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| RPG-76 Komar | |
|---|---|
 An extended RPG-76 Komar | |
| Type | Rocket-propelled grenade |
| Place of origin |  Polish People's Republic |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1985–present |
| Used by | Poland Ukraine |
| Wars | War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Iraq War Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1973 |
| Manufacturer | Precision Works inNiewiadów (Zakład Sprzętu Precyzyjnego w Niewiadowie) |
| Produced | 1980 prototypes, 1983-95 |
| No. built | Over 100,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2.1 kg - loaded launcher with rocket 1.7 kg - rocket |
| Length | 805 mm - folded 1190 mm extended |
| Crew | 1 |
| Cartridge | 68 mm with 260 mm penetration against RHA |
| Caliber | 40 mm (1.57 in) |
| Barrels | one |
| Action | Single shot |
| Muzzle velocity | 145 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 250 m |
| Feed system | Single shot, non reusable launch tube |
| Sights | Iron sights |
RPG-76 Komar (eng.Mosquito) is a disposable one-shotanti-tankrocket-propelled grenade that fires an unguided rocket.The weapon was designed as a smaller and lighter alternative to theRPG-7, especially for use by airborne troops. Thanks to jet nozzles located between the warhead and the fuel compartment, it can be fired from inside a building or a vehicle.
In 1971, the Polish Military Institute of Defense Technology initiated the project “Argon,” aimed at developing an anti-tank launcher with a single-use launch tube as a supplement for theRPG-7. Two versions were considered: arecoilless rifle and arocket-propelled grenade launcher. Because of earlier experience gained during the development of the rocket-assisted PGN-60rifle grenade[1] used by theKbkg wz. 1960 rifle grenade launcher, the project eventually settled on the rocket-propelled grenade design. At this stage, the Polish design team (Z. Zborowski, K. Kowalewski, T. Witczak, Z. Kapustka, A. Perełkowicz, K. Laskowski, Z.Kupidura) was supplemented by a team ofBulgarian scientists from the Military Institute of Research and Development inSofia, whose task was to develop the rocket engine and the launcher. The prototype was presented in 1973, at the III Central Military Invention and Rationalization Exhibition. At the time, the weapon was designated “HEAT grenade with single use launch tube RPG-73.” A series of prototype launchers was produced in 1980. In the following years, the Polish-Bulgarian cooperation broke down and the development of the launcher continued in Poland only.
The weapon was adopted by the Polish Army in 1985 as the "RPG-76 Komar". With the warhead incapable of penetrating the front armor of modern western tanks it became an auxiliary weapon, not replacing standard issueRPG-7 grenade launchers in infantry squads. It was produced in the Precision works inNiewiadów, Poland. Around 100,000 were manufactured between 1983 and 1995.[2]
In the late 1990s it was withdrawn from front line units and stores due to limited anti-tank capabilities and increased safety demands (a lack of self-destructor).[2] Polish deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan changed this policy, and the weapon was deployed to troops, using the Komar in Iraq andin Afghanistan.[2][3] Polish soldiers also used a small number of heavier multipurposeCarl Gustav recoilless rifles using a variety of modern ammunition types.
The weapon is shipped in wooden crates, each launcher is sealed in an airtight plastic sheet and 6 launchers are placed in each crate.
Komar is an effective anti-personnel weapon, against light armored vehicles and firing posts.
In March 2022, Poland started to deliver surplus RPG-76 toUkraine as a response to theRussian invasion of Ukraine.[4]
