OVERVIEW: The CRV-7 C16 is an unguided 70mm air-to-surface rocket equipped with a high-fragmentation, anti-personnel warhead designed for wide-area suppression. It delivers enhanced lethality through a pre-formed fragmentation casing optimized for soft targets and infantry in the open.

DETAILS: The CRV-7 (Canadian Rocket Vehicle 7) is a high-velocity 70mm rocket system developed to outperform the U.S. Hydra 70 in speed, accuracy, and destructive capability. With a top speed exceeding Mach 2.2, it achieves flatter trajectories and increased precision when deployed from aircraft and helicopters. The system is compatible with NATO-standard launchers and integrated into aircraft fire-control systems. Its unguided nature is offset by high kinetic energy and superior warhead effects.

The C16 variant, introduced in 1992, uses a specialized anti-personnel warhead filled with tungsten or steel pre-formed fragments. Unlike the dual-purpose HEPD types, the C16 is focused purely on maximizing fragmentation dispersion over a large radius. This makes it especially suited for use against infantry formations, light fortifications, and area denial missions.

The CRV-7 C16 is carried in standard 7- or 19-tube pods mounted on tactical aircraft and helicopters. The warhead is fitted with a point-detonating fuze, and the rocket is deployed in ripple-fire salvos to saturate zones. It is selected for missions requiring wide-area coverage without precision targeting systems.

NOTE:
IOC: 1992
Operators: Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway
Platforms: Cheetah C/D, CF-18, F/A-18A/B, Harrier, Mirage,  F-16A/B, CH-146 Griffon, AH-1 Cobra, Alpha Jet, C-101
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