FGM-172 SRAW

FGM-172 SRAW

A Computer Graphics representation of FGM-172 SRAW.
Type Anti-Tank Missile Launcher
Place of origin United States
Service history
In service 2002–present
Used by United States
Production history
Designer Lockheed Martin
Designed 2002[1]
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
Produced 2003[1]–present
Specifications
Weight 9.7 kg (21 lb)
Length 70.5 cm (2  ft  3 3⁄4 in)
Width 14 cm (5.5 in)
Cartridge Single Shot
Caliber 139.7mm. (Fires 139mm. Rockets)
Muzzle velocity 250 m/s (820 ft/s)
Effective firing range 17 to 600 m (19 to 660 yd)
Filling EFP - Explosively Formed Penetrator (original version, now replaced with multipurpose blast warhead)

The FGM-172 SRAW (Short-Range Assault Weapon), also known as the Predator SRAW, is a lightweight, close range missile system produced by Lockheed Martin, developed by Lockheed Martin and Israel Military Industries.[2] It is designed to complement the Javelin anti-tank missile. The Predator has a longer range and is more powerful than the AT4 that it is designed to replace, but has a shorter range than the Javelin.

The missile system received the FGM-172 designation from the Department of Defense in 2006. Prior to that it was known as the SRAW MK 40 MOD 0.

Features

The Predator is a fire-and-forget weapon utilizing a pre-launch system where the gunner tracks the target three seconds before launch and the internal system measures target speed and direction and is used in conjunction with known missile flight performance to predict where the target will be when the missile is in a position to intercept. The missile's flight path overflies the target aim point. A dual laser and magnetic sensor detects the target and triggers the detonation of the warhead. The laser sensor locates the positions of the leading and trailing edges of the tank, and the magnetic sensor provides confirmation of the position of the tank. The missile also uses an inertial guidance unit that guides the weapon over the predicted intercept point, compensating for crosswind and launcher motion (the launcher may be mounted on or fired from a vehicle). For direct attacks the missile acts as an unguided, flattened trajectory, line-of-sight weapon and the warhead detonates on impact.[3]

Variants

Missile

The missile is produced in two variants, each with a separate weapons payload.

The FGM-172A features a downward-firing top attack warhead activated by a dual sensor fuse, and is intended for use as an anti-armor weapon.

The FGM-172B features a multi-purpose blast-fragmentation warhead, and is intended for use as an assault weapon. Also known as the FGM-172B SRAW-MPV

Weapon

The Kestrel is a derivative of the Predator for the British Army's Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW).[1] It failed the NLAW test.[4]

Advantages

The Predator is a useful complement for Javelin since it has a significantly shorter minimum range, especially in direct attack mode where it can be fired window to window across a typical street. It is also much lighter than Javelin which makes carrying one or more additional rounds easier where the situation warrants or allows a lighter and shorter range solution. Additionally, because it utilizes a different guidance mechanism it is more difficult to defeat both threats with a single defense. It can also be carried by every member of the platoon, giving infantry units increased firepower and survivability against enemy armor.

Operators

Predator MPV

In 2003 the US Army decided not to adopt a version of the USMC Predator as its MPIM/SRAW (Multipurpose Individual Munition - Short Range Assault Weapon) candidate and further procurement of the Predator was canceled.[5] And as of 2005, all the FGM-172A missiles supplied previously to the USMC have been retrofitted with the FGM-172B multi-purpose blast warhead to replace the top attack anti-armor warhead.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Predator Light Anti-Armour Missile, USA". SPG Media. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  2. ↑ "Lockheed Martin to Develop Follow-on to Shoulder-Launched Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon for U.S. Marine Corps".
  3. ↑ "Army Technology FGM-172 SRAW". Retrieved 2012-05-12.
  4. ↑ "Lockheed Martin FGM-172 SRAW". 2006-09-27. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
  5. ↑ John Antal "Packing a Punch: America's Man-Portable Antitank Weapons" page 88 Military Technology 3/2010, Monch Publishing
  6. ↑ Jennifer Allen (2005-05-26). "Lockheed Martin, Responding to U.S. Marine Corps Needs, Converts Anti-Tank Missile for Urban Assault" (press release). Lockheed Martin.
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