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M72 LAW
An M72 LAW in extended position
Type	Anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher
Place of origin	United States
Service history
In service	1963–present
Used by	See Operators
Wars	Vietnam War Cambodian Civil War Laotian Civil War Sino-Vietnamese War Lebanese Civil War Nicaraguan Revolution Falklands War Salvadoran Civil War Gulf War Bougainville Civil War Somali Civil War Bosnian War War in Afghanistan Iraq War Syrian Civil War Yemeni Civil War Russo-Ukrainian War Israel-Hamas war
Production history
Designer	FA Spinale, CB Weeks and PV Choate
Designed	Patent filed 1963
Manufacturer	Norway: NAMMO (Raufoss, Norway) U.S.: NAMMO Defense Systems (Mesa, Arizona) Turkey: under license by MKEK
Specifications
Mass	2.5 kg (5.5 lb) (M72A1–3) / 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) (M72A4–7)
Length	630 mm (24.8 in) (unarmed) 881 mm (34.67 in) (armed)
Caliber	66 mm (2.6 in)
Muzzle velocity	145 m/s (480 ft/s)
Effective firing range	200 m (660 ft), 220 m (720 ft) (A4–7)
Detonation mechanism	Point-initiated, base-detonated

The M72 LAW (light anti-tank weapon, also referred to as the light anti-armor weapon or LAW as well as LAWS: light anti-armor weapons system) is a portable one-shot 66 mm (2.6 in) unguided anti-tank weapon.

In early 1963, the M72 LAW was adopted by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps as their primary individual infantry anti-tank weapon, replacing the M31 HEAT rifle grenade and the M20A1 "Super Bazooka" in the U.S. Army. It was subsequently adopted by the U.S. Air Force to serve in an anti-emplacement and anti-armor role in airbase defense.

In the early 1980s, the M72 was slated to be replaced by the FGR-17 Viper. However, the Viper program was canceled by Congress and the M136 AT4 was adopted instead. At that time, its nearest equivalents were the Swedish Pskott m/68 (Miniman) and the French SARPAC.

Background

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) were Molotov cocktails, flamethrowers, satchel charges, jury-rigged landmines, 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 the bazooka, 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, the Panzerfaust, having single-shot launchers that were cheap and requiring no special training. As a result, they were regularly issued to Volkssturm home 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

The solid rocket propulsion unit was developed in the newly formed Rohm and Haas research laboratory at Redstone Arsenal in 1959, 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 by Nammo Raufoss AS in Norway and their subsidiary, Nammo Defense Systems (formerly Nammo Talley Inc.) in Arizona.

Description

The weapon consists of a rocket within 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 the detent lever. 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 a line of sight weapon with a range around 200 meters (660 ft).

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 a backblast of 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 the M31 HEAT rifle grenade warhead, uses a simple piezoelectric fuze 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.

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. The Department of the Army previously rated the weapon as safe to fire from enclosure, but this rating was removed in 2010 after the introduction of the safer AT4 CS. However, some modern variants of the LAW are specifically designed with fire-from-enclosure (FFE) capability.

In late 2021, Nammo unveiled the concept of a multi-rotor unmanned 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 a top attack position while remaining 3 to 4 km (1.9 to 2.5 mi) away.

Ammunition

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.

A training variant of the M72 LAW, designated M190, also exists. This weapon is reloadable and uses the 35 mm (1.4 in) M73 training rocket. A subcaliber training device that uses a special tracer cartridge also exists for the M72. A training variant used by the Finnish armed forces fires 7.62 mm (0.300 in) tracer rounds.

The US Army tested other 66 mm rockets based on the M54 rocket motor used for the M72. The M74 TPA (thickened pyrophoric agent) had an incendiary warhead filled with TEA (triethylaluminum); this was used in the M202A1 FLASH (flame assault shoulder weapon) four-tube launcher. The XM96 RCR (riot control rocket) had a CS gas-filled warhead for crowd control and was also intended for use with the M202, though the rocket never entered service.

