Swedish-made AT4 rocket-propelled grenades began to arrive in Ukraine
One of the prototypes of the future AT4. Photo Armemuseum / digitalmuseum.se
Sweden recently announced its intention to transfer 5 AT4 / Pansarskott m/86 rocket-propelled grenades to Ukraine. The first batch of this weapons already delivered to the recipient and distributed among the units of the Ukrainian army. It is assumed that such grenades will help in the fight against advancing armored vehicles, but such estimates and plans may be too bold.
Infantry weapons
In the late sixties, the Swedish army received a one-time 74-mm rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade (in the Soviet and Russian classification it is a rocket-propelled grenade, RPG) Pansarskott m / 68. However, already in the mid-seventies it became clear that it was obsolete and needed to be replaced. In this regard, work began on a promising grenade with enhanced performance.
The new RPG was supposed to be distinguished by an increased caliber, increased range and improved penetration. It was necessary to ensure the defeat of light and medium armored vehicles from all angles. At the same time, the task is to penetrate the frontal armor of the main tanks was not set - it was planned to hit them from other directions.
Serial grenade. Photo by the US Department of Defense
The new sample was developed by Saab Bofors. The product received the working designation AT4. This index indicated the anti-tank role (Anti-Tank), and also reflected the caliber - in English it is read and sounds like "84". Later, the grenade was adopted under the name Pansarskott m / 86 (Pskott m / 86).
The design of the grenade ended in the early eighties, and since 1981 it has been tested in the interests of the Swedish army. In 1983, even before being adopted by Sweden, the AT4 was submitted to an American competition, the purpose of which was to find a replacement for the existing M72 grenade launchers. The Swedish product bypassed all competitors and, after some modifications, was accepted by the Pentagon under the designation M136.
In the mid-eighties, the new AT4 RPG went into series and entered service with Sweden and the United States. The approval of the American army made her good publicity. Soon Saab Bofors began to receive orders from other countries. To date, such grenades have been adopted by more than 25 countries. They are also used by a number of non-state armed formations participating in local conflicts.
Components of the system. U.S. Department of Defense graphics
The last list of AT4 operators was recently added to Ukraine. The Swedish army intends to give it 5 grenades taken from its own warehouses. The first batches of such weapons have already been transferred and are being distributed among army units. Apparently, the remaining grenades will be delivered to the recipient in the near future.
Technical features
The AT4 / Pskott m/86 is a single-use light infantry anti-tank weapon. There are several modifications of it, differing from each other in the type of ammunition, the specifics of its launch, additional equipment, etc.
The main element of the complex is a launch tube 1020 mm long with a smooth channel of 84 mm caliber. It is made of aluminum and fiberglass, due to which a minimum weight is obtained with acceptable strength. The pipe is designed for only one shot, which reduces the strength requirements. The ends are covered with lids.
A fighter with an AT4 grenade during an exercise. Photo by the US Department of Defense
Outside, a folding front sight and a sight are placed on the pipe. There are mounts for installing other sights, incl. night. Also outside the pipe is a percussion mechanism of a fairly simple design. Its main detail is a spring-loaded drummer, located at the rear end of the pipe and interacting with the grenade primer. The impact mechanism has several fuses used during transportation and when firing.
For the AT4 RPG, several types of grenades of a similar design, but for different purposes, have been developed. All of them have a caliber warhead with the required charge, as well as a thin shank with six stabilizer feathers, sustainer and starting engines.
The initial velocity of grenades reaches 290 m/s. The effective range when firing at an “armored vehicle” type target is only 300 m.
The main ammunition of the AT4 or m/86 is a HEAT warhead grenade that can penetrate up to 450 mm of homogeneous armor. Later, a grenade with improved performance was developed - up to 500-600 mm. There are ammunition to destroy buildings and fortifications. The HEDP 502 type grenade is equipped with a fragmentation warhead with a rugged body. She is able to break through the wall and undermine inside the building. There is also a tandem cumulative AST ammunition designed for making passes.
Shot from AT4. Photo by the US Department of Defense
Initially, grenades used a jet method of firing, which led to the formation of a jet of gases and a shock wave behind the grenade launcher. Later, a modification of the AT4-CS (Confined Space) complex was developed, suitable for use in enclosed spaces. In it, the starting charge is supplemented by a container of sea water. When fired, the container is destroyed, and the liquid flies out through the rear nozzle, acting as a counter-mass and extinguishing the flame.
RPG type AT4 has limited dimensions. The length of the product is just over 1 m. The maximum diameter, determined by the outer casings and protective elements, does not exceed 150 mm. Weight - from 6,7 to 8 kg, depending on the shot used. So, the modification of "Confined Space" is more difficult.
Combat potential
AT4 rocket-propelled anti-tank grenades enjoy a certain popularity in the arms market. To date, more than 600 thousand such products of all modifications have been produced, and the vast majority of them were manufactured under export contracts. Such results are due to the favorable ratio of economic, technical and operational characteristics.
Shot from AT4-CS. Photo by the US Department of Defense
First of all, the advantages of AT4 include limited cost, as well as ease of development and use. All this makes it possible in principle to massively purchase such RPGs and widely use them in the troops as part of the weapons of various units. Accordingly, their anti-tank capabilities are growing.
However, it is a matter of compromise. Low cost and simplicity are combined with limited performance characteristics. Thus, the effective firing range of the main types of grenades is limited to 300 m, which may not be enough in most situations. In addition, 84 mm caliber grenades have limited power - even the most advanced samples can penetrate no more than 600 mm of armor.
With these characteristics, AT4 can hit light and medium armored vehicles from all angles - as originally required by the customer. At the same time, the defeat of tanks can still face serious difficulties. So, the frontal armor of modern MBTs, incl. covered with dynamic protection, simply beyond the power of the Swedish RPG. A shot in the side or top projection has a certain chance of success, but only if it hits unprotected armor.
Grenades in Ukraine
As part of military assistance, Sweden is transferring 5 AT4 grenades to Ukraine. The first batches have already been sent to the recipient and even reached the linear parts. In the near future, after the completion of deliveries, such weapons may become one of the main and most massive anti-tank weapons in the Ukrainian army. This fact and the risks associated with it must be taken into account in the further planning and implementation of new demilitarization measures.
Ukrainian fighter with an AT4 grenade. Photo bmpd.livejournal.com
AT4 and other anti-tank weapons can pose a certain danger to our equipment. However, protection against such threats is quite possible, and there are appropriate methods and means. At the same time, limited technical characteristics to a certain extent simplify the timely detection and destruction of grenade launchers, incl. before the first shot. Accordingly, such threats should not be overestimated either.
The experience of recent days shows that foreign weapons may not reach the point of use. Thus, the Russian army repeatedly knocked out such foreign aid along with the warehouses where it was located. In addition, Ukrainian armed formations often flee, leaving their weapons behind. Various foreign models have already been found in abandoned positions, and it is very likely that Swedish AT4s will replenish them in the near future.
In general, our armored crews and accompanying infantry should be aware of the presence of a variety of anti-tank weapons in the enemy. At the same time, there is no need to overestimate the enemy and his weapons, incl. foreign production. Our military has advantages in technology, weapons and skills - and with their help will be able to minimize the effect of any foreign arms transfers.
Information