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The Beast of War: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Ak_54.jpg|thumb|350px|none|AK-47 7.62x39mm]] | [[Image:Ak_54.jpg|thumb|350px|none|AK-47 7.62x39mm]] | ||
[[Image:TB-AK47SA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Golikov and Kaminski each hold | [[Image:TB-AK47STankCrewsA.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Soviet tankers dismount holding folding stock AK-47s. What initially confused viewers into thinking that these were AKMs was the extended (Israeli style) blank adapters on the muzzle of the rifle. From a distance they look like the slant compensators of the AKM series of rifles. But these are milled receiver '''original''' AK-47s, the only type of AK seen in the movie.]] | ||
[[Image:TB-AK47FullStockMilledA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mujahideen fire on the tank with fixed-stock AK- | [[Image:TB-AK47SA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Golikov and Kaminski each hold a folding stock AK-47 as Samad interrogates an Afghan villager]] | ||
[[Image:TB-AK47MilledA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An Afghan fires his AK-47 at the fleeing tank]] | [[Image:TB-AK47FullStockMilledA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mujahideen fire on the tank with fixed-stock AK-47s]] | ||
===Trivia: The Israeli Blank Adapters=== | |||
Note the extended muzzle nut on these AK-47s. They are the BFAs (Blank Firing Adapters) used mostly by Israeli movie armorers. American movie armorers use blank firing adapters that are either hidden in the barrel or look just like the existing compensators or flash hiders on the issued firearms. Usually these '''obvious''' BFAs indicate that a film was shot in Israel. | |||
[[Image:TB-AK47MilledA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An Afghan fires his AK-47 at the fleeing tank - note the obvious Israeli BFA at the end.]] | |||
[[Image:TB-AK47BFA 02a.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Another villager lies in wait with his AK-47. Again, a clear shot of the Israeli BFA is visible on his rifle.]] | |||
== RPG-7 == | == RPG-7 == | ||
The [[RPG-7]] plays a | The [[RPG-7]] plays a pivotal role in the film, first being used by Soviet soldiers during the raid on the village (including being used to blow up a mosque by Koverchenko at the beginning of the film) then is captured by the Mujahideen who intend to use it to take revenge ("badal") on a Soviet tank that is lost in the Afghan desert after the murderous raid. The Afghans initially have poor luck using the weapon, even damaging it to the point it won't fire, though a defector from the tank's crew, Konstantin Koverchenko ([[Jason Patric]]), is able to repair it using parts from a Lee-Enfield rifle sight spring, and is given the responsibility of firing the weapon at the tank, though ends up only blowing off the end of the tank's main gun barrel. | ||
[[Image:Rpg-7-1-.jpg |thumb|none|350px|Russian RPG-7 40mm]] | [[Image:Rpg-7-1-.jpg |thumb|none|350px|Russian RPG-7 40mm]] | ||
[[Image:TB-RPG 01a.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko takes aim at the minaret (tower) of a mosque with an RPG-7 during the village raid]] | [[Image:TB-RPG 01a.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko takes aim at the minaret (tower) of a mosque with an RPG-7 during the village raid]] | ||
[[Image:TB-RPG 02a.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko walks away with his fired RPG-7 launcher.]] | [[Image:TB-RPG 02a.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko walks away with his fired RPG-7 launcher.]] | ||
[[Image:TB-RPG7WomanA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Sherina ([[Shoshi Marciano]]) presents her villagers with a gift - an RPG-7 Launcher]] | |||
[[Image:TB-RPG7-MisfireA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mustapha shows that he doesn't know how to properly use the RPG-7]] | |||
[[Image:TB-RPG7-FiresA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|'''OOOps!''' A nice shot, showing that the RPG launcher is actually explosively propelling the fake rocket just like a real RPG (unlike films like ''[[Red Dawn]]''). A fine example of what a real RPG looks like when it's fired.]] | |||
[[Image:TB-RPGFixA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko re-affixes the grip after fixing it in the cave.]] | |||
[[Image:TB-RPGGRipA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A nice closeup of the Grip of the RPG-7 launcher. Compare this to another side show (see below) and it appears to be a different RPG-7 between scenes.]] | |||
