RL-36 Anti-Tank Launcher

RL-36 Anti-Tank Launcher
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Shoulder-fired 75mm anti-tank rocket launcher (two-piece rapid assembly system)
Service Data
Type	Rocket Launcher (Shoulder-Fired)
Origin	Gondara
Manufacturer	Gondaran State Arsenals
Used By	Army of Gondara
Design Date	1936
Service Entry	1939
Predecessor	None
Successor	In service
Technical Data
Caliber	75mm
Action	Rocket-propelled, open-tube launcher
Feed System	Single-shot, rear-loaded rocket
Muzzle Velocity	~90 m/s
Barrel Length	60 in (152 cm), two-piece assembly
Overall Length	60 in (assembled)
Weight	14 lbs (6.3 kg) (two 7 lb sections)
Crew	3 (gunner, loader, ammunition bearer); 1 (vehicle-mounted operation)
Sights	Iron sights
Effective Range	~150 m
Maximum Range	~350 m
Production Data
Unit Cost	$150
Variants

RL-36 Anti-Tank Launcher — Technical Brief

Overview

The RL-36 Anti-Tank Launcher is a shoulder-fired, rocket-propelled weapon system developed in 1936 and entering service in 1939. It provides Gondaran infantry with organic short-range anti-armor capability while maintaining strict adherence to mobility, durability, and role-specific doctrine.

The system is built around a two-piece, rapid-assembly launch tube and a 75mm rocket family, with the primary munition being a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round.

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Design Characteristics

• Configuration: Open-tube, shoulder-fired rocket launcher
• Construction: Two-piece steel tube assembly
• Assembly Method: Overlapping sleeve joint (~4 in overlap) with locking interface
• Section Length: ~30–32 inches per tube section
• Assembled Length: 60 inches (152 cm)
• Weight: 14 lbs total (two 7 lb sections)
• Sighting System: Fixed iron sights (notch and post)
• Feed System: Single-shot, rear-loaded

The two-piece design allows the launcher to be broken down for transport and rapidly assembled under field conditions without tools.

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Ammunition System

The RL-36 fires a family of 75mm rockets, with the primary round being HEAT.

RL-36 HEAT Rocket

• Type: High-Explosive Anti-Tank (Shaped Charge)
• Penetration: 80–100 mm RHA
• Reliable Standard: ~90 mm RHA (perpendicular impact)

Penetration is not range-dependent but varies based on:

• Warhead manufacturing consistency
• Impact angle
• Proper fuze function

The HEAT round is capable of defeating light and medium armored vehicles within the weapon’s effective range.

Secondary Munitions

• HE (High Explosive): Anti-personnel and light structure
• Smoke: Screening and concealment

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Operating Characteristics

• Effective Range: ~150 meters
• Maximum Range: ~350 meters (reduced accuracy)
• Muzzle Velocity: ~90 m/s

The weapon is optimized for close-range engagements where accuracy and impact angle can be controlled.

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Crew and Deployment

• Standard Crew: 3 personnel

 * Gunner  
 * Loader  
 * Ammunition Bearer  

• Alternate Use:

 * Single-operator capable when vehicle-mounted  

The three-man team structure supports sustained operation, ammunition handling, and security during reload cycles.

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Development Notes

Warhead Consistency

Early HEAT rounds exhibited inconsistent penetration due to:

• Liner deformation variance
• Explosive fill inconsistency
• Fuze timing irregularities

Resolution was achieved through:

• Standardized liner geometry
• Improved explosive packing methods
• Refined fuze reliability

Resulting in a stabilized penetration band of 80–100 mm.

Rocket Stability

Initial instability in flight caused:

• Yaw and drift
• Reduced accuracy beyond 100 meters

Corrected through:

• Improved fin design
• Balanced thrust profile
• More consistent propellant burn

Launcher Joint Integrity

Early two-piece designs suffered from:

• Alignment shift under firing stress

Resolved by:

• Reinforced overlap sleeve system
• Tightened manufacturing tolerances

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Limitations

The RL-36 is not a perfect system and retains several inherent limitations:

• Penetration Variability: HEAT performance varies within 80–100 mm range
• Short Engagement Range: Effective only within ~150 meters
• Accuracy Degradation: Reduced reliability at extended range
• Backblast Hazard: Unsafe to fire in confined spaces or with personnel behind the weapon
• Reload Exposure: Single-shot system exposes crew during reload
• Crew Dependence: Optimal performance requires full 3-man team

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Doctrine Role

The RL-36 serves as a platoon-level anti-armor solution and is not issued universally.

It is employed for:

• Close-range anti-vehicle engagements
• Ambush operations
• Destruction of fortified positions where lighter systems are insufficient

The system is designed to complement, not replace, heavier support weapons.

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System Character

The RL-36 reflects Gondaran military design philosophy:

• Simple, durable construction
• Role-specific capability
• Performance dependent on operator discipline
• No unnecessary mechanical complexity

It is a weapon that rewards proper use and exposes poor handling, consistent with broader Gondaran doctrine of burden and accountability.