Known as the suitcase nuke, backpack nuke or even snuke, it wasnt actually a single weapon.
It was truly a suitcase missile!
Soviet production of the 24-lb.
A trainer version AT-3 Sagger (9M14 Malyutka) offered for sale at a military collectibles show in North America. This version was sold with an original transport chest/launch unit.
missile had reportedly peaked at 25,000 missiles a year during the 1960s and 1970s.
What is especially noteworthy is that the weapons history still remains somewhat shrouded in mystery.
However, it continues to be used in conflicts around the globe.
L to R: A cutaway Sagger missile, a complete missile with fins extended, a carrying case containing a warhead and rocket motor, the top of the case with a missile on its launch rail, and a joystick control unit. Image: NARA
Much like the American-made TOW, it was wire-guided at launch.
After launch, the operator was able to guide the course via a control panel and joystick.
Fortunately, the war in Europe between the Warsaw Pact and NATO never occurred.
The missile-carrying case for the Soviet Sagger AT-3 anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) system had a launch rail attached to the top so it could be fired by a single soldier remotely. Image: NARA
Tank crews learned quickly that little could blunt the explosive forces.
Even today, should a tank crew see an enemy with a suitcase, they should be concerned!
All of those were vehicle-mounted versions rather than the suitcase-launched models.
Sighting through a remote system, a spotter prepares to fire a Sagger AT-3 anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) missile from a launcher mounted on a Soviet BRMD-2 amphibious scout car. Image: NARA
A few are still available from a few sellers online for around $500.
The joystick control unit for the Soviet Sagger AT-3 anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) system. Image: NARA
A front view of a Soviet BRDM-2 amphibious scout car with its Sagger AT-3 anti-tank guided weapon system in the raised launching position. A single Sagger missile is mounted on the launcher. Image: NARA
This spy photo taken in 1977 shows an overhead view of a Soviet AT-3 Sagger anti-tank missiles mounted on two BDRM-1 amphibious reconnaissance cars. Image: NARA
This Soviet-made BMP-1 mechanized infantry combat vehicle was captured by Israel in the Yom Kippur War. A Sagger AT-3 missile is mounted above the 73 mm main gun. Image: NARA
The AT-3 Sagger is also used in unconventional warfare. A U.S. soldier from the 4th Infantry Division handles a Sagger missile found buried in Iraq. Image: SSgt. Mark Wojciechowski
This trainer version of the AT-3 Sagger can be disassembled/assembled much like a live version.
The Sagger has been retired from a number of former Warsaw Pact nations, so it is increasingly common to see trainer versions offered at larger gun and military collectible shows.
