In May, 1958 in accordance with the USSR Council of Ministers Decree the State Union Design Bureau No 47 ("SUDB-47") as a cognizant agency started the development of technical projects for the RPS-250 portable grenade launchers (leading designer Firulin V.K.) and the RPS-400 company grenade launchers in cooperation with the Design and Development Bureau No 575, Research Institute No 6, Research Institute No 125, Research Institute No 22, State Union Design Bureau No 604.

The RPS-250 and RPS-400 grenade launchers were developed by applying the active-reactive principle of grenade projecting (the dynamic-reactive principle of the rocket launcher).

Due to its increased fire range the new grenade launchers used optical sights ensuring higher aiming accuracy as compared to mechanical sights. The grenade launchers were muzzle-loaded systems. The RPS-250 and RPS-400 rounds were similar in design.

In September, 1959 these grenade launchers technical projects were considered at the joint meeting of the Sessions of the Research and Technical Council of the Council of Ministers State Committee for Military Equipment and the plenum of the Artillery Research and Technical Committee of the Central Artillery Board.

The conclusion of the results examination confirmed the systems compliance with the required basic operational capabilities (specifications), with the exception of the weight characteristics and pattern of fire. It was also mentioned that the RPS-250 considerably outperformed the requirements in terms of point blank range. The obtained results in the pattern of fire were considered acceptable. The estimate of the systems as a whole was given in a separate point this document:

"The RPS-250 and RPS-400 grenade launchers are up-to-date powerful antitank weapon systems which in terms of performance are much superior to current grenade launchers developed in capitalist countries. Their designs incorporate the most advanced combined round lay-out; unique methods providing grenade stability in flight which ensures high accuracy of fire when a sustained rocket motor is used; a piezoelectric fuze; explosive pressed on the hollow-charge liner; new powder brand for rocket motors and light alloys to ensure reduce weight of the rounds".

Only a few of weaponry items technical projects won such a high appreciation of military and technical experts.

The Factory development was conducted in 1960.

In the process of the factory development it was found that in terms of operational characteristics the RPS-400 company grenade launcher did not offer considerable advantages over the RPS-250, at the same time it was far heavier. Because of this, the RPS-400 further development was ceased.

The RPS-250 grenade launcher was assigned the designation "RPG-7V" and the grenade used for it was allocated the designation "PG-7V".

The operational service and fire-range trials were successfully conducted in 1961 and immediately after it the RPG-7V was adopted by the Soviet Army (weight in the firing position: 6.3 kg; point blank range: 330 m; armor penetration: 130 mm at an angle of 60° from normal).

In 1962 SUDB-47 developed and introduced into supply the PUS-7 device for firing practice and drill grenades intended for personnel training.

In 1964 the activities in antitank grenade launchers development were rewarded with the Lenin Prize.

In 1965 SUDB-47 upgraded the PG-7V standard round, in 1967 the upgraded rounds designated "PG-7VM" successfully underwent fire-range trials.

The PG-7VM made it possible to considerably enhance the RPG-7V portable grenade launcher operational capabilities, it was superior to the PG-7V standard round in wind stability, armor penetration and pattern of fire. In 1969 the PG-7VM round was adopted by the Soviet Army to replace the PG-7V round.

Continuous works aimed at extending the RPG-7V widespread weapon life were conducted at SUDB to upgrade the round characteristics to meet the advanced requirements.

In 1973 the PG-7VS round featuring improved efficiency was introduced into service. The PG-7VL round offering increased armor penetration was adopted in 1977.

In 1988 the State Research and Production Enterprise "Bazalt" was the first in Russian and the world practice to solve the problem of creating antitank grenade launcher rounds capable of engaging combined (composite), screened and explosive reactive armor protection through the development of a radically new tandem warhead and a new PG-7VR round comprising this type of WH for firing from the RPG-7V grenade launcher. So far the PG-7VR does not have analogs in the world.

In 1997 the TBG-7V round with a thermobaric warhead was created. In terms of efficiency it can be compared to a 120 mm artillery projective or mortar bomb. At firing this round the fuel-air explosion principle is realized.

In 1999 the OG-7V fragmentation round was put into service. In terms of fire accuracy this round is comparable to small arms ammunition. It is particularly efficient when used for enemy weapon emplacements suppression during military operations in urban terrain and in cross-country terrain. The round accuracy characteristics and warhead efficiency allow for engaging weapon emplacements at first shot up to a range of 300 m.

The RPG-7V grenade launcher with the load of PG-7VL, PG-7VR, TBG-7V and OG-7V rounds enables the operator to accomplish a range of missions which has no equal in the world. Today the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "SRPE "Bazalt" is a world leader in developing AT portable grenade launcher rounds and goes on with their designs development and improvement.