PF-97 explained

The PF-97 is a portable, disposable, unguided, shoulder-launched, rocket launcher used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The PF-97 is a Chinese licensed copy of the Russian RPO-A Shmel thermobaric rocket launcher. The PF-97 was later developed into the PF-11 (Type 11) rocket launcher system with weight reduction, newer construction, and multiple types of warheads.

The PF-97 was developed as a replacement for flamethrowers and FHJ-84 incendiary rockets in the PLA service. It sits between the smaller caliber DZJ-08 and larger PF-98 recoilless weapons.

Description

The PF-97 is a Chinese copy of the Russian RPO-A Shmel.[1] In 1992, China bought the manufacturing license of the RPO-A from KBP Instrument Design Bureau. A local version was developed in 1996, which was then certified in 1997. It entered serial production in 2000.[2] The PF-97 (RPO-A) has a larger explosive filler compared to the PF-89's thermobaric variant, ensuring adequate lethality. However, the rocket launcher system weighs due to the explosives, which is significantly heavier than other disposable rocket systems in the PLA service.[3] An improved version, known as PF-97A, exists. PF-97A combined the previously separated rocket booster with the warhead.[4]

The PF-11 is a redesigned version of the PF-97. The launcher was modified, with the foregrip removed to save weight, and has a new thermal sleeve similar to that of DZJ-08.[2] [3] The PF-11 was later developed into a weapon family with multiple types of munition chocies, including high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), high explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag), incendiary, anti-bunker assault munitions, etc.[2] [3]

Variants

PF-97: Chinese copy of the RPO-A Shmel. Thermobaric warhead.[5]
  • PF-97A: Improved PF-97 with fixed rocket booster.[4] PF-97A can be carried in twin-barrel mode for easier transportation.[6]
  • BFK2: Export version of the PF-97A.[4]
  • PF-11: Redesigned PF-97 with foregrip removed and new thermal sleeves. Added capability to launch high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), high explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag), incendiary, anti-bunker munitions, etc.[2] [3] The system has a reported range of .[7]
  • DZG-141: A further development of the PF-11. Multipurpose bunker buster warhead.[6] [8]
  • BKM6: Export version of the DZG-141.[8]
  • DZS-151: A further development of the PF-11. High-explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag) warhead.[6]
  • DZP-151: A further development of the PF-11. High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.[6]
  • DZF-151: A further development of the PF-11. Smoke round.[9]

    • Users

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: A Guide To Chinese Infantry Support Weapons (Guest Post) . The Firearm Blog . 18 August 2014 . Nathaniel F .
    2. Web site: 对狙么？中国单兵火箭筒也能当狙击步枪，千米之外一炮毙敌 . Sohu News . 11 November 2020 .
    3. Web site: 又炸又烧的解放军新一代云爆火箭筒：PF11式93毫米火箭筒 . Sohu News . 21 July 2023 .
    4. Web site: PF-97A Chinese Thermobaric Rocket Launcher . World Equipment Guide . US Army TRADOC .
    5. Web site: PF-97 Chinese Thermobaric Rocket Launcher . World Equipment Guide . US Army TRADOC .
    6. Web site: 中国单兵云爆弹竟然有双筒版？双倍筒子，双倍的快乐 . NetEase News . 30 December 2020 .
    7. Web site: China tests drones, new rocket launcher near disputed India border area . South China Morning Post . 11 September 2020 . William . Zheng .
    8. Web site: DZG-141 Chinese Rocket Launcher . World Equipment Guide . US Army TRADOC .
    9. Web site: 看一看我军步兵未来十年的单兵重火力装备 . Sina News . 15 September 2024 .

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