The Carl-Gustaf system is a crew-operated multi-role recoilless rifle weapon system that allows dismounted soldiers to defeat multiple challenges – from neutralizing armored vehicles, clearing obstacles and defeating enemies in the open or buildings using wall penetrating or airburst munitions. The weapon uses a common launcher and mission specific munitions. The latest version, the Carl-Gustaf M4, reduces the weight from 10 kg to less than 7 kg – less than half the weight of the original Carl Gustaf’ introduced in 1948. The new version is qualified for loaded carriage, thus significantly reducing engagement time. It is also compatible with intelligent sighting systems and prepared for programmable ammunition. In 2015 the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic became the first country to order the new Carl-Gustaf M4.
The AT4 is a shoulder-launched rocket-propelled munition contained in a disposable canister-launcher operated by a single person. Several types of AT4 are in use, including various anti-tank weapons, and high-explosive, wall penetrating anti-structure munitions. Both types are available in variants enabling firing from confined space.
All but the AT4 HEAT variant are designed for operation from confined space, and are effective in short-range combat, at ranges of 20 – 500 meters. At a weapon weight of 7-9 kg, the anti-tank variants can defeat armored vehicles protected with 300 – 450 mm of rolled homogeneous steel armor (RHA), from a distance of 300-500 meters. The sights used with AT4 weapons include a detachable red dot or intelligent sights, in addition to the original open sight.
The anti-personnel and anti-structure variants are heavier and are designed to employ unique terminal effects – the anti-personnel weapon AT4 CS HE uses an impact or airburst modes. It is effective at ranges of 500 to 1000 meters. The anti-structure AT-4 CS AST uses a follow through (breach) and delayed blast effect to cause maximum damage inside structures. This weapon is optimized for urban combat and is effective at ranges up to 400 meters.
