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AC58

Anti-Char, 58 mm
AC58.svg
Type rifle grenade
Place of origin France
Service history
Used by French Army
Production history
Manufacturer Luchaire SA (now Nexter)
Specifications
Weight 500 grams
Length 380 mm
Diameter 58 mm

Filling hexogen-tolite

The AC 58 (Anti-Char, 58 mm) is an anti-armour rifle grenade used by the French Army. Its official French Army designation is Grenade à fusil antichar de 58 mm Mle F1 PAB.

The AC 58 comprises a body with a shaped charge warhead and a tail fitted with stabilizing fins. Detonation is initiated by a nose impact and a base fuse. Luchaire designed it at the end of the 1970s to replace the existing STRIM 65 rifle grenade design dating from 1961 that had become obsolescent.

The AC 58 uses a bullet trap that allows the use of ball cartridges, rather than the older method that required a blank cartridge to propel the grenade.

To launch, first place the AC58 over the muzzle of a FAMAS or any NATO rifle with a STANAG muzzle device. Second, point the rifle at the target. Third, fire the rifle. The impact of the bullet striking the bullet-trap and the expanding gases will launch and arm the grenade. The grenade will explode on impact.

The AC58 is used in direct fire. Under an optimal angle, the AC 58 is capable of piercing 350mm of armour.FAMAS provides a built in alidade-type device for aiming to 75 to 100 meters.

The Luchaire Wasp 58 individual antiarmour/assault weapon too uses the AC58's warhead.

Article (in Spanish) with reference to several French rifle grenades


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Wikipedia

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