AT4: Difference between revisions
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} |
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{{Infobox weapon |
{{Infobox weapon |
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| name = AT4 |
| name = AT4 |
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| image = File:2 |
| image = File:AT4 2.jpg |
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| image_size = 300 |
| image_size = 300 |
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| caption = |
| caption = |
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| origin = [[Sweden]] |
| origin = [[Sweden]]<br>[[United States]] |
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| type = Disposable [[anti-tank]] launcher |
| type = Disposable [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank]] launcher |
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<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = yes |
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = yes |
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| is_explosive = yes |
| is_explosive = yes |
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<!-- Service history -->| service = 1987–present |
<!-- Service history -->| service = 1987–present |
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| used_by = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]'' |
| used_by = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]'' |
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| wars = See ''[[#Wars|Wars]]'' |
| wars = See ''[[#Wars|Wars]]'' |
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<!-- Production history -->| designer = Förenade Fabriksverken |
<!-- Production history -->| designer = Förenade Fabriksverken |
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| design_date = |
| design_date = |
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| manufacturer = [[Saab Bofors Dynamics]] |
| manufacturer = *[[Saab Bofors Dynamics]] ''(Swedish Version)'' |
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*[[Alliant Techsystems]] ''(United States Version)'' |
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| unit_cost = US$1,480<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/at4.htm |title=M136 AT4 |publisher=FAS |access-date=3 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403130055/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/at4.htm |archive-date=3 April 2007 |url-status=live |
| unit_cost = US$1,480<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/at4.htm |title=M136 AT4 |publisher=FAS |access-date=3 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403130055/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/at4.htm |archive-date=3 April 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| production_date = |
| production_date = |
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| number = 600,000+<ref name="kemp2006">{{citation |last=Kemp |first=Ian |title=The law gets tougher: the shoulder-launched light anti-armour weapon has evolved to become a multipurpose assault weapon much in demand for asymmetric warfare |journal=Armada International |date=April–May 2006 |issn=0252-9793}}</ref> |
| number = 600,000+<ref name="kemp2006">{{citation |last=Kemp |first=Ian |title=The law gets tougher: the shoulder-launched light anti-armour weapon has evolved to become a multipurpose assault weapon much in demand for asymmetric warfare |journal=Armada International |date=April–May 2006 |issn=0252-9793}}</ref> |
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| variants = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]'' |
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| variants = AT4 HEAT<br />AT4-CS<br />AT4-CS AST<br />AT4-CS ER<br />AT4-CS HE<br />AT4-CS HP<br />AT4-CS RS |
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<!-- General specifications -->| weight = 6.7 kg (14.8 [[pound (mass)|lb]]) (AT4)<ref name="mcmanners2003">McManners, Hugh (2003). ''Ultimate Special Forces''. DK Publishing. {{ISBN|0-7894-9973-8}}.</ref><br |
<!-- General specifications -->| weight = 6.7 kg (14.8 [[pound (mass)|lb]]) (AT4)<ref name="mcmanners2003">McManners, Hugh (2003). ''Ultimate Special Forces''. DK Publishing. {{ISBN|0-7894-9973-8}}.</ref><br/>{{convert|8|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (AT4-CS) |
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| length = 102 cm (40 in)<ref name="mcmanners2003"/> |
| length = 102 cm (40 in)<ref name="mcmanners2003"/> |
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| part_length = |
| part_length = |
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| action = |
| action = |
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| rate = |
| rate = |
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| velocity = {{convert|290|m/s|ft/s km/h|abbr=on}}, {{convert|220|m/s|ft/s km/h|abbr=on}} (CS)<ref name="owen2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200712031855161.pdf |title=Light Anti-Armour Weapons: Anti-Everything? |author=Owen, William F. |year=2007 |work=Asian Military Review |access-date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707174026/http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200712031855161.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2011 |df=dmy |
| velocity = {{convert|290|m/s|ft/s km/h|abbr=on}}, {{convert|220|m/s|ft/s km/h|abbr=on}} (CS)<ref name="owen2007">{{cite web|url=http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200712031855161.pdf |title=Light Anti-Armour Weapons: Anti-Everything? |author=Owen, William F. |year=2007 |work=Asian Military Review |access-date=12 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707174026/http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/upload/200712031855161.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2011 |df=dmy}}</ref> |
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| range = 300 m (point target)<ref name="mcmanners2003"/> |
| range = 300 m (point target)<ref name="mcmanners2003"/> |
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| max_range = 500 m (area target)<br |
| max_range = 500 m (area target)<br/>2,100 m (maximum) |
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| feed = |
| feed = |
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| sights = [[Iron sights]], optional [[AN/PVS-4]] [[night vision]] unit |
| sights = [[Iron sights]], optional [[AN/PVS-4]] [[night vision]] unit |
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<!-- Explosive specifications -->| diameter = |
<!-- Explosive specifications -->| diameter = |
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| filling = [[Octol]] |
| filling = [[Octol]] |
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| filling_weight = 440 g [[ |
| filling_weight = 440 g [[high-explosive anti-tank]] (HEAT) round |
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| detonation = |
| detonation = |
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| yield = |
| yield = |
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{{External media |
{{External media |
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|topic=Prototype AT4 Sweden tested 1981/82 |
|topic=Prototype AT4 Sweden tested 1981/82 |
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|float=right |
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|image1=[https://i.imgur.com/UUP1HlU.jpg Early AT4 with Swedish Soldier] |
|image1=[https://i.imgur.com/UUP1HlU.jpg Early AT4 with Swedish Soldier] |
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|image2=[https://i.imgur.com/KELh4JS.jpg Early AT4 launcher and projectile] |
|image2=[https://i.imgur.com/KELh4JS.jpg Early AT4 launcher and projectile] |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''AT4'''{{efn|Sometimes also spelled AT-4 or AT 4.}} is a |
The '''AT4'''{{efn|Sometimes also spelled AT-4 or AT 4.}} is a Swedish {{Convert|84|mm|in|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} unguided, man-portable, disposable, [[Shoulder-fired missile|shoulder-fired]] recoilless [[Anti-tank warfare|anti-tank weapon]] manufactured by [[Saab Bofors Dynamics]] (formerly: FFV Ordance, later, Bofors Anti-Armour Systems).<ref name="AT4Light">{{cite web |url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/saabat4/ |title=AT4 Light Anti-Armour Weapon |publisher=Army Technology |date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507122025/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/saabat4/ |archive-date=7 May 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=August 2016}} The AT4 is not a [[rocket launcher]] strictly speaking, because the explosive warhead is not propelled by a [[rocket motor]]. Rather, it is a smooth-bore recoilless gun (as opposed to a [[recoilless rifle]], which has a [[rifled]] barrel).<ref name="at4 grenade">{{cite web |title=84mm M136 (AT-4) Projected Grenade |url=https://cat-uxo.com/explosive-hazards/grenades/84mm-m136-at-4-projected-grenade |website=Collective Awareness to UXO |access-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803001408/https://cat-uxo.com/explosive-hazards/grenades/84mm-m136-at-4-projected-grenade |archive-date=3 August 2022}}</ref> [[Saab Group|Saab]] has had considerable sales success with the AT4, making it one of the most common light anti-tank weapons in the world.<ref>{{cite web | last=Atlamazoglou | first=Stavros | title=AT4: NATO Orders Proven Anti-Tank Weapon Used in Ukraine | website=The National Interest | date=2024-02-20 | url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/at4-nato-orders-proven-anti-tank-weapon-used-ukraine-209544 | access-date=2024-04-15| quote=Made in Sweden by SAAB, the AT-4 is one of the most successful weapons in its category, with over a million sales. }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=France buys AT4 man-portable anti-tank weapon | website=mil.in.ua | date=2023-01-28 | url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/france-buys-at4-man-portable-anti-tank-weapon/ | language=en | access-date=2024-04-15| quote=Currently, the AT4 is one of the most popular and successful man-portable, disposable anti-tank weapon in the world.}}</ref> The ''M136 AT4'' and ''M136A1 AT4CS-RS'' are the variants used by the [[United States Army]].''<ref name=":1" />'' |
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The name AT4 is a |
The name AT4 is a word play on the 84 mm [[caliber]] of the weapon, (84) 'eighty four' being a [[homophone]] of 'A-T-4'.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Åkerström|first=Linda|title=Den svenska vapenexporten|publisher=Leopard Förlag |year=2018 |isbn=9789173438384 |location=Sweden |page=72}}</ref> The name also doubles as an alpha-phonetic word play on the weapon's role, due to "AT" being a common military abbreviation for "anti-tank".<ref>Hewish, Mark, "FFV's Lightweight AT4, first of a new family of Swedish anti-armour weapons" ''International Defense Review'', May 1980, p. 70.</ref> The name was created for export purposes as the nickname "eighty-four" was already a common English nickname for the [[Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle]] after its caliber.<ref name=":0"/> |
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The AT4 is intended to give [[infantry]] units a means to destroy or disable [[ |
The AT4 is intended to give [[infantry]] units a means to destroy or disable [[armoured fighting vehicle]]s and [[fortification]]s, although it is generally ineffective against more modern [[main battle tank]]s (MBTs), especially those with [[reactive armour]], unless weaker sections of armour are exploited. The launcher and projectile are manufactured prepacked and issued as one unit of ammunition, with the launcher discarded after one use. |
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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The AT4 is a development of the 74-mm [[Miniman |
