RPG-18 Mukha
РПГ-18 Муха
Overview
RPG-18 Mukha
RPG-18 Mukha rocket launcher in transport configuration.
Source: www.deactivated-guns.co.uk -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Soviet Union - Bazalt
1978 - 1989 (East Germany)
East Germany - VEB Mechanische Werkstätten
Mukha (nickname)
Russian for 'fly'
6G12 (GRAU index)
TKB-076 (design project index)
Description
Introduction
The RPG-18 Mukha is a late Cold War era disposable rocket launcher of Soviet origin. The RPG-18 was the first Soviet rocket launcher that could not be reloaded. Earlier weapons such as the RPG-7 were reusable. The improved RPG-22 was designed to replace the RPG-18.
Design
The design was inspired by the M72 LAW that was adopted by US forces in the 1960's. The RPG-18 consists of a pre-loaded aluminum launch tube and a fiberglass outer tube which must be extended prior to firing. Once extended it cannot be retracted. A flip up ladder sight is used for aiming. Since it is a disposable rocket launcher it is operated by a single person.
Firepower
The RPG-18 fires the PG-18 HEAT rocket. The shaped charge warhead will pierce 300 mm of homogenous steel armor. Alternatively it can penetrate 1 m of brick wall or 0.5 m concrete. The maximum effective range is 200 meters. The practical range is quoted as 100 to 150 meters.
Users
The RPG-18 was adopted by the Soviet forces and exported in limited quantities. In Soviet service the RPG-18 replaced the RKG-3 anti-tank hand grenade. The RPG-18 is becoming obsolete since it is no longer produced since the early 1990's.
Details
Media
RPG-18
RPG-18 seen in launch position (top) with tube extended and sights raised. Cut away model (bottom) shows rocket within the launch tube in transport configuration.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
RPG-18
RPG-18 disposable rocket launcher.
Source: www.gorod.tomsk.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
RPG-18
RPG-18 disposable rocket launcher.
Source: Costas @ talks.guns.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
PG-18V rocket
Cut-away model of a PG-18V rocket. Note the shaped charge in yellow and folding fins rear.
Source: www.deactivated-guns.co.uk
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
RPG-18 Mukha
Cut-away instruction model of the RPG-18 Mukha showing the PG-18V rocket inside.
Source: www.deactivated-guns.co.uk
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
RPG-22 Neto
The RPG-22 is the successor of the RPG-22. Both rocket launcher have a similar design, with the RPG-22 being the upscaled version.
RBR M80 Zolja
The Yugoslav RBR M80 Zolja is of a similar size and capability as the RPG-18, but seems to be more inspired on the American M72 LAW.