3GL is a modular, 3 shot, 40mm semi automatic grenade launcher that attaches to an individual combat weapon (ICW) to extend the firepower of a soldier or squad.

3GL can fire 3 shots in semi automatic mode and allows the shooter to maintain eye contact with the target during an engagement.  This significantly increases the probability of hit (pH) and probability of kill (pK).  Further, a semi automatic capability enables rapid multiple shots to first penetrate cover, such as a light armored or soft skin vehicle, window or door opening, then incapacitate targets inside.  This capability is simply not achievable with a single shot system.

The change from the stand alone M79 grenade launcher to the modular, single shot M203 in the 1970s has been the only real change in grenade launching capability at squad and platoon level in the last 35 years. 

The 3GL provides a semi automatic capability at squad and platoon level without adding an additional weapon to the squad.  With 3GL the 5.56mm kinetic barrel always remains available and in the soldiers hands.

Why is Semi Automatic Fire Important? - because history suggests that under combat fire, soldiers actually resort to firing their 5.56 barrel after firing the first  40mm round rather than risking manually reloading under fire.  3GL solves this dilemma.  "Winning the firefight is about the speed and immediate availability and delivery of firepower."

The advantages of 3GL include:

• Threefold increase in comparative firepower before reload 
• Semi automatic rate of fire - fires each time trigger is pulled
• Squad and platoon firepower multiplier
• Selectable munition mix - lethal and less lethal
• Soldier can maintain eye contact with target for multiple shots, unlike M203 where the eye must leave target for reloading
• Fully reloadable with individual rounds - soldiers can top up as required
• Modular weapon that mounts on most individual combat weapons using a picatinny rail mount
• Converts quickly to stand alone weapon including dual barrel option for mission specific needs

The most obvious advantage is how the 3GL can be used in urban combat.  For example - 3GL allows a soldier to enter and clear a building by firing a door buster round followed by two enhanced blast rounds - all in under 4 seconds.  This is simply impossible with single shot systems.