Practical Guide to the Operational Use of the RPG-7 Grenade Launcher. Erik Lawrence
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Practical Guide to the Operational Use of the RPG-7 Rocket-Propelled Grenade Launcher
by
Erik Lawrence
Practical Guide to the Operational Use of the RPG-7
By Erik Lawrence
Copyright ©2014 Erik Lawrence
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. Exceptions to this include reviewers who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Internet. For information, please contact:
Erik Lawrence
P.O. Box 519
Philippi, WV 26416
Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information contained in this book, we assume no responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book .errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. Portions of this manual are excerpts from outside sources but have been validated and modified as necessary.
Published in eBook format by Erik Lawrence Publications
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EBOOK – ISBN-13: 978-1-941998-23-6
ATTENTION US MILITARY UNITS, US GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: Quantity discounts are available on bulk purchases of this book. Special books or book excerpts can also be created to fit specific needs. For information, please contact:
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Philippi, WV 26416
CREDITS:
Wikipedia contributors, "Main Page," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Main_Page&oldid=83971314 (accessed October 7, 2006).
Rocket Propelled Grenade Launchers are potentially dangerous and must be handled responsibly by individuals. The technical information presented in this manual on the use of the RPG-7 reflects the author’s research, beliefs, and experiences. The information in this book is presented for academic study only. Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of information contained in this book.
SAFETY NOTICE
Before starting an inspection, ensure the weapon is cleared. Do not manipulate the trigger until the weapon has been cleared of all ammunition. Inspect the chamber to ensure that it is empty and no ammunition is present. Keep the weapon oriented in a safe direction when loading and handling.
AMMUNITION NOTICE - these weapons fires multiple types of rockets and they must come from trusted sources, never fire captured rockets. Know the capabilities and limitation of each type of rocket. Firing the incorrect ammunition will damage the weapon and possibly injure the operator/assistant operator.
Training should be received from knowledgeable and experienced operators on this particular weapons system. Vigilant Security Services, LLC provides this training and continually perfects its instruction with up-to-date information from actual use.
Section 1
The objective of this manual is to allow the reader to be able to competently use the RPG-7 weapon systems. The manual will give the reader background/specifications of the weapon, instruct on its operation, disassembly and assembly, proper firing procedure, and malfunction/misfire procedures. Operator level maintenance will also be detailed to allow the reader to fully understand and become competent in the use and maintenance of the RPG-7.
Figure 1-1 RPG-7 Light Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher
The RPG-7 are reliable recoilless weapons for destroying tanks, self-propelled artillery units and other armored vehicles of the enemy, as well as the enemy's manpower in open and in armored shelters. This manual was developed to gather, translate and inform users of the basics of the launcher system.
Background
RPG translates to both English Rocket-Propelled Grenade and Russian as Raketniy Protivotankoviy Granatomet, "a rocket anti-tank grenade launcher." It was derived through the RPG-2 from the WWII German Panzerfaust. The RPG-7 is a recoilless, shoulder-fired, muzzle-loaded, reloadable, antitank grenade launcher. It fires a variety of 85-mm rocket-assisted grenades from a 40-mm smoothbore launcher tube. The launcher has two hand grips, a large optical sight, a wooden heat guard around the middle, and a flared blast shield at the rear of the tube. The launcher is 953 mm long without grenade and 1,340 mm with the rocket. The launcher weighs 7.9 kg and the grenade 2.25 kg. The RPG-7 is light enough to be carried and fired by one person. However, an assistant grenadier normally deploys to the left of the gunner to protect him from small arms fire. The RPG-7 was employed as the standard squad antitank weapon (one per squad) in motorized rifle units and is also found in reconnaissance units.
The internal rocket motor of the PG-7 grenade ignites after traveling 10 meters, giving the projectile higher velocity (sustained out to 500 meters), flatter trajectory, and better accuracy. Accuracy is further enhanced by four large knife-like fins at the rear of the projectile which unfold when the round leaves the tube, and by smaller, offset fins at the very rear, which produce a slow rotation. The maximum effective range is 500 meters for stationary targets and 300 meters for moving targets. Maximum range is 900 meters at which point the projectile self-destructs. The PG-7 grenade, with a shaped-charge warhead, has very good armor penetration (330 mm), capable of defeatig all known armored vehicles. The RPG-7V model can be fitted with a telescope and both infrared and passive night sights. All RPG-7 models have an optical sight that can be illuminated for night sighting, and open sights are provided for emergency use.
The RPG-7V requires a well-trained gunner to estimate ranges and lead distances for moving targets. Crosswinds as low as 7 miles per hour can complicate the gunner's estimate and reduce first-round hit probability to 50% at ranges beyond 180 meters. An RPG projectile screen of chain link fence will completely neutralize 50 percent of the rounds and degrade the penetrating capability of the remaining rounds. Reloading and re-aiming the RPG-7 requires a minimum of 14 seconds. Firing leaves noticeable signatures in the form of flash, smoke, and noise, and the unprotected gunner is extremely vulnerable to suppressive fires. In addition to the AT role, it can be used against personnel and for defeating cover. Several countries have developed rounds for RPG-7V.
The grenade launcher is serviced by the gunner and his assistant. The gunner fires the grenade launcher and carriers it with a sling. He also has a carrier containing two rounds, spare parts, tools and accessories
The assistant gunner helps the gunner during delivery of the fire and also carries a carrier with three rounds. When necessary, the assistant gunner