9K115 Metis

The AT-7 "Saxhorn" is the NATO reporting name for the 9K115 "Metis" ("mongrel") man-portable SACLOS wire-guided anti-tank missile system of the Soviet Union.

Development

The missile was developed by the Tula KBP. It is very similar to the AT-4 Spigot in external appearance - having 3 main fins - however the missile is much lighter - primarily because of the reduced fuel load. This reduced load cuts the maximum range to 1,000 m.

During the 1980s an upgraded version of the missile was developed - the "Metis-M" 9M131 (sometimes labelled "Metis-2"). Fired from the same launcher, the new missile is much larger and heavier, with an increased range and a larger warhead. NATO labelled this missile the AT-13.

History

The missile was introduced into the Russian army in 1979 to supplement the AT-4 Spigot at company level. The system is lighter than the AT-4 Spigot system, due to a less complicated launcher tripod and a lighter missile.

In Russian service the AT-7 is deployed with motor rifle companies, with three launchers per company. The missile is operated by two man teams, with the gunner carrying the 9P151 launching post and one missile, his assistant carries an additional 3 missiles.

The export price of the missile in 1992 were:
* 9M131 Missile $13,500
* 9P151 Firing post $70,000

Description

The missile is fired from the 9P151 launching post - which has a simple tripod for support. It can also be fired from the shoulder - but this apparently requires more skill on the part of the operator. The launching post weighs 10.2 kg. The missile is launched from the tube by a booster rather than the gas generator used on the AT-4 Spigot system, despite both missiles being designed by the same design bureau. The 9S816 guidance system is powered by a thermal battery attached to the launch tube shortly before launch - the missile itself is remotely powered along the guidance wires.

The missile can be launched from an enclosed space such as a building or cave but requires at least 6 meters behind the launcher, and a total internal volume of at least 100 m³. The missile has a short minimum range of 40 meters, and can engage targets moving at up to 60 km/h.

The missiles warhead is a single HEAT shaped charge.

General characteristics (AT-7 Saxhorn)

* Length: 740 mm
* Wingspan: 300 mm
* Diameter: 94 mm
* Launch weight: 5.5 kg
* Launch weight (including container): 6.3 kg
* Speed: 223 m/s
* Range: 40 m - 1 km
* Guidance: Wire-guided SACLOS
* Warhead: 2.5 kg HEAT 460 mm vs RHA

Models

* AT-7 "Saxhorn" Entered service in 1983.
* AT-13 "Saxhorn-2" 9M131 "Metis-M" - see AT-13 Metis-M

Users

;BUL;CRO;;IRN;POL;RUS;SYR

External links

* http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/at-7.htm

References

* Hull, A.W. , Markov, D.R. , Zaloga, S.J. (1999). "Soviet/Russian Armor and Artillery Design Practices 1945 to Present". Darlington Productions. ISBN 1-892848-01-5.