RPG-18

A RPG-18 rocket launcher and PG-18 rocket.

The RPG-18 Mukha (Fly) is a Russian short-range, disposable light anti-tank rocket launcher.

Only 1 soldier is needed to operate this system as the weapon can only be fired once eliminating the need for an assistant for reloading. Assistant grenadiers are used in the RPG-2, RPG-7 and RPG-16 systems. Once the HEAT grenade is fired, the disposable fiberglass tube is cast aside and if necessary another RPG-18 is used.

The RPG-18 is similar in both appearance and in functionality to the United States’ LAW. Both of these weapons are carried with the part of the launch tube collapsed making the weapon much more compact. When preparing to fire, the soldier using the RPG-18 extends the tube. Sights are mounted on the top of the tube with the trigger located just below the rear peep sight. The RPG-18 fires a 64 mm PG-18 HEAT warhead mounted on a small rocket capable of engaging any target within 200 meters. The warhead self-destructs 6 seconds after launch placing definite limits on range even if a sight was used that was effective with targets beyond 200 meters. The PG-18 itself can penetrate up to 375 mm of conventional armor. However, performance is significantly diminished when the RPG-18 is employed against targets protected by HEAT resistant ERA or composite armor.

Specifications

Calibre: 64 mm
Weight:
* Total: 2.6 kg
* Rocket: 1.4 kg
Muzzle velocity: 115 m/s
Length:
* Folded: 705 mm
* Extended: 1050 mm
Range
* Versus 2 m high target: 135 m
* Practical maximum: 200 m
Warhead: HEAT with a penetration of 375 mm of RHA, 1 m of brick or 0.5 m of reinforced concrete with VP-18 impact fuze.

References

Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005-2006

External links

http://www.is.lt/atas-buves/Granatsvaidziai/rpg-18.html.htm (Lithuanian)

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