M-72 Light Anti-tank Weapon

Weighing 2.37-kg (5.2 pounds) complete, the LAW was designed as a discardable one-man rocket launcher primarily for use as an anti-tank weapon. In Vietnam however, the LAW was used almost exclusively as a bunker buster or for attacking entrenched enemies.

When carried, the smooth-bore launcher tube was carried closed, and was watertight. In action, the end covers were opened by removing safety pins and the inner tube was telescoped outwards. This cocked the firing mechanism. Held over the shoulder, aimed by the simple sights, the weapon was fired by pressing the trigger button. The LAW Fired a 1-kg rocket to a maximum effective range of 300m.

The rocket motor was fully burnt out by the time it left the launcher and resulted in a large back-blast danger area behind the firer. Once fired the tube was discarded. Due to it's low weight, a number of complete assemblies could be carried in a squad with each person capable of packing at least two if necessary.

The contents of this web site are Copyright © 2009 Philadelphia Website Design. All Rights Reserved.

Please review our Privacy Policy.

Vietnam War is the best Vietnam War information resource on the Internet. We offer information on Vietnam War History, Vietnam War Timeline, Vietnam War Facts, Vietnam War Myths, Vietnam War Figures, Vietnam War Battles, Vietnam War Weapons, Vietnam War Aircraft, Vietnam War Protests, Vietnam War Prisoners, Vietnam War Casualties, Vietnam War Quotes, Vietnam War Memorial, Vietnam War Veterans and more.

Help us make this site better - and have fun! Take our quick survey. Click here!