Multi-Role Anti-Armor/Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) (2024)

M3E1 MAAWS is 28 percent lighter than the M3 and contains more ergonomic adjustments. The M3E1 MAAWS contains an integrated Fire Control System with metrology corrected ballistic solutions for engaging moving targets, and greater probability of hitting of static targets. The M3E1 MAAWS electronics allow integration with future MAAWS smart ammunition.The M3E1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) is an 84 mm reloadable, recoilless rifle designed to engage lightly armored targets at ranges out to 500 meters and soft targets out to 800 meters. The M3E1 MAAWS is salt water submersible, jumpable and day/night operable. The M3E1 MAAWS requires a crew of two; one to carry and fire the weapon, and the other to carry the ammunition and load the weapon. The M3E1 rifle is 14.8 pounds (28 percent lighter) than the M3, contains ergonomic improvements and an automatic rounds counter. The M3E1 rifle is provided with a lightweight (4.2 pounds) electronic fire control system that automatically provides ballistics solutions for static and moving targets.

On 28 March 2013, the US Army Contracting Command - New Jersey at Picatinny Arsenal, on behalf of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) issued as sources sought notice as part of a market survey to identify potential sources for immediate procurement or rapid development of a kit to lighten the MAAWS. USSOCOM was considering a weight reduction of the system. The overall weight reduction would be at a minimum 3 pounds, with a desired weight reduction of 5 pounds. The weight reduction would need to be accomplished without affecting the overall center of gravity of the rifle. In addition, a overall length reduction of approximately 3 inches is sought. The lightening of the weapon was required to not affect its safety or ruggedness when exposed to the rigors normally associated with military operations, including air delivery and salt water submersion. A fully developed kit with production configuration would be delivered no later than 16 months from the onset of performing the desired tasks.

Used on battlefields around the world since 1991, the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System, or MAAWS, has seen several iterations. The latest version, or M3E1, is not only lighter, but shorter and ergonomically designed with a longer handle and better grips. These features, as well as its ability to use multiple types of rounds for firing, has led the Army to approve a requirement for 1,111 M3E1 units.

The current system that the Army used wasd the AT4, which only allows Soldiers to fire one shot, and then they have to throw the system away. With the M3E1, Soldiers can use different types of ammunition which gives them an increased capability on the battlefield. The M3E1 is part of the Product Manager Crew Served Weapons portfolio, which is processing a contract to procure 1,111 M3E1s and an Urgent Material Release to field them as soon as possible.

The U.S. Army FCT program office, which is positioned within U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, receives oversight from the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Comparative Technology Office. The FCT program provides an avenue for Army engineers, scientists and program managers to test and evaluate items and technologies from allies and other friendly nations that may fill an Army capability gap. The program encourages international cooperation and helps reduce the DOD's overall acquisition costs by providing funds to formally test and evaluate foreign non-developmental items, commercial-off-the-shelf items, or technologies which are in the late state of development that may satisfy U.S. military requirements.

In 1988, U.S. Special Forces identified a need for a shoulder-fired, recoilless rifle to replace the M67, and Saab Dynamics developed the M3, which was a likely candidate to address the need. It was through the FCT program that the first M3s were delivered to U.S. Rangers and U.S. Navy Seals in 1994.

According to Soldier feedback, the M3 was too heavy and bulky. By using titanium, the updated M3E1 is more than six pounds lighter. The M3E1 is also 2.5 inches shorter and has an improved carrying handle, extra shoulder padding and an improved sighting system that can be adjusted for better comfort without sacrificing performance. In response to the new requirement, a wiring harness was included in the M3E1 configuration that provides a foregrip controller and programmable fuze setter for an interchangeable fire control system. For added safety and cost savings, an automatic round counter enables Soldiers and logisticians to accurately track the service life of each weapon.

The system was tested for gun tube safe service life at IMT Materialteknik AB in Sundsvall, Sweden by the U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command and other subject matter experts. Testing at the vendor's test facility in Sweden eliminated the need to purchase ammunition and material, and it limited range time in the U.S., saving the Army nearly one million dollars.

The M3E1 uses the same family of ammunition as the M3, which has already been successfully tested. As a result of this project, the Army received the OSD award for the FCT program. The original investment of $3 million led to an approximate $40 million procurement for the Army, which is a great return on investment. But, most importantly, the M3E1 can be reused so it gives Soldiers increased flexibility and capability on the battlefield.