tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36808210828692610472024-03-19T00:28:54.303-07:00Below The Turret Ringm.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-42180817605726457522018-01-14T14:03:00.001-08:002018-01-14T14:03:18.068-08:00Marders to Jordan (part 2)<div style="text-align: justify;">
The German company Rheinmetall announced on the 13th December 2017 that the Kingdom of Jordan is set to receive a second batch of 25 second-hand Marder 1A3 IFVs, that were originally operated by the German Army. The delivery of the vehicles will start in the first quarter of 2018. A first batch of a total of sixteen Marder 1A3 IFVs was already handed over to the Royal Jordanian Army <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/12/marders-to-jordan.html">in December of 2016</a>.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marder 1A3s of the first batch delivered to Jordan</td></tr>
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The Marder 1A3 is an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) currently in service with the armed forces of Chile, Germany, Indonesia and Jordan. The Argentinian military operates the TAM family, which is based on the Marder design. The Marder IFV is armed with a 20 mm MK 20 Rh 202 gas-operated autocannon with a maximum rate of fire ranging between 800 and 1,000 rounds per minute. As secondary armament the vehicle is fitted with a 7.62 mm MG3 machine gun and a launcher for the Milan anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The Marder's propulsion is provided by a liquid-cooled MB 883 V6 engine from MTU, which delivers 600 horsepower at 2,200 rpm. It is coupled to a semi-automatic RENK HSWK 194 transmission. The Marder 1A3 has a combat weight of about 33.5 metric tons and reaches a top-speed of 65 kilometres per hour (km/h). <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/12/the-truth-about-spaced-armor-on-modern.html">Its spaced armor</a> provides all-round protection against fire from 12.7 and 14.5 mm heavy machine gun, while the frontal arc is protected against medium calibre ammo including 30 x 165 mm armor-piercing ammunition. The Marder 1A3 is not fitted with an underbelly armor plate for protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).</div>
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The Royal Jordanian Army is receiving the German-made IFVs as part of a military aid, which was started by the Federal Republic of Germany in the last two years in an attempt to improve the stability of the region by enabling the militaries of some Middle Eastern countries to fight better against insurgents and terrorists. Aside of a first batch of Marder 1A3 IFVs, Jordan also has received 600 RGW-90 hand-held recoilless guns, surveillance equipment, 56 vans and 70 trucks. Like the first batch of Marders, the second one was also ordered by the German government, rather than being ordered by Jordanian officials. Rheinmetall states that the contract - awarded in October 2017 - has a total value of more than €17 millions and includes completely refurbishing the vehicles to a (near) mint condition, painting them with a desert camouflage pattern (understood to be similiar to the single-tone "desert yellow" used on many US combat vehicles), spare parts, ammunition and tools, technical documentation aswell as support and training for the crews and local maintenance personnel.</div>
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Originally it was planned to deliver all 50 Marders meant for Jordan until end of 2017. There currently is no official explanation for the delay, it might however be related to politicians having troubles allocating the budget for the deal or the negotiations with Rheinmetall taking longer than expected.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An upgraded Marder 1A3 could be fitted with additional armor, an unmanned turrets and a more powerful engines.</td></tr>
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There are a number of upgrade possibilities to enhance the protection, firepower and mobility as well as options to reconfigure the Marder to another role. The Marder can be used as APC, <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/11/lightmedium-tanks-gain-popularity.html">light/medium tank</a>, tank destroyer, surface-to-air missile carrier, fire support vehicle, command post vehicle, ambulance vehicle, fire-fighting vehicle and as mortar carrier. Different upgrade paths such as the Marder CCV and the <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/land-400-phase-2-and-3-contenders-update.html">Rheinmetall Lynx infantry fighting vehicle</a> have already been <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/12/marders-to-jordan.html">mentioned in the blog post</a> regarding the first transfer of Marders to the Royal Jordanian Army.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-9051613740645897322017-12-16T14:02:00.001-08:002017-12-16T14:02:44.897-08:00Up-armored Leclerc operational with UAE Army <div style="text-align: justify;">
The United Arab Emirates is operating a variant of the Leclerc main battle tank (MBT) fitted with applique armor. This armor is understood to be explosive reactive armor (ERA) made by Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) of Germany. In 2016 the company was contracted by the military of the UAE to provide reactive armor kits for more than 200 Leclerc MBTs. According to the official report on arms export from Germany, the contract has a total value of €125.84 million, suggesting that each ERA kit costs about €500,000.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extract of the arms export report</td></tr>
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Footage showing an up-armored Leclerc MBT was released by the Emirati News Agency on the 9th December 2017. According to the corresponding news article, the video shows forces of the United Arab Emirates together with allies advancing on the western coast of Yemen, where the vehicles are used to combat Houthi rebels.</div>
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Dynamit Nobel Defence used to market its <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor</a> under the acronym CLARA, which stands for "<i>composite lightweight adaptable reactive armour</i>", but in the recent years the name HL-Schutz Rad/Kette ("shaped charge protection for wheeled and tracked vehicles" abbreviated in German) has been used on the domestic market at least. The key difference between other ERA solutions and DND's CLARA/HL-Schutz Rad/Kette lies in the construction. While conventional reactive armor utilizes metal (usually steel) for the flyer plates, which is rather heavy and endangers nearby infantry, the armor from DND is free of metals. Tests have shown that fragments from the flyer plates of ERA can reach several metres distance from the impact point, forming dangerous projectiles for dismounted soldiers and civilians in close proximity of the vehicle.</div>
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To deal with this issue, DND's ERA solution is totally free of metal (except for the screws to hold the tiles). According to patent descriptions, the armor might make use of glas fibres, carbon fibres, aramid fibres, ceramic fibres and/or PBO (Polybenzbisoxazolediylpenhylene) fibres. The fibres can also be combined with each other or with particles made of the previous mentioned materials. A secondary plate made from a ballistic textile (such as kevlar) can also be incorporated into the armor. It has been suggested to wrap the explosives in aluminium foil for easier handling.<br />
For optimal performance, the ERA can consist of multiple spaced plates; the empty space can be filled with rubber, ceramics or plastics to maximize protection. </div>
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CLARA/HL-Schutz Rad/Kette has been claimed to provide more than ten times as much protection as "conventional armor" against shaped charge warheads as found on rocked-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). It is not mentiond wether this means simple steel armor or some type of passive composite armor. When including an anti-KE plate, DND's ERA can also provide sufficient protection against kinetic energy penetrators (KEPs) to stop medium calibre ammunition and explosively formed penetrators (EFPs).</div>
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CLARA has been trialed on the Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and on the Boxer armored personnel carrier (APC), while it was proposed as armor upgrade for the Fennek scout car. HL-Schutz Rad/Kette has been adopted on the Puma IFV, where it is used to protect the upper section of the hull flanks; the lower sections are fitted with composite armor modules instead.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFelr6Oux0m7SgFTwD3FzqlUUquCkSMAXXMU4gqV0cNvjEo8vQCViQuUVVtIvdBAvZL9Af0lKvuTnc-yjbTTRwOqddKdCd1-fWJ2w-CF3Dw16JwCErJh6dHkpwQ_XqpFANo9OfuWHe7c-/s1600/705190_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="982" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFelr6Oux0m7SgFTwD3FzqlUUquCkSMAXXMU4gqV0cNvjEo8vQCViQuUVVtIvdBAvZL9Af0lKvuTnc-yjbTTRwOqddKdCd1-fWJ2w-CF3Dw16JwCErJh6dHkpwQ_XqpFANo9OfuWHe7c-/s640/705190_original.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leclerc fitted with ERA from Dynamit Nobel Defence</td></tr>
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In case of the UAE's Leclerc Tropicalisé, the armor kit makes use of very large ERA modules. On the right side of the vehicle are 17 modules covering the hull side and the turret side, but leaving the the engine compartment exposed. Presuambly the same amount of armor modules is used to protect the left side of the tank. The turret rear of the is protected by six smaller tiles.</div>
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The large size of the ERA modules suggests that inside each module, multiple smaller ERA plates are located; otherwise it would be a rather bad design, given that ERA has a low multi-hit capability and thus a single hit would leave an unnecessarily large gap in the armor array. At the moment it is not known if the ERA also covers the Leclerc's front.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leclerc with AZUR kit operated by the UAE's military</td></tr>
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The basic Leclerc Tropicalisé operated by the United Arab Emirates Army already features upgraded armor protection over the French model, at least in terms of side armor: while the French MBTs have only three heavy ballistic skirt elements made out of composite armor on each side of the hull, the tropicalized variant of the tank features a total of eight composite armor skits per side instead - a configuration also offered to Greece during the early 2000s. The UAE also purchased the AZUR (Action en Zone Urbaine) urban combat package, which is comparable to the American TUSK (Tank Urban Survival Kit) for the M1 Abrams and the PSO (Peace Support Operation) package for the Leopard 2. The AZUR upgrade was ordered by the UAE for 15 MBTs in 2011. A version of the AZUR kit is part of<a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/06/upgraded-leclerc-presented-at.html"> the upgraded Leclerc Rénové</a> as part of the French SCORPION program. </div>
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On some of the AZUR-equipped tanks operated by the United Arab Emirates a further slat armor section was added to protect the lower front hull. Supposedly the combat performance of the Leclerc (and the UAE Army in general) has been rather good, but a few months ago it was reported that a single tank was penetrated by a RPG-29 at the lower front plate.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-49348208848284356352017-12-16T03:55:00.000-08:002017-12-16T03:55:02.288-08:00Addendum: Puma IFV performance in Czech trials<div style="text-align: justify;">
The latest issue of the <i>InfoBrief Heer</i>, a newsletter from the <a href="http://www.fkhev.de/index.php?id=5">Förderkreis Deutsches Heer e.V.</a>, includes an article on the performance of the Puma infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) in the Czech trials written by Mathias Kraus, Head of Sales and Marketing of the company Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM). The Förderkreis Deutsches Heer e.V. is a club and lobby group consisting of members of the military, politics and industry that is focused on the German land forces and its military procurements. PSM is a joint-venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KWM) and Rheinmetall, the two companies that together manufacture the new IFV and various other armored fighting vehicles (AFVs).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puma climbing a slope during the Czech trials</td></tr>
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According to the article, <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/09/czech-army-prefers-puma-searches-t-72.html">the trials consisted of three parts</a>: static trials, dynamic trials and firing trials. Static trials were focused on gathering data regarding size, weight, ergonomy, protection, armament and optics. The dynamic trials included driving along a test track and determining factors affecting the mobility of the vehicle, such as top speed on road and cross-country, maximum fording depth, the ability to drive along (side) slopes and the ability to climb over smaller obstacles. The firing tests included firing at targets at a distance of 1,200 and 1,800 metres. Given the armament and optics of modern infantry fighting vehicles, this is far below the maximum effective range of the 30 x 173 mm guns used on all of the tested IFVs (the German Army requirement for the Puma was an effective gun range of 3,000 metres), but it might be a valid representation of the combat range expected in the Czech Republic; during the Cold War the average distance for tank-vs-tank combat in Central Europe was estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,000 metres according to different studies from NATO and Warsaw Pact countries.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweV9iBPJluHx070zoe9rF0_z66_ewCjHmJLaI6FKPxhhOzmDcH_4FD2-oIH0owY6a2gWxyIWHylEPsrTkJ27qOXFB63SJSZzInXxRKC4uL6cNB8GDPWFWJxrWd5VAN0eeeTRpSMzT7K4Q/s1600/Puma+Fertigung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweV9iBPJluHx070zoe9rF0_z66_ewCjHmJLaI6FKPxhhOzmDcH_4FD2-oIH0owY6a2gWxyIWHylEPsrTkJ27qOXFB63SJSZzInXxRKC4uL6cNB8GDPWFWJxrWd5VAN0eeeTRpSMzT7K4Q/s400/Puma+Fertigung.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IFV Production line in Germany</td></tr>
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Each IFV fired a burst of five rounds against each target; therefore each contender for the BMP-2 replacement fired overall 40 shots on eight targets that had to be hit. At the day of the firing tests, the weather was supposedly extremely windy, making it rather hard to hit the targets. The Puma IFV missed three shots and hit all of the other 37 rounds, thus every target was hit more than once, most of them were hit five tims. The other contenders - BAE Systems' CV90 in two variants, the ASCOD 2 from General Dynamics and Rheinmetall's Lynx IFV - all missed at least one of the targets. In fact Mr. Kraus claims that the second best IFV managed to score only about half as much hits as the Puma, which based on the other information should be about 18 to 19 hits on targets.</div>
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Due to the high complexity and sophistication of modern armored fighting vehicles, relability is often a problem, specifically if it is an untested AFV or new variant of an existing design. In case of the Czech trials, except for the Puma - the only IFV tested in a production variant - all IFVs had some sorts of issues with the reliability of some major components. The ASCOD 2, both CV90 variants and the Lynx all had to repeat at least one of the tests, because parts broke down or malfunctioned. That doesn't mean that the Puma IFV had no issues - it only means that there weren't any major troubles during the tests that required the components. Smaller/less important parts of the IFV still might have failed, as the statement from the article only speaks about the reliability of components relevant to the tests.</div>
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A difference between the Puma and the other contenders was the fact that the former was a production vehicle for the German Army, fitted with all equipment and tools required by the military. This included a battlefield management system and radios, which were absent on (some of) the other IFVs tested as <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/08/which-new-ifv-for-czech-army.html">BMP-2 replacement</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKB2rtE755-sBd50lr9Zb1s-zeT-ZslJq5TdF5yYNcNWZwrJU4gp0NueEKUuNW_dVb_9qi3foKsZM4xaFYIQPtQzubaUGGHkHKruEvMwijWJf4UiZaRcFQDTll6aLdNLXac_ZjJmJPfVG/s1600/2n71eo8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKB2rtE755-sBd50lr9Zb1s-zeT-ZslJq5TdF5yYNcNWZwrJU4gp0NueEKUuNW_dVb_9qi3foKsZM4xaFYIQPtQzubaUGGHkHKruEvMwijWJf4UiZaRcFQDTll6aLdNLXac_ZjJmJPfVG/s400/2n71eo8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model of a pre-series Puma IFV with MELLS</td></tr>
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Already a long time before the trials, the governments of Germany and the Czech Republic decided to
deepen their defence cooperation. On the 15th of February 2017 the ministers of defence
of both nations signed a memorandum of understanding regarding this
topic, which also includes the Czech 4th Rapid Deployment Brigade being<span lang="en"> subordinated to the German 10th Tank Division.</span> Last but not least one should not forget that the source of this information: the head of sales from PSM should hardly be considered an impartial observer; still there are reasons to believe that he didn't blatantly lied or greatly exaggerated the performance of the Puma and the problems of the other contenders. In the end 50% of the company PSM is owned by Rheinmetall, which offered the Lynx IFV as alternative to the ASCOD 2, CV90 and Puma. Thus if Mr. Kraus lied in regards to the lower accuracy and reliability of the other options, he also would have lied about the Lynx which most likely would result in him loosing his job (negatively reporting in the press about a product from the company that writes part of your paychecks won't make your employer keep you).</div>