The AT4 is a development of the 74-mm [[Miniman|''Pansarskott m/68'']]<ref>''Pansarskott'' is a Swedish term that roughly translates to "armour shot".</ref> (Miniman) adopted by the [[Swedish Army]] in the late 1960s. Like the m/68, the AT4 was designed by [[Försvarets Fabriksverk]] (FFV) and manufactured at their facility at Zakrisdal, [[Karlstad]], Sweden.<ref name="AT4Light"/> FFV began research on a replacement for the m/68 in 1976, deliberately designing an individual anti-armour weapon that would not be able to defeat the heavy armour protection of MBTs (main battle tanks) in frontal engagements, believing that to be counterproductive. The AT4 was designed as a weapon to engage medium-to-light armoured vehicles from any direction or MBTs from the sides or rear, and as an assault weapon effective against buildings and fortifications. FFV's prime design goal was a weapon that was simple to use, rugged, and far more accurate against moving targets than previous individual antiarmour weapons. Another key requirement was that the AT4 not only be able to penetrate armour, but also exhibit devastating [[beyond-armour effect]] after penetration. FFV and the Swedish Army began the first evaluation firings of the prototype AT4s in the spring of 1981, with 100 tested by early 1982.<ref>''International Defense Review'', May 1980, p. 71.</ref> |
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Even before the AT4 had been adopted by Sweden, it was entered into a [[United States |
Even before the AT4 had been adopted by Sweden, it was entered into a [[United States Army]] competition for a new anti-tank weapon mandated by Congress in 1982 when the [[FGR-17 Viper]] failed as a replacement for the [[M72 LAW]]. Six weapons were tested in 1983 by the US Army: the British [[LAW 80]], the German [[Armbrust]], the French [[APILAS]], the Norwegian M72E4 (an upgraded M72 LAW), the US Viper (for baseline comparison purposes) and the Swedish AT4. The US Army reported to Congress in November 1983 that the FFV AT4 came the closest to meeting all the major requirements established to replace the M72 LAW,<ref>The French APILAS was the only tested weapon that had the maximum penetration to defeat the frontal armour of the new Russian T-72 MBT, but it was rejected due to its weight and size.</ref> with the Armbrust coming in second.<ref>The Armbrust, while an impressive weapon with its almost total lack of launch signature, which enabled it to be fired from enclosed spaces, was rejected due to higher cost and lack of effective range against moving targets.</ref> |
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Though very impressed with the simplicity and durability of the tested version of the AT4, the US Army saw some room for improvement, specifically the addition of rear and front bumpers on the launch tube and changes to the sights and slings. After these changes, the AT4 was adopted by the US Army as the ''Lightweight Multipurpose Weapon'' M136.<ref>The U.S. Army had so much grief in the early 1980s from various committee members of the U.S. Congress over the M72 LAW being officially referred to in manuals as a Light ''Antitank'' Weapon that they named the AT4 to make sure no member of Congress could question that again.</ref> The Swedish Army also recognized these improvements and subsequently adopted the Americanized version of the AT4 as the ''Pansarskott m/86'' (''Pskott m/86''), with the addition of a forward folding hand grip to help steady the AT4 when being aimed and fired. The forward folding grip is the only difference between the AT4 adopted by Sweden and the US Army version. |
Though very impressed with the simplicity and durability of the tested version of the AT4, the US Army saw some room for improvement, specifically the addition of rear and front bumpers on the launch tube and changes to the sights and slings. After these changes, the AT4 was adopted by the US Army as the ''Lightweight Multipurpose Weapon'' M136.<ref>The U.S. Army had so much grief in the early 1980s from various committee members of the U.S. Congress over the M72 LAW being officially referred to in manuals as a Light ''Antitank'' Weapon that they named the AT4 to make sure no member of Congress could question that again.</ref> The Swedish Army also recognized these improvements and subsequently adopted the Americanized version of the AT4 as the ''Pansarskott m/86'' (''Pskott m/86''), with the addition of a forward folding hand grip to help steady the AT4 when being aimed and fired. The forward folding grip is the only difference between the AT4 adopted by Sweden and the US Army version. |
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[[File:M136A1 AT4CS-RS.jpg|thumb|M136A1 AT4CS-RS]] |
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Due to the urban combat conditions that US military forces faced regularly during the [[Iraq War]], the US Army Close Combat Systems manager in charge of purchases of the AT4 suspended orders for the standard version of the AT4 |
Due to the urban combat conditions that US military forces faced regularly during the [[Iraq War]], the US Army Close Combat Systems manager in charge of purchases of the AT4 suspended orders for the standard version of the AT4; US military forces instead only ordered the AT4 CS (Confined Space) version.<ref>John Antal. "Packing a Punch: America's Man-Portable Antitank Weapons". page 90. ''Military Technology''. March 2010. ISSN 0722-3226.</ref> |
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==Operation== |
==Operation== |
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{{More citations needed section|date=November 2021}} |
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The AT4 may be considered a disposable, low-cost alternative to a [[Carl Gustaf 8. |
The AT4 may be considered a disposable, low-cost alternative to a [[Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle]]. The AT4 took many of its design features from the Carl Gustaf, which operates on the principle of a [[recoilless weapon]], where the forward [[inertia]] of the [[projectile]] is balanced by the inertia of [[propellant]] gases ejecting from the rear of the barrel. But unlike the Carl Gustaf, which uses a heavier and more expensive steel tube with [[rifling]],<ref>Until the 1980s the Carl Gustaf was constructed of high-alloy steel, but later versions used a thin steel liner containing the rifling, strengthened by a [[carbon fibre]] outer sleeve.</ref> the disposable AT4 design greatly reduces manufacturing costs by using a reinforced smoothbore [[fiberglass]] outer tube. Being a disposable gun also allows for lighter and cheaper construction. In a single-use disposable gun, the barrel only needs to be able to contain a single pressure spike when firing, when it can be disposed of, even if it is ruined, burnt-out and strained, unlike traditional guns which are required to survive many pressure spikes without failure and thus need to be strongly overbuilt and made of heat-proof materials. Pressures are also kept quite low compared to many traditional guns. This lightweight and thin barrel and low pressure, combined with the almost complete lack of recoil, means that relatively large projectiles (comparable to those found in [[Mortar (weapons)|mortars]] and [[artillery]] systems) can be utilised, which would otherwise be impossible in a man-portable weapon. |
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In the system originally developed by FFV for the Carl Gustaf, a plastic blowout plug is placed at the centre rear of the shell casing containing the projectile and propellant, which itself is enclosed in the AT4 outer tube. When the gases build up to the correct pressure level, the blowout plug disintegrates, allowing the proper amount of gases to be vented to the rear, balancing the propellant gases pushing the projectile forward. |
In the system originally developed by FFV for the Carl Gustaf, a plastic blowout plug is placed at the centre rear of the shell casing containing the projectile and propellant, which itself is enclosed in the AT4 outer tube. When the gases build up to the correct pressure level, the blowout plug disintegrates, allowing the proper amount of gases to be vented to the rear, balancing the propellant gases pushing the projectile forward. |
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The AT4 |
The AT4 adopted a unique method developed earlier by FFV: the spring-loaded firing rod is located down the side of the outer tube, with the [[firing pin]] at the rear of the tube. When released, the firing pin strikes a primer located in the side of the casing's rim. |
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⚫ | The disadvantage of the recoilless design is that it creates a large [[back blast]] area behind the weapon, which can cause severe burns and [[overpressure]] injuries to friendly personnel in the vicinity of the user and sometimes even to the users themselves, especially in confined spaces. The back blast may also reveal the user's position to the enemy. The problem of back blast was solved with the '''AT4-CS''' (Confined Space) version, specially designed for [[urban warfare]]. This version uses a saltwater countermass in the rear of the launcher to absorb the back blast; the resulting spray captures and dramatically slows down the pressure wave, allowing troops to fire from enclosed areas. The AT4-CS version also reduced its muzzle velocity from the original 290 m/s to 220 m/s as part of its effort to be user-safe in a confined space, making the AT4-CS version more difficult to use as the drop is more pronounced. The effectiveness of the HEAT warhead is not dependent on speed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ODIN - OE Data Integration Network |url=https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/e6be383efb05e185d22e001afbb8ccb0 |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=odin.tradoc.army.mil}}</ref><gallery mode="packed" heights="180" widths="360"> |
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[[File:US Army AT4 CS live-fire training.jpg|thumb|left|Firing the AT4-CS (2020)]] |
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File:M136 AT4.jpg|M136 AT4 |
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File:M136A1 - AT4CS-RS.jpg|M136A1 AT4CS-RS |
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⚫ | The disadvantage of the recoilless design is that it creates a large [[back blast]] area behind the weapon, which can cause severe burns and [[overpressure]] injuries to friendly personnel in the vicinity of the user and sometimes even to the users themselves, especially in confined spaces. The back blast may also reveal the user's position to the enemy. The problem of back blast was solved with the '''AT4-CS''' (Confined Space) version, specially designed for [[urban warfare]]. This version uses a saltwater countermass in the rear of the launcher to absorb the back blast; the resulting spray captures and dramatically slows down the pressure wave, allowing troops to fire from enclosed areas. The AT4-CS version also reduced its muzzle velocity from the original 290 m/s to 220 m/s as part of its effort to be user-safe in a confined space, making the AT4-CS version more difficult to use as the drop is more pronounced. The effectiveness of the HEAT warhead is not dependent on speed.{{ |
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⚫ | </gallery>To fire, the gunner first removes the safety pin located at the rear of the tube, which unblocks the firing rod. They then take a firing position, ensuring that no one is present in the back blast area. If firing from the [[prone position]], they must also place their legs well to the side to avoid burning himself. Then, the gunner moves back the front and rear sight covers, allowing the sights to pop up into their firing positions. The AT4 has [[iron sight]]s that were originally developed for the cancelled [[FGR-17 Viper|Viper]], and are similar in concept and use to those on assault rifles.<ref>FFV and the Swedish Army were so impressed by these sights that they adopted them for their AT4s; while adequate during the day, the original plastic sights were difficult to see at night or under low light conditions.</ref> They then remove the first of two [[Safety (firearm)|safeties]] by moving the firing rod cocking lever (located on the left side) forward and then over the top to the right side. The gunner takes aim, while at the same time holding down the red safety lever located in front of the cocking lever, and then fires by pressing forward the red firing button with his right thumb. Both the red safety lever and the firing button must be pressed down at the same time to fire the AT4. The red firing button has a similar resistance to the trigger pull of a rifle, so the gunner does not have to jab at the firing button, which could throw their aim off. |
