RPG-7

Country: Russia
Type: Antitank rocket
Manufacturer: Russian state factories
Caliber: 40mm barrel, 40 to 105mm rockets (depending on type)
Mag Capacity: Single shot, reloadable
Max. effective range: 200-500m, projectile self destructs at 920m

The RPG-7 was invented in 1961 as a portable antitank weapon, and it is by far the most common AT rocket launcher in the world. Because of its short barrel the RPG-7 is somewhat inaccurate and even slight crosswinds can throw off a shot. The RPG-7 is recoilless but the backblast from the rocket is dangerous. RPG-7s are usually fitted with PGO-7 2.7x magnification optical sights. Night vision sights can also be fitted. The RPG-7D is a folding version for use by airborne troops.

There are several types of warheads for the RPG-7 besides the familiar HEAT anti-armor round. These include the OG-7 antipersonnel round, the PG-7VR double HEAT round and the TBG-7V thermobaric warhead. The RPG-7 is used by many third world armies, terrorists and guerilla forces. Some western militaries such as Israel and South Africa issued the RPG-7 as an antitank weapon for infantry, with the launchers and ammunition coming from captured stocks.

Used by:
Iraqi 36th Commando Battalion
Palestinian Liberation Organization
Panamanian Defense Forces
Somali militia
Chechen rebel groups
Iraqi insurgent groups
Taliban