GPRL-81

GPRL-81
GPRL-81 G2
Type	Multi-role (anti-fortification, anti-armor) rocket launcher
Place of origin	Khyragus
Service history
In service	1981–present
Used by	See Users
Wars	See Conflicts
Production history
Designer	KVI
Designed	1979-1981
Manufacturer	KVI
Unit cost	US$14,000 (launcher)
Produced	1981–present
No. built	apx. 3 million
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Weight	5.4 kg (11.9 lb) empty, 12.2 kg (26.9 lb) loaded
Length	1150 mm (45.3 in)
Barrel length	550 mm (21.65 in)
Caliber	80mm, 125mm
Muzzle velocity	135 m/s (443 ft/s)
Effective firing range	250 m (820 ft) (unguided missile), 800 m (2625 ft) (laser guided)
Maximum firing range	1,800 m (5,906 ft)
Feed system	4 rocket clip (80mm), 1 rocket clip (120mm)
Sights	OTRD-81 (3.5x magnification telescopic sight), OTRDG-95 (variable zoom command launch unit)

The GPRL-81 is a multi-purpose, shoulder-launched rocket launcher, developed by KVI in the late 1970s. It was initially designed to replace flamethrowers, but has since been developed into a multi-role launching system, with anti-armor and anti-fortification capabilities.

The ruggedness and simplicity of the GPRL-81 allow it to be used by airborne, mortorized, and ground troops. The GRPL-81G2 can be mounted to vehicle turrets. The GPRL-81 entered Khyragusian service in 1981, and an updated variant, the GPRL-81G2, was introduced in 1995.

Background

In 1996, the Ionician Technate's Department of Defense began development on what would become the GCL-00. The Department of Defense laid forth it's initial design requirements for a man-portable, "one size fits all" style missile launcher capable of firing a variety of guided missiles from a single launcher to replace the M72 LAW and FIM-92 Stinger missiles in use at the time. In 1997 a preliminary design was selected, created in cooperation by the Universal Computing Corporation and the Aleĉjo Arms Design Bureau. During the following years the prototype weapon system was tested and developed, before officially becoming part of the Ionican Technate's armament in March 2000. The GCL-00 was originally offered with 80mm incendiary missiles, 125mm anti-tank missiles, 125mm anti-aircraft missiles and 80/125mm high explosive missiles. In 2004 80mm chemical missiles and 80mm airburst fragmentation missiles were developed for use with the GCL-00.

Description

Illustration showing GPRL-81 configurations.

The GCL-00 launcher consists of three main components. The launcher itself, the Command Launch Unit or CLU, and the internal sleeve which holds the missiles.

The launcher is constructed of a fiberglass material which provides the weapon with a high level of durability while maintain a low weight level to keep the weapon easily carried by a standard infantry unit. The launcher also contains the data port for connecting the CLU to the launcher, as well as housing the integrated laser designator system. The underside of the launcher has a foam pad to keep the operator comfortable when shouldering the weapon for long periods of time.

The CLU, manufactured by the Universal Computing Corporation, is a fully weatherproofed targeting computer created for use with the GCL-00. The unit connects to the side of the launcher using 4 thumb screws. The CLU allows for targeting in any weather conditions and is night vision compatible. Use of laser guided missiles and the CLU result in a point target hit rate over 90% to distances under 1 kilometer.

There are two types of missile sleeves available for the GCL-00, one which holds four 80mm missiles and another which holds one 125mm missile.

Munitions

• NPR-08Z 80mm unguided incendiary missile
• NPR-08E 80mm unguided high explosive missile
• NPG-15Z 80mm laser-guided incendiary missile
• NPG-15EV 80mm laser-guided thermobaric missile
• NPG-18EA 120mm laser-guided anti-tank missile

Users

• Blackhelm Confederacy
• Khyragus