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RPG-26

1970 COLD WAR MODERN RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

History of the RPG-26

The RPG-26 (Rocket Propelled Grenade 26) was a one-off, one-off anti-tank solution developed for the Red Army during the Cold War. The weapon consists of an unassuming cylindrical launch tube that houses 72.5mm anti-tank missiles. The missile is designed with spring-driven stabilizing fins that pop out once the missile leaves the launch tube during launch. The shaped charge warhead is capable of penetrating, it can penetrate approximately 440 mm thick armor at an effective range of 250 meters.

In addition to its anti-tank function, the weapon can also be used to attack fortifications if necessary. The total length of the launch system is 770 mm and the total weight is 2.9 kg.

The RShG-2 is a variant of the RPG-26 base system, using the same form and function as the original design. However, the missile is equipped with a thermobaric warhead and the entire system weighs 3.5 kg. This solution also has a shorter range, as its effect is limited to targets within 115 yards.

Overall, the RPG-26 family of anti-tank solutions is comparable to the American M72 LAW, another one-off anti-tank weapon system using spring-loaded, tail-stabilized 66mm rockets that has Used by the West during the American Cold War.