Type 79 Mini Rocket Launcher

Last updated: 8 March 2007

The Type 79 mini anti-tank rocket launcher was developed by NORINCO in the late 1970s. The development project began in 1975 and weapon was certified for production in 1979. The weapon provides a cheap individual anti-armour weapon for uses in jungle and mountain regions. It can engage armoured vehicles and fortifications within 50m distance. The weapon was only in very limited service with the PLA in the 1980s before it was replaced by the more capable PF89 rocket launcher.

The Type 79 is a lightweight, self-contained, anti-armour weapon. It consists of a 70mm free-flight, fin-stabilised, rocket-propelled grenade packed in a one-piece disposable plastic launcher. The front end of the launcher has a diameter of 77mm, and is then tapered to a 42mm tube/handle half way, similar to a long necked wine bottle. The rear end of the launcher also serves as the handle for firing, with the aiming sight and firing mechanism fitted on it.

The grenade is 70mm in diameter and has six stabilising fins located at the rear of the grenade. The warhead contains 305g high explosive with a mechanical impact fuse. The grenade comes in two versions: the High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) and Anti-Personnel. The Anti-Personnel variant has a high explosive warhead surrounded by 700 steel balls, which scatter over 8m radius on detonation.

The gunner aims the weapon at the target via a reflection mirror attached on the launcher. The gunner must hold the launcher with his arm extended as far as possible to avoid the damage of the rocket blast.

Operational tests with the PLA showed that at 50m distance, the weapon has a 84% hit probability against static target and a 69% hit probability against moving target. The HEAT grenade can penetrate 100mm angled at 55~60 degrees. The grenade is able to penetrate the rear and side armours of a T-72-class main battle tank at a close distance. However, the weapon is much less effective when being used for indirect fire.

Specifications

Calibre: 70mm
Weight, overall: 1.70kg
Weight, grenade: 1.16kg
Muzzle velocity: 54m/s
Effective range: 60m
Maximum range: 300m
Armour penetration: 100mm @ 65 degrees

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