RKG-3 anti-tank grenade

Infobox Weapon
name=RKG-3 anti-tank grenade


caption=
origin=USSR
type=Hand grenade
is_ranged=1
is_explosive=1
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=
production_date=
number=
variants=
weight=1.07 kg
length=362 mm
part_length=
crew=
cartridge=
caliber=
action=
rate=
velocity=
range=15 to 20 m
max_range=
feed=
sights=
diameter=
filling=TNT/RDX with a steel lined shaped charge with 125 mm penetration of RHA and 20 m fragment radius.
filling_weight=0.567 kg
detonation=Impact fuze
yield=

RKG-3 is the designation of Russian series of anti-tank hand grenades. It superseded the RPG-43, RPG-40 and RPG-6 series of grenades.

Design

RKG stands for Ruchnaya Kumulyativnaya Granata (Handheld Shaped Charge Grenade). When the pin is pulled and the grenade is thrown a four-panelled drogue parachute is deployed by a spring. This parachute stabilizes the grenade in flight and ensures that the grenade strikes the target at a 90 degree angle, maximising the effect of the shaped charge.

History

The RKG-3M was used extensively during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

RKG-3 grenades have also been used by Iraqi insurgents against coalition forces. On 1 June 2006, RKG-3 grenades were used in an attack on an American Humvee, [ [http://www.metacafe.com/watch/146299/humvee_attacked_with_grenades/ Video of HMMWV attack] ] and RKG-3 grenades have been captured by US Marines from insurgents in Al Anbar. [ [http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/Assets/2005/Marines/DM-SD-05-11301.jpgDOD picture] (broken link)]

RKG-3 grenades have been intercepted en-route to Palestinian forces in Gaza. [ [http://www.waronline.org/en/analysis/pal_weapons.htm Weapons Found on 'Karine-A' and 'Santorini'] ]

Models

* RKG-3
** RKG-3M Shaped charge liner changed to copper. Penetration : 165 mm RHA.
** RKG-3T Improved liner.
** RKG-3EM
* UPG-8 Training grenade
* M79 copy produced by Yugoimport-SDPR in Serbia and Montenegro

Notes

References

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External links

* [http://inert-ord.net/russ02i/rkg3_upg8/index.html RKG-3 / UPG-8 H.E.A.T. Hand Grenade]
* [http://members.shaw.ca/dwlynn/russian/russianid.htm Russian Grenade Guide]
* [http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d8a_1180675064 Humvee grenade attacks video]