U.S. recoilless weapons

[c3k]

Gents,

I'm a bit curious about the various flavors of recoilless weapons in the current U.S. arsenal, and those about to be. Can anyone give a coherent run-down with capabilities and uses?

Thanks,

Ken

[MikeyD]

That throw-away LAW-2 [edit: oops! I meant AT4] is actually a non-reloadable Carl Gustav recoilless rifle. The round is not actually rocket or missile technology but a good-oldfashioned recoilless rifle round! I can't think of anything else in the U.S. arsenal that's a recoilless weapon.

I keep bringing this topic up ad nausuim. in CMx1 the various recoilless guns use a common rocket 'swoosh' sound. Recoilless rifles should instead make a gawd-awful BANG when they go off.

[ January 12, 2006, 02:06 PM: Message edited by: MikeyD ]

[Loaf]

Yes... A recoilless rifle is just an artillery piece hat vents some of the gases from the round's detonation out the breech. This reduces muzzle velocity, but the compensating gas venting reduces recoil and allows you to ditch the heavy and buly recoil-absorbing mechanism.

That is why you can fire one from a tripod...

[hellfish]

The M136/AT4 and M72E8 LAW are the only two I can think of, but they're technically rockets, not recoilless weapons. We don't have anything like the 57, 75, 90 or 106mm RRL's anymore except maybe in a few depots somewhere. IIRC the Rangers were the last to use the 90mm recoilless rifle, but they got rid of them a few years ago.

[flamingknives]

AT4 is the Swedish designation, I think the US designation is M136. It's a recoilless weapon, as noted, that fires a single charge HEAT warhead out to 300-400m, defeating 500mm+ of RHAe.

Shoulder launched rockets, which are essentially recoilless, in US service are as follows:

M72, the well known LAW rocket of Vietnam vintage. 1 shot, disposable weapon, originally firing a HEAT rocket with 300mm+ RHAe penetration to 200-300m. Currently in limited service with an HE warhead for use in urban fighting and bunker busting

SMAW - Shoulder launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon. Used by the USMC, is reloadable, and fires a variety of projectiles, mostly in the bunker defeat/short range direct fire HE role. Also has a limited armour piercing capacity. Currently also has a thermobaric round - very effective against buildings.

Also mounts a small spotting rifle matched to the main round trajectory to improve first-round hit probability.

M141 SMAW-D. As above, but in a one-shot disposable variety and without the spotting rifle and used by the US Army. As with the dual purpose round for the above, it has a discriminating fuse that will detonate the round in the optimum fashion against the target it hits. Primarily for use against structures, it is also called the BDM (Bunker Defeat Munition).

The rockets all burn out before they leave the tube, so are unpowered as they go downrange. As such they ought to make a bang rather than a whoosh too.

[MikeyD]

I did a quick search because this debate's popped up before. Here's a description of AT4 (that's the 'Law2' weapon I was trying to recall ) off the net:

"The AT4 is a typical recoilless weapon, which uses a charge of propellant (gun powder), located inside the open barrel. Both front and rear ends of the barrel are closed with covers, which are destroyed when gun is fired. When weapon is fired, the gas pressure pushes the projectile (fin-stabilized warhead) out of the barrel, while the backblast from the rear part of the open barrel counters any recoil. To allow the soldiers to fire such weapons from confined spaces, SAAB Bofors developed the AT4CS version of the weapon. AT4CS features a counter-mass (some amount of liquid) in the rear part of the barrel, which is pushed back and partly evaporated upon the fire, compensating for the recoil."

Translation - not a 'Bazooka' rocket weapon.

[MikeyD]

By contrast here's the true rocket-propelled SMAW round. This IS a 'Bazooka' rocket weapon!

[hellfish]

I fired the AT4/M136 and I didn't even know it was technically a recoilless weapon. I thought it was a rocket. Wow.

[Peter Cairns]

fytinghellfish,

Well at least you knew it was a weapon.....

Peter.

[c3k]

Thanks, especially Flamingknives.

About that spotting rifle on the Marine SMAW, um, more details please...

Also, any pictures of the Army SMAW-D? What are the differences betwixt it and the Marine SMAW?

Regards,

Ken

[c3k]

Oh yeah,

Who uses which weapon? What are the equipage levels? Etc., etc.

Ken

[akd]

M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS)

84mm Ranger Antitank Weapons System (RAWS)

The Multi-role, anti-armor, anti-personnel weapon system is the primary anti-armor and anti-personnel weapon for US Army Special Operations Command and US Naval Special Warfare Command users within the U.S. Special Operations Command. The MAAWS consists of the M3 recoilless rifle, weighing less than 25 pounds and under 43 inches in length with a family of ammunition consisting of High Explosive Anti-Tank, High Explosive Dual Purpose, High Explosive, Smoke and Illuminating rounds plus a Target Practice round and subcaliber training system. The primary mission is to defeat lightly armored vehicles, soft skinned vehicles, personnel in the open or defilade, and field fortifications. Secondary missions include marking threat targets with smoke for supporting weapons, obscuring threat weapons and illuminating threat targets. It is employed by Army Rangers and Navy SEALS during special operations missions, infiltration, exfiltration, raids, ambushes and defensive operations.

The Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) consists of the M3 Carl Gustaf Recoilless Rifle and a family of 84mm ammunition. Originally fielded to the US Rangers in 1990, the program has grown to include NAVY Seals. The M3 Rifle weighs approximately 25 pounds and is 42 inches in length. There is a Picatinny Fire Control Device (PFCD) developed at Picatinny for the MAAWS. The PFCD is used as a mount for optical/night sights. It is used to address trajectory differences between HEAT, HE, and HEDP rounds. The PFCD contains a dual function knob that can be used to select round type and range. The original FCD from Bofors was a two-cam design (HEAT & HE). A second knob with a third cam for the HEDP firing. Idea of switching knobs was not favorable by the Rangers, therefore Picatinny was tasked to design a three-cam FCD to replace the Bofors' FCD. The M3 rifle and the supporting family of ammunition are manufactured by Bofors of Sweden.

