How does the RPG-7 HEAT round create casualties according to its function?

The RPG-7 HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) round creates casualties primarily through the spalling effect generated by the jet produced from its shaped charge. When the projectile strikes a target, the design of the shaped charge focuses the explosive energy into a narrow, high-velocity jet of molten metal. This jet penetrates armor and can cause significant damage.

The spalling refers to the debris that can be dislodged from the inner surface of the armor due to the pressure wave created by the impact. When the jet penetrates and impacts the interior surfaces, it generates spalling fragments that can cause injuries to personnel inside the target vehicle or nearby individuals. This mechanism is particularly effective against armored vehicles, where the shaped charge technology of the RPG-7 can maximize its lethality through both penetration and the resultant secondary effects.

Other methods such as simply exploding on impact or emitting shrapnel typically describe conventional explosive munitions rather than a shaped charge's specific operation. The RPG-7 focuses on armor penetration and the resulting dynamics of the penetration to maximize its operational effectiveness against armored targets.