7 Key Facts About Dragon Anti-Tank Missile

The Dragon anti-tank missile is a wire-guided, crew-served, and heavy anti-tank missile used by the United States military. Developed in the 1960s and 1970s, the Dragon has been used in various military operations, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War. Here are seven key facts about the Dragon anti-tank missile:

1. Development and Design

The Dragon anti-tank missile was developed by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation (now part of Boeing) in the 1960s and 1970s. The missile was designed to replace the M47 Dragon, a previous anti-tank missile system used by the US military. The Dragon features a unique design, with a wire-guided system that allows the missile to follow a thin wire unspooled from the launcher.

Technical Specifications

Length: 3.66 feet (111.6 cm)
Diameter: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Wingspan: 11.8 inches (30 cm)
Weight: 25.5 pounds (11.6 kg)
Warhead: Shaped-charge high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT)
Range: Up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet)

2. Operational History

The Dragon anti-tank missile has been used in various military operations, including the Gulf War and the Iraq War. The missile was first deployed in the 1970s and saw action in several conflicts, including the Lebanese Civil War and the Iran-Iraq War. In the 1990s, the Dragon was used by US forces during the Gulf War, where it proved effective against Iraqi T-55 and T-72 tanks.

Combat Performance

Penetration: Up to 24 inches (61 cm) of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA)
Effective range: Up to 3,000 meters (9,842 feet)
Guidance system: Wire-guided

3. Guidance System

The Dragon anti-tank missile features a unique wire-guided system that allows the missile to follow a thin wire unspooled from the launcher. The wire is made of a thin, lightweight material that is designed to be resistant to damage and interference. The guidance system uses a combination of gyroscopes and accelerometers to stabilize the missile and ensure accurate flight.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

High penetration capability
Effective against a wide range of targets
Wire-guided system provides accurate flight

Disadvantages:

Limited range compared to other anti-tank missiles
Vulnerable to electronic countermeasures (ECMs)
Relatively slow speed compared to other missiles

4. Launcher and Fire Control System

The Dragon anti-tank missile is launched from a tripod-mounted launcher that includes a fire control system. The launcher is equipped with a day/night sight and a laser rangefinder, allowing the operator to accurately target and engage enemy vehicles.

Fire Control System

Day/night sight with magnification and illumination
Laser rangefinder for accurate targeting
Digital fire control computer for ballistic calculations

5. Training and Deployment

The Dragon anti-tank missile requires extensive training to operate effectively. US military personnel undergo rigorous training to learn how to use the launcher, fire control system, and guidance system. The Dragon is typically deployed in infantry and armored units, where it is used to provide anti-tank capability.

Training Requirements

Basic training: 2-3 weeks
Advanced training: 4-6 weeks
Maintenance training: 1-2 weeks

6. Upgrades and Modernization

The Dragon anti-tank missile has undergone several upgrades and modernization efforts over the years. In the 1990s, the US military upgraded the Dragon with a new fire control system and improved guidance system. In recent years, the Dragon has been replaced by newer anti-tank missiles, such as the Javelin and the TOW.

Upgrade Programs

Improved guidance system
Enhanced fire control system
Increased range and penetration capability

7. Legacy and Replacement

The Dragon anti-tank missile has been largely replaced by newer anti-tank missiles, such as the Javelin and the TOW. However, the Dragon remains in service with some US military units and foreign militaries. The Dragon's legacy as a reliable and effective anti-tank missile has paved the way for future generations of anti-tank missiles.