MATADOR vs Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon

FORCETALLY

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ARockets & launchers

MATADOR

Recoilless gun

BRockets & launchers

Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon

Multi-role (anti-fortification, anti-armor ) rocket launcher

First system

Second system

At a glance

Side by side

Length comparisonOne shared metre scale

MATADORLength

1 m

Length source ↗

Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault WeaponLoaded

1.371 m

Length source ↗

Lengths retain their source configuration and measurement scope.

Measured figures

Head to head

15 of 28 rows sourced on both sides

1.37mLoaded

Length

All recorded figures & sources

1 m

Length

Single source

1 m (3 ft 3 in )^[source]

1.371 m

Loaded

Single source

Configuration

Details

MATADOR and Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon configuration
Specification	MATADOR	Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon
Type	Recoilless gun^[source]	Multi-role (anti-fortification, anti-armor ) rocket launcher^[source]
Place of origin	Germany Israel Singapore^[source]	United States^[source]
In service	2000–present^[source]	1984–present^[source]
Used by	See Operators

Wars	Gaza War (2008–09) Russo-Ukrainian War Russian invasion of Ukraine Gaza war^[source]	Operation Just Cause Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War Yemeni Civil War Russo-Ukrainian War^[source]

Designer	Singapore Armed Forces , Rafael Advanced Defense Systems , Defence Science and Technology Agency^[source]	McDonnell Douglas^[source]

Designed	1999^[source]	—

Manufacturer	Dynamit Nobel Defence^[source]	Nammo Talley (formerly Talley Defense Systems)^[source]

Unit cost	~€5,000^[source]	US$13,000^[source]

Feed system	Single-shot, disposable^[source]	Detachable single-rocket casing^[source]

Sights	Integral optical sights Night vision device on a Picatinny rail^[source]	Iron sights (250 m; 820 ft) Mk 42 Day Sight (3.8× magnification telescopic sight ) RCO / ACOG (4×) AN/PEQ-15 or AN/PEQ-16 AN/PVS-17C (4.5×) AN/PAS-13G Light Weapon Thermal Sight (LWTS)^[source]

Variants	—	M141 Bunker Defeat Munition^[source]

Cartridge weight	—	12.9 lb (5.9 kg) (HEDM) 14.25 lb (6.46 kg) (HEAA) 18.5 lb (8.4 kg) (SMAW-NE)^[source]

Former operator · United States	—	United States^[source]

Role	—	smoothbore shoulder-fired rocket launcher^[source]

