Ukrainian troopers in Bakhmut have been noticed in early March with a modified American model of the RPG-7 — the PSRL-1 (Precision Shoulder-fired Rocket Launcher-1) rocket-propelled grenade launcher made by the Texas-based firm AirTronic USA. The Calibre Obscura‘s Arms Analysis, which first noticed the rocket-propelled grenade launcher with the three×24 Sightmark Wolfhound 3×24 Prismatic Weapon Sight in social media posts, concluded that its presence throughout Ukraine factors to a greater than symbolic contribution of weapon programs from the US. The PSRL-1 is a modified American clone of the Soviet/Russian RPG-7 shoulder-fired rocket-propelled grenade launcher developed by AirTronic USA. The PSRL-1 is primarily manufactured for US-allied nations who’re accustomed to Soviet-style weapons and worldwide export.
In 2009, the AirTronic USA revealed their modernized model of the RPG-7, named the RPG-7USA, which was later developed into the PSRL-1. The weapon was a Program of Report in the US Particular Operations Command by 2015, and the PSRL-1 entered manufacturing by mid-2016. In comparison with the RPG-7V2, the PSRL-1 is made from 4140/4150 ordnance-grade metal for an extended 1,000-round lifespan, is barely lighter at 14 lb (6.35 kg) unloaded with out optics, and may separate into two items for compact carry. The entire PSRL system consists of completely different sighting programs, spare components, slings, circumstances, ammo luggage, and bipods for personalisation and transport. Just like the RPG-7USA, the PSRL-1 is fitted with a MIL-STD-1913 quad-rail for mounting equipment, is suitable with mil-spec M4 carbine–model pistol grips and shares, and is backwards suitable with all current RPG-7 ammunition.
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The producer claims a 90% hit likelihood at 800 meters (2,600 ft) with the usual magnified sight, though it’s reportedly correct at ranges from 900–1,200 m (3,000–3,900 ft) and guided rocket ammunition can prolong vary to 2,000 meters (6,600 ft). Though Airtronic launchers are suitable with Soviet RPG-7 rocket ammunition, AirTronic additionally manufactures their very own modernized RPG-7 rocket ammunition inside the US, and totally owns the mental property of their rocket ammunition. There are three variants of ammunition:
SR-H1, a 3.82 kg 93 mm high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead that is ready to penetrate 500 mm rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) and has tracer means.
SR-T1, a 3.82 kg 93 mm inert warhead is a coaching spherical and can’t penetrate armor
SR-T2, a 2.12 kg 70 mm inert warhead can also be a coaching spherical and can’t penetrate armor
Anti-tank weapons are key within the Ukrainian battle, the place neither aspect is ready to discipline efficient air assist as a result of presence of short-range air protection programs. The primary confirmed gross sales have been made to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2017. AirTronic didn’t launch particular particulars on the variety of PSRL-1 items delivered to Ukraine, however the leaked contract from Ukrainian journalists crammed the knowledge hole. Ukrainian Inside Minister Arsen Avakov says the Nationwide Guard has acquired the primary batch (500 items) of U.S.-made anti-tank grenade launchers PSRL-1 in 2018. Ukrainian troops used it for the primary time in a battle through the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Whereas verified details about the sale of American-made grenade launchers in Ukraine is offered, unanswered questions stay. Most significantly, it’s unclear what number of of those PSRL-1 programs have been despatched to the entrance strains. A minimum of one was captured by Russian forces.
