You might be familiar with previous versions of Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles
that have been in service since 1948, such as M1, M2, M3, and M3 MAAWS. In general,
the Carl Gustaf range of recoilless rifles portray one of the longest-serving
man-portable anti-tank weapons systems and are utilized by a number of militaries worldwide,
including the United States forces. They are also combat proven, such as in military
conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as civil warfare in Libya and Syria. But have you
ever heard the latest version of the rifle, Carl Gustaf M4? This new version recoilless rifle is
said to be more adaptable and compatible in the battlefield. Well, how significant it really is?
Hello everyone. Welcome back again with us at another episode of Military TV.
Today, we will discuss about Carl Gustaf M4, a Swedish versatile anti-tank recoilless rifle.
For more interesting information, don’t go anywhere and stay tuned.
The Carl-Gustaf M4, which is crew-operated and man-portable,
is the latest version of Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles.
It is a real multi-role weapon system that has provided unequalled combat capability to soldiers
from over 40 countries throughout the world. It was manufactured by Saab Bofors Dynamics,
a Swedish high-tech aerospace and defense company, and was unveiled at the AUSA exhibition in 2014.
In terms of its specifications, a main feature the Carl Gustaf M4
recoilless rifle has that differentiates it from the previous generations in the Carl Gustaf series
is no other than its lighter weight along with its shorter length. Being improved to the previous
version, the weapon incorporates titanium-made elements and enhanced carbon fiber wrapping,
making it 2.6 kg lighter and 66mm shorter than the previous variant. These enhancements were made
in response to the weapon’s need to be used in urban environment. As a result, the short barrel
and light load increase maneuverability significantly without sacrificing range.
Another distinguishing feature of the improved Carl Gustaf M4’s armament is its notable
intelligent sighting systems. The red-dot sight has already been installed as the aimpoint rather
than just the iron sight. The sight is mounted on a Picatinny rail offering the possibility to use
different sights including thermal as well as image intensification system to produce
accurate ballistic calculations and boost the likelihood of a successful engagement especially
when aiming at night. Utilization of intelligent sighting systems features a compatibility with
programmable ammunitions for an interchangeable fire control system. This, therefore, enables
intelligent sights to connect with programmable rounds for legitimate situational analysis,
allowing the gunner to configure the ammunition to achieve the desired result.
Besides that, the wiring harness has also been added in the M4 configuration to provide
a foregrip controller with a locking lever for the improved ergonomics of the M4 system
along with an adjustable shoulder rest for better comfort. An automatic shot counter is
also integrated to the M4 system to accurately keep track of how many rounds have been fired,
which supports the maintenance and manages the life of the weapon system of up to 1,000-round
barrel, double that of its M3 predecessor. Moreover, the new weapon is also fitted with
the dual-mode in-built safety features for improved carrying handle. This additional
safety mechanism enables the M4 to be carried while loaded even for a rapid engagement.
The M4 recoilless rifle is typically used by squads as an anti-tank weapon. However,
due to its extraordinary tactical versatility, it serves as multi-role weapon system through
its diverse projectile types, including existing and future ammunition types.
Capable of firing a comprehensive range of 84mm caliber ammunitions such as anti-armor,
anti-structure, multi-role, anti-personnel, and support rounds,
the guided Carl Gustaf M4 allows the gunner to choose whether the bullet will airburst,
explode on impact, or penetrate a wall. With fire rate is around 6 rounds per minute,
the M4 High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) ammunition can penetrate up to 400 mm
of rolled homogeneous armor, while M4 ammunition with a tandem HEAT warhead
is able to penetrate up to 500 mm of rolled homogeneous armor behind explosive reactive armor.
Regarding its effective range, the M4 ammo can attack tanks from a distance
of up to 400 meters and buildings from a distance of up to 700 meters.
The new M4 is also effective against moving targets at an extended range of up to 1,000
meters. Thus, the M4 recoilless rifle can be deployed in any situations, including close
combat, neutralizing armored tanks, clearing barriers, and engaging enemies in bunkers.
So, how is the Carl Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle operated?
As a crew-operated recoilless rifle, the M4 normally requires two people to handle the weapon,
consisting of a gunner and a loader. A gunner is in charge of carrying and firing the weapon,
while a loader is responsible for carrying two canisters of ammunition, totaling four rounds.
If considerable use is expected, one or two extra ammunition carriers can be assigned.
It is the loader's responsibility to check the area behind the weapon for individuals
and obstructions that can interfere with the back-blast during the firing procedure.
This weapon can be fired while the standing, kneeling, sitting, or prone, and a bipod can be
added in front of the shoulder piece. The hinged breech is then moved to one side for reloading
using an operating handle called the “Venturi lock.” However, the drill is required to avoid
the back-blast dangers that can cause anyone within the cone very serious burn injuries
and solid objects around the area reflect the blast onto the crew.
The Carl Gustaf series of anti-tank weapons, like many other portable anti-tank weapons created
during this time, are recoilless rifles, which were popular as anti-tank weapons in the aftermath
of World War Two. However, did you know that recoilless rifles are not the same as bazookas
even though both are the anti-tank weapons? The recoilless weapons use propellant gases
or some other sort of counter mass such as liquid or powder, to work.
The bazooka, on the other hand, is a simple weapon with a wiring tube,
dual pistol grips, as well as a shaped-charge explosive warhead,
and uses a solid propellant rocket for propulsion. In other words,
a bazooka can be defined as a portable rocket launcher that is employed as an anti-tank weapon.
Anyway, feel free to leave your comment below if you have any suggestions on certain topic
to discuss further in the next episodes. That’s all for today.
Thank you for watching and see you next time!