Starting in 2014, Russian special forces began to be equipped with powerful new weapons - the Bur drill - the lightest and most compact in the world. New weapons have significantly increased the firepower of the special forces, making it easier to solve operational and tactical tasks. Unlike its predecessors in class, the new grenade launcher has not only high firing characteristics, but also much more practical in operation. Its weight and dimensions, the weight of the grenade launcher in the equipped state does not exceed 5 kg, they cannot be compared with analogues.
A new model of a rocket launcher was first demonstrated to the military in 2010. Throughout 2013, the small-sized grenade launcher was field tested. The weapon was used in different climatic zones, under different weather conditions and showed itself from the best side. According to the military, weapons of this class are urgently needed today for the armed forces, especially in light of the rapidly changing strategy and tactics of special operations. A fighter armed with such equipment is a formidable force in any situation that has to be reckoned with.
Who invented and how did the super lightweight grenade launcher Boer
A new type of hand-held grenade launcher received its real shape within the walls of the Tula Instrument Design Bureau. The development of the project was carried out on the basis of the Bumblebee RPO-PDM-A flamethrower. It was decided to subject this model of infantry weapons to deep modernization. The designers were given the task to achieve a significant reduction in the weight of the product in combat equipment and obtain acceptable dimensions. Tula engineers brilliantly coped with the task, creating a unique of its kind infantry weapons - CIM "Bur".
To understand what had to deal with the developers of new weapons, it is enough to recall the technical parameters, which possessed a flamethrower "Bumblebee". The base sample had a weight of about 10 kg, which naturally limited the combat and operational capabilities of the fighter. It was also required to reduce the dimensions of the weapon so that it could be successfully and effectively used in a limited space inside buildings and structures.
The first prototype of a new generation grenade launcher was demonstrated to the general public at the Interpolitech exhibition in 2013. The stated parameters have surprised many military experts in the field of infantry weapons. I also liked the manufacturability of the design of a grenade launcher, which allowed quickly enough to master the mass production of the product. The following year, the Boer grenade launcher was first introduced to the international arms market.
Fundamentally new infantry weapons are the fruit of the practical implementation of a number of innovative ideas that have been successfully tested on other modifications of similar products. The rational and competent use of technical innovations made it possible to achieve a significant reduction in the weight and size of the grenade launcher. In the product card presented on the exhibition walls, the weight in the column is 4.8 kg, and in the column the length of the grenade launcher is the figure of 742 mm.
An interesting fact is the presence of such parameters in the new grenade launcher, in which the same layout is used: the transport-launch container and the launch device. The launcher can be used repeatedly, being equipped with a new transport-launcher with a combat projectile. An aiming device of a new type, which is also planned to be produced to equip new types of small arms, can be installed on the starting device.
Distinctive design features of the grenade launcher "Bur"
Considering the design of the grenade launcher in detail, you should focus on the launch device of the missile complex. As in other similar products, the most convenient L-shaped design is used here, equipped with a fore-end and pistol grip. The trigger mechanism is actuated using a trigger and mechanical flag-type regulators placed on the side surface of the device. The trigger mechanism is equipped with a fuse, and on the case there are devices for the installation of sighting devices.
It is planned to equip the product with both optical and night sights, and sighting devices with thermal imagers. Such equipment allows the use of a rocket launcher at any time of day and in all weather conditions. Due to the installation of sighting equipment, the product allows aimed fire at a distance of up to 700 m. The maximum range of a direct shot from a grenade launcher "Bour" reaches 1 km.
If you go to the military configuration, here everything looks traditional. Weapons capable of firing two types of grenades of a unified design. At the manufacturing stage, both ammunition are placed in a transport and launch container. This part of the complex is both an arsenal and a means of transportation. Externally, the container looks like a pipe, equipped at both ends with hermetic closures. The device protects ammunition from external influences during transportation and storage and also serves as a guide design for launching grenades. The product is designed for single use. To the bottom of the container is mounted starter. The total weight of the container in curb condition is only 3.5 kg.
Grenade caliber 62 mm has a cylindrical body. The head part is round, hemispherical shape. In the tail section, there are four stabilizers that open up after the launch and exit of the projectile from the container. Disclosed stabilizers on the principle of the spring due to its elasticity. Due to the presence of stabilizers, the flying projectile receives a twisting moment, thereby keeping itself on the necessary flight path. When firing from a grenade launcher at direct shot distances, the accuracy of the grenade’s flight does not exceed 0.5 m. The projectile departs from the launch canister at a speed of 130 m / s.
For reference: On the grenade launcher "Bur" are used grenades, equipped with a solid-propellant rocket engine, allowing to fire in a limited space. The minimum allowable distance for launching is 25 m. Proper and correct combat use of a grenade launcher indoors eliminates injuries to the shooter.
Grenades for firing from a grenade launcher are produced in two types, with a high-explosive warhead and with a thermobaric ammunition. The grenade launcher may use one or another type of ammunition, depending on the operational situation and situation. Thermobaric ammunition comparable power with 6 kg. TNT. By the power of the fire, a new rocket launcher can be compared to medium-caliber artillery systems, which makes it invaluable in conditions of limited use of heavy infantry weapons.
Features of the combat use of grenade launcher "Bur"
The operation of the product deserves attention. To transport weapons, a fighter is equipped with a backpack bag. On the bag, special mounts are used and there are a number of compartments for conveniently carrying the grenade launcher, sighting devices and transport and launch containers. A grenade thrower can independently carry a backpack bag with three WPCs equipped with combat grenades at one time.
Special Forces fighters equipped with this type of infantry weapon are free to drop and easily navigate over rough terrain. In the combat state of the complex takes place in a matter of seconds. Weapons do not require special skills and outside help for use in combat situations.
Product designers managed to significantly increase the operational resource of their offspring. The starter can be used up to 500 times, and the transport and launch canister is made of materials that provide low cost of disposable products.
Today it is known that the small-sized rocket-propelled grenade launcher "Bur" is already being mass-produced. The new type of grenade launcher equipped units of the FSB, the special forces of the National Guard and other law enforcement agencies of Russia. It became known about the acquisition of a certain number of grenade launchers of a new type by the naval department to equip units of the marines. It’s no secret that the Boer grenade launcher began to arrive at the equipment of the landing troops.
Conclusion
With the advent of the new Boer rocket launcher, the Russian army and other law enforcement agencies have at their disposal an effective means of equipping infantry units. The older systems in service, the RPG-18 and the RPG-22, today already in most cases do not meet the assigned combat missions. Especially when it comes to the effective work of special forces. Grenade launchers of early modifications are designed mainly to combat armored vehicles, therefore, equipped with ammunition of cumulative action. When fighting a battle with the manpower of the enemy in a city building environment, inside buildings and structures, the effectiveness of such weapons dropped significantly.
A new product, which has small dimensions, can shoot thermobaric grenades, which operate in rooms more efficiently and more powerful.
Small weight, compact design have designated a much wider range of combat use of the grenade launcher "Bur". In modern conditions, when special units have high mobility, just such a weapon is the most effective. Combat crew for a rocket launcher is represented by one number. This greatly increases the mobility of the unit and increases its fire capabilities. Unlike other, similar systems, where for combat use, transportation and carrying of grenade launchers two rooms are required, the new grenade launcher is easier to operate and maintain.
