OVERVIEW: The M/49 145mm PSRAK is an unguided, air-to-ground high-explosive fragmentation rocket developed by Sweden for close support missions. It is deployed from fixed-wing platforms and is intended for use against infantry, light vehicles, and field fortifications.

DETAILS: The M/49 PSRAK (Pansarsprängraket m/49) is a 145mm unguided rocket originally developed for the Swedish Army but later adapted for air-launch by the Swedish Air Force. It features a solid-fuel motor and a large high-explosive fragmentation warhead designed for area effect. The rocket is spin-stabilized for improved accuracy over short distances and is launched in salvos to suppress enemy ground targets. The system offers a simple and robust firepower solution, especially suited to close support and training roles.

When carried by the SK 60 (Saab 105), the M/49 rocket is typically mounted in external pods, allowing for salvo fire during ground attack sorties. The warhead provides extensive fragmentation coverage, making it suitable against unarmored targets, field positions, and infantry concentrations. It lacks guidance and relies on pilot visual targeting and release parameters for effectiveness.

The rocket is fired from aircraft using standard hardpoints and basic launch wiring, with no advanced avionics interface required. It is launched visually or from shallow dive profiles and was used both in training and tactical ground attack roles. The simplicity of the M/49 made it ideal for use on training aircraft adapted to light attack missions.

NOTE:
IOC: 1949
Operators: Sweden
Platforms: Saab 105 (SK 60)
Conflict used in: None known in combat use; employed during Cold War-era Swedish training and national defense preparations

SOURCE:
Swedish Air Force Museum: https://www.flygvapenmuseum.se ; Jane’s Air-Launched Weapons ; Försvarets Materielverk (FMV) ; Armémuseum Stockholm – DigitaltMuseum: https://digitaltmuseum.se/021026446282/raket-m-49 ; FOI – Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut