RPG-43 Grenade

cults3d

A full scale replica of the Soviet RPG-43 (handheld anti-tank grenade, model 1943), made for demonstration and throwing. It was the Red Army's first shaped charge (HEAT) handgrenade and was used to penetrate heavier armoured vehicles. Together with the larger RPG-6 it was designed to replace the by 1943 somewhat obsolete RPG-40. Was used for a long time post war by many Soviet-aligned countries. Some measurements were provided by user Shadowrax to make this model a good representation When thrown the grenade would deploy a kind of drogue parachute to align the warhead in the throwing direction, allowing it to land roughly perpendicular to the target surface. To fully demonstrate this unusual feature the model needs to be completed with a ~35 mm diameter compression spring and two fabric strips of about 500x80 mm. In case you prefer a more solid and static replica, a simplified assembly is included. Walls are slightly thickened to give it more rigidity and strength. Grenade body is hollow to save material and to allow fitting of ballast to obtain a proper weight. The internal firing mechanism is not represented. Short pieces of filament can be used as alignment pins for attaching the lid to the body. Filament, nails or metal wire can be used to help secure the handle to the mount. The latch of the spoon needs to be bent 90° upwards with a little heat, like from a lighter or just water from a kettle. Split pin and ring is as usual best replaced with a metal version for both look and durability. If you are able to, crafting a wooden handle would look great.