Description A shoulder-fired, air jumpable, and swimmable system. An 84mm non-developmental item (NDI) recoilless rifle system consisting of:

M3 Carl Gustav reusable launcher compatible with current standard optical devices.

High explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round.

High explosive dual purpose (HEDP) round.

High explosive (HE) round for anti-personnel use.

Smoke round.

Illumination round.

Full and subcaliber training systems.

Status

System fielded with U.S. Army Special Operations Command since 1990.

Test and evaluation ongoing to support Naval Special Warfare Command’s fielding.

Joint integrated product team managing all efforts.

Contractor Bofors Weapons Systems; Sweden

M136 AT4

The M136 AT4 is the Army's primary light anti-tank weapon. The M136 AT4 is a recoilless rifle used primarily by Infantry Forces for engagement and defeat of light armor. The recoilless rifle design permits accurate delivery of an 84mm High Explosive Anti-Armor warhead, with negligible recoil. The rifle's High Explosive Anti-Tank warhead provides excellent penetration capability and lethal after-armor effects.

The M136 AT4 is a lightweight, self-contained, antiarmor weapon consisting of a free-flight, fin-stabilized, rocket-type cartridge packed in an expendable, one-piece, fiberglass-wrapped tube. The M136 AT4 is man-portable and is fired from the right shoulder only. The launcher is watertight for ease of transportation and storage. Unlike the M72-series LAW, the M136 AT4 launcher need not be extended before firing. The system weighs approximately 15 lbs and is man-portable. The M136 AT4's warhead uses an extremely destructive, 440-gram shaped-charge explosive that can penetrate more than 14 inches (35.6 cm) of armor.

Though the M136 AT4 can be employed in limited visibility, the firer must be able to see and identify the target and estimate the range to it. Subsequent to the initial fielding of the weapon, a reusable night sight bracket was developed and fielded. It permits utilization of standard night vision equipment. The system's tactical engagement range is 250 meters and has been used in multiple combat situations. The round of ammunition is self-contained in a disposable launch tube. The system weighs 15 pounds and can be utilized effectively with minimal training.

The M136 AT4's warhead has excellent penetration ability and lethal after-armor effects. The extremely destructive, 440 gram shaped-charge explosive penetrates more than 14 inches (35.6 cm) of armor.

(1) Impact. The nose cone crushes; the impact sensor activates the fuze.

(2) Ignition. The piezoelectric fuze element activates the electric detonator. The booster detonates, initiating the main charge.

(3) Penetration. The main charge fires and forces the warhead body liner into a directional gas jet that penetrates armor plate.

(4) After-armor effects (spalling). The projectile fragments and incendiary effects produce blinding light and destroy the interior of the target.

M136 AT4 launchers are marked with color-coded bands). A black with yellow band indicates an HE antiarmor round (early models had a solid black band). A gold or yellow band indicates a field handling trainer; no band indicates an M287 9-mm tracer bullet trainer

AT4CS Confined Space

AT4CS is the world’s only anti-armor weapon that is fully operational in confined spaces. The addition of the AT4CS weapon is a major new component of the revolutionary MAAWS weapon system acquisition program. The AT4CS is a lightweight, disposable, one-user autonomous 84mm weapon. It is safely and effectively fired from confined space to defeat various military targets, including lightly armored vehicles, at both near and extended ranges. Research and development of the AT4CS began in Sweden in the late 1980s to meet the Army’s operational needs to engage targets in urban settings.

AT4CS was fielded quickly in response to the global war on terrorism. The single-use AT4CS weighs 17 pounds and is just over three feet long. It can be used against targets up to 900 feet away from the Soldier’s position inside a building, providing him protection from direct and indirect fire.

The USSOCOM Advanced Demolition Weapons project, initiated in FY 2001 with a two phase approach, is evaluating candidate shoulder-fired weapons developed by Diehl/Dynamit Nobel of Germany and Bofors of Sweden. The first phase (Anti-Tank 4 Confined Space High Penetration (AT4CS HP)) provided the urgent confined space capability to SOCOM users. The second phase (AT4CS RS, RS for Reduced Sensitivity) made significant improvements to the phase I systems (AT4CS HP) with fuze and explosive upgrades to meet safety review board requirements. Both phases of this project provide a critical capability to Special Operations Forces missions, including, engagement of targets from a confined space, Military Operations in Urban Terrain, anti-armor, and direct engagement of targets in protected/covered areas. In FY 2003 the project completed all safety tests and limited safety confirmation obtained; Testing demonstrated the system to be effective and can be safely fired from confined spaces; Systems were procured and immediately deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq; Milestone C production approval received in August 2003.

Saab received an award for AT4CS from the US Army as one of the top ten innovations in 2003. In 2004 the Army placed an order for the further developed AT4CS after an extensive United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) qualification.

Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW)

The Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) is a versatile, lightweight and lethal weapon system. SMAW, employed by the United States Marine Corps for more than twenty years, has proven performance in combat situations, easily demolishing bunkers, breaching fortifications, and defeating armored vehicles. The man-portable SMAW is exceedingly accurate and reliable, exhibiting an average hit probability greater than 90 percent on a 1 x 2 meter target at combat ranges.

