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Lições da Ucrânia:

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Lições da Ucrânia:

¿Que feria es esa?

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ILA24.

  https://www.ila-berlin.de/en/pioneering/about-us

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EuroPULS: a multiple rocket launcher with munitions à la carte
 11/06/2024
At the Future Artillery Conference, organised by Defence iQ in Paris, rocket launchers were starring, as many presentations from different armies were showing how these systems are becoming one of the key elements to provide long fires to their artillery formations. At DSEI 2023 KNDS and Elbit Systems signed a teaming agreement for the development of the EuroPULS future rocket artillery system, the Paris event being the right place to get an update on this system, prior to Eurosatory
Work on the EuroPULS started in 2022, ahead of the signing of the agreement at the London exhibition. The document formalized and implemented the strategic cooperation between the two companies, which combines the capabilities from KNDS as a systems house with those of the technology group Elbit Systems.

Until now multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) were developed for proprietary ammunition, however the war in Ukraine shows how much flexibility is a key issue, allowing not only to adapt to the mission but also to cope with possible shortage of original munitions. Hence the idea to develop a modularly scalable and flexible system that can be integrated to fire from any mobility platform with pinpoint accuracy and safety missiles coming from any provider.

The teaming sees Elbit providing the rocket launcher derived from the company PULS™ (Precise & Universal Launching System), while KNDS Deutschland acts as system integrator. Beside mechanical interfaces to accept rockets and missiles of different origins, the key element is the fire control system (FCS) which is based on that developed by Elbit Systems, with inputs from that of the RCH155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer by KNDS; the aim was to develop an FCS capable to easily integrate new ammunition while respecting European safety and security standards. The modular FCS is ITAR-free and can be linked to any fire direction centre.


click on image to enlarge
The system features two launcher pods, which can be loaded with different types of ammunition giving full flexibility even at single-launcher level. The number of ammunitions depends on their type, as these can go from the new training rocket developed by Elbit Systems and Diehl, exhibited at the Defence iQ conference in Paris, which has a range of 15 km, to guided missiles with over 500 km range.

The munitions proposed for the EuroPULS obviously contain those from the original PULS system such as Elbit Systems’ Accular 122 and 160 mm guided rockets, with respectively a 35 km and 40 km range, Elbit/Diehl Extra long-range high-precision rocket that can reach 150 km, Elbit Predator Hawk Long-range rocket for in-depth precision strikes that can reach targets at 300 km, all those having a declared CEP of less than 10 metres. The EuroPULS is also capable to fire Elbit’s SkyStriker loitering munition, which can reach its objective at 100 km distance; provided with two different warheads, with respective mass of 5 or 10 kg, it can loiter for up to 2 hours with the smaller one and 1 hour with the bigger one. At the Future Artillery Conference Saab was proposing its Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), this 150 km range ordnance being also among the EuroPULS effectors basket. The new MLRS will also accept Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM), capable to hit land and sea targets at over 250 km range. Looking at even longer ranges, short of 500 km, two systems are proposed. MBDA is developing its JFSM (Joint Fire Support Missile), compatible with the in service MARS (the German name for the US MLRS), while the same MBDA together with Kongsberg and Diehl launched the development of the 3SM Tyrfing (Super Sonic Strike Missile), both missiles having a 500 km range. As we can see no US MLRS-related ammunition are part of the system missile portfolio; EDR On-Line understood that technically these are compatible, however legal issues prevent these munitions to be used on the EuroPULS, at least for the time being. How much similar issues might impact the GLSDB, a derivative of Boeing’s GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, is to be seen.


click on image to enlarge
The system proposed to the Bundeswehr by KNDS is based on an Iveco Trakker GTF3 8×8 chassis, fitted with a protected cabin. Powered by an Iveco Cursor 13 six-cylinder turbocharged engine providing 500 hp ensuring a 90 km/h speed and a range of over 750 km on road. The cabin hosts three soldiers, protection level depending on customer’s choice, the windshield being protected by metal shutters during firing, to avoid abrasive jet blast to damage armoured glass. Behind the cabin a crane allows the EuroPULS to autonomously reload its pods; this means that resupply trucks will leave the pods with required ammunition at a rendez-vous point where the launcher will head once it finished the firing mission, ensuring maximum dispersion thus reducing the risk of concentrating a load of ammo at the same place. Should a customer select a truck unable to also carry a crane, for example a 6×6 chassis, reloading will need the assistance of a loading truck fitted with the crane. In the German configuration the EuroPULS will have a combat mass of 33.5 tonnes, dimensions being 10.5×2.55×3.83 metres, height being dictated by the crane. The height might be even higher should the customer decide to install a remotely controlled weapon station on the cabin, the roof being designed to withstand the mass and recoil forces of an RCWS armed with a machine gun.

