IMI MAPATS (Man-Portable Anti-Tank System)

Man-Portable Anti-Tank (AT) Missile System [ 1984 ]

The Israeli MAPATS anti-tank guided missile system was first adopted in 1984.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 10/20/2017 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Front left side view of the complete MAPATS battlefield solution

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The MAPATS ("MAn-Portable Anti-Tank System") is an anti-armor solution produced by the Israeli concern of Israeli Military Industries (IMI). The weapon is more a complete "battlefield system" than either the launcher or missile itself. The complete kit includes the missile, launcher, tripod assembly and required optics. Specialized training is required for fulfilling the weapon's complete potential. While the MAPATS weapon system is categorized as a "man-portable" solution, it also shares the capability of mounting onto a variety of vehicles including all-terrain, open-air JEEP-types. In many ways, the MAPATS mimics the American TOW-2 anti-tank guided missile series and has proven effective in its given role.

Operation of the MAPATS system is such that the operator manually actuates the firing process to which then the missile is launched free of the launch tube, the ejection motor being jettisoned shortly after launch. The operator must then keep the crosshairs within the optical setup directly on the target's center mass as the missile rides the projected infra-red laser-generated beam directly to the target. Upon impact and subsequent penetration, the 156mm missile detonates in an appropriate fashion. The missile maintains constant course corrections via its onboard autopilot which is honed into the projected beam. The MAPATS comes complete with night vision/low level light support for "after-hours" work. Beyond its use in the anti-armor role, the MAPATS can also be used to engage low-flying, slow-moving aerial targets though this particular course of action requires a steady hand and excellent timing all the while remaining hidden from danger. Elevation of the traverse system is limited to +30 degrees. Due to its laser-riding feature, the MAPATS missile cannot be jammed or countered by any typical electronic jamming or chaff/flare dispenser solution. Effective range is between 300 and 6,000 meters. The missile can penetrate up to 1,200mm of armor thickness, assuming basic steel protection is targeted, and is powered by a 2-stage solid rocket motor.©MilitaryFactory.com

All MAPATS missiles are delivered in containers sealed at the factory level. The entire unit is then inserted into the launcher and, when the missile is fired, the container is left behind and removed from the launch tube, ultimately replaced with another ready-to-fire sealed unit. The process takes just seconds and allows an anti-tank team the capability to engage multiple targets (or one target multiple times) as needed. The portable nature of the design allows a team to displace from one advantageous location to another. The inherent back-blast of such units limits their indoor usage due to safety reasons.

The MAPATS has been in operational use since 1984 and units are manufactured on a needed basis, delivered directly to the Israeli Army. Several foreign parties have also procured the type in number including Chile, Ecuador, Estonia and Venezuela. A modernized version of the weapon system emerged in the 1990s and included such changes as an improved guidance procedure and all-new propulsion motor. Various warheads have also been developed including standard tandem HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) and HE (High-Explosive) types, the latter for assailing fortified bunker-type positions.

The "MAPATS" name also doubles as the word "explosion" in the Hebrew language.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

1984

Origin

Israel

Classification

Man-Portable Anti-Tank (AT) Missile System

Israel Military Industries (IMI) - Israel

(View other Arms-Related Manufacturers)

Chile; Ecuador; Estonia; Israel; Romania; Venezuela

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Anti-Armor / Anti-Tank / Anti-Material
Designed to engage and defeat armor / enemy tanks at range.

Overall Length

1,450 mm
57.09 in

Barrel Length

1,450 mm
57.09 in

Empty Wgt

145.51 lb
66.00 kg

Sights

Integrated Optics

Action

Laser-Guided, Tube-Launched

(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)

Caliber(s)*

156mm

Rounds / Feed

Single Shot; Reusable Launch Tube

*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.

Max Eff.Range

16,400 ft
(4,999 m | 5,467 yd)

MAPATS - Base Series Designation

MAPATS (1990) - Improved MAPATS system with revised laser guidance properties and new missile motor.

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Image of the IMI MAPATS (Man-Portable Anti-Tank System)

Front left side view of the complete MAPATS battlefield solution

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