Cheap blowgun made out of PVC, paper and tape

If you have view my earlier posting on how to make a blowgun (Simple instructions to make a blowgun), here is an actual product from the short instructional video. For just RM6.45, I got myself a 6 feet 6 inches 1/2 inch pvc conduit which I got the shop to cut into two equal halves as well as two reducer for the mouthpiece.

Here the mouthpieces are attached to the end of the roughest surface of the time. No glue needed as it is tight enough just from the friction. At this stage, you need to make sure the pipes are relatively straight. If it is not, slowly bending it will make the pipe straighter.

To make the dart is easy. Paper cone and a sharp point is all that is needed to make a straight-flying dart. If you don't have hot glue, just use tape to keep in all together. Below is a dart made out of toothpick.

Here is a dart made out of 2 inch nails.

Here is a dart made out of a screw.

Simple instructions to make a blowgun

Here are instructions to make a very simple yet effective blowgun.

Military weapons exhibition by the Kuala Lumpur Museum

Recently, the Kuala Lumpur Museum organised a special weapons exhibition in one of its special halls. A special entrance fee is required to enter this special exhibition.

Before you enter there are a few things that would interest kids.....My son as a British soldier...

....and as a Viking.

The exhibition starts with weapons from the historical age, the Stone Age. There are a lot of life-size panorama in the exhibition.

Here are some examples of stone tools and weapons found in Malaysia.

Another big section was on the two World Wars.

A vintage mortar.

Some weapons used in the war as well as post-war period.

A Japanese field artillery.

Some modern weapons.

Not that new sub-machine guns.

Pistols.

Sniper rifle.

There were many more weapons, especially the edge weapons. Unfortunately, the lighting was too poor for my Apple iPhone.

Langkawi Holiday, November 2013 - 07 - Kota Mahsuri

Please refer to the previous posting.

After the tiring but visually stunning time at Telaga Tujuh, we headed towards Kota Mahsuri, where the legend of Mahsuri is exhibited.

The complex requires some form of walking to get around.

After paying for tickets, we are first presented with a Gamelan troupe.

On the grounds, there are a number of explanatory boards about the legend of Mahsuri.

Story behind the 'Spear'.

My kids and a friend, Chris taking a picture surrounded by spears.

A poster explaining the design of the house used by Mahsuri.

A real-life wooden house to explore.

Check out the intricate carvings on the wooden frames of the house.

A well next to a padi field.

A typical padi field in Langkawi.

The story behind the well.

To be continued.

Pictures and information regarding weapon systems in http://machinesforwar.blogspot.com/

Below are some postings from http://machinesforwar.blogspot.com/ for the month of January 2012 I think some readers may find interesting. Each line has been linked to the original posting. Just click and a new window with the respective posting will appear. Enjoy.

1. The Solothurn S-18/1000 20 mm Anti-Tank rifle
2. Ruhrstahl SD 1400 X, Kramer X-1, PC 1400X, FX 1400...
3. Beretta AR-70 Series Assault Rifle
4. The Gotha Go 242 transport glider used by the Luft...
5. HK33 and HK53
6. Various anti-tank rocket launcher systems

First batch of suicide drones for the U.S. Army

Small size, quiet motors let aircraft find target, sneak in and deliver knockout blow.

The backpack-size "Switchblade" drone and its launch tube give individual soldiers a new level of precise control over an explosive weapon.

Soldiers who fly hand-launched drone scouts to spot enemies on the battlefield may soon get a deadly robotic device capable of also delivering a knockout blow. The U.S. Army has ordered its first batch of small suicide drones that are capable of launching from a small tube, loitering in the sky and then diving at a target upon command.

The backpack-size "Switchblade" drone and its launch tube give individual soldiers a new level of precise control over an explosive weapon. Rather than calling in supporting artillery fire or airstrikes, soldiers can simply launch the Switchblade from out of sight, confirm a target on a live video feed from the drone, and then command the robotic device to arm itself and fly into the target at high speed.

"The unique capabilities provided by the Switchblade agile munition for standoff engagement, accuracy and controlled effects make it an ideal weapon for today's fight and for U.S. military forces of the future," said Bill Nichols, deputy product director at the Army's Close Combat Weapons Systems project office.

Operators can even call off strikes at the last second after arming the Switchblade. That kind of control allows soldiers to retarget in case an enemy moves out of sight, or avoid collateral damage if a civilian wanders too close.

