Saab Defence & Security is aiming its next-generation anti-tank guided munition (ATGM) weapon systems at an evolving operating environment centred around the conduct of military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), company executives have revealed.
Speaking to MT ahead of DSEi 2015, Rickard Svensson, Business Director for Ground Combat Systems at Saab explained how the company’s inventory of ATGM solutions were now optimised for operation in confined spaces with up to 11 different warhead options now available to cover all types of engagements across the ever evolving battlefield.
“All our new weapons now have a confined space [launch] capability because between 95 per cent and 99% of operations now take place in the urban environment,” Svensson explained.
Legacy ATGMs have proven difficult to fire in small rooms due to associated backblasts which can cause serious injury to any soldiers in close vicinity to the weapon system. However, Svensson explained how the latest variant of the CARL GUSTAF ATGM weapon system- the M4- now just required a clear launch area measuring 3x3x2.5 metres.
Saab’s inventory of ATGMs include the AT4, CARL GUSTAF and Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW).
According to Saab, the AT4 comprises a family of lightweight, man-portable, fully disposable weapons characterised by ease of use and handling. All AT4 weapons are single shot, demanding a firer to aim, fire, destroy the target and discard the empty tube.
“In order to remain operational and effective, today’s dismounted forces need ground combat systems designed to meet the requirements of highly specialised missions. The new generation AT4 family of lightweight, shoulder-launched, off-the-shelf support weapons provides three variations designed to meet the changing needs of ground forces,” Svensson explained while highlighting anti-armour, anti-structure and anti-personnel/high explosive roles.
With a maximum range of 400m, the standard AT4 weighs less than 7kg and measures less than a single metre in length. Warheads provide an armour penetration capability of up to 420mm, the company said.
The AT4 munition will be made available for delivery in 2016 with Saab’s first major requirement comprising a GBP28 million contract with the French government to provide an initial tranche of weapon systems. A further eight options remain open to the French military which could see the contract extended until 2024. Known as the Roquette NG/AT4 programme, all branches of the French armed forces will receive extended range, anti-structure and high explosive AT4 ATGMs.
Also available in a high penetration variant, the AT4 comes with a standard red dot sight with an option for an advanced sight which can be reused instead of being disposable. This advanced option provides a laser rangefinder and ballistic computer to calibrate variable atmospherics as well as air burst measurements over a target once it has been detected. It also includes a communication link between the advanced sight and munition in order to automatically adjust warhead type.
According to Svensson, a High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) round also provides maximum effect against armour platforms while the Anti-Structure munition can be used to demolish a building or create an entry point for troops to breach through. All AT4 variants can be fired within confined spaces. Additionally, the basic red-dot sighting system is configurable with night vision goggles.
With a maximum range of 1,000m, the 84mm AT4 ATGM boasts an incapacitation area of 400m2, Saab claimed while Svensson said future development of the weapon system would focus on longer range munitions with higher penetration capabilities.
Elsewhere, Saab is marketing the latest variant of its 84mm CARL GUSTAF ATGM family with a contract for the M4 weapon system expected to be announced during DSEI. Unveiled for the first time at AUSA 2014, the weapon’s main feature is the application of programmable ammunition now deemed critical for dismounted infantry and special operations forces.
“On the modern battlefield, speed can mean the difference between life and death for dismounted infantry. Operational success depends upon soldiers that can react quickly and effectively in any combat situation. Building upon the success of its predecessor it offers an even shorter length and a weight of less than seven kilos – helping your troops remain agile,” Saab said.
Describing the weapon, Svensson explained how Saab had achieved significant weight and length savings to now comprise less than 7kg and measure 985mm. The M4 also includes a basic red-dot sight but similar to the AT4, is available with an advanced sight option with communication between sight and munition allowing for automatic selection of ammunition type. Ammunition also has the capability to penetrate armour up to 500mm in thickness.
The M4 is capable of firing up to 11 ammunition types, including anti-structure; anti-tank; soft armour; armour piercing; and support rounds including smoke and illumination. This latest ammunition can also be fired on legacy CARL GUSTAF ATGMs including the M2 and M3 weapon systems.
The ATGM also features a new shot counter and safety catch allowing it to be made ready while carried on patrol, saving vital seconds in a firefight before it can be launched. It also includes a remote control option for launch and can also be fired in confined spaces, Svensson added.
Future developments for the next-generation CARL GUSTAF are likely to include the introduction of smart programmable ammunition; intelligent sights; increased warhead efficiency; further cofined space capabilities; increased range; increased precision; reduced reaction time; and increased tactical flexibility, Saab sources said.