The EuroPULS flexibility is not linked only to ammunition. The system can be integrated on different wheeled and tracked chassis. The Netherlands ordered its PULS launchers installed on Scania Gryphu 8×8 trucks, another option being Rheinmetall HX trucks or Tatra 6×6 chassis, a BAE Systems tracked platform being also a possibility.

EDR On-Line understood that KNDS is currently building the prototype of the EuroPULS in the German configuration, which should be ready in Q3 2024 to start firings before year end. According to the company, depending on orders the EuroPULS should be available by 2027.

Photos by P. Valpolini

https://www.edrmagazine.eu/europuls-a-multiple-rocket-launcher-with-munitions-a-la-carte

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Nueva versión del Leopard II el A-RC de KNDS

Posee una tripulación de 3 personas, mayor protección, posibilidad de probar varios cañones de 120-140mm. Peso inferior a 60t

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You weren't meant to see this thing until Monday 17 June, but some unscrupulous journalist literally let the cat out of the bag. So what is Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 and why is it significant?

Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0  is essentially a bridge between Leopard 2 and MGCS / Leopard 3. Like Abrams X, it sets out to increase performance across all three sides of the iron triangle. It loses around 10 tonnes in weight, so power to weight ratio is increased improving mobility. Despite the reduction in weight, the adoption of an un-crewed turret allows for an increased level of protection. By adopting an autoloader, the tank is able to mount a larger 130 mm or 140 mm gun.

The double trunnion set-up of the turret is a key innovation because it allows good elevation and depression angles while maintaining a low overall silhouette. the tank has APS baked-in from the outset to ensure all-round coverage. The secondary weapon station has lightweight 30x113 mm chain gun which performs a counter-UAS role.

The tank has three crew members who sit in a central protected citadel. With no turret intrusion into the hull, the crew are fully isolated from ammunition stowage. As before the turret ammo stowage has blow-out panels. This ensures greater survivability.

An extensive range of external sensors and situational awareness aids gives the crew exceptional view of the ground around them. Sensors linked to AI detect incoming threats automatically and much better than a crew member sticking their head out of the turret.

The crew compartment has much more space and comfort than before, yet the overall protected volume of the tank is smaller.

The MTU / Renk powerpack is carried forward with only minor changes ensuring the tank is powerful, reliable, and as economical as possible given its weight.

The icing on the cake is two long-range / NLOS ATGMs, able to engage targets beyond the range of the main gun. To all those who say the tank is dead, this is KNDS's response. It says the tank is just getting started.

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Let it go (long): France joins Germany, Italy and Poland in new ELSA long-range missile project
In a separate event, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters that more long-range missiles in Europe were "necessary for deterrence and peace."
By   LEE FERRAN
on July 12, 2024



NATO SUMMIT 2024 — Defense leaders of four European powers announced this week they plan to work together to build new long-range strike weapons to shore up gaps in European defenses highlighted by the fighting in Ukraine.

The defense ministers of France, Germany, Italy and Poland signed a letter of intent Thursday for what they’re calling the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA). According to the French embassy in the US, the initiative “will allow the nations to develop, produce and supply capabilities in the field of long-range strikes, paving the way for cooperation aimed at strengthening our military capabilities and the European defense and industrial base.”

The effort includes the development of “missiles with a range beyond 500 kilometers” meant to “fill a gap in European arsenals that [participating nations] say has been exposed by Russia’s war in Ukraine.”

Specifically, Reuters reported, citing a military source, that the project envisions a cruise missile with a range of between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometers.

