American Constructed RPG-7s Being Used In Ukraine In opposition to Russians


Copy Cat

Generally battle is a sophisticated factor.

I reported on SOFREP some time again on the US supplying Mi-27 Russian helicopters to the Ukrainians to make use of towards the Russians. At present I’m speaking about American Constructed RPG-7s, equipped to Ukraine from the US and supposedly getting used to take out Russian Tools. “However,” you say, scratching your head, “everybody is aware of that RPGs are Russian-designed weapons; what the hell are you speaking about?”

Learn on and permit me to elucidate.

A Ukraine Nationwide Guard soldier gripping an American-made RPG-7 clone. Picture Credit score: weaponews.com

When is an RPG-7 Not an RPG-7?

Reply: When it’s a PSRL-1, made within the USA. It’s a Precision Shoulder-fired Rocket Launcher, and we ripped the thought for this proper out of the again catalog of tried and true Soviet-era weapons and Americanized the hell out of it. Since 1961, greater than 9 million RPG-7s have been made, making it probably the most produced anti-armor weapon ever.

A Texas-based firm, AirTronic USA developed what they discuss with as a modernized model of the venerable RPG-7 and gave it the considerably unimaginative nickname of RPG-7USA. It was developed in coordination with and have become a program of report of the US Particular Operations Command (USSOCOM) in 2015. The primary confirmed gross sales of the completed product have been to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2017 (500 items). These have been reportedly utilized in fight for the primary time shortly after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

One of the vital iconic weapons utilized in fashionable warfare. Video courtesy of YouTube and US Navy News.

The American RPG-7 is barely lighter than its Russian counterpart at 14 lbs, and it’s made out of 4140/4150 ordnance-grade metal giving it a 1,000 spherical lifespan. The speed of fireside for a motivated consumer is 3-4 rounds per minute. In comparison with the unique RPG-7, the PSRL has Picatinny rails for mounting optics and accesso

In response to the producer, quite a lot of sights can be utilized with this weapon:

  • 3×24 Sightmark Wolfhound Prismatic Weapons Sight with Customized RPG BDC Reticle
  • 3x5x35 Trijicon ACOG TA11 Scope with Customized RPG BDC Reticle
  • Flip-up Again-up Iron Sights on Picatinny Rail (Customary)
  • 12x Pulsar Path XP-50 Thermal Sight (800m vary)
  • 10x Pulsar Path XP-30 Thermal Sight (500m vary)

When magnifying optical sights are added for long-range firing, the chance of attaining a direct hit at 800 meters is 90%.  That is twice the gap of different non-‘murican RPGs.

Who Do We Share This Weapons System With?

We at present promote to (or provide) Ukraine, Peru, and the Philippine navy forces with these. I assumed that was an fascinating combine.

The Russians managed to get their palms on some following the battle for the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine. The captured weapons are proven within the Twitter submit beneath as they have been displayed on Russian Tv.

Picture courtesy of Twitter and @historicfirearm

So, in concept, Russians may very well be utilizing American-made RPG-7s towards American-backed Ukrainian forces in Ukraine.

I’d name {that a} full circle.

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