SMAW is perfectly suited for MOUT scenarios, enabling the gunner to defeat enemy fortifications while remaining under protective cover, greatly enhancing survivability. SMAW will feature even greater capability with a new Confined Space fire-from-enclosure version. Talley Defense Systems, in cooperation with the US Marine Corps, is perfecting a design which drastically reduces backblast and over-pressure, and virtually eliminates flash and smoke when firing the weapon.

The SMAW is an 83mm man-portable weapon system consisting of the MK153 Mod 0 launcher, the MK 3 Mod 0 encased HEDP rocket, the MK 6 Mod 0 encased HEAA rocket, and the MK217 Mod 0 spotting rifle cartridge. The launcher consists of a fiberglass launch tube, a 9mm spotting rifle, an electro-mechanical firing mechanism, open battle sights, and a mount for the MK42 Mod 0 optical and AN/PVS-4 night sights.

The SMAW MK153 Mod 0 launcher is based on the Israeli B-300 and consists of the launch tube, the spotting rifle, the firing mechanism, and mounting brackets. The launch tube is fiberglass/epoxy with a gel coat on the bore. The spotting rifle is a British design and is mounted on the right side of the launch tube. The firing mechanism mechanically fires the spotting rifle and uses a magneto to fire the rocket. The mounting brackets connect the components and provide the means for boresighting the weapon. The encased rockets are loaded at the rear of the launcher. The spotting cartridges are stored in a magazine in the cap of the encased rocket.

The SMAW system (launcher, ammunition and logistics support) was fielded in 1984 as a Marine Corps unique system. At that time, the SMAW included the MK153 Mod 0 launcher, the MK3 Mod 0 HEDP encased rocket, the MK4 Mod 0 practice rocket and the MK217 Mod 0 9mm spotting cartridge. The MK6 Mod 0 encased HEAA rocket is being added to the inventory.

The MOD 0 has demonstrated several shortcomings. A series of modifications is currently planned to address the deficiencies. They include a resleeving process for bubbled launch tubes, rewriting/drafting operator and technical manuals, a kit that will reduce environmental intrusion into the trigger mechanism, and an optical sight modification to allow the new HEAA rocket to be used effectively against moving armor targets. Recently fielded were new boresight bracket kits that, when installed, will solve the loss of boresight problem between launch tube and spotting rifle.

During Desert Storm, 150 launchers and 5,000 rockets were provided to the U.S. Army. Since then, the Army showed increased interest in the system.

SMAW's Warhead Versatility:

High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) - A “fire and forget” target-sensing fuze allows the warhead to detonate at the optimum moment. Devastatingly effective against bunkers, concrete and brick walls, and light armor, HEDP is in production now. The High Explosive, Dual Purpose (HEDP) rocket is effective against bunkers, masonry and concrete walls, and light armor.

High Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) - Attains full penetration of heavy armor from nearly any oblique angle. The High Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) rocket is effective against current tanks without additional armor.

Follow Through Grenade (FTG) - Shaped charge front warhead with full caliber follow-through grenade for use against concrete and brick walls.

The 9mm spotting rounds are ballistically matched to the rockets and increase the gunner's first round hit probability. Training is accomplished with the MK7 Mod 0 encased common practice rocket and the MK213 Mod 0 noise cartridge.

Common Practice Round (CPR) - Inert training round with full caliber rocket duplicating live round weight, CG and flight characteristics.

The 83mm Shoulder-launched Multi-purpose Assault Weapon (SMAW), High Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) (DODIC HX06) was last procured in 1999. There have been no further procurements due to a decrease in the Total Munitions Requirement (TMR) for this item. As supported by the attached data, there will be an available inventory of 9,760 rockets at the start of FY03 to support a I MEF requirement of 9,464 rockets and an FY03 training allowance of 481 rockets (It should be noted that within the FY02 TMR the Training Requirement (TR) is 237 rockets). The manufacturer of this item is no longer in business; further procurements will require the qualification of a new manufacturer at a significant cost to the Marine Corps.

As of 2002 the 83mm Shoulder-launched Multi-purpose Assault Weapon (SMAW), High Explosive Dual Mode (HEDP) (DODIC HX05) had been, and would remain in production for several years. Prior to 2002 the Marine Corps had made a decision, during the budget formulation process, not to buy this item to the published Total Munitions Requirement (TMR) due to the high cost associated with fully funding this requirement. There was an available inventory of 54,246 rockets at the start of FY03 to support a War Reserve Munitions Requirement (WRMR) of 86,586 rockets and an FY03 Training Allowance of 2,164 rockets (It should be noted that within the FY02 TMR, the Training Requirement (TR) was 1,936 rockets). It was projected that an additional 8,459 rockets would be delivered during FY03. Additionally, the FY04 TMR of 94,933 rockets is an increase to the current TMR of 88,622 rockets.

Primary function: Portable anti-armor rocket launcher.

Length:

To Carry: 29.9 inches (75.95 centimeters)

Ready-to-Fire: 54 inches (137.16 cm)

Weight:

To Carry: 16.6 pounds (7.54 kg)

Ready-to-Fire (HEDP): 29.5 pounds (13.39 kg)

Ready-to-Fire (HEAA): 30.5 pounds (13.85 kg)

Bore diameter: 83mm

Maximum effective range:

1 x 2 Meter Target: 250 meters

Tank-Sized Target: 500 meters

Introduction date: 1984

Unit Replacement Cost: $13,000

Marine Corps Inventory: 1364

Mission: To destroy bunkers and other fortifications during assault operations as well as other designated targets with the dual mode rocket and to destroy main battle tanks with the HEAA rocket.

