Rheinmetall Unveils Revolutionary Breakthroughs for the Next Generation of Warfare

The shifting geopolitical landscape and knowledge acquired from recent operations underscore that nimble, highly mobile, well-prepared, and well-equipped military forces remain an essential element for security strategies. At Eurosatory 2016 – Europe’s premier defense exhibition (13-17 June) – Rheinmetall will demonstrate its status as a high-tech organization committed to fulfilling two fundamental human requirements: security and mobility.

Demonstrating its long-standing reputation as a reliable partner to global armed forces, at Eurosatory 2016, the Group will introduce the following innovations at the Rheinmetall Pavilion, D211 – D261:

Lynx: an advanced combat system representing the launch of a revolutionary family of tracked vehicles. The global premiere is scheduled for 10 AM on 14 June;

130mm L/51 tank gun: a self-developed prototype for the main armament of the next generation of main battle tanks;

G-BKF: a secured recovery crane vehicle, designed specifically 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): an innovative, ultra-light, easily integrated, remotely operated missile launcher;

Skynex: Rheinmetall’s forward-thinking concept for a fully interconnected, next-generation ground-based air defense system;

Revolver Gun Mark 3: a new, networked automatic cannon for aerial defense featuring an integrated sensor and tracking unit;

Additional products displays include:

MBT Advanced Technology Demonstrator: a trial platform for investigating various methods to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability of main battle tanks.

Puma: the latest infantry fighting vehicle for the German Bundeswehr, representing a new era in mechanized combat (showcased 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 enhanced to confront battlefield challenges;

RMMV Survivor: a secured 4×4 vehicle specifically designed for law enforcement roles;

Mission Equipment: sensors, laser modules, and fire control systems for the sensor-to-shooter workflow;

Soldier systems: tailored solutions for integrating dismounted combat units into the networked warfare cycle;

Weapon and ammunition expertise: encompassing 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 range of systems, easily scalable to counter various threats;

Training and simulation: highly realistic, customized training sessions, 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 foremost providers of defense technology, enhancing the operational capabilities of ground forces around the world.

Vehicle Systems: Center of excellence for land-based systems.

Established in early 2016, the Vehicle Systems division ranks among the world’s most resilient organizations for tactical land mobility. Its product lineup ranges from trucks and wheeled armored systems to heavy tracked combat vehicles.

At Eurosatory, attendees will have the chance to observe Rheinmetall’s new Lynx combat vehicle, the initial member of a projected new family of tracked armored vehicles. The unveiling is slated for Tuesday, 14 June at 10 AM. The displayed Lynx is configured as an infantry fighting vehicle.

Recently, Rheinmetall successfully delivered the first Puma infantry fighting vehicle to the Bundeswehr. Developed by an industrial consortium, the Puma is showcased at the PSM GmbH stand. This new cornerstone of Germany’s mechanized infantry units leads in every field, setting international benchmarks for mobility, force protection, situational awareness, maneuverability, and lethality. The Puma marks the beginning of a new era in mechanized warfare.

Rheinmetall continues to demonstrate unmatched expertise within the Leopard 2 technology realm. The Düsseldorf-based Group has conducted overhaul and upgrade initiatives for multiple Leopard 2 user nations and is also supplying 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, emphasizing the Group’s commitment to remaining a leader in main battle tank design.

Also showcased in Paris is the Boxer multirole wheeled armored vehicle, produced by a defense consortium. Highly mobile and exceptionally protected, the 8×8 platform has proven its capabilities in Bundeswehr missions in Afghanistan. The Boxer’s modular design, consisting of drive and mission modules, provides an optimal solution for a wide 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, developed in partnership with another prominent defense contractor. Two variants of the vehicle are presented: the PEGAZ version proposed for a Polish armed forces project; and the RMMV Survivor, designed for law enforcement duties. The division’s logistical 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 enhanced if necessary. Approximately 10,000 of these vehicles are operational worldwide, which – particularly in multinational operations – provides substantial advantages in terms of interoperability and logistics. The HX range includes variants from 4×4 to 10×10, including cargo carriers,

tank trucks, recovery apparatus, system frameworks, and collapsible road and bridge-laying solutions.

mechanisms – everything is attainable. The HX therefore meets all criteria for the Bundeswehr’s CAT I successor.

