View source for M47 Dragon

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = M47 Dragon
| image              = Dragon 04.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = An M47 Dragon, shown here with its daytime tracker attached.
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Anti-tank missile]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = 
| is_explosive       = yes
| is_missile         = yes
| is_UK              = <!-- Service history -->
| service            = {{ubl|1975–1990s (US Army) |1975–2001 (US Marine Corps) |1979–present (other countries)}}
| used_by            = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars               = {{ubl|[[Iran–Iraq War]]|[[1982 Lebanon War]]<ref name ="Lebanon">{{cite book|title=Armies in Lebanon 1982–84|url=https://archive.org/details/armieslebanon00katz|url-access=limited|series=Men-at-Arms 165|first1=Sam|last1= Katz|first2= Lee E.|last2= Russell|date=25 July 1985|isbn=9780850456028|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|page=[https://archive.org/details/armieslebanon00katz/page/n6 7]}}</ref>|[[Invasion of Grenada]]|[[Western Sahara War]]<ref>{{cite news|title = Le Front Polisario revendique une nouvelle attaque contre les troupes marocaines|newspaper= [[Le Monde]]|date = 16 July 1987|url = https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1987/07/16/le-front-polisario-revendique-une-nouvelle-attaque-contre-les-troupes-marocaines_4049973_1819218.html|language = fr}}</ref>|[[Gulf War]]|[[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)|Yemeni Civil War]]|[[Conflict in Najran, Jizan and Asir]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFxrJb1-c3k|title = - YouTube|website = [[YouTube]]}}</ref>}}
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = [[Raytheon]]
| design_date        = 3 March 1966{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}
| manufacturer       = [[McDonnell Douglas]], [[Raytheon]]
| production_date    = 1975
| number             = {{ubl|7,000 launchers, 33,000 missiles (U.S. Army)<ref name="FAS">{{cite web|url=http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m47-dragon.htm|title=M-47 Dragon Anti-Tank Guided Missile|access-date=2009-01-11|publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224135801/http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m47-dragon.htm|archive-date=2008-12-24|url-status=live}}</ref>|17,000 missiles (U.S. Marine Corps)<ref name="FAS"/>| 250,000 missiles (total)<ref>{{cite web |title=McDonnell Douglas/Raytheon FGM-77A (M-47) Dragon |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1978/1978%20-%200967.PDF |website=www.flightglobal.com |publisher=Flight International |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826014705/https://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPDFArchive/1978/1978%20-%200967.PDF |archive-date=26 August 2018}}</ref>}}
| variants           = Dragon II, Dragon III, Saeghe 1, 2, 3 and 4<ref name="Saeghe"/>
<!-- General specifications -->| spec_label         = FGM-77
| weight             = 32.1 lb (14.57 kg) (w/ day sight)<ref>[https://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/antiarmor/M47.html M47 Dragon Medium Anti-tank Weapon System]. ''Inetres.com''.</ref><br />46.9 lb (21.29 kg) (w/ night sight)
| length             = {{cvt|1154|mm|in}}
| part_length        = 
| width              = 
| height             = 
| diameter           = 140 mm
| crew               = 1
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = 
| caliber            = 
| barrels            = 
| action             = 
| rate               = 
| velocity           = 
| range              = 65–1,000 meters
| max_range          = {{ubl|1,000 meters|1,500 meters (Dragon III)}}
| feed               = 
| sights             = 6x Day sight or 5x night sight 
<!-- Explosive specifications -->| filling            = Hollow charge
| filling_weight     = {{cvt|3.5|lb|kg}} [[Octol]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/usmc-introduction-the-the-m-47-dragon-1987|title = USMC Introduction the M-47 Dragon}}</ref>
| speed              = {{ubl|Dragon/Dragon II: {{cvt|100|m/s|ft/s}}|Dragon III: {{cvt|200|m/s|ft/s}}}}
| guidance           = [[SACLOS]]
}}