M141 Bunker Defeat Munition (BDM)

The M141 Bunker Defeat Munition (BDM) SMAW-D is the single shot, disposable version of the combat proven US Marine Corps' Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW). Half the carry weight of SMAW, SMAW-D provides the same massive target over-match effects against field fortifications, urban structures, and lightly armored vehicles. Type Classified and in production, the U. S. Army's Bunker Defeat Munition, is a Modified NDI weapon system capable of defeating fortified positions (bunkers) constructed of earth and timber. TACOM-ARDEC teamed with Talley Defense Systems (TDS), Mesa, Arizona to field a disposable version of the USMC’s Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW), called the SMAW-D. The BDM SMAW-D includes a night sight mounting fixture, weighs 15.7 pounds and is 32 inches in length. The BDM system can also breach masonry walls and defeat lightly skinned armored vehicles at effective ranges of 15-500 meters.

The Bunker Defeat Munition (BDM) is a modified Non-Developmental Item (NDI) that will meet an urgent FORSCOM requirement to fill the "Bunker Buster" void in the Army inventory. The shoulder- fired system is effective against targets including fortified positions (earth and timber bunkers), breaching masonry walls and neutralizing light armored vehicles at ranges of 15- 500 meters. The system is fully operational at 11 meters making it an optimum weapon for Military Operations in Urban Terrain.

SMAW-D uses the same High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) rocket that was successfully employed by the USMC during Operation JUST CAUSE, and by both Army and Marine units in Operation DESERT STORM. The HEDP rocket is packaged in a light weight, rugged, disposable launcher that is simple to place into operation under any battlefield conditions. The SMAW-D Bunker Defeat Munition is easily transported by one soldier, and is airdrop certified.

Each round has a unique fuze that automatically selects the proper detonation mode to maximize warhead destructive effects on each target. If the rocket hits a soft target, such as a sand-bagged bunker, the fuze delays warhead detonation until the rocket has buried deep into the target. Warhead burial produces the signature HEDP heaving effect, which devastates these soft targets. Rocket impact on a building wall, lightly armored vehicle, or other hard target causes the fuze to detonate immediately. The warhead's high explosive charge is therefore squashed against the target, which results in enormous target holes and propels large fragments inside the vehicle or behind the wall.

SMAW-D offers unrivaled destruction against earth and timber bunkers. It also provides devastating effects against light armor, and breaches 8-inch reinforced concrete and 12-inch triple brick walls. Every launcher has a permanent night vision device mounting bracket that permits quick attachment of the AN/PVS-4 night sight, AN/PAQ-4 or AN/PEQ-2 laser aiming lights, or any similar device with rail grabber attachments.

In the statement of managers accompanying the conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103-160) (H. Rept. 103-357), the conferees agreed that the Army should pursue a limited, interim program for procurement of a bunker-defeat munition (BDM). The conferees also agreed that the Marine Corps' short-range anti-armor weapon (SRAW) and the Army's BDM were too similar to justify maintaining separate programs for the long-term. The conferees believed that a long-term solution to the problem should be sought which drew from the SRAW missile and from warhead technology developed in the Army's multi-purpose individual munition (MPIM) program.

Congress capped procurement at 6,000 rounds. Given the restricted procurement, BDM is only stocked for contingency use. BDM entered war stock during FY99. The SMAW-D achieved full Materiel Release in 1999, and production rounds are currently being delivered to U. S. Army depots. Rounds are now being shipped to selected sites for gunner training and prepositioned combat readiness stock.

SMAW-D(CS) (Disposable (Confined Space))

The SMAW-D(CS) (Shoulder launched multipurpose assault weapon-disposable (confined space) will enable soldiers to fire this single-shot, disposable launcher weapon against earthen, timber bunkers and light armored vehicles and breech masonry walls from and an en-closed space, which is not possible with the current SMAW–D. This requirement is necessary due to the termination of the Multi-purpose Individualized Munition, which provided soldiers with a confined space launch capability. The SMAW-D(CS) responds to the increased urban terrain engagements that soldiers are training for and operating in and meets the need for this confined space, launch and breeching requirement.

Talley Defense Systems is dedicated to supporting the Army's Objective Force. To this end, Talley is developing a disposable shoulder-launched weapon that can be safely fired from an enclosure without hazard to the gunner or other soldiers present. The use of countermass gel reduces the over blast, backblast, debris and noise. It also ensures a low launch signature, so a soldier's position remains concealed. What Talley has not changed is range and lethality. The confined space weapon is a product improvement program designed to enhance the capability of SMAW-D by use of Talley's unique propulsion system.

The SMAW-D(CS) Confined Space technology uses the Davis Gun Counter-Mass principle to maintain projectile velocity while providing low visual signature for soldiers safely fire from and enclosure. A Davis Gun is a recoilless gun that functions on the momentum exchange principle, firing the projectile and a reaction mass from both ends of the barrel at the same time. A projectile is fired toward the front and a compensating mass toward the rear from an equal-caliber barrel open on both ends. The axial forces are transmitted to the gun only by friction of the projectile and/or the compensating mass on the inner wall of the barrel; propellant gas forces in this case do not contribute toward recoil during firing, and the friction forces can be kept lower by several orders of magnitude than the propellant gas forces, while the friction forces of the projectile and of the compensating mass, at least in part, compensate each other. For this reason, the so-called "Davis gun" is an essentially recoilless gun.

