DP-64 (ДП-64) | |
---|---|
Type | Grenade launcher |
Place of origin | Soviet Union |
Service history | |
In service | Russia |
Used by | Russian Navy |
Wars | 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine[1] |
Production history | |
Designer | Viktor Rebrikov |
Designed | 1989 |
Manufacturer | Degtyarev plant |
Produced | 1990 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 10 kg (22 lbs) |
Length | 820 mm (32 inches) |
Width | 110 mm (4.3 inches) |
Height | 275 mm (10.8 inches) |
Caliber | 45 mm (1.771 inches) |
Action | (side) break open |
Maximum firing range | 400 meters (1,312 feet) |
Feed system | 2 rounds |
Sights | Direct & Indirect iron sights |
Detonation mechanism | Depth |
The DP-64 Nepryadva[2][3] is a Russian special-purpose double-barreled over/under grenade launcher designed to protect surfaced submarines, ships, dockyards, water development works, and other coastal installations from combat swimmers and naval special forces. The weapon is breech-loading and operates much like a large shotgun with a side-break breech, utilizing both direct and indirect iron sights. The weapon is capable of firing grenades indirectly at ranges up to 400 metres (1,300 ft); however, these grenades act much like small depth charges, attacking submerged swimmers like true depth charges attack submersibles. A large polymer stock and the barrels themselves makes up the bulk of the weapon. The barrels are selected by turning a lever accommodated above the trigger guard. A front pistol grip is equipped for support and is out of alignment with the rear grip and trigger mechanism, providing a more natural grip while firing indirectly. The butt is fitted with a springy rubber pad to diminish felt recoil. Direct fire sights are also provided for use from a helicopter allowing for large areas to be patrolled and protected from enemy combat swimmers. The grenade launcher was developed in 1989 and introduced in 1990.
The DP-64 grenade launcher is now in serial production, said Pavel Sidorov, a representative of NPO Bazalt, the designer of the DP-64, at the 2015 International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. Sidorov said that the company received a large order from Russia's Defense Ministry for the weapons. Previously, the DP-64 has only been built in small numbers for the Russian coast guard, Federal Security Service, and a handful of marine units.
Though large and somewhat unwieldy, the DP-64 serves an important role with few modern contemporaries in the small arms world.