WPF-89-1 Chinese Thermobaric Rocket Launcher
WPF-89-1
Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile / Long-Range Artillery Rocket
Other
Basic Information
Name
WPF-89-1 Chinese Thermobaric Rocket Launcher
Designation
WPF-89-1
Alternate Designation
WPF-89-1
Equipment Type
Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile / Long-Range Artillery Rocket
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Date of Introduction
2002
Description
The WPF-89-1 Chinese Thermobaric Rocket Launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, disposable 80 mm rocket launcher fitted with a thermobaric warhead. The WPF89-1 uses the same launcher as the PF89 and PF89A weapons.
Ground Specifications
Crew
89
System
Alternate Designation
WPF-89-1
Type
Thermobaric Rocket Launcher
Caliber
80 mm
Manufacturer
NORINCO
Launcher
The barrel of the weapon is the launch tube, which also functions as the main body of the weapon. It is 900 mm long. A set of circular shock absorbers are mounted to the front and rear of the tube. The front and rear are fitted with caps to prevent the ingress of water or dirt into the launch tube. The caps are blown off during firing, or removed manually before firing, depending on the version.
Mounted on top of the barrel is a fixed carry handle made of polymer to aid in transporting the weapon. On the underside is the folding pistol grip and firing mechanism. The pistol grip folds to the rear for transport and forward to deploy. Mounted on the left of the launch tube above the pistol grip and firing mechanism is the mounting rail for an optical sight. The attachment points for the sling are also on the barrel.
Crew
The WPF89-1 is designed to be carried and operated by a single individual, travelling on foot.
Muzzle Velocity
120 m/s
Sighting Range
400 m
Effective Firing Range
200 m
Firing Mechanism
The external firing mechanism of the WPF89-1 is fitted to the underside of the barrel/launch tube. It is operated by a conventional trigger. Attached to the firing mechanism is the folding pistol grip. The trigger operates on the percussion igniter principle: a shock tube is routed into the launch tube and connected to the rocket's launch motor igniter.
Sighting Systems
An optical‐type sight is also fitted to enhance accuracy over the conventional ‘pop‐up' iron sights fitted to earlier models of this type. However, the sights are very simple. The user must be able to see the target and range it manually in order to achieve a successful hit. Additionally, no night firing capability is available.
Dimensions
Length
900 mm
Weight
4 kg
Ammunition
Type
Rocket
Caliber
80 mm
Warhead
Thermobaric
Note
The design of the warhead closely resembles that of the one found on the RPO-A recoilless FAE launchers. The notable difference being that the WPF89-1 projectile has been modified to be rocket propelled with the addition of a fixed rocket motor to the warhead.
The projectile, has a thin‐walled aluminium body containing an unknown quantity of FAE, a central tube running through explosive, and a tail section. The central tube contains the fuze and the initiating charge.
It is claimed that the warhead uses a new type of FAE filling that creates a ‘super high‐pressure and high temperature field' to achieve the desired target effect. Warhead efficiency is not range-dependent. Unconfirmed reports suggest that a re‐usable launcher tube is used with this launcher. However, it is thought that it is correct that the “reloading” occurs at factory level rather than in the field.
Image Sources
Details
Country of Origin
China
Category
Rocket Launchers
Land > Infantry Weapons > Rocket Launchers
Filter Label
W
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Dimensions
Length
0.9 m
Width
—
Height
—
Weight
4 kg
Operators (1)
China
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