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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

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Rocket launcher (disposable)
Entered service
1972
Status
Obsolete
Development
Early 1970's
Developer
Soviet Union - TsKIB SOO
Soviet Union - Bazalt
Production
1972 - 1990 (USSR)
1978 - 1989 (East Germany)
Producer
Soviet Union - Bazalt
East Germany - VEB Mechanische Werkstätten
Designations
РПГ-18 Муха (cyrillic)
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


Facts RPG-18
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Rocket launcher
Crew
1
Lifespan
Disposable
Dimensions
Weight
2.6 kg
Length
705 mm in transport configuration
1.050 mm in launch configuration
Ammunition
Ammunition types
PG-18 rocket with single HEAT warhead
Rate of fire
Single shot
Warhead
Diameter
64 mm
Warhead type
Single HEAT
Penetration
300 mm RHA
1.0 m brick wall
0.5 m concrete
Velocity
115 m/s upon launch
Range
200 m maximum
75 to 150 m practical
Accessories
Sights
Mechanical flip up sight

Media


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.