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Meanwhile <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/10/puma-ifv-armor-and-upgrade-speculations.html">the MELLS dual-missile launcher</a> for the Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), which should be compatible with the improved Spike-LR II due to both variants of using the same interfaces, is being tested in the WTD 41 technical centre in Germany.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-73912255678042816152017-11-29T14:57:00.003-08:002017-11-29T14:57:40.201-08:00Eastern European AFV program updates<br />
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The military of Slovakia has chosen the Patria AMV<sup>XP</sup> (extra payload) as the new 8x8 wheeled vehicle. The AMV<sup>XP</sup> is an improved variant of the original Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV) with a raised maximum gross vehicle mass of up to 30 metric tons according to Patria's current data sheet, 13 tons of which are payload that can be used for installing heavier armor packages, mission kits or new weapon stations. Other sources mention a larger maximum gross vehicle mass of 31 or 32 metric tons. The vehicle is powered by a 450 kW (603 hp) Scania diesel engine linked to a 7+1 gear automatic transmission. It features a fully independent double wishbone suspension, an integrated terrain control system and a central tyre inflation system.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtnUpLbNQKEUt0tSu9VEW3zHDSYb-xCKkzDsH2WNPN1ycWGSFqzex5F1KCsrA0HnfaAyx8Vy8y-gwDvwnHrhRM41GKcy1gDLSj8xzy7SulcgbV8POFLG6ZsQfgu7ZK52eFqLcPgpnbojV/s1600/amv_uk_gvaoutdoor_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1140" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtnUpLbNQKEUt0tSu9VEW3zHDSYb-xCKkzDsH2WNPN1ycWGSFqzex5F1KCsrA0HnfaAyx8Vy8y-gwDvwnHrhRM41GKcy1gDLSj8xzy7SulcgbV8POFLG6ZsQfgu7ZK52eFqLcPgpnbojV/s640/amv_uk_gvaoutdoor_0.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patria AMV<sup>XP</sup> in an APC configuration</td></tr>
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The Slovakian Army will use the AMV<sup>XP</sup> as an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) fitted with the Turra 30 turret from local manufacturer EVPÚ. This unmanned turret is armed with a 30 mm autocannon - either a Soviet-design 2A42 gun or a Mk-44 Bushmaster II from Aliant Techsystems - a coaxial machine gun and a dual missile launcher for anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Self-defence is provided by limited amounts of passive bolt-on armor aswell as eight smoke-grenade dischargers. The Turra 30 features a single main optic incorporating a laser rangefinder, a camera and a thermal imager. There is no independent optic for the commander, thus the turret is not enabling operating in a hunter-killer mode. This turret was also offered on the <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/08/which-new-ifv-for-czech-army.html">BVP Šakal modernization for the BMP-2</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge253uqVm2vObSI968ldSNO0g1kK_XvuRh067g3tm8RwZbQ6a9kEzX5dlK6l1fksDItoLci2s8RK9Se2ZNzT2z1Sh5q_3SEugSbh08Cl8u0XB6p1g5HsgaceFQ6bV0b-OCL8KtHf80Des7/s1600/Turra+30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="667" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge253uqVm2vObSI968ldSNO0g1kK_XvuRh067g3tm8RwZbQ6a9kEzX5dlK6l1fksDItoLci2s8RK9Se2ZNzT2z1Sh5q_3SEugSbh08Cl8u0XB6p1g5HsgaceFQ6bV0b-OCL8KtHf80Des7/s400/Turra+30.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unmanned Turra 30 turret will be fitted to the vehicle</td></tr>
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The Slovakian military has plans to order a total of 81 AMV<sup>XP</sup> vehicles, that will be delivered between 2018 and 2024. Prime contractor for the deal is Konštrukta Defence A.S., other contractors include Patria Land Systems and EVPÚ. Previously the country had ordered <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/10/the-market-for-wheeled-8x8-is-not.html">about thirty AMV vehicles</a> in a variant made <span class="st">under licence </span>by the Polish company <span class="st">Rosomak S.A.. These vehicles also were set to recevie the Turra 30 turret and were nicknamed <i>Scipio</i>; maybe this name will be retained. The deal was canceled for unknown reasons, apparently the Patria AMV</span><span class="st"><sup>XP</sup> hulls will be manufactured in Finland rather than in Poland.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvfbwiLqgPEeFRTgmAZ6ta9Qlr0TBuWYcblHllWWJ-TDxNdg4mv2voOij2fhOgYl0Y6f2NQSmCr4K4z0u6ZLgDO2EgrT6Mp4zAG3yk89WrAdAy1Suzl3ea7uDXANdUWo3Q8xeTEz6jyxG/s1600/DanishPiranha51021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1021" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvfbwiLqgPEeFRTgmAZ6ta9Qlr0TBuWYcblHllWWJ-TDxNdg4mv2voOij2fhOgYl0Y6f2NQSmCr4K4z0u6ZLgDO2EgrT6Mp4zAG3yk89WrAdAy1Suzl3ea7uDXANdUWo3Q8xeTEz6jyxG/s640/DanishPiranha51021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">227 Piranha 5 vehicles will be operated by the Romanian military in the future.</td></tr>
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The Romanian news website <a href="http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-22108028-foto-cum-arata-transportorul-blindat-construit-nemtii-rheinmetall-uzina-din-moreni-noi-detalii-despre-agilis-8x8.htm">hotnews.ro</a> has reported that the German company Rheinmetall is still trying to sell the Agilis vehicle to the Romanian military. Previously there were no details revealed on the state of this program - following the decision of the Romanian government to start the licence production of 227 Piranha 5 vehicles in the Uzina Mecanica Bucuresti plant in Bucarest, a site operated by the state-owned company Romarm, one had to consider that this possibly meant the end of the Agilis.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LFGFbK8nzMHI0kPNtDHNYJglGMGp23gSWrWNNs-gY2VCFmruMUTFawuI8-sH1ztX3KozBJzskNt_DOTjZZExr8vHVunmD-bxUXY2Um1_9LRNoragrA9GTwcnWFCxlnQ-Znu0mvE1CL7s/s1600/image-2017-11-10-22105344-0-transportorul-8x8-agilis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="898" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LFGFbK8nzMHI0kPNtDHNYJglGMGp23gSWrWNNs-gY2VCFmruMUTFawuI8-sH1ztX3KozBJzskNt_DOTjZZExr8vHVunmD-bxUXY2Um1_9LRNoragrA9GTwcnWFCxlnQ-Znu0mvE1CL7s/s640/image-2017-11-10-22105344-0-transportorul-8x8-agilis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Agilis APC is fitted with a Lance MTS turret</td></tr>
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Rheinmetall plans the production of about 400 of the Agilis vehicles via the company Romanian Military Vehicle Systems S.A., a joint-venture between Rheinmetall (50%) and the Ministry of Economy (50%) of the Eastern European country. Originally more than 600 Agilis vehicles were planned, but the adoption of the Piranha 5 reduces the required number of new vehicles. The factory of Romanian Military Vehicle Systems S.A. is located in the town of Moreni and would also assemble MAN military truck, if Rheinmetall's bid to provide the next truck system to Romania is successful. The Agilis contains 87% locally manufactured components, some of which are derived from the previous SAUR vehicle projects - the design is said to also include some features from the Dutch-German Boxer vehicle; only the engine, transmission and some parts of the Rheinmetall-designed drivetrain have to be imported. The chassis is expected to be assembled in the Moreni plant. The fact that all intellectual property of the vehicles remains in Romania is one of the reasons why the Agilis could be easily exported to other countries.</div>
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The Agilis program could create a further 420 jobs in the Romanian defence industry; 120 jobs in the joint-venture and up to 300 jobs in the Moreni plant. While Rheinmetall is still pushing for the Agilis, the final decision has to be made on the side of the Romanian government. At the end of the year the Romanian Ministry of Finances has to agree with the funding for the Agilis development, which would take some €234 million for a period of three years. The first vehicles could then be delivered in 2020, after a public tender would be held and a contract would have been signed. Local production would last until 2029, if no follow-up contract is signed. The vehicles are then expected to last to 2055 or beyond.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfOzktYV2O9XXqLwx_ZGud-99q-nd9d3rIeYDSN8koNuNOb9vTbRbvNFAm6tahyphenhyphenwvV_xLraICtOmh0UTgFyC6hE5_sv3O0v8_9WV5wjkzvZBnG6dvVvsAhyBGJO3jDc0Yzpv7s3MC8IsV/s1600/image-2017-11-10-22105342-0-transportorul-8x8-agilis-derivate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="857" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfOzktYV2O9XXqLwx_ZGud-99q-nd9d3rIeYDSN8koNuNOb9vTbRbvNFAm6tahyphenhyphenwvV_xLraICtOmh0UTgFyC6hE5_sv3O0v8_9WV5wjkzvZBnG6dvVvsAhyBGJO3jDc0Yzpv7s3MC8IsV/s400/image-2017-11-10-22105342-0-transportorul-8x8-agilis-derivate.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least six variants of the Agilis are planned</td></tr>
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According to current projections, the Agilis 8x8 wheeled vehicle will serve in at least six different variants within the Romanian army. These variants are an armored personnel carrier (APC), which however is expected to be fitted with a 30 mm gun turret and therefore might be considered to be an infantry fighting vehicle instead, a mobile command post variant, a medevac ambulance vehicle, a CBRN variant, a recovery version featuring a 3 metre long crane cabale of lifting a 5 ton heavy object and two 11 ton hydraulic winches, and a mortar variant with a 120 mm mortar located in the rear compartment.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwI3ylfnCaORi-J8AbVrWKwhhgNRxhOSs8LLSuFxjMAgxuj1FDyjqL4DwHKpq64qKIvPphHH2iWGqlYMk5vZFK6VEdQzMgHl9TD7cdQA9ObB3oJoXSZhTusdfG88W21E2Cx4NtyWU_FYq/s1600/image-2017-11-10-22105343-0-agilis-8x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1557" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwI3ylfnCaORi-J8AbVrWKwhhgNRxhOSs8LLSuFxjMAgxuj1FDyjqL4DwHKpq64qKIvPphHH2iWGqlYMk5vZFK6VEdQzMgHl9TD7cdQA9ObB3oJoXSZhTusdfG88W21E2Cx4NtyWU_FYq/s640/image-2017-11-10-22105343-0-agilis-8x8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Features of the Agilis</td></tr>
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The Agilis vehicle is 8.02 metres long and 2.99 metres wide (excluding the side-view mirrors) while being 2.5 metres tall in the APC variant. The vehicle is powered by a 612 horsepower diesel engine from the German manufacturer Liebheer, that is linked to a ZF transmission. The ground-clearance is projected to be 430 milimetres. The top speed of the Agilis is expected to exceed 100 kilometres per hour on road, while the road range is more than 800 kilometres. The vehicle can climb 60% slope and drive on 30% side-slope. The vehicle is designed with a turn radius of 9.5 metres. The Agilis is an amphibious vehicle, although depending on armor package and mission kit the vehicle might loose this capability.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cMf2Q2B11ICPyZLa29sQ9Rz4ynDphE1qpIjzUCnZJPY_fOOtpraND5HtSLF4gqUMnmVRL3x2tXnqlsy-lQx-if-EO4sLMrFINwH3w2xfnGFxBZ6PmYzjVP3DXhdk2XgzTXnTtsizGSDS/s1600/image-2017-11-10-22105345-0-transportorul-blindat-8x8-agilis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cMf2Q2B11ICPyZLa29sQ9Rz4ynDphE1qpIjzUCnZJPY_fOOtpraND5HtSLF4gqUMnmVRL3x2tXnqlsy-lQx-if-EO4sLMrFINwH3w2xfnGFxBZ6PmYzjVP3DXhdk2XgzTXnTtsizGSDS/s640/image-2017-11-10-22105345-0-transportorul-blindat-8x8-agilis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Agilis is fitted with modular armor providing a limited amount of protection in the basic configuration.</td></tr>
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The vehicle is protected by modular composite armor, although the basic armor package is designed to provide ballistic protection against small arms fire only - earlier sources suggest protection according to the STANAG 4569 level 2 or level 3 standard. The high ride and a composite floor plating are to provide decent protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) of unspecified size. While it has not revealed which type of armor is to be used on the Agilis, it seems reasonable to assume that Rheinmetall's own VEHRA (Versatile Rheinmetall Armour) or the AMAP/ProTech composite armor designed by IBD Deisenroth, which is manufactured by Rheinmetall Chempro, is to be used to protect the vehicle. </div>
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While the older Agilis designs saw the APC/IFV variant armed with a 25 mm gun only, the latest suggestions include a 30 mm autocannon with 150 rounds of main gun ammo and a 7.62 mm machine gun with 400 rounds ready-to-fire ammunition for the APC/IFV. These weapons are located in Rheinmetall's two-men Lance Modular Turret System (MTS), which is fitted with two set of SEOSS sights - while the graphics show only a SEOSS for the gunner, the text speaks of an independent optic for the commander aswell. The Lance turret is also offered on the <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/09/rheinmetall-boxer-crv.html">Boxer CRV/IFV</a> and the tracked Lynx IFV. It was chosen a few years ago by the Spanish marines for use on the Piranha IIIC. The digital SEOSS sight includes a two-axis stabilization, a third generation SAPHIR thermal imager, a laser-rangefinder and a daysight CCD camera.</div>
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The APC/IFV variant has a crew of three (commander, driver and gunner) and carries seven dismounts. The command post variant has a crew of two and carries five dismounts/further soldiers. All other variants have a crew of four.</div>
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As detailed by the Czech military news website/blog <a href="http://www.armadninoviny.cz/cesko-nemecka-spoluprace-v-oblasti-obranneho-prumyslu-prinese-ceskym-firmam-zakazky-za-35-mld-kc-.html?stranka=5" rel="external nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Armádní Noviny</a>,
the negotiations on buying the Puma IFV are going on. The main German
companies responsible for developing and manufacturing <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/first-puma-ifv-handed-over-to-german.html">the Puma </a>have met with representatives of more than 30 potential
Czech partner companies in the Diplomat hotel in Prague to discuss possible work-share and future cooperation in the military vehicle industry. According to PSM Projekt System & Management GmbH, the joint-venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall that manages the Puma project, a cooperation in the manufacturing process of the Puma IFV would result in a gain of know-how and could also lead to future cooperations in projects like the Boxer APC, the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the Panzerhaubitze 2000, vehicles that the Czech Army might want to buy in the future.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTeNCsqQckGn2wPSwu3clPS7ZvN1_zhi5z-QZubVIH8OFyW8-U36h7LujJ3gH9ts8BAYxSOqJaZj7jdylE2SzWraJh3uvRD5G8E3pMN35oDZQg38aPCO4WcGd-lmXwo2VJNA2LfzyOs-S/s1600/01fcec7af2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTeNCsqQckGn2wPSwu3clPS7ZvN1_zhi5z-QZubVIH8OFyW8-U36h7LujJ3gH9ts8BAYxSOqJaZj7jdylE2SzWraJh3uvRD5G8E3pMN35oDZQg38aPCO4WcGd-lmXwo2VJNA2LfzyOs-S/s400/01fcec7af2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puma IFV during the Czech trials.</td></tr>
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Czech sources mention that in theory about 35 billion Czech koruna (about €1.3 billion) worth of contracts could
be awarded to local companies in case of the Puma being chosen as new infantry fighting vehicle. Given that <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/09/czech-army-prefers-puma-searches-t-72.html">the Puma supposedly outperformed all other alternatives</a>, the key problem remains the budget - the acquistion of new IFVs is planned to cost only half of the 50 billions Czech koruna (€1.916 billion) budget, but the price for 210 new Puma IFVs, spare parts, training, simulators and other services is understood to exceed this amount of money.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-38090353731383599632017-10-25T11:46:00.003-07:002017-10-25T11:46:48.980-07:00The market for wheeled 8x8 is not saturated (yet)<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are multiple ongoing procurement programs in Asia and Europe regarding the adoption of modern 8x8 wheeled vehicles for use as ambulance vehicles, armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, mortar carriers and other roles. While Australia and supposedly also Japan are looking for a new 8x8 vehicle, Germany is upgrading the Boxer MRAV and adopting further variants. The British Army is requiring the largest number of new 8x8 vehicles, but various Eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia are also interested in new wheeled combat vehicles. This means that vehicles such as the Advanced Modular Vehicle (AMV) from Patria, Artec's Boxer MRAV (multi-role armored vehicle), the Pandur II and Piranha V from General Dynamics European Land Systems, and "underdogs" on the international market such as the Terrex 3 and the French VBCI might be adopted in larger numbers by the militaries of multiple countries in the near future. The US-based company Textron and a Turkish company are also bidding in some tenders.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHblbc9v17lWomPBPdjr2gxXGgfciV7OaJpc6tNTJdrbP_ymZdGzUWN_0BW1X-QIBD5m9_Md5VeoT3XfgROenBEvkb4_tiW8dz4A14g7fniV62VxANCab1togje1n2-INShLJ-uh0tAlS/s1600/boxer+patria+amv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHblbc9v17lWomPBPdjr2gxXGgfciV7OaJpc6tNTJdrbP_ymZdGzUWN_0BW1X-QIBD5m9_Md5VeoT3XfgROenBEvkb4_tiW8dz4A14g7fniV62VxANCab1togje1n2-INShLJ-uh0tAlS/s640/boxer+patria+amv.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boxer CRV and AMV-35 are being evaluated during the LAND 400 program</td></tr>
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A key factor for the developments on the global 8x8 vehicle market might be the decision of the Australian military in <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/land-400-phase-2-and-3-contenders-update.html">the LAND 400 program</a>, which is expected to be made in early 2018. The phase 2 of LAND 400 included four of the most advanced current 8x8 vehicles - variants of the Boxer, the Patria AMV, the LAV 6.0 and the Sentinel (Terrex 3) - i.e. vehicles that are relevant for any military considering to buy a new eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC), infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), or Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV). Various other vehicles such as the VBCI 2 were initially also offered to the Australian military, but the bids were withdrawn when it became clear that a solution based on military of the shelf (MOTS) components was favored.</div>