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⚫ | To fire, the gunner first removes the safety pin located at the rear of the tube, which unblocks the firing rod. |
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⚫ | After firing, the AT4 is discarded. Gunners are often trained to break off the sights after use, in order to prevent other soldiers from mistaking used launchers for unused ones. Unlike the heavier Carl Gustaf, the AT4 outer tube is built to take the stress of just one firing; it is not reusable and cannot be reloaded. |
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The AT4 can mount an optical [[night sight]] on a removable fixture. In US military use, the launcher can be fitted with the AN/PAQ-4C, AN/PEQ-2, or the AN/PAS-13 night sights. |
The AT4 can mount an optical [[night sight]] on a removable fixture. In US military use, the launcher can be fitted with the AN/PAQ-4C, AN/PEQ-2, or the AN/PAS-13 night sights. |
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{{External media |
{{External media |
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|topic=AT4 version adopted by US as M136 |
|topic=AT4 version adopted by US as M136 |
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|float=right |
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|image1=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/LAND/INFANTRY/AT4%20and%20M136/AT4showingammunitionandprojectile.jpg AT4 launcher shown with ammunition and HEAT projectile] |
|image1=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/LAND/INFANTRY/AT4%20and%20M136/AT4showingammunitionandprojectile.jpg AT4 launcher shown with ammunition and HEAT projectile] |
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|image2=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/LAND/INFANTRY/AT4%20and%20M136/AT5Cutawayshowingammuntioninstalled.jpg AT4 cutaway illustration showing ammunition installed] |
|image2=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/LAND/INFANTRY/AT4%20and%20M136/AT5Cutawayshowingammuntioninstalled.jpg AT4 cutaway illustration showing ammunition installed] |
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==Specifications== |
==Specifications== |
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* Time of flight (to 250 |
* Time of flight (to {{convert|250|m|ft}}): less than 1 second{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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* [[Operating temperature]]: −40 |
* [[Operating temperature]]: {{convert|−40|–|60|C|F}}{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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* Ammunition: fin-stabilized projectile with HEAT warhead{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
* Ammunition: fin-stabilized projectile with HEAT warhead{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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==Projectiles== |
==Projectiles== |
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There are several different projectiles for the AT4. |
There are several different projectiles for the AT4. Because it is a one-shot weapon, projectiles are preloaded into the launcher tubes.<ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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[[File:AT4 image.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|AT4 launcher and projectile |
[[File:AT4 image.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3|AT4 launcher and projectile]] |
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⚫ | ''[[High-explosive anti-tank]]'' (HEAT) – Can penetrate up to {{convert|45|cm|in}} of [[rolled homogeneous armour]] (RHA) with [[beyond-armour effect]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM90-10-1C1%2895%29.pdf|title=An Infantryman's Guide to Combat in Built-Up Areas |website=bits.de|access-date=10 April 2023|date=3 October 1995}}</ref> |
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;HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) |
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⚫ | |||
''[[High-explosive anti-tank#High-explosive dual-purpose|High-explosive dual purpose]]'' (HEDP) 502<ref name="AT4Light"/><ref>the complete disposable launcher and HEDP projectile is referred to by the manufacture in brochures as the LMAW (''light multipurpose-assault weapon'') see external links for link on early photos and press releases for further information on brochure</ref> – For use against [[bunker]]s, buildings, enemy personnel in the open, and light armour. It can be set to detonate on impact or with a brief detonation delay. The heavier nose cap allows either to penetrate light walls or windows before exploding, or to be "skipped" off the ground for an air burst. For use against light armour, there is a smaller-cone HEAT warhead with {{convert|15|cm|in}} penetration of RHA. |
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:For use against [[bunker]]s, buildings, enemy personnel in the open and light armour. The projectile can be set to detonate on impact or with a slightly delayed detonation. The heavier nose cap allows for the HEDP projectile to either penetrate light walls or windows and then explode, or be "skipped" off the ground for an airburst. For use against light armour, there is a smaller cone HEAT warhead with 150 mm (5.9 inches) of penetration against RHA. |
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;HP (High Penetration) |
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⚫ | ''Anti-structure tandem-warheads'' (AST) – Designed for urban warfare where a projectile heavier than the HEDP AT4 is needed. This combines a shallow-coned HEAT warhead (resulting in low penetration but producing a wide hole) with a [[tandem-charge]] and a follow-through high-blast warhead. It has two settings: either to destroy bunkers or to [[mouse-holing|mouse-hole]] a building wall for combat entry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3xsMqHu56g|title=2008 SAAB video on AT4 versions including new multipurpose warhead for urban combat|work=YouTube|date=14 August 2008 |access-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018174843/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3xsMqHu56g|archive-date=18 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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;AST (Anti Structure Tandem-warheads) |
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{{multiple image |
{{multiple image |
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⚫ | ''Extended range'' (ER) – Anti-armor version with HEAT warhead. Range is extended from {{convert|300|to|600|m|ft}}, with increased penetration up to {{convert|46|cm|in}} of RHA. These major improvements add only about 2 kilograms of mass, despite being CS models.<ref name="janes11june14">[http://www.janes.com/article/39209/eurosatory-2014-saab-to-integrate-new-projectile-variants-for-disposable-shoulder-launched-rocket-system Saab to integrate new projectile variants for disposable shoulder-launched rocket system] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224031007/http://www.janes.com/article/39209/eurosatory-2014-saab-to-integrate-new-projectile-variants-for-disposable-shoulder-launched-rocket-system |date=24 December 2016}} - Janes.com, 11 June 2014</ref><ref name="AT4 Family Saab"/> |
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;ER (Extended Range) |
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⚫ | |||
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;HE (High Explosive) |
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==Variants== |
==Variants== |
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⚫ | ''M136 AT4'' – American version with modified launch tube bumpers, sights, and slings.<ref name="urlAT4 Light Anti-Armour Weapon - Army Technology">{{cite web |url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/saabat4/ |title=AT4 Light Anti-Armour Weapon - Army Technology |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731143948/https://www.army-technology.com/projects/saabat4/ |archive-date=31 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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;M136 AT4 |
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⚫ | |||
''M136A1 AT4CS-RS'' – American variant with a unique [[Bimetal|bi-metal]] warhead design, specially developed to maximize [[Beyond-armour effect|behind-armor effects]] for higher kill probability. The weapon is capable of firing from confined spaces (CS) and features a [[Insensitive munition|reduced sensitivity]] (RS) explosive, with an armor penetration of over 350 mm. Its effective range is 20–300 m.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AT4 Family {{!}} Saab |url=https://www.saab.com/products/at4 |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=Start |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The New 84mm AT4 – Small Arms Defense Journal |url=https://sadefensejournal.com/the-new-84mm-at4/ |access-date=2024-12-14 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Defense and Aerospace Competitive Intelligence Service (DACIS) |date=March 2019 |title=Shoulder Launched Munitions, All Types |url=https://www.dacis.com/budget/budget_pdf/FY20/PROC/A/2348EA4000_19.pdf }}</ref> |
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''XM919 Individual Assault Weapon (also known as AT4CS TW) –'' American future variant, to enter service in 2025, and be delivered by 2029 for USD $500 million.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-28 |title=AT4CS TW wird die zukünftige Individual Assault Munition der U.S. Army |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/at4cs-tw-wird-die-zukuenftige-individual-assault-munition-der-u-s-army/ |access-date=2024-08-29 |language=de-DE}}</ref> |
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⚫ | ''Bunker-busting'' (AT8) – An AT4 version where the standard HEAT projectile is replaced with the bunker-busting warhead developed for the [[Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon]] (SMAW). No orders were ever placed.<ref>Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995–96, page 220. The reference refers to Allaint Techsystems as the manufacture, but they soon after were acquired by Honeywell. The [[M141 Bunker Defeat Munition|SMAW-D]] offered by Talley was chosen for the U.S. Army program that the AT4 entered. See external images at the SMAW-D link for an arms brochure on the ''FFV AT8''</ref> |
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;AT8 (Bunker-Busting) |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | ''AT12-T'' – In the early 1990s, there were tests of a [[tandem charge]] 120 mm version (Bofors AT 12-T). The 14 kg weapon had a claimed penetration of {{convert|90|cm|in}} RHA,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smallarmsreview.com/archive/detail.arc.entry.cfm?arcid=2954|title = Small Arms Archive Detail Page for S00437}}</ref> and in 1994 was demonstrated to defeat two NATO Single Heavy targets inclined at 68 degrees from vertical with ERA,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLsBM4HTcF0|title = Bofors demo 92 2-4|website = [[YouTube]]| date=13 December 2011 }}</ref> for a line-of-sight penetration of 600 mm. However, the project was cancelled due to the dissolution of the [[Soviet Union]] and the subsequent cuts in Western defence budgets.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}} |
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;AT12-T |
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⚫ | |||
==Operators== |
==Operators== |
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<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed.--> |
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed.--> |