Meanwhile, Saab has agreed a SEK200 million contract with the European Defence Agency (EDA) allowing member countries to procure the weapon system directly from the EDA at a cheaper rate, as opposed to buying directly from Saab.
“We are on track for the CARL GUSTAF M4 development programme and will begin deliveries to our undisclosed customer next year,” Svensson proclaimed while also highlighting how Long Range ammunition remained a main focus for the future.
Finally, Svensson described the latest movements with regards to the company’s NLAW product and illustrated how it filled the gap between lighter anti-armour weapon systems not optimised for defeating main battle tanks and heavier crew operated, medium range systems deployed by specialist anti-armour units.
“Russian aggression in Ukraine has illustrated a real resurgence in interest again in Western Europe to have some kind of weapon that can defeat a tank,” Svensson stressed while describing how NLAW required just a single soldier to operate it.
“NLAW makes it the true tank killer for light forces that operate dismounted in all environments including built up areas, providing selectable Overfly Top Attack (OTA) against armoured targets and Direct Attack (DA) against non armoured targets such as other vehicles and vessels or enemy troops inside buildings. Weighing 12.5kg, NLAW comprises a single shape charge insensitive munition (IM) with undisclosed armour penetration understood to be “more than a main battle tank roof with explosive reactive armour”. The weapon is also NVG compatible for firing in dark conditions. Similar to Saab’s other ATGM weapons, NLAW can also be fired from within a confined space out to ranges up to 600m. The missile arms itself after 20m. NLAW is a fire-and-forget ATGM although it boasts an average shelf life of 20 years if kept in the correct environmental conditions. The weapon system is currently in service with UK, Swedish, Luxembourg and Finnish armed forces with a SEK 295 million contract signed with the Finnish Army in May for an undisclosed additional tranche of NLAWs. We are expecting more contracts by the end of 2015 and early 2016,” Svensson promised.
Considering future developments of the weapon, he also explained how a software calibration of guidance settings had allowed Saab to extend NLAW’s maximum range from 600m to 800m, before suggesting that it could be extended yet further to approach the 1,000m mark. This upgrade, however, would require software and hardware alterations he admitted. The 800m Extended Range NLAW has already been qualified by the company.
Speaking to MT ahead of DSEi 2015, Rickard Svensson, Business Director for Ground Combat Systems at Saab explained how the company’s inventory of ATGM solutions were now optimised for operation in confined spaces with up to 11 different warhead options now available to cover all types of engagements across the ever evolving battlefield.
“All our new weapons now have a confined space [launch] capability because between 95 per cent and 99% of operations now take place in the urban environment,” Svensson explained.
Legacy ATGMs have proven difficult to fire in small rooms due to associated backblasts which can cause serious injury to any soldiers in close vicinity to the weapon system. However, Svensson explained how the latest variant of the CARL GUSTAF ATGM weapon system- the M4- now just required a clear launch area measuring 3x3x2.5 metres.
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| Saab's CARL GUSTAF M4 |
Saab’s inventory of ATGMs include the AT4, CARL GUSTAF and Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW).
According to Saab, the AT4 comprises a family of lightweight, man-portable, fully disposable weapons characterised by ease of use and handling. All AT4 weapons are single shot, demanding a firer to aim, fire, destroy the target and discard the empty tube.
“In order to remain operational and effective, today’s dismounted forces need ground combat systems designed to meet the requirements of highly specialised missions. The new generation AT4 family of lightweight, shoulder-launched, off-the-shelf support weapons provides three variations designed to meet the changing needs of ground forces,” Svensson explained while highlighting anti-armour, anti-structure and anti-personnel/high explosive roles.
With a maximum range of 400m, the standard AT4 weighs less than 7kg and measures less than a single metre in length. Warheads provide an armour penetration capability of up to 420mm, the company said.
The AT4 munition will be made available for delivery in 2016 with Saab’s first major requirement comprising a GBP28 million contract with the French government to provide an initial tranche of weapon systems. A further eight options remain open to the French military which could see the contract extended until 2024. Known as the Roquette NG/AT4 programme, all branches of the French armed forces will receive extended range, anti-structure and high explosive AT4 ATGMs.
 |
| The AT4 munition will be made available for delivery in 2016 with Saab’s first major requirement comprising a GBP28 million contract with the French government to provide an initial tranche of weapon systems. |
Also available in a high penetration variant, the AT4 comes with a standard red dot sight with an option for an advanced sight which can be reused instead of being disposable. This advanced option provides a laser rangefinder and ballistic computer to calibrate variable atmospherics as well as air burst measurements over a target once it has been detected. It also includes a communication link between the advanced sight and munition in order to automatically adjust warhead type.
