OVERVIEW: The CRV-7 C15 is an unguided 70mm air-to-surface rocket featuring an improved dual-purpose High Explosive Point Detonating (HEPD) warhead. It is optimized for enhanced fragmentation and blast effects against personnel, soft-skinned vehicles, and light structures.

DETAILS: The CRV-7 is a high-velocity 70mm rocket system developed by Canada for tactical aircraft and helicopters, offering better penetration, speed, and accuracy than its predecessors. The designation "CRV" stands for "Canadian Rocket Vehicle," with "7" indicating its 70 mm (2.75-inch) diameter class. The rocket's Mach 2.2 velocity allows for a flatter trajectory and increased hit probability. It is compatible with standard NATO rocket pods and aircraft wiring for air-to-ground operations.

The C15 variant, introduced in 1986, features an improved HEPD warhead with optimized fragmentation pattern and enhanced lethal radius. Compared to the earlier C14, the C15 offers a more uniform distribution of fragments, making it more effective in anti-personnel and area suppression roles. The warhead is fused for point detonation and is particularly effective against exposed infantry and unarmored targets.

The CRV-7 C15 is fired from 7- or 19-tube launchers mounted on tactical jets and helicopters. It is typically integrated into aircraft fire-control systems for ripple or single-shot delivery. Targeting is ballistic, and the rocket is pre-fuzed prior to loading based on mission requirements.

NOTE:
IOC: 1986
Operators: Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, Norway
Platforms: L-159, F/A-18A/B, CF-18, F-16A/B, Harrier GR.7, CH-146 Griffon, AH-1 Cobra, A-4 Skyhawk
Conflict used in: Afghanistan (2001–2014), Iraq War (2003–2011)

SOURCE:
Canadian Forces Directorate of Land Requirements: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/land-weapons/crv7.html ; Jane’s Air-Launched Weapons ; U.S. Navy Weapon Systems Explosive Ordnance Disposal publication: https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Portals/103/Documents/NSWC_Indian_Head_EOD_Tech_Div/TechDataSheets/Missiles/CRV-7.pdf ; GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/crv-7.htm