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[[File:AT4 SAAB.jpg|thumb|AT4 84 mm]] |
[[File:AT4 SAAB.jpg|thumb|AT4 84 mm]] |
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[[File:Exercise Wessex Storm 2020 MOD 45167357.jpg|thumb|AT4 fired during Wessex Storm 2020]] |
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* {{ARG}}: [[Argentine Army]]<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2017/10/27/carl-gustaf-at-4cs-fusiles-steyr-hs-50-m1-ejercito-argentino/| title=Carl Gustaf, AT-4CS y fusiles Steyr HS.50 M1 para el Ejército Argentino| date=27 October 2017| access-date=29 October 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173139/https://www.zona-militar.com/2017/10/27/carl-gustaf-at-4cs-fusiles-steyr-hs-50-m1-ejercito-argentino/| archive-date=29 October 2017| url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Argentine Marines]] |
* {{ARG}}: [[Argentine Army]]<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.zona-militar.com/2017/10/27/carl-gustaf-at-4cs-fusiles-steyr-hs-50-m1-ejercito-argentino/| title=Carl Gustaf, AT-4CS y fusiles Steyr HS.50 M1 para el Ejército Argentino| date=27 October 2017| access-date=29 October 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029173139/https://www.zona-militar.com/2017/10/27/carl-gustaf-at-4cs-fusiles-steyr-hs-50-m1-ejercito-argentino/| archive-date=29 October 2017| url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Argentine Marines]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gacetamarinera.com.ar/nota.asp?idNota=2380&idSec=7 |title=La Infantería de Marina adquirió armamento antitanque descartable |access-date=25 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101102073059/http://www.gacetamarinera.com.ar/nota.asp?idNota=2380&idSec=7 |archive-date=2 November 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}</ref> |
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* {{Flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}<ref name=" |
* {{Flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}<ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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* {{BRA}}<ref name="jones2009">{{citation |last=Jones |first=Richard D |title=Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |publisher=Jane's Information |edition=35 |date=27 January 2009 |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref> |
* {{BRA}}<ref name="jones2009">{{citation |last=Jones |first=Richard D |title=Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |publisher=Jane's Information |edition=35 |date=27 January 2009 |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref> |
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* {{CAN}}: [[JTF2]]<ref name=" |
* {{CAN}}: [[JTF2]]<ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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* {{CHI}}: [[Chilean Marine Corps]], [[Chilean Army]]<ref name=" |
* {{CHI}}: [[Chilean Marine Corps]], [[Chilean Army]]<ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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* {{flag|Colombia}}<ref name=" |
* {{flag|Colombia}}<ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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* {{CRO}}<ref name="jones2009"/> |
* {{CRO}}<ref name="jones2009"/> |
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* {{DEN}}: Designated ''PVV M/95'' (''P''anser''v''ærns''v''åben ''M''odel 19''95'').<ref name="Almanac">{{citation |title=The World Defence Almanac |journal=World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power |year=2000 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref>{{rp |93}} |
* {{DEN}}: Designated ''PVV M/95'' (''P''anser''v''ærns''v''åben ''M''odel 19''95'').<ref name="Almanac">{{citation |title=The World Defence Almanac |journal=World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power |year=2000 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref>{{rp |93}} |
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* {{DOM}} |
* {{DOM}} |
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*{{FIN}} |
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* {{FRA}}: Designated ''ABL'' (''A''nti ''B''lindé ''L''ourd) by the [[French Army]].<ref>Replaced the [[APILAS]]: {{citation |url=https://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gouv.fr%2Fterre%2Fdecouverte%2Fmateriels%2Farmement_individuel_et_collectif%2Fat_4&sl=fr&tl=en |place=France |publisher=Ministry of Defense |title=AT 4 CS – L'arme anti blindé lourd AT 4 CS – The anti-heavy armor weapon |access-date=29 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108235222/http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gouv.fr%2Fterre%2Fdecouverte%2Fmateriels%2Farmement_individuel_et_collectif%2Fat_4&sl=fr&tl=en |archive-date=8 January 2014 |url-status=live |
* {{FRA}}: Designated ''ABL'' (''A''nti ''B''lindé ''L''ourd) by the [[French Army]].<ref>Replaced the [[APILAS]]: {{citation |url=https://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gouv.fr%2Fterre%2Fdecouverte%2Fmateriels%2Farmement_individuel_et_collectif%2Fat_4&sl=fr&tl=en |place=France |publisher=Ministry of Defense |title=AT 4 CS – L'arme anti blindé lourd AT 4 CS – The anti-heavy armor weapon |access-date=29 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108235222/http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.defense.gouv.fr%2Fterre%2Fdecouverte%2Fmateriels%2Farmement_individuel_et_collectif%2Fat_4&sl=fr&tl=en |archive-date=8 January 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* {{GEO}}<ref name="jones2009"/> |
* {{GEO}}<ref name="jones2009"/> |
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* {{GRE}}: Used by Hellenic Navy Seals<ref name=" |
* {{GRE}}: Used by Hellenic Navy Seals<ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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* {{IND}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Saab Awarded Indian Contract for AT4 Support Weapon|url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2022/saab-awarded-indian-contract-for-at4-support-weapon|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-27|website=[[Saab AB|Saab]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120121008/https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2022/saab-awarded-indian-contract-for-at4-support-weapon |archive-date=20 January 2022 |
* {{IND}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Saab Awarded Indian Contract for AT4 Support Weapon|url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2022/saab-awarded-indian-contract-for-at4-support-weapon|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-27|website=[[Saab AB|Saab]]|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120121008/https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2022/saab-awarded-indian-contract-for-at4-support-weapon |archive-date=20 January 2022}}</ref> |
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* {{INA}}<ref>{{cite web|title=AT-4 Senjata Andalan Unit Infanteri|url=https://www.radarmiliter.com/2019/10/at-4-senjata-andalan-unit-infanteri.html |
* {{INA}}<ref>{{cite web|title=AT-4 Senjata Andalan Unit Infanteri|url=https://www.radarmiliter.com/2019/10/at-4-senjata-andalan-unit-infanteri.html|access-date=2022-05-16|website=Radarmiliter.com|language=ID}}</ref> |
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* {{IRQ}}: The [[Iraqi Army]] was supplied with the AT4.<ref>{{citation |url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=4188975 |title=Swedish weapons in the Iraqi military? |work=[[Radio Sweden]] |date=18 November 2010 |access-date=18 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219042035/http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=4188975 |archive-date=19 February 2011 |url-status=live |
* {{IRQ}}: The [[Iraqi Army]] was supplied with the AT4.<ref>{{citation |url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=4188975 |title=Swedish weapons in the Iraqi military? |work=[[Radio Sweden]] |date=18 November 2010 |access-date=18 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219042035/http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=2054&artikel=4188975 |archive-date=19 February 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ISOF Arms & Equipment Part 4 – Grenade Launchers & Anti-Armour Weapons|url=http://armamentresearch.com/isof-arms-equipment-part-4-grenade-launchers-anti-armour-weapons/|first=Miles|last=Vining|date=19 June 2018|website=[[armamentresearch.com]]|access-date=31 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728192622/http://armamentresearch.com/isof-arms-equipment-part-4-grenade-launchers-anti-armour-weapons/|archive-date=28 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* {{Flag|Israel}}: Locally produced licensed AT4 CS AST |
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⚫ | |||
* {{KUR}}: The [[Peshmerga]] Have Between 1,000-15,000 AT-4s.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2016|date=February 2016|volume=116|isbn=9781857438352|publisher=Routledge |author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |page=491}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
* {{flagicon image|Jaysh Al Islam white flag.svg}} [[Jaysh al-Islam]] (Captured from the Syrian Democratic Forces)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIsZINeWsAMeI-J?format=jpg&name=large |title=Archived copy |website=pbs.twimg.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108181107/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIsZINeWsAMeI-J?format=jpg&name=large |archive-date=8 November 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
* {{flagicon image|Jaysh Al Islam white flag.svg}} [[Jaysh al-Islam]] (Captured from the Syrian Democratic Forces)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIsZINeWsAMeI-J?format=jpg&name=large |title=Archived copy |website=pbs.twimg.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108181107/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIsZINeWsAMeI-J?format=jpg&name=large |archive-date=8 November 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon image|Flag of Kurdistan Workers' Party.svg}} [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]]<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-08-27|title=Northern Iraq PKK-Weapon Caches of Operation 'Claw Tiger'|url=https://silahreport.com/2020/08/27/northern-iraq-pkk-weapon-caches-of-operation-claw-tiger-miles-check-this/|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Silah Report|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=sabah|first=daily|date=2017-08-16|title=2 Swedish-made antitank missiles found in PKK hideout in Turkey's southeast|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/08/16/2-swedish-made-antitank-missiles-found-in-pkk-hideout-in-turkeys-southeast|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Daily Sabah|language=en-US}}</ref> |
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Kurdistan Workers' Party.svg}} [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]]<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-08-27|title=Northern Iraq PKK-Weapon Caches of Operation 'Claw Tiger'|url=https://silahreport.com/2020/08/27/northern-iraq-pkk-weapon-caches-of-operation-claw-tiger-miles-check-this/|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Silah Report|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=sabah|first=daily|date=2017-08-16|title=2 Swedish-made antitank missiles found in PKK hideout in Turkey's southeast|url=https://www.dailysabah.com/war-on-terror/2017/08/16/2-swedish-made-antitank-missiles-found-in-pkk-hideout-in-turkeys-southeast|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Daily Sabah|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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* {{LAT}}<ref>{{citation |title=The World Defence Almanac |journal=World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power |year=2010 |page=172 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref> |
* {{LAT}}<ref>{{citation |title=The World Defence Almanac |journal=World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power |year=2010 |page=172 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref> |
