General Facts

TYPE
Rocket launcher

ORIGIN
USSR

NICKNAMES
Aglen - Russian nickname

DESIGNED
Early 1980's

DESIGNER
Bazalt

PRODUCTION
1985 - present (RPG-26)
2000 - present (RShG-2)

PRODUCERS
Russia - Bazalt
USSR - Bazalt

QUANTITY
Unknown

UNIT COST
Unknown

CHARACTERISTICS
Single piece launch tube
Area effect warheads available
Mediocre penetration

Introduction

The RPG-26 Aglen is a disposable rocket launcher of Soviet origin. It is a simplified and improved version of the earlier RPG-22. It also serves as the bases for several special purpose warheads.

Design

The RPG-26 is a product improved version of the RPG-22. The similar sized rocket features a slightly heavier and more powerful HEAT warhead and more powerful rocket engine. The limited extension of the RPG-22 launch tube was found of little use. Therefore the RPG-26 has a rigid non-telescoping launch tube.

Firepower

The RPG-26 fires the PG-26 HEAT rocket. The shaped charge warhead will pierce 440 mm of homogenous steel armor. It can penetrate 1.5 m of bricks or 1 m concrete. The maximum effective range is about 250 meters.

Users

The RPG-26 and its variants are actively used by Russian forces. It has been exported to several nations and is actively marketed for export. The more specialized variants are in Russian service and available for export as well.

RPG-26

The RPG-26 is a light weight anti-tank rocket launcher. The RPG-26 is preloaded and disposed when used. It is produced in only one variant that fires the PG-26 HEAT rocket, specialized versions for other types of targets are available as well.

Specifications:
RPG-26

Type	Rocket launcher
Crew	1
Caliber	72 mm
Length	770 mm
Width	?

Height	?
Weight	2.9 kg total
Sights	Mechanical, flip up sight
Ammunition	PG-26 HEAT rocket
Guidance	None, free flight

Velocity	144 m/s at muzzle
Range
Penetration	440 mm RHA, 2.4 m log and earth, 1 m concrete
Remarks	Disposable launcher

RShG-2

The RShG-2 is similar to the RPG-26, but instead of a HEAT warhead a thermobaric warhead is installed. This makes the RShG-2 much more effective against infantry in the open and unarmored vehicles.