AirShow China 2018: New TL-4 anti-tank man-portable missile system


China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) unveils its new man-portable anti-tank missile weapon system TL-4 at AirShow China 2018, the international Aerospace and Aviation Defense Exhibition that takes place in Zhuhai, from the 6 to 11 November 2018.


New TL 4 anti tank man portable missile system AirShow China 2018 Zhuhai 925 001
CASC TL-4 man-portable anti-tank missile unveiled at AirShow China 2018 in Zhuhai. (Picture source Army Recognition)


The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment.

The TL-4 was designed and developed to offer a new generation of anti-tank missile for infantry unit. The development of the TL-4 was started in 2014 and according to the manufacturer, the TL-4 has already passed all the firing and qualifying trial tests. It was developed to be used against tanks, armored vehicles, bunkers and fortifications.

The TL-4 is a man-portable missile system based on three main components including the firing post, a tripod, and the launcher container with the missile. One portable firing unit and two missiles in canisters can be carried by three soldiers.

The TL-4 missile weapon system can be ready to fire in 9 seconds, after a missile firing, it takes only 30 seconds to leave the position. The whole system has a total weight of 30 kg. The missile can be fire from 100 to 6,000 m against static and moving targets.

The TL-4 is a man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile which does not require further guidance after launch such as illumination of the target or wire guidance, and can hit its target without the launcher being in line-of-sight of the target. The TL-4 can be mounted on light vehicle or helicopter.