The '''M47 Dragon''', known as the '''FGM-77''' during development, is an American [[Shoulder-launched missile weapon|shoulder-fired]], man-portable [[anti-tank guided missile]] system. It was phased out of U.S. military service in 2001, in favor of the newer [[FGM-148 Javelin]] system.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Figueroa |first=Jose |date=21 November 2000 |title=School of Infantry students shoot the works, herald new antitank era |journal=Marines |url=http://www.pendleton.marines.mil/NewsPhotos/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/5440/Article/94218/school-of-infantry-students-shoot-the-works-herald-new-antitank-era.aspx |access-date=December 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219032923/http://www.pendleton.marines.mil/NewsPhotos/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/5440/Article/94218/school-of-infantry-students-shoot-the-works-herald-new-antitank-era.aspx |archive-date=February 19, 2013 }}</ref>

The M47 Dragon uses a [[Wire-guided missile|wire-guidance]] system in concert with a [[high explosive anti-tank]] warhead and was capable of defeating [[Armoured fighting vehicle|armored vehicles]], fortified [[bunker]]s, [[Tank|main battle tanks]], and other hardened targets. While it was primarily created to defeat the [[Soviet Union]]'s [[T-55]], [[T-62]], and [[T-72]] tanks, it saw use well into the 1990s, seeing action in the [[Persian Gulf War]].{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} The [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. military]] officially retired the weapon in 2001. The United States destroyed the last of its stocks of the missile in 2009.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.army.mil/article/27423/admc_destroys_armys_last_dragon_missiles| title = ADMC destroys Army's last DRAGON missiles {{!}} Article| date = 16 September 2009}}</ref> The weapon system remains in active service with other militaries around the world.

==History==
[[File:Dragon 02.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Army soldier firing M47 Dragon.]]
[[File:82nd Airborne soldiers on Grenada 1983.jpg|thumb|U.S. Army soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division armed with the M47 Dragon during the 1983 [[Invasion of Grenada]].]]

In 1959, the US Army Ordnance Missile Command suggested the development of a heavy medium range assault weapon.

In 1960, the United States Army launched the '''MAW''' (Medium Anti-tank Weapon) program on a proposal from Douglas. In 1966, Douglas was awarded the contract to develop the XM47. In 1967, the XM47 was redesignated FGM-77 and FTM-77 (the FTM-77 being the training version). The first missile test took place in December 1967 followed by the first shot in real conditions (firing set, guidance and launcher) on 5 July 1968.

Used by the U.S. Army, the [[U.S. Marine Corps]], as well as many foreign militaries, the M47 Dragon was first fielded in January 1975 to U.S. Army soldiers stationed in mainland Europe. In April 1981, the deployment of the base version of the Dragon in the Army was complete. The Army initially deployed the Dragon as a squad weapon, with every rifle squad containing an antiarmor specialist who carried the weapon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/fm7880rifleplatoon|title = FM 7-8 (1980) Rifle Platoon and Squad}}</ref>

Reorganization in the 1990s saw Dragons moved, with mechanized infantry receiving two launchers per squad.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/fm77j93bradleyplatoon|title = FM 7-7J (1993) Bradley Platoon}}</ref> Infantry, Airborne, and Air Assault units received a pair of two-man ATGM teams in the platoon's weapons squad, while Light Infantry (six teams) and Ranger (three teams) units held their Dragons at the company level.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Infantry rifle platoon and squad | url=https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/FM%207-8%20W%20CH%201.pdf#page=377 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721134538/https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/FM%207-8%20W%20CH%201.pdf | archive-date=2019-07-21}}</ref>

In USMC service, the Dragon was concentrated at the battalion level in a dedicated missile platoon with 32 Dragon teams. The platoon was organized with four sections, each with four squads of two 2-man teams.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/fmfm-6-3-78-marine-infanty-batalion|title=FMFM 6-3 Marine Infantry Battalion}}</ref>

==Guidance system==
The M47 Dragon uses a so-called "tracking control assembly" (TCA) guidance system previously used on the [[BGM-71|TOW]] and [[MGM-51|Shillelagh]] missiles.
With this system, all that is required of the infantryman is to look through an amplifying optical sight and keep it exactly aligned with the objective.