Few additional details about the project have been made available. European missile maker MBDA announced last month it was developing a new land-based cruise missile, creatively dubbed Land Cruise Missile, based on an existing naval variant.

That new munition “will offer the same unique capabilities as the [naval varient], including: metric precision at very long range; high survivability when penetrating through enemy integrated air defence systems thanks to reduced radar cross section & terrain-following capability; and high lethality against targets,” according to MBDA’s announcement.

French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu said Thursday the new French-German-Polish-Italian project would be open to other partners. The French government said the project could “draw on European funding.”

“The idea is to open it up as widely as possible,” Lecornu told reporters, according to Reuters, and indicated Britain’s new Labour government could come along. “It has value, including on a budgetary level, because it obviously also allows the various costs to be amortized.”

The Europe-developed missile would address two linked concerns for European military planners: the need for more long-range strike capability, and the need to greatly expand the ability of the continent’s industrial base to produce weapons at scale and speed.

“In all honesty right now we have in Europe a defense industrial base that’s shaped for a peacetime situation, and then we look at the war in Ukraine — it’s a war of attrition, a war of warehouses,” Swedish Defense Minister Pal Johnson said at a separate NATO event Wednesday. “So I think there’s lots of things we need to do in order to ramp up industrial production.”

The new long-range missile development program comes as Berlin also announced it would allow the US to deploy its own longer-range missiles on German territory, drawing condemnation from Moscow.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pushed back on Russian criticism of that move, saying that long-range weapons were “necessary for deterrence and peace.”

https://breakingdefense.com/2024/07/let-it-go-long-france-joins-germany-italy-and-poland-in-new-elsa-long-range-missile-project/?s=09

[P44]

Rheinmetall Hands Over First Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle from Hungarian Production.

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Iranianos, M60

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Tanques T-72 Indianos: Venezuela Entre os Possíveis Compradores?

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Como este tópico tem servido de "central de noticias" de tudo relacionado com a Arma de Artilharia, coloco estas noticias por aqui.

South Africa's new RG41 GT7 105mm self-propelled howitzer strengthens fire support for infantry units.

Denel announced at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 event (the company's first public exhibition since its recent move to the South African Department of Defence) the integration of its RG41 eight-wheeled combat vehicle with a modified version of the G7 105 mm gun. This combination, which could be referred to as the RG41 GT7, is expected to offer fire support capabilities as a self-propelled artillery system for mechanized or motorized infantry units.


The 105 mm gun mounted on this vehicle is based on the G7 105 mm LEO towed howitzer but required technical modifications for vehicle mounting, resulting in the Denel GT7 gun. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Business Development Manager Isaac Karelse explained that the RG41 platform originated from Project Hoefyster, where it was intended as Denel's alternative to the Finnish Patria eight-wheeled platform, which eventually became the South African Army's Badger 8x8. At that time, the Patria was among the few eight-wheeled infantry fighting vehicles available. The RG41 was designed, tested, and sent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for summer trials, where it performed according to expectations. However, changes in the UAE's requirements led to the selection of the RG35 vehicle instead of the RG41.

As delays arose in the manufacturing of the Patria/Badger system, Denel proposed the RG41 as a potential option for Project Hoefyster to complement the Badger across various vehicle types. Karelse described this situation as the RG41 becoming a "future requirement." The vehicle was advertised for Middle Eastern markets, but the process was paused due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the interim, Denel equipped the RG41 with remotely-operated turrets, specifically the Tactical Remote Turret (TRT), tested with both 20 mm and 30 mm cannon variants. During shooting trials at Armscor’s Alkantpan test range with the G6 155 mm self-propelled howitzer and the truck-mounted T5 system, Denel identified the potential to install a 105 mm gun on the RG41. The 105 mm gun is based on the G7 105 mm LEO towed howitzer but required technical modifications for vehicle mounting, resulting in the Denel GT7 gun.

Denel then developed the T7 105 mm turret, which weighs 3,750 kg. Karelse noted that, while the turret is currently manned for testing and trials, plans are in place for it to be unmanned in the future. The RG41 GT7 can seat 11 personnel, including one driver, one vehicle commander, one gunner, one section commander, and seven section crew members. A standard infantry section usually comprises ten personnel, but in a mechanized environment, this number can be adjusted based on the vehicle's role. The vehicle is equipped with a safety belt system featuring a 4-point harness.

