MATADOR

MATADOR (Man-portable Anti-Tank Anti-DOoR)
File:MATADOR (weapon).gif
Type	Anti-armor
Place of origin	Singapore
Service history
Used by	Singapore
Specifications
Mass	8.9 kg
Length	1 m
Caliber	90 mm
Muzzle velocity	250 m/s
Effective firing range	500 m
Feed system	Disposable
Sights	Integral optical sights Night Vision Device on a Picatinny rail

MATADOR (Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR) is a 90 mm man-portable, disposable anti-armor weapon system developed by Singapore. It is an updated version of the German Armbrust design, and operates on the same principles. The development of this weapon began in 2000 and the MATADOR will eventually replace the German-Singaporean Armbrust Light Anti-tank Weapon which has been in service since the 1980s.

The MATADOR was developed jointly by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA), in collaboration with Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND).

Capabilities

The MATADOR is among the lightest in its class. The warhead is effective against both vehicle armour and brick walls. The weapon has little backblast, making it safe for operation in confined spaces.

The MATADOR is capable of defeating the armour of most known armoured personnel carriers and light tanks in the world. The dual-capability warhead, when acting in the delay mode, creates an opening greater than 450 mm in diameter in a double brickwall, and acting as an anti-personnel weapon for those behind the wall, offering a unconventional means of entry when fighting in built-up areas.

The MATADOR's projectile is insensitive to wind due to its propulsion system which results in a highly accurate weapon system.

Warhead

The warhead can be used in both High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) and High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) modes against armor and walls or other fortifications respectively. Selection is done by extending a "probe" (most likely a fuse extender) for HEAT mode and leaving the "probe" retracted for HESH mode.

Ergonomics

Soldiers’ feedback during ergonomics trials and many other useful features found in the Armbrust were incorporated in the design of the MATADOR.

The longer front grip handle prevents the soldier from misplacing his finger in front of the muzzle during firing, thereby eliminating the risk of injury. It also allows the soldier to rest the weapon on the ground, thus improving accuracy when maintaining a firing position. The foldable pistol grips similar to the ARMBRUST allow the soldiers to lock the weapon, preventing accidental firing.

Field trials were conducted to tailor the position of the optical sight to SAF soldiers. The chosen sight magnification provides soldiers with good field of view while allowing for more precise aiming. A Picatinny rail allows night vision devices to be mounted for night operations.

A wide, soft, rubber sling replaced the conventional hard, slim canvas sling to reduce the stress on the soldier’s shoulder due to prolonged slinging. The new sling also comes with a quick-release buckle to allow rapid switch from sling to firing position.

Countermass system

Similar to the Armbrust, the countermass counteracts the recoil of the weapon upon firing. In addition, the positioning of the countermass takes into consideration the centre of gravity of the weapon to ensure good balance for greater accuracy.

External links

• Ministry of Defence Press Release dated 4 September 2004
• DSTA in the news