The drone, created by AeroVironment, is able to fly in both autonomous robot mode or as a remotely piloted air vehicle. Either way, its small size and quiet electric motor allow it to approach targets without warning. It can even switch off its motor and glide in for a stealthy attack.

"Just as our small unmanned aircraft systems provide game-changing reconnaissance capabilities to ground forces, Switchblade provides a revolutionary rapid strike capability to protect our troops and give them a valuable new advantage on the battlefield," said Tom Herring, AeroVironment senior vice president and general manager of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

AeroVironment received a $4.9 million contract from the Army's Close Combat Weapons Systems on June 29. The company publicly announced the deal on Sept. 1.

Article from : http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44412133/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/#.Tmbr6mqAYdU

Me 163 Komet (Video & feature)

The explosive (literally and figuratively) Me 163 was the first fighter to incorporate swept wings.



This is a short clip of the ME 163 Komet, the world's first operational rocket fighter plane as flown by Germany in WW2.

The Me 163 Komet was perhaps the most unique aircraft design of the Second World War. German scientists, always on the cutting edge of evolving war technology, developed a rocket-powered aircraft based on testing completed with an engine-less glider design. The resulting research produced the one-man, swept back fighter that was equally dangerous to pilot and Allied bomber formations alike.

The Me 163 was originally a product of Dr. Alexander Lippisch from 1939, who pioneered a great deal of information through research of glider designs (in the form of the DFS 193 glider). With the base Walter rocket motor in place, and a volatile but explosive combination of two substances known simply as T-Stoff and Z-Stoff, the aircraft could utilized the chemical reactive explosion in a controlled environment to propel their new aircraft airframe.

The diminutive Me 163 was piloted by a single crewman and featured swept-back wings (a major wartime development in itself) and a single rudder plane at rear. The Me 163 would take off through the use of a dolly which was jettisoned upon take-off, fly to the required attack altitude and swoop down onto oncoming and unsuspecting bomber formations. Landing was accomplished by utilization of a single centerline skid, to which added even more lethality to the pilot himself upon landings.

In theory, the idea of this small one-man aircraft tearing holes into bombers was sound as no Allied aircraft could remotely catch the 623 miles per hour Komet. In reality, an array of dangers faced the Komet pilot. The fuel mixture itself was known to self-combust as both elements were highly volatile, destroying the aircraft and killing the test pilot. The airframe could also become uncontrollable at extreme speeds (changes incurred later in the design process would iron some of this issue out). In regards to the 7.5 minutes of flightime that the fuel mixture afforded the pilot, the Me163 was to then glide in a controlled freefall back to base. As such, range of the Me163 was extremely limited as was the onboard ammunition as 60 rounds per cannon.

Initial combat of the Me 163 found that the aircraft approached a flight of B-17 Flying Formations too fast, thus not allowing the Me 163 pilots a chance to properly aim their guns and consequently overshooting the target. It was then discovered that the Me 163 could be used more effectively by conducting a steep climb upon takeoff and achieving a desired attack altitude until the motor fuel ran dry. From there, Me 163's could conduct a more controlled approach through two or three dives at the bomber formations, utilizing gravity and drag in the process. Ultimately, the system could then settle down to rest at a home base. Landing provided it's own share of danger as this was the greatest window of vulnerability for the Me 163 system. Without fuel or much momentum, the aircraft became a sitting duck to Allied fighters in the area. As mentioned above, landing was accomplished through a spring-loaded skid running centerline on the fuselage.

Me 163 Komets were credited with destroying just 9 B-17 Flying Fortresses throughout the war, with about 300 Me 163s produced. The Empire of Japan tried unsuccessfully to procure the design from Germany when one of two subs transferring the Me 163 plans was sunk by Allied ships. The Japanese did, in fact, develop their own working variant of the Me 163 with the surviving set of plans but the aircraft never went into operational service.

RPO-M / RPO PDM-A "Shmel-M" thermobaric grenade launcher / rocket-propelled flame-thrower (Russia)

RPO-M thermobaric grenade launcher / rocket-propelled flame-thrower, complete weapon (top) and FAE rocket (bottom)

Caliber: 90 mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 940 mm
Weight: 8.8 kg complete
Effective range: up to 300 m (1700 m maximum)

The RPO-M rocket-propelled flame-thrower is a recent development by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau, and is an improved version of the well-known RPO-A weapon, which was developed by same organization. RPO-M, also known as RPO PDM-A "Shmel-M", is adopted by Russian army and offered for export. It is significantly lighter than RPO-A, has better ergonomics and improved ballistics and terminal effect. It is also more accurate, thanks to the optical sight, integrated into the re-usable fire control unit.

