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The EGLM is a grenade launcher of Belgian origin. It was developed in the late 1990's by Fabrique Nationale as the GL1 for use on the F2000 assault rifle. The design was later modified for as the FN40GL the SCAR assault rifle. EGLM stands for Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module and originates from the US requirement for a new grenade launcher for use on the new assault rifle for use with the US special operations command. EGLM is a common, but officially wrong, denominator for both the GL1 and FN40GL grenade launchers.
The GL1 is a single shot breech loaded grenade launcher that functions in a similar way as the M203. The exterior is made up of high strength plastics and a double action trigger mechanism is fitted. The GL1 can be used with conventional ladder sights or a computer sight integrated in the large F2000 sight unit. The FN40GL is a modified version of the GL1 for use on the SCAR assault rifle. Mechanically the FN40GL is similar to the GL1. Since the SCAR has a conventional design the FN40GL must span a longer distance for the trigger to be accessible and therefore the FN40GL envelopes the magazine well.
Both GL1 and FN40GL fire NATO standard 40x46mm low velocity grenades. Increased velocity long range grenades are being developed. The EGLM is single shot and can be used out to 400 meters. When the computer sight is used accuracy is improved and the aiming process is shorter. The maximum rate of fire is about 6 rounds per minute.