US troops firing Javelin anti-tank missile during a training in Estonia.
Source: US Army, Sgt Ben Houtkooper -
© Public domain
The FGM-148 Javelin is a modern man portable anti-tank missile system of US origin. It was developed from the mid 1980's to the early 1990's in order to replace the M47 Dragon in US service. The Javelin is a significant step forward in combat effectiveness and crew survivability compared to the older M47 Dragon.
The Javelin is a reusable system centered around the Command Launch Unit (CLU). This portion houses the optical sights and controls. The missiles are carried in a container that also acts as a single use launch tube. The missile is launched at an upward angle since the Javelin is a top attack weapon system. Against bunkers a more direct line of flight is used. The Javelin is a self homing system. The nose of the missile features the automatic infrared guidance system. This allows the operator to immediately seek cover after launch. The Javelin is man portable. The crew of two carry a single CLU and two missiles.
The Javelin missile features a tandem HEAT warhead. This is able to penetrate armor equivalent to 600 to 800 mm RHA. Since the Javeline attacks targets from the top it is able to engage all types of vehicle currently in use. Early missiles have a maximum range of 2.5 km. Current generation missiles can be used out to 4.75 km.
The first and main operator of the Javelin is the United States. The Javelin has been exported in large numbers, despite its high costs. Various nations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia have acquired the Javelin. Recently the Javelin was supplied to Ukraine, where is employed against Russian forces.
The Javelin was developed to the replace the Cold War era M47 Dragon in US military service.
The Japanese Type 01 LMAT has a similar design and operating mode as the FGM-148 Javelin.
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