Login
iscover
Saab and Raytheon have completed a series of guided flight tests for the shoulder launched Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition at the Mile High Range in Sierra Blanca, Texas, and at the Saab Bofors Test Centre in Karlskoga, Sweden.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The test firings in Sweden that were performed during 25-26 September 2019 were in the presence of an international audience. Three munitions were fired in total; two against static targets and one against a moving target.
A semi-active laser was used to guide the munitions to target impact. Other seeker technologies (e.g. imaging IR) were also demonstrated as optional solutions for the final product. The demonstration in Sweden further included dynamic warhead tests against various targets.
Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area dynamics, said, "The Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition is a next step in the evolution of the Carl-Gustaf system. It will be the most advanced Carl-Gustaf munition yet and will offer greater precision, minimise collateral damage and deliver outstanding performance with pin-point accuracy and multi-target capability."
Saab’s Carl-Gustaf weapon system is used by the US Armed Forces as well as the ground forces of more than 40 other countries, including Australia. The guided munition will allow armed forces to accurately engage stationary or moving targets up to and beyond 2,000 metres.
The Carl-Gustaf has seen extensive operational service with the Australian Army and moving to the M4 weapon represents the continued modernisation of this important lethality system. The new Carl-Gustaf M4 is a man-portable multi-role weapon system that provides high tactical flexibility through its wide range of ammunition types.
A marked evolution in the history of the system, the new M4 model meets the needs of modern conflict environments while offering compatibility with future innovations. Its new features include:
- Lighter: Builds upon the success of its predecessor by offering an even shorter length and a weight of less than seven kilograms;
- Intelligent sight: Compatible with intelligent sight systems, ensuring maximum effect in any tactical situation;
- Improved economics: Overall improved ergonomics enables soldiers to adjust the weapon to suit them. Includes an adjustable shoulder rest and front grip;
- Reduced action time: Unit can be carried loaded to enable the user to act faster; and
- Round counter: Integrated shot counter for improved logistics and maintenance.
The increased range, in combination with a confined space capability, will offer troops greater tactical flexibility when selecting a firing position.
Sam Deneke, Raytheon land warfare systems vice president, added, "Raytheon and Saab have been working together to start development of a precision-guided munition that will penetrate multiple types of targets, such as light armour, bunkers and concrete structures, at extended ranges. This lightweight round will overmatch potential adversaries while decreasing collateral damage, making it an ideal weapon when fighting under restricted rules of engagement."
In 2017, Saab announced its partnership with Raytheon to develop new weapons for infantry forces. The Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition will be designed to increase the capability of the combat proven, shoulder-launched, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf.
