IMI B-300

IMI B-300 History

The B-300 is a product of the Israeli military industry and is a man-portable anti-tank weapon system. It is designed to attack enemy tanks or fortifications, depending on the type of warhead chosen (HEAT - High Explosive Anti-Tank or HEFT - High Explosive Follow-Up Warhead).

Subsequent rounds resolve the fortifications in two phases, the first being the infiltration phase. The second stage, the wake, propels the secondary anti-personnel shaped charge into the structure. Design of the B-300 began in the 1970s and production has run from 1980 to the present.

The B-300 itself originated from the French-made STRIM anti-tank missile launch system. The weapon replaced the American-made 3.5-inch Super Bazooka in service with the Israel Defense Forces.

A look back at the experience of the Israeli army in the 1973 conflict shows the effectiveness of the Soviet-made RPG-7 system in the hands of the enemy. So, a competing design from Israel was eventually introduced and became the B-300.

Physically, the B-300 follows conventional wisdom in its design. The pistol grip is positioned slightly forward and the firing mechanism is located on the pistol grip and trigger assembly near the center of the primer tube. A foldable bipod sits just behind the pistol grip, as does a retractable stock.

Sights include integrated standard front and rear combat sights and variable range mounts. Scope types include Starlight scopes for night operation (via an adapter) and Stadia scopes with built-in beta lights for improved efficiency at dusk and dawn.

The B-300 weighs 3.65 kg empty and 8 kg fully loaded. The system is 1,440mm long and can fire 3 rounds per minute. Sights include standard iron sights, but can be upgraded by using scopes and night vision sights.

Its ease of use allows a variety of military components to deploy weapons as needed - this includes flying and mechanized infantry.

The B-300 won the USMC's competitive trial as a SMAW bunker sabotage weapon.

The B-300 fought actively during the 1st and 2nd uprisings and the 2006 Lebanon War.

IMI B-300 Specification

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Dimensions

Performance

Changes