M136_AT4 M136_AT4

M136 AT4 - Definition

M136 AT-4 rocket launcher
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M136 AT-4 rocket launcher

The AT4 (or AT-4) is a portable one-shot anti-tank weapon built in Sweden by Saab Bofors Dynamics (previously Bofors Anti Armour Systems). AT4 is the international name of the weapon. In the United States it is known as the M136 AT4 and in Sweden it is called the Pansarskott M/86 (abbreviated pskott or p-skott).

Contents

Specifications

Launcher

  • Length: 101.6 cm (40 in.)
  • Weight: 6.7 kg (14.75 pounds)
  • Bore diameter: 84 mm
  • Maximum effective range: 300 metres (984.3 feet)
  • Penetration: 400 mm of rolled homogenous armour (also see below)
  • Time of Flight (to 250 metres): less than 1 second
  • Muzzle velocity: 285 metres (950 feet) per second
  • Operating temperature: -40 to +60° C (-104 to +140° F)
  • Ammunition: Fin-stabilized rocket with shaped charge warhead

Rockets

There are several different projectiles for the AT4. Note that since the AT4 is a one-shot weapon, these projectiles are preloaded.

HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank)

The AT4 HEAT is a low-trajectory, low-dispersion weapon that can penetrate up to 420 mm of armour.

HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose)

For use with bunkers and buildings. The projectile can be set to detonate on impact or with a delayed detonation.

HP (High Penetration)

Extra high penetration ability. Can penetrate 500 to 600 mm armour.

The AT4 CS

The AT4 CS (Confined Space) is a variant of the AT4 specially designed for urban warfare. According to the manufacturer, "The AT4 CS is the only anti-armour weapon in the world that can be used to the full in the tight conditions of urban warfare". [1] (http://products.saab.se/PDBWeb/ShowProduct.aspx?ProductId=642)

The regular AT4 can be extremely dangerous to fire from confined spaces due to the extreme increase in pressure. The back flame can also bounce back at the soldier if there is a wall or another solid object within 15 metres of the breech. While the CS is considerably more safe (of course, since it is especially designed for this) than is the regular AT4, there have still been reports of soldiers fainting when firing the AT4 CS from confined spaces.

The AT4 CS is used by the Swedish urban warfare units.

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