LAW-80

Overview

LAW-80

UK soldier with LAW-80. Note the spotting rifle underneath the launch tube.
Source: www.eggy.egloos.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin

United Kingdom

Type

Rocket launcher (disposable)

Entered service

1987

Status

In service

Development

Late 1970's - mid 1980's

Developer

United Kingdom - Hunting Engineering

Production

1987 - 1993

Producer

United Kingdom - Hunting Engineering

Number produced

About 113.000

Designation

LAW-80 / Light Anti-tank Weapon of the 80's
Acronym
LAW 94
Unofficial nickname

Description

Introduction

The LAW-80 is a rocket launcher of UK origin. LAW-80 stands for "Light Anti-tank Weapon of the 80's". It was developed to replace both the very portable LAW and very heavy reusable Carl Gustav. Development started in the late 1970's and lasted until the mid 1980's. It proved difficult to produce a portable weapon with good range and penetration.

Design

The LAW-80 is a disposable single shot rocket launcher. It has an extendable launch tube reminiscent of the smaller and older US produced LAW. The sight unit is installed on the left side in the middle of the outer tube. A spotting rifle with five rounds of tracer ammunition is an integral part of the rifle, making it heavier and more expensive. The drawbacks are offset by the increased hit ratio, requiring less rockets during a typical engagement. The rocket fired by the LAW-80 has a HEAT warhead and is stabilized by four folding fins.

Firepower

The LAW-80 has a good penetration, piecing over 700mm RHA. This allows it to take out any Soviet tank without ERA, even over the frontal arc. The maximum effective range is 500 meters, which is good for a disposable weapon. The spotting rifle aids in a good first round hit probability.

Users

The main user of the LAW-80 was the UK military. The LAW-80 replaced the LAW and Carl Gustav in British service. The LAW-80 itself is being replaced by the MBT LAW. The AT-4 was acquired as an interim solution. The LAW-80 was also acquired by several nations in the Middle East and Africa.