Carl-Gustav M4 (CGM4)

Man-Portable, Shoulder-Fired Multi-role Weapon [ 2014 ]

The Carl-Gustav M4 recoilless rifle weapon is the latest incarnation of the classic Carl-Gustav shoulder-fired line.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 03/15/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

Image from official Saab.com CGM4 marketing material.

VIEW SPECIFICATIONS [+]

The M4 model of the Carl-Gustav recoilless rifle series was debuted in 2014 by Saab Bofors Dynamics of Sweden. It is a multirole solution, able to counter armored vehicles and fortifications as well as infantry using variable warhead types. The design relies on a "recoilless rifle" approach in which some of the resulting propellant gasses of the igniting round are forced out of the rear of the launch tube, countering the natural recoil of the outgoing projectile at the front. The rifled barrel imparts stabilization to the exiting projectile which is further fin-stabilized along its flight path. The first Carl-Gustav launcher emerged in 1946 following the close of World War 2 (1939-1945) and the improved M2 followed in 1964. A more modern design was revealed in 1991. The M4 represents the latest incarnation of the storied Carl-Gustav recoilless rifle line offered by the Swedish concern with the weapon remaining popular within many circles across the globe.

The M4 has been developed with urban warfare in mind, becoming a lighter weight (thanks to use of carbon fibers) and shorter weapon system than seen in previous Carl-Gustav launcher iterations. It weighs a manageable 15 lb, down from the 19 lb of the M3, and showcases an overall length of 950mm from the M3's 1,100mm design. Other additions include a section of Picatinny rail for the implementation of various user optics, reworked ergonomics that include a foregrip and shoulder rest, and a "shot counter" telling the operator or inventory manager how many shots have been fired from the tube (the tube is rated for 1,000 lifetime shots).

In practice, the compact, lightweight weapon can be fielded by a single person though two persons attached to a single unit provide increased efficiency in the warzone (rate-of-fire can reach six rounds per minute). The projectile is an 84x246mmR caliber round that can deliver various warhead types - HEDP (High-Explosive, Dual-Purpose), HEAT (High-Explosive, Anti-Tank), HE (High-Explosive), flechette (anti-personnel), illumination, and smoke (as well as training rounds) - to cover many battlefield roles - Anti-Armor, Anti-Structure, Support, Anti-Personnel, and possible future rounds yet-to-be-developed. Iron sights are provided but optics typically used and these include a red dot sight, a telescopic sight, or intelligent sighting device as well as laser rangefinders and image intensifiers depending on mission role - making for an all-around outstanding weapon for standard infantry groups or special forces units. The weapon is also prepared for "programmable" rounds - the future of land-based warfare - and has a "safely loaded" design which allows the operator to carry the launcher with the ready-to-fire projectile chambered, offering quick-reaction times to emerging battlefield threats.

The M4 is under consideration by SOCOM forces of the United States military. If adopted it would carry the designation of "M3A1". The Carl-Gustav M3 is already in inventory with the Americans as the M3 MAAWS ("Multirole Anti-armor, Anti-personnel Weapon System").©MilitaryFactory.com

Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.

Specifications

Basics [+]

Manufacturer(s)

Saab Technologies - Sweden

Operators

Australia; Czech Republic; Greece; India; South Korea; Sweden; United States

Service Year

2014

National Origin

Sweden

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

1,000 mm / 39.37 in

Barrel Length

1,000 mm / 39.37 in

Weight (Empty)

15.43 lb / 7.00 kg

Action

Trigger-Actuated

Caliber(s)*

70mm
*May not represent an exhuastive list; Calibers may be model-specific dependent; Always consult official manufacturer sources.

Feed

Single-Shot; Reusable Launch Tube

Sights

Integrated Optics Fit

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.

Rate-of-Fire

12 rpm

M4 - Base Series Designation

Military lapel ribbon for the American Civil War

Military lapel ribbon for pioneering aircraft

Military lapel ribbon for the Korean War

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Military lapel ribbon for the Ukranian-Russian War

Military lapel ribbon for the Vietnam War

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 1

Military lapel ribbon for the World War 2

Images

1 / 1

Image from official Saab.com CGM4 marketing material.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Chart Military Ranks DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content; site is 100% curated by humans.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2023 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2023 (20yrs)