Every two years, the international land forces community gathers in Paris. The Eurosatory defence show offers an impressive overview of the latest developments in wheeled and tracked vehicles, command and control technology, weapons, force protection systems, personal equipment, sensors and much, much more. One of the world's leading suppliers of defence technology systems, Rheinmetall will be on hand 11-15 June 2012, displaying a selection of its product portfolio to high-ranking delegations and specialist visitors from around the globe, with "Force protection is our mission" as its motto.
Tracked and wheeled fighting vehicles Main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) as well as wheeled armoured combat vehicles continue to form the backbone of modern mechanized armed forces. Even in contemporary asymmetric conflicts, their mobility, excellent protection, firepower and C4I capabilities render them invaluable.
At its Eurosatory pavilion, Rheinmetall will be presenting its current products and projects in this vital domain. On display is the Boxer armoured transport vehicle in its Bundeswehr command post configuration, together with the protected Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).
Yet older legacy vehicles too can be retrofitted to meet the contingencies of modern military operations. Taking two extensively overhauled Marder IFVs as an example, Rheinmetall shows how new protection technologies, improved drives and innovative build-ons based on tried-and-tested platforms can result in new, cost-effective vehicles ranging from armoured personnel carriers to medium-weight main battle tanks. Moreover, by integrating the latest technologies, components and subsystems, Rheinmetall is able to produce high-end solutions as well. An outstanding example of this is the MBT Revolution.
Mobility
Dependable vehicles form the key link in every logistics chain. Made by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), the robust and versatile TG, HX and SX vehicle series have reliably served armies around the world for decades.
At Eurosatory 2012 Rheinmetall is showcasing an advanced version of the protected HX series for the first time. The vehicle is equipped with the ADS active hard-kill system. Also on view at the Rheinmetall stand are various versions of the HX 8x8, which, among other things, is the Group's entry in the competition to supply Canada's projected "Medium Support Vehicle System Standard Military Pattern" (MSVS SMP).
Another Eurosatory premiere: the lightweight Amorok M. RMMV is thus systematically expanding its range of commercial off-the-shelf vehicles in the under 3.5 t weight class.
Protection
Whether the object is preventing optical, optronic or electronic detection, or individual body armour, innovative vehicle systems or even safeguarding large-scale critical infrastructure, Rheinmetall supplies cutting edge systems and total solutions - all from a single source.
Rheinmetall Chempro und Rheinmetall Verseidag Ballistic Protection Systems are the Group's experts for passive protection products. They are made of lightweight, high-performance materials, designed for inclusion in tactical vehicles, helicopters or ships for protecting passengers and crew. Inserts made of these materials are also available for ballistic vests.
"Soft-kill" solutions offer excellent active protection for ground vehicles as well as fixed-wing aircraft helicopters and ships. Smoke/obscurant systems like "Rosy" make vehicles invisible to the enemy in the event of an ambush, etc. Constituting the last line of defence, "hard-kill" systems such as Rheinmetall's ADS neutralize incoming projectiles before they reach their target.
One of the must trusted names in the international defence industry for well over a century, a great strength of Rheinmetall is its unsurpassed ability to integrate new and existing technology into a highly effective system of systems.
Sensors and fire control technology
For the first time at Eurosatory, the Rheinmetall Electro-Optics division is presenting its cost-efficient Vingtags SLR observation system. Besides Rheinmetall's own sensors, it can also accommodate third-party devices. It is able to collect and transmit target data even at long ranges.
Its big brother, the Vingtaqs II, which combines electro-optical reconnaissance with a battlefield radar, is on show as well, mounted on the AMPV as a mobile reconnaissance solution.
Rheinmetall is also displaying its FOI 2000 laser target marking system for forward artillery observers and forward air controllers. It can be integrated into vehicles or deployed in dismounted mode. The armed forces of Sweden and Norway already use this device.
Visitors can also have a look at the Group's trusty laser pointers, laser target marker and laser light modules, including the Vario Ray (LLM-VR), and the LLM01, which is in service with numerous armed forces and law enforcement agencies. The Group's ZEFF identification friend-foe system, known as the Dismounted Soldier Identification Device/DSID, rounds out the division's array of products on display, together with its Multi-Ray fire control unit.
Soldier systems
Infantry and other units that operate in dismounted mode continue to play a vital role in modern conflicts. On behalf of the German Bundeswehr, Rheinmetall developed its modular Future Soldier - 2 (IdZ-2) array of combat kit, which is currently being fielded under the name "Gladius". The system brings dismounted troops directly into the loop of network-enable operations. At Eurosatory, Rheinmetall is presenting the version now being procured by the German military.
