In the early 1980s, Bofors developed a Swedish anti-tank missile system (Robot 56/r56 or Robotsystem 56/rs56) with a medium range in collaboration with the Swedish Army. The system was designed for infantry soldiers and equipped with a missile that operated based on the Overfly Top Attack (OTA) principle. Upon its introduction in 1988, it was the first missile in the world to use this feature.

The OTA principle means that the missile flies over the target and explodes directly above it. This happens when the missile’s guidance system detects that it is positioned directly over the target, using a radar called a proximity fuse. When the missile explodes, HEAT jets (High-Explosive Anti-Tank, focusing the charge on a minimal area for maximum blast effect) are fired from the underside of the missile, penetrating the target's roof. This allows the target to be effectively neutralized.

There were two main models of the missile:
BILL 1 – featuring a forward-angled HEAT charge in the center of the missile, tilted approximately 30 degrees from horizontal. 
BILL 2 – equipped with two downward-facing HEAT charges, one in the front and one in the rear, where the first charge exploded just before the second for increased blast effect.  

The system consisted of a missile tube, missile, launcher, day sight, night sight, and a transport case. The missile could be fired from a launcher and operated by a crew of three soldiers: a gunner, a loader, and a group leader.

The RS56 was decommissioned in 2013 when it was replaced by the Robot 57. Production resumed in 2021, pending the arrival of a more modern anti-tank missile, which is planned to be ready for delivery in 2025.

Handling the Robot 56 is a simple process. The operator aims the sight at the target and fires the missile. However, it is crucial to keep the target steady in the sight throughout the flight so that the missile, which is continuously updated with information from the sight, can track the target’s position.

Length

900 mm

Weight

34.5 kg (launch tube with missile, ready for firing)

43.5 kg (with night sight)

Diameter

150 mm

Warhead

Roof-penetrating HEAT jet

Explosive power

Penetrates over 550+ mm of armor

Guidance system

Semi-automatic command to line of sight (wire-guided)

Weapon carrier

Portable, combat vehicle

Range

150–2 200 m

Maximum altitude

Time to altitude

· 500 m = 3 sek

· 1 000 m = 5,2 sek

· 1 500 m = 8 sek

· 2 000 m = 11 sek

· 2 200 m = 13 sek

Flight height

0,75-1,05 m above the line of sight

Maximum speed

250 m/s

Speed

72 m/s launch speed

ca 135 m/s slutfashastighet