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* {{LIB}}: Roughly 1,000 pieces purchased.<ref name='dnnov1307at4smawd'>{{cite news|last=Kahwaji|first=Riad|title=Lebanon: Foreign Arms Vital to Hizbollah Fight|format=JPEG|newspaper=Defense News|date=13 November 2007|url=http://i43.tinypic.com/52i6u1.jpg|access-date=25 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717061906/http://i43.tinypic.com/52i6u1.jpg|archive-date=17 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> |
* {{LIB}}: Roughly 1,000 pieces purchased.<ref name='dnnov1307at4smawd'>{{cite news|last=Kahwaji|first=Riad|title=Lebanon: Foreign Arms Vital to Hizbollah Fight|format=JPEG|newspaper=Defense News|date=13 November 2007|url=http://i43.tinypic.com/52i6u1.jpg|access-date=25 January 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717061906/http://i43.tinypic.com/52i6u1.jpg|archive-date=17 July 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* {{LIT}}: [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]] |
* {{LIT}}: [[Lithuanian Armed Forces]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/granatsvaidziai_ir_priestankiniai_ginklai/priestankinis_granatsvaidis_at-4.html |title=Lietuvos kariuomenė :: Ginkluotė ir karinė technika » Granatsvaidžiai ir prieštankiniai ginklai » Prieštankinis granatsvaidis AT-4 |access-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009142511/http://kariuomene.kam.lt/lt/ginkluote_ir_karine_technika/granatsvaidziai_ir_priestankiniai_ginklai/priestankinis_granatsvaidis_at-4.html|archive-date=9 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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* {{MAS}}: In |
* {{MAS}}: In service with the [[Grup Gerak Khas]]<ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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* {{MEX}} |
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**[[Gulf Cartel]]<ref>{{cite web |date=31 May 2023 |title=Rusia alerta a México: lanzacohetes de cárteles es de los enviados por EU a Ucrania |url=https://www.sinembargo.mx/31-05-2023/4367365 |access-date=31 May 2023}}</ref> |
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* {{NED}}<ref>{{citation |title=The World Defence Almanac |journal=World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power |year=2005 |page=105 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref> (Replaced by [[Panzerfaust 3|Pzf-3]]) |
* {{NED}}<ref>{{citation |title=The World Defence Almanac |journal=World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power |year=2005 |page=105 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref> (Replaced by [[Panzerfaust 3|Pzf-3]]) |
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* {{POL}} (limited use in Special Operations Forces and Air Mobile Forces)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wp.mil.pl/en/galeria/1446 |title=Polish Army Photogallery |issue=26 |publisher=Polish Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717114810/http://www.wp.mil.pl/en/galeria/1446 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |
* {{POL}} (limited use in Special Operations Forces and Air Mobile Forces)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wp.mil.pl/en/galeria/1446 |title=Polish Army Photogallery |issue=26 |publisher=Polish Ministry of Defence |access-date=26 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717114810/http://www.wp.mil.pl/en/galeria/1446 |archive-date=17 July 2011}}</ref><!--NOTE: See picture 26 in gallery.--> |
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* {{SWE}}: Designated ''Pansarskott m/86''.<ref name="jones2009"/> |
* {{SWE}}: Designated ''Pansarskott m/86''.<ref name="jones2009"/> |
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* {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] |
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Syrian Democratic Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Democratic Forces]] |
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* {{TWN-ROC}}<ref name=" |
* {{TWN-ROC}}<ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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* {{GBR}}: Small quantities of AT4 and HP projectiles purchased.<ref name="kemp2006"/><ref name=" |
* {{GBR}}: Small quantities of AT4 and HP projectiles purchased.<ref name="kemp2006"/><ref name="AT4Light"/> |
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* {{UKR}}: 15,000 supplied by Sweden,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=Mer svenska vapen till Ukraina |url=https://www.sydsvenskan.se/2022-03-23/mer-svenska-vapen-till-ukraina |work=Sydsvenskan |language=Swedish |date=2022-03-23 |access-date=2022-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1= |
* {{UKR}}: 15,000 supplied by Sweden,<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=Mer svenska vapen till Ukraina |url=https://www.sydsvenskan.se/2022-03-23/mer-svenska-vapen-till-ukraina |work=Sydsvenskan |language=Swedish |date=2022-03-23 |access-date=2022-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Nilsson |first1=Maja |date=2022-06-02 |title=Sverige bistår Ukraina med sjömålsroboten Robot 17 |language=sv |work=SVT Nyheter |url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/tredje-stodpaket-till-ukraina-vantas-0150-regeringen-haller-presskonferens |access-date=2022-06-02}}</ref> 6,000 supplied by the United States,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Collins |first1=Kaitlan |last2=Liptak |first2=Kevin |last3=Mattingly |first3=Phil |last4=LeBlanc |first4=Paul |last5=Vazquez |first5=Maegan |date=2022-03-17 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/03/15/politics/biden-military-assistance-ukraine/ |title=Biden announces hundreds of millions in new security aid for Ukraine following Zelensky's speech |website=CNN |access-date=2022-04-25}}</ref> both in 2022. |
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* {{USA}}: Designated ''M136 AT4'' in [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]] and [[United States Army]] service, beginning in early 1987.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/DAHSUM/1987/ch05.htm|chapter=Modernizing and |
* {{USA}}: Designated ''M136 AT4'' in [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]] and [[United States Army]] service, beginning in early 1987.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/DAHSUM/1987/ch05.htm|chapter=Modernizing and Equipping the Army|title=Department of the Army Historical Summary, FY|year=1987|page=43|url=http://www.history.army.mil/books/DAHSUM/1987/index.htm|id=CMH Pub 101-19|publisher=[[United States Army Center of Military History]]|access-date=13 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921153947/http://www.history.army.mil/books/DAHSUM/1987/index.htm|archive-date=21 September 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The AT4 was used in the [[United States invasion of Panama|US invasion of Panama]], the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]], the [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]], and the [[Iraq War]].<ref name="amnestysweden"/> Over 300,000 have been built locally, under license by [[Alliant Techsystems|ATK]].<ref name="kemp2006"/><ref name="AT4Light"/> |
||
* {{VEN}}: The AT4 has been in the Venezuelan arsenal since the 1980s.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="janesvenezuela">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/news/security/jiwk/jiwk090720_1_n.shtml|title=Global Security - News and Defence Headlines - IHS Jane's 360|work=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310111928/http://www.janes.com/news/security/jiwk/jiwk090720_1_n.shtml|archive-date=10 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, it was reported that AT4s sold to Venezuela had been captured from [[FARC]] insurgents in Colombia, leading Colombia to accuse Venezuela of selling the weapons to the insurgents, and Venezuela reporting that they were stolen by a rebel attack on a Venezuelan position in 1995,<ref>{{cite web|title=Presentan video del ELN con armas de Cararabo - Internacional - EL UNIVERSAL |url=http://www.eluniversal.com/2009/08/30/int_art_presentan-video-del_1545209 |website=www.eluniversal.com |access-date=29 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125341/http://www.eluniversal.com/2009/08/30/int_art_presentan-video-del_1545209 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |
* {{VEN}}: The AT4 has been in the Venezuelan arsenal since the 1980s.<ref name="jones2009"/><ref name="janesvenezuela">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/news/security/jiwk/jiwk090720_1_n.shtml|title=Global Security - News and Defence Headlines - IHS Jane's 360|work=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310111928/http://www.janes.com/news/security/jiwk/jiwk090720_1_n.shtml|archive-date=10 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009, it was reported that AT4s sold to Venezuela had been captured from [[FARC]] insurgents in Colombia, leading Colombia to accuse Venezuela of selling the weapons to the insurgents, and Venezuela reporting that they were stolen by a rebel attack on a Venezuelan position in 1995,<ref>{{cite web|title=Presentan video del ELN con armas de Cararabo - Internacional - EL UNIVERSAL |url=http://www.eluniversal.com/2009/08/30/int_art_presentan-video-del_1545209 |website=www.eluniversal.com |access-date=29 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125341/http://www.eluniversal.com/2009/08/30/int_art_presentan-video-del_1545209 |archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> thus heightening tensions between the two countries.<ref name="janesvenezuela"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/venezuela/090728/colombia-venezuela-tensions-rise|title=Colombia and Venezuela face off|work=GlobalPost|access-date=11 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018042139/http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/venezuela/090728/colombia-venezuela-tensions-rise|archive-date=18 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Wars== |
==Wars== |
||
* [[United States invasion of Panama|US invasion of Panama]]<ref name="amnestysweden">{{citation|url=http://www.svenskafreds.se/english/vapenexport.pdf |publisher=Svenskafreds |place=SE |title=Vapenexport |
* [[United States invasion of Panama|US invasion of Panama]]<ref name="amnestysweden">{{citation|url=http://www.svenskafreds.se/english/vapenexport.pdf |publisher=Svenskafreds |place=SE |title=Vapenexport}}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |
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* [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present) ]] |
* [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present) ]] |
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* [[Soviet–Afghan War]] |
* [[Soviet–Afghan War]] |
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* [[Gulf War]] |
* [[Gulf War]] |
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* [[War in Afghanistan ( |
* [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]<ref name="amnestysweden"/> |
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* [[Iraq War]]<ref name="amnestysweden" |
* [[Iraq War]]<ref name="amnestysweden"/> |
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* [[Second Ivorian Civil War]]<ref name="16BCC">{{cite magazine|title=Battle of Abidjan: accurate and timely fires|first=Christophe|last=Richard|page=28|url=http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|magazine=Fantassins|issue=32|date=2014|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222826/http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
* [[Second Ivorian Civil War]]<ref name="16BCC">{{cite magazine|title=Battle of Abidjan: accurate and timely fires|first=Christophe|last=Richard|page=28|url=http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|magazine=Fantassins|issue=32|date=2014|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222826/http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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* [[ |