[[Image:TB-RPGFixSightA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko looks through the sights of the newly-repaired RPG-7 launcher just before agreeing to aid the Mujahideen in destroying the tank]] | [[Image:TB-RPGFixSightA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko looks through the sights of the newly-repaired RPG-7 launcher just before agreeing to aid the Mujahideen in destroying the tank]] | ||
[[Image:TB-RPGSideA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A nice side shot of the RPG-7. Here (based on the grip) it appears to be a different RPG-7 launcher than seen before.]] | |||
[[Image:TB-RPGRocketRubberA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A detail shot of the RPG-7 Warhead. It is an obvious rubber warhead (see the seam) and is the same type used in films like ''[[Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull]]''.]] | |||
[[Image:TB-RPGFinalFireA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko aims his RPG-7 in the final shot.]] | |||
== LPO-50 Flamethrower == | == LPO-50 Flamethrower == | ||
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A [[Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE)|Short Magazine Lee-Enfield]] bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj ([[Steven Bauer]]), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears ''badal'' (revenge) to God when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko to repair the damaged RPG-7 launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film. | A [[Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE)|Short Magazine Lee-Enfield]] bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj ([[Steven Bauer]]), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears ''badal'' (revenge) to God when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko to repair the damaged RPG-7 launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film. | ||
[[Image:SMLE.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III* - .303 British]] | [[Image:SMLE.jpg|thumb|none|350px|Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk III* - .303 British]] | ||
[[Image: | [[Image:TB-LeeEnfieldLong02A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An Afghan villager cleans his Short Magazine Lee-Enfield prior to the Soviet raid]] | ||
[[Image:TB-SMLE2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-SMLE-RidgeA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-SMLE CaveA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
== B-10 Recoilless Rifle== | == B-10 Recoilless Rifle== | ||
During the raid on the village, one of the inhabitants mans a [[B-10 recoilless rifle]] mounted on a hill overlooking the village and attempts to engage the attacking tanks, nearly scoring a hit on one before the emplacement is destroyed when the tank returns fire, the gunner diving clear just in time to save himself. | During the raid on the village, one of the inhabitants mans a [[B-10 recoilless rifle]] mounted on a hill overlooking the village and attempts to engage the attacking tanks, nearly scoring a hit on one before the emplacement is destroyed when the tank returns fire, the gunner diving clear just in time to save himself. | ||
[[Image:TBoWRecoilless.JPG|thumb|none|400px|An Afghan villager takes aim at attacking Soviet tanks with a B-10 Recoilless rifle]] | |||
[[Image:TB-B10GunA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-B10Gun2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-B10ReloadA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
== Antique and heavily customized Muskets == | |||
The Afghans are shown using antique and heavily customized muskets, dating back to the 18th century. They are ornate and customized with tribal decorations (and pretty much useless for accurate long range fire at modern distances or most instances of Close Quarters Battle). During the raid on the village, one of the inhabitants catches Koverchenko off-guard with an ancient Musket of unknown make and model and pulls the trigger point-blank, though the gun is unloaded, producing only a harmless click as the Afghan smirks and says something to him in ''Pashto'' before one of Koverchenko's comrades knocks him down and beats him with the butt of his AKS-47. Koverchenko can later be seen holding it at the end of the film when he's airlifted out by a Soviet helicopter, having had it given to him by Taj. | |||
== | |||
During the raid on the village, one of the inhabitants catches Koverchenko off-guard with an ancient Musket of unknown make and model and pulls the trigger point-blank, though the gun is unloaded, producing only a harmless click as the Afghan smirks and says something to him in Pashto before one of Koverchenko's comrades knocks him down and beats him with the butt of his AKS-47. Koverchenko can later be seen holding it at the end of the film when he's airlifted out by a Soviet helicopter, having had it given to him by Taj. | |||