According to Svensson, a High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) round also provides maximum effect against armour platforms while the Anti-Structure munition can be used to demolish a building or create an entry point for troops to breach through. All AT4 variants can be fired within confined spaces. Additionally, the basic red-dot sighting system is configurable with night vision goggles.
With a maximum range of 1,000m, the 84mm AT4 ATGM boasts an incapacitation area of 400m2, Saab claimed while Svensson said future development of the weapon system would focus on longer range munitions with higher penetration capabilities.
Elsewhere, Saab is marketing the latest variant of its 84mm CARL GUSTAF ATGM family with a contract for the M4 weapon system expected to be announced during DSEI. Unveiled for the first time at AUSA 2014, the weapon’s main feature is the application of programmable ammunition now deemed critical for dismounted infantry and special operations forces.
“On the modern battlefield, speed can mean the difference between life and death for dismounted infantry. Operational success depends upon soldiers that can react quickly and effectively in any combat situation. Building upon the success of its predecessor it offers an even shorter length and a weight of less than seven kilos – helping your troops remain agile,” Saab said.
Describing the weapon, Svensson explained how Saab had achieved significant weight and length savings to now comprise less than 7kg and measure 985mm. The M4 also includes a basic red-dot sight but similar to the AT4, is available with an advanced sight option with communication between sight and munition allowing for automatic selection of ammunition type. Ammunition also has the capability to penetrate armour up to 500mm in thickness.
The M4 is capable of firing up to 11 ammunition types, including anti-structure; anti-tank; soft armour; armour piercing; and support rounds including smoke and illumination. This latest ammunition can also be fired on legacy CARL GUSTAF ATGMs including the M2 and M3 weapon systems.
The ATGM also features a new shot counter and safety catch allowing it to be made ready while carried on patrol, saving vital seconds in a firefight before it can be launched. It also includes a remote control option for launch and can also be fired in confined spaces, Svensson added.
Future developments for the next-generation CARL GUSTAF are likely to include the introduction of smart programmable ammunition; intelligent sights; increased warhead efficiency; further cofined space capabilities; increased range; increased precision; reduced reaction time; and increased tactical flexibility, Saab sources said.
Meanwhile, Saab has agreed a SEK200 million contract with the European Defence Agency (EDA) allowing member countries to procure the weapon system directly from the EDA at a cheaper rate, as opposed to buying directly from Saab.
“We are on track for the CARL GUSTAF M4 development programme and will begin deliveries to our undisclosed customer next year,” Svensson proclaimed while also highlighting how Long Range ammunition remained a main focus for the future.
Finally, Svensson described the latest movements with regards to the company’s NLAW product and illustrated how it filled the gap between lighter anti-armour weapon systems not optimised for defeating main battle tanks and heavier crew operated, medium range systems deployed by specialist anti-armour units.
“Russian aggression in Ukraine has illustrated a real resurgence in interest again in Western Europe to have some kind of weapon that can defeat a tank,” Svensson stressed while describing how NLAW required just a single soldier to operate it.
“NLAW makes it the true tank killer for light forces that operate dismounted in all environments including built up areas, providing selectable Overfly Top Attack (OTA) against armoured targets and Direct Attack (DA) against non armoured targets such as other vehicles and vessels or enemy troops inside buildings. Weighing 12.5kg, NLAW comprises a single shape charge insensitive munition (IM) with undisclosed armour penetration understood to be “more than a main battle tank roof with explosive reactive armour”. The weapon is also NVG compatible for firing in dark conditions. Similar to Saab’s other ATGM weapons, NLAW can also be fired from within a confined space out to ranges up to 600m. The missile arms itself after 20m. NLAW is a fire-and-forget ATGM although it boasts an average shelf life of 20 years if kept in the correct environmental conditions. The weapon system is currently in service with UK, Swedish, Luxembourg and Finnish armed forces with a SEK 295 million contract signed with the Finnish Army in May for an undisclosed additional tranche of NLAWs. We are expecting more contracts by the end of 2015 and early 2016,” Svensson promised.
Considering future developments of the weapon, he also explained how a software calibration of guidance settings had allowed Saab to extend NLAW’s maximum range from 600m to 800m, before suggesting that it could be extended yet further to approach the 1,000m mark. This upgrade, however, would require software and hardware alterations he admitted. The 800m Extended Range NLAW has already been qualified by the company.
Andrew White