RPG-27 (Tavolga)

History

World War II (1939-1945) cemented tanks as a central component of land warfare. This in turn has led to anti-armor solutions coinciding with advances in missile technology and the portability of systems focused on armor-piercing weapons, such as the German "Panzerfaust" and the American "BAZOOKA" series (available elsewhere on this site details) description). After the end of World War II, with the relative stalemate of the Cold War between the East and the West, the two sides continued to develop tank killing measures, and the Soviet Union developed a complete set of "RPG" (rocket-propelled grenade) arms.

Portable firearms.

In the late 1980s, the RPG-27 ("Tavolga" = "Grassy Meadow") became the latest addition to the family series that began with the RPG-2 in 1954. While the RPG-2 uses reusable launch tubes, a subset of anti-tank (AT) weapons rely on the single-shot approach of disposable launch tubes. This allows the operator to carry several weapons (usually three) into battle and "lighten the load" as the battle progresses.

Examples of this form are RPG-18, RPG-22, RPG-26 and - the focus of this article - RPG-27.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service

1989

Origins

Soviet Union

Categories

Portable rocket-propelled grenade

Manufacturer

State Research and Production Enterprise (Bazalt) / Rosoboronexport (ROE) - USSR / Russia

Operators

Jordan; Russia; USSR (formerly)

ROLLING

Anti-Tank/Anti-Tank/Anti-Material

Designed for long-range engagement and defeating armored/enemy tanks.

Special Forces

The quality of this weapon has proven its value to Special Forces who need a versatile and reliable solution to the rigors of special operations.

Special weapons for specific characters on the battlefield.

Asymmetric War

Design is highly variable/cheap depending on battlefield requirements and available materials; common use is in urban environments against organized enemies to inflict mass casualties.

Notable Features

Portable

Despite its size/weight, the product can be transported on foot.

Anti-Armor

Inherent ability to fight/defeat armored targets within range.

Bunker Breaker

Ability to defeat fortified/reinforced structures.

Iron Mask

Support for "iron sights" for inherent accuracy within a range.

Guerrilla War

The ease of use coupled with the relative simplicity of combining components makes this entry a cost-effective solution to unconventional elements/forces.

Shock detonation

The explosion of this entry depends on the impact with the target/target area; typical mass for direct fire weapons (rockets/rocket launchers).

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,155 mm

45. 47 inches

Barrel length

1,155 mm

45. 47 inches

Cured weight

16.76 lbs

7.60 kg

Attractions

Before and after ironing.

Action

Trigger pressed; single shot.

Shock detonation

Design relies on impact with detonating target.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

105mm

Circle/Feed

Single-shot disposable launch tube.

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

655 feet

(200m | 218m)

Rate of fire

1

Number of revolutions

Mile speed

395 ft/s

(120m/s)

VARIANTS

RPG-27 ("Tavolga") - Name of the base series. RShG-1 ("Reaktivnaya Shturmovaya Granata") - 2011 development of thermobaric warhead; uses light armor. RMG ("Reaktivnaya Mnogotselevaya Granata") - Multipurpose/Multipurpose variant.