[[Image:TB-MusketA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An Afghan villager aims his musket point-blank at Koverchenko]] | [[Image:TB-MusketA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An Afghan villager aims his musket point-blank at Koverchenko]] | ||
[[Image:TB-LongMusketsGroupA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-EldersMusketA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
== Israeli FAL == | == Israeli FAL == | ||
Another weapon used by the Mujahideen is an Israeli [[FN FAL]]. The Mujahideen seen carrying it ends up drinking from a watering hole that had been filled with poison by the tank crew lying in wait nearby. | Another weapon used by the Mujahideen is an Israeli [[FN FAL]]. The Mujahideen seen carrying it ends up drinking from a watering hole that had been filled with poison by the tank crew lying in wait nearby. | ||
[[Image:Fal13-1-.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Israeli FAL 7.62x51mm NATO]] | [[Image:Fal13-1-.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Israeli FAL 7.62x51mm NATO]] | ||
[[Image:TB-IsraeliHBARA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An Israeli FAL being carried by a Mujahideen moments before drinking from a poisoned watering hole]] | [[Image:TB-IsraeliHBARA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An Israeli FAL being carried by a Mujahideen moments before drinking from a poisoned watering hole]] | ||
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Another weapon employed by the Mujahideen is an [[RPD Light Machine Gun|RPD light machine gun]]. | Another weapon employed by the Mujahideen is an [[RPD Light Machine Gun|RPD light machine gun]]. | ||
[[Image:RPD-Light-Machine-Gun.jpg|thumb|none|350px|RPD light machine gun 7.62x39mm]] | [[Image:RPD-Light-Machine-Gun.jpg|thumb|none|350px|RPD light machine gun 7.62x39mm]] | ||
[[Image:TB-RPD-RIdgeA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Not clearly seen in most sequences, one of the Mujahideen pursuing the tank is carrying and firing an RPD light Machine gun. A nice detail is the non-disintegrating belt flowing out of the side of the receiver.]] | |||
==SVD Sniper Rifle== | |||
Used by one of the Helicopter crewmen, but only seen after the helicopter crew is dead, having ingested the poisonous water left behind by their fellow Russians. Note: there is an obvious continuity error. The SVD rifleman's helmet is off in some shots and on in other shots. | |||
[[Image:TB-SVDA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-SVD3A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-SVD2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
== SGMT Machine Gun == | == SGMT Machine Gun == | ||
One of the weapons on the Soviet tanks is the [[SG-43 Goryunov|SGMT machine gun]], the vehicle-mounted version of the SG-43 Goryunov machine gun. The weapon is mounted in a "coaxial" configuration parallel to the main gun, and is most notably seen being fired in the scene where the tank is trying to make it through a mountain pass to safety while being pursued by Koverchenko and the Mujahideen, as well as in the scene where all the tanks' weapons are fired at once when the crew believes themselves to be surrounded by the Mujahideen at night. | |||
One of the weapons on the Soviet tanks is the [[SG-43 Goryunov|SGMT machine gun]], the vehicle-mounted version of the SG-43 Goryunov machine gun. The weapon is mounted in a "coaxial" configuration parallel to the main gun, and is most notably seen being fired in the scene where the tank is trying to make it through a mountain pass to safety while being | |||
[[Image:SG-43 AMW.jpg|thumb|none|300px|SG-43 Goryunov machine gun 7.62x54mm R with ammo box and carriage mount]] | [[Image:SG-43 AMW.jpg|thumb|none|300px|SG-43 Goryunov machine gun 7.62x54mm R with ammo box and carriage mount]] | ||
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[[Image:TB-BrowningM2a.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) mans his Browning M2 (.50 BMG), masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun 12.7x109mm]] | [[Image:TB-BrowningM2a.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Commander Daskal ([[George Dzundza]]) mans his Browning M2 (.50 BMG), masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun 12.7x109mm]] | ||
[[Image:TB-BrowningM2Tanka.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Another tank commander checks his map next to a Browning M2 (.50 BMG), masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun 12.7x109mm]] | [[Image:TB-BrowningM2Tanka.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Another tank commander checks his map next to a Browning M2 (.50 BMG), masquerading as a Soviet DShK heavy machine gun 12.7x109mm]] | ||
[[Image:TB-BrowningM2FiringLateA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | [[Image:TB-BrowningM2FiringLateA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Daskal about to run out of ammo on the stranded tank.]] | ||
