The Rocket Propelled Grenade by Gordon L. Rottman

Author:Gordon L. Rottman
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978 1 84908 655 4
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

A Liberian militiaman fires an RPG-7 at rebel forces in the capital, Monrovia, 2003. (Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

A US soldier watches a Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) burn after being struck by an RPG-7 round. RPGs of various types proved to be one of the major threat weapons in Iraq. (US Army/SSgt Jeffrey A. Wolfe)

THE RPG VERSUS TANKS

Tanks and other AFVs are of course the primary target for RPGs and they have enjoyed much success in their intended role. An RPG warhead may not be able to defeat the frontal armor or gun mantlet of heavier tanks, but RPG fire can be effective against the sides and rear if enough rounds are fired (although modern composite armor such as Chobham usually defeats normal HEAT warheads). Most light AFVs such as armored personnel carriers (APCs), reconnaissance vehicles, or armored cars are generally easily defeated, although some modern vehicles such as the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and others fitted with additional special armor (ceramic appliqué armor, slat-armor and/or ERA) are more difficult to knock out. The media are quick to criticize any new AFV for lacking sufficient armor to defeat RPGs and similar weapons, seemingly amazed that a projectile costing less than $100 can destroy a vehicle costing millions. In fact, no AFV can carry the necessary 355mm of armor, even on just the front part, much less all around.

Even if the hull armor is penetrated, it often requires 4–6 rounds to ensure the vehicle is effectively knocked out. This is achieved by hitting the engine, igniting the fuel, detonating ammunition, or disabling the crew. When the HEAT round pierces the hull the penetrating slug, jetlike blast, and spalled fragments travel through the vehicle on a narrow path. Crewmen and equipment within its path are destroyed, but anything outside the path suffers little. In a lightly armored AFV, such as an APC, the slug may pass completely through. AFVs receiving multiple hits and casualties among the crew have continued to operate or at least disengage under their own power. It also requires multiple hits in the running gear to disable an AFV, breaking the track, knocking off road wheels, or shredding tires.

A former Soviet lieutenant reports the first RPG-7 demonstration firing he viewed as a cadet:

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