The Swedish arms concern Saab has upgraded the Carl-Gustaf portable anti-tank grenade launcher. The purpose of the modernization is to expand the range of applications of the system due to new fire control technology and programmable ammunition. The presentation of the development was held in front of potential customers from about 30 countries during two days of practical shooting on May 3-4, 2022 at a training ground near the Swedish city of Örebro.
The latest version of the Carl-Gustaf M4 grenade launcher has received three new components: the fire control module FCD 558 (Fire Control Device) with a calculator, aiming optics as part of components from Hensoldt and Aimpoint and programmable high-explosive ammunition HE 448. According to Saab, the HE 448 can communicate with the fire control module computer using a new protocol called Firebolt ("Lightning"), and transmits data on the type of ammunition and the temperature of the powder. Then, based on this data and the range to the target, the FCD module calculates the best trajectory. The detonation modes of new ammunition are shock, delayed, or air.
Karl-Gustav grenade launcher with FCD 558 module
Additionally, the FCD 558 can also be used with an already manufactured range of ammunition. The grenade launcher itself for night combat can be equipped with an appropriate optical nozzle from Theon.
According to the manufacturer, the new HE 448 not only has a longer firing range of up to 1200 m and is lighter than its predecessor HE 441, but also forms more fragments covering an area of about 400 sq. m. In addition, the high-explosive effect of the new ammunition has been increased compared to the HE 441.
The use of the Karl-Gustav M4 grenade launcher was demonstrated at the training ground both to fight infantry units and to defeat tanks. In the first case, the charge was triggered directly over the target and hit the imaginary enemy with fragments. In the second, cumulative ammunition was used against the T-72 tank.
According to the manufacturer, the development of a new basic version of the Karl-Gustav M4 grenade launcher has been completed and brought to market readiness. In December 2021, the Swedish Armed forces became the first customer of HE-448 ammunition and the FCD 558 module. On May 5, 2022, Saab also announced that Denmark had already ordered a new weapon system.
Calculation with the Karl-Gustav M4 system
In addition to the new standard optics from Hensoldt with quadruple magnification and the collimator sight from Aimpoint, customers will also be able to choose optoelectronics in the future. To this end, the Finnish supplier Senop is developing an integrated daytime thermal imaging device AFCD TI. According to Senop, the final qualification of the 1.5-kilogram device together with Saab is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023. The fire control solution is designed to significantly increase the probability of hitting stationary and moving targets with the first shot.
In addition, the Swedish company Aimpoint, specializing in optics, is working on the FCS14 RE sight. The sight has a ballistic calculator that allows you to identify more than 50 types of ammunition. Optics significantly improves accuracy, especially when fighting moving targets, and weighs only 1.5 kg. In case of integration of the night vision nozzle, the weight increases to 2 kg. According to the manufacturer, the FCS14 RE can be used with other types of weapons, namely: a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, a 12.7mm machine gun or a 20 mm automatic cannon. According to Aimpoint's plans, a wide demonstration of the new optics will take place at the Eurosatory exhibition.
Portable multipurpose complex AT-4
In addition to the Karl-Gustav grenade launcher, Saab conducted live firing from several variants of the AT-4 disposable portable complex, which was supplied in large quantities to the armed forces of Ukraine. This weapon weighing less than 10 kg, depending on the version, is suitable for hitting armored or infantry targets. AT-4 can also be used against fortifications (bunkers) or for punching holes in obstacles. Another variant of Saab products optimized for fighting tanks is the NLAW system (more details ). Its first customers were the Armed Forces of Sweden and Great Britain. According to media reports, NLAW is still in production, apparently for the Swiss Armed Forces.
According to the head of the Saab Dynamics portable anti-tank weapons division, Gergena Johansson, this category of weapons accounts for about a fifth of the concern's sales. Currently, the division is provided with orders for the next 2.6 years. It is planned to increase the volume of investments in research and development of such products, and expand production. In this regard, it is planned to attract additional engineering personnel. The advantages of Saab are that most suppliers are located in Sweden or have "very good" allies.
According to the materials of the resource soldat-und-technik.de