[[Image:TB-Browning-50-on-TankA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | [[Image:TB-Browning-50-on-TankA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A nice overhead shot of the 50 cal on the tank as the crew scrambles to escape yet another ambush.]] | ||
== NSV Heavy Machine Gun == | == NSV Heavy Machine Gun == | ||
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[[Image:6U6 NSV 02.jpg|thumb|none|250px|NSV heavy machine gun 12.7x107mm in anti-aircraft mounting]] | [[Image:6U6 NSV 02.jpg|thumb|none|250px|NSV heavy machine gun 12.7x107mm in anti-aircraft mounting]] | ||
[[Image:TB-HeloGunA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A Soviet helicopter | [[Image:TB-HeloGunA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A Soviet helicopter crew member mans an NSV heavy machine gun]] | ||
[[Image:TB-HeloGun3A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Golikov and Kaminski sit in the cabin of the helicopter with the NSV in the foreground]] | [[Image:TB-HeloGun3A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Golikov and Kaminski sit in the cabin of the helicopter with the NSV in the foreground]] | ||
[[Image:TB-HeloGun2a.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The door gunner looks on from behind his NSV as Daskal orders his crew back to the tank]] | [[Image:TB-HeloGun2a.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The door gunner looks on from behind his NSV as Daskal orders his crew back to the tank]] | ||
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== Makarov PM == | == Makarov PM == | ||
The [[Makarov PM]] makes a few appearances in the film. Daskal carries one in a holster, and one of the Mujahideen carries one as well, using it to end the suffering of one of his comrades who is mortally wounded by a booby trap left by the crew of the tank. | The [[Makarov PM]] makes a few appearances in the film. Daskal carries one in a holster, and one of the Mujahideen carries one as well, using it to end the suffering of one of his comrades who is mortally wounded by a booby trap left by the crew of the tank. | ||
[[Image:MakarovPM.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Makarov PM 9x18mm PM]] | [[Image:MakarovPM.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Makarov PM 9x18mm PM]] | ||
[[Image:TB-MakarovDZundaA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Cmdr. Daskal pulls his Makarov PM on Koverchenko when he defies Daskal]] | [[Image:TB-MakarovDZundaA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Cmdr. Daskal pulls his Makarov PM on Koverchenko when he defies Daskal]] | ||
[[Image:TB-MakarovAA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
== Tokarev TT-33 == | |||
Following the raid on the village, several Afghans who weren't around during the raid return to find the devastation, including a group of scavengers led by Taj's cousin Mustafah, who discards several weapons in a gesture of peace as he approaches Taj, though Taj still finds him packing a [[Tokarev TT-33]], grabbing it and holding it on him. | |||
[[Image:TT-33.jpg|thumb|none|300px|Tokarev TT-33 7.62x25mm Tokarev]] | |||
[[Image:TB-TokarevTT33A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Taj holds a Tokarev TT-33 on Mustafah after finding it hidden on him]] | |||
[[Image:TB-Tokarev2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Mustafah tries to convince Taj to join him against the Soviets while staring down the barrel of his own TT-33]] | |||
== Webley Mk VI == | |||
A boy who runs with the Mudjahideen carries a [[Webley Mk VI]] revolver as his weapon. | |||
[[Image:Webley.JPG|thumb|none|300px|Webley Mk VI .455 Webley]] | |||
[[Image:TB-Webley-PistolA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A boy fighting alongside the Mujahideen fires a Webley Mk VI at the Soviets]] | |||
==RGD-1 Hand Grenade== | ==RGD-1 Hand Grenade== | ||
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== RGD-5 Hand Grenade == | == RGD-5 Hand Grenade == | ||
[[RGD-5 hand grenade]]s make several appearances in the film, typically used by the Soviets to booby trap objects (including Koverchenko when he defies Daskal) for the persuing Afghans. Finally, a deranged Daskal intends to use RGD-5's to commit suicide rather than face capture by the Afghans, but is stopped by the remaining crew as the act would take their lives as well. | [[RGD-5 hand grenade]]s make several appearances in the film, typically used by the Soviets to booby trap objects (including Koverchenko when he defies Daskal) for the persuing Afghans. Finally, a deranged Daskal intends to use RGD-5's to commit suicide rather than face capture by the Afghans, but is stopped by the remaining crew as the act would take their lives as well. | ||