* [[Mali War]]<ref name="Serval">{{cite magazine|title=Infantry units fires during OP Serval|first=Thibault|last=Capdeville|pages=55–58|url=http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|magazine=Fantassins|issue=32|date=Spring 2014|access-date=13 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215222826/http://www.emd.terre.defense.gouv.fr/img/emd/fantassin/2014_n32_fantassins.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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* [[2013 Lahad Datu standoff]] |
* [[2013 Lahad Datu standoff]] |
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* [[War in Iraq (2013–2017)]] |
* [[War in Iraq (2013–2017)]] |
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* [[Syrian Civil War]] |
* [[Syrian Civil War]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{div col|colwidth=20em}} |
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* [[List of rocket launchers]] |
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* [[List of anti-tank missiles]] |
|||
* [[ALAC (Arma Leve Anticarro)]] |
* [[ALAC (Arma Leve Anticarro)]] |
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* |
* {{lwc|Alcotan-100}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|APILAS}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|B-300}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|DZJ-08}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|LAW 80}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|MARA (anti-tank weapon)}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|MATADOR}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|NLAW}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|Panzerfaust 3}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|RPG-76 Komar}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|RPG-75}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|Urban Assault Weapon}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|M141 Bunker Defeat Munition}} |
||
* |
* {{lwc|Kestrel (rocket launcher)}} |
||
{{div col end}} |
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==References and notes== |
==References and notes== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons and category|AT-4}} |
{{Commons and category|AT-4}} |
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* |
* {{Official website|saab.com/land/weapon-systems/support-weapons/at4}}, covers the different versions |
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* [http://saab.com/globalassets/commercial/land/weapon-systems/support-weapons/at4-family/at4_family_brochure_en_aw.pdf Saab AT4 PDF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919002835/http://saab.com/globalassets/commercial/land/weapon-systems/support-weapons/at4-family/at4_family_brochure_en_aw.pdf |date=19 September 2016 |
* [http://saab.com/globalassets/commercial/land/weapon-systems/support-weapons/at4-family/at4_family_brochure_en_aw.pdf Saab AT4 PDF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919002835/http://saab.com/globalassets/commercial/land/weapon-systems/support-weapons/at4-family/at4_family_brochure_en_aw.pdf |date=19 September 2016}} |
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* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3xsMqHu56g AT4 – Saab Bofors Dynamics video of various AT4 versions] |
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3xsMqHu56g AT4 – Saab Bofors Dynamics video of various AT4 versions] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100901220012/http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl11-e.htm AT4 Information Page – Modern Firearms] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100901220012/http://world.guns.ru/grenade/gl11-e.htm AT4 Information Page – Modern Firearms] |
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* [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soldf.com%2Fpskott.html Swedish article on AT4 translated to English] |
* [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soldf.com%2Fpskott.html Swedish article on AT4 translated to English] |
||
⚫ | |||
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/at4.htm M136 AT4 – Global Security] |
|||
⚫ | |||
* [https://translate.google.com.br/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fg1.globo.com%2FNoticias%2FRio%2F0%2C%2CMUL1529245-5606%2C00.html&sl=pt&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8 Brazilian newspaper recorded a AT-4 at Rocinha slum (translated to English)] |
* [https://translate.google.com.br/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fg1.globo.com%2FNoticias%2FRio%2F0%2C%2CMUL1529245-5606%2C00.html&sl=pt&tl=en&hl=&ie=UTF-8 Brazilian newspaper recorded a AT-4 at Rocinha slum (translated to English)] |
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{{Modern US Infantry Weapons}} |
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{{ModernUSInfWeaponsNav}} |
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{{ModernUKInfWeaponsNav}} |
{{ModernUKInfWeaponsNav}} |
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{{Current French infantry weapons}} |
{{Current French infantry weapons}} |
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[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s]] |
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1980s]] |
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[[Category:Recoilless rifles]] |
[[Category:Recoilless rifles]] |
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[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1987]] |
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[[Category:Disposable products]] |
Latest revision as of 04:50, 24 December 2024
AT4 | |
---|---|
Type | Disposable anti-tank launcher |
Place of origin | Sweden United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1987–present |
Used by | See Operators |
Wars | See Wars |
Production history | |
Designer | Förenade Fabriksverken |
Manufacturer |
|
Unit cost | US$1,480[1] |
No. built | 600,000+[2] |
Variants | See Variants |
Specifications | |
Mass | 6.7 kg (14.8 lb) (AT4)[3] 8 kg (18 lb) (AT4-CS) |
Length | 102 cm (40 in)[3] |
Caliber | 84 mm |
Muzzle velocity | 290 m/s (950 ft/s; 1,000 km/h), 220 m/s (720 ft/s; 790 km/h) (CS)[4] |
Effective firing range | 300 m (point target)[3] |
Maximum firing range | 500 m (area target) 2,100 m (maximum) |
Sights | Iron sights, optional AN/PVS-4 night vision unit |
Filling | Octol |
Filling weight | 440 g high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round |
External images | |
---|---|
Prototype AT4 Sweden tested 1981/82 | |
Early AT4 with Swedish Soldier | |
Early AT4 launcher and projectile |
The AT4[a] is a Swedish 84 mm (3.31 in) unguided, man-portable, disposable, shoulder-fired recoilless anti-tank weapon manufactured by Saab Bofors Dynamics (formerly: FFV Ordance, later, Bofors Anti-Armour Systems).[5][unreliable source?] The AT4 is not a rocket launcher strictly speaking, because the explosive warhead is not propelled by a rocket motor. Rather, it is a smooth-bore recoilless gun (as opposed to a recoilless rifle, which has a rifled barrel).[6] Saab has had considerable sales success with the AT4, making it one of the most common light anti-tank weapons in the world.[7][8] The M136 AT4 and M136A1 AT4CS-RS are the variants used by the United States Army.[9]
The name AT4 is a word play on the 84 mm caliber of the weapon, (84) 'eighty four' being a homophone of 'A-T-4'.[10] The name also doubles as an alpha-phonetic word play on the weapon's role, due to "AT" being a common military abbreviation for "anti-tank".[11] The name was created for export purposes as the nickname "eighty-four" was already a common English nickname for the Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle after its caliber.[10]
The AT4 is intended to give infantry units a means to destroy or disable armoured fighting vehicles and fortifications, although it is generally ineffective against more modern main battle tanks (MBTs), especially those with reactive armour, unless weaker sections of armour are exploited. The launcher and projectile are manufactured prepacked and issued as one unit of ammunition, with the launcher discarded after one use.
Development
[edit]The AT4 is a development of the 74-mm Pansarskott m/68[12] (Miniman) adopted by the Swedish Army in the late 1960s. Like the m/68, the AT4 was designed by Försvarets Fabriksverk (FFV) and manufactured at their facility at Zakrisdal, Karlstad, Sweden.[5] FFV began research on a replacement for the m/68 in 1976, deliberately designing an individual anti-armour weapon that would not be able to defeat the heavy armour protection of MBTs (main battle tanks) in frontal engagements, believing that to be counterproductive. The AT4 was designed as a weapon to engage medium-to-light armoured vehicles from any direction or MBTs from the sides or rear, and as an assault weapon effective against buildings and fortifications. FFV's prime design goal was a weapon that was simple to use, rugged, and far more accurate against moving targets than previous individual antiarmour weapons. Another key requirement was that the AT4 not only be able to penetrate armour, but also exhibit devastating beyond-armour effect after penetration. FFV and the Swedish Army began the first evaluation firings of the prototype AT4s in the spring of 1981, with 100 tested by early 1982.[13]
Even before the AT4 had been adopted by Sweden, it was entered into a United States Army competition for a new anti-tank weapon mandated by Congress in 1982 when the FGR-17 Viper failed as a replacement for the M72 LAW. Six weapons were tested in 1983 by the US Army: the British LAW 80, the German Armbrust, the French APILAS, the Norwegian M72E4 (an upgraded M72 LAW), the US Viper (for baseline comparison purposes) and the Swedish AT4. The US Army reported to Congress in November 1983 that the FFV AT4 came the closest to meeting all the major requirements established to replace the M72 LAW,[14] with the Armbrust coming in second.[15]
Though very impressed with the simplicity and durability of the tested version of the AT4, the US Army saw some room for improvement, specifically the addition of rear and front bumpers on the launch tube and changes to the sights and slings. After these changes, the AT4 was adopted by the US Army as the Lightweight Multipurpose Weapon M136.[16] The Swedish Army also recognized these improvements and subsequently adopted the Americanized version of the AT4 as the Pansarskott m/86 (Pskott m/86), with the addition of a forward folding hand grip to help steady the AT4 when being aimed and fired. The forward folding grip is the only difference between the AT4 adopted by Sweden and the US Army version.
Due to the urban combat conditions that US military forces faced regularly during the Iraq War, the US Army Close Combat Systems manager in charge of purchases of the AT4 suspended orders for the standard version of the AT4; US military forces instead only ordered the AT4 CS (Confined Space) version.[17]
Operation
[edit]The AT4 may be considered a disposable, low-cost alternative to a Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle. The AT4 took many of its design features from the Carl Gustaf, which operates on the principle of a recoilless weapon, where the forward inertia of the projectile is balanced by the inertia of propellant gases ejecting from the rear of the barrel. But unlike the Carl Gustaf, which uses a heavier and more expensive steel tube with rifling,[18] the disposable AT4 design greatly reduces manufacturing costs by using a reinforced smoothbore fiberglass outer tube. Being a disposable gun also allows for lighter and cheaper construction. In a single-use disposable gun, the barrel only needs to be able to contain a single pressure spike when firing, when it can be disposed of, even if it is ruined, burnt-out and strained, unlike traditional guns which are required to survive many pressure spikes without failure and thus need to be strongly overbuilt and made of heat-proof materials. Pressures are also kept quite low compared to many traditional guns. This lightweight and thin barrel and low pressure, combined with the almost complete lack of recoil, means that relatively large projectiles (comparable to those found in mortars and artillery systems) can be utilised, which would otherwise be impossible in a man-portable weapon.