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Currently only the Boxer CRV and AMV-35 remain in the competition. Based on the prototypes being tested in Australia, it appears that both consortia are betting on very different strategies. While Rheinmetall showcases the Boxer CRV as a very customizable high-end offering including all of the latest gadgets (including <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">active protection system</a>, remotely operated weapon station, anti-tank guided missile launcher, accoustic sniper detection system, laser warners, situational awareness system, etc.), the BAE-Patria joint-venture focuses with the AMV-35 on a more affordable offering, presumably trying to impress with a higher cost effectiveness compared to the Boxer.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjU7HiY_v4yUvk7JyUxiGcT_wEfgslDu4Jbrw3b-dM0-Bv0T1ep53LOM3sWXQckTKRtqXWNa4tlfg2gjFs5u_64m7u1P3ppo3mFenOUOlSC6eiOv91fJml8kS3v0bv2Z1cGqeevY4ojhM/s1600/DJt4y3lW0AEiSJQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjU7HiY_v4yUvk7JyUxiGcT_wEfgslDu4Jbrw3b-dM0-Bv0T1ep53LOM3sWXQckTKRtqXWNa4tlfg2gjFs5u_64m7u1P3ppo3mFenOUOlSC6eiOv91fJml8kS3v0bv2Z1cGqeevY4ojhM/s640/DJt4y3lW0AEiSJQ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The VBCI was already tested in the UK during the FRES project</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The British military is considering to buy the Boxer MRAV for the Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV) program, as mentioned by various news sources over the last year. The number of vehicles to be purchased within the <span class="st">£3 billion project is varying by source from just 300 up to 900. While there are several options offered by the arms industry to the UK, the British Army has not yet decided wether it wants an open tender or prefers a direct government-to-government (G2G) deal with Germany for buying Boxers. The advantage of open competition is that the best solution can be found, be it the overall cheapest solution, the most capable vehicle or the <i>jack of all trades</i>. On the other hand the budget of the British Army has shrunken dramatically - and is expected to shrink further thanks to the Brexit - so that English newspapers suggest that an open evaluation of multiple contenders might be too expensive (and with Brexit potentially resulting in additional tolls to be paid also too time consuming). A decision wether to buy the Boxer MRAV or have an open competition is expected at the end of 2017.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoeTLkZxG3ohoMRc-Lv6rgXCm_cbJH8uQayxYgF4U0-hZw63316TUBvF8HjhxVrv69R1vpGMzd7kw-XzlU4FPXmd54hIBGmql9jcT_u3bZQCDg8oaqoYy-ToppOpwy7T2bBvgZckdaVZt/s1600/DJhAcFBXkAEcMJh.jpg+large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1172" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoeTLkZxG3ohoMRc-Lv6rgXCm_cbJH8uQayxYgF4U0-hZw63316TUBvF8HjhxVrv69R1vpGMzd7kw-XzlU4FPXmd54hIBGmql9jcT_u3bZQCDg8oaqoYy-ToppOpwy7T2bBvgZckdaVZt/s640/DJhAcFBXkAEcMJh.jpg+large.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By painting a Boxer in the Union Jack pattern, Rheinmetall reminds the UK of the British participation in its development</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="st">If the Boxer CRV is chosen by the Australian Army over the AMV-35, this could have positive effects on its chances in the United Kingdom according to German speculations. First of all, there would be greater interoperability between the ground forces of two commonwealth nations, something that is assumed to be desirable. Furthermore the British Army could argue that the Australian tests already have proven the superiority of said vehicle, circumventing open competition in order to rush a vehicle in service. While this in general would also work with the Patria AMV, there are no news reports on the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) thinking about purchasing the AMV instead of having an open tender.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K9Ow6mj6aOLNL0tzF4U1S6NV1Mlrzkfp0hEGuPT_-_7F4gF_UE5vFd1ArEXj1VcDzz9zdmTU45CLCJ0MY-nEOu4e1Sf3V8QtOMTMD7n0680q2mwt5G-fUdvNylt0uYQUJNb4qTum7rvI/s1600/DSCN0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6K9Ow6mj6aOLNL0tzF4U1S6NV1Mlrzkfp0hEGuPT_-_7F4gF_UE5vFd1ArEXj1VcDzz9zdmTU45CLCJ0MY-nEOu4e1Sf3V8QtOMTMD7n0680q2mwt5G-fUdvNylt0uYQUJNb4qTum7rvI/s640/DSCN0193.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boxer RCH 155 mounts an AGM instead of a mission module</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Supposedly the UK is also looking for a self-propelled artillery gun (SPG) variant of the vehicle purchased under the MIV program. The Boxer MRAV is the only modern 8x8 wheeled solution that has been showcased with a 155 mm gun, i.e. the artillery gun module (AGM) from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) mounted instead of a mission module. The long L/52 gun barrel of the AGM and the high level of protection provided by the Boxer's drive module makes this solution in some aspects better than the current tracked AS-90 self-propelled gun.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the DSEI 2017, various manufacturer's presented their potential offers for the MIV program including the Piranha 5 from General Dynamics, the Patria AMV XP, the VBCI from Nexter, and two different Boxer variants from Artec. Rheinmetall painted one Boxer with the Union Jack, while KMW focused on showcasing the modularity of the vehicle with an IFV variant. Aside of the benefits that the modular design enables, the German companies also mention that the UK would have full intellectual property of the Boxer due to its history (being designed in a multi-national project that used to include the UK), allowing them to create and sell their own vehicle variants without any interference from the Germany.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gdIO9ocEA3qFndf4aSLMH8Rn42KekyYTTWPQ-q-i05M5zeFmFl0-Fk19zRH1Unii9aH0Fk4ghfoUIhep9qOy1SbzkPWjAfudJHzYM2pncHdgI0M9j8Jz2A2Mkw697jKJ5AghmpJLhGc1/s1600/Japan+8x8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="930" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gdIO9ocEA3qFndf4aSLMH8Rn42KekyYTTWPQ-q-i05M5zeFmFl0-Fk19zRH1Unii9aH0Fk4ghfoUIhep9qOy1SbzkPWjAfudJHzYM2pncHdgI0M9j8Jz2A2Mkw697jKJ5AghmpJLhGc1/s640/Japan+8x8.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Japanese military has presented a prototype of their indigenous 8x8 APC</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Supposedly Japan is also interested in adopting a more modern 8x8 vehicle compared to its old and lightly protected Type 96 armored personnel carrier. Mitsubishi has already created and showcased a prototype vehicle based on components from the Type 16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle (MCV). However Japan is known to have a somewhat deep military cooperation with Australia, which is why the country of islands is observing the decisions LAND 400 program - apparently some sources suggest that the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) might be interested in having a certain degree of interoperability with the Australian Army. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the German website <i>hartpunkt.de</i>, defence industry insider sources claim that the Japanese military requested informations on the performance of the Boxer MRAV, specifically regarding its armor protection and modularity. It is worth mentioning that in July 2017 Germany and Japan signed an agreement for cooperation in the arms industry/technology sector. Back then it was reported that Japan was primarily interested in German protection technology, i.e. technologies regarding special armor and potentially also active protection systems. The Japanese news service <i>Asahi Shimbun </i>specifically mentioned that this technology was meant for a "troop transport carrier" (i.e. an APC or IFV). Negotiations regarding the agreement started already in 2015; both countries agreed to not disclose the exact content of the contract. In September 2017 a German-Japanese military technology forum was held in Tokio, which included more than thirty German defence companies.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixo71gmz5WwUAsFggkDUGzq1Whyc_kmD4WIQq4FdplGjMdwJfrBO8omaQK9ytLW8yPXtYlL_Ng0LzOSxo30EeqarsGgRUFlCGQAgtuzoxLJ4c7bBfAzhFfQieLRYB9qNn1FOq0kF8zw_97/s1600/boxer_cc2.0._bundeswehr-bienert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixo71gmz5WwUAsFggkDUGzq1Whyc_kmD4WIQq4FdplGjMdwJfrBO8omaQK9ytLW8yPXtYlL_Ng0LzOSxo30EeqarsGgRUFlCGQAgtuzoxLJ4c7bBfAzhFfQieLRYB9qNn1FOq0kF8zw_97/s640/boxer_cc2.0._bundeswehr-bienert.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boxer A1 saw combat in Afghanistan</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Bundeswehr recently decided to upgrade all current Boxers to the new A2 configuration, which features changes to both the drive module and the mission module, such as installing a new satellite communication system, fitting an improved driver vision systems, adopting a new storage arrangement, making changes to the cooling and exhaust system of the vehicle, improved protection and adding a secondary control panel for the FLW 200 remote weapon station. A contract for the upgrade of 124 armored personnel carriers, 72 ambulance vehicles, 38 command post vehicles and 12 driver training vehicles was announced in July 2017. All new Boxers that have been and will be ordered by the German Army will also be delivered as Boxer A2 or in a follow-up configuration.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the German website <i>hartpunkt.de</i>, the German Army plans to use the Boxer as base for a heavy vehicle for the joint fire support team (JFST) units. This Boxer JFST variant would be equipped with a high quality sensor package, probably the mast-mounted BAA II surveillance and reconnaissance platform from Hensoldt Optronics, that is already being used on the light JFST vehicle on the Fennek 4x4. Rheinmetall as member of Artec also offers a number of sensor platforms for ground vehicles, such as Vingtaqs II system that is operational with the Norwegian and Malaysian militaries. Alternatively the greater payload and internal volume of the Boxer could be used for a larger sensor package, which could in theory also include a larger ground surveillance radar unit. A Fennek can carry only the equipment for either ground-to-ground coordination or ground-to-air coordination, each Fennek JFST vehicle is hence specialized on either role. The Boxer has enough room to hypothetically carry the equipment for both tasks, although it hasn't been decided if a single Boxer should be used for both roles. The Boxer was chosen over a competiting design <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/pmmc-g5-ultimate-m113.html">based on the PMMC G5</a>. Unlike current JSFT solutions from the UK and the United States, the Boxer is not expected to be fitted with a direct fire gun or anti-tank missiles. There is a requirement for about 20 to 30 Boxer heavy JFST vehicles.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrN0FtXG7bLyo-FySsZM1UMk2TZRmTgfdIrcjj8WmVv7XUHqtUHsFu20iGbesY9wMPpC3BXaFkpQhE5ZWhpoeKchaP17zSFtkAczK-pNloZbfFydPLbpR59fwcQX0R556TM4V9FTkVUaL/s1600/P1010054_JFST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrN0FtXG7bLyo-FySsZM1UMk2TZRmTgfdIrcjj8WmVv7XUHqtUHsFu20iGbesY9wMPpC3BXaFkpQhE5ZWhpoeKchaP17zSFtkAczK-pNloZbfFydPLbpR59fwcQX0R556TM4V9FTkVUaL/s400/P1010054_JFST.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JFST vehicle based on the Fennek 4x4</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Currently there are also plans for a fire support variant of the Boxer for the <i>Jäger </i>units, according to Inspector of the Army Jörg Vollmer, who is in charge of the German Army. The plans see the fifth (heavy) company of each battalion receiving Boxers with direct fire guns.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The exact type of armament has not been specified, but given earlier reports it seems likely that the interest is focused around the 30 x 173 mm calibre, i.e. the same MK 30-2/ABM main gun as used on the German <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/08/which-new-ifv-for-czech-army.html">Puma infantry fighting vehicle (IFV)</a>. The vehicle might as well be fitted with a launcher for the Spike-LR anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrs1gt_HrA0p23fp_LPzk8mmkDWsWEN056z0X0jOdT5fJeZxPNSrq6p50Opkjryu0tyLotbKW9rDZpm6PfJvxZPv-3Gtkk1yeAWSBl6i60IdIZ7W16ukom6LuNfaWmDitYtOs4XnnWwDR/s1600/boxer_mit_puma_turm_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="827" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrs1gt_HrA0p23fp_LPzk8mmkDWsWEN056z0X0jOdT5fJeZxPNSrq6p50Opkjryu0tyLotbKW9rDZpm6PfJvxZPv-3Gtkk1yeAWSBl6i60IdIZ7W16ukom6LuNfaWmDitYtOs4XnnWwDR/s640/boxer_mit_puma_turm_01.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A so called "PuBo" - Boxer with RCT 30 (Puma turret)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Currently the German military is said to consider different turret options and still has to decide wether a manned or an unmanned system is favored. It is understood that the choice - if the informations regarding a 30 mm calibre are correct - is limited to KMW's Remote Controlled Turret 30 (RCT 30; essentially a Puma turret) and the Lance Modular Turret System from Rheinmetall. Both these turrets have their own unique advantages and drawbacks. The RCT 30 is already in service with the German military and hence provides advantages in regards to training, logistics and spare parts. Furthermore it appears to be more heavily armored than the Lance turret, as it is can be fitted with additional roof armor against shaped charge bomblets; while Rheinmetall manufactures similar armor, there hasn't been a prototype of the Lance turret featuring such improved roof armor. The unmanned nature of the turret makes it smaller and lighter. However unmanned turrets have worse situational awarness than their manned counterparts.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83Z-lBHbmq5jzkkzpIFWnW1y5PWTxw9H746e_0hAskzjQOfjWfqJltJBccgDx_IEtAc71NWu7gTYhumrh0OcrburpH1ejA_SLBi2EAsJwC1_WiFxi7u_8lwwh2epobk6HLGJzm327Q7ig/s1600/boxer_with_lanceb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1502" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83Z-lBHbmq5jzkkzpIFWnW1y5PWTxw9H746e_0hAskzjQOfjWfqJltJBccgDx_IEtAc71NWu7gTYhumrh0OcrburpH1ejA_SLBi2EAsJwC1_WiFxi7u_8lwwh2epobk6HLGJzm327Q7ig/s640/boxer_with_lanceb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Boxer with Lance turret being demonstrated at a Rheinmetall facility in Germany</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Lance turret on the other hand is available in either unmanned or manned configuration, but it seems likely that only the latter is being considered, as this was already installed on several Boxer prototypes including the Boxer CRV. It is larger than a Puma turret and also heavier, when fitted with a similar armor package; however in theory it can also adopt larger calibre guns such as the 35 x 228 mm Wotan 35 chain gun. The Lance turret suffers from being fitted with several Rheinmetall-made components, which have not been adopted yet by the German military, albeit the modular construction might allow to change them. For example the turret is fitted with either one or two <span class="st">stabilized electro-optical sensor systems (SEOSS); one for the gunner (and one for the commander respectively), but the German Army relies on optics from Hensoldt Optronics for the Puma and several other combat vehicles.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPgDXrT8eUmWDKDb8lh9kbCp8uJQh0jnwUpABCb7JrwNMYWBmAPvF9oPsvhvDD1JdTAAQW-n9dfex1jcnP5MbD64KyzESYbIotFplS1p68ERTzYCCmNBQWvYaniRELZlLmyZtUqYEoaId/s1600/aiv90mm_08_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="900" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPgDXrT8eUmWDKDb8lh9kbCp8uJQh0jnwUpABCb7JrwNMYWBmAPvF9oPsvhvDD1JdTAAQW-n9dfex1jcnP5MbD64KyzESYbIotFplS1p68ERTzYCCmNBQWvYaniRELZlLmyZtUqYEoaId/s640/aiv90mm_08_0.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Belgian Army operates several Piranha DF90 fire support vehicles with 90 mm gun </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In theory the German military could choose a lighter or heavier weapon station from various manufacturers. Just looking at the offerings from the two companies involved with producing the Boxer MRAV shows a wide variety of possible alternative armament options. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann showcased the FLW 200+ on the Boxer a few years ago, which is an enhanced variant of the currently used FLW 200 remote weapon station (RWS), that can accept the 20 mm Rh 202 autocannon with 100 rounds of ammunition. The 500 kilograms heavy FLW 500 RWS can accept 30 mm autocannons such as the M230LF chain gun from ATK, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and an optional missile launcher. Rheinmetall has developed the Oerlikon Fieldranger 20 RWS, which is armed with a 20 mm Oerlikon KAE autocannon; however this is not chambered in the 20 x 139 mm calibre as the Rh 202, for which the German Army should still have lots of ammunition - instead it uses the slightly less powerful 20 x 128 mm calibre.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Given that the new Boxer variant is meant as a fire support vehicle, one could wonder why the armament choice is supposedly focused on the 30 mm calibre, when other vehicles of the same type are often fitted with larger guns. E.g. the Belgian Army has adopted a number of Piranha IIICs with a 90 mm Cockerill gun for direct fire support, while a Rosomak prototype was fitted with the Cockerill 3105 turret. The Boxer with a much higher maximum gross vehicle weight - the latest available variant can support up to 38.5 metric tons and can be fitted with a 800 horsepower engine - should have no issues accepting a low-profile turret with a 120 mm smoothbore gun (such as the 120 mm L/47 LLR from Rheinmetall).