|
|
| Line 31: |
Line 31: |
|
| |
|
| 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. | | 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. |
|
| |
| ----
| |
|
| |
| === 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
| |
|
| |
| ----
| |
|
| |
| === 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.
| |
|
| |
| ----
| |
|
| |
| === 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.
| |
|
| |
| ----
| |
|
| |
| === 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
| |
|
| |
| ----
| |
|
| |
| === 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
| |
|
| |
| ----
| |
|
| |
| === 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.
| |
|
| |
| ----
| |
|
| |
| === 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.
| |
| RL-36 Anti-Tank Launcher
|
| [[File:|300px]]
|
| 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.
