Steer your Carl Gustav

Saab and the US defense company Raytheon have successfully conducted a series of guided flight tests for the shoulder-launched Guided Carl-Gustaf® ammunition with a semi-active laser guidance system. The tests took place at the Mile High Range in Sierra Blanca, Texas, USA, and at the Saab Bofors Test Centre in Karlskoga, Sweden.

The test firings in Sweden, which took place from September 25 to 26, 2019, were attended by an international audience. Three ammunitions were fired in total, two against static targets and one against a moving target. A semi-active laser was used to guide the ammunition to the target. Other search technologies (e.g. Imaging IR) were also presented as optional solutions for the final product. The demonstration in Sweden also included dynamic warhead tests against various targets.

The Carl-Gustaf weapon system by Saab is utilized by the US Armed Forces as well as ground troops from more than 40 other countries. The guided ammunition will enable the armed forces to accurately engage stationary or moving targets up to a distance of 2,000 meters and beyond. The increased range combined with the ability to utilize a small space will provide troops with greater tactical flexibility in selecting a firing position.

„The guided Carl-Gustaf ammunition is another step in the development of the Carl-Gustaf system. It will be the most advanced Carl-Gustaf ammunition to date, offering higher precision, minimizing collateral damage, and delivering excellent performance with high accuracy and multi-target capability,“ says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab's Dynamics business area.

„Raytheon and Saab have collaborated on the development of precision-guided ammunition that will penetrate multiple types of targets, such as light armor, bunkers, and concrete structures, at greater distances. This ammunition will outperform potential adversaries while reducing collateral damage, making it an ideal weapon when fighting under limited rules of engagement,“ says Sam Deneke, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems Vice President.

In 2017, Saab announced its partnership with Raytheon to develop new weapons for infantry forces. The guided Carl-Gustaf ammunition is being developed to enhance the capabilities of the battle-proven, shoulder-launched multipurpose weapon system Carl-Gustaf.

SAAB on the Internet: saab.com