This is FRONTLINE's old website. The content here may be outdated or no longer functioning.

Browse over 300 documentaries
on our current website.

Watch Now
weapons
navigation
rocket propelled grenade launcher (rpg-7)
rocket propelled grenade launcher (rpg-7)

Soviet made, the rocket-propelled grenade launcher fires a rocket out of a tube. The launcher rests on the firer's shoulder. The rocket is percussion fired and the gasses escape the nozzle at a high velocity. This causes the rocket to launch. Just as the rocket emerges from the tube, large fins spring out from the rocket. These fins along with a motor on the rocket allows the missile to travel a great distance. Often used as an anti-tank weapon, the Somalis used an RPG to down the Blackhawk.

Specifications

RPG-7V
Calibre: launcher, 40mm
Length: launcher, 950mm
Weight: launcher with sight, 6.9 kg
Muzzle Velocity: 120 m/s
Max flight velocity: 300 m/s
Range: moving targets, 300 m; stationary target 500m
Armour pentration: see text


Manufacturers

Kovrov Mechanical Plant, Vladimir Region, Russia
SRPE Bazalt, Moscow, Russia


Source: Jane's Infantry Weapons, 24th Edition 1998-99.


home . firefight . us rangers . weapons . interviews . discussion
readings . chronology . press reaction . tapes & transcripts . frontline online . pbs online

web site copyright 1995-2014 WGBH educational foundation
SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

FRONTLINE on

ShopPBS