M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4)

Man-Portable, Disposable Anti-Armor Rocket Launcher

United States | 1987

"The AT4 is the primary anti-armor weapon of the United States Army."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 08/10/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Top side view of a soldier holding up an M136 AT4

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.

The United States Army and the United States Marines utilize the M136 and have since the Invasion of Panama. Over 300,000 of the type have been produced and these under a local license by Alliant Tech Systems in the United States.

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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.

Physical
The physical qualities of the M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,020 mm
40.16 in
O/A Length

1,020 mm
40.16 in
Barrel Length

3.97 lb
1.80 kg
Weight

Single-Shot, Self-Contained Recoilless Rifle
Action

84mm
Caliber(s)

1
Feed

Range Indicator Rear Sight.
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

985 ft
300.2 m | 328.3 yds
Max.Eff.Range

950 ft/sec
290 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4) Man-Portable, Disposable Anti-Armor Rocket Launcher family line.

M136 AT4 - Initial Production Model.

M136E1 AT4 - Improved Confined Space Performance.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): Alliant TechSystems (ATS) - USA

[ Indonesia; Iraq; Ukraine; United States ]

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Image of the M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4)

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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A soldier secured his M136 AT4 to his steed

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Soldiers fire an M136 AT4

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Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

ANTI-TANK/MATERIAL

SPECIAL FORCES

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Going Further...
The M136 Light Anti-Armor Weapon (AT4) Man-Portable, Disposable Anti-Armor Rocket Launcher appears in the following collections:

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