</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside of the exact turret choice, a number of other questions remain. A key question revolves around the role of the <i>Jäger</i> (light mechanized/motorized infantry) compared to the <i>Panzergenadiere</i> (mechanized infantry). Traditionally only the <i>Panzergrenadiere</i> are making use of infantry fighting vehicles, while the <i>Jäger</i> are limited to "battle taxi" style vehicles, which also affects the doctrines of these units. However putting a gun on an armored personnel carrier (APC) doesn't mean that it has to be employed like an IFV. Another decision yet to be made is focused on wether the Boxer fire support variant will carry a dismount squad or not. If a dismount squad is carried, it needs to be smaller in order to compensate for the ammunition storage, the gun operator(s) and the turret basket (in case a manned turret is chosen). Regardless of the decision, a contractt is not expected to be made before 2019. Then the Boxer fire support vehicles could enter service in 2021. A total of about 100 vehicles is required based on the current amount of German Boxer APCs. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZrRWUW_ZgZMUErhMtQUHygKzLJT3atVbLjDCC41Fvw7Mzn5AUoNCfPiZrI8_zsDWvDaTtz-C7Q3enwD8Qr31o41JmxWHch5xpe208RclmADEyrTujeLVjqOzQDs3U963mF5iVr47-jOV/s1600/HMaF0tl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZrRWUW_ZgZMUErhMtQUHygKzLJT3atVbLjDCC41Fvw7Mzn5AUoNCfPiZrI8_zsDWvDaTtz-C7Q3enwD8Qr31o41JmxWHch5xpe208RclmADEyrTujeLVjqOzQDs3U963mF5iVr47-jOV/s640/HMaF0tl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vilkas is a Boxer IFV variant with the Samson Mk 2 RWS</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Bulgarian military is planning to purchase about 600 new 8x8 vehicles in several different variants for three new battlegroups. Among the demanded variants are also a mortar carrier and an infantry fighting vehicle. Supposedly the bidding process for this military procurement started already in May, with six vehicles being offered to win contract worth more than €500 million Euro. Artec is offering the Boxer, despite the fact that currently no operator has ordered a mortar carrier variant and not a single prototype of this is known to exist - the modular design however would enable a fast creation of such. It is also not known which turret will be offered for the IFV variant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While the Boxer MRAV is extremely expensive compared to other solutions - in Lithuania the initial offer was claimed to be more than twice as costly as the Stryker ICV proposed by General Dynamics - the vehicle's superior performance (specifically the higher level of protection) resulted in the Lithuanian Army opting for it. The military prefered the Boxer MRAV, the politicans wanted a cheaper solution. In the end the <i>Vilkas </i>variant of the Boxer, mounting the cheaper and slightly less capable Samson Mk 2 RWS instead of the Puma's RCT 30 turret, was chosen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) offers the Piranha V vehicle family. An IFV variant of the Piranha V fitted with Rafael's Samson Mk 2 RWS was demonstrated on the 27. April at the Military Poligon Tylbleto in Bulgaria. The demonstration lasted three days and included live firing tests with the 30 x 173 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II gun. The Samson Mk 2 RWS features two separate set of sights, a 30 mm autocannon, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a pop-up launcher for two Spike-LR missiles. It was also fitted to various IFV prototypes provided to the Czech Republic.</div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAMRw1H1Ai4qKFMhwLe7ATMPicZpZuBx1pooraA42-8ojrwfLmNBYl-Tm9L6nsFS5Gygn3YMhFODM9mZNfZjJE3rWw2eA7IIIlBibHXnNTlcxEYG11DNClSNlFSthlIHkfgiUrE95NgfM/s1600/Patria-AMV-with-120mm-NEMO-Mortar-System.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAMRw1H1Ai4qKFMhwLe7ATMPicZpZuBx1pooraA42-8ojrwfLmNBYl-Tm9L6nsFS5Gygn3YMhFODM9mZNfZjJE3rWw2eA7IIIlBibHXnNTlcxEYG11DNClSNlFSthlIHkfgiUrE95NgfM/s640/Patria-AMV-with-120mm-NEMO-Mortar-System.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patria AMV with 120 mm NEMO mortar system</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
While KMW as part of Artec is suggesting the Boxer to Bulgaria, the French company Nexter - a joint-partner of KMW - is offering an unknown configuration of the VBCI or VBCI 2. While not produced yet, Nexter already showcased scale models of a mortar carrier variant of the VBCI back in 2013. These models featured a large roof hatch with a two-piece door atop of the rear compartment. Inside the rear compartment an unspecified semi-automatic 120 mm mortar - similar to RUAG's Cobra mortar and the MO 120 mm R2RM from TDA Armaments - is mounted. As IFV the VBCI 2 can be fitted with a 25 mm autocannon in a one-man turret or with a two-man turret mounting a 40 mm CTAS gun. In theory unmanned turrets and other calibres are also available, but they have not been fitted to known prototypes of the VBCI 2.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Patria is offering versions of the Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV), although more details have yet to emerge. The wide userbase of the AMV has resulted in various different variants, so often multiple AMV versions are available for the same role. I.e. there are infantry fighting vehicles based on the AMV mounting the Hitfist turret from Leonardo (after acquiring Oto-Melara), the LCT30 turret from Denel Land Systems, and the BMP-3 turret, while prototypes were equipped with the unmanned MCT-30 turret from Kongsberg, the E35 turret from BAE Systems and the new 40 mm CTAS-armed turret of the Warrior WLIP upgrade. Likewise there are multiple 120 mm mortar variants with the Polish Rak mortar, the NEMO turret and the AMOS turret, while South-Africa has ordered a 60 mm breech-loaded mortar turret for some of its AMVs. </div>
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Supposedly two further competitors are interested in getting a deal for equipping the new Bulgarian battlegroups: Textron and an unnamed Turkish company. There is some confusion regarding Textron here: Textron is not known for offering 8x8 vehicles, although it is not directly specified that a 8x8 vehicle is required. The US company was contracted to deliver about 17 M1117 Guardian armored security vehicles (ASVs) to the East European country in 2014; a further batch of ten vehicles was ordered in mid-2017. According to the Bulgarian news website <i>dnevnik.bg</i>, Textron and Rheinmetall have partnered to offer an unknown 6x6 vehicle for local production in Bulgaria. </div>
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As for the Turkish contender, this most likely is either FNSS offering <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/05/new-turkish-combat-vehicles-presented.html">a variant of the Pars</a> or Otokar offering a variant of the Arma. Given the recent political tensions between various European countries and Turkey, it seems unlikely that a Turkish contractor would be chosen - the Czech Republic rejected all Turkish tracked IFVs due to the instable political relations.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryc_BQVvxKk-z_BIu9yGfdDRqWfrXOXHAVMxfhn9NoyiTUfU1PwF5jLgIXGxH7rBk3M2QwoxKkdTOItN2R1V_lT28nhjgBInUDt7O9e31dWeCiTFyFcE-deBJMqAdQ3ABBf5fETWatNU5/s1600/1e0SNMjATt7GgOqfu0-tvg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1200" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryc_BQVvxKk-z_BIu9yGfdDRqWfrXOXHAVMxfhn9NoyiTUfU1PwF5jLgIXGxH7rBk3M2QwoxKkdTOItN2R1V_lT28nhjgBInUDt7O9e31dWeCiTFyFcE-deBJMqAdQ3ABBf5fETWatNU5/s640/1e0SNMjATt7GgOqfu0-tvg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Scipio IFV</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two years ago in 2015, the Slovakian Army ordered about 30 Rosomaks (a Polish variant of the Patria AMV) fitted with the locally made Turra 30 turret from EVPÚ. Apparently the contract was scrapped according to different reports, which is why Slovakia has shown interest in buying a total of about 100 - some sources mention a lower number of only 81 - new 8x8 vehicles. Furthermore a total of 404 modern 4x4 vehicles are required by the army. The official requirements for the procurement project are not known, but they include a larger number of contenders. Deliveries of the first vehicles are expected to start in 2018 and last until 2029; it is however possible that the earlier date is only valid for the 4x4 armored cars.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG3KYtKTPIrx6BupFws0yaPUenm6kROuPKBxV_X_bGNoXUV78Tbilg6pHlv2HO3wQjHSKCAYKtqMetrJGjWkcM3DPIDTA_Fr3EhpbTgt3zqNE4C8fywxBtpA0w2TREyM6ldXABvSPE2w4/s1600/27448086614_d3b1f241fa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidG3KYtKTPIrx6BupFws0yaPUenm6kROuPKBxV_X_bGNoXUV78Tbilg6pHlv2HO3wQjHSKCAYKtqMetrJGjWkcM3DPIDTA_Fr3EhpbTgt3zqNE4C8fywxBtpA0w2TREyM6ldXABvSPE2w4/s640/27448086614_d3b1f241fa_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Corsac 8x8 is an IFV based on the Pandur II</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
General Dynamics European Land Systems is understood to offer a variant of the Pandur II. The Pandur II is an <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/06/austrian-pandur-projects-progression.html">evolution of the Austrian-designed Pandur I</a>, that is currently only manufactured in other countries. The militaries of the Czech Republic, Indonesia and Portugal operate various versions of the Pandur II. Due to its relatively low weight - the currently procuded models have a combat weight of only 24 metric tons - the overall level of armor protection is rather limited. While fitting applique armor allowed to meet the STANAG 4569 level 4 requirement for ballistic protection, i.e. all-round protectiton against 14.5 mm AP ammo fired from close range, the protection against mines was rather limited. Only in October 2017, the Czech military annonced that the latest 20 Pandur IIs in the mobile command post variant have managed the qualification for STANAG 4569 level 4b mine protection, after being fitted with the new BOG-AMS-V<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>seats.</div>
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Last year GDELS presented a variant of the Pandur II co-developed with the Slovakian MSM Group, which is known as <i>Corsac </i>and features the same Turra 30 turret as the Scipio, mounting a 30 x 165 mm 2A42 autocannon, a coaxial MG and two 9M113 Konkurs (AT-5 Spandrel) ATGMs. However this armament can be replaced by Western alternatives such as the 30 x 173 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II gun from Aliant Techsystems and Rafael's Spike-LR ATGM.</div>
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The Corsac IFV is powered by a 450 hp Cummins ISLe HPCR diesel engine and has a combat weight of only 19.8 metric tons, which is apparently related to the armor package fitted to the prototype. Top speed is quoted as 115 kilometres per hour on roads, but the vehicle is amphibious and can swim at a speed of up to 10 kilometres per hours. The basic ballistic protection reaches only STANAG 4569 level 2, but applique armor kits for level 3 and level 4 are available - the vehicle was never presented without bolted-on add-on armor. The Corsac has room for six dismounts and a crew of two or three. It seems likely that GDELS could offer the same enhancments as found on the Czech Pandur IIs to reach a STANAG 4569 level 4 mine protection.</div>
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One of the other two known offers supposedly made to Slovakia includes the Patria AMV, possibly in the same configuration as originally ordered with the Scipio. If these vehicles will also be made in Poland (like the Rosomak and Scipio) or be made in Sweden is currently not known. Artec is offering the Boxer MRAV to the Slovakian Army - again it is unknown which exact variant is offered. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile Slovenia is said to intend purchasing about 50 wheeled IFVs for its military. Previously the military of Slovenia ordered a total of 135 AMV vehicles in different variants. The AMV is locally known as <i>Svarun</i>. The order however was halted in 2012, after issues with the funding aswell as other political issues arose, which resulted in only thirty already delivered AMVs becoming operational with the Slovenian Army. Given this fact and that the southern neighbour Croatia is already operating the AMV in larger numbers, it seems likely that the Patria AMV has an advantage over potential competitors. Potentially Artec, General Dynamics, Nexter and ST Kinetics might be interested in competing for the contract. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsrExywQ-36O4tJxqd4X0M8N6kHEkFbJiqaKvU2Z6FI_R0VAwWUqdAS8naqotjZbqzXCCibSGqExBBFWjRe_ugFuteC2FbzE7HGJOZFQvkJ-F8BwlVdRZuXzEc_7r42ezm7-HrjWBfSK3/s1600/DanishPiranha51021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1021" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsrExywQ-36O4tJxqd4X0M8N6kHEkFbJiqaKvU2Z6FI_R0VAwWUqdAS8naqotjZbqzXCCibSGqExBBFWjRe_ugFuteC2FbzE7HGJOZFQvkJ-F8BwlVdRZuXzEc_7r42ezm7-HrjWBfSK3/s640/DanishPiranha51021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Piranha 5 has already been purchased by Denmark and Spain</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Romanian Army will adopt General Dynamics' Piranha 5. In October 2017 the company announced that an initial batch of 227 vehicles will be manufactured by the Bucharest Mechanical Factory, which is owned by the Romanian state's Romarm Group. For handling the production of the Piranhas, GDELS will create a joint-venture in Romania. The military of the Eastern European country already ordered 43 older Piranha IIICs in five small batches starting in 2008.</div>
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It is not known what effect this decision will have on the development of the <i>Agilis</i>, a 8x8 wheeled vehicle to be locally manufactured in Romania. It is/was developed by a joint venture of the Romanian Ministry of Economy and the German company Rheinmetall. A total of 7 variants was to be made, while 80% of the work was planned to be done locally - only the engine and other drivetrain components would be imported. Hundred percent of the intellectual property of the Agilis would belong to the state of Romania, allowing easy export and local upgrades. The plans saw a total of 628 Agilis vehicles - 161 amphibious APCs, 192 heavier armored non-amphibious APCs, 24 medevac/ambulance vehicles, 90 CBRN reconnaisance vehicles, 40 mobile command posts, 75 mortar carriers and 46 recovery vehicles - to be made between 2020 and 2035, with further 4x4 and 6x6 options possible. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4u9LHUomnBB5PscjeIRWyg-TTWyd8Nuk5kuEu6l-jL9UT4cAtAmNF11Uxz24fke1HmIdU0hyphenhyphenK26YrXkSPMZkQoNBnks7ya_ADtU2M0SBraOQzmgJCh-65NrxVELK83qcBe4tm1GxP8G4/s1600/IMG_0554-1-696x464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="696" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4u9LHUomnBB5PscjeIRWyg-TTWyd8Nuk5kuEu6l-jL9UT4cAtAmNF11Uxz24fke1HmIdU0hyphenhyphenK26YrXkSPMZkQoNBnks7ya_ADtU2M0SBraOQzmgJCh-65NrxVELK83qcBe4tm1GxP8G4/s640/IMG_0554-1-696x464.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BTR-4MV1 feautres bolt-on armor modules</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The state-owned Ukrainian company UkrOboronProm has presented a new version of the BTR-4 8x8 wheeled vehicle known as BTR-4MV1, which has been developed to NATO standards. This vehicle is designed and manufactured by the Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau and features improved armor protection over its predecessor. The BTR-4MV1 uses modular bolt-on armor that allows the vehicle to reach the STANAG 4569 level 4 and 5 (if desired) - this means the armor can provide allround protection against 14.5 mm AP ammunition and protection against 25 mm rounds along the frontal arc. The new system also allows fitting explosive reactive armor (ERA) to the vehicle in order to resist shaped charge weapons such as the HEAT warheads of rocket propelled grenades (RPGs). The modular nature of the armor elements allows replacing damaged ones, thus reducing the time and costs required to repair a damaged vehicle.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqG1gmC9C_6t8WUsUGkvl8nfTnPJrVfjQKinUKLgSVjO0X-xreV6G2soaFAS2wlZ8SkS_eg2czSTg_Va6rciFm61HFCPV8IpgNsGFx06p4nGGQk1Ul4xQQmP8aa_TYu7EiUuyZwCBJGoV/s1600/DSC8925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqG1gmC9C_6t8WUsUGkvl8nfTnPJrVfjQKinUKLgSVjO0X-xreV6G2soaFAS2wlZ8SkS_eg2czSTg_Va6rciFm61HFCPV8IpgNsGFx06p4nGGQk1Ul4xQQmP8aa_TYu7EiUuyZwCBJGoV/s640/DSC8925.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BTR-4MV1 is armed with a 30 mm autocannon</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The weight of the BTR-4MV1 is claimed to have only increased by 2 to 3 metric tons, thus the vehicle would 23-24 metric tons with some more growth potential left. In terms of mobility nothing has changed, the vehicle uses the same suspension, the same German Deutz diesel engine and an Allison transimisison just like the original BTR-4. Due to the usage of low density/high volume armor in some sections of the vehicle, the BTR-4MV1 retains the amphibious capabilties of the original design, reaching a top speed of about 10 km/h in water and 110 km/h on land.</div>
