Last updated on February 17th, 2019 at 09:48 pm
Israel’s MAPATS (Man-Portable Anti-Tank System) is a powerful anti-tank missile system that uses a laser beam riding system for guidance.
The MAPATS missile is preloaded in a glass fiber launching tube. A laser beam, which is controlled by the operator, then guides the MAPATS missile to its target. As long as the operator can see the target, he will successfully engage the missile.
The preloaded launch tube is mounted on a tripod, along with the traverse, the guidance system and a night vision unit that can be used when necessary. After the missile is launched, the launch tube is used, is discarded. The launch tube can be replaced quickly.
After the missile is launched, the launch tube is used, is discarded. The launch tube can be replaced quickly.
The MAPATS missile system has a range of up to 5,468 yards (5000m). Capable of being deployed within two minutes, it has a full traverse of 360 degrees and can be elevated between -20 and +30 degrees.
The 5.83 inch (148 mm) caliber projectile is a 7.9lb (3.6kg) HEAT charge capable of penetrating up to 31.5inches (800mm) of armor.
The complete assembled system weighs 165lbs (75kg). The missile alone weighs 40.8 pounds (18.5kg) and is 57 inches (1.45m) long.
The missile reaches a maximum velocity in flight of 1033ft/s (315m/s).