RPG-18 (Mukha)

RPG-18 (Mukha) Story

Like the M72 LAW in the West, the Soviet Army during the Cold War (1947-1991) employed the RPG-18 "Mukha" light, single-use anti-tank (AT) weapon. Similar in form and function to the M72, the system provides devastating close-range firepower against armored vehicles and fortifications.

The RPG-18 was eventually replaced by the more modern RPG-22 series of rocket launchers released in 1985. The RPG-22 continued the single-use characteristics of the RPG-18, but fired a larger, unguided, tail-stabilized missile.

The RPG-18 weighs 1.4kg when travelling folded, this weight increases to 2.5kg when the system is activated. Overall length is 705mm when folded and 1,050mm when ready to fire.

Only one operator is required to use this portable weapon system, and the disposable nature of the RPG-18 means that operators can bring multiple RPG-18s into combat.

The RPG-18 fires a 64mm rocket with a HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) warhead capable of providing up to 300mm of Rolling Homogeneous Armor (RHA) armor (though conventional armor goes up to 375mm) , effective range up to 200 meters (or 6 seconds after launch to ensure detonation). Bricks up to 1,000mm can also be damaged.

The muzzle velocity of the ejected projectile is 115 meters per second. The missile is detonated by a shock fuze design when it reaches its target. The launch tube itself contains the optics (front and rear hinged) and shoulder straps to aid in carrying the gun on the march.

The RPG-18 launch tube is prepackaged and ready to launch, the missile is located in the body of the inflatable launch tube. Hinged covers cover both ends of the transmitter to keep dust and dirt out.

The RPG-18 was in circulation from 1972 to 1990.

Specification

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Dimensions

Performance

Changes