Designation:

Buster

Info
Manufacturer: Bofors Missiles  
Product type: Weapons & Weapon Systems  
Name: Anti-tank guided missile launcher  

In 1987-88, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) requested Bofors Missiles to undertake a concept study on the feasibility of using a long-range anti-tank missile based on kinetic energy to defeat MBT frontal armour beyond the turn of the century.

In 1990-92, Bofors Missiles received a contract to examine the technical requirements needed to achieve the velocity of over 2,000 m/s required by the penetrator.

These studies resulted in a continuation study through 1992-93 which investigated the feasibility of combining the anti-tank role with a capability of combatting helicopters.

The latest study was presented to FMV in May 1995 and involved system design, guidance principle, fire control and the determination of flight mechanic characteristics of the guided projectile.

In addition to various platform configurations on vehicles, the feasibility of using a helicopter launch platform and, the upgrade potential of the pentrator's capability against future frontal MBT armour protection, was evaluated.

If adopted, Buster is scheduled to be fielded around the year 2015.

One of the launch platforms currently envisaged for Buster is the Hagglunds Vehicle CV90 chassis which is already in production for the Norwegian and Swedish armies. Mounted on the hull rear would be a launch box with up to eight Buster missiles and the associated sensor/sight packages on an elevated arm. The system will be remotely controlled by the crew under armour in the hull of the vehicle.

The Buster missile will be launched from a tube by a booster motor and rapidly accelerated to its final burnout velocity. The very slender penetrator with its stabilising flare then seperates from the burnout booster motor.

The missile is guided to the target in both the acceleration and free-flight phases by the laser guidance beam.

Status

Final feasibility studies. As of mid-1999 there were no known plans for the production of this missile.

Specifications:
Property Value
Firing range (m)
4000
Weight (kg)
55




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