Click on photo for a larger image
The RPG-7 (CHICOM Type-69) is a muzzle loaded, shoulder fired antitank grenade launcher. The VC and NVA used the RPG7V, a Soviet produced short-range, anti-armour, rocket-propelled grenade, against armoured vehicles, defensive positions, personnel and even helicopters. This smoothbore, recoilless weapon consists of a launcher tube fitted with a simple iron sight or a more sophisticated telescopic range-finding sight, and a HEAT rocket grenade projectile with a caliber of 40mm. The RPG-7 has an effective range of 300 meters against moving targets and up to 500 meters against stationary targets. The projectile explodes either on impact or at its maximum range of 920 meters.
The two
distinctly different types of RPGs were the earlier RPG-2 and the later more
advanced RPG-7. The two RPG-2's in this photo are different in that the top one
has a wooden heat shield and the bottom example has a fiberglass heatshield. I
believe that both the RPG-2's were ChiCom made and the RPG-7 was Soviet. The
RPG-7 which weighs 14.5 pounds has a distinctive funnel flare at the tail end
and also has two hand grips instead of the one. The 7 also had a mount for a
scope, was more accurate, longer range and the rocket also had an internal fuse
burnout airburst capability. (not many people know that fact). Both types of
RPG's were primarily intended as a light anti-tank weapons, but in Vietnam and
elsewhere since, they have been used as a very effective psychological terror
weapon because of the tremendous blast and noise. The rocket is a thin metal
skinned shaped charge that will penetrate light armor from 6 to 14 inches thick.
Used against ground troops and bunkers, it was effective in direct hits, but
there was not much schrapnel unless one was near the point of impact. The RPG-2
weighs 6.3 pounds and has a range of about 100 meters. It was also known as the
B-40. The Rockets were also different. The RPG-2 had fin stabilized rockets with
screw on booster charges. The RPG-7 rocket had no fins and was gas stabilized.
The RPG-2 has a gas escape hole on the right side of the weapon and will cause
severe injury or death if fired from the left shoulder. NVA usually carried one
of these RPG's per squad with spare rounds being carried by other soldiers. A
good RPG gunner could fire 5 to 6 rounds in a minute. Bob Suchke