The altered mission spectrum of today’s armed forces has drastically
changed the requirements imposed on modern main battle tanks. It is
clear that they will continue to play an important role in current and
future conflicts. But in the vast majority of cases, that role will have
far less to do with winning tank battles than with securing positive
outcomes in asymmetric scenarios. By presenting a massive show of force,
MBTs deliver an uncompromising message to friends and foes alike,
acting as a game-changer in conflict situations worldwide. New missions
and new threats, coupled with availability of new technologies, are
driving the need for modernization of fielded systems. What armies need
now are efficient, cost-effective solutions.
Recent advances in
survivability, lethality, command and control capabilities as well as
reconnaissance and sighting systems mean that there are now new ways of
significantly improving overall MBT performance. Moreover, new solutions
for optimizing crew performance in all environmental conditions,
especially in hot climatic zones, are available too.
Given the
projected remaining service life of today’s main battle tanks – the
Leopard 2, for example, is likely to be in military inventories for
least another thirty years – a made-to-order extension of capabilities
is clearly a worthwhile investment.
As Europe’s foremost
supplier of systems and equipment for ground forces, Rheinmetall offers
not only a full range of tactical vehicles, but also a unique array of
C4I, fire control and sensor technologies, lethal systems and force
protection solutions. Comprehensive service and maintenance support also
form an integral part of the Group’s expertise base, as do its wide
spectrum of simulation and training systems, which includes
state-of-the-art combat training centres.
These capabilities –
deriving from a single source – are particularly pertinent in upgrade
programmes, where the optimum interplay of new and existing components
is crucial. Moreover, Rheinmetall has an extensive international network
of partner companies. The Leopard for example, embodies the combined
expertise of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall, two of the most
trusted names in the German defence industry. Today, some 5,000 of these
tanks are in service with many satisfied user nations around the globe.
Rheinmetall also serves as prime contractor for all Leopard-based
armoured engineering and armoured recovery vehicles as well as
bridge-laying tanks based on the Leopard 1.
Labelled the MBT
Revolution, Rheinmetall now offers a comprehensive upgrade approach for
main battle tanks – a modular concept capable of meeting the current
operational needs of user nations as well as assuring adequate future
growth potential.
Revolutionary aspects of the Rheinmetall
concept include, in particular, a protection package as well as an
extensive array of reconnaissance and target acquisition systems with a
comparatively modest increase in weight, keeping it within the MLC 70
weight class. Moreover, an optimized stowage concept keeps alteration of
the vehicle’s contours to a minimum.
The MBT Revolution at a glance:
- Protection concept: Comprehensive protection from all current
threats, including RPG 7, landmines, IEDs, bomblets, large-calibre KE
ammunition and EO-, IR- and laser-guided weapons.
- Digital turret core system: Fully integrated network capabilities,
fully interoperable subsystems and components, with significantly
shorter reaction times and smaller additional space requirements.
- Fire control technology: An improved first round hit probability, especially when firing on the move.
- New commander’s periscope: Night fighting and observation capabilities, improved range and higher elevation angles (up to 70°).
- Situational awareness system: 360° day and night near-field view of
the vehicle’s immediate surroundings, with automatic alarm and
target-tracking functions.
- Command and control system: New capabilities include real-time blue
force tracking and red force visualization, augmented reality and
MIP-DEM-based interoperability.
- Commander’s brake: A revolutionary innovation that enables the commander to stop the tank if the driver is incapacitated.
- Secondary armament: State-of-the-art remote control weapon station, fully stabilized and flexibly configurable.
- Ammunition: The world’s first temperature-independent KE tank round and the latest generation of programmable HE ammunition.
- Climate control: High performance air conditioning coupled with a
new insulation concept in the fighting compartment, improved ventilation
and thermal protection for the magazine.
- Auxiliary power unit: High electric power generation (17 kW) and optimised intelligent energy balance of the vehicle.
- External two-way communications system: Enables the crew to communicate with persons outside of the tank.
- Embedded logistics: Provides comprehensive monitoring of vehicle-
and weapon system-relevant logistical data; linked with a central
logistical information and evaluation system.
- Weight class: MLC 70
Using tanks in contemporary conflict zones imposes certain
requirements, some of them entirely new. Today, military operations
often take place in built-up, heavily populated places, where great care
has to be taken to avoid harming innocent civilians, causing friendly
casualties or inflicting other forms of collateral damage; if not, the
ensuing political fallout can easily wipe out weeks of operational
gains.
