Left sight view of an empty RPG-7V1 rocket launcher. Note the mechanical sight in raised position and PGO-7V3 optical sight.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
The RPG-7 is an early Cold War rocket launcher of Soviet origin. It was developed in the 1950's as a more capable successor to the RPG-2. The RPG-7 is an iconic Soviet weapon that has seen extensive use in nearly every armed conflict since the 1960's. The RPG-7 is the most widely used reusable rocket launcher in the world. Due to the development of more potent warheads it remains a capable weapon by todays standards.
The RPG-7 is a much improved version of the RPG-2. It consists of a resuesable launch tube with a 40mm diameter. The booster section of the weapon is loaded into the tube with the larger diameter warhead sticking out at the front. The metal launch tube is fitted with a pistol grip and trigger, iron or optical sight and a wooden or plastic heat shield. Unlike most reloadable rocket launchers it is usually not operated by a crew of two, although other personnel often carries additional ammunition.
The RPG-7 can be fitted with a variety of warheads. Most are for anti-tank used, but thermobaric and bunker buster ammunition is available as well. Early PG-7V HEAT rounds were capable of penetrating 280 mm of homogenous steel plate, the latest PG-7VR tandem HEAT rocket penetrates over 600 mm behind ERA. The effective range is about 200 to 300 meters against static targets. Heavier anti-tank warheads have a shorter range, while the thermobaric and high-explosive variants can be used at ranges over 500 meters using associated sight units.
The RPG-7 was the primary rocket launcher of all Soviet forces and their allies. It has been acquired by over 80 nations and is mainly used in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Over 15 nations have produced direct copies or further developments of the RPG-7.
The RPG-7 is the original version of the RPG-7 launcher and was fitted with iron sights. The RPG-7V includes an optical sight, which increases the chance to hit. These fixed tube launchers are the most common models.
The RPG-7D is a version with a two piece launch tube. The wooden heat shield is much thicker as it threaded on the inside and connects both pieces of the launch tube. When taken apart it is much smaller, which is useful for airborne forces.
Russian soldier firing an RPG-7 series rocket launcher during an exercise in 2011.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
Soldier from the Democratic Republic of the Congo seen with Chinese Type 69 series rocket propelled grenade launcher.
Source: MONUSCO -
© CC BY-SA 2.0
The RPG-7 is the successor to the RPG-2. At a glance both weapons look quite similar.
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