M72 LAW Rocket Launcher

The M72 LAW (Light Anti-Armor Weapon) a 66mm one-shot rocket fitted with a high explosive ant-tank (HEAT) warhead.

First used by the US in the Vietnam war, the LAW is still in active service today. While ineffective against some modern armored vehicles, its lightweight and compact design means the LAW is well suited to fighting against insurgents who lack such vehicles but may fight from pickup trucks or from inside bunkers, buildings and other fixed positions.

The most recent variant of the LAW, the M72a7, has been used by US Marines during house-to-house fighting in Iraqi cities. It's short length when carried means the Marines could move through windows and doorways unimpeded with a LAW strapped to their backs. Reduced black-blast meant that the LAW could be fired from within a building, something that would be lethal if tried with a M136 or Carl Gustav.

M72 LAW Specifications

M72 LAW - Images and Further Info

M72 LAW in the extended, ready-to-fire position. When the LAW is pulled open, the front and rear sights flip up.

photo : US DoD

A US Army Ranger takes aim with a SR-25 rifle, a M72 LAW slung across his back. Note the PEQ-15 fitted to the LAW. The LAW is a smaller and lighter weapon to lug across the battlefield than both the Carl Gustav and M136 AT4. In fact, soldiers can carry 2 LAWs at once if needed.

US DoD photo by Spc. Walter Reeves

A US soldier prepares to fire a M72 LAW. The LAW has less black-blast when firing than other US rockets but the user must still be careful to ensure the space behind him is clear before firing.

US DoD photo by SPC MICHAEL D. EVANS

« Special Ops Weapons