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WASP 58

1987 COLD WAR MODERN

History of the WASP 58

The WASP 58 was a private venture product of French Luchaire SA, designed to provide a low-cost alternative to modern shoulder-fired anti-tank launchers in the 1970s and 1980s, themselves An attempt to overthrow the popular and effective M72 LAW system of the 1960s. The WASP 58 has managed to sell nearly 500,000 units and is locally produced in countries such as Greece.

The weapon is still in circulation today (2014) and is used by French special forces, among others.

The WASP 58 is based on a recoilless device that allows the use of light launch tubes. As the rocket ejects from the muzzle, the propellant gas can escape through the back of the tubethe result is much less recoil on the weapon and operator. Luchaire has thus created a useful product that is both cheap and lightweight.

Padding has been added to both ends of the launch tube and other support points on the weapon for some comfort and to incorporate the scope into the design. Only 58mm in caliber, the projectile is a 615g HEAT anti-tank warhead missile capable of penetrating armor (400mm) and concrete surfaces (800mm) from a distance, and also allows the weapon to be fired from tight spaces.

Time has begun to limit the value of the WASP 58 on the modern battlefield, as it is not as penetrating as more modern MBTs, but it can still perform as it was intended for older tanks/armored vehicles and fortifications.

The Luchaire SA brand is now the Nexter name.