In cooperation with RENK, Rheinmetall has developed a
commander’s brake for the Leopard 2, which enables the commander to
bring the tank to a partial or total halt. Observing, reconnoitring,
identifying and engaging targets have long been subject to
commander/gunner redundancy; now, for the first time, the critical
safety feature of stopping the vehicle is available as an optional
backup as well.
The commander’s brake can be integrated into any Leopard 2-type tank or combat support vehicle quickly and cheaply.
Digital turret concept
Today’s tanks are equipped with analogue turret systems which fail to
provide the commander with a night vision capability, and which offer
only limited possibilities for observing the effectiveness of fire, for
example, and no means of digitally transmitting or processing video
signals.
Rheinmetall has developed two ways of improving
performance here. The first keeps the core analogue systems in place
while adding advanced components (laser rangefinder, commander’s
periscope, gunner’s thermal imaging system, etc.), which are integrated
via interfaces. This economical solution makes it possible to bring
important components up to date, and enables at least partial
digitization of the system. However, this solution fails to make the
best use of the limited space in the turret, and makes obsolescence
unavoidable.
Rheinmetall’s globally unique digital turret
concept, on the other hand, involves a complete overhaul of the core
system, and is in many respects the optimum solution. This system
requires considerably less space, and integrates all the components –
from the vision system and fire control unit to the weapon engagement
system to the C4I technology – into a single, highly efficient digital
network, combining outstanding ergonomics, reliability and ease of use
even in high-stress situations. The digital system reduces reaction
times significantly, and increases the probability of a first-round hit.
For the first time anywhere, an automated operating and weapon
engagement concept gives the Rheinmetall system a hunter/killer
capability. In connection with an intelligent C4I system, moreover, it
features augmented reality as well as enabling training to take place
directly in the vehicle in simulation mode.
Reconnaissance systems
The Seoss digital fire control unit, which stands for "stabilized
electro-optical sensor system", provides an enhanced vision capability.
Two-axis stabilized, it is equipped with a Saphir thermal imaging
device, a daylight camera and an eye-safe laser rangefinder. The data
required for evaluating the situation – including the target, system
status, range and ammunition type – appear on a display in the fighting
compartment. Seoss enables day and night engagement of targets even when
the tank is on the move, including in periods of poor visibility. The
user can choose between a 360° panoramic view of the battlefield or a
coaxial, weapon-aligned perspective. Seoss also features an integrated
fire control computer for six different types of ammunition.
In
addition, an integrated situational awareness system (SAS) permits
panoramic surveillance of the immediate vicinity of the tank,
automatically detecting and tracking potential targets, helping to
relieve pressure on the crew. The SAS consists of two to four modules,
each covering 3 x 60°, plus high-definition colour cameras and
high-performance night vision components. An interface to the fire
control unit enables instant transmission of detected target data,
enabling immediate engagement of emerging threats, primarily with the
RCWS.
Remote control weapon stations
A remote control weapon station (RCWS) forms an essential part of a
tank’s self-defence capability. One possible solution is the QIMEK,
developed by Rheinmetall Canada, and mounted on the MBT Revolution tank.
Modular design and a high degree of flexibility are the twin hallmarks
of this fully stabilized remote control weapon station. Equipped with a
universal cradle, the system can be fitted with a variety of different
weapons, including a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. Moreover,
virtually any optical system can be built into the QIMEK. Other RCWS
models, e.g. from Kongsberg, can be easily integrated as well.
Lethal systems
Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of large-calibre
weapons and ammunition. The company’s globally acclaimed smoothbore L44
and L55 tank guns combine tremendous firepower with a high first round
hit probability, even when the tank is on the move. Particularly in the
field of weapons and ammunition, recent technological breakthroughs have
let Rheinmetall make a vital contribution to the unsurpassed combat
effectiveness of the Leopard MBT.
Rheinmetall’s latest
ammunition product is the DM11, a 120mm HE tank round. Owing to its
time-delay fuse, it is especially suitable for supporting infantry units
tasked with taking lightly fortified positions as well as for engaging
light and medium-weight armoured vehicles. After loading, an electronic
module programs the time-delay fuse to detonate at a specific point in
the projectile’s flight path: the round can be timed to explode for
maximum effect either above, in front or inside of a target (e.g. after
penetrating a wall). The DM 11 is thus a perfect match for the altered
operational requirements of modern main battle tanks.
Based on
the kinetic energy principle, the DM 53 (LKE II) is specifically
designed to penetrate the latest multilayer tank armour, including
reactive armour modules. The penetrator consists of a special tungsten
alloy. The DM 53 can be fired from Rheinmetall L 44 and L55 tank guns.
