Non-Subscriber Extract
Thermobaric warhead for RPG-7
- Article Tools
| 5 January 2001 |
Bulgaria
has recently developed the GTB-7G grenade with a thermobaric warhead, introducing
the potential to expand the basic RPG-7 Knut (Knout) portable rocket launcher
into a true multipurpose weapon. The
thermobaric warhead utilizes an advanced form of the fuel-air explosive
concept.
The contents of the 93mm diameter warhead are scattered in an aerosol form
on impact and then ignited to create a rapidly-formed, high-pressure blast
wave, equivalent to that produced by the detonation of 2kg of TNT.
The blast effect is such that significant damage can be inflicted on structures,
including field fortifications, and lightly armored vehicles.
When launched from an RPG-7 the GTB-7G grenade has a maximum direct-fire
range of 200m, with an initial velocity of 66m/sec (the maximum possible
range is 1,000m). The grenade weighs 4.7kg and is 1.12m long. It can be
utilized with any RPG-7 launcher once the necessary sight adjustments have
been made.
Other recently developed alternative warhead grenades for the fin-stabilized
rocket have included variations of anti-personnel HE-FRAG.
The manufacturers are the Vazovski Mashinostroitelni Zavodi (Vazov Engineering
Plant), based at Sopot.
The RGP-7 rocket launcher is in worldwide use and the GTB-7G grenade is
now on offer for export.
 |
| The Bulgarian GTB-7G rocket grenade on the left reveals its long domed thermobaric warhead. On the right is an OG-7VE grenade with an anti-personnel HE-FRAG warhead, also from Bulgaria. (Source: Terry J Gander) |