Service history

Australia

The M72 rocket has been in Australian service since the Vietnam War. Currently, the Australian Defence Force uses the M72A6 variant, known as the "light direct fire support weapon", 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 rifle and Javelin missile, which are generally used by specialized fire support and anti-armor troops.

Canada

As of 21 February 2023, Canada has supplied 4,500 M72s to Ukraine for use in the Russo-Ukrainian War. These are of the M72A5-C1 designation.

Finland

The M72 LAW is used in the Finnish Army (some 70,000 pieces), where it is known under the designations 66 KES 75 (M72A2, no longer in service) and 66 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. Finland has recently upgraded its stocks to the M72 EC LAW Mk.I version. It is designated 66 KES 12 Claimed penetration for the M72 EC LAW is 450 mm (18 in) of rolled homogeneous armor steel plate, nearly twice that of the M72A2. It also fields the bunker-buster version that contains 440 g (0.97 lb) of DPX-6 explosive, named M72 ASM RC, and locally designated 66 KES 12 RAK. The oldest version of the 66 KES 75 is now retired.

Israel

First arriving in Israel during The Yom Kippur War as part of Operation Nickel Grass, 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 current Israel–Hamas war.

Norway

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 the Russian invasion. On March 30, 2022, the Norwegian Defence Ministry said that 2,000 more units will be sent to Ukraine.

Taiwan

The Republic of China Army (Taiwan) uses the M72 as a secondary anti-armor weapon. It is used primarily as a backup to the Javelin and BGM-71 TOW anti-tank weapons. The weapon was later reverse-engineered into the "Type 1 66 mm anti-armor rocket", which is 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 into Kestrel (67mm) model since 2008.

Turkey

The Turkish Army uses a locally built version by Makina 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').

United Kingdom

The British Army had used the NAMMO M72 under the designation "rocket 66 mm HEAT L1A1" but it was replaced by the LAW 80 during the 1980s. It was used in action during the 1982 Falklands War, mainly to suppress Argentinian defensive positions at close range; however, it was also used against an assault amphibious vehicle during the initial invasion and was one of the weapons which damaged the warship ARA Guerrico in the invasion of South Georgia. The M72 rocket was reintroduced into British service under the Urgent Operational Requirement program, with the M72A9 variant being designated the light anti-structure munition (LASM).

United States

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.

With the failure of the M72's intended replacement, the Viper, 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 M72E5, which provided increased range, penetration and better sights; this was tested along with five other light anti-armor weapons in 1983. Despite the improvements of the M72E5, the AT4 was chosen to replace the M72.

Although generally thought of as a Vietnam War–era weapon that had been superseded by the more-powerful AT4, the M72 LAW found new popularity in the operations by the US Army, the US Marine Corps, and Canadian Army in 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 of urban combat seen in Iraq and mountain warfare seen in Afghanistan. In addition, a soldier can carry two LAWs on a mission as opposed to a single AT4.

The US Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico, Virginia, placed a $15.5-million fixed contract order with Talley Defense for 7,750 M72A7s, with delivery to be completed in April 2011. The M72A7 LAW is an improvement on previous versions, including an improved rocket motor for a higher velocity to accurately engage targets past 200 m (660 ft), an insensitive munitions warhead to reduce the likelihood of an accidental explosion, and a Picatinny rail to mount laser pointers and night sights. The LAW was useful in Afghanistan as a small and light rocket system for use against short- and medium-range targets by foot patrols in the difficult terrain and high elevations of the country. The U.S. military was still purchasing LAW rockets as of January 2015. In 2018 it was reported that an upgrade for the LAW was being developed that would improve the fire control system as well as largely eliminate the weapon's back blast, allowing the weapon to be used more safely from within a confined space.

