APAV40

The APAV 40 is a dual purpose, anti-personnel (AP) and anti-vehicle (AV), 40 mm rifle-grenade. It has a mass of 405 grams,[1] and a tail with stabilizing fins. Explosion is triggered by an impact fuse.

Two versions of the APAV 40 exist:

• the older F1 model which must be fired with a blank cartridge
• the current F2 model which uses a bullet-trap that allows using live rounds

Alidade sight system of the FAMAS for direct fire of the APAV40

To launch, the APAV40 F2 is placed over the muzzle of a FAMAS or any NATO rifle with a (22 mm) STANAG muzzle device. Then the rifle is aimed at the target and fired. The impact of the bullet striking the bullet-trap and the expanding gases launch and arm the grenade, which explodes on impact.

In its antipersonnel capacity, the APAV 40 is used in indirect fire. The APAV 40 has a lethal radius of 12 metres and its shrapnel is dangerous up to 100 metres away.[1]

In its anti-vehicle capacity, the APAV 40 is used in direct fire. Under an optimal angle, the APAV 40 is capable of piercing 100 mm of armour.[1]

The FAMAS provides an alidade sight for launching the grenade from 75 or 100 metres. The FAMAS can also be inclined/angled by 45°, to allow fire from 170 to 320 metres, with 20-metre increments; or by 74°, to allow fire from 60 to 170 metres, with 10-metre increments. French rifle grenades are notorious for having extremely strong recoil, so strong that one who does not properly brace themselves will often fall over.

• AC58

French army manual on rifle grenades dated 1966 with an illustration of the APAV 40 (70 MR 61) and text on pages 29 to 31