Munitions
The Group's comprehensive portfolio of 40mm x 46 (low velocity/LV and medium velocity/MV) and 40mm x 53 high velocity (HV) ammunition underscores Rheinmetall's compelling lead in the 40mm field. This ranges from practice ammunition and non-lethal variants to highly effective service ammunition, including 40mm x 46 MV and 40 mm x 53 HV time-delay airburst rounds. In addition, Rheinmetall has developed the Cerberus grenade launcher and Hydra automatic grenade launcher, each specially designed for firing medium-velocity ammunition. Both feature a hydraulic shock absorber that reduces the recoil force to the level of LV ammunition. Concept studies can be examined at Eurosatory.
In the field of 60mm mortar ammunition Rheinmetall can also lay claim to a leadership role. This new family of insensitive ammunition meets all the requirements of STANAG 4439. It encompasses service, multi-purpose and practice rounds. The VingPods fire control unit, already successfully deployed in the 81mm mortar sphere, is currently being modified to meet the requirements of this new ammunition family.
Furthermore, on show at Eurosatory are Rheinmetall's two new 120mm tank rounds, the HE Temp. DM11 and the HE SQ (standing for "high explosive super quick) RH31, both of them optimized for the modern battlefield. The DM11 is characterized by a) the programmability of the loaded cartridge, and b) delayed airburst detonation at ranges of engagement of up to five kilometres. The necessary technical modifications (programmability) can be carried out in any main battle tank equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun and an up-to-date fire control unit. The lower priced RH31 features a selectable impact function (with or without delay) that requires no modification of the system. A number of Leopard 2/M1 user nations have already placed orders for both ammunition types.
LANCE is a state-of-the-art Rheinmetall medium-calibre turret system. It can be configured for manned operation or serve as a remote control turret. At Eurosatory, visitors can view a LANCE training demonstrator at the Rheinmetall stand. Moreover, MOWAG is showcasing a Piranha APC mounted with a LANCE turret.
Even small command and mission-specific vehicles can be provided with additional firepower. Possibilities include Rheinmetall's remote control, fully stabilized weapon stations such as the Lite or Super Lite of the Protector family, which are integrated into various vehicles on display at the Rheinmetall stand.
Air defence
Modern air defence systems have to be able to contend not just with the traditional threat from above, but also with random asymmetric attacks, i.e. rocket, artillery and mortar fire (RAM). Rheinmetall Air Defence's response to this tactical and technical challenge is the Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system. It is designed to protect military installations and critical civilian infrastructure from RAM attacks on the home front and during deployed operations abroad - whether in high-intensity conventional conflicts or military operations other than war (MOOTW). The Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is based on Rheinmetall's Ahead airburst technology. Germany has already procured two Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM systems, which it refers to as the MANTIS.
Rheinmetall: global source for defence technology
The Rheinmetall products on display at Eurosatory 2012 underscore once again the multifaceted capabilities of one of the world's leading suppliers of top-quality systems and equipment for armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
Tracked and wheeled fighting vehicles Main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) as well as wheeled armoured combat vehicles continue to form the backbone of modern mechanized armed forces. Even in contemporary asymmetric conflicts, their mobility, excellent protection, firepower and C4I capabilities render them invaluable.
At its Eurosatory pavilion, Rheinmetall will be presenting its current products and projects in this vital domain. On display is the Boxer armoured transport vehicle in its Bundeswehr command post configuration, together with the protected Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).
Yet older legacy vehicles too can be retrofitted to meet the contingencies of modern military operations. Taking two extensively overhauled Marder IFVs as an example, Rheinmetall shows how new protection technologies, improved drives and innovative build-ons based on tried-and-tested platforms can result in new, cost-effective vehicles ranging from armoured personnel carriers to medium-weight main battle tanks. Moreover, by integrating the latest technologies, components and subsystems, Rheinmetall is able to produce high-end solutions as well. An outstanding example of this is the MBT Revolution.
Mobility
Dependable vehicles form the key link in every logistics chain. Made by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), the robust and versatile TG, HX and SX vehicle series have reliably served armies around the world for decades.
At Eurosatory 2012 Rheinmetall is showcasing an advanced version of the protected HX series for the first time. The vehicle is equipped with the ADS active hard-kill system. Also on view at the Rheinmetall stand are various versions of the HX 8x8, which, among other things, is the Group's entry in the competition to supply Canada's projected "Medium Support Vehicle System Standard Military Pattern" (MSVS SMP).
Another Eurosatory premiere: the lightweight Amorok M. RMMV is thus systematically expanding its range of commercial off-the-shelf vehicles in the under 3.5 t weight class.
Protection
Whether the object is preventing optical, optronic or electronic detection, or individual body armour, innovative vehicle systems or even safeguarding large-scale critical infrastructure, Rheinmetall supplies cutting edge systems and total solutions - all from a single source.
Rheinmetall Chempro und Rheinmetall Verseidag Ballistic Protection Systems are the Group's experts for passive protection products. They are made of lightweight, high-performance materials, designed for inclusion in tactical vehicles, helicopters or ships for protecting passengers and crew. Inserts made of these materials are also available for ballistic vests.
