Rheinmetall Launches Game-Changing Innovations for Modern Military Operations
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The evolving geopolitical landscape and expertise gained from recent operations emphasize that agile, highly mobile, well-trained, and well-equipped military forces remain a vital instrument for security strategies. At Eurosatory 2016 – Europe’s leading defense exhibition (13-17 June) – Rheinmetall will showcase its position as a high-tech group dedicated to addressing two fundamental human necessities: safety and mobility.
Highlighting its enduring status as a trustworthy ally to the global armed forces, at Eurosatory 2016 the Group is unveiling the following innovations at the Rheinmetall Pavilion, D211 – D261:
Lynx: an advanced combat system, signaling the debut of a groundbreaking family of tracked vehicles. The world premiere is set for 10 o’clock on 14 June;
130mm L/51 tank gun: a self-developed demonstrator for the principal armament of the next generation of main battle tanks;
G-BKF: a secured recovery crane vehicle, designed for the Bundeswehr by Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH; both the secured driver’s cabin and crane compartment are sourced from Rheinmetall.
Remote Controlled Lightweight Missile Mount (RCLM): a novel, extremely lightweight, easily integrated, remotely operated missile launcher;
Skynex: Rheinmetall’s innovative concept for a fully interconnected, next-generation ground-based air defense system;
Revolver Gun Mark 3: a new, networked automatic cannon for aerial defense equipped with an integrated sensor and tracking unit;
Additional products showcased include:
MBT Advanced Technology Demonstrator: a test platform for exploring various methods to enhance combat efficiency and operational capability of main battle tanks
Puma: the new infantry fighting vehicle for the German Bundeswehr, which is at the forefront of a new era in mechanized combat (exhibited at the PSM GmbH stand, D-270)
HX family: forming the backbone of a global fleet of high-mobility transport vehicles, this military-off-the-shelf product range can be fortified to tackle battlefield challenges;
RMMV Survivor: a secured 4×4 vehicle tailored for law enforcement duties;
Mission Equipment: sensors, laser modules, and fire control systems for the sensor-to-shooter workflow;
Soldier systems: personalized solutions for integrating dismounted combat units into the networked warfare cycle;
Weapon and ammunition proficiency covering everything from infantry firearms to high-energy laser systems;
Airburst technology applicable for infantry roles, automatic cannons, air defense, and main battle tanks;
High-energy laser systems: a versatile family of systems, easily scalable to counter a variety of threats;
Training and simulation: highly realistic, tailored training, ranging from computer-aided learning to live exercises in combat training centers.
Comprising three divisions – Vehicle Systems, Electronic Solutions, and Weapons and Ammunition – Rheinmetall stands as one of Europe’s premier suppliers of defense technology, improving the operational capabilities of ground forces globally.
Vehicle Systems: Center of excellence for land-based systems
Established in early 2016, the Vehicle Systems division is among the world’s most resilient organizations for tactical land mobility. Its product offerings span from trucks and wheeled armored systems to heavy tracked combat vehicles.
At Eurosatory, attendees will have the opportunity to see Rheinmetall’s new Lynx combat vehicle, the first of an expected new family of tracked armored vehicles. The unveiling is scheduled for Tuesday, 14 June at 10 o’clock. The displayed Lynx is configured as an infantry fighting vehicle.
Recently, Rheinmetall officially delivered the first Puma infantry fighting vehicle to the Bundeswehr. Developed by an industrial consortium, the Puma is exhibited at the PSM GmbH stand. The new cornerstone of Germany’s mechanized infantry units leads the way in every category, setting the international standards for mobility, force protection, situational awareness, maneuverability, and lethality. The Puma signifies the commencement of a new chapter in mechanized warfare.
Rheinmetall continues to illustrate unparalleled expertise within the Leopard 2 technology domain. The Düsseldorf-based Group has executed overhaul and upgrade initiatives for multiple Leopard 2 user nations and is also providing several countries with the Bergepanzer 3 armored recovery vehicle and the Kodiak armored engineering vehicle, both based on the Leopard 2. Rheinmetall’s MBT Advanced Technology Demonstrator is also featured at Eurosatory 2016, highlighting the Group’s commitment to maintaining leadership in main battle tank design.
Also present in Paris is the Boxer multirole wheeled armored vehicle, produced by a defense consortium. Highly mobile and exceptionally protected, the 8×8 platform has demonstrated its capabilities in Bundeswehr missions in Afghanistan. The Boxer’s modular design, comprising drive and mission modules, provides an optimal solution for a diverse array of operations. A wheeled armored reconnaissance version of the Boxer represents Rheinmetall’s entry in the Australian “Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle” competition.
