Non-Subscriber Extract
China unveils new portable thermobaric rocket
- Article Tools
| 19 March 2007 |
China unveils new portable thermobaric rocket
By Christopher F Foss
China's Xinshidai Company has developed a new thermobaric unguided rocket that can be fired from the widely deployed Russian-developed RPG-7 manportable rocket launcher.
Designated the WPF 2004, the fin-stabilised rocket has a launch weight of 3.2 kg and becomes armed 35 m to 50 m from the launcher. Muzzle velocity is 89 m/s with an effective accurate range quoted as 200 m against a 0.45x0.45 m target.
Operational experience has shown that traditional RPG-7 anti-armour rockets are not optimised for urban or counter insurgency-type missions and, therefore, an increasing number of countries are now fielding thermobaric (fuel air explosive) weapons of various types. These are not only highly effective against buildings but also prove a threat to forces deployed in bunkers and caves.
123 of 277 words
© 2007 Jane's Information Group
[End of non-subscriber extract]
Customers with a paid subscription to International Defence Review can access the full article here.
If you would like to subscribe, please see our products section for more information and pricing on International Defence Review