RPG-22

The Soviet RPG-22 Netto is a one-shot disposable anti-tank rocket launcher first deployed in 1985, based on the RPG-18 rocket launcher, but firing a larger 72.5 mm fin stabilised projectile. The weapon fires an unguided projectile, can be prepared to fire in around 10 seconds, and can penetrate 400 mm of armour, 1.2 metres of brick or 1 metre of reinforced concrete.[4]

RPG-22
RPG-22 launcher
TypeDisposable Rocket-propelled grenade
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1985–present
Used bySee Operators
WarsSecond 'Ndrangheta war
Great Nordic Biker War
Soviet–Afghan War[1]
Russo-Georgian War
Iraq War
Syrian Civil War[2]
Iraqi Civil War[3]
Specifications
Mass2.8 kg (loaded)
Length785 mm (unarmed)
850 mm (ready to fire)
ShellHEAT
Caliber72.5 mm
Action400 mm: RHA
1000 mm: Concrete
1200 mm: Brick
Muzzle velocity133 m/s
Effective firing range150–200 m
Maximum firing range250 m

Operation
RPG-22 (third from the bottom) with comparable Soviet/Russian rocket launchers

The smoothbore container is made from two fibreglass parts; a main tube containing the rocket, and a telescoping forward extension, which slides over the barrel.

In transport mode, both ends of the barrel are closed by plastic covers, which open when the weapon is extended. The firing mechanism is manually cocked by raising the rear sight. Lowering the rear sight de-cocks the weapon if there is no target.

On firing, there is a backblast danger area behind the weapon, of at least 15 metres. The solid propellant motor completely burns out while the rocket is still in the barrel tube, accelerating it to about 133 metres per second. The weapon has simple pop-up sights graduated to ranges of 50, 150 and 250 metres.

To keep training costs down, a reusable RPG-22 is available that fires a 30 mm subcalibre projectile, weighing 350g, to operational ranges. Handling is identical to that of the full calibre version, with the exception of the discharge noise and backblast.

Use

On the evening of 20 September 2000, the MI6 Building in London (the headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service) was attacked by unapprehended forces using a RPG-22 anti-tank rocket, causing superficial damage.[5]

A weapons cache destined for the Real IRA that was seized in Croatia in August 2000 contained a number of RPG-22s. Prices range from £150 to £220 per weapon. The one used against the MI6 building was Russian-made, while one found at Dungannon came from Bulgaria.[6]

Operators
Map with RPG-22 operators in blue and former operators in red

Current operators

Former operators

See also

References
  1. Campbell, David (30 November 2017). Soviet Paratrooper vs Mujahideen Fighter: Afghanistan 1979–89. Combat 29. Osprey Publishing. p. 62. ISBN 9781472817648.
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRBNYDKoebU
  3. Small Arms Survey (2012). "Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms In Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia" (PDF). Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets. Cambridge University Press. p. 324. ISBN 978-0-521-19714-4. Archived from the original on 31 August 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  4. "RPG-22 Neto light anti-tank weapon (Russian Federation), Anti-tank weapons". Jane's Infantry Weapons. 11 December 2009. Archived from the original on 3 May 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  5. "'Rocket' theory over MI6 blast". BBC. 21 September 2000. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  6. "Missile launcher in attack was new to UK". The Independent. 23 September 2000. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2009.
  7. "RPG-22 NETTO". VMZ Sopot Official Website. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2012.

Reference in Print
  • Jones, Richard. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005–06. Coulsdon: Jane's, 2005. ISBN 0-7106-2694-0.

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