G-49: Shoulder-Launched Munitions Warhead Effects on Armor

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(FM 3-21.8 The infantry Rifle platoon & squad)

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G-49. SLM warheads have excellent armor penetration ability and lethal after-armor effects (especially the M136 AT4, M136A1 AT4CS and M72A7). The extremely destructive shaped-charge explosives can penetrate more than 14 inches (35.6 centimeters) of rolled homogeneous armor. Types of warhead armor effects follow and are illustrated in figure G-14 (page G-26):

Impact. The nose cone crushes; the impact sensor activates the fuze.
Ignition. The fuze element activates the electric detonator. The booster detonates, initiating the main charge.
Penetration. The main charge fires and forces the warhead body liner into a directional gas jet penetrating armor plate.
Spalling (after-armor effects). The projectile fragments and incendiary effects produce blinding light and highly destructive results.

Figure G-14. Effects of SLM warheads on armor targets

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