RPG-7: How it Works and a Demo Shot

This video features an American-made Airtronics PSRL-1 RPG, highlighting its booster motor mechanics and flight stabilization. A live fire demonstration showcases the significant concussion and backblast experienced by the operator. The PSRL-1 is presented with modern features like Picatinny rails and M4-style furniture, distinguishing it from historical RPG-7 variants.

This video provides an in-depth, cutaway view of the RPG-7 rocket launcher, detailing its internal components like the firing pin, expansion chamber, and rocket motor. It highlights the trigger mechanism's operation and showcases the PG-7 rocket and PGO-7 optical sight. The demonstration emphasizes the mechanical intricacies of this historical heavy weapon.

This YouTube video features a translated segment from Ian McCollum's "Forgotten Weapons" channel, focusing on the RPG-7. The video explores this iconic anti-tank weapon, delving into its design, history, and potential for continued relevance. The description highlights the collaborative effort behind the translation, crediting Ivan Stolyarov for his contribution. An English version of the video is also provided for broader accessibility.

The British No. 68 Anti-Tank Rifle Grenade was the first operational shaped charge weapon, utilizing a conical liner to focus explosive energy into a penetrating jet. This video details its construction, including the nose cap, liner, explosive body, and striker mechanism. Historical context is provided with diagrams and images of its use.

This video provides an in-depth look at a significant shipment of restored and unrestored military ordnance, including rockets, launchers, and various ammunition types, destined for a museum. Key items featured include a 106mm recoilless rifle, SMAW rockets (HEAA and HEDP variants manufactured in-house), AT4 launchers (including a cutaway and training version), RPG-7 rounds, Carl Gustaf rounds, Javelin missile containers, and mortar systems. The content highlights the restoration process and the technical specifications of several ordnance pieces.

This video details the firearms and tactics of the NVA and Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, featuring insights from Colonel Greg Dillon. It covers the reliability of the AK-47 in adverse conditions, the use of SKS carbines by designated marksmen, and the deployment of RPGs as light artillery. The discussion also touches upon mortar systems, improvised explosives, and heavy machine guns like the DShK.

This video details the unique 'French Finger Trap' issue with the MAS-36 rifle's bayonet, where two rifles can become unintentionally locked together. A 1951 French arsenal memorandum identified this problem, proposing a simple modification to the bayonet handle. Drilling a small hole allows a tool, like a firing pin, to depress the internal spring, enabling the separation of locked rifles.

The M134 Minigun is a scaled-down 7.62 NATO rotary cannon, requiring 24V DC power and consuming 1.5 kW. Its high rate of fire (3,000+ RPM) is essential for aircraft engagement windows. The complex delinker mechanism is critical for feeding ammunition, and practical hand-held use is impossible due to weight and recoil. Live fire demonstrates rapid ammunition consumption and the need for indirect aiming.

The H&K G11 is a revolutionary prototype assault rifle designed in the late 20th century, notable for its caseless ammunition and unique rotating drum bolt mechanism. Despite advanced features like a 2000 RPM burst fire rate and integrated optics, its development was ultimately halted by geopolitical shifts and cost concerns.

This video demonstrates the assembly and live-fire of the German 1936 pattern light mortar (L.Gr.W.36). It highlights the mortar's leveling mechanism for accuracy and the difficulty in visually tracking its 50mm projectiles after firing. The content showcases historical military hardware and its operational use.