[[Image:Rdg5.jpg|thumb|none|300px|RGD-5 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade]] | [[Image:Rdg5.jpg|thumb|none|300px|RGD-5 High-Explosive Fragmentation hand grenade]] | ||
[[Image:TB-RGD5Grenade01A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Kaminski preparing to boobytrap Koverchenko with an RGD-5 grenade]] | [[Image:TB-RGD5Grenade01A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Kaminski preparing to boobytrap Koverchenko with an RGD-5 grenade]] | ||
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[[Image:TB-RGD5GrenadeRockReleaseA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko accidentally releases the spoon, realizes it and allows the grenade to fall below, eliminating some marauding dogs that were attacking him while surprisingly leaving him unharmed by the blast]] | [[Image:TB-RGD5GrenadeRockReleaseA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Koverchenko accidentally releases the spoon, realizes it and allows the grenade to fall below, eliminating some marauding dogs that were attacking him while surprisingly leaving him unharmed by the blast]] | ||
::Actually it is not surprising that he is unharmed. The rock was a perfect shield. He was elevated away from the ground by at least three feet or more, shielded by solid rock. The only part of him that would have been exposed to the blast would be the soles of his boots, and the grenade would have blown outward, away from him (several feet below him amongst the attacking dogs). | ::Actually it is not surprising that he is unharmed. The rock was a perfect shield. He was elevated away from the ground by at least three feet or more, shielded by solid rock. The only part of him that would have been exposed to the blast would be the soles of his boots, and the grenade would have blown outward, away from him (several feet below him amongst the attacking dogs). | ||
==Flare Gun== | ==Flare Gun== | ||
When the helicopter happens upon the tank crew, Daskal uses a flare pistol of unknown make and model to signal the chopper. | When the helicopter happens upon the tank crew, Daskal uses a flare pistol of unknown make and model to signal the chopper. | ||
[[Image:TB-FlareGunA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Daskal fires a flare pistol to signal an approaching helicopter]] | [[Image:TB-FlareGunA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Daskal fires a flare pistol to signal an approaching helicopter]] | ||
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The integral flamethrower for the Soviet T55M Tank. | The integral flamethrower for the Soviet T55M Tank. | ||
[[Image:TB-FlamethrowerONTankA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | [[Image:TB-FlamethrowerONTankA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | ||
==Trivia Special== | |||
===Russian T55 Tank=== | |||
A nice example of a real authentic Soviet armored vehicle in a Western movie. Actually an Israeli Ti-67 Tank, standing in for a T-55 (the same tank except for a larger barrel) we see countless beautiful shots of the tank in action and get a real understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the vehicle. An armored vehicle lover's dream. | |||
[[Image:TB-Soviet-T55M-TankA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-TankTraversingA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-TankMissingTrackA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
==Helicopter== | |||
TBD | |||
[[Image:TB-HelicopterFlyingOffA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
[[Image:TB-Helicopter2A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|]] | |||
Revision as of 17:42, 12 March 2009
The following weapons were used in the movie The Beast of War:
More widely known to American Viewers under the U.S. release title of "The Beast". The Film was shot in Israel, using the Middle Eastern Landscape, and more importantly, Israeli Armorers. The very real Ti-67 tanks (Israeli-modified T55 tanks featuring a larger 105mm gun vs. the original 100mm gun) used as well as the authentic Soviet Weaponry were all provided by Israel, with cooperation from the IDF. The T55 tanks were well obsolete by the time frame of this film, however it was nice to see authentic Soviet armor in a Western movie. When the film was made in 1987 (released in 1988), the Russo-Afghan war was still ongoing, and thus a topic of debate, but the quaint perception of the mountain tribes of Afghanistan as 'victims of Soviet oppression' is now out of date. Views of Afghanistan, it's peoples and the outer tribal areas have changed in recent years with the current U.S. involvement in the country and the radicalization of the mountain regions towards militant Islam. An attempt to paint the Russian invasion (1980-1988) as a mirror of the American action in Vietnam (1965-1973) seems awkward and glosses over the very real differences.