During this time, a second electro-optical system mounted parallel to the sight visually receives thermal radiation (generally infrared) from a pyrotechnic system located on the tail of the missile and focuses it on a sensitive receiver / locator. This continuously measures via a computer the position of the heat source (the missile) in relation to the line of sight fixed on the objective, any deviation automatically causing the desired correction signal, which is in turn transmitted along wires (connecting the missile to the launcher) and without any intervention by the operator.

==Variants==

===Dragon===
The basic missile, the M222 missile, weighs 11.5 kilograms and is 744mm long in a 1154mm long launch tube.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/fm-23-24-90-m-47-dragon|title=FM 23-24 M47 Dragon}}</ref> The fairly basic warhead can penetrate 330&nbsp;mm of armor plate.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) | url=https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/fm_90-10%2879%29.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721093150/https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/fm_90-10(79).pdf | archive-date=2021-07-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| title=An infantryman's guide to combat in built-up areas | url=http://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM90-10-1C1%2895%29.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206223659/http://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM90-10-1C1(95).pdf | archive-date=2021-02-06}}</ref>

===Dragon II===
Dragon II is a simple warhead upgrade, originally called "Dragon PIP" and officially known as MK1 MOD0. The Dragon II received a new warhead that offers an 85% increase in penetration, to about 600mm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fBqZ7m-ncI4C&q=dragon+II+range&pg=RA2-PA64|title = Department of Defense Authorization for Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1991: Hearings Before the Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate, One Hundred First Congress, Second Session, on S. 2884|year = 1990}}</ref> Weight increased to 12.3 kilograms and length to 846mm. Dragon II entered service in 1988.

===Dragon III===
A further improved Dragon II, the Dragon III received an even more powerful tandem shaped charge<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3gfAQAAMAAJ&q=Department+of+Defense+Appropriations+1989+dragon&pg=PA331|title = Department of Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1989: Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, One Hundredth Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 4781|year = 1988}}</ref> warhead, reportedly a Dragon II head with additional precursor charge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pVf7atYCTOUC&q=dragon+III+sight&pg=PA365|title = Department of Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 1989: Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, United States Senate, One Hundredth Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 4781|year = 1988}}</ref> Exact penetration remains unknown, but is likely an improvement over the Dragon II.
Additionally, the motor is improved, allowing the missile to reach a range of 1,000 meters in 6.5 seconds, much faster than the original missile's 11 second flight time. The improved motor increases the range as well, propelling Dragon III to 1,500 meters.

The second final improvement is a new combined day/night tracker with laser guidance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lA5wVrTBNPEC&q=dragon&pg=PP1|title=Department of Defense Appropriations for 1990: Hearings Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, One Hundred First Congress, First Session|year=1989}}</ref> Only the United States Marine Corps bought this variant, beginning in 1991,<ref>https://books.googleusercontent.com/books/content?req=AKW5QafD97rfz47WvmzgtW0blFY3HGyjAs88VcZTIrgoR7cflZiVdVXveYWZU-ef_VbsuSbkqQWKJExVGaW0xQR6FkmRXPoAPb0cKN3qIGdZKAEXiinXqVRPcxf-kbFViApaUca_llC__VH9r60kqkvvC58-GKmT5sNn8UyTZPNnF2Z591aslAtEOGWiO5UMExtmYTYyWqqz5drGxzuZd6e9ctIB2mHturZESK22wktfUnv_ECuvl8ztgeAIBOAwdbebL6MCRgnRXKsfNnWZ7BOf5rR0XRYn6z13yExye8hHgqjh3FmJOrI {{Dead link|date=August 2022}}</ref> while the Army opted to wait for Javelin to enter service.