SMAW Novel Explosive (SMAW-NE)

The Marines were so impressed with the success of thermobaric weapons used in Operation Enduring Freedom that they approached Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head and requested a shoulder-mounted version of their own. The Indian Head Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center (IHDIV, NSWC) (teaming with the Marine Corps Systems Command, NSWC Dahlgren, and Talley Defense Systems) responded to an urgent US Marine Corps need for a shoulder-launched enhanced-blast warhead, by delivering the Shoulder-Launched Multi Purpose Assault Weapon--Novel Explosive (SMAW-NE) in 2003. The highly successful collaboration spanned only nine months from concept development to weapon system fielding. This team used their expertise in warhead design, fuze design, test, manufacturing, systems safety, and systems integration in providing a solution to this technical challenge. Among many other enhancements, this modernized weapon includes a new warhead case design capable of penetrating brick targets and a thermobaric explosive fill that provides an enhanced lethality.

On 16 April 2002 contract number N00178-02-C-1049, in the amount of $387,096.00, was awarded to Talley Defense Systems by NAVSURFWARCEN Dahlgren Division for the SMAW Thermobaric Warhead. Indian Head, MD-based Naval Surface Warfare Center fabricated a thermobaric warhead that can operate with the shoulder-mounted multipurpose assault weapon.

In May 2002 NSWC/ IHD sought a commercial partner for a joint program to develop thermobaric (TB) warheads for shoulder launched weapons. The commercial partners was responsible for exploring and characterizing TB warhead designs with the goal of increasing lethality and/or incapacitation effects beyond those of fragmentation driven technologies. The commercial partner was responsible for integrating the warhead design into existing weapon system, demonstration with supporting hardware, and data acquisition and analysis of warhead effects. Demonstration of effects will include determination of event duration, affected zone, hear flux, overpressure, and acoustics. NSWC/IHD was responsible for TB explosive formulation, characterization, and loading into test hardware. Preference in selecting the commercial partner was given to companies having existing contracts for sh oulder launched weapons in order to leverage hardware costs and to companies having experience in incorporation TB materials into warhead designs.

The $799,788.19 contract [N0017403C0002] was awarded to Talley Defense Systems on 19 November 2002. By mid-2002 the project had concluded phase one, which included integrating the PBXIH-135 explosive into a shoulder-mounted warhead, redesigning the fuse interfaces, as well as booster and warhead case design. Phase two involved completing safety certification and initial weapons production.

Shoulder-launched Multi-purpose Assault Weapon-Novel Explosive (SMAW-NE) Thermobaric warhead is a CETO initiative, 400 copies shipped to Kuwait (received as of March 2003). As of 2005 the Corps had approximately 1000 thermobaric rounds left in the inventory. Procurement of these rockets was a one time buy. The IOAG position for POM2006 was to maintain remaining rounds on the shelf for future contingencies and not buy any more.

The Army has several types of disposable and reusable shoulder-fired weapon systems in inventory to defeat a variety of threat targets. The next generation of these types of weapon systems is based on leveraging emerging technologies; including advanced warheads, propulsion and fuzing systems, that will meet the soldiers requirements in the Interim and Objective Forces in the decades to come.

The High Impulse Thermobaric [HIT] technology achieves higher pressure, temperature and duration levels than the regular SMAW warhead. The explosive fill material is normally a slurry of reactive metal and liquid fuels, optimized for enclosed spaces. To eveluate potential application to Special Forces weapons, a SMAW-D with a HIT Warhead was testing at RTTC in July 2001. These tests determined the feasibility of loading HIT in a SMAW-D warhead. They were used to determine HIT blast effects on triple brick and concrete walls. The tests established the feasibility of thermobaric warheads for MOUT environments for Special Forces systems. The SMAW-D with HIT blast warhead replaces conventional Aluminized explosive with a High Impulse Thermobaric explosive.

In late 2002 JAO commented for Navy JAG (Code 10) on a legal review of the Hellfire PBXN-112/MAC warhead missile. The missile provides increased effectiveness against targets typically encountered in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) by creating increased blast over-pressure and impulse to defeat multi-room structures. The missile is also effective against caves, light armor, trucks, radar vans, buildings, light bunkers, command and control sites, patrol boats, light ships, the superstructure of heavy ships, deck mounted weapons systems and troop concentrations. Based on JAO comments, Navy JAG revised the review to include discussion of the BLU-118 and the thermobaric SMAW, two weapons systems already in the inventory which also rely on over-pressure as the killing mechanism.

In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) fielded equipment in response to Urgent Universal Need Statements which provided additional capability to I MEF. At the request of the Combat Assessment Team, MCSC provided three officers to assess UNS / legacy system items. This late April 2003 effort was the second trip supported by MCSC personnel in theatre. Reviewing the SMAW Thermobaric Round, the team reported that it "Only received reports of two shots. One unit disintegrated a large one-story masonry type building with one round from 100 meters. They were extremely impressed. However, another unit tried to breach a wall of a similar masonry building after being unsuccessful at trying to mechanically breach a door. “The round just bounced off the wall.” They were not so impressed."

In July 2005, an article in the Marine Corps Gazette concluded that it had been highly effective in the November 2004 battle for Fallujah. , edition: "Marines could employ blast weapons prior to entering houses that had become pillboxes, not homes. The economic cost of house replacement is not comparable to American lives... all battalions adopted blast techniques appropriate to entering a bunker, assuming you did not know if the bunker was manned. ... SMAW gunners became expert at determining which wall to shoot to cause the roof to collapse and crush the insurgents fortified inside interior rooms. ... Due to the lack of penetrating power of the NE round, we found that our assaultmen had to first fire a dual-purpose rocket in order to create a hole in the wall or building. This blast was immediately followed by an NE round that would incinerate the target or literally level the structure."

