APILAS
| Industry | Defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | APILAS anti-tank weapon |
| Parent | Matra Manurhin Défense (now NEXTER) |
The RAC 112 APILAS (Armour-Piercing Infantry Light Arm System) is a French-designed, portable, single-use 112 mm recoilless rifle anti-tank weapon developed by GIAT Industries. More than 120,000 units have been manufactured and continue to serve in the arsenals of various nations.
Description
Constructed with an aramid fibre tube, the APILAS launcher includes a retractable sighting mechanism. It operates effectively at distances ranging from a minimum arming range of 25 m up to between 300 and 500 m, depending on the nature of the target. The warhead employs an electrically initiated shaped charge that detonates upon impact, functioning reliably at angles as steep as 80 degrees.
Although relatively heavy, the APILAS is capable of penetrating up to 700 mm of RHA. Within the French Army, it is designated as a "traumatic weapon" due to its intense blast and noise levels, restricting personnel to a maximum of three firings during peacetime.
Furthermore, an adaptation for off-route mine deployment was created by mounting the APILAS rocket on a tripod outfitted with sensors or tripwires, enabling remote activation.
Production
The French military placed an order for 84,000 units in 1984 to succeed the LRAC F1 launcher until the introduction of the Eryx short-range missile system. Production of approximately 120,000 APILAS launchers was carried out by Matra Manurhin Défense (currently NEXTER, formerly GIAT) from 1985 through 2006.
Specifications
- Calibre: 112 mm
- Length:
- Launcher:
- For transport: 1290 mm
- Ready to fire: 1260 mm
- Projectile length: 920 mm
- Launcher:
- Weight:
- Total system: 9.0 kg
- Projectile alone: 4.3 kg
- Launcher tube: 4.7 kg
- Effective range: Minimum arming distance of 25 m; up to 300 m for general targets; extends beyond 500 m for moving and stationary targets
- Propulsion: Solid-fuel rocket motor
- Muzzle velocity: Approximately 293 m/s
- Flight time to 500 m: Around 1.9 seconds
- Warhead details: A shaped charge weighing 1.5 kg capable of breaching over 750 mm RHAe or penetrating up to two meters of concrete
- Firing mechanism: Utilizes a Piezoelectric sensor trigger with a 50g black powder ignition charge
Operators
Former operators
See also
Sources
- Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005–2006
- Jane's Mines and Mine Clearance 2005–2006