RBS-70



Overview


RBS-70

Australian army launching an RBS-70 missile.
Source: Australian army - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Sweden
Type
Man portable SAM system
Entered service
Late 1970's
Status
In service
Development
1970's
Developer
Sweden - Bofors
Production
1977 - present
Producer
Sweden - Bofors
Designations
Robotsystem 70 (Swedish service)
Lvrb 70 / Luftvärnsrobot 70
ITO2005, ITO2005M (Finnish service)
Notable users
Sweden
Australia
Singapore

Description


Introduction

The RBS-70 is a modern man portable SAM system of Swedish origin. It was developed as a highly mobile system to primarily protect predefined areas, not troops on the move. The manual SACLOS guidance sets this system apart from the more common infrared homing MANPADS designs.

Layout

The RBS-70 uses a pedetal launcher on which a single operator is seated. The operator identifies targets or receives target information from mobile radar systems such as the Giraffe. The SACLOS guidance requires the operator to keep the target within the crosshairs while the missile uses laser beam riding guidance to reach the target. The laser receiver is in the tail of the missile and is very hard to jam. This required exhaust vents in the middle of the missile. The laser seeker and warhead are in the nose.

Firepower

The RBS-70 is very resistant to jamming, but requires much training to operate effectively. The orignal RBS-70 missile had a limited range of 5 km and 3 km ceiling. The limited size warhead resulted in a mediocre lethality. The Mk 2 missile has a much improved warhead, 7 km range and 4 km ceiling. The latest BOLIDE missile has a 8 km range, 5 km ceiling and Mach 2 speed.

Mobility

The RBS-70 is man portable by three men, but only over short distances. The launcher is rather heavy, especially with night sight fitted. Usually the launcher is transported in a utility vehicle or truck. The launcher can also be mounted on vehicles.

Users

The RBS-70 was first adopted by the Swedish military to realize their doctrine of mobile warfare with limited maintainance systems. The RBS-70 has been exported to a large number of nations, mainly in Europe and Asia.

Launcher


RBS-70

Hungarian troops with RBS-70.
Source: www.htka.hu - © copyright lies with original owner

The RBS-70 missiles are launched from a tripod launcher with a seat for the operator. The launcher is particularly important in the RBS-70 system as it houses the laser designator used by the operator to guide the missile towards its target.

Besides the laser designatror an IFF system and day sight are fitted on the launcher. A clip on night device can be fitted. Recently an infrared thermal sight is made available.

The pedestal launcher can be fitted onto a vehicle. The RBS-70 NG (New Generation) has improved sighting systems and new training features.

Missile types


RBS-70 missile

Forward view of RBS-70 missile.
Source: Saab Bofors - © copyright lies with original owner

Overview of RBS-70 missile types

RBS-70
Original missile, also known as the Mk 0. In service since 1977.
RBS-70 Mk 1
Improvement over the original missile, introduced in 1990. Has an increased maximum range of 6 km and reduced minimum range of 0.2 km.
RBS-70 Mk 1+
A Mk 1 with improved laser seeker with expanded field of view. Effectiveness against crossing targets is much improved. Developed specifically for the Swedish forces.
RBS-70 Mk 2
Further improvement over the Mk 1 with increased range and a warhead with better armor penetration.
BOLIDE
An improved Mk 2 introduced in 2005. It has an improved rocket motor with increased speed, range and alititude. A new shaped charge warhead with prefragmented jacket is fitted. The electronics are reprogrammable to allow updates for new threat profiles.
Facts RBS-70 Mk 0 RBS-70 Mk 1 RBS-70 Mk 2 BOLIDE
General
Origin
Sweden
Type
Surface to air missile
Dimensions
Diameter
106 mm body
0.32 m wingspan
Length
1.3 m
Weight
15 kg
Guidance
Guidance mode
Laser beam guidance
Warhead
Type
HE-fragmentation
2.000 to 3.000 tungsten pellets
Fuze
Impact and 3 m proximity fuze
Engagement envelope
Propulsion
Single-stage solid propellant rocket motor, plus ejection motor
Speed
Mach 1.5
Range
500 m to 5 km
Altitude
5 m to 3 km

Media


Related articles


FIM-43 Redeye

The RBS-70 was developed as a sucessor to the American FIM-43 Redeye in Swedish service.