Source measurement	—	The Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon ( SMAW ) is a smoothbore shoulder-fired rocket launcher . Primarily used as a portable assault weapon, or " bunker buster ", it also possesses secondary anti-armor capabilities. Developed from the Israeli B-300 , the SMAW was introduced to the United States Armed Forces in 1984. While it retains similar external characteristics to the B-300, the American-redesigned SMAW features a key distinction: the integration of a 9×51mm spotting rifle , which is an evolution of the one developed for the LAW 80 . The spotting rifle's purpose is to enhance target acquisition and improve hit probability.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The SMAW's main purpose is to destroy bunkers , buildings, and light armored vehicles during assault operations, using high-explosive dual mode (HEDM) rockets. The SMAW can also engage armored vehicles using high-explosive anti-armor (HEAA) rockets, which has a maximum effective range of 500 m (550 yards) against a tank -sized target. Operations in Iraq also saw use of the SMAW-NE (Novel Explosive) rocket, a thermobaric rocket used to collapse buildings and cave openings.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In 2008, a replacement program was again initiated and titled the SMAW II. It was developed in tandem with a round capable of being fired from an enclosed area without ill effects on the environment and personnel. Its combined weight is 13.5 kilograms (29.7 lb)—5.3 kg (11.7 lb) for the launcher, 8.2 kg (18 lb) for the rocket. The contract was worth up to US$ 51.7 million .^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Improvement programs / SMAW II program; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The development reduced the over-all weight by four and a half pounds (2.0 kg) from the older SMAW launcher. The Serpent fires the same rounds as the standard SMAW and supports new and improved/enhanced rounds. The Serpent was never adopted for service. Instead the USMC eventually adopted the Mk 153 Mod 2 to replace the service's SMAW launchers by 2020.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Improvement programs / SMAW II Serpent; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Mk 153 Mod 0 SMAW fires 83 mm (3.27-inch) rockets through an 83.5 mm (3.29-inch) diameter launch tube. The system can fire a variety of encased rockets, such as the Mk 3 Mod 0 High-Explosive Dual Mode (HEDM) Rocket, the Mk 6 Mod 0 High-Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) Rocket, the Mk 7 Mod 0 Common Practice Rocket, and the Mk 80 Mod 0 Novel Explosive (NE) Rocket. The rocket encasements are loaded into the rear of the launcher, and the launch tube is constructed from a durable fiberglass - epoxy composite material with a gel coated bore.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 0; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The launcher consists of the launch tube, spotting rifle, electro-mechanical firing mechanism, mounting brackets, open battle sights and an optic mount for the Mk 42 Mod 0 day sight , RCO , AN/PVS-4 or AN/PVS-17C night sights . The system can also be aimed at night with an infrared aiming laser from the AN/PEQ-15 or AN/PEQ-16 in conjunction with night vision, since the IR laser is attached to the optic mount that can change elevation based on the range it is set to. The firing mechanism mechanically fires the spotting rifle and uses a magneto to fire the rocket.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 0; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The 9×51mm Mk 217 Mod 0 spotting round is ballistically matched with the rocket, improving the gunner's first-round hit probability. Spotting cartridges are stored in a six-round magazine located in the cap of the encased rocket. Each spotting round features a special 9mm projectile containing a tracer compound, which is crimped into a 7.62×51mm NATO casing, with a .22 Hornet primer.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 0; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Mk 153 Mod 2 is an enhanced variant, featuring an electronic modular ballistic sight (MBS) in place of the 9 mm spotting system.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 2; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The MBS system consists of the AN/PSQ-23A laser rangefinder and the AN/PAS-13G Light Weapon Thermal Sight (LWTS).^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 2; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage To engage a target, the gunner first acquires the target using the thermal sight (AN/PAS-13G), which allows them to see the target in various environmental conditions.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 2; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Mod 2 also has a reduced weight of 13 lb (5.9 kg) with the MBS attached, along with other improvements, like increased pad size on the forward grip and foldable backup iron sights.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 2; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The HEDM round can penetrate 20 cm (7.9 inches) of double-reinforced concrete walls, 30 cm (12 inches) of brick, up to 20 mm (0.79 inches) of rolled homogenous armor, or up to 210 cm (6.9 feet) of wood-reinforced sandbags.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Rocket types; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Mk 6 Mod 0 Encased High-Explosive, Anti-Armor (HEAA) rocket is effective against current tanks without added armor, and uses a standoff rod on the detonator, allowing the explosive force to be focused on a small point and for maximum damage against targets. The HEAA rocket uses a shaped charge warhead with 1.89 lb (0.86 kilograms) octol explosive, which can penetrate up to the equivalent of 600 mm (24 in) of rolled homogeneous armor. The unit cost of the Mk 6 HEAA round is $25,000. The HEAA rocket was not initially fielded with the SMAW.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Rocket types; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The Mk 80 Mod 0 Encased Novel Explosive (SMAW-NE) rocket is effective against caves, buildings, and bunkers. The SMAW-NE has an enhanced-blast warhead with a 4 lb (1.8 kilograms) charge of PBXN -113 and a slightly modified version of the dual mode fuze used by the HEDM rocket, the Mk 420 Mod 1. The Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center teamed with Marine Corps Systems Command and Talley Defense Systems to respond to an urgent U.S. Marine Corps need for a shoulder-launched enhanced-blast warhead in 2003. It was used in combat during both the first and second offensives in Fallujah , in 2004.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Rocket types; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage As with all recoilless rocket launchers, the backblast generated upon firing is a significant safety concern. When the rocket is fired, the propellant is fully expelled within the rocket's encasement, resulting in a loud and forceful backblast. This backblast extends in a 90 m (300 ft), 60° cone behind the weapon. It is lethal out to 30 m (98 ft) and still extremely dangerous to 90 m (300 ft).^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Backblast area; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Source measurement

