RPG-2

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	Weapon: RPG-2 Type: Man-Portable Rocket Launcher Country of Origin: USSR Year Adopted: 1949 Overall Length (mm): 1200.0 Overall Length (in): 47.24 Weight (kg): 4.00 Weight (pounds): 8.82

The RPG-2 was the first successful shoulder-fired, anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher developed by the Soviet Union in the late 1940s, entering service in 1949. Its design was heavily influenced by the German Panzerfaust and the American Bazooka but featured significant improvements in simplicity and durability. The RPG-2 consisted of a steel launch tube capable of firing a 40 mm HEAT (high-explosive anti-tank) rocket-propelled grenade. Weighing approximately 4.5 kg, the launcher was lightweight and easy to use, making it an effective tool for infantry forces against armored vehicles and fortifications at close range.

Production of the RPG-2 began in the Soviet Union and quickly expanded to its allies, with millions produced during its service life. The launcher was straightforward to manufacture, which contributed to its proliferation in Communist bloc countries and insurgent forces worldwide. Though eventually replaced by the more advanced RPG-7 in Soviet service, the RPG-2 remained in use for decades in numerous countries due to its reliability and low cost.

The RPG-2 saw extensive use in various conflicts during the mid-20th century, most notably in the Vietnam War, where it was employed effectively by the Viet Cong against American and South Vietnamese forces. Its simple design and robust construction made it a popular choice for irregular forces, cementing its reputation as a symbol of guerrilla warfare. Although obsolete by modern standards, the RPG-2's influence on subsequent designs, including the iconic RPG-7, underscores its importance in the evolution of portable anti-tank weaponry.