===Saeghe===
[[Iran]] has [[reverse-engineer]]ed a version of the Dragon, the [[Saegheh|Saeghe]] ([[Persian language|Persian]]: صاعقه "lightning"). This version, like many other reverse engineered weaponry built in Iran, is developed by [[Defense Industries Organization|Defense Industries Organization (DIO).]] They displayed it in 2002 at the Defendory exhibition in [[Athens]], when it was in [[mass production]].<ref name="Saeghe">{{cite web |publisher=Middle East Newsline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030508113258/http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2002/december/12_03_4.html |archive-date=2003-05-08 |url=http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2002/december/12_03_4.html |access-date=2009-11-17 |title=Iran Presents Version of U.S. Anti-Tank Missile |date=December 3, 2002}}</ref> [[Hezbollah]] has acquired Saeghes for anti-tank and anti-armor uses.<ref name="ocnus">{{cite web|url=http://www.ocnus.net/cgi-bin/exec/view.cgi?archive=100&num=25670&printer=1|title=Arab States Eye Better Spec Ops, Missiles|access-date=2009-01-10|date=2006-08-20|author=Riad Kahwaji|publisher=Ocus.net|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227154112/http://www.ocnus.net/cgi-bin/exec/view.cgi?archive=100&num=25670&printer=1|archive-date=2009-02-27}}</ref>

Known versions include Saeghe 1, a copy of Dragon II and Saeghe 2, a copy of Dragon III. Saeghe 3 is not confirmed to exist and Saeghe 4 is believed to use a thermobaric warhead. It is mostly produced for export, only issued to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Saeghe (also transliterated as Saegheh, Saeqeh and several other variations) is a very common name for Iranian weapon systems. Other things with the name include a recon drone, a target drone, a fighter jet based on the American F-5E, an air-to-air missile, and an RPG-7 warhead.<ref name="Saeghe" />

==Components==
The launcher system of the M47 Dragon consists of a smoothbore [[fiberglass]] tube, breech/gas generator, tracker, bipod, battery, sling, and forward and aft shock absorbers. To fire the weapon, non-integrated day or night sights must be attached. While the launcher itself is expendable, the sights can be removed and reused.

===SU-36/P Day Sight===
The SU-36/P, properly "Infrared Tracker, Guided Missile, SU-36/P", provides the user with control over the missile. The sight slots onto the missile tube and  The SU-36/P has a 6x magnification capability and a viewing angle of 6°. The simple crosshair reticle has a pair of stadia lines  To the right of the gunner's monocular is an infrared receiver, consisting of a large lens fitted with a filter used to capture the infrared signal emitted by the missile during its flight.

===Night Sight AN/TAS-5===
The Dragon night tracker (AN/TAS-5) increases the gunner's ability to engage targets during limited visibility. Targets can be engaged during daylight and also during limited visibility such as smoke, fog, or darkness.

==Operators==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
[[File:M47 Dragon operators.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Operators {{legend|#0360d5|Current}}{{legend|#dd001e|Former}}]]
[[File:Schweizer Armee Dragon PAL.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Swiss Army]] M47 Dragon on display in October 2006.]]

===Current operators===
* {{flag|Iran}}: Saeghe<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref>
* {{flag|Iraq}}: Saeghe used by PMF militias.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2024/01/18/iraq-is-flooded-with-iranian-weapons/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118152941/https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2024/01/18/iraq-is-flooded-with-iranian-weapons/ | url-status=usurped | archive-date=18 January 2024 | title=Iraq is Flooded with Iranian Weapons | date=18 January 2024 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Morocco}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}<ref>{{Cite web| title=All the money can buy - The Saudi Arabian armed forces | url=https://ptsm.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/jaroslaw-jarzabek.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001044322/https://ptsm.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/jaroslaw-jarzabek.pdf | archive-date=2020-10-01}}</ref>
* {{flag|Syria}}: Saeghe<ref>{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/@badly_xeroxed/common-atgms-in-the-syrian-civil-war-6395ea4305ec|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326142131/https://medium.com/@badly_xeroxed/common-atgms-in-the-syrian-civil-war-6395ea4305ec|title=Common ATGMs in the Syrian Civil War|date=17 August 2016|archive-date=26 March 2018|work=Medium}}</ref> 
* {{flag|Sudan}}: Saeghe 2 being used by Sudanese military and RSF forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.military.africa/2024/05/iranian-anti-tank-missile-system-flood-sudans-battlefield/|title=Iranian Anti-Tank Missile System flood Sudan's battlefield|author=Kazim Abdul|publisher=Military Africa|date=2020-10-30}}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}}<ref name="jones2009" />