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A key difference compared to the BTR-4 can be seen at the vehicle's front. The large windscreens have been eliminated in favor of better armor protection. Commander and driver can now only see the exterior through a number of vision blocks. A number of cameras mounted along the vehicle's surface however provide the crew with a 360° situational awareness. The BTR-4MV1 retains the same weapon station as used on some of the earlier models, including a 30 x 165 mm autocannon, a dual launcher for missiles and a machine gun. There is only one set of optic on the weapon station, therefore the vehicle cannot be used for hunter-killer operations.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-39066460602439942482017-10-09T10:39:00.005-07:002017-10-09T12:54:53.828-07:00Hardkill APS: US Army buys Trophy, Europe is testing systems<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the 29th September 2017, the US Army has decided to purchase an unknown quantity of Trophy systems as urgent material request. General Dynamics Land Systems is responsible for fitting the system to the M1A2 SEP v2 main battle tanks (MBTs) of an Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT). It was not revealed yet, if all ninety Abrams tanks of the ABCT will receive the Tropy APS - but it seems rather likely. The Jerusalem Post claims that the system has an estimated costs of about $350,000 USD per tank. By March 2019 all of the M1A2 SEP v2 covered by the contract are expected to have received the Trophy APS. The tanks are planned to be deployed to Europe by 2020.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hSSUyLXxMhbUKoGFj90i0Yz_TJlfGGE0mhyphenhyphenLLImrKPwvbu0y3CthXc1HbEvlIZ1G8ZJCqlc9tr7RbImLktTC3sLU_viRDOwIvLZygYxDdFbfOWkOeKNDuyqIgaj5_i_WBizi83rrohkK/s1600/GHpYvWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hSSUyLXxMhbUKoGFj90i0Yz_TJlfGGE0mhyphenhyphenLLImrKPwvbu0y3CthXc1HbEvlIZ1G8ZJCqlc9tr7RbImLktTC3sLU_viRDOwIvLZygYxDdFbfOWkOeKNDuyqIgaj5_i_WBizi83rrohkK/s640/GHpYvWN.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M1A2 SEP v3 prototype fitted with the Trophy APS</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trophy is a <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">hardkill active protection system (APS)</a> developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It uses four flat radar panels supplied by the IAI Elta Group to detect incoming anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Once the vector and velocity of an incoming projectile have been tracked and it reaches the interception distance, a MEFP countermeasure - i.e. multiple explosively formed penetrators - is fired at it, penetrating the projectile mid-air, damaging and detonating its warhead before it strikes the vehicle. Shaped charge warheads as found on the overwhelmig majority of current ATGMs and RPGs loose nearly their complete penetration power when the shaped charge liner is damaged. Studies have shown that a single perforation of the shaped charge liner by a metal fragment reduces the penetration power by more than 70% - the shotgun-like cloud of fragments created by Trophy's MEFP countermeasure should perforate the warhead multiple times and detonate it several metres away from the vehicle, leaving essentially no leftover penetration capacity.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This doesn't necessarily mean that the US Army will adopt the Trophy APS in a larger scale: this is just an urgent material request, the United States still are interested in developing and fielding a common modular active protection system (MAPS) architecture, which is planned to combine softkill and hardkill systems and could make use - due to its modular approach - of multiple different countermeasure types derived from currently available APS designs. It should however be noted that urgent material requests sometimes are used by the militaries of different countries to circumvent longer trials and - in some cases - also competition. However the latter doesn't seem to be the case with the US Army opting for Trophy. The US miltiary has been citing the maturity of the system as a key factor speaking for it. Unlike the other APS types tested by the US military, Trophy has been fitted to operational combat vehicles such as the Merkava 4M MBT and the Namer armored personnel carrier (APC) of the IDF.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EfKtmMFQZqz4WfotKfx0lZOVIuXNxO-1hGB3AS_kOzBdR5_ePrRvKGfbzU4CHWXzSXYF7AGeTj7FDEckk1QvRcPePyoRc9CWuYPdHuBxDmw-oMx1sR3RbCk3H8SQ-RGTscSsFRAGMivF/s1600/2fOO3KY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1327" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EfKtmMFQZqz4WfotKfx0lZOVIuXNxO-1hGB3AS_kOzBdR5_ePrRvKGfbzU4CHWXzSXYF7AGeTj7FDEckk1QvRcPePyoRc9CWuYPdHuBxDmw-oMx1sR3RbCk3H8SQ-RGTscSsFRAGMivF/s640/2fOO3KY.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory cheeky "<i>it's like a force field</i>" graphic</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before ordering Trophy, the US Army apparently found some issues when trying to integrate the components of the active protection system into the M1A2 Abrams MBT. A key factor were weight imbalances, which also were affecting the turret's performance as reported by Inside The Army in early September. At the end of August the Trophy APS had only been tested on a stationary tank, however the full tests representing several real-life scenarios including firing at a moving tank were expected to last only 30 additional days.</div>
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The Trophy-equipped M1A2 SEP v2 Abrams MBTs are meant for equipping the US Army units in Europe. The advancements of Russian miliary technology and the increased aggression related to the annexion of Crimea has given the US Army a reason to focus on ground vehicles and symmetric conflict capabilties again. Like the Trophy APS, the US Army choose to <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/04/us-armor-modernization-plans.html">upgrade a number of Stryker ICV to the new Dragoon variant</a> just to not be outmatched in Europe by the Russian military. Furthermore the basic Stryker ICV variant will be fitted with Javelin launchers, while a number of options are being considered for short-range air defence (SHORAD).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0vv3Wbic3zfUWp8k-JmMo-gF0pPCqeUUZTFyJF9c8ENi-flMyCCD7VbLNtWI2-RGBDQ4SMrNAgGp9WUhvMMEOQrUqVXPhwMEtNagpBvHVuJsL3j3rjfxNHiXVaUTH27cqdfhtBLfgaIm/s1600/1GAqeCZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0vv3Wbic3zfUWp8k-JmMo-gF0pPCqeUUZTFyJF9c8ENi-flMyCCD7VbLNtWI2-RGBDQ4SMrNAgGp9WUhvMMEOQrUqVXPhwMEtNagpBvHVuJsL3j3rjfxNHiXVaUTH27cqdfhtBLfgaIm/s640/1GAqeCZ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stryker testbed fitted with the Iron Curtain APS</td></tr>
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The US Army is still working on testing the Iron Fist APS from Israeli Military Industries and the Iron Curtain APS, the latter setup was designed by the US company Artis following a DARPA contract. Artis has fitted the Iron Curtain APS to a Stryker vehicle, testing is expected to last until the mid-December, when the US Army will decide wether to purchase this system or install another APS on the Styker - in general the Trophy active protection system is also available for the Stryker and it would be beneficial to reduce the number of new APS types to be purchased by the military, as this would easen up logisitics and lower costs; however Trophy's MEFP countermeasure is considered to be less than ideal for use on APCs and IFVs. The Trophy APS was installed on the M1 Abrams tank earlier due to funding being available already in 2016. </div>
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The United States also planned to test the Active Defence System (ADS) from ADS - Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsysteme mbH, a joint-venture of the German companies Rheinmetall and IBD Deisenroth Engineering, but didn't have the budget to fund testing of all system at the same time. It is currently not known when or if the ADS will be tested by the US Army - that all depends on the budget. As reported by Defense News, the US Army is still interested in at least another system - understood to be the ADS - but couldn't afford to test four different APS types simultaneously. If the US Army had the budget, it would be testing it now. Rheinmetall approached the US Army after negotiations with the other three contenders were already underway, but demonstrated the system's capabilities multiple times in Europe. In the latest known demonstration, which happened at the end of June in Sweden, the ADS managed to defeat six out of six ATGMs fired at a vehicle. In a previous test in May 2017, two RPGs fired from a very short range were stopped by ADS, while it was proven that the sensors ignore smaller threats such as 7.62 mm bullets. </div>
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Rheinmetall suggested to fit the the ADS to the Stryker, but the US choose to test the Iron Fist APS on the Bradley instead. Due to the Bradley's limitation regarding electrical power, available space and weight budget, testing the adoption of the Iron Fist APS - probably in the light configuration - was favored to this plattform. First proper tests of the Iron Fist APS on the Bradely are still several months away, as the vehicle needs to be upgraded first.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sYtL8TxgHMHxk-Z0-LnjCmvpYV_X7hQA18NQ6EvheAhMhLlsZx_aOPT_exWhDK4ODkjHE59jctyJ1Zi8TkMDF7l6QFhYjpxJJsFrtjBG4Noo0n_cVbAA_TOxwbOeVYAEFyTc4ZG0IM6W/s1600/Iron+Fist+LC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sYtL8TxgHMHxk-Z0-LnjCmvpYV_X7hQA18NQ6EvheAhMhLlsZx_aOPT_exWhDK4ODkjHE59jctyJ1Zi8TkMDF7l6QFhYjpxJJsFrtjBG4Noo0n_cVbAA_TOxwbOeVYAEFyTc4ZG0IM6W/s320/Iron+Fist+LC.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Fist LC launcher</td></tr>
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The Netherlands have decided to evaluate the Iron Fist APS for adoption on the CV9035NL IFV. BAE Systems has been contracted to integrate this protective measure into a CV9035 to serve as a prototype, which is expected to be finished in early 2018. This prototype will then undergo testing by the Dutch military, which then might order more Iron Fist systems for at least a part of their active CV90 infantry fighting vehicle fleet, if the results of the testing are positive. At the IDET 2017 defence exposition in the Czech Republic, BAE Systems <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/08/which-new-ifv-for-czech-army.html">showcased a CV9030 fitted with the Iron Fist Light Configuration</a> (IF-LC) system for the first time, although this might have been a non-working mock-up. When fitted to the CV9030, the IF-LC APS consisted of two double-barreled launchers for HE-blast grenades, which can defeat ATGMs and RPGs. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb274MMlFO6buVv0lp0CRXz3z_e6euv0avffNUg5O7fN2JcpMV2GosAjOnM3mO0C9U9sP0F8W21URsOraTvcsrh8JDcH0xll5G68wgkGF11C4gLdO1NEjjMYl_mn0p9k4MJSX7E5XlJQe/s1600/ADS+Leopard+2+DSEI.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb274MMlFO6buVv0lp0CRXz3z_e6euv0avffNUg5O7fN2JcpMV2GosAjOnM3mO0C9U9sP0F8W21URsOraTvcsrh8JDcH0xll5G68wgkGF11C4gLdO1NEjjMYl_mn0p9k4MJSX7E5XlJQe/s640/ADS+Leopard+2+DSEI.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Active Defence System fitted to a Leopard 2 Advanced Technology Demonstrator at DSEI 2017</td></tr>
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Meanwhile Germany is evaluating the ADS active protection system for adoption on the Boxer APC as confirmed by a company spokesperson at DSEI 2017. While Germany is not known to be planning the adoption of an APS on the Leopard 2 MBT in the near future, a recent thesis paper published by the German Army's <i>Kommando Heer </i>calls for the adoption of an active protection system and new reactive armor, specifically with the capability to protect the roofs of tanks and other AFVs against top-attack ATGMs. ADS features special roof-mounted countermeasures and sensor units to protect against such threats. </div>
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<a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/land-400-updates-and-thoughts.html">One of the Boxer CRVs</a> send to Australia is also equipped with the ADS active protection system in order to provide protection against ATGMs and RPGs. While in tests some of the ADS prototypes were capable to successfully defeat APFSDS projectiles - including some of the latest types according to our informations - the currently offered variants of this APS are not suited to deal with kinetic energy penetrators yet. Most likely the ADS will also be offered as (optional) part of the <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/challenger-2-upgrade-proposals-have.html">Challenger 2 lifetime extension project</a> (Challenger 2 LEP), as Rheinmetall - one of the two companies shortlisted to provide an upgrade solution - is also owner of the majority of ADS - Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsystem mbH. Between May 2005 to December 2006 the UK had a contract with Åkers Krutbruk Protection AB, a Swedish company completely belonging to IDB Deisenroth (the other owner of ADS) for a technology demonstration program of the ADS hardkill active protection system for the FRES. The program was canceled when funding for the FRES was reduced.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhIwqe1c4Akl8qn4FiFdqggooDEjQPQpsSNOW7s8t2zBmZVoyZSW_zvdHnUQFqrB_c1GIJBQr_PSUcF7t6-Yg046770xbioyHvIitOuf4QxiN19hnwc9Q7sWyVTFTAX7D9i8U2IVsmUtu/s1600/APS+GL-5+China.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1000" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhIwqe1c4Akl8qn4FiFdqggooDEjQPQpsSNOW7s8t2zBmZVoyZSW_zvdHnUQFqrB_c1GIJBQr_PSUcF7t6-Yg046770xbioyHvIitOuf4QxiN19hnwc9Q7sWyVTFTAX7D9i8U2IVsmUtu/s640/APS+GL-5+China.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Launchers, radars and control panel of the GL5 APS</td></tr>
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A few weeks ago, China unveiled the GL5 <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">hardkill active protection system</a>. This system is in general conception rather similar to the Soviet Drozd and the new Russian Afghanit APS types. It consists of four radar panels (one mounted at each corners of a vehicle or the turret of a tank) and four fixed "masts" mounted either at the turret roof or at the sides of the turret. Each mast holds three launcher barrels for the countermeasures, set at slightly different angles. This allows the APS to cover the tank's full 360° azimuth with countermeasures, but it must be noted that the GL-5 hardkill system does not provide the ability to shot down top-attack missiles - its countermeasures cover only 20° in elevation. A single control panel on the inside is used to control the system.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcwyMdU4oGeGHZxNF5MfDQXBUVIcVALFjdepWw8hvJBsgq3izHBj2A6czg6WnfoydrI43EOVzZNj7Tvw6ts2WByiGbsuQkcPQXNPjDu0yZrRIucpeiyTreP9eW4ef9q_y7UMFsm3H46kf/s1600/APS+GL-5+China+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcwyMdU4oGeGHZxNF5MfDQXBUVIcVALFjdepWw8hvJBsgq3izHBj2A6czg6WnfoydrI43EOVzZNj7Tvw6ts2WByiGbsuQkcPQXNPjDu0yZrRIucpeiyTreP9eW4ef9q_y7UMFsm3H46kf/s640/APS+GL-5+China+3.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The GL5 APS intercepts an anti-tank missile</td></tr>
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The system uses HE-fragmentation grenades capable of intercepting ATGMs, RPGs and HEAT rounds fired from tank guns. The interception point is located about 10 metres (<span class="_Tgc">±1.5 m) </span>away from the protected vehicle. The radar has a range of about 100 metres - if a fast flying projectile such as an ATGM enters the area covered by the radar panels, it will be fine tracked by the radar and the computer will calculate its vector. If the projectile would hit the vehicle, the countermeasures are launched at a pre-determined interception point. In the 3D simulations from the Chinese manufacturer, a single countermeasure is launched to defeat an ATGM - in the slow-motion footage from a live-fire test, there are however two countermeasures launched to defeat a single incoming ATGM - this might be an error that still needs to be fixed or a weakness of the system, which might require two countermeasures in some cases.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-82609391484562859912017-10-01T10:48:00.004-07:002017-10-01T11:01:48.098-07:00Russia upgrades BMP-2 and BMD-2 IFVs<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Russian Army has contracted the KPB Tula Instrument Design Burea for the upgrade of 540 old BMP-2 and BMD-2 infanty fighting vehicles (IFVs). The complete scope of the upgrade is not known, but it is confirmed that both vehicles will receive upgraded turrets - or "combat modules" in the official Russian military lingo. The BMP-2 will be fitted with the B05Ya01 <i>Berezhok</i> combat module, while the BMD-2 will receive the lighter <i>Bereg</i> combat module.</div>
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In theory further improvements could be part of different contracts with other companies, but it seems unlikely that the Russian Army is interested in adopting a heavier armor package or fitting a new engine to these vehicles - it would require large amounts of additional money, which instead can be invested into the development and manufacturing of the next-generation of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) including the T-14/15 Armata, the Kurganets-25 and the Bumerang wheeled vehicle.</div>
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Last year in 2016, the Russian Army contracted the 163rd Armor Repair Plant to overhaul a small quantity of existing BMP-2 IFVs. Overall the company is set to upgrade a total of 327 BMP-2s in the timeframe from 2014 to late-2018. Other comapnies such as the 103rd, 144th, and 560th Armor Repair Plants are also refurbishing existing BMP-2s, boosting the overall number to at least 586, which means that not all of these vehicles will receive the new turret upgrades from KPB Tula.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO31Y2PnFF1F-AIM1L6N2kkYR7fN-OFaRH1tMSE5xw-fVxjPH1Zu3CNVP9bwpPtX4ApPaLVcmx3hseQfPcbW__pCgHK14V_Uk6imeGYTBsz1R9ebWWzKtai1oOHJOEP_Ppra09JIaNXZ-/s1600/BMP-2+KWS+mit+Berezhok-Turm+f%25C3%25BCr+Russland.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1200" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO31Y2PnFF1F-AIM1L6N2kkYR7fN-OFaRH1tMSE5xw-fVxjPH1Zu3CNVP9bwpPtX4ApPaLVcmx3hseQfPcbW__pCgHK14V_Uk6imeGYTBsz1R9ebWWzKtai1oOHJOEP_Ppra09JIaNXZ-/s640/BMP-2+KWS+mit+Berezhok-Turm+f%25C3%25BCr+Russland.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMP-2 with combat module "<i>Berezhok</i>" shown in Russian TV<br />
<i></i></td></tr>
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In 2014 the Algerian Army ordered a total of 340 Berezhok turrets for upgrading old BMP-1s and BMP-2s to a more modern standard. These vehicles - apparently designated BMP-1M and BMP-2M, but not to be confused with the Ukranian BMP-1M upgrade - might also feature a larger powerpack such as the UTD-23 engine with 370 horsepower output, aswell as newer types of ammunition. In 2017 a prototype of the 8x8 Bumerang wheeled vehicle fitted with the Berezhok combat module instead of the Bumerang-BM unmanned turret was demonstrated during a military exhibition, although the latter system is commonly believed to be superior. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML5D95t2kQ86Sc33-JaCt6T4-Bk3aT-qs731G4QvyIQ0oP85hfupT2LjxWxxcUsTIVAUGqVAHV8p_Q8ZqTuq_2Jr5TwbgZHyS540nnWO8enDQyg7c9e16CgZtc-dKPuaPzdphaCVm_aK7/s1600/BMP-2+KWS+mit+Berezhok-Turm+f%25C3%25BCr+Russland+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML5D95t2kQ86Sc33-JaCt6T4-Bk3aT-qs731G4QvyIQ0oP85hfupT2LjxWxxcUsTIVAUGqVAHV8p_Q8ZqTuq_2Jr5TwbgZHyS540nnWO8enDQyg7c9e16CgZtc-dKPuaPzdphaCVm_aK7/s400/BMP-2+KWS+mit+Berezhok-Turm+f%25C3%25BCr+Russland+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Berezhok turret features multiple weapons and a new FCS</td></tr>
