The 40 mm Long Barrel Revolver Grenade Launcher is designed to meet modern internal security and low-intensity conflict requirements by delivering rapid, repeated explosive firepower from a compact, man-portable platform. Compared to single-shot grenade launchers, the revolver configuration significantly increases fire density and reduces reload frequency in dynamic combat environments.

Operational Purpose and Role

The system is intended for:

• Area suppression
• Engagement of enemies behind cover
• Urban combat and room-adjacent neutralization
• Controlled explosive deployment in tactical scenarios
• Riot control missions when used with appropriate less-lethal ammunition

The six-round revolving cylinder enables operators to conduct multiple engagements without immediate reloading, offering a tactical advantage during sudden contact situations.

Doctrine and Concept of Use

This category of grenade launcher is typically employed by:

• Special operations units
• Gendarmerie and police tactical teams
• Internal security forces
• Units operating in asymmetric threat environments

The weapon operates on a direct line-of-sight ballistic principle. Due to the curved trajectory of 40x46 mm low-velocity grenades, the operator adjusts elevation manually to achieve indirect fire capability, allowing engagement of targets behind light cover, walls, or barricades.

Platform Architecture

The system consists of:

• 300 mm rifled barrel
• Six-shot manually indexed revolving cylinder
• Folding shoulder stock
• Mechanical iron sights

There is no publicly available confirmation of integrated electronic fire control systems or digital sighting packages in the standard configuration.

Accuracy and Firing Characteristics

The barrel incorporates six rifling grooves, stabilizing the projectile through spin upon exit. While low-velocity 40 mm ammunition is not designed for precision sniper-grade accuracy, it is highly effective for suppressive and area-effect roles.

• Maximum firing rate: 6 rounds in 10 seconds
• Effective range (area targets): 375 m
• Effective range (point targets): 150 m

These values confirm the system’s primary role as a suppression and area-effect support weapon rather than a precision strike platform.

Survivability and Protection

As an individual infantry weapon, the launcher does not include armor or active protection systems. Operator survivability depends on tactical positioning and personal protective equipment.

Advantages and Limitations in Modern Threat Environments

Advantages:

• High fire density compared to single-shot systems
• Compact and man-portable configuration
• Broad compatibility with 40x46 mm ammunition types
• Suitable ballistic profile for urban operations

Limitations:

• Limited range due to low-velocity ammunition
• Not designed to defeat heavily armored vehicles
• No publicly confirmed advanced fire control integration

Variants and Modernization

There is no publicly available information regarding block upgrades, export variants, or digital modernization packages.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

• Length (stock extended): 844 mm
• Length (stock folded): 760 mm
• Weight: 6,750 g
• Barrel length: 300 mm
• Rifling grooves: 6

Caliber and Ammunition

• Caliber: 40 mm
• Ammunition type: 40x46 mm low-velocity family
• Compatible munitions may include:
  • High explosive (HE)
  • Smoke
  • Illumination
  • Tear gas
  • Other specialized rounds (not publicly detailed)

Performance

• Effective range (area targets): 375 m
• Effective range (point targets): 150 m
• Maximum firing rate: 6 rounds / 10 seconds
• Feeding system: Manual six-round revolving cylinder

Fire Control and Engagement

• Mechanical iron sights
• Manual ballistic elevation adjustment
• No publicly disclosed electronic fire control system

Mobility and Deployment

• Single-operator portable
• Folding stock for vehicle transport and confined spaces
• No setup time required; immediately operational

Personnel and Operation

• Crew: 1 operator
• Requires training in grenade launcher ballistics and ammunition safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the 40 mm Long Barrel Revolver Grenade Launcher?

• It provides short- to medium-range explosive fire support, particularly in urban and asymmetric combat scenarios. The multi-shot configuration enhances sustained engagement capability.

What is its maximum range?

• Effective range is 375 meters for area targets and 150 meters for point targets.

What types of targets is it effective against?

• Personnel, lightly fortified positions, barricades, and exposed threats. It is not intended for heavily armored targets.

How many rounds can it fire before reloading?

• It carries six rounds in its revolving cylinder and can discharge all six in approximately 10 seconds.

Is it mobile or fixed?

• It is a fully portable, shoulder-fired infantry support weapon.

What ammunition does it use?

• It fires 40x46 mm low-velocity grenades, including high explosive, smoke, illumination, and gas rounds.

What are its international counterparts?

Comparable systems include:

• Milkor MGL series
• Rheinmetall multi-shot grenade launchers

The MKE system offers domestic production advantages and national logistical independence.

Sources

• Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi official product publications
• MKE corporate website
• Public defense industry brochures
• Exhibition and defense fair materials