===Former operators===
* {{flag|Israel}}<ref name="jones2009" />
* {{flag|Ba'athist Iraq|1991}}: Acquired M47 Dragons captured from Iran during the [[Iran–Iraq War|Iran-Iraq War]].<ref name="FAS"/> Not operational and not in use.
*{{Flag|Jordan}}: Replaced by the [[FGM-148 Javelin]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Anti-Armor-Weapons-and-Missiles/Javelin_a001154001.aspx|title=Javelin Block 0|website=www.deagel.com}}</ref><ref name=dsca>{{cite web|url=http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2009/Jordan_09-46.pdf|title=Jordan – Javelin Guided Missile Systems |publisher=[[Defense Security Cooperation Agency]] |access-date=July 28, 2013 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516114255/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2009/Jordan_09-46.pdf |archive-date=May 16, 2013}}</ref>
* {{flag|Netherlands}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> Was replaced by the [[Spike (missile)|Spike]] in August 2001.<ref name="AT">{{cite web|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/gill/|title=Spike Anti-Armour Missile Systems, Israel|publisher=Army Technology|access-date=2009-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090127032150/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/gill/|archive-date=2009-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Spain}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> Phased out of service, being replaced by the [[Spike (missile)|Spike]].<ref name="AT" />
* {{flag|Switzerland}}<ref name="vbs">{{cite web|url=https://www.news.admin.ch/de/nsb?id=15239|title=PAL-System wird nach dreissig Jahren Einsatz liquidiert|publisher=Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports|access-date=2016-07-09|date=2007-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121220118/https://www.news.admin.ch/message/index.html?lang=de&msg-id=15239|archive-date=2016-01-21|url-status=live}}</ref> Phased out, not directly replaced (6,200 ordered in 1979, 5,600 ordered in 1981)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trade Registers |url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |access-date=2023-11-16 |website=armstrade.sipri.org}}</ref>
* {{flag|United States|1960}}:<ref name="jones2009" /> Replaced by the [[FGM-148 Javelin]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/worst-first-how-javelin-saved-americas-anti-tank-arsenal-194726 | title=From Worst to First: How the Javelin Saved America's Anti-Tank Arsenal | date=8 October 2021 }}</ref>

===Non-state actors===
* {{flag|Hezbollah}}: Iranian Saeghe version.<ref name="ocnus"/>
* {{flag|Houthis}}: Iranian Saeghe version.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=List of Iranian Arms and Equipment Supplied to Houthi Militants in Yemen since 2015 |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2019/09/list-of-iranian-arms-and-equipment.html |website=Oryx Blog |date=25 September 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[FGM-148 Javelin]] – successor to the FGM-77 Dragon
* [[Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon]] (SMAW)
* {{lwc|FGM-172 SRAW|SRAW}}
* {{lwc|Eryx (missile)|Eryx}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|M47 Dragon}}
* [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-77.html McDonnell-Douglas FGM-77 Dragon – Designation Systems]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091018140113/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Comal_man_finds_missile_launcher.html Comal citizen finds M47 Dragon missile launcher in the wood]

{{US missiles}}

[[Category:Cold War missiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Anti-tank guided missiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Wire-guided missiles]]