In the system originally developed by FFV for the Carl Gustaf, a plastic blowout plug is placed at the centre rear of the shell casing containing the projectile and propellant, which itself is enclosed in the AT4 outer tube. When the gases build up to the correct pressure level, the blowout plug disintegrates, allowing the proper amount of gases to be vented to the rear, balancing the propellant gases pushing the projectile forward.
The AT4 adopted a unique method developed earlier by FFV: the spring-loaded firing rod is located down the side of the outer tube, with the firing pin at the rear of the tube. When released, the firing pin strikes a primer located in the side of the casing's rim.
The disadvantage of the recoilless design is that it creates a large back blast area behind the weapon, which can cause severe burns and overpressure injuries to friendly personnel in the vicinity of the user and sometimes even to the users themselves, especially in confined spaces. The back blast may also reveal the user's position to the enemy. The problem of back blast was solved with the AT4-CS (Confined Space) version, specially designed for urban warfare. This version uses a saltwater countermass in the rear of the launcher to absorb the back blast; the resulting spray captures and dramatically slows down the pressure wave, allowing troops to fire from enclosed areas. The AT4-CS version also reduced its muzzle velocity from the original 290 m/s to 220 m/s as part of its effort to be user-safe in a confined space, making the AT4-CS version more difficult to use as the drop is more pronounced. The effectiveness of the HEAT warhead is not dependent on speed.[19]
-
M136 AT4
-
M136A1 AT4CS-RS
To fire, the gunner first removes the safety pin located at the rear of the tube, which unblocks the firing rod. They then take a firing position, ensuring that no one is present in the back blast area. If firing from the prone position, they must also place their legs well to the side to avoid burning himself. Then, the gunner moves back the front and rear sight covers, allowing the sights to pop up into their firing positions. The AT4 has iron sights that were originally developed for the cancelled Viper, and are similar in concept and use to those on assault rifles.[20] They then remove the first of two safeties by moving the firing rod cocking lever (located on the left side) forward and then over the top to the right side. The gunner takes aim, while at the same time holding down the red safety lever located in front of the cocking lever, and then fires by pressing forward the red firing button with his right thumb. Both the red safety lever and the firing button must be pressed down at the same time to fire the AT4. The red firing button has a similar resistance to the trigger pull of a rifle, so the gunner does not have to jab at the firing button, which could throw their aim off.
After firing, the AT4 is discarded. Gunners are often trained to break off the sights after use, in order to prevent other soldiers from mistaking used launchers for unused ones. Unlike the heavier Carl Gustaf, the AT4 outer tube is built to take the stress of just one firing; it is not reusable and cannot be reloaded.
The AT4 can mount an optical night sight on a removable fixture. In US military use, the launcher can be fitted with the AN/PAQ-4C, AN/PEQ-2, or the AN/PAS-13 night sights.
The AT4 requires little training and is quite simple to use, making it suitable for general issue. However, as the cost of each launcher makes regular live-fire training very expensive, practice versions exist that are identical in operation but fire reloadable 9×19mm or 20mm tracer ammunition. Both practice cartridges are unique to their respective weapons, with their trajectory matched to that of the live round. The 20mm version also has a recoilless weapon effect with the same high noise and back blast as the AT4 firing and is favoured by the Swedish army because of the added realism of the back blast as compared to the "plonk" sound of the 9mm round (similar to the sound of a finger tapping on an empty can).
Specifications
[edit]- Time of flight (to 250 metres (820 ft)): less than 1 second[citation needed]
- Operating temperature: −40–60 °C (−40–140 °F)[citation needed]
- Ammunition: fin-stabilized projectile with HEAT warhead[citation needed]
Projectiles
[edit]There are several different projectiles for the AT4. Because it is a one-shot weapon, projectiles are preloaded into the launcher tubes.[5]
High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) – Can penetrate up to 45 centimetres (18 in) of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) with beyond-armour effect.[21]
High-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) 502[5][22] – For use against bunkers, buildings, enemy personnel in the open, and light armour. It can be set to detonate on impact or with a brief detonation delay. The heavier nose cap allows either to penetrate light walls or windows before exploding, or to be "skipped" off the ground for an air burst. For use against light armour, there is a smaller-cone HEAT warhead with 15 centimetres (5.9 in) penetration of RHA.
High penetration (HP) – Extra high penetration ability, up to 42–60 centimetres (17–24 in) of RHA.[23]
Anti-structure tandem-warheads (AST) – Designed for urban warfare where a projectile heavier than the HEDP AT4 is needed. This combines a shallow-coned HEAT warhead (resulting in low penetration but producing a wide hole) with a tandem-charge and a follow-through high-blast warhead. It has two settings: either to destroy bunkers or to mouse-hole a building wall for combat entry.[24]
Extended range (ER) – Anti-armor version with HEAT warhead. Range is extended from 300 to 600 metres (980 to 1,970 ft), with increased penetration up to 46 centimetres (18 in) of RHA. These major improvements add only about 2 kilograms of mass, despite being CS models.[25][23]
High explosive (HE) – High explosive anti-personnel weapon that can be set for impact or air-burst detonation, with an effective range up to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).[25]
Variants
[edit]M136 AT4 – American version with modified launch tube bumpers, sights, and slings.[26]
M136A1 AT4CS-RS – American variant with a unique bi-metal warhead design, specially developed to maximize behind-armor effects for higher kill probability. The weapon is capable of firing from confined spaces (CS) and features a reduced sensitivity (RS) explosive, with an armor penetration of over 350 mm. Its effective range is 20–300 m.[27][28][9]
XM919 Individual Assault Weapon (also known as AT4CS TW) – American future variant, to enter service in 2025, and be delivered by 2029 for USD $500 million.[29]
Bunker-busting (AT8) – An AT4 version where the standard HEAT projectile is replaced with the bunker-busting warhead developed for the Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW). No orders were ever placed.[30]
AT12-T – In the early 1990s, there were tests of a tandem charge 120 mm version (Bofors AT 12-T). The 14 kg weapon had a claimed penetration of 90 centimetres (35 in) RHA,[31] and in 1994 was demonstrated to defeat two NATO Single Heavy targets inclined at 68 degrees from vertical with ERA,[32] for a line-of-sight penetration of 600 mm. However, the project was cancelled due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent cuts in Western defence budgets.[citation needed]
Operators
[edit]- Argentina: Argentine Army[33] and Argentine Marines[34]
- Bosnia and Herzegovina[5]
- Brazil[35]
- Canada: JTF2[5]
- Chile: Chilean Marine Corps, Chilean Army[5]
- Colombia[5]
- Croatia[35]
- Denmark: Designated PVV M/95 (Panserværnsvåben Model 1995).[36]: 93
- Dominican Republic
- Finland
- France: Designated ABL (Anti Blindé Lourd) by the French Army.[37]
- Georgia[35]
- Greece: Used by Hellenic Navy Seals[5]
- India[38]
- Indonesia[39]
- Iraq: The Iraqi Army was supplied with the AT4.[40][41]
- Israel: Locally produced licensed AT4 CS AST
- Kurdistan: The Peshmerga Have Between 1,000-15,000 AT-4s.[42]
- Ireland: Called the SRAAW (Short Range Anti Armour Weapon) by the Irish Defence Forces.[36]: 139
- Jaysh al-Islam (Captured from the Syrian Democratic Forces)[43]
- Kurdistan Workers' Party[44][45]
- Latvia[46]
- Lebanon: Roughly 1,000 pieces purchased.[47]
- Lithuania: Lithuanian Armed Forces[48]
- Malaysia: In service with the Grup Gerak Khas[5]
- Mexico
- Netherlands[50] (Replaced by Pzf-3)
- Poland (limited use in Special Operations Forces and Air Mobile Forces)[51]
- Sweden: Designated Pansarskott m/86.[35]
- Syrian Democratic Forces
- Taiwan (Republic of China)[5]
- United Kingdom: Small quantities of AT4 and HP projectiles purchased.[2][5]
- Ukraine: 15,000 supplied by Sweden,[52][53] 6,000 supplied by the United States,[54] both in 2022.
- United States: Designated M136 AT4 in USMC and United States Army service, beginning in early 1987.[55] The AT4 was used in the US invasion of Panama, the War in Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf War, and the Iraq War.[56] Over 300,000 have been built locally, under license by ATK.[2][5]
- Venezuela: The AT4 has been in the Venezuelan arsenal since the 1980s.[35][57] In 2009, it was reported that AT4s sold to Venezuela had been captured from FARC insurgents in Colombia, leading Colombia to accuse Venezuela of selling the weapons to the insurgents, and Venezuela reporting that they were stolen by a rebel attack on a Venezuelan position in 1995,[58] thus heightening tensions between the two countries.[57][59]
Wars
[edit]- US invasion of Panama[56]
- Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)
- Soviet–Afghan War
- Gulf War
- War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)[56]
- Iraq War[56]
- Second Ivorian Civil War[60]
- Mali War[61]
- 2013 Lahad Datu standoff
- War in Iraq (2013–2017)
- Syrian Civil War
- Russian invasion of Ukraine
See also
[edit]- List of rocket launchers
- List of anti-tank missiles
- ALAC (Arma Leve Anticarro)
- Alcotan-100 – (Spain)
- APILAS – (France)
- B-300 – (Israel)
- DZJ-08 – (China)
- LAW 80 – (United Kingdom)
- MARA (anti-tank weapon) – (Argentina)
- MATADOR – (Israel, Singapore)
- NLAW – (Sweden, United Kingdom)
- Panzerfaust 3 – (West Germany)
- RPG-76 Komar – (Polish People's Republic, Poland)
- RPG-75 – (Czechoslovakia)
- Urban Assault Weapon – (United States)
- M141 Bunker Defeat Munition – (United States)
- Kestrel (rocket launcher) – (Taiwan)
References and notes
[edit]Explanatory footnotes
[edit]- ^ Sometimes also spelled AT-4 or AT 4.
