M79 Osa

The M79 Osa (Serbian: Оса; "wasp") is a Yugoslav-made portable 90 mm anti-tank weapon made of fibre-reinforced plastics. It resembles the French portable anti-tank launcher 89 mm LRAC F1. It consists of the launcher, a CN-6 sighting piece, rocket and carrying case for the rocket. The M79 shoots unguided projectiles in direct sight and is effective against armoured fighting vehicles and fortifications.

M79 Osa
TypeAnti-tank rocket launcher
Place of originYugoslavia
Service history
Used bySee Operators
WarsYugoslav Wars
Syrian Civil War[1][2]
Yemeni Civil War (2015-present)[3][4]
Production history
DesignerMilitary Technical Institute Belgrade
Designed1979
ManufacturerSloboda Čačak
Specifications
Mass11.2 kg (loaded)
6.2 kg (launcher)
3.5 kg (rocket)
Length1.91 m (launcher loaded)
0.67 m (rocket)
Crew2
Caliber90 mm
Action400 mm RHA
Rate of fire6 rounds per minute
Muzzle velocity250 m/s
Effective firing range350 m (AFVs)
600 m (Buildings)
Maximum firing range1,960 m
SightsCN-6 (3.5× optical sight)
or flip up iron sights

Operation
The CN-6 aim-sight

The M79 Osa is operated by a two-man team, an operator and a loader. The loader inserts the rocket container through the rear of the launcher. The operator then takes aim at the target through the CN-6 sight. The CN-6 sight has 3.5x magnification and a 10 degree field of view. It also features anti-laser filters to protect the operator from blinding battlefield lasers. When the trigger is pressed, the rocket motor is fired electronically. The rocket leaves the launcher at a speed of approximately 250 meters per second. It is accurate enough to be used against armoured vehicles at a range of 350 meters, and can engage larger stationary targets up to 600 meters away.[5]

On impact a piezoelectric impact fuse in the rocket triggers the shaped charge warhead, which can penetrate up to 400 millimeters of armour. The fuse is sensitive enough to trigger the warhead at impact angles up to 70 degrees from the vertical. After firing, the spent rocket container is removed from the launcher, and a fresh tube is attached.[6]

Operational history

The M79 Osa was designed and manufactured by Sloboda Čačak in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It has continued production in Serbia, North Macedonia, and in Croatia as the RL90 M95.

A large number of M79 OSA rocket launchers have been supplied to rebels in Syria which have been proven effective in deterring the Syrian Army's armor. Many have mistaken the M79 supplied to the rebels in Syria for the Russian RPG-29 rocket launcher, which is also seeing use.[7] M79 Osa's are also used in Iraq by Islamic State against Iraqi army and JANES has reported their use against US-made M1A1 Abrams tanks.[8]

Operators
Map with M79 operators in blue and former operators in red

Current operators

Non state operators

Former operators
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See also

References
  • Jane's Infantry Weapons 2005-2006
  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dcwV48f9rE
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKVYP9G1DG0
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMtU5IrYOl0
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHTSjDDx6TU
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 7 June 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 7 June 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. "Weapons from former Yugoslavia Spread Through Syria's War New York Times 7 May 2013.
  8. http://www.janes.com/article/39550/iraqi-abrams-losses-revealed
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8vjo1ARdlU
  10. "T-72 was destroyed by Ahrar Al-Sham using a M79 Osa. Jobar". SLM. 22 March 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  11. Charles Lister (13 October 2014). "Latest ISIS imagery from Diyala, Iraq".
  12. "First time for pkk to use a M-79 OSA targeting Turkish security in Silopi town, Sirnak". 12 April 2016.
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