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Grenades and RPGsRuchnoy
protivotankovyy granatomet is normally translated as rocket-propelled
grenade (RPG) - it is a coincidence that the acronym is the same in
both languages.
A key difference is that in Russian RPG refers to the launcher, and in English RPG is generally taken to mean the projectile.
Although the RPG-7 is the most commonly heard of and seen due to its very wide use outside the FSU, there is a broad range of RPG rounds and a number of different launchers as well. Launchers can be reusable or disposable. The RPG-7 launcher will take a variety of projectiles, including anti-tank and anti-personnel types. But the RPG-26 is a disposable tube launcher. The current hand-held anti-tank weapon in Russian service is the RPG-29. The RShG-1, with a thermobaric warhead (see also Shmel), is for example launched from a disposable RPG launcher. Grenade Launchers The RPG is not the only form of launcher for weapons described as grenades: they can also be fired from single-shot or automatic launchers. The AGS-17 (and its derivatives) is the best-known automatic launcher:
A hand-held grenade launcher was seen during the operation to release hostages in Nalchik on 14th October 2005. This was the GM-94, a pump-action grenade launcher capable of firing high explosive, smoke, incendiary or (as in Nalchik) irritant gas grenades.
Detailed information on the GM-94 can be found here in English, and here in Russian. Grenades - Other Since GRANATA can refer to both hand grenades and projectiles, it is best not translated as "hand grenade": a hand grenade is a RUCHNAYA GRANATA. BOYEVAYA GRANATA is best not translated as "combat grenade". BOYEVAYA simply means that the device is live, as opposed to UCHEBNAYA GRANATA, a training or drill grenade, or *** GRANATA, an inert or dummy bomb. The grenade most commonly encountered in news stories is an F-1. This is a WWII-designed defensive fragmentation grenade (OBORONITELNAYA OSKOLOCHNAYA) like the old British Mills bomb, and looks the way grenades are traditionally supposed to, like a small pineapple with a handle. Other types, less common in media mentions, are the more modern RGD-5, RGN (RUCHNAYA GRANATA NASTUPATELNAYA) and RGO (RUCHNAYA GRANATA OBORONITELNAYA). These look more like large eggs with a ring around the middle, and in the case of the RGO, a serrated lower hemisphere. See also: External links:
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