MAPATS

MAPATS (Man Portable Anti-Tank System, also a Hebrew word for explosion) is a laser guided-beam riding[1] anti-tank guided missile developed by Israel Military Industries as a possible successor to United States' wire-guided BGM-71 TOW.

MAPATS
MAPATS missile
TypeAnti-tank missile
Place of originIsrael

MAPATS is capable of day and night operation, while the gunner has to direct his laser designator on the target until the missile impacts. First revealed in 1984, it has no trailing wire; so it can be fired over water at naval targets or from sea to land, unlike wire-guided ATGMs. The launcher has an elevation capacity up to +30°.[2] Externally, MAPATS is very similar in appearance to the TOW 2.[2]

Versions

The newer version of MAPATS, developed in the early 1990s, has a new engine and better laser guidance. Some new warheads were developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, including the tandem HEAT warhead and the HE bunker buster warhead.

Operators
Map with MAPATS operators in blue

Characteristics
  • Effective range: 5,000 meters[1]
  • Length: 145 cm[2]
  • Caliber: 156 mm[2]
  • Weight
    • Missile itself: 18 kg
    • Missile in canister: 29.5 kg[1]
    • Launcher: 66 kg[1]
  • Propulsion: 2 stage solid rocket motor
  • Penetration: 800 mm (original); 1200 mm (tandem charge)[3]
  • Guidance: laser-beam riding[1]
  • Warhead: HEAT,[2] HE[2]

Comparable systems

Notes

MAPATS is sometimes nicknamed Hutra (in Hebrew: חוטרא) – an Aramaic word for "stick".

References
  1. http://www.deagel.com/Anti-Armor-Weapons-and-Missiles/MAPATS_a001043001.aspx
  2. http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=167
  3. MAPATS. Military-Today.
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