RPG-18

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The RPG-18 Mukha (Template:Langx) is a Soviet short-range, disposable light anti-tank rocket launcher designed in 1972, based on the American M72 LAW. The RPG-18 has been in service in over 20 conflicts and used by over 20 armed forces across the world.

History

File:Ручные реактивные гранатометы и огнеметы производства России и СССР - Russian RPG launchers.jpg
RPG-18 (bottom) with comparable Soviet/Russian rocket launchers
File:Combat UAV "Soaring tube" complex during the "Armiya 2021" exhibition.jpg
An RPG-18 attached to a drone

The RPG-18 is very similar to the US M72-series LAW anti-tank rocket launcher,[1] with captured examples during the Vietnam War likely being sent to the Soviet Union.[2][3] The RPG-18 has been succeeded by the RPG-22, a very similar design with a larger warhead.

Description

The RPG-18 fires a 64 mm PG-18 high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead mounted on a small rocket able to engage targets within 200 meters. The warhead self-destructs six seconds after launch, placing a limit on range even if a sight was used that was effective with targets beyond 200 meters.[4]

The RPG-18 can penetrate up to 300 mm of conventional vehicle armor (RHA); up to 500 mm of reinforced concrete; and up to 1,000 mm of brickwork.[5] However, performance is significantly lessened when the RPG-18 is used against targets protected by HEAT-resistant explosive reactive armour (ERA) or composite armor.[6]

Unlike similar weapons, the RPG-18 requires only one operator as it is not reloadable.[5]

Users

Former users

See also

References

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General

  • Jones, Richard. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005–06. Coulsdon: Jane's, 2005. Template:ISBN.

External links

Template:Sister project

Template:Russian RPG series

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  23. "Kampfschwimmerkommando (KSK-18): Bojoví plavci východního Německa" (in Czech). Army Web. 2020-08-26. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
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