The Dragon utilized a rocket-propelled missile projectile featuring a hollow charge warhead intended to defeat the armor protection schemes of the day. The weapon held a maximum engagement range out to 1,500 meters though proved most effective between 75 meters and 1,000 meters. Due to its wire-guided nature - a limited length of wire unspooling from the launch system - the missile could only travel a certain length before its effectiveness was reached. The missile traveled at a speed value of 660 feet per second.
The weapon system, as a whole, showcased a caliber of 140mm and required a crew of just one, making it an ideal, portable anti-tank weapon - particularly in urban fighting. A bipod was affixed to the front of the fiberglass launcher for support while the rear of the tube was held by the operator's shoulder. The tube was of smoothbore design internally (i.e. non-rifled). Optics were offset to the side of the launcher and were affixed during preparation of the unit. Optics were reusable and thusly removable from the launcher. The typical firing position for the user was either a kneeling, crouched or sitting position (as the battlefield situation dictated). The missile was actuated via a trigger unit and onboard battery pack. The operator was required to keep the target sighted while the missile directed itself to the target. This was known as SACLOS (Semi-Automatic Command, Line-Of-Sight). As such, line-of-sight to the target was required which presented a danger to the operator.
The M47 led a relatively sort operational service life with the US military. The weapon was not a favorite of infantry for its size, peculiar launch qualities and the limited effective engagement ranges. It was officially replaced in the US inventory by the FGM-148 "Javelin" though it continues life in storage, possibly for scrapping, future sale or emergency use. The M47 saw active combat service in the 1991 Persian Gulf War with US forces. Prior to that, it was used in the 1983 Grenada campaign.
A 1985 initiative upgraded the penetrative capabilities of the Dragon missile, leading to the "Dragon II" designation being used. In 1990, a similar initiative - attempting to keep pace with modern armor developments - begat the "Super-Dragon". The Iranian "Saeghe" series is nothing more than a local Iranian copy of the M47 series - brought about by the arms embargo to Iran resulting from the 1978-79 Islamic Revolution which toppled pro-US leadership.
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