Blindicide RL-100 / RL-101

I seek photos of Belgian (Mecar) manufactured, BGS use, Blindicide Anti Tank Rocket Launcher. (Panzerabwehrgerate 101mm)

I would welcome photos of the weapon itself and also the launcher being deployed by BGS guards.

I also seek clarification of date into service and a date when they were withdrawn.

This launcher is the larger calibre version of Blindicide RL-83 used by Belgium, Netherlands, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria, Indonesia, and many other countires.

Weapon was given nomenclature RL-100 by Belgians but Germany referred to it as being 101mm.  (I presume the actual calibre lies somewhere between 100 and 101mm.   if anyone knows a precise calibre I would like to know that also.)





Thanks in Advance,  Mike

Hi Mike, some great pics there, unfortunately I don't have any more info for you, just some additional pics you might not have seen.

I think there's one of these at a nearby military and gun shop. I'll see what I can find out next time I am there (probably next month?).

Judging by the pictures this was in use for a long time judging by the uniforms. Early pictures are no later than 1962, probably more like 1958-1960. Later pictures may show it in use after 1976.

Steve

TennoHeikaNate wrote:Hi Mike, some great pics there, unfortunately I don't have any more info for you, just some additional pics you might not have seen.

Thank you so much,  A few of those photos I have already,  most I do not.

The new ones to me are very very helpful.

CollectinSteve wrote:I think there's one of these at a nearby military and gun shop.  I'll see what I can find out next time I am there (probably next month?).

Judging by the pictures this was in use for a long time judging by the uniforms.  Early pictures are no later than 1962, probably more like 1958-1960.  Later pictures may show it in use after 1976.

Steve

Thank you Steve.

The accessory/spare parts bag visible in one of the photos looks much like the Belgian issue type?

I have two different examples. Here is one of them:

Wolverine wrote:The accessory/spare parts bag visible in one of the photos looks much like the Belgian issue type?

I have two different examples. Here is one of them:

Something else to keep my eyes open for....

The quest to build up a comprehansive Blindicide display seems never ending.


Now I seek this bag as well as blank cartridges for powering the very short range (as in feet) practice rocket.
Mecar

or FN




also seek the plastic bullet type projectile for the sub calibre Rock Gun

I will have to dig out my other bag. It has a shoulder strap, whereas the one illustrated above seems as if it was meant to mount inside a vehicle or something like that. If I recall correctly, one or both of the bags still has original contents inside, but it has been a while since I looked at them.

Wolverine wrote:

Thank You.

Now THAT is an impressive bit of obscure kit! Complete with all the little bits and bobs! Well done!

Steve

Awesome example Wolv! I've never even seen one of the bags, let alone all the accessories!

It was a lucky find in a surplus shop - either in Belgium or NL, can't remember now.

BGS adopted the Blindicide in early 1962 and it was withdrawn from service sometime after mid 80s. So the earliest photos with BGS are not earlier than 1962. Several veterans said they still trained on it briefly in 1984/85, but other veterans said it was already in mid 70s no longer part of training and either never saw one or only saw them in the armoury. Use after 60s seem to depend on unit, but they were at least still kept in storage.

The rockets were carried in cardboard tubes marked PzAbwRak (or ÜbPzAbwRak for practice rounds) 101mm MECAR, etc. There was also a web carrier for 2 tubes, similar to the Energa rifle grenade carriers (but larger).