RPG-28

   The RPG-28 is a Russian anti-tank rocket launcher, designed during 2000s. Russians were not confident with performance of the previous RPG-27 and scaled the weapon up to create an even more powerful RPG-28. It which was designed to defeat the most heavily-armored Western tanks. This weapon was unveiled in 2007. It was adopted by the Russian Army in 2011. It is also being offered for export customers. So far it is the most powerful anti-tank rocket launcher of the RPG-series, including both single-use and reloadable models. Sometimes this weapon is nicknamed the "Kliukva" (cranberry).

   The RPG-28 has a larger diameter, hence more powerful rocket, than the previous RPG-27. It is a disposable weapon that can only be used once. The launcher is a simple, smoothbore, aluminum tube, layered with fiberglass on the outside. It fires a pre-loaded PG-28 rocket, that is factory fitted and sealed. The rocket is powered by a solid-propellant motor. Once the rocket is launched the empty tube is discarded as it can not be reloaded.

   The powerful 125 mm rocket has a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead. A precursor charge is used to defeat explosive reactive armor. The main warhead penetrates 900 mm of steel armor behind Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). This weapon is effective against the most heavily-armored tanks, such as American M1A2 Abrams and British Challenger 2. It is also effective against buildings, bunkers and field fortifications, as the RPG-28 penetrates 2 500 mm or reinforced concrete and 3 000 mm of brickwork.

   The RPG-28 is equipped with only simple flip-up sights, both forward and rear. Though there is also a capability to mount an optical sight for increased range. The RPG-28 is effective out to 300 meters. If the rocket misses the target it self-destructs after flying for several hundred meters, which happens a couple of seconds after launch.

   The weapon can be made ready to fire in less than 10 seconds. The RPG-28 has a back-blast area of at least 30 meters. This is a serious disadvantage of the weapon, as it endangers nearby personnel. Furthermore such back-blast exposes the operator. Still though the RPG-28 can be used inside buildings.

   The RPG-28 is an easy to use weapon. Simple instructions are printed on the side of the weapon. With little training one man in every squad could carry one of these rocket launchers, giving each squad significant anti-armor and anti-structure capability. Also it is way less expensive to produce than anti-tank guided missiles. However the most significant drawback of this weapon is its size and weight. The RPG-28 weights a whooping 13.5 kg and is 1.2 m long. That's the weight of three average assault rifles with fully-loaded magazines. This rocket launcher must be carried in addition to a soldier's standard weapon. So considering its size and weight, hefting it through the field on long marches is quite a chore.