AK-47
The AK-47 is one of the more common weapons in the film, used by both the Soviets and the Afghan Mujahideen alike. The Soviets use mostly AK-47S folding stock rifles, while the Afghans have both folding and fixed stock models.
Trivia: The Israeli Blank Adapters
Note the extended muzzle nut on these AK-47s. They are the BFAs (Blank Firing Adapters) used mostly by Israeli movie armorers. American movie armorers use blank firing adapters that are either hidden in the barrel or look just like the existing compensators or flash hiders on the issued firearms. Usually these obvious BFAs indicate that a film was shot in Israel.
RPG-7
The RPG-7 plays a pivotal role in the film, first being used by Soviet soldiers during the raid on the village (including being used to blow up a mosque by Koverchenko at the beginning of the film) then is captured by the Mujahideen who intend to use it to take revenge ("badal") on a Soviet tank that is lost in the Afghan desert after the murderous raid. The Afghans initially have poor luck using the weapon, even damaging it to the point it won't fire, though a defector from the tank's crew, Konstantin Koverchenko (Jason Patric), is able to repair it using parts from a Lee-Enfield rifle sight spring, and is given the responsibility of firing the weapon at the tank, though ends up only blowing off the end of the tank's main gun barrel.
LPO-50 Flamethrower
An LPO-50 flamethrower is used by a Soviet soldier in the raid on the village, and is also used by the tank in the scene where all the tank's weapons are fired simultaneously when the crew believe they are surrounded by Mujahideen in the middle of the night, though the tank isn't equipped with one and none of the crew are shown with one ready to use.
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield
A Short Magazine Lee-Enfield bolt-action rifle is among the collection of weapons used by the Afghan Mujahideen in the film. A Lee-Enfield is seen in the hands of Taj (Steven Bauer), the leader of the small Afghan Mujahideen group and it was his main weapon in the film. Taj is also seen holding his Lee-Enfield rifle when he swears badal (revenge) to God when he was standing at the crushed remains of his brother. The weapon's main role in the film is being cannibalized for parts by Koverchenko to repair the damaged RPG-7 launcher. Another Lee-Enfield can be seen being cleaned by one of the villagers just prior to the raid by the Soviets at the beginning of the film.
B-10 Recoilless Rifle
During the raid on the village, one of the inhabitants mans a B-10 recoilless rifle mounted on a hill overlooking the village and attempts to engage the attacking tanks, nearly scoring a hit on one before the emplacement is destroyed when the tank returns fire, the gunner diving clear just in time to save himself.
Antique and heavily customized Muskets
The Afghans are shown using antique and heavily customized muskets, dating back to the 18th century. They are ornate and customized with tribal decorations (and pretty much useless for accurate long range fire at modern distances or most instances of Close Quarters Battle). During the raid on the village, one of the inhabitants catches Koverchenko off-guard with an ancient Musket of unknown make and model and pulls the trigger point-blank, though the gun is unloaded, producing only a harmless click as the Afghan smirks and says something to him in Pashto before one of Koverchenko's comrades knocks him down and beats him with the butt of his AKS-47. Koverchenko can later be seen holding it at the end of the film when he's airlifted out by a Soviet helicopter, having had it given to him by Taj.
Israeli FAL
Another weapon used by the Mujahideen is an Israeli FN FAL. The Mujahideen seen carrying it ends up drinking from a watering hole that had been filled with poison by the tank crew lying in wait nearby.
RPD Light Machine Gun
Another weapon employed by the Mujahideen is an RPD light machine gun.
SVD Sniper Rifle
Used by one of the Helicopter crewmen, but only seen after the helicopter crew is dead, having ingested the poisonous water left behind by their fellow Russians. Note: there is an obvious continuity error. The SVD rifleman's helmet is off in some shots and on in other shots.
