RPG-26

The RPG-26 Aglen is a disposable anti-tank rocket launcher developed by the Soviet Union. It fires a single-stage rocket with jack-knife fins, which unfold after launch. The rocket carries a 72.5 millimeter diameter high explosive anti-tank single shaped charge warhead capable of penetrating 440 millimeters of armour, one meter of reinforced concrete or one and a half meters of brickwork. It has a maximum effective range of around 250 meters. The RPG-26 is a product improved version of the RPG-22. The similar sized rocket features a slightly heavier and more powerful HEAT warhead and more powerful rocket engine. The limited extension of the RPG-22 launch tube was found of little use. Therefore the RPG-26 has a rigid non-telescoping launch tube.The RPG-26 and its variants are actively used by Russian forces. It has been exported to several nations and is actively marketed for export. The more specialized variants are in Russian service and available for export as well.

RPG-26
An RPG-26 in a museum
TypeDisposable Anti-tank rocket launcher
Place of originSoviet Union
Service history
In service1985–present
Used byRussian Ground Forces
WarsSyrian Civil War
War in Donbass
Production history
DesignerState Research and Production Enterprise, Bazalt
Designed1980s
ManufacturerState Research and Production Enterprise, Bazalt
Produced1985 - present
VariantsRShG-2
Specifications
Mass1.8 kilograms (4.0 lb) (projectile)
2.9 kilograms (6.4 lb) (loaded)
Length77 centimetres (30 in)
Caliber72.5 mm
Action440 mm: RHA at 60° impact angle
1000 mm: Reinforced concrete
1500 mm: Brickwork
2400 mm: Log and earth
Muzzle velocity144 m/s
Effective firing range250 m
SightsIron sights

Variants

RShG-2

The RShG-2 (Russian: Реактивная Штурмовая Граната, Reaktivnaya Shturmovaya Granata, Rocket-propelled Assault Grenade ) Aglen-2 (Аглень-2) is a RPG-26 variant with thermobaric warhead. RShG-2 is heavier than the RPG-26 at 3.5 kilograms, and has a reduced direct fire range of 115 meters. It is intended to be used against infantry and structures rather than armored vehicles. The warhead contains 1.16 kilograms of thermobaric mixture, with an explosive yield roughly equal to that of 3 kilograms of TNT. The solid rocket booster of the warhead in question was taken from the RPG-26 and the fuse taken from the TBG-7 warhead used by the RPG-7. The warhead has a stated penetration capability of 300 millimeters of concrete and 500 millimeters of brickwork.

Specifications
RPG-26 (second from the bottom) with comparable Soviet/Russian rocket launchers
  • Calibre: 72.5 mm
  • Length: 770 mm
  • Weight: 2.9 kg
  • Range: effective combat, 250 m
  • Operating temperature: -50 to +50°C
  • RHA penetration: 440 mm at 60°



Operators

Current operators

Former operators

See also

References
  1. "Российское оружие в Армении" [Russian weapons in Armenia]. Nvo.ng.ru (in Russian). 10 August 2018.
  2. "SDC Delta : Small Arms" (PDF). Delta.gov.ge. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-12-29. Retrieved 2017-12-29.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. Ferguson, Jonathan; Jenzen-Jones, N.R. (November 2014). Raising Red Flags: An Examination of Arms & Munitions in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine, 2014 (PDF). Research Report 3. Armament Research Services. pp. 26, 48. ISBN 978-0-9924624-3-7.
  5. Toumaj, Amir (October 14, 2016). "Russian influence evident in Palestinian militia in Syria". Long War Journal. Retrieved 28 November 2016.


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