Wikipedia

M72 LAW

Not to be confused withMBT LAW.

TheM72 LAW(light anti-tank weapon,also referred to as thelight anti-armor weaponorLAWas well asLAWS:light anti-armor weapons system) is a portable one-shot 66 mm (2.6 in) unguidedanti-tankweapon.

M72 LAW
An M72 LAW in extended position
TypeAnti-tankrocket-propelled grenadelauncher[1]
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1963–present
Used bySeeOperators
Wars
Production history
DesignerFA Spinale, CB Weeks and PV Choate
DesignedPatent filed 1963
Manufacturer
Specifications
Mass2.5 kg (5.5 lb) (M72A1–3) / 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) (M72A4–7)[5]
Length630 mm (24.8 in) (unarmed)
881 mm (34.67 in) (armed)
Caliber66 mm (2.6 in)
Muzzle velocity145 m/s (480 ft/s)(M72A1–3)
200 m/s (660 ft/s)(M72A4–7)[6]
Effective firing range200 m (660 ft), 220 m (720 ft) (A4–7)
Detonation
mechanism
Point-initiated, base-detonated

In early 1963, the M72 LAW was adopted by theU.S. ArmyandU.S. Marine Corpsas their primary individual infantryanti-tankweapon, replacing theM31 HEAT rifle grenadeand theM20A1 "Super Bazooka"in the U.S. Army. It was subsequently adopted by theU.S. Air Forceto serve in an anti-emplacement and anti-armor role in airbase defense.[7][note 1]

In the early 1980s, the M72 was slated to be replaced by theFGR-17 Viper.However, the Viper program was canceled by Congress and theM136 AT4was adopted instead. At that time, its nearest equivalents were the SwedishPskott m/68(Miniman) and the FrenchSARPAC.

Background

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1961 LAW prototype, showing the rejected front sight that also served as the front cover

The increased importance of tanks and other armored vehicles in World War II caused a need for portable infantry weapons to deal with them. The first to be used (with varying successes) wereMolotov cocktails,flamethrowers,satchel charges,jury-riggedlandmines,and specially designed magnetic hollow charges. All of these had to be used within a few meters of the target, which was difficult and dangerous.

The U.S. Army introduced thebazooka,the first rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Despite early problems, it was a success and was copied by other countries.

However, the bazooka had its drawbacks. Large and easily damaged, it required a well-trained two-man crew. Germany developed a one-man alternative, thePanzerfaust,having single-shot launchers that were cheap and requiring no special training. As a result, they were regularly issued toVolkssturmhome guard regiments. They were very efficient against tanks during the last days of World War II.

The M72 LAW is a combination of the two World War II weapons. The basic principle is a miniaturized bazooka, while its light weight and cheapness rival the Panzerfaust.

Development and production

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Thesolid rocketpropulsion unit was developed in the newly formedRohm and Haasresearch laboratory atRedstone Arsenalin 1959,[8]and the full system was designed by Paul V. Choate, Charles B. Weeks, Frank A. Spinale, et al. at the Hesse-Eastern Division of Norris Thermador. American production of the weapon began by Hesse-Eastern in 1963, and was terminated by 1983; currently it is produced byNammoRaufoss AS in Norway and their subsidiary, Nammo Defense Systems (formerly Nammo Talley Inc.) in Arizona.[9]

Description

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M72 rocket and launcher in cross-section

The weapon consists of arocketwithin a launcher consisting of two tubes, one inside the other. While closed, the outer assembly serves as a watertight container for the rocket and the percussion-cap firing mechanism that activates the rocket. The outer tube contains the trigger, the arming handle, front and rear sights, and the rear cover. The inner tube contains the channel assembly, which houses the firing pin assembly, including thedetentlever. When extended, the inner tube telescopes outward toward the rear, guided by the channel assembly, which rides in an alignment slot in the outer tube's trigger housing assembly. This causes the detent lever to move under the trigger assembly in the outer tube, both locking the inner tube in the extended position and cocking the weapon. Once armed, the weapon is no longer watertight, even if the launcher is collapsed into its original configuration. It is aline of sight weaponwith a range around 200 meters (660 ft).[10]

