Raytheon, Saab conclude initial guided flight trials of Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition

Raytheon

Raytheon, Saab conclude initial guided flight trials of Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition | Jane's 360: 


Raytheon Missile Systems and Saab Dynamics have completed an initial series of guided flight trials of the developmental Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition (GCGM) - the first guided round for the 84mm Carl-Gustaf reloadable weapon system. The trials pave the way for an end-to-end GCGM System Capabilities Demonstration in the United States in the spring of 2020.

Jointly funded by Raytheon and Saab, and intended for use with the Saab Carl-Gustaf M4/M3E1(A1) Multi-role Anti-armour, Anti-personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) launchers, the GCGM development is effectively an evolutionary progression of the earlier Saab Dynamics Ultra Light Munition (ULM) concept, which, under a teaming agreement signed with Raytheon in November 2017, has been matured and defined in terms of capability and performance requirements.

The GCGM concept provides for a semi-active laser (SAL)/INS-guided round, with an effective range of between 30 m and 2,000 m, and a circular error probability (CEP) of <1 m, capable of being fired in the open or from an enclosed space, and capable of engaging multiple target types, including light armour, personnel, concrete structures, and bunkers. The introduction of the guided round effectively doubles the range of the current Carl-Gustaf weapon system with existing ammunition options, and also places the Carl-Gustaf in the guided weapons segment.

The GCGM round is housed in a cylindrical canister, which is loaded into the Carl-Gustaf launcher. With an all-up weight of 6.8 kg, the round features a SAL seeker that leverages developments from Raytheon's 40mm Pike guided munition and other systems across its portfolio; advanced electronics developed by Raytheon; a multi-purpose tandem warhead developed in-house by Saab; and an improved, near smokeless/low launch signature rocket motor system, also delivered by Saab. A smaller soft-launch rocket motor in the canister enables a Fire from Enclosure (FFE) capability. The round's time to target at maximum range [2000 m] is given as <12 seconds.

Carl-Gustaf M4: Details