Milkor M32 and M32A1 40mm Grenade Launchers

Published on July 5, 2019
Duration: 17:04

The Milkor M32 and M32A1 are South African-designed 40mm rotary grenade launchers with significant US military adoption. The M32, a 6-shot launcher, features an adjustable stock and specialized optic, while the M32A1 boasts an 8-inch barrel and is rated for medium-velocity grenades, extending its range to 800 meters. Both utilize a unique gas-operated system that only allows cylinder rotation after firing for safety.

Quick Summary

The Milkor M32 and M32A1 are 40mm rotary grenade launchers originating from South Africa. The M32 is a 6-shot model effective to 375m, while the M32A1 has an 8-inch barrel, handles medium-velocity rounds, and reaches 800m, featuring mechanical upgrades and a unique gas-operated safety rotation system.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and History
  2. 02:27US Military Adoption
  3. 04:58M32 Technical Features
  4. 10:10Operation and Mechanics
  5. 13:32M32A1 Improvements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Milkor M32 and M32A1 grenade launchers?

The Milkor M32 and M32A1 40mm grenade launchers originated in South Africa in the early 1980s. They were designed by Andries Piek and were initially adopted by the South African Defence Force as the Y2.

How did the Milkor M32 and M32A1 get adopted by the US military?

Milkor USA was established in 2004. The US Marine Corps adopted the M32 in 2006, followed by USSOCOM's adoption of the Mark 14 Mod 0. The M32A1 was formally acquired by the USMC in 2010.

What are the key technical differences between the M32 and M32A1?

The M32 has a 12-inch barrel and is effective up to 375 meters. The M32A1 features an 8-inch barrel, is rated for medium-velocity grenades, and extends the effective range to 800 meters, with several mechanical upgrades.

How does the cylinder rotation mechanism work on the Milkor M32/M32A1?

The launcher uses a gas-operated piston tapped from the barrel. This system releases a locking pin only after a round is fired, ensuring the cylinder rotates safely and only when intended.

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