The Indonesian electronics defense company Hariff Defense Technologies recently conducted live-firing trials of its new SLT – Senjata Lawan Tank (Anti-tank Weapon). Â
Developed in collaboration with the propellent manufacturer PT Dahana, SLT is a lightweight low-cost, shoulder-fired recoilless weapon. The weapon is under three kilograms loaded with a length of one meter. It fires a projectile that is stabilized by fins that pop out upon leaving the barrel.
According to company reports, in the live-firing the system met its intended accurate effective range requirement of 300-400 meters. However, it further maintained a stable trajectory beyond that to 600 meters.
Given this Hafiff which is developing the optics and fire-control system for the SLT could reasonably anticipate achieving reasonable target effectiveness at these increased ranges.
The SLT takes a different approach to the more traditional low-cost shoulder-fired individual launcher in that rather than being a single use weapon it is reloadable. Thus, the SLT can be reused.
It is expected that the SLT will be fielded with armoured-piercing HEAT warhead projectiles and training projectiles. However, being reusable, it is possible that other types of munitions could also be provided in the future to offer other target effects. These could feasibly include high explosive, smoke, and other warheads which would expand the ability of the SLT to support the dismounted small unit in combat.
As a reloadable weapon, the SLT is being fielded as a crew-served weapon with two soldiers manning the weapon. There is a gunner and a loader which carry the weapon and ammunition. The configuration includes an optical sight and hand-grip and trigger forward on the weapon launch-tube.
Being e recoilless weapon firing does produce a backblast for which attention needs to be given. However, the SLT is a novel approach which offers a significant capability to the infantry.
The successful development by is further a tribute to the innovation and expertise demonstrated by the Indonesian defense industry and its abilities to domestically address the requirements of military end users.
by Stephen W. Miller
