Saab Presents Next Gen Carl Gustaf M4 At AUSA 2014

Saab will present the newly-developed next generation Carl Gustaf M4 at the 2014 Association of the U.S. Army exhibition in Washington D.C. 

The Carl Gustaf M4, known in the U.S. as M3A1 MAAWS, is the latest man-portable shoulder-launched multi-role weapon system from Saab designed to provide users with flexible capability and help troops to remain agile in any scenario.

The new light-weight M3A1 MAAWS, weighing approximately 15 pounds, offers significant weight savings to the soldier. It is also compatible with future battlefield technology such as intelligent sighting systems for programmable ammunition.  With a wide variety of munitions available, it is a weapon system capable of handling multiple tactical situations, bridging the gap between full scale operations and low intensity conflicts, and providing the modern warfighter with unprecedented flexibility and capability on the battlefield, according to a press release.

The new generation Carl Gustaf is a further development of today's widely deployed Carl Gustaf M3. The M3 version has long been in service with the U.S. Army Rangers and has been employed by every U.S. Special Operations Force in the U.S. military. More recently, it has also been adopted for use by the U.S. Army Infantry with initial fielding priority given to Light Infantry units.

The latest M3A1 MAAWS' design and capability enhancements were recently showcased to a select group of visitors at a ground combat systems demonstration held in Sweden in late September. The demonstration included a comprehensive series of successful firings with a range of ammunition types against a variety of targets.

Saab sees great potential for all its ground combat systems in the coming years, not least for the new Carl Gustaf which is already attracting a high level of interest. Improved versions of Saab's capable AT4 weapon are also under development; promising even greater benefit for users of those systems.

The M3A1 MAAWS is the logical next step for users who already have great experience and confidence with the Carl Gustaf system. And development does not stop here. Future complementary improvements to this new formidable system will include development of smart programmable ammunition, advanced sighting systems, and expanded confined space capabilities. The new Carl Gustaf – Smart just got Smarter, the statement added.