Unknown shoulder launched weapon
- Thread starter EnigmaNZ
- Start date
Try posting it on The Fifth Column - there's a few operators on there, and a number of Kiwis.EnigmaNZ said:
Pursuit Curve
New Member
My friend, it looks like a SMAW,EnigmaNZ said:
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
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.
Features: 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 High Explosive, Dual Purpose (HEDP) rocket is effective against bunkers, masonry and concrete walls, and light armor. The High Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) rocket is effective against current tanks without additional armor. 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.
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.
Inventory: 1364
Background: 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 has shown increased interest in the system.
Its Armbrust (=German for Crossbow).
Ex-German product now produced by Singapore.
No lethal backblast; firing creates no flash, no smoke, and little noise....
Armoured targets penetration > 300mm
Arming distance 12m
Rear clearance needed 0.8m
Effective range (Armoured targets) 300m
(Soft-skinned targets) 500m
The adopted LAW for the SAF is known as the ARMBRUST. It is a recoilless expendable weapon that can be used in small-enclosed areas. The weapon has been blooded in the recent Balkan war and is known to be capable of destroying T-72s. It provides the section (7 men squad) as well as the platoon with an anti-tank capability and is also effective against key targets such as weapon emplacements, pill boxes, buildings, and soft-skinned vehicles. The ARMBRUST is delivered by the manufacturer as a complete sealed munition. It is a single-shot weapon and the launcher is discarded after firing.
Ex-German product now produced by Singapore.
No lethal backblast; firing creates no flash, no smoke, and little noise....
Armoured targets penetration > 300mm
Arming distance 12m
Rear clearance needed 0.8m
Effective range (Armoured targets) 300m
(Soft-skinned targets) 500m
The adopted LAW for the SAF is known as the ARMBRUST. It is a recoilless expendable weapon that can be used in small-enclosed areas. The weapon has been blooded in the recent Balkan war and is known to be capable of destroying T-72s. It provides the section (7 men squad) as well as the platoon with an anti-tank capability and is also effective against key targets such as weapon emplacements, pill boxes, buildings, and soft-skinned vehicles. The ARMBRUST is delivered by the manufacturer as a complete sealed munition. It is a single-shot weapon and the launcher is discarded after firing.
Last edited:
Pursuit Curve
New Member
Tatra, thanks for pointing that out, I had first became aware of the ARMBRUST ( I think it means crossbow in German, it does mean that in Danish) in 1984. At that time it was a marvel because it could be used from inside a building, something that you would never do if you had a LAW72 or RPG7.tatra said:
Thanks again!
That was then, the adopted LAW for the SAF is now the MATADOR.tatra said:
http://www.defencetalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-2541.html
It does look like a ARMBRUST. Wonder how the Kiwis got hold of that? Does look like some kind of defence expo though or maybe a cache being discovered? Strange....
Well we don't use that actively anymore - it's been replaced by the MATADOR - bigger bang for the buck and can deal with reactive armor. Same basic characteristic - must be able to shoot from enclosed spaces. Heavier though compared to the ARMBRUST, but can deal better with moving targets. Got some kinda indicator thingy that predicts how much to lead etc.
Well we don't use that actively anymore - it's been replaced by the MATADOR - bigger bang for the buck and can deal with reactive armor. Same basic characteristic - must be able to shoot from enclosed spaces. Heavier though compared to the ARMBRUST, but can deal better with moving targets. Got some kinda indicator thingy that predicts how much to lead etc.
umm...ok lets see. the yellow arrow pointing to one end should be a guide. next is the pistol grip? hard to shoot with yr thumb when its reverse? next if didn't forget is the warhead extender is supposed to point to the front?Lonewolf said:
and it's not me who say it's better - tat came from D*star. as for ops....one question - why should I? Ain't in heavy weapons or AT
:jamesteo320
New Member
what about the panzerfaust 3
is it a reloadable weapon like the rpg7?
is it a reloadable weapon like the rpg7?
Not quite true. Just don't expect to be much use after you try it nor to hear very well for some time. :lol:
A
Aussie Digger
Guest
Yes. This is twice you've posted this question now. Doing a bit of basic research and typing Panzerfaust 3 into google and being able to post with some "authority" will earn you more kudo's on the site...
Cheers
AD.