Description

The 9M111 Fagot (meaning “bassoon”) is a second-generation tube-launch anti-tank missile system that was developed by the Soviet Union for use against vehicle and ground mounts. The Tula KBP Design Bureau for Instrument Building developed this system. “9M111” is its GRAU designation of the missile, and AT-4 Spigot is its NATO reporting name. Developed in the late 1960s, this system is more compact and efficient than the previous 9K11 Malyutka system.

The man-portable 9M111 Fagot system uses a reusable ground launcher. The missile is transported in and launched from a container; the missile has a booster charge and sustainer rocket fuel. Launch stability is established with its four small vanes at the front and four large wings in the middle. The 9M111 is wire-guided and features a SACLOS guidance system. Its lightweight tripod launcher (9P135) includes a computing mechanism and an optical sight system, and may also be used with the larger, longer-ranged 9M113 Konkurs missile.

With a ready-to-fire missile ready to fire, the tripod launcher of the 9K111 weights less than 40 kilograms, making it a very mobile system. Infantry forces may even transport the system when the load is divided over multiple persons. However, it is normally transported via vehicle and employed away from the vehicle. A pintle mount may be used to mount the 9K111 Fagot onto various armored vehicles. This gun is typically not used in a naval role or on aircraft.

This system may be used against nearly every armored vehicle with the exception of modern tanks over the frontal arc. Its original missile has a penetration of 400mm RHA with the newest missiles penetrating 600mm RH. The maximum range for the original missile is approximately two kilometers and 2.5 kilometers for the improved missiles.

For more information on the 9M111 Fagot, other anti-armor and anti-tank weapons, military training and education, or for defense procurement services, contact the experts at UDC USA today.