SGMT Machine Gun
One of the weapons on the Soviet tanks is the SGMT machine gun, the vehicle-mounted version of the SG-43 Goryunov machine gun. The weapon is mounted in a "coaxial" configuration parallel to the main gun, and is most notably seen being fired in the scene where the tank is trying to make it through a mountain pass to safety while being pursued by Koverchenko and the Mujahideen, as well as in the scene where all the tanks' weapons are fired at once when the crew believes themselves to be surrounded by the Mujahideen at night.
Fake DShK Heavy Machine Gun
Browning M2 BMG heavy machine guns are seen impersonating DShK heavy machine guns in the film. One is mounted on the commander's hatch of the Soviet T55 tanks, and is used by the tyrannical Commander Daskal (George Dzundza) to impose his authority over his crew, as well as murder Afghan crewmember Samad (Erick Avari) when he is suspected of being a traitor. Daskal attempts to use it to fend off the Mujahideen when they are advancing on the tank while it's stranded due to an overheated engine, but runs out of ammo after firing only a few rounds, none of which hit their mark. The use of a Browning M2 is curious, since Israeli Armorers have easy access to real DShK guns they have captured from the Arab armies over the years.
NSV Heavy Machine Gun
At one point, the tank crew finds themselves trapped in a dead-end valley. As they're trying to decide their next move, a helicopter scouting for water comes upon them, the helicopter equipped with a door-mounted NSV heavy machine gun.
Makarov PM
The Makarov PM makes a few appearances in the film. Daskal carries one in a holster, and one of the Mujahideen carries one as well, using it to end the suffering of one of his comrades who is mortally wounded by a booby trap left by the crew of the tank.
Tokarev TT-33
Following the raid on the village, several Afghans who weren't around during the raid return to find the devastation, including a group of scavengers led by Taj's cousin Mustafah, who discards several weapons in a gesture of peace as he approaches Taj, though Taj still finds him packing a Tokarev TT-33, grabbing it and holding it on him.
Webley Mk VI
A boy who runs with the Mudjahideen carries a Webley Mk VI revolver as his weapon.
RGD-1 Hand Grenade
The RGD-1 is the Soviet World War II fragmentation grenade and is anachronistic for this conflict. Front line Soviet soldiers byt this time would have the RGD-5 or later. The Mujahideen would not have RGD-1 grenades unless they captured them from the Communist Puppet Regime of Afghanistan (who was supplied by the Soviets and may have received older ordnance). In the film, during a night ambush, the Mujahideen shower the tank with RGD-1's from a cliff above, wounding one of the crew before they're able to retreat to the safety of the tank and escape. A group of Afghan women also use RGD-1 grenades (attached to Plastic Explosives) to trigger a rock slide that disables the tank.
RGD-5 Hand Grenade
RGD-5 hand grenades make several appearances in the film, typically used by the Soviets to booby trap objects (including Koverchenko when he defies Daskal) for the persuing Afghans. Finally, a deranged Daskal intends to use RGD-5's to commit suicide rather than face capture by the Afghans, but is stopped by the remaining crew as the act would take their lives as well.
- Actually it is not surprising that he is unharmed. The rock was a perfect shield. He was elevated away from the ground by at least three feet or more, shielded by solid rock. The only part of him that would have been exposed to the blast would be the soles of his boots, and the grenade would have blown outward, away from him (several feet below him amongst the attacking dogs).
Flare Gun
When the helicopter happens upon the tank crew, Daskal uses a flare pistol of unknown make and model to signal the chopper.
Flamethrower (Vehicle Mounted)
The integral flamethrower for the Soviet T55M Tank.
Trivia Special
Russian T55 Tank
A nice example of a real authentic Soviet armored vehicle in a Western movie. Actually an Israeli Ti-67 Tank, standing in for a T-55 (the same tank except for a larger barrel) we see countless beautiful shots of the tank in action and get a real understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the vehicle. An armored vehicle lover's dream.
Helicopter
TBD