SMAW LEAP (Low-signature Encased Assault Projectile)

Increasing urbanization throughout most theaters of operation continues to emphasize the need to have weapons that can be safely fired from enclosed spaces. Existing weapon systems, such as the Marine’s Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW), have been designed to engage and defeat targets on open terrain. Systems like SMAW use conventional rocket motors to propel their warheads to the target. These systems are typically noisy and they create a large backblast behind the weapon when fired. This method of operation is acceptable for systems employed on open terrain, but is not acceptable for systems that must be fired from enclosed or confined spaces such as those found when fighting on urban terrain.

To enhance the capability of SMAW, Talley Defense Systems, in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps, has developed a confined space propulsion system for SMAW. The new propulsion system, designated SMAW LEAP (Low-signature Encased Assault Projectile), has reduced the current SMAW backblast and overpressure, thus permitting SMAW to be safely fired from an enclosed space without hazard to the gunner. All of this without loss of range, velocity, or lethality.

Leveraging the proven confined space technology developed for the Marine Corps’ reusable SMAW, Talley Defense Systems, in cooperation with the U.S. Army, is now adapting this novel propulsion concept to the Army’s disposable version of SMAW, the SMAW-D bunker defeat munition, thereby significantly increasing its military utility.

Future stuff:

Follow-On To SMAW (FOTS)

The Follow-On To SMAW (FOTS) is a lightweight, short range, fire-and-forget assault weapon comprised of a launcher and integral sighting system that enables a Marine to neutralize a variety of ground targets. The FOTS will replace the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon without loss to present capabilities. The enhanced capabilities of the FOTS include fire from enclosures, adaptability to a variety of warheads, reduced launch signature, and increased lethality and breaching. The FOTS complements the satchel charge by providing a stand-off capability to destroy bunkers and breach urban structures. It also provides the capability to neutralize vehicles and personnel. Operational Impact The FOTS will ensure the assault elements of the Ground Combat Element retain the capability to quickly destroy fortified positions and achieve the capability to penetrate urban structures to facilitate maneuver of friendly forces and destruction or neutralization of opposition forces. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) issued a draft Request For Proposal (RFP) and associated documentation on 13 September 2002 for the Follow-On To SMAW (FOTS) Program: Systems Integration & Prototyping (SIP). It is anticipated that from the received submissions; multiple proposals will be selected and awarded SIP contracts.

At the conclusion of the SIP effort, one of the successful offerors will be competitively selected for completion of System Demonstration and Production, with an estimated value of $360,000,000 over the twenty (20) year life cycle of the program. The USMC intially intended to procure approximately 1,052 systems and/or 143,000 rounds of ammunition.

On 03 June 2003 Lockheed Martin was selected as one of two contractors to develop a follow-on weapon system to the Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) for the US Marine Corps. The contract is for the System Integration Phase (SIP) of the Follow-On to SMAW (FOTS) program. General Dynamics isteamed with Dynamit Nobel and RAFAEL, based on the Panzerfaust design. Lockheed Martin is teamed with IMI, based on the Shipon design.

The contracts call team members to develop a new shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon that can be fired from enclosures or other battlefield close quarters to neutralize bunkers, urban structures and light armor. Additionally, FOTS will create access corridors in urban structures such as triple brick and reinforced concrete.

The SIP contract was expected to run 15 months and includes delivery of approximately 45 munitions in month 12 to support test firings that will result in the selection of one contractor to complete the System Design and Development (SDD) phase followed by production.

Lockheeds's FOTS solution will provide Marines with a capability for firing in close quarters, a critical requirement in urban conflict scenarios. There are also many international customers who have a requirement for this type of assault weapon.

Lockheed Martin has more than 40 years of experience in precision weapon systems including the only man-portable, shoulder-fired weapons qualified for fire from enclosure in the U.S. arsenal. Javelin, developed jointly by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, is currently fielded and Lockheed Martin's Predator is in production.

IMI was the original developer of the B-300 man-portable, anti-tank weapon system for the Israel Defense Forces, which led to its selection as a basis for the U. S. Marine Corps' SMAW weapon system. IMI produced and delivered more than 300,000 sets of B-300, SMAW, and SMAW-D propulsion units.

With this contract award, Lockheed Martin will serve as prime contractor for SIP, responsible for overall contract performance, fire control system, launch tube and systems integration. IMI will provide the FOTS propulsion system and warheads.

The current Shoulder Launched Multi-purpose Assault Weapon uses a 9mm spotting rifle to accurately range the target, which leaves the gunner exposed for an unacceptable amount of time, and lacks functional reliability. Potential replacement systems would be required to provide accurate and reliable ranges to targets < 500m in any weather condition including rain, snow, and fog as well as through battlefield obscurants where the operator can see the target with the naked eye. The system would be required to be mounted on the FOTS or hand carried as a separate system. Cost, durability, and weight will all be considerations for a final system solution, however, information on or demonstrations of any novel alternatives or concepts are of great interest to the Marine Corps and are welcome at this time.

Multipurpose Individual Munition (MPIM)

Predator Short Range Assault Weapon (SRAW)

The Predator Short Range Assault Weapon [sRAW] is a one man portable, fire-and-forget system designed to defeat the next generation of advanced armor threats. Predator system characteristics consist of the following, weight of 20 pounds or less, length less than 40 inches, effective range of between 17 and 600 meters, inertial guidance capable of addressing moving, as well as stationary targets and soft launch fire-from-enclosure capability. The Predator will be built to a performance specification.

The Predator SRAW is capable of defeating all current and future main battle tanks, including those incorporating advanced armor protection, supplemental armor kits, and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA). The Predator features an advanced guidance- and-control system, a soft-launch capability, and a lethal, explosively-formed penetrator warhead. Once launched, the missile flies in a top-attack (i.e., fly over, shoot down) profile and uses optical and magnetic sensors to detect the target and detonate the warhead. Predator can effectively engage moving targets from 17 to 200 meters and stationary targets from 17 to 600 meters.

