M79 Rocket Launcher

Infobox Weapon
name=RBR-M79
image|origin=Yugoslavia
type=Anti-tank Rocket launcher
is_ranged=yes
is_artillery=
is_missile=
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants=
weight=11.2 kg (loaded)
6.2 kg (launcher)
3.5 kg (rocket)
length=1.91 m (launcher loaded)
0.67 m (rocket)
part_length=
width=
height=
diameter=
crew=2
cartridge=
caliber=90 mm
action=
rate=6 rounds per minute
velocity=250 m/s
range=350 m (AFVs)

max_range=1,960 m
feed=
sights=CN-6 3.5x optical sight

The 90 mm M79 Manual Rocket Launcher ("Ručni bacač raketa - 90 mm M79") nicknamed "Osa" (a word meaning wasp) is a light, reusable, and effective rocket launcher system made of fiber-reinforced plastics. It consists of the launcher, the CN-6 Sighting piece, a rocket, and the carrying case for the rocket. While primarily intended as an anti-tank weapon, the M79 can also be used against fortifications and in an anti-personnel fashion. It is made to reload quickly and is very portable. It is extremely similar in design to the M90 Rocket Launcher.

Operation

The launcher is operated by a two man team, an aimer and a loader. The loader attaches a rocket container to the rear of the launcher. The aimer then takes aim at the target through the CN-6 sight. The CN-6 sight has 3.5x magnification and a 10 degree field of view. It also features anti-laser filters to protect the operator blinding battlefield lasers. When the trigger is pressed, the rocket motor is fired electronically. The rocket leaves the launcher at a speed of approximately 250 meters per second. It is accurate enough to be used against armoured vehicles at a range of 350 meters, and can engage other targets out to 600 meters.

On impact a piezoelectric impact fuze in the rocket triggers the shaped charge warhead, which can penetrate up to 400 millimeters of armour. The fuze is sensitive enough to trigger the warhead at impact angles up to 70 degrees from the vertical.

After firing, the spent rocket container is removed from the launcher, and a fresh tube is attached.

Operators

It is used by the Serbian Army, and is found in former Soviet-bloc countries such as those in Eastern Europe. The "Osa" was manufactured in the former Yugoslavia. Recently, it has seen use in the Kosovo War and has been known to have been used by the Kosovo Liberation Army. Croatia has continued manufacture of the Yugoslav weapon as the RL90 M95. It is also produced in Macedonia.

*BIH-120
*CRO-1500+
*MKD-300+
*MNE-150+
*SRB-1650
*IRQ-150 on order

See also

* Military technology and equipment
* List of firearms
* List of modern weapons
* M80 "Zolja"
* M90 "Strsljen"
* Bumbar

References

* "Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005-2006"
* [http://www.irb.hr/en/str/lair/obrana/kompaktni/ CN-6 sight]

External links

* [http://naoruzanje.paracin.co.yu/m79.html Naoruzanje i Vojna Oprema]
* [http://www.eurokompozit.com.mk/LAUNCHER/osa/OSA%20800X600.htm Eurokompozit: M79]