
Specifications
Year: 1987
Manufacturer(s): Luchaire SA (Nexter) - France
Roles: Anti-Tank/Anti-Material/Breaching;
Manufacturer(s): Luchaire SA (Nexter) - France
Roles: Anti-Tank/Anti-Material/Breaching;
Action: Single-Shot
Caliber(s): 58mm
Sights: Integrated Optics.
Overall Length: 800 mm (31.50 in)
Barrel Length: 800 mm (31.50 in)
Weight (Unloaded): 6.61 lb (3.00 kg)
Caliber(s): 58mm
Sights: Integrated Optics.
Overall Length: 800 mm (31.50 in)
Barrel Length: 800 mm (31.50 in)
Weight (Unloaded): 6.61 lb (3.00 kg)
Muzzle Velocity: 820 feet-per-second (250 meters-per-second)
Rate-of-Fire: 3 rounds-per-minute
Effective Range: 1,300 ft (396 m; 433 yd)
Rate-of-Fire: 3 rounds-per-minute
Effective Range: 1,300 ft (396 m; 433 yd)
Operators: Belgium; Denmark; France; Greece; Netherlands
The WASP 58 relies on a recoilless action which allows a light launch tube to be used. Propellant gasses are allowed to escape from the rear of the tube while the rocket projectile makes its way out of the muzzle - the result being far less recoil forces at work against the weapon and operator. Luchaire, therefore, created a useful product that was both low-cost and lightweight. Padding was added at both ends of the launch tube and at other support points along the weapon for some comfort with aiming-engagement optics being integrated into its design. Caliber was just 58mm with the projectile being a 615g HEAT anti-armor warhead rocket - capable of defeating both armor (400mm) or concrete faces (800mm) at range in addition to allowing the weapon to be fired from confined spaces.
Time has begun to limit the value of the WASP 58 on the modern battlefield for its penetration value is lessened against more modern combat tanks but can still fulfill its intended role against older tanks/armored vehicles and fortified structures.
The Luchaire SA brand now falls under the Nexter name.
Variants / Models
• WASP 58 - Base Series Designation.