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m72 rocket launcher

PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 5:12 am
by mondu_the_fat
I was doing a bit or research on the m72 rocket launcher, but couldn't find answers to the specific questions in mind:

Is the launcher or the ammo made up any plastics? Or is it purely metal and gunpowder? How about electronics?

Re: m72 rocket launcher

PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 9:14 am
by jasonjkay
Just a quick google search for m72 LAW materials turned up a page here that describes the rocket launcher.

The tubular rocket launcher is a telescoping, smooth-bore, openbreech weapon. The outer (front) tube is made of plastic-impregnated fiberglass; the inner (rear) tube is made of aluminum. When the launcher is closed, as it is during unit maintenance, the inner (rear) tube and rocket are not visible.

Re: m72 rocket launcher

PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 9:46 am
by Spokavriel
On the page I think one part makes it clear there are no electronics.
Firing Mechanism Percussion

Re: m72 rocket launcher

PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 10:46 am
by Pale Wolf
The early LAW warhead, developed from the M31 HEAT rifle grenade warhead, uses a simple, but extremely safe and reliable piezoelectric fuze system, which on impact with the target a certain type of crystal in the front nose section is crushed causing a micro-second electric current to be generated which detonates the warhead.


Can't find any mention of plastics. As far as electronics, don't know if there's anything on the launcher, but there's most definitely electronics in the warhead.

Re: m72 rocket launcher

PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 7:07 pm
by mondu_the_fat
Thanks guys, that helped immensely.

Re: m72 rocket launcher

PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 5:30 pm
by Cheb
but there's most definitely electronics in the warhead.

I don't think that one piezoelectric crystal rates as "electronic". It's more along the lines of "when hit with a sledgehammer generates a jolt of elecricity". As the body of the greanade serves as one of the wires, and the other wire is completely surrounded by it, the whole circuit (already incredibly robust) is perfectly shielded against any EMP.

I have a piezoelectric lighter for my gas stove, I've disassembled and repaired it several times. Calling it "electronics"... Too much a honor. The crystal is big, rough, it generates several thousand volts when squeezed, and can probably withstand a dozen thousand volts applied to it without even noticing.

I imagine the crystals used in the grenades are even more brutal.

P.S. They did teach us RPG-7 in the university, so thoroughly that I haven't yet forgot it. And considering that the war machines are roughly the same everywhere...