Diagram of the RPG-7
The RPG-7 Rocket Launcher, aka RPG, is the explosive weapon of the Somali Pirates, a Russian-made anti-tank grenade launcher that can pierce the steel hull of any tanker.
Stats[]
- First Used: 1961
- Range: 920 yards
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Length: 37.4 inches
- Caliber: 40mm
- Ammunition: Shaped high explosive
- Muzzle Velocity: 257.25 mph
Uses[]
Tanks were first introduced during the middle of WWI: with the British introducing their MK-I Tank (dubbed Big Willie) in August of 1916 and deploying them in The Battle of Flers–Courcelette in Mid-September 1916. Anti-Tank rockets were almost introduced by Dr. Robert H. Goddard; but WWI ended before his prototypes were completed.
WWI was considered to be 'The War To End All Wars' and so military development was relatively limited until WWII. The USA introduced the M1 Bazooka in 1942; arguably the most effective small-arms anti-tank weapon of the entire war.
The RPG-7 model of rocket launchers was created in 1961. Previous prototypes existed before, but ultimately the RPG-7's design was the most successful.
Owing to its ruggedness, low cost (about $2000 in 2018), and effectiveness; the RPG-7 is the most widely used anti-tank weapon in the world and is still mass-produced today. It is used in over 40 nations and is popular with irregular and guerilla forces. It is relatively easy to use, and can be used accurately at distances of 100 meters with no prior training. There is an estimated 9 million RPG-7s that have been sold as of 2012.
In show[]
In Taliban vs IRA[]
This weapon was paired against the LPO-50 Flamethrower. The LPO-50 (or rather, since the LPO-50 is banned in the US, a substitute flamethrower) burnt its targets at temperatures of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the effective range (920 meters), explosion radius, and killing power of the RPG-7 were unquestionable, giving it the edge in mid-range weapons.
In Somali Pirate vs Medellin Cartel[]
This weapon was tested against the Car Bomb. Although the RPG-7 was portable and could be fired repeatedly at a distance, the edge was given to the car bomb for its better chance at killing multiple targets with its larger explosive payload.
Trivia[]
- Saddam Hussein personally tested out RPGs during the Iraq-Iran War. [1]