The RPO-M consists of a disposable launching tube / barrel, pre-loaded at the factory with rocket, and a reusable firing control unit, which is attached to the launching tube before use. Once the rocket is fired, empty launcher tube is detached from firing control unit and discarded. The launcher tube is made from fiberglass, with protective rubber covers at both ends. Covers are destroyed automatically when rocket is fired. The firing control unit is made mostly from plastic, and consists of a pistol grip, electronic trigger (ignition electrical impulse is generated by the pull of the trigger) and manual safety mechanisms, and short forend. On the left side of the firing control module there's a folding base that hosts an optical sight, and an additional rail for attachment of an IR / Night sighting equipment. The rocket consists of an solid-propellant engine, folding tail fins and a large thermobaric warhead, loaded with Fuel-Air Explosive. The blast effect of the RPO-M warhead is said to be comparable with that of the 155mm / 6" HE artillery shell.

RPO-A "Shmel" disposable thermobaric grenade launcher / rocket-propelled flame-thrower (Russia)

Picture 1: RPO-A rocket-propelled flame-thrower, in transport / storage configuration

Picture 2: RPO-A rocket-propelled flame-thrower, in ready to fire configuration, with FAE rocket shown next to it

Caliber: 93 mm
Type: recoilless
Overall length: 920 mm
Weight: 12 kg complete
Effective range: up to 200 m (1000m maximum)

Development of the singe-shot, disposable grenade launcher for Soviet army, which fired incendiary, thermobaric / FAE (Fuel-Air Explosive) or smoke rockets was initiated in 1984. The resulting weapon, known as "Schmel" (bumblebee) was adopted by Soviet army in 1988 in three versions - RPO-A with thermobaric / FAE warhead, RPO-Z with incendiary warhead and RPO-D with smoke warhead. Since the weapon is officially classified as flamethrower, per Soviet / Russian TOE it is used by Chemical troops (regardless of actual version), and usually is not issued to ordinary infantry. It is also in limited use by various Special Operations forces, including Russian Internal Affairs Ministry troops. The RPO-A version is considered as main in the whole line-up and is still in production for Russian army and export.

The RPO-A is a single-shot recoilless weapon of somewhat unusual construction. It has a fiberglass smoothbore barrel which is factory pre-loaded with a round of ammunition, which, in turn, consists of a missile with warhead and tail fins, and propelling charge. Upon firing, the propelling charge, which is loaded into separate case, is fired; it stays in the barrel while powder gases accelerate the missile; when missile has left the barrel, the propelling charge is expelled to the rear by the residual pressure, and falls to the ground at several meters behind the weapon. Obviously, this weapon creates a dangerous back-blast when fired. The basic controls include dual folding grips and rifle-type trigger with manual safety. Rear sight is of diopter type, with several apertures for different ranges. It is installed on the folding base; front sight is fixed. The missile is nothing more than a thin-walled container loaded with Fuel-Air Explosive (RPO-A), smoke composition (RPO-D) or Incendiary composition (RPO-Z), with four folding fins at the base. The blast effect of the thermobaric / FAE RPO-A warhead, which contains about 2.2 kg of Fuel-Air Explosive is roughly equivalent to the blast effect of the 107mm / 4" HE artillery shell. Upon explosion, RPO-A warhead generates the cloud of high-temperature flame (blast) which is about 6-7 meters in diameter (blast radius 3 meters or more). The blast cloud lasts as long as 0.4 seconds, thus allowing for significant incendiary effect in addition to the massive pressure wave (typical HE explosion lasts much shorter).

RMG multipurpose disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade (Russia)

Picture 1: RMG rocket-propelled multipurpose grenade

Caliber: 105 mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 1000 mm
Weight: 8.5 kg complete
Effective range: up to 130 m
Armour penetration: ~ 120 mm

The RMG rocket-propelled multipurpose grenade is a derivative of the RShG-1 assault rocket grenade. Its main purpose is to serve as a bunker-buster, to defeat enemy personnel behind light armor, walls and other protective means, as well as to destroy lightly armored vehicles and other military equipments. It was adopted by Russian army in 2001, and is issued to Russian troops as an infantry support weapon, and also offered for export.

