In 2009, the American company Airtronic USA unveiled a modernized version of the weapon called the RPG-7USA. The launcher is fitted with updated features including a MIL-STD-1913 Quad Rail System for mounting combat optics, flip-up back up iron sights, aiming lasers/illuminators, tactical lights, and vertical foregips, as well as an M4 carbine-style pistol grip and telescoping stock. Compared to the RPG-7V2, the American launcher, named by the company the Precision Shoulder-fired Rocket Launcher, is slightly lighter at 14 lb unloaded without optics and is made of 4140/4150 ordnance-grade steel for a longer 1,000-round lifespan that can separate into two pieces for compact carry. The PSRL-1 uses EOTech sights with a new sighting system that combines an illuminated reticule for use in low light situations, and is able to be fitted with magnifying optical sights for long-range firing enabling 90% hit probability at 800 metres, twice the distance of other RPGs; rate of fire is 3-4 rounds per minute. It is reportedly accurate at ranges from 900-1,200 m, and guided rockets could extend range to 2 000 metres. The weapon was a program of record in U.S. Special Operations Command by 2015, and the PSRL-1 was to enter production by mid-2016. Airtronic has also developed the more advanced GS-777/PSRL-2 model made of high-strength polymer that reduces weight to 7.77 lb and further improves durability and life cycle. The first confirmed sales were made to the Ukrainian military in 2017. Currently the US PSRL-1 rpg is manufactured for export only, or for allies who are used to using Soviet-style weapons. PSRL-1 was adopted by Philippine Army and Peruvian Army.
Design
The PSRL-1 is compatible with all Soviet RPG-7 rockets. Weight: 6,6 kg Length: 915mm Scope: PSRL 3.5 X 24mm Effective range: 800 m - 1000m
Ammunition
Other than all types of Soviet RPG-7 rockets, Airtronic developed AirTronic Shoulder-Fired Rocket Ammunition as a modernized RPG-7 rocket type of shoulder-fired ammunition. All ammunition is manufactured in the United States and the Intellectual Property is fully owned by the company. The ammunition is recommended for use in AirTronic rocket launchers such as the PSRL and GS-777 in order to achieve the highest level of performance. The legacy external configuration of the RPG rocket has been maintained such that AirTronic ammunition is backwards compatible with existing RPG-7 type launchers. While the external configuration of the legacy RPG rocket has been maintained, improvements have been made focusing on the fuzing, reliability, robustness, and manufacturing quality per DoD standards. The warhead fuze features a dual safe and arm arrangement for improved handling safety. Also, the rocket motor ignitor fuze has been redesigned to improve motor ignition reliability. Inert training variants are also available which match the ballistics of the live ammunition. This allows for safe training at a reduced cost. Training variants inert warheads are filled with marking compound so that the impact of the round can be observed. There are 3 variants of this ammunition:
SR-H1 is suitable for PSRLs + RPG-7s. It is a 3.82kg 93mm HEAT warhead that is able to penetrate 500m RHA. Its effective range is at 500m, while maximum range can reach up to 800m. The fire rate is between 4 to 6 rpm.
SR-T1 is suitable for PSRLs + RPG-7s. It is a 3.82kg 93mm Inert warhead that can't penetrate armor because its for training only. Its effective range is at 500m, while maximum range can reach up to 800m. The fire rate is between 4 to 6 rpm.
SR-T2 is suitable for PSRLs + RPG-7s. It is a 2.12kg 70mm Inert warhead that can't penetrate armor because its for training only. Its effective range is at 800m, while maximum range can reach up to 1200m. The fire rate is between 4 to 6 rpm.
In the 2012 Marvel movie The Avengers, General Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury used his PSRL-1 to fire a custom warhead at an F-35 fighter jet launching off the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. It was also briefly seen at the hands of a mercenary who is patrolling in Loki's underground hideout. In Activision's 2012 first-person-shooter game , the AirTronic RPG-7 is known in game as "RPG" and seems to be a futuristic version of the Soviet RPG-7. It appeared in all modes in this game.
