Rocket Launcher

A rocket launcher is any device that launches a rocket-propelled projectile, although the term is often used in reference to mechanisms that are portable and capable of being operated by an individual.

Surface to Air

Man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS or MPADS) are shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). They are typically guided weapons and are a threat to low-flying aircraft, especially helicopters.

Examples:

• FIM-43 'Redeye'
• FIM-92 'Stinger'
• 9K32M 'Strela-2' (SA-7)
• 9K36 'Strela-3' (SA-14)
• 9K38 'Igla' (SA-18)
• 9K310 'Igla-M' (SA-16)
• Javelin

Surface to Surface

Man-portable anti-tank systems (MANPATS or MPATS), today, are shoulder-launched anti-tank rockets. They are typically unguided weapons and are a threat to armored vehicles, low-flying aircraft (especially helicopters), and field fortifications. Generally MANPATS fall into three distinct categories. The first consist of a small, disposable preloaded launch tube firing a high explosive anti-tank warhead operated by a single soldier. The second is a firing system onto /into which a rocket is loaded, operated by a single soldier. The third are manufactured prepacked and issued as a single unit of ammunition with the launcher discarded after a single use.

Examples:

• RPG-76 Komar
• Bazooka
• FGM-148 Javelin
• LAW 80
• M72 LAW

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