The RPG-18 Mukha () is a Soviet short-range, disposable light anti-tank rocket launcher designed in 1972, based on the American M72 LAW. The RPG-18 has been in service in over 20 conflicts and used by over 20 armed forces across the world.
History
The RPG-18 is very similar to the US M72-series LAW anti-tank rocket launcher, with captured examples during the Vietnam War likely being sent to the Soviet Union. The RPG-18 has been succeeded by the RPG-22, a very similar design with a larger warhead.
Description The RPG-18 fires a 64 mm PG-18 high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead mounted on a small rocket able to engage targets within 200 meters. The warhead self-destructs six seconds after launch, placing a limit on range even if a sight was used that was effective with targets beyond 200 meters.
The RPG-18 can penetrate up to 300 mm of conventional vehicle armor (RHA); up to 500 mm of reinforced concrete; and up to 1,000 mm of brickwork. However, performance is significantly lessened when the RPG-18 is used against targets protected by HEAT-resistant explosive reactive armour (ERA) or composite armor.
Unlike similar weapons, the RPG-18 requires only one operator as it is not reloadable.
Users
Hamas Iraqi insurgents
Free Syrian Army
Former users Chechen Republic of Ichkeria Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda : Used by DPR forces during the War in Donbas and the Russian invasion of Ukraine before their annexation by Russia in November 2022. Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) "Kampfschwimmerkommando (KSK-18): Bojoví plavci východního Německa" (in Czech). Army Web. 2020-08-26. Retrieved 2023-07-11. : Sandinista Popular Army : Passed on to successor states. Real Irish Republican Army
See also
References
General Jones, Richard. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005–06. Coulsdon: Jane's, 2005. .
External links
RPG-18 Modern Firearms Military-Today Weapon Systems Military Factory