Soviet Union - RPG-18 Mukha Light Anti-Armor Weapon |
| Written by Marcia Malory | ||
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The RPG-18 Mukha light anti-armor weapon is a disposable, telescopic shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon that was adopted by the Soviet Union in 1972 and was used by the Russian Army until the 1990s. Basically a copy of the American M-72, the RPG-18 Mukha (Mukha means "fly") is now considered obsolete. The RPG-18 weighs only 8.82 pounds (4kg) and is only 27.76 inches (705mm) when folded. When loaded, it weighs 13.67 pounds (6.2kg). Its compact size and light weight allowed the Mukha to be carried by one infantryman. It was suitable for various roles, such as engaging light AFVs or blasting clearings through buildings during street fights.
The RPG-18 Mukha light anti-armor weapon has basic pop-up sights that are graduated at 164 foot (50m) intervals to a range of 656 feet (200m). The 2.52 inch (64mm) caliber projectile weighed 5.51pounds (2.5kg) and is launched with a muzzle velocity of 374ft/s (114m/s). It is capable of penetrating up to 11.8 inches (300mm) of armor.
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The launcher is preloaded with a PG-18 rocket. When the bayonet catch is released, the two halves of the RPG-18 extended to reach a firing length of 39.37 inches (1000mm).