The Swedish company Saab has presented another modification of the compact RBS 70NG anti-aircraft missile system. The modified anti-aircraft system is equipped with a new, automated thermal imaging sighting system that allows you to destroy targets with increased accuracy, regardless of the time of day and in any weather conditions. In addition, the new system has the ability to effectively engage a wide range of air and ground targets: armored vehicles, infantry, various fortifications, cruise missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and sea vessels.
The key feature of the RBS 70NG is its laser targeting system, which is immune to various types of interference. Unlike the existing portable anti-aircraft missile systems, the RBS 70NG air defense system is aimed at the target selected for destruction not with a conventional thermal guidance head, but using a low-power laser beam, which effectively locks the target to the installed sighting system. In this case, the laser turns on only after the launch of the rocket, this feature practically does not leave a period of time for a defensive maneuver. The thermal imager makes it possible to covertly detect and recognize selected targets at a great distance - this positively distinguishes it from existing MANPADS, which require direct visual detection by the eyes. At the same time, the RBS 70NG sighting system allows detecting and tracking targets in automatic mode, which reduces the reaction time and increases the likelihood of a direct hit on the target throughout the entire length of the missile's flight.
According to statistics collected by the Swedish company Bofors, out of 1468 RBS 70 missiles launched, 90% hit the selected targets. The installation of a new sighting system will further raise the bar for firing accuracy, which will ultimately make the RBS 70NG a real record holder in firing accuracy among portable air defense systems.
A kind of record for a portable complex weighing 87 kg (machine tool, missile and sight) is also an effective target interception range of 8 km, an air target interception height of 5 km. For comparison, the Russian-made Strela-10 complex on a tracked chassis has an effective firing range of 5 km, an interception height of 3 km, and the Tunguska air defense missile system - 8 and 3.5 km, respectively.
Complexes like the RBS 70NG are actually a new type of weapon. The system is capable of being transferred to a combat position in 30 seconds, the time required for reloading is no more than 7 seconds, it is resistant to various interference and can destroy almost any kind of targets. Such qualities are inherent in the modern trend in the development of compact universal anti-aircraft missile weapons with enhanced capabilities for reconnaissance, observation and firing range, completely excluding the possibility of calling back fire from the weapons of motorized rifle units: tank guns, automatic cannons of infantry fighting vehicles and mortars.