The munition consists of a disposable launcher/carry case equipped with a 2.5X telescopic sight compatible with current and planned night-vision devices. The shoulder-launched missile consists of a two-stage, soft-launch propulsion system with inertial guidance and an explosively formed penetrator with follow-through grenade warhead. The missile is capable of firing quickly from its carrying configuration, and it can be fired safely from enclosures.

With a length of 35 inches, a weight of 20 pounds and a range of 500 meters (depending on target size), it is a single-man user munition that is capable of incapacitating personnel in bunkers and reinforced buildings and defeating modern light armor.

The SRAW missile itself consists of three modular components: (1) a Flight Module, (2) a Target Detection Device (TDD), and (3) a Warhead. The Flight Module consists of several components, the heart of which is the Guidance and Control Unit (GCU). The GCU controls the missile flight profile and provides flight path correction commands to the missile. The missile intercept solution is designed to over-fly the target. The TDD is a dual mode device that combines a laser ranger and magnetic detector. The TDD commands detonation of the warhead when both laser ranger and magnetic detector have confirmed target over flight.

The Predator (SRAW) will provide the infantry battalion with the organic capability to engage and destroy ERA-equipped Main Battle Tanks at ranges between 17 and 600 meters. Its soft-launch (fire from enclosures) and fire-and-forget features will significantly enhance both gunner survivability and the ability of the battalion to conduct anti-armor operations in urban terrain. It will provide greater range and lethality than both the AT-4 and SMAW (HEAA).

Multipurpose Individual Munition

The Multipurpose Individual Munition / Short Range Assault Weapon (MPIM/SRAW) is the future answer for effectively defeating personnel in three different environments: behind masonry/brick walls, within earth and timber bunkers and in light armored vehicles. Ideally suited for MOUT environments, MPIM/SRAW will replace the LAW, AT-4, and other light shoulder fired weapons.

The Multipurpose Individual Munition (MPIM) will enable the soldier to engage and defeat a variety of targets. The system will allow the individual soldier both to destroy light armor and incapacitate personnel within or behind structural barriers or field fortifications. It will be used by soldiers in all geographical areas under any climatic and battlefield conditions. Combat arms, as well as combat support and combat service support units, will use this weapon to accomplish their missions. The weapon will be employed as a round of ammunition and will not require any maintenance other than inspection and cleaning. The MPIM is a multipurpose weapon system that is projected to supplement and eventually replace the Launcher and Cartridge, 84-MM, M136 (AT4), HEAT and the M72A2/A3 Light Antitank Weapon (LAW).

In the statement of managers accompanying the conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103-160) (H. Rept. 103-357), the conferees agreed that the Army should pursue a limited, interim program for procurement of a bunker-defeat munition (BDM). The conferees also agreed that the Marine Corps' short-range anti-armor weapon (SRAW) and the Army's BDM were too similar to justify maintaining separate programs for the long-term. The conferees believed that a long-term solution to the problem should be sought which drew from the SRAW missile and from warhead technology developed in the Army's multi-purpose individual munition (MPIM) program.

As of 1996, two technologies were under consideration: a shoulder-launched munition and two rifle-launched munitions.

The Army decided on a program for a MPIM system that will capitalize on the SRAW's propulsion technology and the MPIM's warhead technology. The SRAW missile, with the MPIM warhead, has the potential to satisfy the Army and Marine Corps requirements to defeat multiple targets, while the original SRAW warhead provides an anti-armor capability.

The MPIM/ SRAW munition consists of a disposable launcher/ carry case equipped with a 2.5X telescopic sight compatible with current and future night vision devices. The shoulder-launched missile consists of a two- stage, soft- launch propulsion system with inertial guidance and explosively- formed penetrator with follow- through grenade warhead. The missile is capable of firing quickly from its carrying configuration and is safely fired from enclosures. The 35-inch, 20-pound disposable weapon has a range out to 500 meters. Internal rate sensors allow Soldiers to aim directly at a moving target and a soft launch capability allows Soldiers to fire from enclosures. The warhead is extremely lethal due to the combination of an explosively formed penetrator with a follow through fragmentation grenade.

Program Status

The Predator SRAW was conceived by the Marine Corps in 1987 as a low-cost, short-range anti-armor missile with a top attack warhead. Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) began in 1994. EMD was intended to produce 125 missile systems to support Technical Evaluation and 103 missiles to support OT&E.

In August 1996, MCOTEA and the MARCORSYSCOM PM collectively decided to pursue the development of the SRAW M&S System to provide supplemental DT&E and OT&E data that could help resolve Probability of Hit (Ph), Probability of Kill (Pk), and address software quality concerns.

Problems arose because the decision was made after program start to add M&S [Modeling & Simulation] for the Predator. Inadequate scoping of the effort caused greater than 100% cost growth plus withdrawal of support organizations during system under test (SUT) M&S development. Other discrepancies in system data available for the modeling resulted in poor correlation between flight test data and simulation results. However, while MCOTEA gained invaluable test simulation experience, and DoD gained a new magnetic environment measurement capability, the Predator Missile program manager gained little confidence through this M&S effort.

Loral Aeronutronic, Rancho Santa Margarita, California, was awarded on December 21, 1994, a $3,700,000 increment as part of a $7,850,000 cost plus incentive fee contract for a Multi-Purpose Individual Munition/Short Range Antiarmor Weapon (MPIM/SRAW) Technology Demonstration. Work was performed at Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and was completed by mid-1995. The prime contractor is Lockheed Martin Electronics and Missiles (Orlando, FL).