The RMG is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The single-piece smoothbore barrel / container is made of fiberglass. The rocket is contained in the barrel tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, made of rubber; those covers shall not be removed manually and are destroyed during the rocket launch. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the rear sight; lowering the rear sight de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brought back to safe mode if the there's no immediate target. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with six switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel. The tandem warhead consists of a small-caliber leading HEAT warhead and a follow-through thermobaric / FAE (Fuel-Air Explosive) warhead, which explodes inside the target to achieve maximum damage effect.

RShG-2 assault disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade (Russia)

Picture: RShG-2 rocket-propelled assault grenade (at the bottom the container is cut out to show the rocket and its warhead)

Caliber: 72.5 mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 770 mm
Weight: 3.8 kg complete
Effective range: up to 115 m

The RShG-2 rocket-propelled assault grenade is a derivative of the RPG-26 anti-tank rocket grenade, with only differences being the warhead and re-graduated sights. Instead of the HEAT warhead as in RPG-26, the RShG-2 carries a Fuel-Air Explosive (thermobaric warhead in Russian nomenclature, as its primary kill effect is achieved by high temperature and blast pressure wave) warhead which is intended against soft skinned and lightly armored vehicles, buildings, military installations and enemy personnel in defilade or in the open. It was adopted by Russian army in around 2000, and is issued to Russian troops as an infantry support weapon, and also offered for export.

The RShG-2 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The single-piece smoothbore barrel / container is made of fiberglass. The rocket is contained in the barrel tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, made of rubber; those covers shall not be removed manually and are destroyed during the rocket launch. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the rear sight; lowering the rear sight de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brought back to safe mode if the there's no immediate target. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with four switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel. The thermobaric / FAE warhead contains 1.16 kg of explosive fuel, which roughly equals in blast effect to 3 kg of TNT explosive. FAE blast radius is about 1 meter.

RShG-1 assault disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade (Russia)

Caliber: 105 mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 1135 mm
Weight: 8 kg complete
Effective range: up to 150 m
Lethal blast radius: about 10 meters in the open, against human targets

The RShG-1 rocket-propelled assault grenade is a derivative of the RPG-27 anti-tank rocket grenade, with only differences being the warhead and re-graduated sights. Instead of the HEAT warhead as in RPG-27, the RShG-1 carries a Fuel-Air Explosive (thermobaric warhead in Russian nomenclature, as its primary kill effect is achieved by high temperature and blast pressure wave) warhead which is intended against soft skinned and lightly armored vehicles, buildings, military installations and enemy personnel in defilade or in the open. It was adopted by Russian army in around 2000, and is issued to Russian troops as an infantry support weapon, and also offered for export.

The RShG-1 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The single-piece smoothbore barrel / container is made of fiberglass. The rocket is contained in the barrel tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, made of rubber; those covers shall not be removed manually and are destroyed during the rocket launch. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the rear sight; lowering the rear sight de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brought back to safe mode if the there's no immediate target. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel. The thermobaric / FAE warhead contains about 1.9 kg of explosive fuel, which roughly equals in blast effect to 5-6 kg of TNT explosive. FAE blast radius is about 2 meters.

RPG-28 antitank disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade (Russia)

RPG-28 rocket-propelled grenade

Caliber: 125 mm barrel and main warhead
Type: rocket
Overall length: 1200 mm
Weight: 13 kg complete
Effective range: up to 180 m
Armour penetration: ~ 1000 mm RHA behind ERA

The RPG-28 is the latest and most modern rocket-propelled grenade in use by Russian army. It was designed to defeat most modern and even the future main battle tanks with composite / reactive armor, as well as enemy personnel behind thick stone or brick walls (penetration against the brick wall is about 300 cm / 10 feet). It is also offered for export.

The RPG-28 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The single-piece smoothbore barrel / container is made of fiberglass. The rocket is contained in the barrel tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, made of rubber; those covers shall not be removed manually and are destroyed during the rocket launch. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the rear sight; lowering the rear sight de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brought back to safe mode if the there's no immediate target. The launcher tube is also equipped with standard sight rail which can accept telescopic or IR / Night sighting equipment. Since the complete system is quite heavy, it is equipped with shoulder pad below the center of mass, a folding support leg (monopod) at the rear and a folding forward grip in front. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with six switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel. The tandem, dual shaped charge (HEAT) warheads capable of defeating modern and future reactive armor plus at least 1000 mm of homogenous steel armor behind it.