Vietnam

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

Variants

Armor penetration

Specifications (M72A2 and M72A3)

Launcher

• 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: reticle graduated in 25 m range increments
• Rear sight: peep sight adjusts automatically to temperature change

Rocket

• 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)

Maximum effective ranges

• 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

Current operators

•  Argentina: M72A3 variant
•  Australia: M72A6 variant
•  Austria
•  Belgium
•  Brazil: M72A2 variant used by navy
•  Canada M72A5 variant, labeled as M72A5-C1
•  Colombia M72A3 variant
•  Chile: M72A3 variant. Used by the Chilean Army and the Chilean Marine Corps. New variant used by the latter force reported in 2018.
•  Cyprus
•  Denmark: M72A7 variant, since 2018 M72 EC
•  Egypt
•  El Salvador
•  Israel
•  Italy: M72A5 variant since 2007
•  Japan: Used by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force.
•  Malaysia: In service since 2015. 800 additional units ordered in 2024.
•  Finland
•  Georgia
•  Greece
•  Iraq
•  Kosovo:
•  Kyrgyzstan: The weapon was shown during new military equipment presentation recently which were sent with Turkey's official representative to hand them Kyrgyz officials.
•  Luxembourg
•  Lithuania: Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces
•  Mexico: First seen in September 2018
•  Morocco
•  Netherlands
•  New Zealand
•  Norway
•  Philippines
•  Poland: On July 7, 2022, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak announced the delivery of several thousand M72 EC MK1s.
•  Portugal
•  Romania
•  Somalia
•  South Korea
•  Spain: M72A3 variant.
•  Syria: Captured from rebel groups.
•  Syrian National Coalition
•  Taiwan
•  Thailand
•  Turkey
•  Ukraine: delivered to Ukraine by Canadian, Danish and Norwegian Armed Forces (and possibly several others), as part of the military aid during the 2022 Russian Invasion.
•  United Kingdom: Used by the British Army from the 1970s to the early 1990s. The M72A9 variant was reintroduced into service for the Afghanistan war. due to its light weight, lower cost and greater portability.
•  United States
•  Yemen
•  Vietnam

Former users

• FNLA
•  Cambodia
•  China: launchers captured and used in Sino-Vietnamese War and Sino-Vietnamese conflicts, replaced by the PF-89, PF-98 and DZJ-08 anti-tank grenade launcher.
•  South Vietnam

See also

• Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon
• List of U.S. Army Rocket Launchers By Model Number

Similar weapons

• C90-CR (M3) – (Spain)
• M80 rocket launcher – (Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia)
• Panzerfaust 3 – (West Germany)
• RPG-18 / RPG-22 / RPG-26 – (Soviet Union)
• RPG-76 – (Polish People's Republic, Poland)

Notes

1. The U.S. Army partially replaced the Super Bazooka not only with the M72 LAW, but also the M67 recoilless rifle, and U.S. Marines kept the Super Bazooka in service until the late 1960s.
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.
3. Various reports in 1983 stated that during the congressionally mandated tests the first M72E5 tested had an accuracy problem, because its larger-diameter rocket motor interfered with the deployment of all the stabilizing fins after leaving the launcher. The manufacturers have since made modifications that have solved that problem.
4. TM 43-0001-30 states the M247 has "approximately the same" penetration as the M72.

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External links

External images
M72 Enhancements Early 1980s
M72E4, M72E5, M72E6 – Talley brochure
Pop-up "Rifle Sights" adopted from canceled Talley Viper brochure

• FAS
• Gary's U.S. Infantry Weapons Reference Guide
• Modern Firearms
• Designation-Systems
• Article on the reintroduction of the LAW in Iraq by the USMC
• Canadian Military Page On the M72
• Patent for sights of M72 patented by Paul V. Choate of Milton, MA.
• Patented by Paul V. Choate of Milton, MA.
• 1960s US Army M72 Training film
• FM 3.23-25

• Anti-tank rockets of the United States
• Cold War weapons of the United States
• Military equipment introduced in the 1960s
• Disposable products