Last updated on February 17th, 2019 at 09:47 pm
The M72 LAW 66mm, sometimes known as the LAW 66 (LAW stands for “light anti-armor weapon”), is a compact, lightweight disposable shoulder-fired anti-tank weapon.
It consists of a pre-loaded launch tube that fires a 2.6 inch (66mm) HEAT rocket.
Each tube weighs only 5.lb (2.36kg) and is only 2.15ft (655mm) long when closed, so a single soldier can carry two or three tubes easily.
Because of its small size, the LAW 66 is useful to infantry deploying from helicopters and APCs.
To operate the M72 LAW 66mm, the firer first removes a safety pin. The launch tube is then extended to its firing length of 35.16 inches (893mm).
Pop out sights for targeting are revealed.
The firer pushes the safety handle forward, aims and then presses the firing mechanism
The LAW 66’s 2.2 pound (1kg) fin-stabilized HEAT warhead will penetrate 11.8 inches (300mm) of standard armor.
The effective range of the M72 LAW 66mm anti-tank weapon is 328 yards (300m) against stationary targets. If it overshoots its target, it will continue until it reaches a distance of 1,093yards (1000m)
While the LAW 66 probably would not be effective against the MBTs of today, it is useful against light wheeled vehicles and enemy filed bunkers.
Although it is was developed by an American company and is used mainly by the United States Army, the M72 LAW 66mm has seen active service with the armies of several different countries.
The LAW 66 was used by United States troops during the Vietnam War and by British troops during the 1982 Falklands War.