84mm Carl Gustaf
Overview
Carl Gustav M3
US Army Special Forces firing a Carl Gustav M3.
Source: US Navy (MCS2 Christopher Perez) -
© public domain
1964 - present (M2)
1991 - present (M3)
Germany
India - Ordnance Factory Board
Japan - Sumitomo
Dykn M/85 (Denmark)
PZF 84-A1 (Germany)
FT-84 / 84RR (Japan)
Canhão sem Recuo 84mm M/994 (Portugal)
Granatgevär m/48 (Sweden)
L14A1 (UK)
Medium Anti-Armor Weapon System / MAAWS
Ranger Antitank Weapons System / RAWS
Description
Introduction
The Carl Gustaf is an early Cold War era recoilless rifle of Swedish origin. It was developed in the mid 1940's and is a much more capable weapon system than those used during World War 2. The design proved to be a success. Due to subsequent upgrades and new ammunition the Carl Gustaf remains a potent weapon system today.
Design
The Carl Gustaf is a recoilless rifle. It consists of a metal launch tube with a hinged breech at the rear for reloading. The barrel is rifled with the rounds being spin during flight. The launch tube is fitted with pistol grip, forward grip and bipod. Normally it is fitted with an optical sight, with mechanical and night vision sights being available. The Carl Gustaf can be operated by a single person, but two operators increase reloading speed and are able to share the load. The Carl Gustaf is a man portable system, although it is quite heavy.
Mobility
The Carl Gustaf was designed to be a man portable weapon that could be carried as standard issue equipment. Although the weapon is quite heavy its excellent performance makes it worth the effort to take it along. Due to its weight at least 2 soldiers are needed to carry the weapon and associated ammunition. The latest M3 model is much lighter and much less of a burden upon the operator.
Firepower
The Carl Gustaf fires a variety of ammunition, including anti-tank, high explosive, smoke and illumination rounds. Over time the available ammunition has been vastly improved, keeping the weapon system up to date with latest demands. The effective range depends on ammunition and target. Stationary vehicles can be engaged out to 700 m, which is reduced to 300 to 400 m when moving. High explosive, smoke and illumination rounds can be used to over 1 km. When operated by two men the rate of fire is 6 rounds per minute.
Users
The first user of the Carl Gustaf was Sweden. It was quickly adopted by most European nations and later on by the USA and many nations around the world. During the Cold War it was the main infantry anti-tank system in use with NATO forces. Since the threat of armor has reduced many armies prefer much lighter disposable rocket launchers.
Variants
Carl Gustaf M2
The original version of the Carl Gustaf launcher was the M1 entering service in 1948. The most common version is the improved M2 that was introduced in 1964. The M2 is the most common and remains in production today.
The M2-550 features a large sight unit that replaces the original optics. The sight unit consists of a laser range finder and lead computing sight. Additionally the rocket assisted HEAT 551 round was introduced at the same time, which can also be fired from the original M2. This sight and ammunition combination makes the M2-550 more effective against moving targets at longer ranges, but also increases the weight of the system significantly. The M2-550 is no longer marketed as a separate model. The sight remains available for the M2.
Carl Gustaf M3
The M3 is a lightweight model of the M2. The barrel is made of carbon fibre and epoxy with a steel rifled liner. A carrying handle assists in rapid displacement. The M3 functions in a similar way as the M2 and the combat effectiveness is similar.
The Carl Gustaf M4 is a further development of the M3. The weight was reduced further and the launcher is shorter. It was first shown in 2014 and entered service in the late 2010's.
Details
Media
Carl Gustav M2
Dutch marine on excersize with Carl Gustav M2.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Carl Gustav M2
Forward view of Carl Gustav M2 resting on its bipod.
Source: Soldatnytt
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Carl Gustav M2
Japanese Ground Self Defense Force soldiers reloading a Carl Gustav M2 in the snow.
Source: US Marine Corps (LCPL James J. Vooris)
Copyright: public domain
Carl Gustav M2
Malaysian soldiers with Carl Gustav M2.
Source: US Navy (Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Christopher Elmini)
Copyright: public domain
Carl Gustav M3
Notable backblast when US Army Special Forces fire a Carl Gustav M3.
Source: US Army (Spc. William Hatton)
Copyright: public domain
Ammunition
Two 84mm rounds in protective transport cases on the tarmac.
Source: US DOD (SRA Sean Worrel)
Copyright: public domain
Related
AT4
The AT4 is a disposable rocket launcher that uses warhead technology developed for the Carl Gustaf.