FT5
Overview
FT5
Left side view of FT5 with round inserted.
Source: User exT70 @ www.militaryphotos.net -
© copyright lies with original owner
Description
Introduction
The FT5 is a reusable rocket launcher of South African origin. It was developed in the late 1980's in order to be self sufficient and as a potent weapon against the Soviet T-72 main battle tank.
Design
The FT5 is based on the design of the French LRAC, but has a slightly larger diameter. The single piece launch tube features a shoulder rest, carry handle, trigger unit and detachable optical sight. The ammunition is contained in canisters that double as launch tube. These are inserted in the rear by the second operator.
Firepower
The FT5 fires anti-tank and bunker buster warheads. The HEAT warhead has a penetration of 650 mm RHA. Accuracy is reported to be very good, much better compared to the RPG-7. At 400 meters the hit probability against a stationary 1.5 by 1.5 meter target is 98 percent.
Users
The FT5 was only used by South Africa. Over 1.000 launchers have been produced. Although designed as a more capable alternative to the RPG-7, it was phased out in 2007 in favor of the RPG-7 since it proved too expensive.
System composition
FT5 launcher
The FT5 is a reusable rocket launcher. The single piece launch tube features a shoulder rest, carry handle, trigger unit and detachable sight. The sight is carried in the launch tube for protection and improved portability. The ammunition is contained in canisters that double as launch tube. These are inserted in the rear by the second operator. The launcher can be used about 200 times. A 7.62mm sub caliber training kit is available as well.
Ammunition
HEAT: Standard warhead for anti-tank use. Has a 92mm caliber and a shaped charge warhead with impact fuse.
HE-MP: Bunker buster round for use against fortifications, soft skin vehicles and infantry in the open. Has a larger 95mm warhead with a delayed impact fuse.
Details
Media
FT5
FT5 being fired.
Source: Somchem
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
FT5
FT5 being reloaded.
Source: Somchem
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
FT5
South African soldiers with FT5 in the field.
Source: Somchem
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
FT5
South African soldier with FT5.
Source: User exT70 @ www.militaryphotos.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
FT5
South African soldier with FT5 in the field.
Source: South African Army
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
LRAC
The design of the FT-5 is based on the French LRAC / Strim. The FT-5 is a larger, more expensive and more capable derivative.
RPG-7
Although designed as a more capable alternative to the RPG-7, the FT-5 proved bulkier and more expensive and never fully replaced the RPG-7 in South African service.
M20 Super Bazooka
The FT-5 replaced the last of the M20 Super Bazooka in South African service and proved a quantum leap in performance.