PF-97
The PF-97 (Chinese: 97式93毫米火箭筒; lit. 'Type 97 93 millimetre rocket launcher') is a 93 mm (3.7 in) portable, disposable, unguided, shoulder-launched, rocket launcher used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The PF-97 is a Chinese licensed copy of the Russian RPO-A Shmel thermobaric rocket launcher. The PF-97 was later developed into the PF-11 (Type 11) rocket launcher system with weight reduction, newer construction, and multiple types of warheads.
The PF-97 was developed as a replacement for flamethrowers and FHJ-84 incendiary rockets in the PLA service. It sits between the smaller caliber DZJ-08 and larger PF-98 recoilless weapons.
Description
[edit]The PF-97 is a Chinese copy of the Russian RPO-A Shmel.[1] In 1992, China bought the manufacturing license of the RPO-A from KBP Instrument Design Bureau. A local version was developed in 1996, which was then certified in 1997. It entered serial production in 2000.[2] The PF-97 (RPO-A) has a larger explosive filler compared to the PF-89's thermobaric variant, ensuring adequate lethality. However, the rocket launcher system weighs 12 kg (26 lb) due to the explosives, which is significantly heavier than other disposable rocket systems in the PLA service.[3] An improved version, known as PF-97A, exists. PF-97A combined the previously separated rocket booster with the warhead.[4]
The PF-11 is a redesigned version of the PF-97. The launcher was modified, with the foregrip removed to save weight, and has a new thermal sleeve similar to that of DZJ-08.[2][3] The PF-11 was later developed into a weapon family with multiple types of munition chocies, including high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), high explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag), incendiary, anti-bunker assault munitions, etc.[2][3]
Variants
[edit]- PF-97
- Chinese copy of the RPO-A Shmel. Thermobaric warhead.[5]
- PF-97A
- Improved PF-97 with fixed rocket booster.[4] PF-97A can be carried in twin-barrel mode for easier transportation.[6]
- BFK2
- Export version of the PF-97A.[4]
- PF-11
- Redesigned PF-97 with foregrip removed and new thermal sleeves. Added capability to launch high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), high explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag), incendiary, anti-bunker munitions, etc.[2][3] The system has a reported range of 850 m (2,790 ft).[7]
- DZG-141
- A further development of the PF-11. Multipurpose bunker buster warhead.[6][8][9]
- BKM6
- Export version of the DZG-141.[8]
- DZS-151
- A further development of the PF-11. High-explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag) warhead.[6][9]
- DZP-151
- A further development of the PF-11. High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.[6][9]
- DZF-151
- A further development of the PF-11. Smoke round.[9]
Users
[edit]
See also
[edit]- DZJ-08
- PF-89
- PF-98
- RPO-A Shmel – (Soviet Union)
- FHJ-84 – (China)
References
[edit]- ^ Nathaniel F (18 August 2014). "A Guide To Chinese Infantry Support Weapons (Guest Post)". The Firearm Blog.
- ^ a b c d "对狙么？中国单兵火箭筒也能当狙击步枪，千米之外一炮毙敌". Sohu News. 11 November 2020.
- ^ a b c d "又炸又烧的解放军新一代云爆火箭筒：PF11式93毫米火箭筒". Sohu News. 21 July 2023.
- ^ a b c "PF-97A Chinese Thermobaric Rocket Launcher". World Equipment Guide. US Army TRADOC.
- ^ "PF-97 Chinese Thermobaric Rocket Launcher". World Equipment Guide. US Army TRADOC.
- ^ a b c d "中国单兵云爆弹竟然有双筒版？双倍筒子，双倍的快乐". NetEase News. 30 December 2020.
- ^ Zheng, William (11 September 2020). "China tests drones, new rocket launcher near disputed India border area". South China Morning Post.
- ^ a b "DZG-141 Chinese Rocket Launcher". World Equipment Guide. US Army TRADOC.
- ^ a b c d "看一看我军步兵未来十年的单兵重火力装备". Sina News. 15 September 2024.