Citations
[edit]- ^ M136 AT4, FAS, archived from the original on 3 April 2007, retrieved 3 April 2007
- ^ a b c Kemp, Ian (April–May 2006), "The law gets tougher: the shoulder-launched light anti-armour weapon has evolved to become a multipurpose assault weapon much in demand for asymmetric warfare", Armada International, ISSN 0252-9793
- ^ a b c McManners, Hugh (2003). Ultimate Special Forces. DK Publishing. ISBN 0-7894-9973-8.
- ^ Owen, William F. (2007). "Light Anti-Armour Weapons: Anti-Everything?" (PDF). Asian Military Review. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 12 May 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "AT4 Light Anti-Armour Weapon". Army Technology. 30 April 2018. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016.
- ^ "84mm M136 (AT-4) Projected Grenade". Collective Awareness to UXO. Archived from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
- ^ Atlamazoglou, Stavros (20 February 2024). "AT4: NATO Orders Proven Anti-Tank Weapon Used in Ukraine". The National Interest. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
Made in Sweden by SAAB, the AT-4 is one of the most successful weapons in its category, with over a million sales.
- ^ "France buys AT4 man-portable anti-tank weapon". mil.in.ua. 28 January 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
Currently, the AT4 is one of the most popular and successful man-portable, disposable anti-tank weapon in the world.
- ^ a b Defense and Aerospace Competitive Intelligence Service (DACIS) (March 2019). "Shoulder Launched Munitions, All Types" (PDF).
- ^ a b Åkerström, Linda (2018). Den svenska vapenexporten. Sweden: Leopard Förlag. p. 72. ISBN 9789173438384.
- ^ Hewish, Mark, "FFV's Lightweight AT4, first of a new family of Swedish anti-armour weapons" International Defense Review, May 1980, p. 70.
- ^ Pansarskott is a Swedish term that roughly translates to "armour shot".
- ^ International Defense Review, May 1980, p. 71.
- ^ The French APILAS was the only tested weapon that had the maximum penetration to defeat the frontal armour of the new Russian T-72 MBT, but it was rejected due to its weight and size.
- ^ The Armbrust, while an impressive weapon with its almost total lack of launch signature, which enabled it to be fired from enclosed spaces, was rejected due to higher cost and lack of effective range against moving targets.
- ^ The U.S. Army had so much grief in the early 1980s from various committee members of the U.S. Congress over the M72 LAW being officially referred to in manuals as a Light Antitank Weapon that they named the AT4 to make sure no member of Congress could question that again.
- ^ John Antal. "Packing a Punch: America's Man-Portable Antitank Weapons". page 90. Military Technology. March 2010. ISSN 0722-3226.
- ^ Until the 1980s the Carl Gustaf was constructed of high-alloy steel, but later versions used a thin steel liner containing the rifling, strengthened by a carbon fibre outer sleeve.
- ^ "ODIN - OE Data Integration Network". odin.tradoc.army.mil. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
- ^ FFV and the Swedish Army were so impressed by these sights that they adopted them for their AT4s; while adequate during the day, the original plastic sights were difficult to see at night or under low light conditions.
- ^ "An Infantryman's Guide to Combat in Built-Up Areas" (PDF). bits.de. 3 October 1995. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
- ^ the complete disposable launcher and HEDP projectile is referred to by the manufacture in brochures as the LMAW (light multipurpose-assault weapon) see external links for link on early photos and press releases for further information on brochure
- ^ a b "AT4 Family | Saab".
- ^ "2008 SAAB video on AT4 versions including new multipurpose warhead for urban combat". YouTube. 14 August 2008. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
- ^ a b Saab to integrate new projectile variants for disposable shoulder-launched rocket system Archived 24 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine - Janes.com, 11 June 2014
- ^ "AT4 Light Anti-Armour Weapon - Army Technology". Archived from the original on 31 July 2018.
- ^ "AT4 Family | Saab". Start. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
- ^ "The New 84mm AT4 – Small Arms Defense Journal". Retrieved 14 December 2024.
- ^ "AT4CS TW wird die zukünftige Individual Assault Munition der U.S. Army" (in German). 28 August 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Jane's Infantry Weapons 1995–96, page 220. The reference refers to Allaint Techsystems as the manufacture, but they soon after were acquired by Honeywell. The SMAW-D offered by Talley was chosen for the U.S. Army program that the AT4 entered. See external images at the SMAW-D link for an arms brochure on the FFV AT8
- ^ "Small Arms Archive Detail Page for S00437".
- ^ "Bofors demo 92 2-4". YouTube. 13 December 2011.
- ^ "Carl Gustaf, AT-4CS y fusiles Steyr HS.50 M1 para el Ejército Argentino". 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
- ^ "La Infantería de Marina adquirió armamento antitanque descartable". Archived from the original on 2 November 2010. Retrieved 25 October 2010.
- ^ a b c d e Jones, Richard D (27 January 2009), Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35 ed.), Jane's Information, ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5
- ^ a b "The World Defence Almanac", World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power, 2000, ISSN 0722-3226
- ^ Replaced the APILAS: AT 4 CS – L'arme anti blindé lourd AT 4 CS – The anti-heavy armor weapon, France: Ministry of Defense, archived from the original on 8 January 2014, retrieved 29 June 2013
- ^ "Saab Awarded Indian Contract for AT4 Support Weapon". Saab. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ "AT-4 Senjata Andalan Unit Infanteri". Radarmiliter.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 16 May 2022.
- ^ "Swedish weapons in the Iraqi military?", Radio Sweden, 18 November 2010, archived from the original on 19 February 2011, retrieved 18 November 2010
- ^ Vining, Miles (19 June 2018). "ISOF Arms & Equipment Part 4 – Grenade Launchers & Anti-Armour Weapons". armamentresearch.com. Archived from the original on 28 July 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
- ^ International Institute for Strategic Studies (February 2016). The Military Balance 2016. Vol. 116. Routledge. p. 491. ISBN 9781857438352.
- ^ "Archived copy". pbs.twimg.com. Archived from the original on 8 November 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Northern Iraq PKK-Weapon Caches of Operation 'Claw Tiger'". Silah Report. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ sabah, daily (16 August 2017). "2 Swedish-made antitank missiles found in PKK hideout in Turkey's southeast". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
- ^ "The World Defence Almanac", World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power: 172, 2010, ISSN 0722-3226
- ^ Kahwaji, Riad (13 November 2007). "Lebanon: Foreign Arms Vital to Hizbollah Fight" (JPEG). Defense News. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2009.
- ^ "Lietuvos kariuomenė :: Ginkluotė ir karinė technika » Granatsvaidžiai ir prieštankiniai ginklai » Prieštankinis granatsvaidis AT-4". Archived from the original on 9 October 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
- ^ "Rusia alerta a México: lanzacohetes de cárteles es de los enviados por EU a Ucrania". 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
- ^ "The World Defence Almanac", World Defence Almanac: The Balance of Military Power: 105, 2005, ISSN 0722-3226
- ^ "Polish Army Photogallery". Polish Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
- ^ "Mer svenska vapen till Ukraina". Sydsvenskan (in Swedish). 23 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
- ^ Nilsson, Maja (2 June 2022). "Sverige bistår Ukraina med sjömålsroboten Robot 17". SVT Nyheter (in Swedish). Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ Collins, Kaitlan; Liptak, Kevin; Mattingly, Phil; LeBlanc, Paul; Vazquez, Maegan (17 March 2022). "Biden announces hundreds of millions in new security aid for Ukraine following Zelensky's speech". CNN. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
- ^ "Modernizing and Equipping the Army". Department of the Army Historical Summary, FY. United States Army Center of Military History. 1987. p. 43. CMH Pub 101-19. Archived from the original on 21 September 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2010.
- ^ a b c d Vapenexport (PDF), SE: Svenskafreds[permanent dead link ]
- ^ a b "Global Security - News and Defence Headlines - IHS Jane's 360". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 10 March 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
- ^ "Presentan video del ELN con armas de Cararabo - Internacional - EL UNIVERSAL". www.eluniversal.com. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ "Colombia and Venezuela face off". GlobalPost. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
- ^ Richard, Christophe (2014). "Battle of Abidjan: accurate and timely fires" (PDF). Fantassins. No. 32. p. 28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
- ^ Capdeville, Thibault (Spring 2014). "Infantry units fires during OP Serval" (PDF). Fantassins. No. 32. pp. 55–58. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2018.
External links
[edit]- Official website, covers the different versions
- Saab AT4 PDF Archived 19 September 2016 at the Wayback Machine
- AT4 – Saab Bofors Dynamics video of various AT4 versions
- AT4 Information Page – Modern Firearms
- Swedish article on AT4 translated to English
- U.S. Army field manual 3–23.25
- Brazilian newspaper recorded a AT-4 at Rocinha slum (translated to English)