"Soft-kill" solutions offer excellent active protection for ground vehicles as well as fixed-wing aircraft helicopters and ships. Smoke/obscurant systems like "Rosy" make vehicles invisible to the enemy in the event of an ambush, etc. Constituting the last line of defence, "hard-kill" systems such as Rheinmetall's ADS neutralize incoming projectiles before they reach their target.
One of the must trusted names in the international defence industry for well over a century, a great strength of Rheinmetall is its unsurpassed ability to integrate new and existing technology into a highly effective system of systems.
Sensors and fire control technology
For the first time at Eurosatory, the Rheinmetall Electro-Optics division is presenting its cost-efficient Vingtags SLR observation system. Besides Rheinmetall's own sensors, it can also accommodate third-party devices. It is able to collect and transmit target data even at long ranges.
Its big brother, the Vingtaqs II, which combines electro-optical reconnaissance with a battlefield radar, is on show as well, mounted on the AMPV as a mobile reconnaissance solution.
Rheinmetall is also displaying its FOI 2000 laser target marking system for forward artillery observers and forward air controllers. It can be integrated into vehicles or deployed in dismounted mode. The armed forces of Sweden and Norway already use this device.
Visitors can also have a look at the Group's trusty laser pointers, laser target marker and laser light modules, including the Vario Ray (LLM-VR), and the LLM01, which is in service with numerous armed forces and law enforcement agencies. The Group's ZEFF identification friend-foe system, known as the Dismounted Soldier Identification Device/DSID, rounds out the division's array of products on display, together with its Multi-Ray fire control unit.
Soldier systems
Infantry and other units that operate in dismounted mode continue to play a vital role in modern conflicts. On behalf of the German Bundeswehr, Rheinmetall developed its modular Future Soldier - 2 (IdZ-2) array of combat kit, which is currently being fielded under the name "Gladius". The system brings dismounted troops directly into the loop of network-enable operations. At Eurosatory, Rheinmetall is presenting the version now being procured by the German military.
Munitions
The Group's comprehensive portfolio of 40mm x 46 (low velocity/LV and medium velocity/MV) and 40mm x 53 high velocity (HV) ammunition underscores Rheinmetall's compelling lead in the 40mm field. This ranges from practice ammunition and non-lethal variants to highly effective service ammunition, including 40mm x 46 MV and 40 mm x 53 HV time-delay airburst rounds. In addition, Rheinmetall has developed the Cerberus grenade launcher and Hydra automatic grenade launcher, each specially designed for firing medium-velocity ammunition. Both feature a hydraulic shock absorber that reduces the recoil force to the level of LV ammunition. Concept studies can be examined at Eurosatory.
In the field of 60mm mortar ammunition Rheinmetall can also lay claim to a leadership role. This new family of insensitive ammunition meets all the requirements of STANAG 4439. It encompasses service, multi-purpose and practice rounds. The VingPods fire control unit, already successfully deployed in the 81mm mortar sphere, is currently being modified to meet the requirements of this new ammunition family.
Furthermore, on show at Eurosatory are Rheinmetall's two new 120mm tank rounds, the HE Temp. DM11 and the HE SQ (standing for "high explosive super quick) RH31, both of them optimized for the modern battlefield. The DM11 is characterized by a) the programmability of the loaded cartridge, and b) delayed airburst detonation at ranges of engagement of up to five kilometres. The necessary technical modifications (programmability) can be carried out in any main battle tank equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun and an up-to-date fire control unit. The lower priced RH31 features a selectable impact function (with or without delay) that requires no modification of the system. A number of Leopard 2/M1 user nations have already placed orders for both ammunition types.
LANCE is a state-of-the-art Rheinmetall medium-calibre turret system. It can be configured for manned operation or serve as a remote control turret. At Eurosatory, visitors can view a LANCE training demonstrator at the Rheinmetall stand. Moreover, MOWAG is showcasing a Piranha APC mounted with a LANCE turret.
Even small command and mission-specific vehicles can be provided with additional firepower. Possibilities include Rheinmetall's remote control, fully stabilized weapon stations such as the Lite or Super Lite of the Protector family, which are integrated into various vehicles on display at the Rheinmetall stand.
Air defence
Modern air defence systems have to be able to contend not just with the traditional threat from above, but also with random asymmetric attacks, i.e. rocket, artillery and mortar fire (RAM). Rheinmetall Air Defence's response to this tactical and technical challenge is the Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system. It is designed to protect military installations and critical civilian infrastructure from RAM attacks on the home front and during deployed operations abroad - whether in high-intensity conventional conflicts or military operations other than war (MOOTW). The Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is based on Rheinmetall's Ahead airburst technology. Germany has already procured two Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM systems, which it refers to as the MANTIS.
Rheinmetall: global source for defence technology
The Rheinmetall products on display at Eurosatory 2012 underscore once again the multifaceted capabilities of one of the world's leading suppliers of top-quality systems and equipment for armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