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The Berezhok turret upgrades retains the 2A42 autocannon - chambered in the 30 x 165 mm calibre - as main armament, but features enhanced secondary armament and a new state-of-the-art fire control system (FCS). This new fire control system enables the IFV to engage targets while being stationary or on-the-move with a high accuracy, it also enhances the capabilities of the IFV against air-targets such as low-flying helicopters.</div>
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The FCS now includes two separate optics for commander and gunner. The gunner's sight is fixed to the turret and stabilized in two planes. It offers different magnification levels, which result in a field of view ranging from 20° to 4° depending on zoom level. The sight also includes a thermal imager, but no performance data regarding its sensor resolution or technological generation have been revealed by KBP Tula. Given that most Russian vehicles upgrades make use of optics from the Belarussian manufacturers, which incorporate Catherine thermal imaging modules from the French company Thales, one should expect a rather high quality. KBP Tula's local competitor, Kurganmashzavod is offering BMP-2 and BMP-3 upgrades incorporating thermal imagers from SAGEM, another French company. The integrated laser rangefinder used in the Berezhok's gunner sight has a minimum range of 200 metres and a maximum range of 10,000 metres. The gunner's sight is also used to guide the laser beam-riding Kornet missiles. According to KPB Tula, the RMS error of the sight's stabilization is smaller than 0.1 milliradian. The optic has a boresight laying angle of -15° to +30° in the vertical plain and an angle from -10° to +10° in the horizontal plain.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrVd_zLc1Sy1Im1ZSDu0ICRY0wo5_kVLx-M_tpzIGc06-vQwSN747EE1-g2jRdafQp-fCcxYR_YuS3wzDPI2BdZXz6ilzf1Ta7bt8OgflpcYMnR-I3V3JFZhi3b5v2pZQea_NDqpSQe8D/s1600/BMP-2+KWS+Berezhok-Turm+FCS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="708" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrVd_zLc1Sy1Im1ZSDu0ICRY0wo5_kVLx-M_tpzIGc06-vQwSN747EE1-g2jRdafQp-fCcxYR_YuS3wzDPI2BdZXz6ilzf1Ta7bt8OgflpcYMnR-I3V3JFZhi3b5v2pZQea_NDqpSQe8D/s400/BMP-2+KWS+Berezhok-Turm+FCS.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upgrade includes new optics, stabilizers, sensors and computer units</td></tr>
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The commander is provided with an independent optic, that can traverse 360°. The sight has an elevation up to +60° and maximum depression of -15°. Like the gunner's sight, the new commander's optic includes different magnification levels, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder with a range of up to 10,000 metres. The RMS stabilization error of the optic is also claimed to be just 0.1 milliradian. The new fire control system also includes digital displays for the operators, a new ballistic computer connected to several sensors - including a cross-wind and a roll sensor - and an automatic target tracker, which has an accuracy of 0.05 to 0.1 milliradians. According to KBP Tula, this is between three to six times the accuracy a human operator can achieve when trying to track a target with the BMP-2's or Berezhok's systems. The new stabilizers fitted to the main gun have a maximum error of 0.3 to 0.5 milliradians and allow a maximum weapon laying speed of 35 to 60 degree per second.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilFwRZTQGm0C9tF-hM4Uql1VxywLN7lAiN52LoN7OkUP92X6uVRuENBzvxXMonJbvsggodEywr9A5TKPpqdHO0YRP9Us5YlnKdlZjjcaaJ3j5Jk1jRVyiqm5vSdQrIWJjW9jmx7J96bAM/s1600/BMP-2+KWS+mit+Berezhok-Turm+f%25C3%25BCr+Russland+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1206" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilFwRZTQGm0C9tF-hM4Uql1VxywLN7lAiN52LoN7OkUP92X6uVRuENBzvxXMonJbvsggodEywr9A5TKPpqdHO0YRP9Us5YlnKdlZjjcaaJ3j5Jk1jRVyiqm5vSdQrIWJjW9jmx7J96bAM/s640/BMP-2+KWS+mit+Berezhok-Turm+f%25C3%25BCr+Russland+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Berezhok turret carries 300 grenades, 200 rounds of main gun ammo, 8 ATGMs and 2,000 rounds for the MG</td></tr>
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Aside of the coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun (MG), a 30 mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL) with vertical stabilization has been added to turret. This weapon is fixed to the turret rear and therefore cannot be turned independently (unlike pintle-mounted weapons or remote weapon stations). The addition of the AGL is rather odd, given that the 2A42 main gun of the Berezhok combat module should provide similar anti-infantry and anti-structure performance, but it seems likely that the AGL was added for some enhanced indirect fire options against infantry. A total of 300 grenades for the grenade launchers and 2,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition are carried inside the vehicle. The 2A42 autocannon is commonly loaded with 160 anti-armor rounds (most likely AP, APDS or APFSDS) and 40 rounds of high-explosive incendiary ammunition.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4p-eIJCz7IezzmpHGtCjRX1piolMe1FwwExYwscwwD-Fc2jKMZTGp7UpLjPDlvPq7A1OyGkSw1OUPzsEd6XuD-cRgr8QqQlReKJBI4TwhutzbhpZSXS5F4SD40UPhYRiRf00XZxNaM7U/s1600/ATGM+Kornet-EM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="400" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4p-eIJCz7IezzmpHGtCjRX1piolMe1FwwExYwscwwD-Fc2jKMZTGp7UpLjPDlvPq7A1OyGkSw1OUPzsEd6XuD-cRgr8QqQlReKJBI4TwhutzbhpZSXS5F4SD40UPhYRiRf00XZxNaM7U/s400/ATGM+Kornet-EM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kornet-EM ATGM has a tandem warhead with high armor penetration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the left and the right side of the turret, dual-launchers for the Kornet anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) have been added. A total of eight missiles are carried inside the upgraded BMP-2 vehicle, four of which are ready to fire. The launcher is compatible with the 9М133-1, 9M133F-1, 9М133M-2 and 9М133FМ-3 Kornet missiles. The 9M133-1 is fitted with tandem shaped charge warhead to combat heavily armored vehicles such as main battle tanks (MBTs) even along the frontal arc. The armor penetration ranges from 1,000 to 1,200 mm into steel, its tandem charge warhead can defeat <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a>. The 9M133F-1 is a variant fitted with a thermobaric (fuel-air) HE warhead that is equivalent to a 10 kilogram TNT charge. Both these missiles have an effective range from 100 to 5,500 metres.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 9M133M-2 is an improved version of the Kornet ATGM, which is also known as Kornet-EM. It has a longer range - capable of reaching targets up to 8,000 metres - and features an improved tandem charge warhead with a penetration of up to 1,300 mm into armor steel. A thermobaric warhead option is also available. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 9M133FM-3 missile is fitted with a proximity fuze and a larger rocket engine. Its main purpose is to engage aerial targets such as helicopters up to a range of 10,000 metres. A shaped charge warhead option is not available, the missile is always fitted with a slightly smaller thermobaric warhead equal to a 7 kilograms TNT charge. The 9M133FM-3 missile is either fired in a single shot mode or as a salvo of two in an attempt to overcome <a href="https://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">active protection systems (APS)</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzpey0SjO_BoE0L3huROJxYv3HtEEUHgMpeVv33nYvjjLZHRp_Wmwjet6jSBniQsORDA4QgxB6Gu18H0wtaGLpZu8odFKKnv12rzUXKspTbQ3kRufgNQzzSBkbP9Du-bRmM26OytYR5L7/s1600/BMD-2+KWS+mit+Bereg-Turm+f%25C3%25BCr+Russland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="780" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzpey0SjO_BoE0L3huROJxYv3HtEEUHgMpeVv33nYvjjLZHRp_Wmwjet6jSBniQsORDA4QgxB6Gu18H0wtaGLpZu8odFKKnv12rzUXKspTbQ3kRufgNQzzSBkbP9Du-bRmM26OytYR5L7/s640/BMD-2+KWS+mit+Bereg-Turm+f%25C3%25BCr+Russland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BMD-2 will receive the smaller Bereg turret with only a single missile launcher and without AGL </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The BMD-2 will be fitted with the smaller Bereg combat module, which is required to due to the size and weight limitations of the air-mobile vehicle. The Bereg turret has a weight of less than 1.8 metric tons, while the Berezhok turret has a weight of up to 3.25 metric tons. The weight reduction is only possible, because the Bereg is a one-man-turret, the vehicle commander sits in the hull.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Therefore the Bereg doesn't feature an independent optic for the commander, being unable to carry out missions in the hunter-killer mode - otherwise the fire control system seems to be identical, it also features a cross-wind sensor, a roll sensor, modern stabilizers and an automatic tracking unit. The turret is only fitted with a single dual-launcher for Kornet ATGMs and the total missile stowage is reduced from eight to two. The 30 mm 2A42 autocannon remains the main armament, but no 30 mm AGL is added to the turret rear; however the Bereg turret has 300 instead of 200 rounds of main gun ammunition ready to fire.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h-inI0TGI61_lNl2awfwaDAUMaSawMKu7URqSk2miM0gALGfA0MTGEy_FqcMygcNpsRTqFUIZi6GgcGtP_m7-W9qDXKrOCj1WEQZJQMYsuyN8IRSPyPavYPEGWzcn923qYtpeG8xTkRs/s1600/CV9030N+KWS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1400" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3h-inI0TGI61_lNl2awfwaDAUMaSawMKu7URqSk2miM0gALGfA0MTGEy_FqcMygcNpsRTqFUIZi6GgcGtP_m7-W9qDXKrOCj1WEQZJQMYsuyN8IRSPyPavYPEGWzcn923qYtpeG8xTkRs/s640/CV9030N+KWS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The latest version of the CV9030 is the only variant with hunter-killer capabilities</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The upgrades of the BMP-2 and BMD-2 enhance the capbilities of the obsolete baseline vehicles by a considerable amount. The original vehicles were rather useless against their more modern Western counterparts, which due to their thermal imagers and digital fire control systems had a big advantage over the BMP-2 and BMD-2. In various aspects these upgraded 1980s IFVs can even outperform much more modern vehicles - for example the commander's panoramic sight of the Berezhok turret is an advantage compared to vehicles such as the ASCOD Pizarro/Ulan, the Marder and all currently operational CV90 variants excluding the latest Norwegian models. Its long range, high penetration power and the ability to target helicopters (with the 9M133FM-3 missile) make Kornet a much better missile system than the older missiles used on some NATO IFVs such as MILAN and TOW. The inclusion of an automatic target tracker in the FCS is a further perk of the Berezhok and Bereg turrets.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However just changing the turret doesn't remove all shortcomings of previously obsolete vehicles such as the BMP-2 and BMD-2. Unless Russia also contracted upgrades for armor protection - the basic BMP-2 isn't even protected against 12.7 mm and 14.5 mm heavy machine gun ammunition at the sides - and mobility, these vehicles will still suffer from various drawbacks.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-52168187273402244822017-09-20T12:13:00.001-07:002017-09-20T13:16:11.625-07:00Czech Army prefers Puma, searches T-72 replacement and miscellaneous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In August <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/08/which-new-ifv-for-czech-army.html">an article on the Czech IFV program </a>was published here. A long period of writing and more recent news from the Czech Republic have made the speculation and information on the possible contenders outdated. The Czech government asked a total of nine contenders to participate in the tender for the BMP-2 replacement. Apparently neither the Šakal IFV or the Wolfdog were considered by the army as proper replacement for the BMP-2s. The following IFVs were seen as possible replacement, which is why the manufacturers were invited to participate in the bidding process for the contract: </div>
<ol>
<li>BAE System's CV90</li>
<li>General Dynamics European Land Systems' (GDELS) ASCOD 2</li>
<li>The Puma from PSM, a joint venture between KMW and Rheinmetall</li>
<li>Rheinmetall's Lynx</li>
<li>The PMMC G5 from the German manufacturer FFG</li>
<li>Otokar's Tulpar</li>
<li>The Kaplan-20 from FNSS (FNSS is a joint-venture by BAE Systems and <span class="st">Nurol Holding</span>)</li>
<li>The Namer developed by the Israeli Ordnance Corps</li>
<li>Oto-Melara's Dardo</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Italian and Israeli companies did not respond to the Czech request - or at least not until the deadline was over. It must be noted that both the Dardo infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and an IFV variant of the Namer probably would have lost due to their performance characteristics not matching the standards set by the competitors. By current standards, the Dardo has poor armor, lacking firepower - only a 25 mm chaingun plus outdated TOW missiles - and lower mobility than the other options, while the Namer is too heavy and is fitted with an outdated powerpack, that delivers not enough horsepowers while consuming more fuel than more recently developed diesel engines. The fact that air-transportability and the compability with existing infrastructure might be factors for the purchase of a new IFV makes the Namer a very unattractive option.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_KHZQ5SvsrIunebikD3cyn9ctmMDt3UitSFhsG8mnV0SzS4qd4jlgaw5SceA4QWtLegjaNT5OWeWFgPZyBO8aqKSN1ahJNjyOpJOuUElN9MWKSXry0hyp5LpN1w40igeOHDWbbqhfDgO/s1600/Namer+SPz+mit+neuem+Turm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="898" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_KHZQ5SvsrIunebikD3cyn9ctmMDt3UitSFhsG8mnV0SzS4qd4jlgaw5SceA4QWtLegjaNT5OWeWFgPZyBO8aqKSN1ahJNjyOpJOuUElN9MWKSXry0hyp5LpN1w40igeOHDWbbqhfDgO/s640/Namer+SPz+mit+neuem+Turm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Namer was recently showcased with a new unmanned turret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It also should be noted that at the time of the tender request, the latest version of the Namer fitted with an unmanned turret had not been presented. At that time the only available infantry fighting vehicle configuration of the Namer was limited to a few prototype vehicles fitted with the Samson Mk 1 remote weapon station (RWS). This RWS is also used on the Czech Pandur IIs and features a 30 mm Bushmaster II autocannon, a machine gun (MG) and a launcher for two Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Using this RWS instead of a proper unmanned turret has one major drawback: it is essentially unarmored and can in worst case be disabled by machine gun fire, because the ammunition feed system and parts of the electronics are not covered by any sort of armor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the first of August the IDF presented a new IFV version of the Namer fitted with an unmanned turret specifically made for the vehicle. This infantry fighting vehicle would have been far better, but probably was still in development at the time of the request. The turret is not an off-the-shelf option from Elbit Systems or Rafael, but incorporates technologies from multiple companies and is designed by the IDF. It features two set of Elbit System's COAPS sights, the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">Trophy-MV active protection system from Rafael </a>- a lighter variant of the Merkava's APS known as Trophy-2 during the development - and a relatively wide variety of armament, consisting of a 30 mm Bushmaster II chaingun, a coaxial machine gun, a pop-up ATGM launcher and an internally mounted 60 mm mortar.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ1e7l1jEpBMEXkNhgHCWPxz6ZRa2RcpVkjGAPRYniKNsVZdjzh_9mKPNO2Fx8lk8tAx272N1yX7Ybar93L2wy5EBxMLSQiyp3cZKeD7RjMzTi3Gcadc7GTcENtvArfXNAObfTJMq6TES/s1600/G5_schutz.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="799" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ1e7l1jEpBMEXkNhgHCWPxz6ZRa2RcpVkjGAPRYniKNsVZdjzh_9mKPNO2Fx8lk8tAx272N1yX7Ybar93L2wy5EBxMLSQiyp3cZKeD7RjMzTi3Gcadc7GTcENtvArfXNAObfTJMq6TES/s640/G5_schutz.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The G5 PMMC was rejected by the Czech Republic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Based on the technical specifications of the vehicles, the G5 protected mission module carrier (PMMC) was eliminated before the actual testing of the offers started. It's technical characteristics - the low supported maximum weight of only 26.5 metric tons, the small 560 hp engine and the limited protection options - were too much to be compensated by the lower price point. FNSS' Kaplan-20 "new generation" armored fighting vehicle (NG-AFV) suffered from the same issues, but it also came with a big pile of potential political troubles due to the relations between the EU and Turkey being on a historically low level. Based on the latter factor, the Tulpar IFV from Otokar, which based on weight, armament and protection level might have been considered a serious alternative to the offerings from the established manufacturers, was eliminated together with the Kaplan-20 from the Czech tender.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnoazcDgT3MrbTE-hy7Kka38JbdJjJo5QR2fLDuB47VZBV__kaoAFd_99sivo4ohxLfVx3egPnUDNRgC9xU0oL1Vpk8MKiLovb61YCwBaDVcVfi0HBXBCXGDeVxHXL3jn_7bKQ12zzNIo/s1600/e493481002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnoazcDgT3MrbTE-hy7Kka38JbdJjJo5QR2fLDuB47VZBV__kaoAFd_99sivo4ohxLfVx3egPnUDNRgC9xU0oL1Vpk8MKiLovb61YCwBaDVcVfi0HBXBCXGDeVxHXL3jn_7bKQ12zzNIo/s640/e493481002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Puma IFV climbs a slope during the Czech trials</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This meant that only four vehicles - the ASCOD 2, the CV9030 (in two variants), the Puma and the Lynx - remain in the competition. These four vehicles were tested during a longer period of time in the Libava military facility in the Czech Republic. The trials lasted a total of six weeks and included firing trials, high speed
driving on roads, traveling cross-country, climbing over walls/barriers, crossing ditches,
