Last updated on February 17th, 2019 at 09:48 pm
Sweden’s AT4 light anti-armor weapon is a simple, disposable, shoulder-fired recoilless rifle. It consists of fiberglass launch tube that is preloaded with a rocket armed with a HEAT warhead.
The launch tube contains the sights, firing mechanism and other attachments, such as safety features, that are needed to enable the AT4 to be used at immediately.
The pre-loaded launch tube on the AT4 light anti-armor weapon is only 39.4 inches (1000mm) long and weighs only 14.7 pounds (6.7kg). The light weight and compact size of the AT4 means that every soldier in a squad can be armed with one of these anti-tank weapons.
The launcher has a strap that enables a soldier to carry it “slung” for swift deployment.
The pre-loaded 3.307 inch (84mm) caliber AT4 heat projectile itself weighs 6.61 lbs (3kg).
It can achieve a launch velocity of 317 yards (290m/s) and penetrate 56 inches (420mm) of armor at a range of up to 328 yards (300m).
The AT4 light anti-armor weapon can operate at temperatures ranging between -40F and 140F (-40C and 60C). This makes it an effective weapon in many different climates.
Firing the AT4 is a simple procedure that takes seconds.
The operator removes the forward safety pin, undoes the snap on the shoulder rest, and places the weapon on his shoulder.
He then engages the sights, arms the cocking lever and aims at the target.
Finally, he releases the safety catch and fires.
The AT4 light anti-armor weapon has been in production since 1986. Although it was developed for the Swedish army, it is now used by armies around the world.
It has been manufactured in the United States under license, for use by the US Army, under the designation M136.
The United States used the AT4 (M136) during the 1989 invasion of Panama and during the 1990/1991 Gulf War. The AT4 has also been used in Afghanistan.
A newer variant of the AT4, the AT4-CS (also known as the M136E1) is now being used by the US Army. Unlike the AT4, which creates a large back blast when fired, the AT4-CS can be used in confined spaces.