Saab Bofors RBS 70

History

The RBS 70 is an all-in-one airspace deterrent weapon system belonging to the "Short-Range Air Defense" (SHORAD) system category, further serving as the "MAN-Portable Air Defense System" ( MANPADS). These are shoulder-mounted battlefield solutions designed for mobile confrontation of low-flying/slow-flying fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The weapon has been in service since 1977 and has proven its worth in numerous conflicts to date, including the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).

Bofors Defense initially manufactured the product until 2000 when it merged with Saab to produce the Saab Bofors Dynamics brand label.

The weapon has a similar range of action to the American FIM-92 "Stinger" and the Soviet-Russian 9K38 "Igla" series of MANPADs, and has the characteristics of low cost and easy use.

The entire system weighs 192 lbs and the launcher is 106 mm in diameter. This assembly includes a support tripod assembly, which can be mounted on vehicles (including warships) or launched from the land-based mounts it provides. The missile component features a shaped charge warhead with approximately 3,000 tungsten balls to maximize damage to the target aircraft. The missile has a booster unit that uses smokeless propellant and has a proximity fuze. It is capable of flying at Mach 2 and reaching aerial targets at altitudes ranging from 5.6 miles to 16,400 feet.

The missile is aimed at the target by riding a laser beam.

RBS 70 units are used by many global players, from Argentina and Australia to the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. The Norwegian Army has sold its rocket launcher stock to ally Lithuania.

In service with the Swedish Army, the RBS 70 was modified to replace the aging American MIM-23 Hawk SAM (locally known as the RBS 97 or "Swedish Eagle"). Local brands include the Mk 1 and the more powerful Mk 2, which was upgraded in 2005.

The RBS 70 NG is the "next generation" product, including night vision capabilities as well as state-of-the-art upgraded optics.

Specification

BASICS

Year of Service

1977

Origins

Sweden

Categories

Short-range portable air defense system

Manufacturer

Bofors Defense / Saab Bofors Dynamics - Sweden

Operators

Argentina; Australia; Bahrain; Brazil; Chile; Czech Republic; Finland; Indonesia; Iran; Ireland; Latvia; Lithuania; Mexico; Norway (sold to Lithuania); Pakistan; Singapore; Sweden; Thailand; Tunisia; United Arab Emirates; Venezuela

ROLLERS

Air Defense

Able to attack low-flying threats from the air.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

1,320 mm

51. 97 inches

Barrel length

1,320 mm

51. 97 inches

Cured weight

191.80 lbs

87.00 kg

Attractions

Integrated optics with night vision

Action

Laser Guidance

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

106mm

Circle/Feed

Single Shot

POWER

Maximum efficiency. Arrived

26,250 feet

(8,001m | 8,750m)

Rate of fire

4

Number of revolutions

VARIANTS

RBS 70 - Name of the base series. RBS 70 Mk 1 - Original production model. RBS 70 Mk 2 - Upgraded variant with improved missile performance. RBS 70 NG ("New Generation") - Night Vision Support; Improved Optics.