Abstract
This article provides a short summary of the development history, technical characteristics, and operational parameters of the Polish AWGŁ-3 teargas launcher and its ammunition. Although developed in the 1970s and deployed in Poland and other European countries in recent years, very little information is available on this weapon in the English language. With reference to a wide range of Polish-language sources, including original technical and operational manuals, the author elucidates the development history and operating principles of the AWGŁ-3. A brief review of employment principles and use history is also made, with reference to the Communist-era Polish paramilitary forces for whom the weapon was originally developed.
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Issue: Vol. VIII No. 1
Published: 31 July 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52357/armax46158
Peer-reviewed?: Yes
Keywords: AWGŁ-3, less-lethal weapons, riot control agents, Poland
Bibliographic Information
N.R. Jenzen-Jones, ‘Garłacz łzawiący: The Polish AWGŁ-3 Crowd-control System’, Armax: The Journal of Contemporary Arms, Vol. VIII № 1 (2022), pp. 75–86, <https://doi.org/10.52357/armax46158>.
About the Author
N. R. Jenzen-Jones is an arms and munitions intelligence specialist focusing on current and recent conflicts and weapons technologies. He is the Director of Armament Research Services (ARES) and the Editor of Armax: The Journal of Contemporary Arms. He holds a Visiting Fellowship in the School of Law, Policing and Forensics at the University of Staffordshire, and was awarded the Buffalo Bill Center of the West 2022–2023 Resident Fellowship. Mr. Jenzen-Jones serves in consultancy roles with a number of prominent organisations, and has produced extensive research and analysis on a range of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and small- and medium-calibre ammunition issues. He maintains a broad focus on how weapon systems are selected, acquired, stockpiled, and employed.