Saab showcases programmable Carl-Gustaf munition
The Carl-Gustaf M4 weighs under 7kg and measures less than 1,000mm, while the M3 weighs 10kg and is 1,065mm long. (Photo: Saab)
Saab has demonstrated the capabilities of its programmable Carl-Gustaf munition paired with a new fire control device.
Saab has showcased its new programmable Carl-Gustaf munition, designated HE 448, during a live-fire demonstration in front of an audience in Karlskoga, Sweden on 3 and 4 May.
A new fire control device, designated FCD 558, was also demonstrated alongside the programmable high explosive round.
The HE 448 programmable round has the ability to communicate with the FCD 558 fire control device via a protocol named Firebolt.
The programmable Carl-Gustaf munition provides the fire control device with the exact information on the round type and propellant temperature and combines this with target distance to determine the best trajectory.
This means that Carl-Gustaf operators will be able to quickly configure a chambered round and so increase their operational effectiveness.
Michael Höglund, head of Saab’s business unit Ground Combat, said: ‘The FCD 558 also gives users a new option for equipping Carl-Gustaf with a more efficient sighting solution than the baseline configuration’.
This demonstration follows Saab’s award of the contract by the Swedish Armed Forces in December 2021.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Carl-Gustaf M4, the newest generation of the weapon system, has been ordered or procured by at least eight countries, Australia, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and USA.
The most recent customer, Lithuania, announced in January 2022 that it had signed a framework agreement with Sweden for the platform.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage]()
AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming defence communications, boosting situational awareness and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities across the battlespace. Bittium’s new partnership with MarshallAI will significantly enhance networked technology, turning radios into cutting-edge sensors with a range of applications.
-
![Finding the balance between armour and air defence as UAVs proliferate]()
Finding the balance between armour and air defence as UAVs proliferate
While the growing drone threat has sharpened the focus on air defence solutions, Dr Peter Magill looks at why protected mobility remains crucial.
-
![Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 to go to “shakedown testing” ahead of its delivery to the US Army]()
Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 to go to “shakedown testing” ahead of its delivery to the US Army
The first Lynx XM30 platforms are in the final stages of construction and integration, to be handed over to the US Army in the coming months. Shephard caught up with Rheinmetall to find out more about the programme's progress.
-
![Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands]()
Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands
As part of a multi-billion-dollar vehicle and artillery overhaul, Romania has officially selected the KF41 Lynx IFV to replace its ageing Soviet-based platforms.
-
![Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027]()
Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027
The Bolide 2 missile has a larger warhead than the original version as well as an aluminium nose cone, which replaces a copper version and allows for more explosive content and fragments.