—

The Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon ( SMAW ) is a smoothbore shoulder-fired rocket launcher . Primarily used as a portable assault weapon, or " bunker buster ", it also possesses secondary anti-armor capabilities. Developed from the Israeli B-300 , the SMAW was introduced to the United States Armed Forces in 1984. While it retains similar external characteristics to the B-300, the American-redesigned SMAW features a key distinction: the integration of a 9×51mm spotting rifle , which is an evolution of the one developed for the LAW 80 . The spotting rifle's purpose is to enhance target acquisition and improve hit probability.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The SMAW's main purpose is to destroy bunkers , buildings, and light armored vehicles during assault operations, using high-explosive dual mode (HEDM) rockets. The SMAW can also engage armored vehicles using high-explosive anti-armor (HEAA) rockets, which has a maximum effective range of 500 m (550 yards) against a tank -sized target. Operations in Iraq also saw use of the SMAW-NE (Novel Explosive) rocket, a thermobaric rocket used to collapse buildings and cave openings.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Lead; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 2008, a replacement program was again initiated and titled the SMAW II. It was developed in tandem with a round capable of being fired from an enclosed area without ill effects on the environment and personnel. Its combined weight is 13.5 kilograms (29.7 lb)—5.3 kg (11.7 lb) for the launcher, 8.2 kg (18 lb) for the rocket. The contract was worth up to US$ 51.7 million .^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Improvement programs / SMAW II program; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The development reduced the over-all weight by four and a half pounds (2.0 kg) from the older SMAW launcher. The Serpent fires the same rounds as the standard SMAW and supports new and improved/enhanced rounds. The Serpent was never adopted for service. Instead the USMC eventually adopted the Mk 153 Mod 2 to replace the service's SMAW launchers by 2020.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Improvement programs / SMAW II Serpent; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Mk 153 Mod 0 SMAW fires 83 mm (3.27-inch) rockets through an 83.5 mm (3.29-inch) diameter launch tube. The system can fire a variety of encased rockets, such as the Mk 3 Mod 0 High-Explosive Dual Mode (HEDM) Rocket, the Mk 6 Mod 0 High-Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) Rocket, the Mk 7 Mod 0 Common Practice Rocket, and the Mk 80 Mod 0 Novel Explosive (NE) Rocket. The rocket encasements are loaded into the rear of the launcher, and the launch tube is constructed from a durable fiberglass - epoxy composite material with a gel coated bore.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 0; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The launcher consists of the launch tube, spotting rifle, electro-mechanical firing mechanism, mounting brackets, open battle sights and an optic mount for the Mk 42 Mod 0 day sight , RCO , AN/PVS-4 or AN/PVS-17C night sights . The system can also be aimed at night with an infrared aiming laser from the AN/PEQ-15 or AN/PEQ-16 in conjunction with night vision, since the IR laser is attached to the optic mount that can change elevation based on the range it is set to. The firing mechanism mechanically fires the spotting rifle and uses a magneto to fire the rocket.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 0; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The 9×51mm Mk 217 Mod 0 spotting round is ballistically matched with the rocket, improving the gunner's first-round hit probability. Spotting cartridges are stored in a six-round magazine located in the cap of the encased rocket. Each spotting round features a special 9mm projectile containing a tracer compound, which is crimped into a 7.62×51mm NATO casing, with a .22 Hornet primer.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 0; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Mk 153 Mod 2 is an enhanced variant, featuring an electronic modular ballistic sight (MBS) in place of the 9 mm spotting system.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 2; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The MBS system consists of the AN/PSQ-23A laser rangefinder and the AN/PAS-13G Light Weapon Thermal Sight (LWTS).^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 2; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

To engage a target, the gunner first acquires the target using the thermal sight (AN/PAS-13G), which allows them to see the target in various environmental conditions.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 2; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Mod 2 also has a reduced weight of 13 lb (5.9 kg) with the MBS attached, along with other improvements, like increased pad size on the forward grip and foldable backup iron sights.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Variants / Mk 153 Mod 2; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The HEDM round can penetrate 20 cm (7.9 inches) of double-reinforced concrete walls, 30 cm (12 inches) of brick, up to 20 mm (0.79 inches) of rolled homogenous armor, or up to 210 cm (6.9 feet) of wood-reinforced sandbags.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Rocket types; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Mk 6 Mod 0 Encased High-Explosive, Anti-Armor (HEAA) rocket is effective against current tanks without added armor, and uses a standoff rod on the detonator, allowing the explosive force to be focused on a small point and for maximum damage against targets. The HEAA rocket uses a shaped charge warhead with 1.89 lb (0.86 kilograms) octol explosive, which can penetrate up to the equivalent of 600 mm (24 in) of rolled homogeneous armor. The unit cost of the Mk 6 HEAA round is $25,000. The HEAA rocket was not initially fielded with the SMAW.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Rocket types; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Mk 80 Mod 0 Encased Novel Explosive (SMAW-NE) rocket is effective against caves, buildings, and bunkers. The SMAW-NE has an enhanced-blast warhead with a 4 lb (1.8 kilograms) charge of PBXN -113 and a slightly modified version of the dual mode fuze used by the HEDM rocket, the Mk 420 Mod 1. The Indian Head Naval Surface Warfare Center teamed with Marine Corps Systems Command and Talley Defense Systems to respond to an urgent U.S. Marine Corps need for a shoulder-launched enhanced-blast warhead in 2003. It was used in combat during both the first and second offensives in Fallujah , in 2004.^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Rocket types; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

As with all recoilless rocket launchers, the backblast generated upon firing is a significant safety concern. When the rocket is fired, the propellant is fully expelled within the rocket's encasement, resulting in a loud and forceful backblast. This backblast extends in a 90 m (300 ft), 60° cone behind the weapon. It is lethal out to 30 m (98 ft) and still extremely dangerous to 90 m (300 ft).^[source]Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon · Backblast area; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage