China's NORINCO develops new 40 mm automatic grenade launcher

China's NORINCO develops new 40 mm automatic grenade launcher July24, 2008: China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) has completed development of its new LG3 40 mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL) and is now marketing it globally. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has traditionally been equipped with locally manufactured 35 mm grenade launchers of various types, including the QLZ87 (with a six- or 15-round magazine) and the LG1 add-on launcher, mounted under the barrel of an assault rifle. The LG3 40 mm AGL features a blowback operation and NORINCO claims it has an effective range of more than 2,200 m. The barrel is fitted with a muzzle brake and feed can be from the left or right side with each box-type magazine holding 30 rounds of ready-use ammunition. Firing mode is automatic-only with a cyclic rate of fire of between 340 to 400 rounds per minute and a claimed barrel life of 6,000 rounds. Image: A NORINCO LG3 40 mm AGL showing the muzzle brake (NORINCO)