eye gunsight is
a collimating sight providing a single aiming spot; the firer sights with both
eyes open with the effect that the aiming spot is superimposed on the target,
with both target and spot in sharp focus. The collimating sight includes a radio-luminous
lamp which provides the spot contrast and which has a life of approximately
10 years.
New requirements lead to new innovations.The 40mm US-Mark 4 is a light-weight
under-barrel Grenade Launcher with advance safety aspects which can be attached
to any modern assault weapon.The 40mm US-Mark 4 can be used on any of the existing
mainline assault weapons such as the R4-Galil, M16, AK47, G3 and SG540 (with
minor adjustments), thus enabling the user with a 40mm Grenade Launch capability
in conjunction with a 7,62mm or 5,7mm. Recently ongoing developments and new
lightweight materials led to the manufacturing of the 40mmUS-Mark 4S, which
weighs an incredible 735g! This new weapon accommodates a specialized Picatinny
interface with external Picatinny mounting, ideal for add-ons like laser lights
or torches. Furthermore it features a clip-on/clip-off mechanism for the Picatinny
assembly, a built-in safety on the trigger and a mechanism that cocks the weapon
automatically when loading.
The new Stopper Mark 2, and 37/38mm and 40mm Pistol Mark 2 shares logistics
to the extent that the application required by the client will determine which
barrel should be fitted, ranging from 37/38 or 40mm smoothbore to the 40mm grooved
lethal barrel. Stopper Mark 2 utilizes the same parts as the Pistol-family..
The longer Stopper Mark 2 barrel offers longer distances and better accuracy.
It also features a new butt-stock.
Recoil and robust handling of weaponry in a battlefield scenario can cause
havoc with standard reflex and optical equipment. Milkor developed a totally
new sight which not only addresses these aspects but will also offer a separate
scale on the same sight for the medium range grenade launchers (up to 800m)
The Milkor solid-state Sight concept (no moving parts), with embedded gradients
and reticule, covered with shock-resistant material.
Milkor also now offers the new 40mm MRGL (Medium Range Grenade Launcher), a
six shot launcher with improved firing mechanism, strengthened main frame, capable
of firing medium range ammunition that can reach up to 800m. This weapon is
ideal for lightweight infantry fighting vehicles and security forces, fast
attack Naval craft and helicopter application with the recoil system.
MILKOR furthermore developed a vehicle and fixed mounting systems to accommodate
their new product range, especially suited for mounting on any vehicles and
structures. This new concept is ideal for warships and patrol craft alike. The
built –in recoil buffer system enables low interference on weapon systems,
and it is ideally suited for boat and helicopter mountings as mentioned above.
|