The program completed Phase I (Risk Reduction Phase) in March 1998. All Phase I requirements were met on schedule and within budget. Accuracy solution was verified by two successful full missile shots at 500m wall and 200m bunker. MPIM/SRAW executed Phase II (System Qualification) option in May 1998. USMC Predator qualification testing began in August 1998.

During missile development the MPIM/ SRAW program has had 100 percent flight test success. Other accomplishments include early user demonstration, qualification of the modified safe and arm device and successful demonstration of grenade insertion in both triple brick and reinforced concrete walls using a prototype design.

Upon completion of the exiting Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development contract, production of the Predator (SRAW) Weapon System was continued on a sole source basis with Lockheed Martin Electronics & Missiles Division. The quantity consists of: Base Year 442 units, Option Year 1-647 units, Option Year 2-781 units, Option Year 3-1909 units, and Option Year 4-2126 units. The production of the supplies listed requires a substantial initial investment and/or an extended period of preparation for manufacture by any source other than the exiting EMD contractor. Maintaining production with the current EMD contractor will eliminate substantial duplication of cost due to existing proofed out production line and elimination of extensive first article testing, production readiness review, physical configuration testing, production readiness review, physical configuration audits and engineering support.

In January 2002, a one-year low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract for 330 weapons was awarded. Weapon first article testing will be conducted March-May 2003. Fielding will commence in December 2003 following the delivery of Lots 1 and 2 in August and December 2003. A second LRIP contract for 400 weapons was awarded in December 2002. Lots 1 and 2 deliveries from the second LRIP contact are planned for April and August 2003.

First unit was equipped in FY 2002.

Short-Range Assault Weapon-Multiple Purpose Variant (SRAW-MPV)

In May 2005, responding to an urgent request from warfighters, Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] expanded the capabilities of its Predator anti-tank weapon and delivered 400 rounds to the U.S. Marine Corps. The US Marine Corps requested Lockheed Martin to modify the shoulder-fired, short-range Predator anti-tank weapon into a direct-attack urban assault weapon. Renamed the Short-Range Assault Weapon-Multiple Purpose Variant (SRAW-MPV), the new urban assault missile has a multiple-purpose blast warhead, enabling it to defeat a variety of targets such as buildings and bunkers, as well as light-armored vehicles.

The conversion of Predator from a top-down anti-armor weapon to a direct-fire urban assault weapon was prompted by the need for fire-from-enclosure assault weapons, which has become paramount to support current actions. Other current short-range assault weapon systems cannot meet the requirement.

This variant of the Predator weapon system is uniquely suited to the urban warfare environment that is prevalent in military operations today. The SRAW-MPV is the only short-range soft-launch assault weapon in the world. It can be safely fired from buildings with single hearing protection, which protects the gunner by minimizing exposure to enemy counter-fire. In addition, its point-and-shoot, fire-and-forget inertial guidance system minimizes gunner operations and corrects for in-flight disturbances such as cross-wind.

The new weapon passed an acceptance test at the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), China Lake, CA, in November 2004, as well as successful man firings in December 2004 demonstrating it can be fired safely even with minimal prior training. The flight tests included two rounds that successfully breached a triple-brick target, leaving a gap wide enough for troop entry, and another round that disabled an armored personnel carrier. All shots were at a range of 200 meters.

Lockheed Martin previously delivered 344 Predator rounds under a Low-Rate Initial Production-I contract. Both the Predator and SRAW-MPV weapons are fully man-rated (all qualification, safety certification and gunner hazard tests are complete, any limitations on the use of the weapon are quantified and documented, and the weapon is tested as safe to fire within the defined limitations) – ready to deploy.

The US Army was evaluating options for upgrading its urban assault weapon capabilities for fire from enclosure and improved performance over the next few years, and SRAW-MPV, in its current configuration, will meet most of these upgrade requirements. U.S. allies also have urban warfare requirements that SRAW-MPV will meet.

Then there is Stinger, TOW, Javelin...but I've made this too long already.

[flamingknives]

Well, there it is.

I rather suspect that the SMAW spotting rifle is related to the 9mm spotting rifle fitted to the LAW80. There'll be some significant differences, as you can't reload the LAW80 rifle, and it's design strengths are based on only firing 10 shots or so.

Talley Defense, who make the M72 LAW, the SMAW and the M141 SMAW-D.

[MikeyD]

WOW! I did not realise the Army SMAW-D looked so much like an AT-4 and not at all like the Marine weapon. Yah learn something new every day.

This one's rocket technology too!

[c3k]

Guys,

This has helped out my understanding tremendously. Thank you.

Does anyone know the TO&E of the various U.S. formations as regards these weapons (and the Javelin, TOW, et al.)?

Ken

[MikeyD]

Resurrecting this topic - I found a nifty Army picture. An AT-4 projectile (NOT a rocket) caught just as it leaves the tube. When you look at the backblast you can see why they advise against firing this from an enclosed space!

[mazex]

Originally posted by flamingknives:

AT4 is the Swedish designation, I think the US designation is M136.

Well, to be precise the Swedish destignation is M86, while AT4 is the international name used when exporting it. We used it a lot when I did my military service in the late 80:ies. In Sweden we very seldom fire the sharp loaded versions of it as the grenade in some very rare cases may explode in the barrel. I've heard that the US army does not let that stop them from using the fully loaded versions in exercies.

One nice feature of the AT4 that we practiced a lot is to attach it to a tree and aim it at a certain spot at a road and then you attach a long line to the firing mechanism. When the supposed Soviet tanks should come rolling you could pull the line to get a nice hit in the side armour while not having to reveal your "real" position... The line could also be drawn back over the road to make a "trip wire fired" AT4. Kind of nice if you want to watch the show from a safe distance

/Mazex