Practical Guide to the Operational Use of the RPG-7 Grenade Launcher. Erik Lawrence

      Combat Characteristics

      The launcher employs a spigot-type shape-charge grenade. The most effective fire from this grenade launcher is delivered at armored targets at a range of 330 meters. The sighting range of fire is 500 meters. The rate of fire is 4 to 6 rounds per minute.

      Characteristics of the Launcher, 40 mm, RPG-7, Light Antitank Grenade (Soviet); Sight, Optical PGO

      Launcher Nomenclature

      Figure 1-3 Launcher main parts

1. Barrel	4. Safety Lock
2. Open Sight	5. Striker (hammer)
3. Trigger	6. Telescopic Sight

      Grenade Nomenclature

      Figure 1-4 The rocket assisted grenade consists of the following main parts

1. Nose portion with explosive “warhead”	5. Shipping cap, protects threads
2. Fuse with safety cap	6. Rocket booster and stabilizer (located in the powder charge)
3. Tab to safety clip to retain safety nose cup
4. Sustainer motor	7. Booster plastic shipping tube

      Safety When Handling Rounds

      •To avoid damage and possible detonation, do not drop the grenades, powder charge, and assemble rounds.

      •Carry grenades and their charges in the authorized carriers or packing.

      •Protect the grenades and powder charges from moisture, dampness, and direct sunlight.

      •Open the case and remove the booster section only before firing. If a grenade prepared for firing is not to be used, unscrew the booster section off the grenade, place it back in the plastic packaging tube to protect the booster thoroughly from damage, moisture, and dampness. Screw the protective cap back onto the rear of the grenade.

      •Remove the safety cap from the fuse nose only before loading the grenade launcher. If the grenade has not been fired, fit the safety cap onto the fuse diaphragm for proper restorage.

      •Protective caps, safety caps and pins should be kept until after the warhead is fired.

      •When firing in rain and hail, do not remove the safety cap from the nose of the fuse. This will prevent premature detonation.

      •Keep the grenades and boosters in sub units stored in a cool and dry area, out of direct sunlight to avoid deterioration of the explosives.

      Figure 1-5 Assistant Gunner’s Equipment Backpack

1. Rocket

2. Booster