Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/861022
Ä PG-7M shaped charge Ä PG-7MT & PG-7MT1 tandem shaped charge Ä PG-7KO & KO-7M shaped charge/fragmen- tation Ä OG-7D & OG-7M fragmentation round Ä PG-7TB thermobaric round Ä DG-7 & DG-7M smoke round Most advanced was PG-7MT1 with tandem shaped charge capable to penetrate 500 mm RHA behind re- active armor. Both proposals – self-destroying primer for RPG-76 and new ammunition for RPG-7 finally were never abandoned. Debate about purchase of effective portable anti-tank grenade launchers for Polish Armed Forces least from 1990's, but some speed-up was noticed in past few years. In October 2014 the Inspectorate of Armament has started the analysis-concept phase for procurement of new single-use anti-tank grenade launcher. It was announced, that in the 2015-2016 the technical dialog will be conducted do find the new weapon system and its outcome will start that procedure. Purchase of portable grenade launchers for infantry is planned at least for 2021. In February 2017 the MOD launched works to conduct another "technical dialog" regarding new hand-held multiple-use grenade launchers with ammunition. Purchase is probably related to planned for 2017-2021 development of Territorial Defense Forces (WOT). New weapon system is supposed to become primary support weapon system at small unit level of WOT, but MOD does not reveal who will become the final user. Considered are also Land Forces units which are currently armed with RPG-7 such us air cavalry, airborne or recon units. Information obtained from potential suppliers during the techni- cal dialog has to determine, whether proposed grenade launch- ers meet preliminary requirements, and also what would be the cost of purchase, exploitation and their decommissioning. Additionally, dialog should also help to set up logistic, training and delivery terms for weapons and ammunition. Also dialog will allow to estimate possible delivery date. According to open source informative, MOD wants to buy porta- ble should-fired multi-use grenade launcher with HEAT, HE, FRAG and HE-FRAG ammunition. Final applications to conduct the dia- log were sent in February 2017 by Saab Technologies of Sweden, Instalaza SA from Spain and Polish IMS-Griffin, Siltec and Works 11. Having in mind very strict requirements set by MOD, that con- struction of grenade launcher has to be multiple-use, it means that after firing, new projectile can be mounted into tube-shaped launcher or mount launcher with new projectile to FCU unit. This means that following designs can meet requirements: SAAB Carl-Gustaf M3/M4, Instalaza C-90R(M3) and ALCOTAN-100(M2), Dynamit Nobel Panzerfaust 3, Airtronic PSRL and GS-777. Saab Carl-Gustaf M3/M4 One of the most widespread multi-use grenade launcher that is sometimes categorizes also as recoilless rifle. First version was issued to Swedish Army in 1948 as Granatgevär m/48 (Grg m/48), second – Carl-Gustaf M2 – was put into production in 1962 and third Carl-Gustaf M3 appeared in 1991. In 2014 Saab presented latest version of their flagship grenade launcher – the M4. The current version was so far purchased by Slovakia and will be is- sued to US Armed Forces. It is worth to mention that previous versions were very successful – Carl-Gustaf recoiless rifles are used in 45 countries around the world. In USA it was adopted as M3 MAAWS (Multi-Role Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System), the most recent version will be adopted M3A1. In all variants of Carl-Gustaf grenade launchers the 84x 246R mm ammunition is used. Muzzle velocity is 230-255 m/s and range from 300 to 1100 meters with additional rocket booster. Currently available range of rounds consists of: Ä HEAT 751 with tandem shaped-charge warhead (capable to penetrate 500 mm RHA behind reactive plates), Ä HEAT 551C RS with single shaped-charge warhead (400 mm RHA), Ä HEAT 665CS with single shaped-charge warhead (500 mm RHA) that allows to shoot from inside of the room, WEAPON SYSTEMS