Among other exhibits at Eurosatory is the secured 4×4 AMPV, crafted in collaboration with another leading defense contractor. Two variants of the vehicle are displayed: the PEGAZ version proposed for a Polish armed forces project; and the RMMV Survivor, designed for law enforcement duties. The division’s logistic vehicles are also on display, including an HX 77 and HX 2. The HX family of military-off-the-shelf vehicles forms the foundation of a globally deployable fleet of high-mobility trucks that can be fortified if necessary. Approximately 10,000 of these vehicles are operational worldwide, which – particularly in multinational operations – offers significant advantages regarding interoperability and logistics. The HX range encompasses variants from 4×4 to 10×10. Cargo carriers,
tank trucks, recovery apparatus, system frameworks, collapsible road and bridge-laying mechanisms – everything is achievable. The HX thus fulfills all specifications for the Bundeswehr’s CAT I successor.
Another German military innovation making its debut at the Rheinmetall display is the armored recovery crane vehicle from Liebherr; here, Rheinmetall provides the reinforced driver’s cabin and crane section.
Its unmatched proficiency in turret technology enhances the division’s portfolio, as illustrated by items like the Lance turret and the turret structure for the British “Scout” armored reconnaissance vehicle. Here, too, Rheinmetall continuously illustrates a strong capability to collaborate at both national and international arenas.
Electronic Solutions
The Electronic Solutions division focuses on air defense frameworks, soldier systems, command and reconnaissance technologies, fire control mechanisms, sensors, and naval systems.
Serving clients worldwide, Rheinmetall stands as a premier provider of innovative air defense systems. The Group has the capability to interconnect a wide range of sensors and effectors into highly efficient systems. These systems can instantaneously detect incoming rockets, artillery, and mortar shells (RAM) or even minuscule drones, reliably neutralizing them with optimal force efficiency. At Eurosatory 2016, Rheinmetall is unveiling Skynex, its latest concept for a completely networked, future-oriented ground-based air defense system. Also showcased for the first time is the remotely operated, network-capable Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mark 3. Tracking and detection units such as X-band radar, electro-optical sensors, and electronic warfare components can be integrated into the 35mm platform. This allows for rapid and autonomous engagement of externally designated targets.
Also making its global debut at the Rheinmetall stand is the Remote Controlled Lightweight Missile Mount, or RCLM. Predominantly constructed of carbon, the RCLM can be adapted into virtually any military vehicle and is particularly efficient for launching short-range surface-to-air and ground-to-ground missiles.
Additionally, Rheinmetall is a significant manufacturer of soldier systems, providing tailored solutions to meet their unique requirements. Two prime examples include the Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES, referred to as “Gladius” by Rheinmetall), which enables the Bundeswehr to integrate its infantry into the network-centric warfare framework, and Argus. Currently undergoing qualification, the latter has been chosen by the Canadian Forces for the Integrated Soldier Systems Project.
Simulation technologies for army, air force, naval, and civilian users complete the division’s offerings. Recently, the Bundeswehr awarded Rheinmetall a contract for modernizing the German Army’s Combat Training Centre, or GÜZ, which the Group also administers. Soon, troops will enhance their urban combat capabilities in “Schnöggersburg”, an exceptionally realistic new training setting. At Eurosatory, the Simulation and Training business unit’s Leopard Gunnery Skills Trainer establishes a connection between simulator technology and the “Weapons and Munitions” division.
Equipment such as laser light modules and fire control units supplements the division’s representation at Eurosatory.
Weapons and Ammunition
The range of products offered by Rheinmetall’s Weapons and Ammunition division spans from pyrotechnic signal flares to high-energy laser systems. Its key competencies include infantry ammunition, automatic cannons like the Puma’s airburst-capable MK30-2 ABM, the internationally recognized 120mm smoothbore gun of the Leopard 2, a new variety of mortar ammunition, as well as artillery shells and propellant charges.
An exemplary illustration of Rheinmetall’s role as a leader in technology, the Group’s airburst expertise deserves special recognition. Utilizing time-delay 40mm x 53 airburst ammunition (ABM), the round is programmed by an infrared signal from the fire control/aiming unit upon leaving the barrel. The rounds are timed to detonate at a precisely determined altitude above the target zone, rendering them highly effective even when targeting concealed foes. Rheinmetall employs its proprietary AHEAD airburst technology in the medium-caliber munitions it produces for automatic cannons intended for air defense roles or as the primary armament of IFVs. The ABM round is programmed at the muzzle upon exiting the barrel. Unlike programming during ammunition loading, this approach allows for calculating the exact initial velocity of each round discharged, which is then considered when determining the detonation point. Consequently, this results in a heightened probability of a direct impact as well as improved overall effectiveness. For Rheinmetall’s time-delay tank ammunition, programming of the 120mm x 570 HE Temp. DM11 occurs post-loading. The system modifications necessary for this (a programming kit) can be effortlessly retrofitted into any main battle tank equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun and a contemporary fire control computer.
Rheinmetall is actively engaged in developing several other progressive technologies. On one side, plans are well advanced to enhance the combat potency of the Group’s 120mm tank gun; on the other side, research is ongoing for a future generation of 130mm tank main weaponry. Another thrilling representation of Rheinmetall’s technological leadership includes the Group’s new high-energy laser (HEL) effectors, which have already undergone successful trials on terrestrial and naval platforms. Attendees at Eurosatory 2016 can view an HEL effector integrated into the previously mentioned Skynex air defense system.
