Wirkmittel-90 / Matador / RGW (Rückstossfreie GranatenWaffe)
The MATADOR (Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR) is a 90-millimetre (3.5 in) man-portable, disposable anti-armour weapon system developed in collaboration between Israel and Singapore. RGW 90 is a German designation for the MATADOR, with "RGW" standing for "recoilless grenade weapon". Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) fields two distinct shoulder-fired weapon concepts: The RGW (Rückstossfreie GranatenWaffe = Recoilless Grenade Weapon) system and the iconic Panzerfaust 3 family. Both concepts encompass a variety of Davis Gun principle, recoilless, shoulder-launched, single-soldier operated, disposable weapons for anti-tank, anti-structure and multipurpose uses. These munitions are designed to be operated against a wide spectrum of targets and offer different firing modes for maximum flexibility.
Recoilless weapons are often portable reactive anti-tank rifles (bazookas) in which the grenade is first fired (pre-accelerated) from the corresponding weapon barrel using a starting propellant charge, recoilless or with low recoil. Some time after the grenade has left the gun barrel, a rocket propellant charge arranged on the grenade is ignited, which then accelerates the grenade and transports it to the target. A particular disadvantage of these known weapon systems is the relatively long flight time of the grenades to the target, since their flight speeds are in the subsonic range. This makes it possible for the enemy to locate the projectile in question before it hits the target and to initiate countermeasures. In addition, these known weapon systems have a clear (acoustic and visual) firing signature due to the fire jet that occurs when firing and the smoke that betrays the position of the shooter to the enemy.
In the field of recoilless anti-tank weapons, there is an increasing demand to be able to fire from enclosed spaces with these weapons. The realization of this requirement, however, is prevented by the problem of endangering the shooter, and this endangerment, which when shooting from enclosed spaces emanates practically exclusively from the rear muzzle of the recoilless weapon, can be divided into two categories, namely the endangerment from the firing bang and the hazard of blast waves. The bang can have such an intensity that the shooter is damaged even when field hearing protection devices are used. Likewise, the pressure waves can reach such an intensity that the shooter is damaged and possibly even the walls of the room.
The RGW 90 MATADOR is a disposable rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade launcher. The product is delivered from the factory in a finished form, and after firing the TPK (transport and launch container) is thrown away. Several variants of weapons with grenades for different purposes are offered. Depending on the type of shot, such a product can hit light armored vehicles or main tanks, as well as brick or concrete structures.
In the basic concept both weapons differ. The Panzerfaust 3 has the cartridge clipped onto the front of the shoulder piece - making it similar to Russian RPGs and the WWII model, the original Panzerfaust. On the newer RGW90, the warhead is launched out of a tube - much like the US Army's bazooka or its German equivalent, the Panzerschreck. Both weapons are thrust-launched from the shoulder, but are intended not to burn the shooter upon launch. A problem that does not arise with a guided missile, it only has to "pop out" of the launcher and can then go around at a distance.
RGW 60 – Family is the warfighter`s system of choice when it comes to lightweight shoulder-launched firepower. Surgically precise and intuitive to use, RGW 60 products are the go-to individual assault ammunitions for light forces when engaging opponents swiftly and at close quarters. All RGW 60 variants share the same design concept as the RGW 90 series of weapons. Each component is optimized according to the latest technology standards. That makes each and every RGW 60 munition a highly valuable assault asset.
RGW 90 – Family is the infantryman´s ultimate set of instruments for winning in a complex battlefield. It´s a complete toolbox of shoulder-launched infantry weapon systems giving dismounted forces the edge over any opponent – in all operational scenarios and climatic environments. RGW90 munitions vary in their mission purpose and target spectrum. They share the same design concept and common key features.
The upcoming RGW 110 – Family will extend the product range of RGW systems to the 110mm caliber. RGW 110 variants will feature the most lethal and effective warheads designed in the field of shoulder-fired infantry weapons. As a direct successor of the well-known Panzerfaust 3, all variants will be the benchmark in defeating current and next generation main battle tanks.
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