RPG-27 antitank disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade (USSR / Russia)

RPG-27 rocket-propelled grenade, with barrel cut out to show the rocket inside

Caliber: 105 mm barrel and main warhead (64mm leading warhead)
Type: rocket
Overall length: 1135 mm
Weight: 8.3 kg complete
Effective range: up to 140 m
Armour penetration: ~ 600 mm RHA behind reactive armor

The RPG-27 rocket-propelled grenade was developed during late eighties to combat most modern main battle tanks equipped with composite and reactive armor. It was adopted by Russian army in 1989 and is still in production and use, and also is offered for export sales. Externally it looks like somewhat enlarged RPG-26 rocket-propelled grenade, although it uses tandem HEAT warhead similar to that used on PG-7VR round for RPG-7V grenade launcher.

The RPG-27 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The single-piece smoothbore barrel / container is made of fiberglass. The rocket is contained in the barrel tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, made of rubber; those covers shall not be removed manually and are destroyed during the rocket launch. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the rear sight; lowering the rear sight de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brought back to safe mode if the there's no immediate target. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel, accelerating it to about 120 m/s. The tandem, dual shaped charge (HEAT) warheads capable of defeating modern reactive armour plus at least 600 mm of homogenous steel armor behind it.

RPG-26 antitank disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade (USSR / Russia)

RPG-26 rocket-propelled antitank grenade in ready to fire position (sights raised, red trigger button on the top exposed).

Caliber: 72.5mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 770 mm
Weight: 2.9 kg complete
Effective range: up to 170 m
Armour penetration: ~ 440 mm

The development of the RPG-26 rocket-propelled antitank grenade was initiated on request from the Soviet army in the year 1980, and in around 1985 it was officially adopted by Soviet army, along with earlier RPG-22 grenade. The RPG-26 was further simplified with introduction of the monobloc, non-telescoping launching tube, and also had improved rocket motor and warhead, which somewhat extended effective range and increased armor penetration by about 10% (compared with RPG-22). The RPG-26 still remains in production in Russia, and is issued by Russian army as a standard personal anti-armor equipment for infantry on foot. The RPG-26 also served as a base for an 'assault rocket-propelled grenade' RShG-2.

The RPG-26 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The single-piece smoothbore barrel / container is made of fiberglass. The rocket is contained in the barrel tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, made of rubber; those covers shall not be removed manually and are destroyed during the rocket launch. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the rear sight; lowering the rear sight de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brought back to safe mode if the there's no immediate target. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with four switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel, accelerating it to about 144 m/s. The shaped charge (HEAT) warhead capable of armor penetration of up to 440 mm of homogenous steel armor.

RPG-22 antitank disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade (USSR / Russia)

Picture 1: RPG-22 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade (drawing from original manual)

Picture 2: RPG-22 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade, cut-out sample

Caliber: 72.5 mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 755 / 850 mm
Weight: 2.7 kg complete
Effective range: up to 160 m
Armour penetration: ~400 mm RHA

The RPG-22 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade is an improved version of the earlier RPG-18 weapon. It was designed during late seventies and adopted by Soviet army in 1980. Production of the RPG-22 ceased in around 1993, as its penetration was found to be insufficient and it was replaced in production by more powerful RPG-26 rocket-propelled grenade. Due to the large stocks of the RPG-22, produced during its time, it served with Russian army for some more years, and few may still be stored somewhere in Russian army reserves. It also can be found in service with other armies of the ex-USSR countries. Key improvements of the RPG-22 over the RPG-18 included more powerful rocket motor, redesigned launcher tube and warhead of larger caliber, with bigger charge of explosive, to provide roughly 25% increase in armour piercing capability.

The RPG-22 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The smoothbore barrel / container is made from two parts, main tube and a telescoping forward extension, which slides over the barrel, both made of fiberglass. The rocket is contained in the barrel tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon, at least 15 meters (45 ft) long. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, which are opened automatically when outer extension is pulled out. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rising the rear sight; lowering the rear sight de-cocks the firing mechanism so the grenade can be brought back to safe mode if the there's no immediate target. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with four switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel, accelerating it to about 133 m/s. The shaped charge (HEAT) warhead is loaded with 360 gram of explosive charge, resulting in armor penetration of up to 400 mm of homogenous steel armor.

