Infantry weapons / Rocket launchers / RPG-7
RPG-7
General Facts
- TYPE
Rocket launcher - ORIGIN
USSR - NICKNAMES
6G3 (GRAU designation)
Type 69 (Chinese production)
Type 2004 (Chinese production RPG-7D)
Al-Nassira (Iraiq production)
Knut (Russian nickname)
Sinar (Sudanese designation) - DESIGNED
Late 1950's - DESIGNER
Bazalt - PRODUCTION
1961 - present - PRODUCERS
Bulgaria - Arsenal
China - Norinco
Egypt - Sakr factory
Georgia - Delta
Iran - DIO
Iraq
Pakistan - POF
Romania - RomArm
Russia - Kovrov
USSR - Kovrov - QUANTITY
Unknown - UNIT COST
Unknown - CHARACTERISTICS
Reuseable launch tube
Wide variety of ammunition
Easy to use
Limited accuracy
Average range
Limited effectiveness of older types of ammunition
Introduction
The RPG-7 is a rocket launcher of Soviet origin. It was developed in the late 1940's to replaced the earlier RPG-2. The RPG-7 is the most widely used reuseable rocket launcher in the world. Due to the development of more potent warheads it remains a capable weapon by todays standards.
Design
The RPG-7 is a much improved version of the RPG-2. It consists of a resuesable launch tube with a 40mm diameter. The booster section of the weapon is loaded into the tube with the larger diameter warhead sticking out at the front. The metal launch tube is fitted with a pistol grip and trigger, iron or optical sight and a wooden or plastic heat shield. Unlike most reloadable rocket launchers it is usually not operated by a crew of two, although other personnel may carry additional ammunition.
Firepower
The RPG-7 can be fitted with a variety of warheads. Most are anti-tank, but thermobaric and bunker buster ammunition is available as well. Early HEAT rounds were capable of penetrating 280 mm of homogenous steel plate, the latest versions over 600 mm. The effective range is about 200 meters.
Users
The RPG-7 was the primary rocket launcher of all Soviet forces and their allies. It has been acquired by over 80 nations and is mainly used in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
RPG-7V
The RPG-7 is the original version of the RPG-7 launcher and was fitted with iron sights. The RPG-7V includes an optical sight, which increases the chance to hit.
- Specifications:
- RPG-7V
Type | Rocket launcher |
---|---|
Crew | 1 or 2 |
Caliber | 40 mm tube, larger warhead |
Length | 950 mm |
Width | ? |
Height | ? |
---|---|
Weight | 6.3 kg with optical sight |
Sights | Mechanical or optical sight |
Ammunition | Various warheads |
Guidance | None, free flight |
Velocity | ? |
---|---|
Range | |
Penetration | Depends on warhead |
Remarks | Reusable launcher |
RPG-7D
The RPG-7D is a version with a two piece launch tube. The wooden heat shield is much thicker as it threaded on the inside and connects both pieces of the launch tube. When taken apart it is much smaller, which is useful for airborne forces.
- Specifications:
- RPG-7D
Type | Rocket launcher |
---|---|
Crew | 1 or 2 |
Caliber | 40 mm tube, larger warhead |
Length | ? |
Width | ? |
Height | ? |
---|---|
Weight | 7.4 kg with optical sight |
Sights | Mechanical or optical sight |
Ammunition | Various warheads |
Guidance | None, free flight |
Velocity | ? |
---|---|
Range | |
Penetration | Depends on warhead |
Remarks | Reusable launcher |