The Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle from Saab gives evidence of its development in military technology, offering unparalleled tactical flexibility and precision in various combat scenarios. Such a multi-purpose system is meant to neutralize everything, from armored tanks to enemy troops in defilade, and become an indispensable box in the form of weapons for modern armed forces.
Compared to its ancestors, the Carl-Gustaf M4 has shrunk to less than one meter in length and lighter than seven kilograms. Such compactness provides more speed and maneuverability-factors that are decisive between life and death on the battlefield. Compatibility with advanced fire control devices and programmable ammunition means that soldiers have at their disposal the most modern technology available in such weapons. Moreover, the M4 is backward-compatible with all types of ammunition fired by legacy variants of Carl-Gustaf, hence making them a versatile addition to any military arsenal.
The effectiveness of the system is further complemented by the sight options available. Standard clip-on telescopic sights may be complemented with open sights, red dot sights, and advanced fire control devices to tailor maximum effect and flexibility in any tactical situation. Saab is committed to ongoing innovation so that the Carl-Gustaf system is continuously improved-keeping troops agile and one step ahead of the enemy.
In every highly critical mission where every second counts, the FCD 558 doubtless gives soldiers an exceptional edge. This device does without the need to use range knobs and features built-in ballistics data on all types of Carl-Gustaf ammunition for rapid reloading and correction. Enhanced sensors for temperature and air pressure, along with optical and night capabilities, provide ground forces with enhanced capabilities in any environment. The HE 448 ammunition has a multi-role fuse for impact function to destroy soft-skinned vehicles and semi-hardened targets, besides the airburst function against infantry in the open or in trenches.
The ammunition designed for the Carl-Gustaf system achieves pinpoint accuracy with flexibility, critical in beating the enemy while keeping the soldiers safe. Each ammunition is of 84 mm caliber and, as such, is usable with any version of the weapon. The range of ammunition is quite variegated to cover all potential enemy targets, starting from anti-armor and anti-tank to anti-structure and anti-personnel rounds. Illumination rounds provide additional support in operations at night, while smoke rounds blind and screen targets on the battlefield.
The training of the Carl-Gustaf system is carried out for all needs through sub-caliber and full-caliber target practice rounds within indoor and outdoor simulators. Each weapon is delivered with all the necessary accessories, a maintenance kit, spares, and tools that are packed in carrying bags for day-to-day maintenance and first-line repair during long-duration operations.
The close cooperation of Saab with leading manufacturers has shaped fire control systems to the most advanced level. Such systems increase accuracy and further flexibility of engagement for the Carl-Gustaf M4. Jimmy Bertilsson, Product Manager for Carl-Gustaf at Saab’s Business Unit Ground Combat underlines that in addition to the fact that the basic version of the Carl-Gustaf M4 system already can deliver a serious tactical strike against the adversary, advanced fire control systems can be a game-changer in intensive battle conditions and poor light when surprise encounters with the enemy forces take place.
The most well-known one is a new electro-optical advanced fire control system, developed in cooperation with Finnish optronic producer Senop. This system, combining thermal imagery and an advanced ballistic computer, enables better accuracy every day at any time and in all lighting conditions. It was planned for use with both conventional and programmable rounds, and later on, it will be able to work with the disposable AT4, too.
Developed by the Swedish sight manufacturer Aimpoint, the Aimpoint FCS13-RE red dot sight places a ballistic computer, laser range finder, and disturbed-reticle sight into one self-contained package. The system therefore makes targeting much easier for the gunner to quickly and precisely engage targets. The Senop sight weighs less than two kilograms and offers similar functions with the bonus of thermal imagery, so it also has great performance in extreme low-light situations and harsh climate conditions.
Meanwhile, according to Bertilsson, such sophisticated sights are especially welcome among special forces, which have particularly high demands on firepower and sensor quality. Looking ahead, Saab is considering even more advanced features such as smart algorithms that can detect movement and help gunners identify targets in chaotic battlefield situations.
The leading edge of technology, the versatile world of capabilities of the Carl-Gustaf M4, keeps the bar at the highest standard possible for modern military armament to keep the armed forces most effective and adaptable in any combat scenario.