China's rocket-propelled grenade a hit in Mideast arms market
LONDON — China's version of a popular model of
a Soviet-origin rocket-propelled grenade is a hot item in the Middle East where it was used against Israeli soldiers in the 2006 war with Hizbullah.
Industry sources said China North Industries Corp., or NORINCO, has marketed a modernized version of the Soviet-origin RPG-7. The RPG-6
has been deemed one of the most popular models in the region and was employed by
Hizbullah last year in its war with Israel.
NORINCO has developed the Type 2004, described as a variant of the
company's 40 mm Type 69-1 rocket launcher. The Type 69-1, first seen in
1972, is a modified copy of the Soviet RPG-7 anti-tank grenade launcher, Middle East Newsline reported.
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"For firing, the user connects the front and rear halves [of the Type
2004] with double-tee-thread screws," NORINCO said. "This rocket launcher
can be used to launch the very latest types of rocket rounds such as
thermobaric, anti-bunker, HEAT and incendiary."
The company said the tube of the Type 2004 could be separate into two
components. At 5.8 kilograms, the Type 2004 weighs 200 grams more than the
Type 69-1.
The Type 2004 was also said to have a point blank range of 300 meters.
The system has a sight range of 500 meters and minimum range of 20 meters.
The company said the RPG has a rate of fire of four to six rounds per
minute.
The launchers of both the Type 2004 and Type 69-1 have a caliber of 40
mm. The projectile has a caliber of 85 mm.
Industry sources said China has sought to expand its military market in
the Middle East. They said Beijing has offered simple and cheap light
weapons for Arab militaries based on Soviet-origin platforms.
