Infantry weapons / Rocket launchers / SARPAC

SARPAC

General Facts

  • TYPE
    Rocket launcher

  • ORIGIN
    France

  • NICKNAMES
    -

  • DESIGNED
    1970's

  • DESIGNER
    Hotchkiss-Brandt

  • PRODUCTION
    1970's

  • PRODUCERS
    France - Hotchkiss-Brandt

  • QUANTITY
    Produced in limited quantities

  • UNIT COST
    Unknown

  • CHARACTERISTICS
    Limited size and weight
    Easy to use
    Low costs compared to similar weapons
    Various warhead types available
    Limited armor penetration

Introduction

The SARPAC is a disposable rocket launcher of French origin. It was developed in the 1970's by Hotchkiss-Brandt. It was to be a lighter and cheaper alternative to reloadable rocket launchers. Unlike the similar US M72 LAW and Soviet RPG-18 the SARPAC was unsuccesfel and was never adopted in large numbers.

Design

The SARPAC is a single shot disposable rocket launcher. The preloaded launcher consists of two overlapping tubes. The inner tube is extended forwards in order to lengthen the launch tube before firing. A trapezodial metal frame houses the sights and is raised before firing. The trigger is located behind the rear sight. Various types of warheads may be preloaded in the launch tube.

Firepower

The version with the HEAT weahead is the most common. It has a maximum range of 150 to 200 meters. The small diameter warhead is of little use against Cold War era tanks. All other types of armored vehicles can be succesfully engaged. The bunker busting and illuminating warheads have a longer range. A slant range of 700 meters is reported.

Users

The SARPAC was produced in limited quantities and was exported to several nations. Although of French origin it was never used by French forces. Known users include Finland and Malaysia, but about half a dozen sales have been reported. Most probably to nations in Asia and the Middle East. Due to its age all produced SARPAC have past their shelf life and are no longer in use.

Variants

SARPAC

The SARPAC is a compact disposable rocket launcher with extendable launch tube. Although similar in size and function as the American LAW and Soviet RPG-18 the SARPAC is easy to distinguish. On the SARPAC the launch tube extends forwards and the front and rear sight are raised using a protective metal frame.

The SARPAC was produced with three types of warheads:
ROCHAR: SARPAC with HEAT warhead for use against armored vehicles. Most common version.
ROCHAP: SARPAC with HEAP dual purpose warhead for use against bunkers.
ROCLAIR: SARPAC with illuminitating warhead providing 30 seconds of battlefield illumination.

TypeRocket launcher
Crew1
Caliber68 mm
Length734 mm retracted, 997 mm extended
Width?
Height?
Weight3.0 kg
SightsMechanical, trapezodial flip up sights
AmmunitionHEAT
GuidanceNone, free flight
Velocity150 m/s at muzzle
Range200 m
Penetration300 mm RHA at 0 degree angle
RemarksDisposable launcher
TypeRocket launcher
Crew1
Caliber68 mm
Length734 mm retracted, 997 mm extended
Width?
Height?
Weight3.7 kg
SightsMechanical, trapezodial flip up sights
AmmunitionHEAP
GuidanceNone, free flight
Velocity92 m/s at muzzle
Range650 m
Penetration?
RemarksDisposable launcher
TypeRocket launcher
Crew1
Caliber68 mm
Length734 mm retracted, 997 mm extended
Width?
Height?
Weight3.2 kg
SightsMechanical, trapezodial flip up sights
AmmunitionILLUM
GuidanceNone, free flight
Velocity138 m/s at muzzle
Range700 m
PenetrationOver 180.000 candle power for 30 seconds
RemarksDisposable launcher

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