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LRAC F1
The LRAC F1 ("Lance-Roquettes AntiChar (modèle) F1," "anti-tank rocket launcher model F1") sometimes also known as the STRIM 89 ("Société technique de recherches en industries mécaniques," "technical society for research in mechanical industries," the company the French government initially contacted regarding the project) is a French-designed crew-served reloadable infantry rocket launcher that was developed in the period from 1964-1972 as a replacement for French stocks of the obsolete M20A1 "Super Bazooka". Two candidates were submitted, the LCD-APX 80mm recoilless rifle and the LRAC 89mm rocket launcher, of which the latter proved to offer both lower cost and better performance.
While the weapon is a little on the obscure side it was actually an extremely influential design, with the key innovation being the packaging of rocket rounds into sealed protective ready-to-load casings that were inserted into the back of the launcher assembly: HEAT, multi-purpose HE, smoke and illumination rounds were available. This inspired similar designs such as the Israeli B-300 and the Russian RPO "Rys" and RPG-29. The launcher is mostly made from lightweight fiberglass with an aluminum bore liner, and is good for around 130 firings before the sight is removed and the launcher assembly disposed of. The launcher's basic sight is the APX M309, a simple 3x telescope with a ranging ladder reticle marked in 100m increments out to 1,000m, but it can also mount the APX M290 passive night vision scope: a simple flip-up sight is included as a backup.
It was phased out of French service in the early 90s having been replaced by the ERYX in the anti-tank role and the M136 AT4-CS in the infantry rocket launcher role, and ammunition is no longer manufactured, but many are still in service with armed forces and militias in Africa.
The LRAC F1 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:
Specifications
(1972-early 1990s)
Type: Rocket launcher
Caliber: 89mm
Capacity: 1 encased rocket
System weight: 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) loaded, 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) empty
Rocket weight: 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)
Length: 63 in (160 cm) loaded, 46 in (116.8 cm) empty
Fire Modes: Single shot
Film
| Title | Actor | Character | Note | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Leopard (La légion saute sur Kolwezi) | French paratroopers | 1980 |
Video Games
| Game Title | Appears as | Note | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code of Honor | LRAC 89 | Fires guided missiles | 2007 |