66 mm anti-tank rocket launcher, 1971 circa (metal)

66 mm anti-tank rocket launcher, 1971 circa. The use of this disposable weapon during the Falklands War (1982) epitomised the innovatory tactical skills of the British soldier. As there were no tanks to attack, these lightweight weapons, supplied in substantial numbers, were used against Argentine trenches and bunkers. The total weight of the missile and launcher was only 2.36 kilograms so two could be carried per soldier The missiles, with a muzzle velocity of 145 metres per second, were often fired from point-blank range into bunkers with devastating results. When the inner tube is extended and the trigger armed the sights automatically extend and the shoulder-stop drops down; the launcher is then placed on the shoulder and the electric trigger pressed. The sights were little used during the point-blank bunker-clearing attacks.