RPO Rys
Rocket-propelled flamethrower
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
RPO "Rys" [1][2][3] (Russian: реактивный пехотный огнемёт «Рысь» (РПО «Рысь»), Rocket-propelled Infantry Flamethrower "Lynx") is a napalm rocket-propelled grenade launcher classified as flamethrower by Russian military.[4] The RPO had first entered service in 1975 and it was intended to replace the obsolete LPO-50 flamethrowers. Later it was replaced by the RPO-A Shmel.
_(cropped).jpg)
| RPO Rys | |
|---|---|
A RPO Rys in Ukraine, 2014 | |
| Type | Rocket-propelled flamethrower |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | Since 1975 |
| Wars | Soviet–Afghan War First Chechen War Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.2 kg - Launcher (empty) 9.4 kg - Cartridge 12.6 kg - Loaded |
| Length | 500 mm - Unloaded 1440 mm - Loaded |
| Caliber | 110 mm |
| Rate of fire | 1 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity | 125 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 190 m |
| Maximum firing range | 400 m |
| Sights | Iron sights |
Description
The RPO Rys shares some parts with RPG-16, like the firing mechanism. It also resembles RPG-29 and can be mistaken for it. The weapon is breech loaded with capsuled, solid propellant, napalm filled rockets. The rockets are filled with 4 liters of napalm and have muzzle velocity of around 125 m/s with effective range of 190 meters. The RPO also has a bipod for stability and maximum sighting range of 400 meters.
Operational history
In 2017, the OSCE mission to Ukraine reported that used RPO Rys containers were seen at a Donetsk People's Republic training area near Oleksandrivsk.[5]
See also
- RPO-A Shmel: Thermobaric grenade launcher / flamethrower
- MGK Bur:[6] Miniaturized thermobaric grenade launcher / flamethrower
.svg){kind=small}