Antitank disposable grenade launcher / rocket-propelled grenade RPG-18 (USSR / Russia)

Picture: RPG-18 rocket-propelled grenade; top, launcher in ready to fire position, bottom - launcher in collapsed position, cut-out to show the grenade inside

Caliber: 64 mm
Type: rocket
Overall length: 705 mm when stored, 1050 mm in ready to fire position
Weight: 2.6 kg complete
Effective range: up to 150 m
Armour penetration: ~ 300 mm RHA

The RPG-18 (Rocket Propelled Grenade in Soviet / Russian nomenclature, as it was considered as a single round of ammunition [grenade] rather than a weapon [grenade launcher]) was adopted by Soviet army in 1972. Most probably, its development was inspired by US-made M72 LAW disposable anti-tank weapons, which saw significant use during Vietnam war. Indeed, the RPG-18 bears more than passing resemblance to the M72 LAW in its design and appearance. The RPG-18 was produced for Soviet (and later Russian) army up until early 1990s, and is now obsolete.

The RPG-18 is a disposable, single shot rocket launcher pre-loaded with fin-stabilized rocket. The smoothbore barrel / container is made from two parts, aluminum inner tube and fiberglass outer tube. The inner tube is telescoped into the outer tube in storage / transport position, and is pulled out and to the rear prior to firing. The rocket is contained in the inner tube, and its solid-fuel motor burns out completely within the barrel. Because the barrel is open at the rear to avoid recoil, there is a dangerous backblast area behind the firing weapon, at least 15 meters (45 ft) long. In transport/storage mode both ends of the barrel are closed by the front and rear covers, which are opened automatically when inner tube is pulled out. This movement (opening of the launcher tube) also automatically extends the folding open sights. Firing mechanism is cocked manually by rotating the rear sight rear and then releasing it, so it springs back to vertical position. Once cocked, the firing mechanism cannot be set to safety, and the cocked grenade should be discharged into the safe direction if there's no target. The rocket is fin-stabilized (with four switch-blade like fins at the rear), and its solid-propellant motor burns out completely while rocket is still in the barrel, accelerating it to about 114 m/s. The shaped charge (HEAT) warhead is loaded with 312 gram of explosive charge, resulting in armor penetration of up to 300 mm (1 feet) of homogenous steel armor.

RGS-50M grenade launcher (Russia)

Picture 1: Original RGS-50 grenade launcher, as made for KGB in 1980s

Picture 2: RGS-50M grenade launcher, left side

Picture 3: RGS-50M grenade launcher, right side. gun is partially open for reloading

Picture 4: Samples of rounds of ammunition for RGS-50M grenade launcher, left to right: less lethal rubber baton and rubber buckshot rounds (short ones), long range tear gas grenade, FRAG grenade, Smoke grenade

Picture 5: Note the size of the weapon

Caliber: 50 mm
Type: single shot, cartridge firing, smooth-bore
Overall length: 895 mm
Weight: 6.8 kg unloaded
Effective range: up to 150 m

The RGS-50 grenade launcher was developed during late 1980s as a dedicated riot control weapon for Russian Law Enforcement (KGB in particular) organizations. During late 1990s it was slightly modified with changes in trigger, stock and recoil buffer, and was designated RGS-50M. The RGS-50M special-purpose grenade launcher is currently being manufactured by ZID factory and used by various Russian Law Enforcement agencies. The RGS-50M is primary a less-lethal and door-breaching weapon, although it also can fire 'lethal' high explosive / fragmentation and armor piercing rounds. The round line-up also includes tear gas grenades, rubber slug / rubber buckshot rounds, flash-bang rounds, breaching rounds and inert training rounds. Due to the large caliber the weapon is highly effective, and capable of significant range, but it is also quite heavy and bulky.

The RGS-50M grenade launcher is a single shot break-open smoothbore gun. It fires specially designed rounds of ammunition that use polymer cartridge cases and fin-stabilized projectiles (for long range applications). The trigger is of single-action type, with cocking projection on the hammer protruding outwards from the receiver via the cut on the right side of the gun. It is fitted with additional folding grip below the barrel. The buttstock contains a spring recoil buffer and is detachable for storage and transportation; gun also can be fired with butt removed, although this would require very strong hands. The sighting equipment consist of a fixed front sight and folding ladder-type rear sight, marked from 50 to 150 meters.

The Ruger .22LR revolver used at the Subang Shooting Range

This is the Ruger .22LR 10-shot revolver that I just used at the Subang Shooting Club shooting range.

For a beginner, this is a perfect gun to start learning how to shoot. The gun is easy to handle and the least complicated compared to the latest semi-autos available.

It can fit in 10 shot of the .22LR range bullets and the kickback is not excessive.