In the early 70s, Soviet engineers in the field of weapons were developing anti-tank grenade launchers. Several good models were created, and as a result of military tests, the RPG-18 rocket launcher "Fly" was chosen. Later, he entered service with the entire Soviet Army.
Grenade launcher "Fly" was designed to combat vehicles, tanks, artillery and all types of armored vehicles. In addition, it was often used to destroy enemy manpower. Grenade launchers of this type are delivered to
military units in special boxes containing 8 weapons each. Each RPG is carefully packaged and protected by a case. Together with combat models, training manuals and training ammunition have been developed.
The weapon was purely individual, the grenade launcher passed a short course of use. Since the grenade launcher "Fly" was available in all parts of the Soviet Army, the briefing was carried out constantly. When using weapons, certain safety rules must be observed. You cannot shoot when the shooter has an obstacle closer than two meters away and people are closer than thirty meters away.
The RPG barrel consists of two connected cylindrical parts, which allow to reduce the length of the weapon for long-term transportation. The maximum length in operational readiness is 1050 mm. Preparing for the battle takes place by pulling the rear tube out of the main cylindrical part - the barrel grows, and the "Fly" grenade launcher goes into combat mode. In this case, the trigger mechanism, the sight and the front cover of the barrel take a fighting position. If the shooter loaded the gun, then it must be used in any case, even if the combat situation does not require intervention. This is due to the fact that pulling out a grenade or trying to disassemble the mechanism of a weapon is unsafe and forbidden.
For safety reasons, the Fly grenade launcher is equipped with a safety mechanism that helps the shooter to change position. The weapon is very sensitive, which is why the developed protection and rules of use are simply necessary both in combat and in training conditions.
One of the main advantages of weapons is the lack of recoil. The open back of the barrel provides a passage for powder gases, when fired from an RPG, the recoil action is reduced to zero.
The fuse closed by the slide plate is located at the rear of the trigger. At the time of the shot, the flame from the igniter ignites the ammunition jet engine , thereby pushing the grenade out of the barrel. The maximum efficiency of the projectile is maintained at a range of up to 135 meters, but at the same time the power of the combustible charge allows firing at targets located within a radius of 200 meters.
The history of the grenade launcher characterizes it as a model of effective weapons of the 20th century. RPG was used in many military operations, where once again proved its main mission. The charge power of a rocket of the 70s is still capable of penetrating modern armored vehicles.