Infantry weapons / Grenade launchers / FN EGLM
FN EGLM
General Facts
- TYPE
Under barrel grenade launcher - ORIGIN
Belgium - NICKNAMES
FN40GL (SCAR version)
GL1 (F2000 version)
Mk 13 (US designation for FN40GL) - DESIGNED
Late 1990's - DESIGNER
Fabrique Nationale - PRODUCTION
2001 - present - PRODUCERS
Belgium - Fabrique Nationale - QUANTITY
Unknown - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Limited weight
Double action trigger
Ergonomic design
Integration with computer sight (F2000 model)
Cumbersome
Wraps around magazine (SCAR model)
Unable to fire long grenades
Limited rate of fire
Introduction
The EGLM is a grenade launcher of Belgian origin. It was developed in the late 1990's by Fabrique Nationale as the GL1 for use on the F2000 assault rifle. The design was later modified for as the FN40GL the SCAR assault rifle. EGLM stands for Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module and originates from the US requirement for a new grenade launcher for use on the new assault rifle for use with the US special operations command. EGLM is a common, but officially wrong, denominatior for both the GL1 and FN40GL grenade launchers.
Design
The GL1 is a single shot breech loaded grenade launcher that functions in a similar way as the M203. The exterior is made up of high strength plastics and a double action trigger mechanism is fitted. The GL1 can be used with conventional ladder sights or a computer sight integrated in the large F2000 sight unit. The FN40GL is a modified version of the GL1 for use on the SCAR assault rifle. Mechanically the FN40GL is similar to the GL1. Since the SCAR has a conventional design the FN40GL must span a longer distance for the trigger to be accessable and therefore the FN40GL envelopes the magazine well.
Firepower
Both GL1 and FN40GL fire NATO standard 40x46mm low velocity grenades. Increased velocity long range grenades are being developed. The EGLM is single shot and can be used out to 400 meters. When the computer sight is used accuracy is improved and the aiming process is shorter. The maximum rate of fire is about 6 rounds per minute.
Users
The GL1 can only be fitted to the F2000 assault rifle and is used in varying quantities by most F2000 operators. Saudi Arabia currently is the major user, but also in Slovenia and Belgium the GL1 is the standard grenade launcher. The FN40GL is less common and only the USA uses it in quantity. Since both F2000 and SCAR are likely to receive various future sales the EGLM is will remain in production for many years to come.
GL1
The GL1 is the original version of the EGLM grenade launcher. It was developed for use on the bullpup F2000 assault rifle. The trigger can be reached without the need of replacing the right hand. The GL1 is installed instead of the normal tripple rail handguard below the rifle. A ladder sight can be fitted or a computer sight within the F2000 sight unit can be used.
- Specifications:
- GL1
Type | Grenade launcher |
---|---|
Caliber | 40x46mm NATO |
Magazine | Single shot |
Operation | Breech loaded, forward sliding barrel |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Single shot |
Barrel length | 230 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | ? |
Muzzle velocity | 76 m/s |
Stock | - |
Length | ? |
Width | ? |
Height | ? |
---|---|
Weight | 1.1 kg empty |
Sights | Iron sights, optional computer sight |
Remarks | - |
FN40GL
The FN40GL is a modified version of the GL1 that was developed for use on the SCAR assault rifle. Both SCAR-L and SCAR-H can be fitted with the FN40GL. Since the SCAR has a conventional design the FN40GL had to be longer in order for the trigger to be positioned below the trigger of the assault rifle. Therefore the magazines are inserted through the FN40GL, which complicates magazine change a little. The FN40GL is available in tan and grey.
- Specifications:
- FN40GL
Type | Grenade launcher |
---|---|
Caliber | 40x46mm NATO |
Magazine | Single shot |
Operation | Breech loaded, forward sliding barrel |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Single shot |
Barrel length | 230 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | ? |
Muzzle velocity | 76 m/s |
Stock | - |
Length | 303 mm |
Width | ? |
Height | ? |
---|---|
Weight | 1.35 kg empty |
Sights | Iron sights, optional computer sight |
Remarks | - |
FN40GL standalone
The FN40GL can also be used as a stand alone weapon with the use of an adapter and different trigger unit. The adapter consists of a frame, retractable shoulder stock and pistol grip. Picatinny rails allow accessories to be fitted.
- Specifications:
- FN40GL standalone
Type | Grenade launcher |
---|---|
Caliber | 40x46mm NATO |
Magazine | Single shot |
Operation | Breech loaded, forward sliding barrel |
Fire selector | 0-1 |
Rate of fire | Single shot |
Barrel length | 230 mm |
---|---|
Rifling | ? |
Muzzle velocity | 76 m/s |
Stock | Retractable |
Length | 673 mm / 514 mm |
Width | ? |
Height | ? |
---|---|
Weight | 2.92 kg empty |
Sights | Iron sights, optional computer sight |
Remarks | - |