The M136 AT4 is billed as the United States Army's primary light anti-tank weapon system available to infantry squads and is based on the original Swedish AT4 anti-tank shoulder-launched munition system. The system can be used by a single operator against armored targets posing a threat to the lively hood of the infantry squads. Essentially, the M136 AT4 operates as a recoilless rifle (as opposed to a guided missile launcher), allowing for high penetration of armored targets and fires a cartridge round measuring over half the length of the launching tube. When fired, the projectile sports spring loaded fins during flight.
The M136's cartridge round is an 84mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank munition with a rocket-type cartridge, fin stabilization and can achieve free flight once it leaves the launcher (not a wire-guided munition). The launcher itself is a single-piece tube system wrapped in fiberglass and is disposable after one shot.
The United States Army has since stopped purchases of the base AT4 anti-tank system in favor of the newer AT4-CS (Confined Space) implement. The AT4-CS is designated as the M136E1 and holds the advantage of being able to fire from confined areas such as inside of buildings, improving its reach in urban settings. The weapon has a listed effective range of 300 meters and weighs in at only 7.5 kilograms. The recoilless qualities of the M136 family allow for just about any trained operator to fire one and its rugged capabilities mean that the system can receive a great deal of in-the-field abuse and not reflect that in its performance.
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March 2022 - The AT-4 is to be featured in the $800 million USD package the United States is sending to equip Ukrainian forces in their fight against Russia.
ANTI-ARMOR / ANTI-TANK / ANTI-MATERIAL
Designed to engage and defeat armor / enemy tanks at range.
SPECIAL FORCES
Qualities of this weapon have shown its value to Special Forces elements requiring a versatile, reliable solution for the rigors of special assignments.
Overall Length
1,020 mm / 40.16 in
Barrel Length
1,020 mm / 40.16 in
Weight (Empty)
3.97 lb / 1.80 kg
Action
Single-Shot, Self-Contained Recoilless Rifle
Caliber(s)*
84mm *May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.
Feed
1
Sights
Range Indicator Rear Sight.
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.
Max.Effective Range
985 ft / 300.2 m | 328.3 yds
Muzzle Velocity
950 ft/sec / 290 m/sec
M136 AT4 - Initial Production Model.
M136E1 AT4 - Improved Confined Space Performance.
Images
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Top side view of a soldier holding up an M136 AT4
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Line drawing of an M136 AT4 with cartridge
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A group learns the basics of the M136 AT4
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An M136 AT4 is readied
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Over-the-Shoulder rear view of a soldier ready to fire his M136 AT4
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