The protection features of the RG41 include ballistic protection in accordance with STANAG 4569 Level 2, with an option to upgrade to Level 4 or 5. It also provides mine protection meeting STANAG 4569 Level 4A/3B standards, with the possibility of upgrading to Level 4B. The specific level of improvised explosive device (IED) protection has not been disclosed.

Constructed with a V-shaped hull to offer landmine protection, the RG41 has a hardened armored "shell" for the crew's safety. There is a gap between this shell and the external "armor package," ranging from 100 mm to 130 mm, which can be further reinforced with add-on armor. In counter-insurgency operations, wire mesh can be added with a gap to shield the armor from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other projectiles. Karelse emphasized that the design prioritizes crew survivability, allowing the vehicle to protect its occupants even if damaged.

he T7/G7 combination remains in the prototype stage and requires further development. It is projected to serve as a mobile self-propelled artillery system within mechanized battalion settings. The G7 gun has a maximum range of 30 km, and its ammunition is designed to offer effects comparable to standard 155 mm high-explosive shells, effectively delivering similar capabilities within a 105 mm framework. Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) developed the ammunition types, which include high explosive, high explosive pre-formed fragmentation, smoke, illuminating, and other variants. The standard projectile range is 24 km with a boat tail and 30 km with base bleed, while the direct fire range extends from 500 to 2,000 meters.

The G7/RG41 system is equipped with an Inertial Navigation Unit (INU) that interfaces with the Gun Control Unit (GCU), allowing for automatic gun laying through hydraulic elevation and traverse drives for rapid target engagement. The ammunition handling system utilizes a positive chain-type rammer controlled from the integrated Loader Control Panel, supporting fully automatic ramming of both the projectile and charge. Manual loading is also possible to ensure redundancy.

In terms of specifications, the RG41 GT7 has a length of 7,780 mm, a hull width of 2,800 mm, and a hull height of 2,380 mm. The wheelbase dimensions are 1,693 mm between the first and second axles, 2,257 mm between the second and third axles, and 1,550 mm between the third and fourth axles. Ground clearance is measured at 440 mm, featuring an angle of approach of 64 degrees and an angle of departure of 54 degrees. The vehicle has a curb weight of 18,200 kg and a payload capacity of 9,800 kg to support the new turret, resulting in a total Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 28,000 kg.

The vehicle is powered by a Deutz engine, specifically the Model 2015TCD V6, with a displacement of 12.1 liters. The engine's maximum power output is 390 kW at 2,100 rpm, and it generates a maximum torque of 2,130 Nm at 1,300 rpm. The RG41 uses a ZF5HP902 transmission system, featuring a 5-speed configuration with an integral 2-speed drop-down capability. In terms of performance, the RG41 reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h and can handle a gradeability of up to 70%.

The transfer box is manufactured by Denel, with the gear ratio categorized under the Type 17,000 series. The steering system is a twin-steer, power-assisted, fully-integral model. The wheel heads are made by AxleTech, and the suspension system is independent, using hydro-pneumatic struts with hydraulic shock absorbers.

The vehicle's braking system includes pneumatic disc brakes with ABS for the main brakes, while the parking brake is activated with air release disc brakes on all four rear wheels. The RG41 uses road wheels and tires with a 10.00R20 aluminum rim type, equipped with 16.00R20 Michelin XZL tires. Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with an RFI system, offering a 100 km range when traveling at a speed of 50 km/h.


The standard projectile range for the G7 105mm gun is 24 km with a boat tail and 30 km with base bleed, while the direct fire range extends from 500 to 2,000 meters. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/south-africas-new-rg41-gt7-105mm-self-propelled-howitzer-strengthens-fire-support-for-infantry-units?utm_content=cmp-true

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Nicholas Drummond

Gepard 2. Rheinmetall's SkyRanger 35 short range air defence system on a Leopard 2 chassis. Some people think that only having a single barrel is a downgrade, but it has a much more accurate AESA radar array for locating targets and much more lethal 35x228 mm AHEAD airburst ammunition. Every tank regiment needs a platoon of these.