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Saab Bofors Dynamics RBS 70
The Saab Bofors Dynamics RBS 70 ("Robotsystem 70," since "robot" can mean "missile" in Swedish) is surface-to-air missile system which was designed to replace the MIM-23 Hawk SAM system, FIM-43 Redeye and Bofors 40mm guns in Swedish air defense service. It is often classified as a MANPADS, though it is the heaviest system called such, requiring a three- to four-man crew to transport it. It resembles an ATGM launcher, with a large stand and sight unit which missiles in disposable casings are attached to.
The variable crew is due to the modular nature of the system, which breaks down into pack loads: only one man is actually required to operate the assembled launcher. For transport, at minimum one crewman carries the main body of the system, which consists of the gyrostabilizer sight and power supply. A second carries the stand, and a third carries encased missiles. There are three additional optional modules: the Raytheon Cossor IFF880 IFF antenna and its associated equipment, the Saab Vectronics COND (Clip-On Night Device) which is an IR night vision system which attaches to the front of the sight unit, and a data terminal which allows the RBS 70 to coordinate with Giraffe fire control radars. One Giraffe can coordinate with up to nine launchers.
Developed when IR seekers were still unreliable and easily spoofed with flares, the RBS 70 instead uses a SACLOS system called laser beam-riding, where rather than the missile seeking reflected light from a laser pointed at the target (as in semi-active laser homing guidance) it instead attempts to fly along the line of the beam itself. Since this means the receiver is in the missile's tail, the RB 70 missile is practically impossible to spoof.
RBS 70's basic Mk 1 and Mk 2 missiles fly at Mach 1.6, with a range of 3.1-3.7 miles (5-6km) and a ceiling of about 10,000 feet (3km). In 2003 a newer missile called BOLIDE was introduced as a performance improvement: this improves speed to Mach 2, range to around 5 miles (8km) and ceiling to 16,400 feet (5km). Minimum range of all types is about 820 feet (250m). The RB 70 missile series are also used in several other applications, such as the vehicle-mounted ASRAD-R launcher.
The RBS 70 has been exported to at least 18 countries. In 2011 the RBS 70 NG (New Generation) was unveiled, an upgrade to the launcher including an integrated night vision system in the weapon's sight. In 2013, the Swedish Army announced they intended to phase it out, intending to procure a ground-based version of the heat-seeking IRIS-T air-to-air missile as a replacement.
Specifications
(1977-present)
Type: Heavy MANPADS, SAM system (ASRAD-R)
Caliber: 106mm (4.2in) RB 70 missile, 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) impact or proximity fuzed combined effect warhead with 2,000-3,000 3mm tungsten shot pellets and dual hollow charge
Capacity: 1 missile, disposable launch tube
System weight: 191.8 lbs (87 kg)
Missile weight: 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg)
Length: 52 in (1.32 m)
Fire Modes: Single shot, laser beam-riding
The Saab Bofors Dynamics RBS 70 missile system appears in the following:
Television
| Show Title / Episode | Actor | Character | Notation | Air Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Future Weapons | Swedish Soldier | 2008 | ||
| Ultimate Weapons / Firepower | Swedish Soldier | 2009 |
Video Games
| Game Title | Appears as | Mods | Notation | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ArmA II | Army of the Czech Republic DLC | 2009 |