XE-15 CAT (Cheap Anti-Tank Launcher)

UPDATE 10/7/2022

By popular request, we've added an experimental metric version of the launcher, which can be found as the "CAT-2_Metric" .rar file.

This version uses some different hardware:
-European standard PN10 PVC pipe, 63mm outer diameter, 3mm wall thickness
-2x 50mm M6x1 bolts
-2x M6x1 nuts
-1x 25mm M4x0.7 pan head screw

NOTE: This version of the launcher is not explicitly compatible with any commercially available foam rockets, and is thus intended for 40mm grenades or TAGINN grenades. Some folks have printed rockets in soft filaments like TPU and have had success there, but I would strongly recommend doing your own safety testing and checking with your field marshals before using those.

Unfortunately, we dont have have the ability to easily get European standard PVC pipe to actually print and test this thing, so we would be very appreciative if the community members living in Europe gave us some feedback!

Thanks to HRawesomesauce for providing info on European PVC pipe standards.

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ASSEMBLY VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcHbrjLlQAM

When vehicles are on the field, it's always nice to have an anti-tank specialist in your squad. Given the costs of building a nice anti-tank setup in airsoft though, they can be few and far between. Plus, even if you do happen to have one, if they get hit before they can take out the vehicle, you're left high and dry!

Our idea with the Cheap Anti-Tank (CAT) was to mimic the various single-shot disposable anti-tank launchers out there, like the RPG-26 or the M72 LAW. Something that is compact, lightweight, simple to use, and that can be handed to just about anybody, pre-loaded and ready to go, to turn them into a anti-tank threat.

Obviously, if you're going to be making 3 or 4 of them to hand out to your squadmates, it also needs to be cheap! This thing only needs 3 fasteners, 2 nuts, a couple feet of PVC pipe, and the rest are 3D printed parts, so depending on your settings and filament, it is easily printable for under $20.

For assembly, you will need:

-2x pieces of 2" SCH40 PVC pipe (the length is up to you, but I used a 16" piece for the rear half, and an 8" piece for the front)
-1x piece of 1.5" SCH40 PVC (Optional*)
-2x 2" 1/4-20 bolts
-2x 1/4-20 nuts
-1x 1" 8-32 machine screw

The two 1/4-20 bolts and nuts are what hold the two halves of the launcher together when it is loaded. The single 8-32 machine screw is the pivot point for the trigger, and does not require a nut, since it is captive when the launcher is assembled.

Some other notes:

-I would recommend printing the trigger with the most durable settings that your printer can. Especially if you're using CO2 grenades, the trigger will be subject to a beating!

-The sights are fixed, but are intended to provide 5 degrees of elevation. I would recommend taking some test shots with your grenade/rocket combo to see what range the sights align to, and marking it accordingly.

-The safety pin is friction based, and is designed to work with a somewhat flexible filament like PETG or ABS. It might work with stiffer filaments like PLA, but I have not tested it.

-The sling mounts and slider are intended for a 1" wide strap.

-The launcher parts are intended to be fitted to the PVC pipe using an adhesive of your choice. Depending on the filament you use, Weld-on 3 is a good option for a chemical bond, or JB weld if you prefer working with epoxies.

-An assembly guide can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcHbrjLlQAM

*The "TriggerBody" component is designed to accommodate a 2" SCH40 PVC barrel, which is perfect for standard Nerf pocket footballs, but can also take accept an inner barrel of 1.5" SCH40 PVC for launching smaller rockets, like the MilsimLabs M29s. With a CO2 grenade and an M29 rocket, this setup is easily capable of reaching over 400' range!

Enjoy, post your makes, and feel free to ask any questions in the comments!