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RPG-2


China: Type 56 | Vietnam: B-40


Overview


RPG-2

RPG-2 with PG-2 rocket inserted.
Source: www.sadefensejournal.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Rocket launcher (reloadable)
Entered service
1954
Status
Obsolete
Development
1947
Developer
Soviet Union - GSKB-30
Production
1949 - early 1980's
Producer
Soviet Union
China
Cambodia
Vietnam
Designations
56-G-660 (GRAU index)
Type 56 (Chinese production)
B-40 (Vietnamese production)
Notable users
Soviet Union
China
Vietnam

Description


Introduction

The RPG-2 is a Soviet rocket launcher developed shortly after World War 2. The design of the RPG-2 is based on the Nazi German Panzerfaust 250, which was developed at the final stages of World War 2. The RPG-2 was developed mainly as a low cost and easy to use weapon. Due to its limited performance it was replaced by the iconic RPG-7. At a glance RPG-2 and RPG-7 look very much alike.

Design

The RPG-2 consists of a reusable launcher and a muzzle loaded overcaliber projectile. The steel launch tube has a wooden cover to protect the user from both heat and cold. A pistol grip with trigger is used to fire the projectile. Aiming is done by two mechanical flip up sights. The projectile has a HEAT warhead twice the diameter of the body. It is stabilized in flight by several small folding fins. The RPG-2 is operated by a single soldier. Usually a second soldier carries additional ammunition.

Firepower

The HEAT warhead is capable of penetrating 150 to 180 mm RHA. An improved Chinese warhead penetrates up to 265 mm under optimal conditions. Maximum range is quoted as 200 meters. In practice the maximum range is 150 meters against stationary targets and 100 meters against slow moving targets. Accuracy is reported to be poor.

Users

The RPG-2 was produced in large quantities and saw widespread service with Soviet forces and its allies. Due to its limited combat effectiveness it was also soon replaced by the more capable RPG-7. The RPG-2 and its Asian production models were widely used during the Vietnam war. The RPG-2 is considered obsolete for a long time. It is still in sporadic use in third world countries.

Variants


RPG-2 launcher

RPG-2: Original Soviet production version, introduced in 1954.
RPG-2N: Soviet variant with optional NSP-2 night sight, introduced in 1957.
Type 56: Chinese production version. Fires improved warhead from unaltered launcher.
B-40: Original Vietnamese production version.
B-50: Improved Vietnamese production version.

RPG-2 ammunition

PG-2: Original Soviet HEAT round.
Type 50: Chinese HEAT round with much improved penetration.

Details


Facts RPG-2 PG-2 Type 50
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Rocket launcher
Crew
2 (grenadier and assistant)
Lifespan
Reusable launcher
Dimensions
Weight
2.83 kg empty
4.67 kg with PG-2 rocket
Length
1.194 without rocket
Tube diameter
40 mm
Ammunition
Ammunition types
PG-2 in Soviet model
Rate of fire
3 to 4 rpm
Accessories
Sights
Mechanical sight
Optional NSP-2 infrared night sight on RPG-2N model

Media


Related articles


RPG-7

The RPG-7 is the successor of the RPG-2. The RPG-7 is a more capable design, often fitted with an optical sight. A wide range of rocket types was developed for the RPG-7.