UP CLOSE Less-Lethal Munitions/Flash-Bangs I Royal Arms Flash-Bang Trainer
S THE ROYAL ARMS FBG2 COMES WITH A SPECIAL EXTRACTION TOOL TO PUSH OUT ANY STUCK 12-GAUGE HULLS. NO TOOL IS NECESSARY WITH THE 209 PRIMERS—THEY SIMPLY DROP FREE. PHOTO: AUTHOR
without the cost and regulatory requirements. Royal Arms International’s new FBG Mk II™ (or FBG2™) Flash Bang Trainer™ has a number of unique features. Instead of employing a time-delay fuze, as is the case with most pyro- technic training flash-bangs, the FBG2 is set off by impact. Designed specifi cally for training purposes, the FBG2 contains a mechanism that fi res a blank cartridge (either a special 12-gauge blank or a standard 209 shotshell primer) when the device is de- ployed from a height of about 1 meter onto a hard surface. It’s hand- deployed in the same manner as an operational fl ash-bang. The FBG2 is machined from solid Mil-Spec grade 304 stain- less steel and aircraft-grade aluminum at Royal Arms’ Oxnard, Calif. facility. The body, chamber, firing mechanism and cross- pin block (safety pin) are stainless-steel for both strength and durability. The spoon is aluminum to reduce its weight. The FBG2 features a number of design improvements over its predecessor, the FBG1. The FBG2 has a durable black Melonite finished body. The porting configuration has been improved. The side ports on the chamber are now fluted to redirect gases upon firing in order to help retard propulsion of the device when the 12-gauge blanks are employed. T e spoon has been redesigned for easier and more consistent release and a dual pin safety has been added to the fi ring mechanism. T e dual pin safety is designed to allow the FBG2 to continue to be employed safely in the advent of the loss of the spoon. The FBG2 has a single universal chamber unlike its prede- cessor, which utilized two different screw-on chambers—one for 209 primers and one for the 12-gauge blanks. The FBG2 uses a special insert (included) to employ 209 primers instead of 12-gauge blanks. The FBG2 is also smaller and lighter than
S THE ROYAL ARMS FBG2 IS HAND DEPLOYED IN THE SAME MANNER AS AN OPERATIONAL FLASH-BANG. PHOTO: AUTHOR
its predecessor. The FBG2 measures 4.5 inches long and weighs 10.6 ounces.
Standard-size flash-bang pouches can be used with the FBG2, but work best if a spacer is placed in the bottom of the pouch to elevate the device in the pouch. The FBG2 fits well in most 40mm munitions pouches.
The FBG2 is a blank-firing training device only. The chamber of the FBG2 cannot accommodate standard 2 ¾-inch 12-gauge shells. It’s incapable of firing standard ammunition. The FBG2 has been designed for maximum safety. The cross- pin block prevents any movement of the firing pin toggle. The cross-pin block features a spring-loaded ball detent that acts as a secondary safety, preventing the cross-pin block from being accidentally released. The detent serves the same purpose as the angular spread on the split-end pin of a conventional fuzed gre- nade/flash-bang, making it harder to pull so it won’t be pulled out accidentally.
The firing pin toggle is also protected from impact by the spoon. The firing pin is of inertia design. The FBG2 differs from the FBG1 in that the device is supplied with only one spring. The FBG1 had two different springs—a lighter spring for use with 209 primers and a heavier spring for use with the 12-gauge blanks. The FBG2 has a single conical 6-pound spring. The Royal Arms 12-gauge blanks produce 175 dB at 5 feet, 4 psi of overpressure, and a 500,000 candela flash. The 209 prim- ers produce 118 dB at 5 feet; to the ear, the sound is roughly equivalent to that of a small firecracker.
For most training scenarios, the 209 primer will be the loading of choice. For those training scenarios in which it’s desirable to have an output that approximates an operational flash-bang, the
52 Tactical Response Fall 2015
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