Another innovation from the German military making its premiere at the Rheinmetall exhibition is the armored recovery crane vehicle from Liebherr; Rheinmetall supplies the fortified driver’s cabin and crane assembly.

Its unparalleled expertise in turret technology boosts the division’s portfolio, highlighted by products such as the Lance turret and the turret structure for the British “Scout” armored reconnaissance vehicle. Rheinmetall consistently demonstrates its strong aptitude for collaboration on both national and international stages.

Electronic Solutions

The Electronic Solutions division concentrates on air defense systems, soldier support technologies, command and reconnaissance tools, fire control systems, sensors, and naval applications.

Internationally, Rheinmetall is recognized as a leading supplier of advanced air defense systems. The Group possesses the proficiency to integrate a variety of sensors and effectors into highly effective frameworks. These systems can rapidly identify incoming missiles, artillery, and mortar shells (RAM) or even small drones, reliably neutralizing them with optimal force efficiency. At Eurosatory 2016, Rheinmetall introduces Skynex, its latest concept for a fully interconnected, future-oriented ground-based air defense system. Also making its debut is the remotely operated, network-enabled Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mark 3. Tracking and detection units such as X-band radar, electro-optical sensors, and electronic warfare components can be incorporated into the 35mm platform. This enables quick and autonomous engagement of externally designated targets.

Making its global premiere at the Rheinmetall stand is the Remote Controlled Lightweight Missile Mount (RCLM). Mainly constructed from carbon, the RCLM can be adapted to nearly any military vehicle and is particularly efficient for launching short-range surface-to-air and ground-to-ground missiles.

Moreover, Rheinmetall is a prominent manufacturer of soldier systems, offering tailored solutions to fulfill unique operational needs. Two notable examples include the Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES, referred to as “Gladius” by Rheinmetall), which enables the Bundeswehr to integrate its infantry into a network-centric warfare structure, and Argus. Currently undergoing evaluation, the latter has been selected by the Canadian Forces for the Integrated Soldier Systems Project.

Simulation technologies available for army, air force, naval, and civilian applications complete the division’s offerings. Recently, the Bundeswehr awarded Rheinmetall a contract to modernize the German Army’s Combat Training Centre, or GÜZ, which the Group also manages. Soon, troops will enhance their urban combat skills in “Schnöggersburg”, an exceptionally realistic new training environment. At Eurosatory, the Simulation and Training unit’s Leopard Gunnery Skills Trainer connects simulator technology with the “Weapons and Munitions” division.

Equipment like laser light modules and fire control units further enhances the division’s representation at Eurosatory.

Weapons and Ammunition

The array of products available from Rheinmetall’s Weapons and Ammunition division extends from pyrotechnic signal flares to advanced laser systems. Its primary competencies include infantry ammunition, automatic cannons such as the Puma’s airburst-capable MK30-2 ABM, the globally recognized 120mm smoothbore gun of the Leopard 2, a new type of mortar ammunition, along with artillery shells and propellant charges.

A prime example of Rheinmetall’s status as a technology leader, the Group’s airburst expertise deserves specific acknowledgment. Utilizing time-delay 40mm x 53 airburst ammunition (ABM), the round is programmed by an infrared signal from the fire control/aiming unit upon exiting the barrel. The rounds are set to detonate at a precisely determined altitude above the target zone, making them highly effective against concealed adversaries. Rheinmetall employs its proprietary AHEAD airburst technology in its medium-caliber munitions produced for automatic cannons used for air defense or as the primary armament for IFVs. The ABM round is programmed when it exits the barrel, allowing for adjustments based on the calculated initial velocity of each discharged round, thereby improving the detonation accuracy. Consequently, this enhances the likelihood of a direct hit and overall effectiveness. For Rheinmetall’s time-delay tank ammunition, the programming of the 120mm x 570 HE Temp. DM11 occurs post-loading, with a programming kit easily retrofitted into any main battle tank equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun and a modern fire control computer.

Rheinmetall is vigorously pursuing several other advanced technologies. On one front, plans are well underway to augment the combat effectiveness of the Group’s 120mm tank gun; concurrently, research is in progress for a future generation of 130mm tank main weaponry. Another exciting demonstration of Rheinmetall’s technological prowess includes the Group’s new high-energy laser (HEL) effectors, which have successfully completed trials on both land and naval platforms. Attendees at Eurosatory 2016 can examine a HEL effector integrated into the previously mentioned Skynex air defense system.