SMAW

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US Navy with SMAW anti-tank weapon

The SMAW (Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon, German: shoulder-supported multi-purpose assault weapon ) is an anti-tank hand weapon used by the United States Marine Corps and is a further development of the Israeli B-300 . It is placed on the shoulder by an infantryman and then fires an armor-piercing missile at its target. This weapon is particularly useful in rough terrain and is a dangerous weapon against tanks and other vehicles.

The basic weapon consists of a smooth tube that holds the firing device and the aiming device. The missile is issued in a disposable tube that can be attached to the rear end of the launch tube with a bayonet lock. When the two tubes are assembled, the missile control is coupled with the weapon system.

A special feature of this weapon is that it has a special aiming device. This is based on a 9 mm × 51 mm cartridge that is fired from a secondary barrel attached to the right of the primary weapon. This projectile creates a tracer and has the same ballistic properties as the 83 mm missile, so that the shooter can fire target or test shots with it until he has correctly determined the wind and distance. If such a projectile hits the target, the shooter will fire the 83 mm missile at the same angle. The device for firing this special cartridge has a five-round rod magazine, as can be found on most self-loading rifles .

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
  • Weight: 7.54 kg unloaded (13.85 kg loaded and ready to fire)
  • Length: 75.95 cm unloaded for transport (137.16 cm loaded and ready to fire)
  • Effective effect:
    • Effective on a target from one to two meters in size up to 250 meters
    • Effective on a target the size of a tank at 500 meters
    • Penetration capacity: HEAA approx. 600 mm armor steel
  • Cost: $ 13,000 each
  • Types of ammunition for the SMAW
    • HEDP (multi-purpose floor)
    • HEAA (armor piercing projectile)

Web links

Commons : Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Redesigned SMAW II set for review ( Memento from June 26, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
  2. ↑ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/smaw.htm