wading through deep bodies of water and other tests. The first set of static and dynamic firing trials was done against targets in a distance of 700 m, 1,200 m and 1,800 m. An exact list of tests has not been published yet. The performance data of the vehicles was gathered before proper requirements were issued by the Czech ministry of defence, which is a rather uncommon approach. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to Czech sources, the German Puma IFV indirectly won the evaluation of the Czech Army. While at the time of testing no official requirements were released - a suggestion for possible requirements was scheduled too be send by the army to the Czech ministry of defence (MoD) at the end of August - the Puma proved its "technological dominance" as described by a the Czech website Armádní Noviny. What exactly is meant with this statement is not exactly clear, aside of the Puma apparently outperforming the other contenders. As stated by German sources, the Puma IFV managed to hit "by far" the highest number of targets during the firing trials. It seems likely that the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/10/puma-ifv-armor-and-upgrade-speculations.html">superior level of protection of the Puma</a> is also part of this "dominance", but it is possible that the high power-to-weight ratio in combination with the advanced hydropneumatic suspension allowed the Puma to outrun the competition during some of the mobility trials - in tests by the engine manufacturer MTU, the Puma outrun a Leopard 2 tank. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeSPCbm5Hf4YIgsCzA7QZuIsuCA4KsvPSup_PkVOWvy_HSv4dNCwoauRYwOhbqjpTTY2YR8EcFAkdYJAfWm1inc8e5WjbinkZeQ7BOEKLFKv9Fi5pKqnoZ5FpXcqpB61HHnV40L3OC5-F/s1600/01fcec7af2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeSPCbm5Hf4YIgsCzA7QZuIsuCA4KsvPSup_PkVOWvy_HSv4dNCwoauRYwOhbqjpTTY2YR8EcFAkdYJAfWm1inc8e5WjbinkZeQ7BOEKLFKv9Fi5pKqnoZ5FpXcqpB61HHnV40L3OC5-F/s640/01fcec7af2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puma IFV wading through water as part of the trials</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Regardless of what the exact reasons for the Puma outperforming the other vehicles were, the Czech MoD has stated interest in buying this infantry fighting vehicle rather than one of the cheaper offerings, according to Czech websites Armádní Noviny and E15.cz. The Puma is the favored solution, but due to its high unit costs a vehicle with rubber band tracks is also considered as option; given that all three other vehicles - ASCOD 2, CV90 and Lynx - were presented with rubber band tracks, it is not clear what other IFV is meant - in theory one could also create a lighter variant of the Puma with rubber band tracks. A first meeeting was held between the German PSM and the Czech state-owned company VOP CZ to discuss details on a possible Puma purchase. VOP CZ had made agreements with all of the four final bidding companies for a possible deal regarding local assembly and production of components. Aside of PSM, the companies KMW, Rheinmetall, Hensoldt Optronics, MTU Friedrichshafen, Jenoptik Advanced Systems and Dynamit Nobel Defence were also taking part in the talks. PSM supposedly already showed technical documents regarding possible non-IFV variants of the Puma suited for the Czech Army.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Czech MoD has allocated a budget of up to 50 billions koruna (€1.916 billion) for the purchase of 210 new IFVs and other vehicle variants based on the same chassis with an option to later order a further 100 vehicles. This would be enough to buy 210 Puma IFVs for the cited unit price, about €7 million according to the Czech sources, but only half the bugdet is actually meant to be used on purchasing the new vehicles. The other half of the budget is meant for logistics, infrastrucutre and training, i.e.it is meant for purchasing spare parts and simulators, setting up training facilities and repair plants. This means currently the Puma is too expensive! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33mze8aAviHdn8y6RaF1Fun4AzT_k5ekbwlvMiANpWtRtoZRgoc2hz0lNaoS9V-iLIwGRt0pEgTvOeS9fjHs2C-mOoY4-ynMJ8LBK_GdzB53dc0hENO-aJRWURyLGPJ6pXQnd8ZRk52Pa/s1600/Puma+Fertigung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33mze8aAviHdn8y6RaF1Fun4AzT_k5ekbwlvMiANpWtRtoZRgoc2hz0lNaoS9V-iLIwGRt0pEgTvOeS9fjHs2C-mOoY4-ynMJ8LBK_GdzB53dc0hENO-aJRWURyLGPJ6pXQnd8ZRk52Pa/s640/Puma+Fertigung.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puma production line in Germany</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In order to deal with the high unit costs, different possibilities are examined. PSM is offering to set up a full production line in the Czech Republic, which would reduce costs (e.g. the wages in Germany are on average more than 3.5 times as large as the ones of Czech workes) and would create jobs, resulting in people paying more taxes in the Czech Republic and thus indirectly reducing costs further. All Puma IFVs for the Czech Army could be made within the Czech Republic and if desired even some of the components for the German Army vehicles could be manufactured there - currently some of the cables and sensors for the fire supression system are made in this country already.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alternatively there is an option of getting financial support for the arms purchase thanks to the new EU Defence Fund, which were created in 2017 after first plans were made a year before. This fund has an annual size of up to €5.5 billion and can be used for research and development, aswell as arms acquisition; EU member countries can request support and submit a project, which then might receive additional money from the fund. Based on speculations on Czech-language websites, it seems that this money can only be spent on equipment from European companies - but all four companies (even GDELS in Madird) - have their headquarters in EU countries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last but not least, there are suggestions for buying two different vehicles at once: the Puma would then serve as IFV only, while according to E15.cz either the ASCOD 2 or the Lynx would be used for the support vehicle roles, eg. as an armored ambulance vehicle (MedEvac), as a command post vehicle, as a reconnaissance vehicle and as an armored recovery vehicle (ARV). The drawback of this approach would be the added logistics, infrastucture and training necessary for operating two new vehicle types.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqrD8BqFggIlEPp1tThaYlQz4LCKXh5N8DVKhIvCXmEJtbizrcDK1Aw76hiHQ0MDIXMoz27X7pwN5SuyXzGLzW02hWPvymvFSFkpAXr-NbEQlp5F0Ir7kmd_uWldM6CDBev3q_MEYcvDY/s1600/mells.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="776" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqrD8BqFggIlEPp1tThaYlQz4LCKXh5N8DVKhIvCXmEJtbizrcDK1Aw76hiHQ0MDIXMoz27X7pwN5SuyXzGLzW02hWPvymvFSFkpAXr-NbEQlp5F0Ir7kmd_uWldM6CDBev3q_MEYcvDY/s400/mells.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3D model of the Puma's turret with MELLS launcher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In theory would be possible to make all vehicles in Germany, because the initial order for the German Army will be finished in 2020, the same year when the production for the new Czech infantry fighting vehicle is planned to start; by 2024 all new Czech IFVs should be finished according to the army's demands. In such a case the German production lines would never be closed and just continue making the hypothetical Czech Puma model, which is expected to feature several modifications compared to the German varaint (such as local radio units, a machine gun already in use with the Czech Army and other minor differences at least).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While the German Army is expected to place an order for a second batch of Puma IFVs, there is currently no projected schedule for this to happen. The German federal audit office has recommended to wait until the vehicles meet all of the original user requirements, of which many still have to be met - such as the integration of the MELLS Spike-LR launcher and TSWA secondary weapon, which has recently been contracted. Until the second batch is finished, the Marder will continue to soldier on in the German Army side-by-side with the Puma. Therefore up to 200 Marder IFVs will be upgraded with a new night vision system for the driver, a third generation ATTICA thermal imager and a variant of the MELLS launcher for the Spike-LR ATGM.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuBr4EUUr5GMrIt1cGOhbVsQWwezvEGp098glblSB9Sym8ZHvJCpWafW2JKcz0GixGmW3tC7XGkn75ueWvR1LwSdg34TGgz0IcV8MfFvscj0FVu1aJxbzukbl1zPWi5fyPNkrICWOde1S/s1600/bvp_libava_2_big.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuBr4EUUr5GMrIt1cGOhbVsQWwezvEGp098glblSB9Sym8ZHvJCpWafW2JKcz0GixGmW3tC7XGkn75ueWvR1LwSdg34TGgz0IcV8MfFvscj0FVu1aJxbzukbl1zPWi5fyPNkrICWOde1S/s640/bvp_libava_2_big.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lynx in an IFV version in the Libava military facility</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not mentioned by E15.cz as a possible secondary vehicle to serve alongside the Puma is BAE System's CV90 family of vehicles. In a previous post, we mentioned that this vehicle offers less payload in terms of supported weight and internal volume compared to the other options, which might be the reason for not considering the CV90 as platform. Alternatively it might be related to the procurement costs; while originally designed to be cheap and reliable - the key factors that lead to its widespread adoption, the each successive version of the CV90 became more expensive after adding more technology.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A further aspect speaking against the CV90 might be the lower involvment of the local industry. While always looking for local partners, BAE Systems had kept the production of the hull in its own facilities; only the turret and several sub-components can be made by the industry in the user's country. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kU1JnRMma9Mo5y0N7__lKZZiT0hhFszC2XqPz1mjiDUMsvXcu4CD7J-QKRU1e_h5mIRdKRKjmqx-lXWRSA85T_M-bvOpGaJ2SCYq73eYPFgCfyaARI-kEurMFB8CPpmnJDQq3P_klot1/s1600/ChCTvdq.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1217" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kU1JnRMma9Mo5y0N7__lKZZiT0hhFszC2XqPz1mjiDUMsvXcu4CD7J-QKRU1e_h5mIRdKRKjmqx-lXWRSA85T_M-bvOpGaJ2SCYq73eYPFgCfyaARI-kEurMFB8CPpmnJDQq3P_klot1/s640/ChCTvdq.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hulls of all exported CV90s were made by BAE Systems</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is worth mentioning that the CV90 is a great vehicle, but its main advantage doesn't seem to be superior performance. The fact that is has been adopted in so many different countries shows the adaptability of the design, the many different versions also show that an evolution of the concept was possible. The CV90 started its success during a time, when all major Western militaries already had designed and adpoted their infantry fighting vehicles a decade before, thus not offering new high-end solutions too compete against the CV90 on the international market. Vehicles purely meant for export, such as the <i>Panzer unter minimalem Aufwand </i>created by Krauss-Maffei in the 1980s, the TH-495 from Thyssen-Henschel, various main battle tanks from Vickers (Vickers Valiant, Vickers Mk 7) and the GIAT (AMX-32 and AMX-40), have a tendency of not being purchased due to potential issues with logistics, training and the availability of spare parts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Given the military cooperation between some of the user countries of the CV90, the purchase was to some extend an avalanche - one country choosing to adopt the CV90 resulted in the vehicle having an advantage in the next trials.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW9JjP6lMfUnEm-be08UzV1jFDvXHdfmSkZxtMTmy-3UW-R1-JwgotPrv0_InRTinPT5DB2NQqasK7EyCeq26OLqanWVCfdo0LWVgH7o_hxg4xzHnnizkggyq2z_zTrOz2SuTN-cPDCNX/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJW9JjP6lMfUnEm-be08UzV1jFDvXHdfmSkZxtMTmy-3UW-R1-JwgotPrv0_InRTinPT5DB2NQqasK7EyCeq26OLqanWVCfdo0LWVgH7o_hxg4xzHnnizkggyq2z_zTrOz2SuTN-cPDCNX/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss CV9030CH infantry fighting vehicles without applique armor</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The CV90 was chosen Switzerland after a total of eight vehicles was considered for the Schützenpanzer 2000 program, three of which - the CV9030, the Marder M12 and the Warrior 2000 - were tested during a period of six weeks in the Alpine country. The Marder M12 was an upgrade to the German Marder IFV, based on a refurbished Marder 1A3 chassis fitted with the E4 turret from KUKA.While achieving a high level of protection and featuring an excellent turret, this offer suffered from the old hull not being upgraded otherwise - the relatively primitive protection solution - <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/12/the-truth-about-spaced-armor-on-modern.html">spaced steel armor</a> - resulted in a weight of 34.1 metric tons - too much for the original powerpack to keep up with the Leopard 2 (a key requirement from the Swiss Army). A Marder M12 with more powerful engine and/or more weight efficient ceramic armor would have been a better option.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-8_le-yUqg4-IdrWEifJ1TbWQMZnUEA41mEL6Vg6ljkqJ7gsNNsRJnEAstkgPJsE7txFdvcNid8h99RKQ90BcX6LS4HKzHSAH0jtwC9RdHeG9V9Z9JXHGgOMXiT3JNWzC6u3DtLeqIeR/s1600/JOi3GdU.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="674" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-8_le-yUqg4-IdrWEifJ1TbWQMZnUEA41mEL6Vg6ljkqJ7gsNNsRJnEAstkgPJsE7txFdvcNid8h99RKQ90BcX6LS4HKzHSAH0jtwC9RdHeG9V9Z9JXHGgOMXiT3JNWzC6u3DtLeqIeR/s640/JOi3GdU.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CV90, Warrior 2000 and Marder M12 in the Switzerland</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The CV90's hull was received with mixed feelings, some aspects were considered positive, while others were seen negatively. The small hull size was considered as advantageous for survivability - a low profile is less likely to be spotted and less likely to be hit. Also the separation of fuel from the crew compartment, not found on the other offers, and the easy to adapt add-on armor was seen as an advantage of the CV9030. This add-on armor consisted of MEXAS (ceramic) composite modules with a thickness of up to 70 mm (depending on location) and could be mounted within a few hours. Last but not least the running gear with seven roadwheel pairs (instead of six) proved to provide better in deep snow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The small size of the hull however meant that the vehicle was cramped and ergonomics were poor compared to the Marder and Warrior variants. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The turret of the CV9030 was however the worst one offered, resulting in lower than average firepower. The problems were mostly related to ergonomics and the fire control system (FCS), which wasn't fully digitized. The FCS did not include an independent optic for the commander or a proper auxiliary sight, while relying on a single, outdated first generation thermal imager for night vision. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w9xQ9RVHqCKgOuA9OBxeQJISlfOgRMvbhdgRMFH1QZMFUh9F4cj0zCbEER40goyBHmqkvrhG9lmEc8d0XYyH0XKAE9hzeBWmzXXSjY6mCOIF6Vx1HW2tl-FHBPwDK70saOqUKCy-kn56/s1600/Warrior+2000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="900" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6w9xQ9RVHqCKgOuA9OBxeQJISlfOgRMvbhdgRMFH1QZMFUh9F4cj0zCbEER40goyBHmqkvrhG9lmEc8d0XYyH0XKAE9hzeBWmzXXSjY6mCOIF6Vx1HW2tl-FHBPwDK70saOqUKCy-kn56/s640/Warrior+2000.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Warrior 2000 IFV featured a redesigned hull mated with a turret manufactured by Delco</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Warrior 2000 performed best in the Swedish trials. Its turret - delivered by the US company Delco - was the most advanced turret on offer. Not only featuring modern sights for both commander and gunner, it also included advanced software functions such as fully automatic target tracking. The basic structure of hull and turret of the 31 tons heavy vehicle was made of aluminium, resulting in a relatively light weight given its size. Additional spaced armor - possibly simple steel - is bolted ontop of the aluminium construction for an increased level of protection. The Warrior 2000's larger size resulted in the best ergonomics of all tested vehicles.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being a new vehicle design - based only to a very limited extend on the British Warrior IFV - the Warrior 2000 suffered from some teething issues which negatively affected the reliability of the vehicle. The manufacturer of the most advanced IFV offered to Switzerland - the British company GKN - told the Swiss Army that all these issues could be fixed, but sold its defence subsidiaries to Alvis plc, the same company that owned the CV90-maker Hägglunds and later became part of BAE Systems. Alvis plc had not much motiviation to keep two different product lines for the IFV market, which ultimately resulted in the end of the Warrior 2000.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Swiss Army opted for the CV9030 because it offered the best price-to-performance ratio, not because it was the most capable vehicle! Unsatisfied with the original CV9030 tested by the military, a number of changes were demanded before purchasing the CV9030CH. The original engine was replaced by a larger 670 hp Scania engine meeting the Euro II emission standard for trucks, while the hull was enlarged: the hull roof at the dismount compartment was raised by 100 mm, while the vehicle was also stretched by 200 mm in order to reduce the issues with ergonomics. The rear doors were replaced by a single rear ramp for easier entry and exiting of the vehicle by the infantry squad. A second-generation thermal imager was installed into the gunner's sight instead of the outdated previous model. The FCS' computer system was exchanged and local equipment (machine guns, radios, smoke grenade launchers) were fitted to the IFV. Only forty armor kits were purchased, leaving the majority of the vehicles unprotected against medium calibre ammunition.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Further changes were planned - such as adopting a separate optic for the commander for hunter-killer capability - but deemed to be too expensive.