Energa anti-tank rifle grenade
| Energa rifle grenade | |
|---|---|
ENERGA rifle grenade. The blue paint signifies an inert training version | |
| Type | Antitank Rifle Grenade |
| Place of origin | Liechtenstein, first manufactured in Belgium |
| Service history | |
| Wars | Korean War Portuguese Colonial War Rhodesian Bush War South African Border War Bangladesh Liberation War Lebanese Civil War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Edgar Brandt |
| Manufacturer | Mecar SA |
| Specifications (HEAT-RFL-75) | |
| Mass | 765 g (27.0 oz) |
| Length | 425 mm (16.7 in) |
| Diameter | 75 mm (3.0 in) |
| Muzzle velocity | 75 m/s (250 ft/s) |
| Maximum firing range | 550 m (1,800 ft) (maximum) 200 m (660 ft) (effective) |
| Filling | PETN |
| Filling weight | 314 g (11.1 oz) |
The Energa anti-tank rifle grenade is a rifle-launched anti-tank grenade that is propelled by a ballistite-filled blank cartridge. The name Energa comes from the firm in Liechtenstein that designed it, the Anstalt für die ENtwicklung von ERfindungen und Gewerblichen Anwendungen, based in Vaduz.
First produced in the 1950s, by Mecar in Belgium, it was in front-line use by European armies until replaced by disposable tube-launched anti-tank rockets such as the M72 LAW. Although no longer in production, stocks of the grenade still exist and the Energa grenade remains in service with Third World countries. Armscor of South Africa manufactured the R1M1, an improved version of the Energa grenade.
The original Energa grenade could penetrate 200 mm (7.8 inches) of armor or 500 mm (19.6 inches) of concrete at an angle of impact of 90 degrees. At an angle of impact of 45 degrees, the figures dropped to 100 mm (3.9 inches) and 250 mm (9.8 inches), respectively.
The Super Energa used a rocket booster to extend the grenade's range to 550 m (1,800 ft). The Super Energa could penetrate up to 275 mm (10.8 inches) of armor and 600 mm (23.6 inches) of concrete.