M72 demonstration at Fort Benning, Georgia, in the 1960s

When fired, the striker in the rear tube impacts a primer, which ignites a small amount of powder that "flashes" down a tube to the rear of the rocket and ignites the propellant in the rocket motor. The rocket motor burns completely before leaving the mouth of the launcher, producing abackblastof gases around 1,400 °F (760 °C). The rocket propels the 66 mm (2.6 in) warhead forward without significant recoil. As the warhead emerges from the launcher, six fins spring out from the base of the rocket tube, stabilizing the warhead's flight. The early LAW warhead, developed from theM31 HEAT rifle grenadewarhead, uses a simplepiezoelectricfuze system. On impact with the target, the front of the nose section is crushed, causing a microsecond electric current to be generated, which detonates a booster charge located in the base of the warhead, which sets off the main warhead charge. The force of the main charge forces the copper liner into a directional particle jet that, in relation to the size of the warhead, is capable of a massive penetration.

A unique mechanical set-back safety on the base of the detonator grounds the circuit until the missile has accelerated out of the tube. The acceleration causes the three disks in the safety mechanism to rotate 90° in succession, ungrounding the circuit; the circuit from the nose to the base of the detonator is then completed when the piezoelectric crystal is crushed on impact.

Packing crates are used to demonstrate the danger of the M72's back blast

The weapon can be fired from inside buildings as long as the structures are at least 3.7 by 4.6 m (12 by 15 ft) in size, which is about 50 cubic meters (1,800 cu ft) in volume, and have sufficient ventilation.[11][12]TheDepartment of the Armypreviously rated the weapon as safe to fire from enclosure, but this rating was removed in 2010 after the introduction of the saferAT4 CS.[13]However, some modern variants of the LAW are specifically designed with fire-from-enclosure (FFE) capability.[14]

In late 2021, Nammo unveiled the concept of a multi-rotorunmanned aerial vehicle(UAV) equipped with a LAW. The tube is mounted facing downward, enabling the drone operator to fire on tanks and armored vehicles from atop attackposition while remaining 3 to 4 km (1.9 to 2.5 mi) away.[15]

Ammunition

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An M72 LAW's rocket

M72 LAWs were issued as prepackaged rounds of ammunition. Improvements to the launcher and differences in the ammunition were differentiated by a single designation. The original M72 warhead penetrated 30 cm (12 in) of armor.[16][17]

A training variant of the M72 LAW, designatedM190,also exists. This weapon is reloadable and uses the 35 mm (1.4 in)M73training rocket. A subcaliber training device that uses a special tracer cartridge also exists for the M72. A training variant used by theFinnish armed forcesfires 7.62 mm (0.300 in) tracer rounds.[citation needed]

The US Army tested other 66 mm rockets based on theM54rocket motor used for the M72. TheM74 TPA(thickened pyrophoric agent) had an incendiary warhead filled with TEA (triethylaluminum); this was used in theM202A1 FLASH(flame assault shoulder weapon) four-tube launcher. TheXM96 RCR(riot control rocket) had aCS gas-filled warhead for crowd control and was also intended for use with the M202, though the rocket never entered service.

Service history

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Australia

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The M72 rocket has been in Australian service since the Vietnam War.[18][19]Currently, the Australian Defence Force uses the M72A6 variant, known as the "light direct fire support weapon",[20]as an anti-structure and secondary anti-armor weapon. The weapon is used by ordinary troops at the section (squad) level and complements the heavier 84 mm (3.3 in)Carl Gustav recoilless rifleandJavelin missile,which are generally used by specialized fire support and anti-armor troops.[21]

Canada

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As of 21 February 2023, Canada has supplied 4,500 M72s to Ukraine for use in theRusso-Ukrainian War.[22]These are of theM72A5-C1designation.[23]

Finland

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The M72 LAW is used in theFinnish Army(some 70,000 pieces), where it is known under the designations66 KES 75(M72A2, no longer in service) and66 KES 88(M72A5). In accordance with the weapon's known limitations, a pair of "tank-buster" troops crawl to a firing position around 50 to 150 meters (160 to 490 ft) away from the target, bringing with them four to six LAWs, which are then used in rapid succession until the target is destroyed or incapacitated. Due to its low penetration capability, it is used mostly against lightly armored targets. The M72 is the most common anti-tank weapon in the Finnish Army.[citation needed]Finland has recently upgraded its stocks to the M72 EC LAW Mk.I version. It is designated66 KES 12[24]Claimed penetration for the M72 EC LAW is 450 mm (18 in) ofrolled homogeneous armorsteel plate, nearly twice that of the M72A2.[25]It also fields the bunker-buster version that contains 440 g (0.97 lb) of DPX-6 explosive, named M72 ASM RC, and locally designated66 KES 12 RAK.The oldest version of the 66 KES 75 is now retired.[26]

Israel

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First arriving in Israel during TheYom Kippur Waras part ofOperation Nickel Grass,[27]the LAW is the primary light anti tank weapon of the Israeli infantry, and has been used extensively throughout the different wars and conflicts, including the currentIsrael–Hamas war.

