RPG-29 Vampir
Overview
RPG-29 Vampir
RPG-29 Vampir rocket launcher with PG-29V rocket shown alongside.
Source: US DoD -
© Public domain
Russia - Bazalt
Brazil - Avibras
Mexico - SEDENA
Vietnam
Russian for “vampire”
6G20 ( GRAU index)
SCT-29 (Vietnam)
Syria
Description
Introduction
The RPG-29 is a late Cold War era rocket launcher of Soviet origin. It is one of the last anti-armor weapons developed in the USSR. The RPG-29 is a capable system at the cost of size and weight. The reusable launcher is often taller than the operator.
Design
The RPG-29 is based around a reusable launcher consisting of two tubes joined in the center. A mechanical sight, pistol grip and foldable bipod are fitted. Normally a 1P38 2.7x optical sight is used. Optionally a 1PN51-2 night sight can be fitted. The 105mm rockets are loaded by the assistant from the rear. Upon launch the rocket burns within the tube. The launch is reportedly quite violent.
Firepower
The RPG-29 is mainly used in the anti-armor role with PG-29V rocket, which has the same tandem HEAT warhead as the PG-7VR. The RPG-29 can fire this heavy warhead with better accuracy and range than the RPG-7. With optical sights the effective range is 300 meters against moving targets and up to 500 meters against stationary targets, versus 150 meters for the PG-7VR. In the infantry support role the TBG-29V thermobaric warhead can be used against infantry in the open and in buildings.
Users
Few RPG-29 were acquired by the USSR before it dissolved. Most export sales and domestic use started in the 2000's. Various nations acquired quantities of RPG-29 and local manufacturing rights. In the Middle East irregular forces have used the RPG-29 in various conflicts, scoring some hits and (mobility) kills against modern tank designs.
System composition
RPG-29 Vampir
Several RPG-29 Vampir rocket launchers resting on their bipod. Three rocket ammunition backpack shown alongside.
Source: J. Montes -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Reusable launcher
The RPG-29 is based around a reusable launch tube. For transportation it can be stowed in two pieces. It takes about 35 seconds by a two man crew to assemble the launcher and make it ready to fire.
List of rocket types
Details
Media
RPG-29 Vampir
Mexican soldiers with RPG-29 Vampir rocket launchers and ammunition backpacks on parade.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
SCT-29
Vietnamese soldier with RPG-29 Vampir, known locally as SCT-29.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
RPG-29 Vampir
Mexican soldiers with RPG-29 Vampir rocket launchers and ammunition backpacks on parade.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
RPG-29 Vampir
Mexican soldiers with RPG-29 Vampir rocket launchers and ammunition backpacks on parade.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner