The RPG-18 Mukha (Russian: Муха, romanized:Fly) is a Soviet short-range, disposable light anti-tankrocket launcher designed in 1972, based on the American M72 LAW. The RPG-18 has been in service in over 20 conflicts and used by over 20 armed forces across the world.
History
RPG-18 (bottom) with comparable Soviet/Russian rocket launchersAn RPG-18 attached to a drone
The RPG-18 is very similar to the US M72-series LAWanti-tank rocket launcher,[2] with captured examples during the Vietnam War likely being sent to the Soviet Union.[3][4] The RPG-18 has been succeeded by the RPG-22, a very similar design with a larger warhead.
Description
The RPG-18 fires a 64mm PG-18high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead mounted on a small rocket able to engage targets within 200 meters. The warhead self-destructs six seconds after launch, placing a limit on range even if a sight was used that was effective with targets beyond 200 meters.[5]
The RPG-18 can penetrate up to 300 mm of conventional vehicle armor (RHA); up to 500 mm of reinforced concrete; and up to 1,000 mm of brickwork.[6] However, performance is significantly lessened when the RPG-18 is used against targets protected by HEAT-resistant explosive reactive armour (ERA) or composite armor.[7]
Unlike similar weapons, the RPG-18 requires only one operator as it is not reloadable.[6]
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