NLAW Missile Model - Saab Bofors Dynamics NLAW

Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW / RB-57)

This is a 3D-printable model based on the NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon), also designated RB-57 in Swedish service.

The NLAW is a shoulder-launched, fire-and-forget anti-tank missile system developed jointly by Saab Bofors Dynamics and Thales Air Defence. It is designed to bridge the gap between light anti-armor weapons and heavy, long-range guided missile systems, providing infantry with a powerful tool against main battle tanks.

Core Design and Operational Concept

The NLAW was engineered for use by a single soldier, offering high mobility and ease of use in diverse environments. Its operation relies on a sophisticated "Predicted Line of Sight" (PLOS) technology.

NLAW Firing Sequence: The general operational steps for a soldier are as follows:

1. Deploy and Select Mode: The operator deploys the weapon system onto their shoulder and selects one of two attack modes based on the target and environment:
   • Overfly Top Attack (OTA): The default mode for armored targets/tanks. The missile flies approximately one meter above the line of sight and detonates its warhead above the weaker roof armor using a proximity sensor.
   • Direct Attack (DA): Used for soft targets like trucks, cars, and buildings. The missile flies directly along the line of sight and detonates upon impact with a contact fuse.
2. Track the Target: The operator aims and tracks the target through the 2.5x optical sight for at least 2 to 3 seconds. During this time, the internal guidance system's computer records the target's angular speed and movement to calculate its predicted flight path.
3. Fire: The operator pulls the trigger, launching the missile. The weapon uses a "soft-launch" system where a low-powered motor initially ejects the missile from the tube. This allows it to be fired safely from enclosed spaces or buildings, a major advantage in urban combat.
4. Missile Flight: Once the missile is a safe distance (about 8 meters) from the launcher, its main flight motor ignites, propelling it toward the target. The missile follows the pre-programmed, predicted flight path using inertial guidance and its optical and magnetic sensors to ensure it hits at the optimal point (especially in OTA mode).
5. Fire-and-Forget: After firing, the operator can immediately move to cover or engage another target, as the missile guides itself to the target without further input.

Strategic Role and Integration

The primary strategic role of the NLAW is to empower dismounted infantry with the capability to destroy modern Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) protected by reactive armor. Its fire-and-forget nature and soft-launch capability significantly enhance survivability in urban environments.

Primary Platforms: While it is a man-portable system carried by infantry, the NLAW has become a widely recognized symbol of modern asymmetric warfare and is currently in service with numerous nations, including the UK, Sweden, and Finland, and has been used extensively in Ukraine.

Model Information

The fully assembled model measures approximately 50 cm in total length. Given that the real-world NLAW missile projectile is approximately 1.02 meters long, this model is approximately 1:2 scale.

The design is based only on publicly available sources. While it does not feature an internal structure, it captures the general form factor, external features, and fin configuration for use in visual demonstrations, aerospace displays, and educational discussions.

This model should be a great fit for:

• Static displays
• Classroom instruction
• Engineering design visualizations
• Defense hobbyist collections

The model is divided into six modular parts (arranged across multiple plates) for ease of printing, assembly, and color separation:

• Body-Mid – Main grey fuselage section 
• Body-Top – Upper fuselage segment 
• Ring-Connectors – Alignment pins and the external color ring
• Stand – Custom display cradle
• Body-Bottom and Target Detectors – Tail section, fins, and sensor housing
• Interstage – Connecting body segments of different diameters

Assembly Note: The large ring from Plate 03 acts as the red detail stripe seen in the photos, sitting between the body sections. Use the rectangular connector blocks to align the body parts.

Be careful when assembling the fins on the bottom section, as they are relatively thin. The parts are designed to align via the internal connectors, but you may use glue for added security, especially if the model will be handled or displayed long-term.

Disclaimer

This model is a personal hobby project based entirely on publicly available imagery and general information; no proprietary, sensitive, or classified technical data was used in its creation. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, any defense organization, manufacturer, or the creator's professional or academic work. This is a static, non-functional scale model intended for display and educational purposes only. It is not a weapon and cannot be made to function as one.

Disclaimer

This model is a personal hobby project based entirely on publicly available imagery and general information; no proprietary, sensitive, or classified technical data was used in its creation. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, any defense organization, manufacturer, or the creator's professional or academic work. This is a static, non-functional scale model intended solely for display and educational purposes. It is not a weapon and cannot be made to function as one.