While a big improvement over crude irons, we're at a point technologically where we can do even better than just reusable FCU for individual use disposable weapons.  I think we can start integrating guidance at a reasonable manufacturing cost now.  An IIR guidance section would probably run less than $6,000 at current prices, making it viable even on M72 sized platforms.

Solid toss and transition to 40mm.

Refleks said:

While a big improvement over crude irons, we're at a point technologically where we can do even better than just reusable FCU for individual use disposable weapons.  I think we can start integrating guidance at a reasonable manufacturing cost now.  An IIR guidance section would probably run less than $6,000 at current prices, making it viable even on M72 sized platforms

Guidance would be very cool.

The question is what it could be made for vs what it's likely to be made for.

NLAW, a sort of semi guided munition, is $40k. APKWS is $30k.

Basic unguided munitions are not sure duper cheap either. From google:

84mm CG shell: $500-$3000

AT4: $1500

RGW 90 (from recent ukraine contract): $7,327

PZF 3 w/ Computer IT-600 sight: $11k 

PZ4 3 reload tube: $300 (in 2010; estimate sounds low) 

--> I'd be shocked (but delighted) to see a guided AT weapon at $10k or less.

The other issue we see with Ukraine is the low speed of production for these guided munitions. Lockheed can make 2100 Javs a year now, with goals of making 4100.

I'm not sure what NAAMO or SAAB yearly production numbers are for M72/AT4/84mm CG rounds are, but I have to imagine they can be produced more rapidly / scaled up more quickly then a guided munition?

Overall I think guided is ideal, but for shear volume, or countries on a limited (non US) budget, the Smart Scope + Dumb Round is a good 80/20 solution for the bulk of their fires. 

schnuersi said:

As far as I know its like Panzefaust 3. The weapon is actually the firing mechanism with grips, shoulder stock and sight. The loaded tube is the munition. Only the tube is discarded.

Whats interesting is the GD Marketed version of the RGW-90/60 are advertised as fully disposable, with the firing unit non removable:

https://www.gd-ots.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/400000583-RGW90-RGW60-DND-GD-OTS-Brochure-2021.pdf

gatnerd said:

Whats interesting is the GD Marketed version of the RGW-90/60 are advertised as fully disposable, with the firing unit non removable:

Yes. Its pretty confusing. It looks very similar to PzFst 3 but apparently there are differences.
It seems that the firing unit is reloadable but not by the user. That means if it is delivered back it can be reloaded at the factory.
I also did not find any picture where there are loaded spare RGW barrels visible. At least not clearly.
The Wirkmittel 90 of the German army a RGW90 LRMP version is stated to be reloadable but this really could mean the FCU is reused and the tube discarded.
Versions of the RGW with the simple flip up sight and no FCS seem to be discardable.

stancrist said:

P.S. Forgive me, but I can't resist the temptation to make a half joking response to your remark that the FCU is a weapon. To paraphrase Crocodile Dundee:

You have no idea how much joking and confusion it created back in my service time.
The firing unit is concidered a weapon and has to be stored in the armory... while the launch tubes are ammunition and stored somewhere else completly.

The Crocodile Dundee joke also can be used the other way round: "You call this a warhead?"

gatnerd said:

I'm not sure what NAAMO or SAAB yearly production numbers are for M72/AT4/84mm CG rounds are, but I have to imagine they can be produced more rapidly / scaled up more quickly then a guided munition?

Most likely not.
The problems with increasing defense production currently are related to the supply chain disruptions. Parts and materials not available in the desired quanteties at short notice. As well as labour shortages. Scandinavia also suffers from these. Neither of these can be changed quickly.

gatnerd said:

Whats interesting is the GD Marketed version of the RGW-90/60 are advertised as fully disposable, with the firing unit non removable:

Thanks for that.  I thought it looked like the fire control unit and sight are permanently attached, but I wasn't certain.

This was recently debuted, it seems similar to the FBS slide concept,

https://soldiersystems.net/2022/10/10/8-rounds-2-minutes-see-the-gmp-scorpion-mortar-system-at-ausa/

Ammo capacity is listed as 40/72 rounds, presumably 120mm/81mm. 

gatnerd said:

This was recently debuted, it seems similar to the FBS slide concept...

Indeed.  One might say it's almost identical.  Scorpion Mobile Mortar System 81/120mm

gatnerd said:

Ammo capacity is listed as 40/72 rounds, presumably 120mm/81mm.

The SSD article confirms that round count. 

As does the video posted in the SSD article.

However, those numbers are for this truck.

Note that the GMP mortar system on the Infantry Squad Vehicle can carry only 48 rounds of 81mm, far short of the 69 rounds specified in the Future BMS slide. 

And in the same stowage space on the ISV, a mere 30 rounds of 120mm could be carried.