GHQ Models Forums

Any opinions on ATGM mobility, perhaps based on personal experience hauling one around during training/excercises? Specifically, I'm interested in their mobility/portability relative to other weapons such as 60mm mortars and 81mm mortars. Examples would include Dragon, TOW, and Javelin.

Also, any opinions on the mobility of these system relative to others such as MILAN, AT4 (Spigot), AT5 (Spandrel), AT7 (Saxhorn), and AT13 (Saxhorn 2)?

Thanks in advance!

Timothy

I was medical in the Army. But on one occasion, we had a mortar platoon as mock casualties, they did arrive with all their equipment. The 60mm mortar was packed into several pieces, attached to their rucksacks. Each rucksack was at least 60-70lbs, heavy man. So, a squad or platoon equipped with 60mm mortar and ammo for a couple of fire missions would be moderatly burdoned. A 81mm mortar platoon would have less ammo and be just as much or even more burdoned. The Dragon ATGM was man portable with one per platoon and several reloads, probably the same with the Javelin (which is much more effective in accuracy, range and destructive power). Where as the TOW ATGM was a Crew served weapon that usually had its own transport, Jeep, HUMMV, Bradley, and Stryker.

Milan, AT4 Spigot, AT5 Spandrel, AT7 Saxhorn, AT13 Saxhorn 2 are all comparable to the TOW, although several are lighter in weight than the TOW, so they may be more man portable. All have been used in a mounted capacity on vehicles.

My service in the Army was from 1983 to 2008, my initial duty was with a National Guard Unit, that would have deployed to EUROPE, if WW3 ever kicked off. So I made it my business to know my enemies weapons, since I would probably have to defend against them in a Rear Area Hospital.

When I became an NCO, it stayed my business to know our weapons and theirs.