Soviet Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
The 9K111 Fagot (Bassoon) is a Soviet Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM). Its development program was launched in 1966. It was the first Soviet second-generation ATGM. The Fagot had some features of a Franco-German MILAN, though it was a different weapon. The Fagot weapon was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1970. It was produced in large numbers and was widely exported to Soviet allies. This weapon was designated in the West as AT-4 or Spigot.
The Fagot marked a departure from the previous Soviet anti-tank missiles like the Malyutka (Western reporting name AT-3 Sagger) and the older Fleyta (AT-2 Swatter). It was a wire-guided Semi-Automatic Command to Line of Sight (SACLOS) ATGM. Its semi-automatic guidance system was much more accurate than of the previous Soviet ATGMs. The operator just have to keep a crosshair on the target, while the guidance system guides the missile on the target automatically. The Fagot has a hit probability of 80-90%, opposed to 50-60% of the previous Soviet ATGMs. Together with its other features the Fagot was incomparable to anything in the West, such as American BGM-71 TOW or the Franco-German MILAN and had little in common with its peers.
The baseline 9M111 missile is factory-fitted and sealed in launch tube. It has a range of 2 000 m. The missile is fitted with High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead and penetrates 400 mm of steel armor. Though penetration is reduced to 200 mm once the missile hits the target under 60° angle. Such result was not impressive and soon improved missiles, as well as improved variants of the Fagot appeared.
When launched the missile spins toward the target and emits a red tail light so its course can be followed visually. Maximum rate of fire is 3 missiles per minute.
The missile is mounted on a 9P135 tripod-launcher system. It combines a collapsible launcher unit on tripod with an integrated guidance unit/controller box and firing mechanism. The launcher of the Fagot allowed its deployment in a concealed position or behind cover. Unlike the BGM-71 TOW, for example, the Fagot could be launched without the operators exposing themselves. In travelling order the launcher unit can be split into several parts. The operators carry a total of 8 missiles.
Credit to : Matsimus
