| RPG-18 | |
|---|---|
RPG-18 rocket launcher with PG-18 rocket |
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| Type | Rocket-propelled grenade |
| Place of origin | USSR |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1.4 kg (unarmed) 2.6 kg (ready to fire) |
| Length | 705 mm (unarmed) 1,050 mm (ready to fire) |
| Crew | 1 |
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| Shell | HEAT with a penetration of 375 mm of RHA |
| Caliber | 64 mm |
| Action | By using VP-18 impact fuze: 1,000 mm: Brick 500 mm: Concrete with VP-18 impact fuze. |
| Muzzle velocity | 115 m/s |
| Effective range | 200 m |
The RPG-18 Mukha (Rus., "Муха", "Fly") is a Russian short-range, disposable light anti-tank rocket launcher.
Contents |
The RPG-18 is very similar to the US M72-series LAW anti-tank rocket and was developed after the Soviet military obtained M72s from its allies in Vietnam. The RPG-18 has been succeeded by the RPG-22, a very similar design with a larger warhead.
The RPG-18 fires a 64 mm PG-18 HEAT warhead mounted on a small rocket capable of engaging any target within 200 meters. The warhead self-destructs 6 seconds after launch, placing definite limits on range even if a sight was used that was effective with targets beyond 200 meters. The RPG-18 itself can penetrate up to 375 mm of conventional armor. However, performance is significantly diminished when the RPG-18 is employed against targets protected by HEAT-resistant ERA or composite armor.
Unlike better known weapons, the RPG-18 requires only one operator because it is not reloadable. Assistant grenadiers are used to help reload the RPG-2, RPG-7 and RPG-16 systems.