There are several types of high-explosive munitions for RPGs (Rocket-Propelled Grenades). The term "high-explosive" can refer to a few different types of warheads, each designed for a specific purpose.
Here are the main types of high-explosive rounds used with RPGs:
High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT): This is the most common type of RPG round. The "high-explosive" in this case is a shaped charge designed to create a focused jet of molten metal to penetrate armor. While it's a high-explosive, its primary effect is on a small, concentrated area, not a wide blast.
High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG): These rounds are specifically designed for anti-personnel use and for attacking soft targets like unarmored vehicles, buildings, and troops in the open. Unlike HEAT rounds, which focus their energy on a single point, HE-FRAG rounds are designed to produce a large amount of shrapnel to cause damage over a wider area. The OG-7V is a well-known example of this type of munition for the RPG-7.
Thermobaric: Often called "fuel-air explosives," these are a very powerful type of high-explosive round. They work by dispersing an aerosol cloud of a flammable substance that is then ignited. The resulting blast wave is longer and more sustained than a conventional explosive, making it extremely effective in confined spaces like buildings, caves, and bunkers. The TBG-7V round is a thermobaric munition for the RPG-7.
Tandem Charge: This is a specialized type of HEAT round that uses two explosive charges. The first, smaller charge is designed to detonate and defeat any reactive armor on a tank. The second, main charge then fires into the now-exposed main armor, significantly increasing its penetration capability. The PG-7VR is an example of a tandem-charge round for the RPG-7.
In summary, while RPGs are most famous for their anti-tank capabilities using shaped charges, they also have a variety of high-explosive munitions designed for a range of targets, including personnel, structures, and fortifications.
