M80 Rocket Launcher

Infobox Weapon|is_ranged=yes


caption=M80 "Zolja"
name=M80 "Zolja"
type=RPG
origin= flagcountry|Yugoslavia
designer=Serbia, Republic of Macedonia
manufacturer=Yugoslavia
cartridge=64mm
design_date=1970s to Present
operators=Serbia, Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The M80 "Zolja" is a portable one-shot disposable 64 mm anti-tank weapon, designed in the former Yugoslavia. The M80 Zolja is still produced in the Republic of Serbia also in the Republic of Macedonia by 1Oktomvri - Eurokompozit.

Description

Made of fiber-reinforced plastics, the M80 Zolja is designed to be used by an individual infantryman against armored vehicles, fortifications, and enemy forces.

The M80 Zolja is a single-use recoilless weapon which is characterized by its simple operation and lightweight characteristics. The launcher and the container are incorporated into a single unit.

The M80 Zolja looks very similar to the US M72 LAW, but outperforms its American counterpart in precision and effective range among other characteristics.Fact|date=June 2008

Launcher

The M80 launcher is telescoping which is intended for easier transportation. The launchers consists of a forward and rear tube made of fiber-reinforced plastic, a firing mechanism, front and rear aiming sights, carry handle, front and rear caps to keep debris out and a sling.

Rocket

The 64mm anti-tank rocket is located in the rear of the launcher. The rocket consists of an explosive warhead, stabilizer wings and rocket.

The M80's warhead has the potential to penetrate 300mm of solid steel at a 90 degree angle. The warhead may be fitted an impact and piezoelectric blasting mechanism. A self-destruct mechanism is also integrated into the rocket which ensures that the rockets self destruct if the target is not hit within 4 to 6 seconds of flight. The rocket propellant is only fired while in the tube which propels the rocket to a speed of 190 m/s. This speed ensures that the rocket reaches its 240m range at a 2.5 metre target.

Operation

The launcher is held in both hands. The operator opens the covers on both ends of the launcher, grasping the forward tube piece firmly with his left hand the operator pulls the back tube outwards with a sharp, hard pull. If the launcher has been successfully cocked the back piece will not slide in. The operator assumes a correct firing position, keeping in mind the backblast zone of the launcher, takes aim through the flip up sights and squeezes the trigger to fire the rocket. Afterwards the empty tube is disposed of.

Technical Characteristics

Calibre: 64mm (2.5 in)
Launcher Weight: 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
Launcher Weight W/O Rocket: 1.58 kg (3.48 lbs)
Rocket Weight: 1.42 kg (3.13 lbs)
Weight of explosive in rocket: 0.31 kg (.68 lbs)
Weight of propellant: 0.128 kg (.28 lbs)
Launcher Length (Collapsed): 800 mm (2.62 ft)
Launcher Length (Extended): 1,200 mm (3.93 ft)
Length of Rocket (Collapsed Fins): 664 mm (2.17 ft)
Rocket Velocity: 190 m/s (623 fp/s)
Rocket Penetration: 300 mm (11.81 in)
Range for target 2 m high: 220 m (240 yds)
Maximum Range: 1,280 m (1,400 yds)

In Service With

*BIH-100+
*CRO-1000+
*MKD-100+
*MNE-65+
*SRB-6000+

ee also

*Rocket propelled grenade

External links

* [http://naoruzanje.paracin.co.yu/zolja.html Naoruzanje i Vojna Oprema]
* [http://www.eurokompozit.com.mk/ Eurokompizit - Republic of Macedonia]