The Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully use the
portable anti-tank complex Javelin FGM-148.
Today we will find out how dangerous it is for the armored and wheeled vehicles of Russian
orcs.
In these difficult times, Ukraine and Ukrainians are courageously defending their country,
destroying tanks, planes and other enemy weapons.
We will not talk about the successful attacks of the Armed Forces and Territorial Defense
fighters on enemy positions.
The whole civilized world already knows about it.
Ukraine is fighting, Ukraine is steadfastly defending its cities.
Even the enemy is struck by such courage, frightened and demoralized, sometimes simply
flees the battlefield, and then insidiously launches air and missile strikes on residential
areas of Kharkiv, Sumy, Mykolaiv and other cities of Ukraine.
But we stand, we fight, the people unite, they believe in our defenders, they are looking
forward to victory over the hordes of Russian fascists.
In this fight, we are undoubtedly helped by the high-precision anti-tank missile system
Javelin FGM-148, which we will talk about in more detail today.
The main versions of Javelin FGM-148
In general, it should be understood that the Javelin FGM-148 system itself has had several
generations.
It all started with Javelin FGM-148A.
This was the first version of a portable anti-tank guided missile.
Then there was an improved version of Javelin FGM-148B and a further improved version of
ATGM – FGM-148C.
All of them were in service only with the US Armed Forces.
Then came the export version of the Javelin FGM-148D, which the United States began selling
to other countries.
In 2020, the most advanced modification at that time, the Javelin FGM-148E, was brought
to Ukraine.
Although hostile Russian media have always tried to deny this and claimed that we were
given old, written-off versions.
Now their military is convinced otherwise.
Tanks and artillery crews felt the power of Javelin FGM-148E.
I will also note that American developers have already created the Javelin FGM-148F.
This version is equipped with a multi-purpose warhead.
It is much more effective against enemy personnel, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and armored
personnel carriers, buildings and lightly armored or unarmored vehicles.
But so far it is used only by the US Armed Forces.
It is possible that these guided missiles will also appear in Ukraine.
Combat unit
The Javelin system consists of a CLU (Command Launch Unit) module, a tube, which you saw
exactly in the photos, and a rocket.
The 6.4 kg CLU module itself contains a passive target detection system and fire control unit
with a built-in daytime and thermal sight.
The gunner’s controls of the missile system are located directly on the CLU.
The daytime sight is equipped with x4-fold magnification, night – x4- and x9-fold optics.
In direct use, the Javelin command launch unit sends a lock signal to the rocket before
launch.
With the Javelin soft launch system, you can shoot safely from inside buildings or bunkers.
Random launch is almost impossible.
All electronics directly control the launch of the rocket.
All about the rocket
The tandem warhead of the Javelin missile is a high-explosive anti-tank projectile.
This cartridge uses an explosive charge to create a jet of superplastic deformed metal
formed from trumpet-shaped metallic liners.
The result is a high-velocity jet that can pierce armor equivalent to 600-800 mm RHA
(Rolled Homogeneous Armor).
The Javelin missile has a maximum range of 2,500 m using a ‘fire-and-forget’ missile,
with locking before launch and automatic homing.
The missile has an effective firing range of 4000 m for light CLU and a maximum firing
range of 4750 m when the missile is launched from vehicle mount.
Combat use
The rocket has a small thermal imaging camera in the bow and a rather complex computer that
locks on the target, so the rocket follows it autonomously, even if it is moving.
That is, the on-board computer monitors every step of the enemy target.
The missile is designed to hit the top of the tank, where the armor is thinnest.
After launch, the missile rises to a height of 100-200 m (330-660 feet) and dives at an
angle of 45° to the target.
The warhead is a tandem charge for piercing jet armor.
The first charge blows up the armor, and the second pierces the vehicle.
Javelin can pierce any known armor of a state-of-the-art tank.
The Javelin long-wave infrared homer allows it to operate on a sunny day, in reduced visibility,
and also resists countermeasures.
It is its versatility that makes it an effective means of destroying tanks, small boats and
helicopters, which move rather slowly, as well as bunkers and buildings.
Is it possible to shoot down an enemy plane with the help of Javelin FGM-148?
It all depends on the circumstances and the specific situation.
It was once done in Iraq.
It is adapted to many platforms, including tripods, trucks, light armored vehicles and
remotely controlled vehicles.
It is possible to launch a rocket from the shoulder.
That is, the occupants must know that our Ukrainian fighter with a Javelin may be waiting
for them behind any bush or building.
No one will be spared.
What optics is used in Javelin FGM-148?
I also want to talk about the optical equipment of Javelin FGM-148E.
The day sight received a 4-fold magnification, which is not bad for such weapons.
It is mainly used to scan areas for light during night work, as the light is not visible
in thermal mode.
The second type of optics is a night sight with 4x magnification, which shows the gunner
the thermal state of the surveyed area.
The main sight uses the ability to detect infrared radiation and find enemy manpower
and vehicles that are otherwise hidden from detection.
The third sight is even more interesting.
With its help, the gunner receives thermal images with 9x magnification.
Interestingly, this process is very similar to the auto-zoom feature on most modern smartphone
cameras.
It should be understood that the US military-industrial complex utilizes latest technological developments.
This also applies to optics.
How to use Javelin
The Command of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has published
a detailed video on operating the anti-tank complex FGM-148 Javelin.
Of course, you should remember the basic rules that begin with the axiom: before you shoot,
get a 100% guarantee that you are targeting the the enemy.
Before launch, you must also make sure that no one is behind.
The instructions for use of Javelin state that the area in a 60 degree sector at a distance
of 25 meters behind the launch position must be free of personnel.
And you need to have at least 5 meters of free space in front of the launch position.
Conclusion
The might of Javelin FGM-148E has been felt more than once by tank brigades of invaders
near Kyiv, my native Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Mykolayiv and other cities and towns of my Mother Ukraine.
I am confident that this portable anti-tank guided missile will continue to terrify the
occupiers.