OVERVIEW
The Soviet RPG-18 held similarities to the American M72 LAW shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launcher series.
The Soviet RPG-18 held similarities to the American M72 LAW shoulder-fired anti-tank rocket launcher series.
YEAR: 1972
MANUFACTURER(S): State Factories - Soviet Union
OPERATORS: Soviet Union
SPECIFICATIONS
Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible. Calibers listed may be model/chambering dependent.
Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible. Calibers listed may be model/chambering dependent.
ACTION: Single-Shot; Disposable Launch Tube
CALIBER(S): 64mm
LENGTH (OVERALL): 1,050 millimeters (41.34 inches)
LENGTH (BARREL): 705 millimeters (27.76 inches)
WEIGHT (UNLOADED): 5.73 pounds (2.60 kilograms)
SIGHTS: Flip-Up Front and Rear
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 377 feet-per-second (115 meters-per-second)
RATE-OF-FIRE: 4 rounds-per-minute
RANGE (EFFECTIVE): 656 feet (200 meters; 219 yards)
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• RPG-18 "Mukha" - Base Series Designation
Series Model Variants
• RPG-18 "Mukha" - Base Series Designation
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the RPG-18 (Mukha) Disposable Lightweight Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW). Entry last updated on 9/10/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the RPG-18 (Mukha) Disposable Lightweight Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW). Entry last updated on 9/10/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
As in the West with the M72 LAW, the Soviet Army of the Cold War years (1947-1991) adopted a lightweight, disposable Anti-Tank (AT) weapon all their own in the RPG-18 "Mukha". The system was similar in battlefield form and function as the M72 and provided short-ranged destructive firepower against armored vehicles and fortifications. The RPG-18 was eventually succeeded by the more modern RPG-22 series of rocket launchers which emerged in 1985. The RPG-22 continued the disposable nature of the RPG-18 but instead fired a larger, unguided fin-stabilized rocket.
The RPG-18 weighed 1.4 kilograms in its collapsed travel form and this increased to 2.5 kilograms when the system was made ready-to-fire. Overall length was, thusly, 705mm when collapsed and 1,050mm when made ready-to-fire. A single operator was all that was needed to utilize the benefits of such a portable weapon system and the disposable nature of the RPG-18 meant that the operator carried several RPG-18s into battle.
The RPG-18 fired a 64mm caliber rocket which held a HEAT (High-Explosive, Anti-Tank) warhead capable of defeating up to 300mm of Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA) armor (though up to 375mm of conventional armor) at effective ranges out to 200 meters (or six seconds after launch to ensure detonation). As much as 1,000mm of brick could also be defeated. Muzzle velocity of the exiting projectile was 115 meters-per-second. The rocket detonated through an impact fuse design upon reaching its target. Optics (flip-up front and rear) were included on the launcher tube itself and a shoulder strap aided in transporting the weapon when on-the-march.
RPG-18 tubes were delivered pre-packed and ready-to-fire, the rockets sitting within the main body of the expandable tube. Hinged caps covered both ends of the launcher to prevent dust and debris from entering it.
The RPG-18 was in frontline circulation from 1972 until 1990.
The RPG-18 weighed 1.4 kilograms in its collapsed travel form and this increased to 2.5 kilograms when the system was made ready-to-fire. Overall length was, thusly, 705mm when collapsed and 1,050mm when made ready-to-fire. A single operator was all that was needed to utilize the benefits of such a portable weapon system and the disposable nature of the RPG-18 meant that the operator carried several RPG-18s into battle.
The RPG-18 fired a 64mm caliber rocket which held a HEAT (High-Explosive, Anti-Tank) warhead capable of defeating up to 300mm of Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA) armor (though up to 375mm of conventional armor) at effective ranges out to 200 meters (or six seconds after launch to ensure detonation). As much as 1,000mm of brick could also be defeated. Muzzle velocity of the exiting projectile was 115 meters-per-second. The rocket detonated through an impact fuse design upon reaching its target. Optics (flip-up front and rear) were included on the launcher tube itself and a shoulder strap aided in transporting the weapon when on-the-march.
RPG-18 tubes were delivered pre-packed and ready-to-fire, the rockets sitting within the main body of the expandable tube. Hinged caps covered both ends of the launcher to prevent dust and debris from entering it.
The RPG-18 was in frontline circulation from 1972 until 1990.