Original Item. Only One Available. This is an original Cold War era Czech inert training rocket for the Soviet-designed SPG-9 73mm recoilless anti-tank gun. Manufactured as a purpose-built training aid, it was never intended to function as live ammunition and was used to familiarize crews with the handling and loading of SPG-9 rounds. All components are dated 1976.

This training rocket is completely inert as designed. It contains no live explosive or propellant components, cannot be converted into an explosive device, and is not available for export.

The SPG-9 Kopye (Spear) is a tripod-mounted man-portable, 73 millimeter caliber recoilless gun developed by the Soviet Union. It fires fin-stabilised, rocket-assisted HE and HEAT projectiles similar to those fired by the 73 mm 2A28 Grom low pressure gun of the BMP-1 armored vehicle. It was accepted into service in 1962, replacing the B-10 recoilless rifle.

The complete training round measures approximately 34½” long. The base diameter measures approximately 3.25”.

The round was designed to duplicate the general size, configuration, and handling characteristics of service ammunition so that SPG-9 crews could practice loading procedures without using live ordnance.

The SPG-9 Kopye, or “Spear,” is a Soviet-designed 73mm tripod-mounted recoilless anti-tank weapon developed during the Cold War. It fires fin-stabilized ammunition including HEAT anti-tank and high-explosive fragmentation projectiles. The SPG-9 entered Soviet service during the early 1960s and replaced the earlier B-10 recoilless rifle in many anti-armor roles.

Its PG-9 anti-tank ammunition uses an initial propelling charge to launch the projectile from the weapon. After leaving the launcher, a rocket motor in the projectile increases its velocity during flight. The launch system also imparts spin to the projectile through angled gas ports. For the PG-9 projectile, the rocket motor ignites after the round has traveled a short distance from the launcher and accelerates the projectile to a substantially higher velocity.

Czechoslovakia, as a member of the Warsaw Pact, used large quantities of Soviet-pattern weapons and ammunition during the Cold War. Training rounds such as this allowed Czech crews to practice the sequence of lifting, positioning, and loading the comparatively large SPG-9 ammunition without the hazards or expense of repeatedly handling live HEAT rounds.

The SPG-9 itself was normally transported by vehicle where possible and then moved into firing position by its crew. A specialized airborne version, the SPG-9D, was also produced with detachable wheels to assist transportation.

This 1976-dated Czech training rocket is an especially good representative example of Warsaw Pact instructional ordnance. Its full-size construction, clearly dated components, and purpose-built inert configuration illustrate how SPG-9 crews trained to handle and load their weapon safely during the Cold War.

Totally inert, cannot be converted to an explosive device, not available for export. This item is completely legal within the USA. International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and Local laws. Everything for sale on ima-usa.com is completely legal to own, trade, transport and sell within the United States of America.

All deactivated ordnance sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).