B-300
| B-300 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-tank |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Wars | 1st and 2nd Intifada, 2006 Lebanon War, Gaza War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Israel Military Industries |
| Designed | 1970s |
| Manufacturer | Israel Military Industries |
| Produced | 1980s–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.65 kg (8.0 lb) empty 8 kg (18 lb) loaded |
| Length | 1.440 m (4 ft 8.7 in) |
| Crew | 1 |
| Caliber | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Rate of fire | 3 rounds per minute |
| Maximum firing range | 400 m (1,300 ft) |
| Sights | Iron, telescopic, night vision |
The B-300 is a reusable man-portable anti-tank weapon system developed by Israel Military Industries in the late 1970s for use by the Israel Defense Forces. The B-300 can be carried and operated by a single operator and is effective to approximately 400 meters (1,312 ft).[1] Pre-packaged munitions and simple operating mechanisms make the weapon quite versatile, permitting use by airborne, motorized, and ground troops alike. When defence publications first heard reports of the B-300 in the early 1980s, various reports stated in error that it was an Israeli improved and manufactured version of the Russian RPG-7.[2]
Usage
Munitions used by the B-300 are propelled by a solid rocket motor, and can be equipped with one of two warhead variants. The first, high explosive anti-tank round, provides specialized support for anti-tank missions. The second, known as a high explosive follow-through round, is designed for use against fortified targets or enemy units behind cover. A primary charge punches a hole through the protective structure, allowing a secondary anti-personnel charge to pass through and detonate within the building. The B-300 produced during the 1980s and entered service in limited quantities within Israeli Defence Forces SF units.
Further development
SMAW
The Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) is a shoulder-launched rocket weapon, also designed by Israel Military Industries, with the primary function of being a portable anti-armor rocket launcher. It was introduced to the U.S. armed forces in 1984. It has a maximum range of 500 m against a tank-sized target.
Shipon
During the late 1990s, IMI introduced the Shipon, an advanced disposable multi-purpose shoulder-launched rocket system consisting of a launch tube and FCS module.[3] The Shipon includes an advanced fire-control system, helping to aim and increasing effective range to 600 meters.[4] The Shipon fires two types of rockets: HEAA Tandem, which penetrates 800 mm of steel armor after explosive reactive armor, and a bunker-buster rocket. The Shipon is in service within Israeli Special Forces units in the IDF and the YAMAM (the elite police counter-terror unit).
Operators
Current operators
Azerbaijan
Chile
Estonia[5]
India
Israel
Mexico
Singapore
Sri Lanka
United States Used under the designation Mk153 SMAW.
References
- ^ "IMI B-300 light anti-armour weapon". Jane's Information Group. 2007-06-26. Retrieved 2008-10-30. [dead link]
- ^ "International Defense Digest". International Defense Review. No.11/1982. page 1495.ISSN 0020-6512 (SZ).
- ^ http://www.imi-israel.com/home/doc.aspx?mCatID=68634
- ^ "SHIPON Anti-Tank Weapon". Archived from the original on 4 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-30.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Granaadiheitja B-300". sodur.com. Archived from the original on September 7, 2011. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
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