Читать книгу Practical Guide to the Operational Use of the RPG-7 Grenade Launcher - Erik Lawrence - Страница 4

Section 1

The objective of this manual is to allow the reader to be able to competently use the RPG-7 weapon systems. The manual will give the reader background/specifications of the weapon, instruct on its operation, disassembly and assembly, proper firing procedure, and malfunction/misfire procedures. Operator level maintenance will also be detailed to allow the reader to fully understand and become competent in the use and maintenance of the RPG-7.

Figure 1-1 RPG-7 Light Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher

The RPG-7 are reliable recoilless weapons for destroying tanks, self-propelled artillery units and other armored vehicles of the enemy, as well as the enemy's manpower in open and in armored shelters. This manual was developed to gather, translate and inform users of the basics of the launcher system.

Background

RPG translates to both English Rocket-Propelled Grenade and Russian as Raketniy Protivotankoviy Granatomet, "a rocket anti-tank grenade launcher." It was derived through the RPG-2 from the WWII German Panzerfaust. The RPG-7 is a recoilless, shoulder-fired, muzzle-loaded, reloadable, antitank grenade launcher. It fires a variety of 85-mm rocket-assisted grenades from a 40-mm smoothbore launcher tube. The launcher has two hand grips, a large optical sight, a wooden heat guard around the middle, and a flared blast shield at the rear of the tube. The launcher is 953 mm long without grenade and 1,340 mm with the rocket. The launcher weighs 7.9 kg and the grenade 2.25 kg. The RPG-7 is light enough to be carried and fired by one person. However, an assistant grenadier normally deploys to the left of the gunner to protect him from small arms fire. The RPG-7 was employed as the standard squad antitank weapon (one per squad) in motorized rifle units and is also found in reconnaissance units.

The internal rocket motor of the PG-7 grenade ignites after traveling 10 meters, giving the projectile higher velocity (sustained out to 500 meters), flatter trajectory, and better accuracy. Accuracy is further enhanced by four large knife-like fins at the rear of the projectile which unfold when the round leaves the tube, and by smaller, offset fins at the very rear, which produce a slow rotation. The maximum effective range is 500 meters for stationary targets and 300 meters for moving targets. Maximum range is 900 meters at which point the projectile self-destructs. The PG-7 grenade, with a shaped-charge warhead, has very good armor penetration (330 mm), capable of defeatig all known armored vehicles. The RPG-7V model can be fitted with a telescope and both infrared and passive night sights. All RPG-7 models have an optical sight that can be illuminated for night sighting, and open sights are provided for emergency use.

The RPG-7V requires a well-trained gunner to estimate ranges and lead distances for moving targets. Crosswinds as low as 7 miles per hour can complicate the gunner's estimate and reduce first-round hit probability to 50% at ranges beyond 180 meters. An RPG projectile screen of chain link fence will completely neutralize 50 percent of the rounds and degrade the penetrating capability of the remaining rounds. Reloading and re-aiming the RPG-7 requires a minimum of 14 seconds. Firing leaves noticeable signatures in the form of flash, smoke, and noise, and the unprotected gunner is extremely vulnerable to suppressive fires. In addition to the AT role, it can be used against personnel and for defeating cover. Several countries have developed rounds for RPG-7V.

The grenade launcher is serviced by the gunner and his assistant. The gunner fires the grenade launcher and carriers it with a sling. He also has a carrier containing two rounds, spare parts, tools and accessories

The assistant gunner helps the gunner during delivery of the fire and also carries a carrier with three rounds. When necessary, the assistant gunner replaces the gunner.

Figure 1-2 Launcher, 40mm, RPG-7, Light Antitank Grenade

Combat Characteristics

The launcher employs a spigot-type shape-charge grenade. The most effective fire from this grenade launcher is delivered at armored targets at a range of 330 meters. The sighting range of fire is 500 meters. The rate of fire is 4 to 6 rounds per minute.

Characteristics of the Launcher, 40 mm, RPG-7, Light Antitank Grenade (Soviet); Sight, Optical PGO

Launcher Nomenclature

Figure 1-3 Launcher main parts

1. Barrel	4. Safety Lock
2. Open Sight	5. Striker (hammer)
3. Trigger	6. Telescopic Sight

Grenade Nomenclature

Figure 1-4 The rocket assisted grenade consists of the following main parts

1. Nose portion with explosive “warhead”	5. Shipping cap, protects threads
2. Fuse with safety cap	6. Rocket booster and stabilizer (located in the powder charge)
3. Tab to safety clip to retain safety nose cup
4. Sustainer motor	7. Booster plastic shipping tube

Safety When Handling Rounds

•To avoid damage and possible detonation, do not drop the grenades, powder charge, and assemble rounds.

•Carry grenades and their charges in the authorized carriers or packing.

•Protect the grenades and powder charges from moisture, dampness, and direct sunlight.

•Open the case and remove the booster section only before firing. If a grenade prepared for firing is not to be used, unscrew the booster section off the grenade, place it back in the plastic packaging tube to protect the booster thoroughly from damage, moisture, and dampness. Screw the protective cap back onto the rear of the grenade.

•Remove the safety cap from the fuse nose only before loading the grenade launcher. If the grenade has not been fired, fit the safety cap onto the fuse diaphragm for proper restorage.

•Protective caps, safety caps and pins should be kept until after the warhead is fired.

•When firing in rain and hail, do not remove the safety cap from the nose of the fuse. This will prevent premature detonation.

•Keep the grenades and boosters in sub units stored in a cool and dry area, out of direct sunlight to avoid deterioration of the explosives.

Figure 1-5 Assistant Gunner’s Equipment Backpack

1. Rocket

2. Booster