Norway

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In late February 2022, the Norwegian government announced that it intended to donate "up to 2,000" M72 LAW units from their reserve stocks to Ukraine, in response to theRussian invasion.[28]On March 30, 2022, the Norwegian Defence Ministry said that 2,000 more units will be sent to Ukraine.[29]

Taiwan

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TheRepublic of China Army(Taiwan) uses the M72 as a secondary anti-armor weapon for infantry units. It is used primarily as a backup to the Javelin and BGM-71 TOW anti-tank weapons.[citation needed]The weapon was later reverse-engineered into the "Type 1 66 mm anti-armor rocket", which was introduced from M72 A2, but is more-popularly nicknamed as the "Type 66 rocket" due to its caliber. After several decades of application, the Type 66mm anti-armor rocket has evolved intoKestrel(67mm) model since 2008.

Turkey

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TheTurkish Armyuses a locally built version byMakina ve Kimya Endustrisi Kurumu,called HAR-66 (Hafif Antitank Roketi,'light antitank rocket'), which has the performance and characteristics of a mix of an M72A2 and an A3. Turkey also indigenously developed an anti-personnel warhead version of HAR-66 AP and called it "Eşek Arısı"('wasp').[30]

United Kingdom

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British soldier firing an L1A1 in Afghanistan, 2009

TheBritish Armyemployed the NAMMO M72, designated as the "Rocket 66 mm HEAT L1A1," until it was phased out and replaced by theLAW 80in the 1980s.[31]The M72 saw active use during the 1982 Falklands War, where it was primarily utilized to suppress Argentine defensive positions at close range.[32]Additionally, it was deployed against anassault amphibious vehicleduring theinitial invasionand played a role in damaging the Argentine warshipARAGuerricoduring theinvasion of South Georgia.

Under the 2012 Urgent Operational Requirement program, the M72 was reintroduced into British service, with the M72A9 variant being designated as the Light Anti-Structure Munition (LASM).[33][34][35]

United States

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M72 as used in Vietnam, 1968
Modern M72A7 in use in Afghanistan with US Marines, 2009

During the Vietnam and post-Vietnam periods, all issued LAWs were recalled after instances of the warhead exploding in flight, sometimes injuring the operator. After safety improvements, part of the training and firing drills included the requirement to ensure that the words "w/coupler" were included in the text description stenciled on the launcher, which indicated that the launcher had the required safety modifications.[citation needed][note 2]

With the failure of the M72's intended replacement, theViper,in late 1982 Congress ordered the US Army to test off-the-shelf light antitank weapons and report back by the end of 1983. In partnership with Raufoss AS, Talley Defense offered the M72E4, which provided increased range, velocity, and better sights; this was tested by theU.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity(AMSAA) along with other light anti-armor weapons in 1985. Despite the velocity and range improvements of the M72E4, theAT4still had a higher hit probability due to its higher velocity and range. Therefore, the AT4 was chosen to replace the M72, instead of the improved M72E4 LAW.[36][37]

Although generally considered a Vietnam War–era weapon that had been superseded by the more powerfulAT4,the M72 LAW remained in service with the U.S. military for some time due to existing stockpiles and theU.S. Air Forcecontinuing to purchase M72A3 LAWs until at least 2009.[38]The LAW also found new popularity in operations with theU.S. Army,theU.S. Marine Corps,andCanadian Armyin Iraq and Afghanistan. The lower cost and lighter weight of the LAW, combined with a scarcity of modern heavy armored targets and the need for an individual assault weapon versus an individual anti-armor weapon, made it ideal for the type ofurban combatseen in Iraq and mountain warfare seen in Afghanistan. In addition, a soldier can carry two LAWs on a mission as opposed to a singleAT4.[39]

