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Old 7th Feb 2008, 22:21
  #39 (permalink)  
rigpiggy
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Minigundiplomat, Maybe you meant a SA-7?

As with similar weapons, the RPG grenade protrudes from the launch tubes. It is 70-85 mm in diameter and weighs between 2.5 and 4.5 kg. It is propelled by a gunpowder booster charge at 115 m/s, which creates a cloud of light grey-blue smoke. The rocket motor ignites after 10 meters and sustains flight out to 500 meters at a maximum velocity of 295 m/s. The grenade is stabilized by two sets of fins that deploy in-flight: one large set on the stabilizer pipe to maintain direction and a smaller front set to induce rotation. The grenade can fly up to 1100 meters; the fuze sets the maximum range, usually 920 m.

Accurate firing is difficult over 300 m and with the RPG-7 the phrase "the closer the better" is always true. During the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan the mujahideen tended to use the weapon at ranges of less than 80 m.

The Afghans did develop a novel approach using the grenade self destruct mechanism, by volleying 5 or more shots in the same area/time, and trying for an improvised airburst effect
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