Soviet ABS 17

[pvt64]

Does anyone know what this weapon system is?

[dougeagle]

Something like an automatic grenade launcher...I think.

[stevecolletti]

AGS 17 is a Soviet 30mm automatic grenade launcher.

[HKurban]

there is no ABS 17 as far as I know, but the AGS 17 "Plamya" is an automatic grenade launcher, comparable to the US's Mk 19

[pvt64]

Thanks. GHQ has it on their TO@E's and I could not find what it was anywhere. Is it vehicle mounted like th US Mk 19?

[groundlber]

According to my trusty copy of FM 100-2-3 "THe Soviet Army", the AGS 17 can either be mounted on a vehicle or a tripod. The crew for the ground mount is three men. Big strong guys,since the weapon weighs about 45 kilograms when set up to fire. As of 1990, each motor rifle battalion had a platoon of six weapons, 3 APC's each carried a pair of weapons and their crews. I remember seeing a picture of the turretless version of the BMD with an AGS 17 'pintle' mounted at the front of the crew compartment. I have no clue if it was an official design or a field modification used by Soviet troops in Afghanistan. I hope this helps.
Groundlber

[Mk 1]

As far as I understand it the AGS-17 became a popular piece of field-mounted kit on APCs (and even IFVs) during both the Afghani and Chechnyan conflicts. It was seen on BMPs (particularly BMP-1s) replacing the ATGMs, and roof-mounted on BTR-70s and -80s, from which it would be fired by a trooper on the roof (there being no turret hatches). I have also seen pictures of it on impromptu truck mountings, generally on the cab roof firing over the hood, and on UAZ-69s and -47x's (jeepski's).

It was / is considered a good ambush-buster, providing suppressive fire out to several hundred meters on a moment's notice. The arching trajectory also gives it some ability to reach into dead-ground, particularly behind low terrain obsticals (firing past small rises and structures to catch the enemy as he shelters in defilade / covered positions).

Or so I have read. Never used one myself.

[stevecolletti]

Executive Outcomes supposedly mounted them (for additional firepower) to their BMP-2s during their work in Angola.

[pvt64]

It does thank you!

[chrisswim]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP_GTx4o134

I need to get one of these for my personal defense weapon system. What about you.

[Theodore]

I also recall reading it was a popular modification because the turret mounted guns on Soviet APCs did not have adequate elevation capability for firing upwards at targets. Which makes it tough to fight ambushers on high ground.