Garłacz łzawiący: The Polish AWGŁ-3 Crowd-control System

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.