I have recently seen a quantity of videos of Javelins, NLAWs, and Panzerfaust 3’s.
In all of these three anti-tank weapons, I notice that the soldier pulls the trigger, there is a delay, then the weapon fires.
My question is, what is the delay for? Is the launcher uploading the predicted location of the target to the weapon? Is it just how long it takes the rocket/missile engine to ignite? Do any of our veterans know?
Computer operated system, the delay would be from the computer system acquiring the target and relaying it to the missile system so the person firing it can move and take cover while the missile is being delivered. Older systems would require you to remain aiming at the target to guide the missile to hit the target.
Does it also have to do with the heavy weight and large mass of the projectile?; In order to generate enough pressure power behind it so that it can travel such a great distance and accurately? IDK.
The delay is to give the gyro time to spin up usually by popping a nitrogen canister
If you can believe the news, these missiles turned out to be extremely effective against old Soviet armor. The only new Russian tank is T14, and it didn’t play any role in the hostilities. I don’t think there is recent (like 10-20 years) combat use of man portable anti-tank missiles against modern tanks, so it is impressive. I am not sure what it means for the future of main battle tank in general, doesn’t look good. Javelin and NLAW makers probably got a flood of customers though.