Overview
The M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon) is the US Armed Forces’ primary rocket launcher in Hell Let Loose: Vietnam — a lightweight, disposable single-shot anti-armour weapon. Confirmed from audio data in the closed beta build, including distinct explosion and rocket projectile sounds.
The M72 LAW is the US Anti-Tank role’s principal tool against NVA T-54 tanks, patrol boats, and other armoured targets.
Weapon Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Disposable rocket launcher |
| Fire mode | Single shot |
| Effective range | Short to medium |
| Reload | Single use — discard after firing |
| Damage vs armour | TBA at launch |
| Damage vs infantry | TBA at launch |
Historical Background
The M72 LAW entered US service in 1963 and became the standard US infantry anti-armour weapon in Vietnam. Lightweight (around 2.5kg loaded), pre-packaged, and disposable — the soldier extends the tube, fires, and discards the empty launcher. This made it far more practical for jungle infantry than heavier, reloadable systems.
In Vietnam the M72 was used not just against armour but against bunkers, fortified positions, and enemy crew-served weapons. Its relatively small warhead limited effectiveness against main battle tanks, but made it highly effective against lighter targets and fortified infantry positions.
Anti-Armour Usage
Against the NVA T-54, apply the same anti-armour fundamentals as all HLL AT weapons:
- Target the rear — rear armour is most vulnerable; a rear hit does far more damage than a front shot
- Coordinate with other AT players — two LAWs fired simultaneously from different angles creates a problem the T-54 crew cannot face both ways
- Use helicopter insertion — the US helicopter unit can insert AT teams behind enemy armour positions, enabling rear shots without having to flank under fire
- Immobilise then destroy — a shot that damages the tracks stops the tank; a stopped tank is a far easier target for follow-up fire
Anti-Infantry and Fortification Use
Like the RPG-2, the M72’s explosion makes it effective beyond pure anti-armour work:
- Bunkers and fortified positions — direct or near-direct hits clear defenders
- Light vehicles and patrol boats
- Grouped infantry in the open — the area effect of the rocket is significant
- NVA tunnel entrances — a LAW into a known tunnel entrance can destroy the exit and deny the NVA a spawn point
M72 LAW vs RPG-2 — Faction Comparison
| M72 LAW (US) | RPG-2 (NVA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Disposable | Reloadable |
| Shots carried | 1 (discard after) | Multiple rockets |
| Weight | Very light | Moderate |
| Back blast | Yes | Yes |
The M72 is lighter and more portable than the RPG-2, but truly disposable — the RPG-2 can be reloaded for multiple shots. US AT players may carry multiple LAWs; NVA AT players carry fewer but reloadable rockets.
Strengths
- Lightweight — minimal impact on overall loadout weight
- Instantly ready to fire — no assembly or setup required
- Effective against T-54 tanks, patrol boats, and light vehicles
- Explosion area effect against infantry and fortifications
- Disposable — no weight penalty after firing
Weaknesses
- Single shot per launcher — no second chance
- Requires a clean rear-angle shot for reliable tank destruction
- Back blast danger to nearby teammates
- Limited effective range for moving armour
- High-priority target for enemy infantry once AT role is identified
Related
- Anti-Tank class — the role that carries the M72 LAW
- T-54 — primary armoured target
- Helicopter Operations — enables AT insertion behind enemy lines
- RPG-2 — NVA equivalent