In February 2005, TheNaval Surface Warfare Center,Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) issued a solicitation to procure 2,558 M72A7 66mm HE LAW w/Graze Fuze Function and NVD Mount with the award date estimated as mid-May 2005.[40]U.S. Marine Corpsofficials also identified the M72A7 LAW as an urgent requirement in support of theglobal war on terrorism,with the USMC initally purchasing 1,136 M72A7s in 2005.[41][42]The U.S. Marine Corps increased M72A7 LAW purchases after 2005, with the service purchasing about 23,000 over a three-year period from 2007 to 2009.[43]Later in 2010, theU.S. Armyalso began using the M72A7 LAW in Afghanistan because it was found to be a useful small and lightweight rocket system for engaging short- and medium-range targets. Foot patrols particularly benefited from it due to Afghanistan's difficult terrain and high elevations.[10]TheU.S. Marine Corpswas still purchasing M72A7 LAW rockets as of March 2023.[44]

The M72A7 LAW is an improved version of its predecessors, featuring an enhanced rocket motor that increases velocity to 200 m/s (660 ft/s) for greater accuracy beyond 200 meters (660 feet), a Picatinny rail for mounting laser pointers and night sights, and the warhead contains a copperexplosively formed penetrator(EFP), instead of a conicalshaped charge.While the EFP has reduced penetration compared to the previous LAWs with a conicalshaped charge,it creates a larger diameter hole, resulting in greaterspallinginside armored vehicles and increased fragmentation behind urban walls, making it more destructive overall. Safety was also improved with aninsensitive munitionwarhead to reduce the risk of accidental detonation.[45][46]

  • M72A7 firing trainer, showing aPicatinny rail
  • Marine firing an M72A7 in Iraq, 2005
  • The rocket of the M72A7 seen in flight

In May of 2024,Marine Corps Systems Commandannounced the acquisition of the M72 Light Assault Weapon (LAW) Fire from Enclosure (FFE) Munition. It features an improved launcher with an enhanced in-line trigger mechanism and an upgraded sling design for better handling. The M72 FFE has two configurations: the M72A8 anti-armor and the M72A10 multi-purpose, anti-structure munition. The M72A8 contains a high-explosive anti-armor warhead with improved armor penetration, while the M72A10 provides Marines with the added capability of an anti-structure round designed to eliminate hardened structures such as buildings. The M72A10 features an advanced warhead design with a multipurpose explosive and a self-discriminating fuse that automatically operates in either a fast- or delay-mode depending on the target’s construction, allowing Marines to effectively engage structures, bunkers, and enemy personnel. The FFE variants are no longer classified as rocket launchers, as they lack a rocket motor. Instead, they function as recoilless launchers, using a propellant charge to propel a 66mm fin-stabilized ballistic projectile toward the target. A liquid counter-mass behind the propellant mitigates backblast, allowing the weapon to be safely fired from enclosed spaces.[47]The M72 FFE replaces the M72A7 LAW, allowing Marines to fire multiple shots daily from enclosed spaces without risk of brain injury. It also produces less muzzle flash than anM9 pistol,reducing its visual and thermal signature. With these improvements, both M72 FFE variants significantly enhance infantry effectiveness against armored vehicles and fortified structures, in urban environments as well as complex terrain. Fielding is expected to begin in 2024.[48][49]

Vietnam

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Several M72A1 and M72A2 LAWs captured during the Vietnam War have been put into service with the chemical force of theVietnam People's Army.The launchers are upgraded to be able to fire multiple times and are armed with M74 incendiary rounds.[citation needed]