Rheinmetall
has developed the world’s first temperature-independent
high-performance tank ammunition, the DM 63 and DM 53A1 (the latter is
an upgraded version of the DM 53). What sets this round apart is its
temperature-independent propulsion system (TIPS), which maintains its
internal ballistic characteristics at a constant level through a broad
temperature span. This new generation of ammunition is considerably more
accurate and causes substantially less barrel erosion. The DM 63 can be
used in climatic zones C2 to A1, and fired from any 120mm smoothbore
tank gun.
The company’s newly developed 120mm PELE is an inert
round. It contains no explosive and is therefore extremely safe to
handle. When it hits its target, the low-density material inside the
projectile becomes so compressed that it causes the warhead to burst,
resulting in a large number of fragments, which travel exclusively in
the round’s trajectory. This is especially advantageous in the case of
semi-hard targets. PELE can be retrofitted into multipurpose ammunition
or armour piercing rounds.
C4I and network-enabled warfare capabilities
Featuring uniform system architecture, Rheinmetall’s Iniochos command
and information system is available for every echelon from brigade
headquarters all the way down the individual soldier on the ground. A
growing number of countries, including Greece, Spain, Sweden and Hungary
have already opted for C4I solutions from Rheinmetall.
Iniochos
is a family of tactical command and control systems whose
functionalities can be adapted to specific operational spheres, e.g. a
tactical operations centre, tactical vehicle or dismounted infantry. One
of its most prominent features is systematic application of NATO
interoperability standards, a critical advantage during international
operations. This standardized system enables soldiers from participating
nations to generate and share a common, role-oriented operating
picture.
The Iniochos family consists of a command post system
for brigade and battalion level operations (Iniochos C), a tactical
vehicle C4I system (Iniochos V), and an application optimized for
dismounted troops, Iniochos S.
Designed to support modern
tactical operations, Iniochos incorporates the full range of current
interoperability standards used in combined and joint operations. User-
and role-specific configurability, scalability and a concept enabling
joint use mean that this system is equally effective at every level from
brigade to individual soldier. The flexible communications concept
enables all participants to remain in direct contact via the combat
radio net.
Climate control
An entirely new air conditioning and ventilation concept ensures
maximum crew comfort even in hot climates. Air conditioning and thermal
insulation in the fighting compartment, coupled with optimum ventilation
and separate cooling of the driver’s compartment, result in a level of
efficiency never attained before. Moreover, by ensuring that the
ammunition on board remains fully functional, thermal insulation of the
magazine contributes to operational safety. Thanks to intelligent
control, the new climate control system automatically adapts to changing
ambient conditions, assuring optimum use of energy. Simple cleaning and
maintenance procedures are an added plus.
Auxiliary power unit
APUs have become increasingly important, especially in light of
recent technical developments. Using an APU can optimize a vehicle’s
energy balance. In many cases battery capacity is insufficient,
especially when older types are used. If the battery power drops below a
certain level the engine has to be started to recharge them. This
results in excessive fuel consumption as well as producing unwelcome
noise and heat. Fitting an APU can solve this problem.
Service portfolio
Both at home and abroad, Rheinmetall’s longstanding experience in the
defence technology sector makes it a competent and reliable partner,
and service is no exception. The company’s service portfolio encompasses
logistical analysis and support, efficient project management as well
as innovative holistic concepts such as embedded logistics and
telemaintenance for optimizing logistics during deployed operations,
etc.
Rheinmetall’s Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) programme
merits special mention. CLS is an integrated package of services that
guarantees the availability and readiness of an entire fleet of vehicles
for . The CLS programme encompasses weapon systems as well as vehicles,
and is by no means restricted to routine peacetime operations.
The
first service contract of this kind was signed in 1991 with the US
Army, primarily in support of operations in the Gulf. Today, along with
the US military, CLI clients include the armed forces of the UK, the
Netherlands, Norway and the United Arab Emirates. In Germany, the
Rheinmetall subsidiary Heeresinstandsetzungslogistik GmbH is responsible
for keeping much of the German Army’s fleet of vehicles up and running.
To sum up. Balancing force protection and force projection, the
main battle tank clearly has an important part to play in modern
warfare and conflict management. No other land system combines
firepower, survivability and mobility in quite the same way: its mere
presence on the battlefield has the power to reassure friendly troops
and break enemy morale. By creating greater operational flexibility, the
many options of the MBT Revolution make it an economical solution that
enables greater use of potentially decisive weapons systems already in
military inventories.