Variants

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Designation Description US designation International designation
M72 66 mm (2.6 in) Talley single-shot disposable rocket launcher; pre-loaded withHEATrocket M72
M72A1 Improved rocket motor M72A1 L1A1 (UK)
M72A2 Improved rocket motor, higher penetration M72A2 66 KES 75 (Finland), L1A3 (UK)
M72A3 M72A2 variant; safety upgrades M72A3
M72A4 Rocket optimized for high penetration; uses improved launcher assembly M72A4
M72A5 M72A3 variant; uses improved launcher assembly M72A5 66 KES 88 (Finland)
M72A6 Warhead modified for lower penetration but increased blast effect; uses improved launcher assembly M72A6
M72A7 M72A6 variant, insensitive-explosive (PBXN-9) version for US Navy M72A7
M72A7 graze[50] A7 variant with super-sensitive graze fuze, restricted from training use (combat-only) M72A7 with graze
M72A8 Anti-armor warhead with fire-from-enclosure (FFE) propulsion (formerly M72E8) M72A8
M72A9 Blast-optimized HE warhead, DPX-6 explosive Light anti-structure missile (LASM) [UK]
M72A10 Anti-structure warhead with FFE propulsion (formerly M72E10) M72A10
M72E11[51] Airburst M72
M72 EC Enhanced capacity, increased anti-armor performance, 315 grams PBXW-11 explosive 66 KES 12 (Finland)
M72 ASM RC Reduced-caliber 45 mm (1.8 in) anti-structure rocket, 0.4 kg (0.88 lb) DPX-6 explosive 66 KES 12 RAK (Finland)
M247[52] 70 mm (2.75 in) rocket warhead using M72A2 warhead components, 910 g (2.0 lb) composition B explosive M247
HAR-66 Turkish variant, mix of A2 and A3 features HAR-66 (Turkey)
M72AS 21 mm (0.83 in) reusable trainer M72AS
M190[52] 35 mm (1.4 in) training variant, fires M73 practice rocket M190

Armor penetration and velocity

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Left to right: M72A9, M72E8, M72E10 projectile, M72E8 projectile, M72A9 rocket, M72A5-A7 rocket,SMAW/M141HEDM rocket,SMAW-NErocket, andSMAWrocket encasement. (above the M72E8 projectile is the 21mm training projectile for the M72AS)
Variant ref Armor Penetration
mm (in) 		Muzzle Velocity
m/s (ft/s)
M72/A1 200 (7.87) 145 (476)
M72A2/A3 [53] 300 (11.81)
M72A4 350 (13.78) 200 (656)
M72A5 [54] 300 (11.81)
M72A6/A7 [54][46] 150 (5.91)
M72A8 [55][56] 150 (5.91) 166 (545)
M72A9 [54] N/A[note 3] 130 (427)
M72A10 [55] N/A[note 3] 166 (545)
M72 EC Mk.1 [54] 450 (17.72) 200 (656)
M72 EC Mk.2 [54] 300 (11.81)

Specifications (M72A2 and M72A3)

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Firing the M72 LAW

Launcher

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  • Length:
    • Extended: less than 1 m (39 in)
    • Closed: 0.67 m (26 in)
  • Weight:
    • Complete M72A2: 2.3 kg (5.1 lb)
    • Complete M72A3: 2.5 kg (5.5 lb)
  • Firing mechanism:percussion.
  • Front sight:reticlegraduated in 25 m range increments
  • Rear sight:peep sight adjusts automatically to temperature change

Rocket

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  • Caliber:66 mm (2.6 in)
  • Length:508 mm (20.0 in)
  • Weight:1.8 kg (4.0 lb)
  • Muzzle velocity:145 m/s (480 ft/s)
  • Minimum range (combat):10 m (33 ft)
  • Minimum arming range:10 m (33 ft)
  • Maximum range:1,000 m (3,300 ft)
  • Penetration:300 mm (12 in)[57]

Maximum effective ranges

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  • Stationary target:200 m (220 yd)
  • Moving target:165 m (180 yd)
  • Beyond these ranges there is less than a 50% chance of hitting the target.

Operators

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M72 operators
Current
Former

Current operators

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Former users

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See also

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Similar weapons

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Notes

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  1. ^The U.S. Army partially replaced the Super Bazooka not only with the M72 LAW, but also theM67 recoilless rifle,and U.S. Marines kept the Super Bazooka in service until the late 1960s.[citation needed]
  2. ^Some reports state these instances were caused by misfires due to water in the flash tube and by unproven rumors of sabotage at the manufacturing plant during the Vietnam War.[citation needed]
  3. ^abAn anti-structure munition without ashaped charge

References

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  2. ^ab"Dục hỏa trọng sinh —— đối việt tự vệ phản kích chiến đối ngã quốc khinh võ khí phát triển đích ảnh hưởng".23 Sep 2014.Retrieved5 Aug2022.
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M72 Enhancements Early 1980s
M72E4, M72E5, M72E6 – Talley brochure
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