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2002, Germany tested an ímproved variant of the Swiss CV9030CH, which was fitted with a more extensive applique armor kit including a mine protection plate. Germany had halted the development of the next-generation NGP vehicle family due to the recent developments in assymetric warfare and international peace-keeping/peace-making operations. The NGP was too heavy for air-lifting, being designed with a weight ranging from 51 metric tons (in the base configuration) up to 77 metric tons with a full armor kit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Several options were evaluated, but in the end the CV9030 was rejected, ending up on the last place of all tested vehicles! The German Army considered the poor protection against anti-vehicle mines, the high weight in relation to its protection level and the low growth potential of the chassis to be key factors speaking against buying the CV90. Because none of the vehicles met the German requirements, the Neuer Schützenpanzer project was started, which reused some of the technologies and concepts of the NGP; later it was renamed multiple times - Panther, Igel and finally Puma. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzsNW-PIQkM4M8tB8CyMj-adbT-CwBjs6DRzrqETHWwiU_I6ePdtsMk8QdyTfD6P_qUAoZsnFbaTUzcpvBEi2WqA0DFOcxO-_I_Hq4ypS0i51PPWZ7yo3hxlLJTIVRD-LRLDfMwh9BPDl/s1600/fres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="688" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzsNW-PIQkM4M8tB8CyMj-adbT-CwBjs6DRzrqETHWwiU_I6ePdtsMk8QdyTfD6P_qUAoZsnFbaTUzcpvBEi2WqA0DFOcxO-_I_Hq4ypS0i51PPWZ7yo3hxlLJTIVRD-LRLDfMwh9BPDl/s640/fres.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CV90 offered for the Scout-SV program</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Likewise the UK tested a variant of the CV90 for the Scout Specialist Vehicle (Scout-SV) program, which itself was part of the FRES project of the British Army. BAE Systems decided to reduce the overall size of the CV90 for the Scout-SV offer in order to implement a higher level of protection. According to claims from the manufacurer, this variant of the CV90 met the British protection requirements and had a level of mine protection "equivalent to a MBT". The United Kingdom prefered to buy a number of variants of the ASCOD 2 from GDELS, despite BAE Systems being a local company - the larger size and greater payload of the resulting vehicle being a key factor.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIHxVl9xw12KwGreeEyXYGnxNJ2rxCTxmL7Ad6g-d2n0G7maZL2pYixAVRaUKRxytcahzF6Kov4uirJ75V3A6gXWUQVeo-x3tKpkKzlQgWnxlFDxn-hypebPtTkDc9spIokWQZjJnyvyH/s1600/CV90.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIHxVl9xw12KwGreeEyXYGnxNJ2rxCTxmL7Ad6g-d2n0G7maZL2pYixAVRaUKRxytcahzF6Kov4uirJ75V3A6gXWUQVeo-x3tKpkKzlQgWnxlFDxn-hypebPtTkDc9spIokWQZjJnyvyH/s640/CV90.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why this short recapitulation of the times the CV90 was not chosen? Because its widespread adoption makes some people believe that the vehicle is inherently superior to all other options and buying something else must be related to lies and corruption. BAE Systems created a number of presentations - both in the Czech and in the English language - on the development of the CV90, its advantages and why the Czech Army should buy it instead of the other vehicles. These presentations were available in <a href="https://resources.baesystems.com/login.php">BAE Systems' online resource center</a>, but after they have been posted in multiple forums, BAE Systems added a password protection for these files. They might not have been meant to be available for the public.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the documents, the fifth-generation of the CV90 is protected according to STANAG 4569 level 6 (30 mm APFSDS from 500 metres distance) ballistically and has mine protection meeting the STANAG 4569 level 4a/4b standard - a 10 kg TNT charge located under the track or the hull; this is currently the highest standardized level of mine and ballistic protection. Protection against shaped charges such as RPGs, additional roof armor aswell as active protection systems are available, but not fitted to the CV9030CZ in the Czech trials. </div>
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According to the documents from BAE Systems - the manufacturer of the CV90 - the older versions of the vehicle provide ballistic protection equivalent to STANAG 4569 level 5 "<i>plus</i>" or "<i>plus-plus</i>", while the CV90 Mk III is the only older variant with mine protection, reaching the STANAG 4569 level 3a/3b - this is an expected level of mine protection for such a vehicle, it's the same level of mine protection achieved on the Marder 1A5 IFV and believed to be also equivalent to the that of the Bradley with the BUSK. </div>
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While not related to the Czech IFV procurement plans, the problem remains that there is no official, standardized data for the protection levels "level 5+" and "level 5++". All that is confirmed, is that the ballistic protection requirements for STANAG 4569 level 5 are met and exceeded. A further problem is that there are different volumes of STANAG 4569 and the corresponding AEP-55 standard for the testing procedures. The earliest edition of STANAG 4569 required only protectiton against APDS in order to reach the level 5 of ballistic protection and didn't feature a level 6. The later revisions require protection against APFSDS ammo aswell. So what does "level 5+" and "level 5++" mean? Does it relate to a requirement for protection against 25 mm APFSDS ammo, because the updated standard didn't exist back then? Does it relate to a requirement for protecting against 30 mm APDS ammo or APFSDS ammunition? What exact 30 mm calibre would that be - 30 x 165 mm, 30 x 170 mm or 30 x 173 mm APFSDS? What is the range and the impact angle? Is the STANAG 4569 level 6 simply not mentioned, because it didn't exist at the time these vehicles were designed?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonhThBoK2TyJ2j96S_G4vs2KL5Z0blINbD5Bp9ay1ZtIuGmM9lNuMXq_oD7Rw-prB90QmFlpPwFJFUcncVOVDFcI-K4UyRTCCSTxyI3NZLbMIrs0RVPIsNi-_oyCjzdayOVA2DMX-NfG0/s1600/STANAG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="1015" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonhThBoK2TyJ2j96S_G4vs2KL5Z0blINbD5Bp9ay1ZtIuGmM9lNuMXq_oD7Rw-prB90QmFlpPwFJFUcncVOVDFcI-K4UyRTCCSTxyI3NZLbMIrs0RVPIsNi-_oyCjzdayOVA2DMX-NfG0/s640/STANAG.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STANAG AEP-55 required armor coverage by protection level</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One example of a vehicle exceeding STANAG 4569 level 5, but failing too reach the level 6 requirements for ballistic protection is the Austrian Ulan IFV, a version of the ASCOD with MEXAS applique armor. This vehicle is protected against 30 mm APFSDS of unknown type fired from a distance of 1,000 metres along the frontal 30° degree arc - so essentially +15° and -15° from the vehicle's centerline. While in this case the difference in frontal protection might not be very much, the difference in required side armor is much bigger. Modern 30 x 173 mm APFSDS rounds from manufacturers such as Nammo and Rheinmetall can perforate in excess of 110 mm steel armor at 1,000 metres distance, the estimated penetration at 500 metres would be somewhere in the range of 120-130 mm steel armor. A 29 mm steel plate is enough side armor to stop a 30 x 173 mm APFSDS at a range of 1,000 metres and an impact angle of 15° - effective plate thickness will nearly quadruple at this angle. STANAG 4569 level 6 requires however protection against a 30 x 173 mm APFSDS at at a range of 500 metres and an impact angle of up to 30° - therefore one needs at least a ~60-65 mm thick steel plate or more than twice as much side armor to meet the NATO STANAG requirements! In the end both BAE Systems and the Norwegian Army claim that the latest Norwegian model - on which the CV9030CZ is based - features upgraded armor protection over previously existing CV90 variants and has the highest level of protection of the vehicle versions. Photographs of the fifth generation CV90 and previous models show increased armor thickness - at least at certain places.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRHY0mrFMnKpb9DOTUL5PE_A104WuzjM7ODFaxLK95ZtDsKd_zTqi15sWvKhHbt6UeGuVCuX-wKVH3W_MRyHKyxvog_7S7lxP4at5JawPdTHGHtJfDbRJIFDkoLyj-MGYWpojKLQig4gj/s1600/T-72M4CZ_000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRHY0mrFMnKpb9DOTUL5PE_A104WuzjM7ODFaxLK95ZtDsKd_zTqi15sWvKhHbt6UeGuVCuX-wKVH3W_MRyHKyxvog_7S7lxP4at5JawPdTHGHtJfDbRJIFDkoLyj-MGYWpojKLQig4gj/s640/T-72M4CZ_000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-72M4Cz is due to be replaced by a new tank</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The new Czech IFV is to be manufactured in the timeframe from 2020 to 2025 - in this period of time, the Czech military also plans to replace the T-72M4Cz, probably the most capable T-72 upgrade operational within NATO, with a more capable solution in reponse to the latest Russian tank developments. According to Czech-language sources, there are only two real contenders: the Leopard 2 and the Israeli Sabra tank. The M1A2 Abrams, the South-Korean K2 Black Panther and the Japanese Type 10 main battle tank (MBT) are all in production, but too expensive - the Abrams consumes too much fuel and spare parts, while the huge physicial distance to the Asian countries would negatively affect the price of spare parts and training exchanges. The Italian C1 Ariete, British Challenger 2 and French Leclerc tanks are all out-of-production and made in very limited quantities only.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzo_IS3Csswx6QFs6dQkPU67BZ_BXWNnqLP8Q-4ZOHYszc87yiDf-lFpfHwQHkzH_4EnzLt28suSE9z1l9gXfNHm0Aik7O2v6bDAvxKaPlaEdEgAbMxGM-e_-x16sMblC2QJcXlm-xX-u/s1600/DSC_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="850" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzo_IS3Csswx6QFs6dQkPU67BZ_BXWNnqLP8Q-4ZOHYszc87yiDf-lFpfHwQHkzH_4EnzLt28suSE9z1l9gXfNHm0Aik7O2v6bDAvxKaPlaEdEgAbMxGM-e_-x16sMblC2QJcXlm-xX-u/s640/DSC_0319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New build Leopard 2 tanks are likely too expensive for the Czech Republic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Leopard 2 should be considered the favorite option for a new MBT. The tank is in widespread use and a large number of companies - such as KMW, Rheinmetall, RUAG and Turkish Aselsan - are offering <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/11/chile-to-upgrade-leopard-2-tanks.html">different types of vehicle upgrades</a>. The Leopard 2 has access to various types of technology and can be offered with a number of unique advantages over the Sabra and other existing tanks, such as a long-barreled L55 smoothbore gun from Rheinmetall. With three out of the four neighbour countries operating the Leopard 2, adopting the Leopard 2 MBT would be advantageous for logistics.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However there is a big problem with funding the purchase of Leopard 2 tanks; buying completely new tanks is too expensive. But even buying older tanks and upgrading them to a decent configuration - a 1980s Leopard 2A4 will provide no real performance boost over the T-72M4Cz - might be rather costly. Czech sources speculate about using the EU Defence Fund for purchasing the tanks.</div>
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Only about a hundred tanks in a decent condition are left on the market, but aside of the Czech Republic, the militaries of Bulgaria, Croatia <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/04/leopard-2-poland-wants-more-germany-and.html">and Poland</a> are interested in buying them.This could result in a bidding war, driving prices higher. Alternatively it could be possible to lease Leopard 2 tanks from another European country, but the question remains from whom the tanks would be leased. The neighbours Germany and Poland are increasing their tank fleets, thus unlikely to hand over tanks to the Czech Army. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivswTPOFglWeuwMbt5TDIu85ofj1X54gPr3rhoVNzLXIVkLxQiAQXzV2kzKxQwjlNyMhyphenhypheniUOYiFDJFuCNvzLKXf3vdHTwNIIvI8ZZeuwt5FZ5Xglm6M3Fk0HilRDXIFbyxRx8SXde_5K0g/s1600/Turkish-Armt-M-60T-Sabra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="945" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivswTPOFglWeuwMbt5TDIu85ofj1X54gPr3rhoVNzLXIVkLxQiAQXzV2kzKxQwjlNyMhyphenhypheniUOYiFDJFuCNvzLKXf3vdHTwNIIvI8ZZeuwt5FZ5Xglm6M3Fk0HilRDXIFbyxRx8SXde_5K0g/s640/Turkish-Armt-M-60T-Sabra.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The M60T is based on the Israeli Sabra upgrade</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Israeli industry was expected to offer the modern Merkava 4 tank, but decided - after investigating the Czech requirements and operational environments - too offer only the Sabra tank, supposedly in its latest version. The Sabra tank is an upgrade of the obsolete M60 tank, which has been adopted in Turkey as the M60T. It must be noted that while the Merkava is only operational in Israel, it has been offered to multiple other countries in the past decades, including Switzerland (early variant - either the Merkava 1 or 2) and Sweden (Merkava 3 during the 1990s); Sweden had very good relations with Israel, sharing tank technology in some cases; e.g. a Swedish delegation was insturcted on the modular armor concept of the Merkava 3, but the tank was still rejected for not being competitive compared to the European and US offers. </div>
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The Sabra is a cheaper option compared to the Leopard 2, which might provide beneficial. However due to the fact that it is made by Israeli companies, it might not be possible to use EU money from the defence fund for purchasing the tanks. Depending on variant, the Sabra can be better than the Leopard 2 - at least the old 1980s models without extensive upgrades - in terms of firepower and potentially also in regards to armor protection. It is unlikely that the Sabra can compete with more modern Leopard 2 versions in regards to performance in any important category. The upgraded M60 main battle tank is <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/05/about-that-m60t-which-survived-kornet.html">protected by hybrid armor</a> - a combination of explosive reactive armor and passive composite armor - and sometimes also by the Iron Fist hardkill active protection system from Israeli Military Industries (IMI). The gun is replaced with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, while the Knight III fire control system from Elbit Systems allows the vehicle to be used at night, fire on the move and operate in a hunter-killer configuration. The latest version of the Sabra - the Sabra 3 - is supposedly fitted with armor derived from the armor modules fitted to the latest variants of the the Merkava series.</div>
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The choice of the M60 as base for the Sabra upgrade is questionable. On one hand, the M60 tank is widespread and rather cheap - that's good; on the other hand however the M60 is probably one of the worst tanks for upgrading: it is already rather heavy thanks to the use of thick, but weight-inefficient steel armor, and it is one of the tallest main battle tanks, therefore installing applique armor yields less gain in protection. The tank also lacks proper compartmentation, storing the ammo inside the crew compartment without blow-off panels. The mobility of the Sabra tank is worse than that of a Leopard 2 or other modern MBT due to its poor suspension and small 1,000 hp engine, which isn't really enough for a 60 ton tank. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjdUtD0f-11bSkXBYIwxp6T-xIZCyiwDDCDb8s2T6iw0s7rZxxW6ogO3HdFcMVPhlgo8-FKjRu977KuAIieKBdEEoiZFXSKkssFOEZCcSO71QMGeU8m08_I7LnrKF1eu_2ldvma_Re13m/s1600/ASCOD+2+DF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="554" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjdUtD0f-11bSkXBYIwxp6T-xIZCyiwDDCDb8s2T6iw0s7rZxxW6ogO3HdFcMVPhlgo8-FKjRu977KuAIieKBdEEoiZFXSKkssFOEZCcSO71QMGeU8m08_I7LnrKF1eu_2ldvma_Re13m/s640/ASCOD+2+DF.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A light tank variant of the ASCOD 2 offered by GDELS</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A further option that is being considered by the Czech Army is buying a light/medium tank based on an IFV chassis. The CV90105 and CV90120-T are well known examples of such vehicles, but there also have been different light tank variants of the ASCOD design. The Lynx could be used as a medium tank according to Rheinmetall representatives and as demonstrated by various Marder light/medium tank projects - the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/11/lightmedium-tanks-gain-popularity.html">Marder medium tank offered to Indonesia</a> is a prime example. Retired US Colonel MacGregor is suggesting a medium tank variant of the Puma (or an equivalent IFV) for his concept of a Reconnaissance Strike Group; he claims that the possibility of creating a Puma armed with 120 mm smoothbore gun was confirmed by the manufacturers.</div>
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The big problem is that such a light/medium tank is not a one-to-one role replacement of the T-72M4Cz; none of these vehicles has enough frontal armor to withstand impacts of large calibre APFSDS ammunition or tandem charge ATGM warheads. In so far buying such a vehicle requires changes in the training and doctrine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITNG0Dsof3XPgyA8KtKpw7gILdIxD1sbu0mACru_i8llUK5mOvoCiJEpo2Xs_ys5LXoZ7YDrYxHKRGs_04tqqkngstOS5JS72kvKxyciFynextFC9SSBe4zaSL2sYEsPPqQUxWCjdj27y/s1600/rzYB3gvh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITNG0Dsof3XPgyA8KtKpw7gILdIxD1sbu0mACru_i8llUK5mOvoCiJEpo2Xs_ys5LXoZ7YDrYxHKRGs_04tqqkngstOS5JS72kvKxyciFynextFC9SSBe4zaSL2sYEsPPqQUxWCjdj27y/s400/rzYB3gvh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile news websites have reported more on the Polish IFV project, after various options were showcased at the MSPO 2017. According to Jane's IHS, the basic steel hull of the Borsuk IFV offers ballistic protection according to STANAG 4569 level 2 only - so essentially the same level of armor protection as the old BMP-1, that is meant to be replaced by the Borsuk. When fitted with ceramic or composite armor modules, the hull protection is boosted to level 4 ballistic protection - which is given the weight of about 30 metric tons a rather unimpressive - some 20 tons vehicle reach this level of protection, but the focus on IED/mine protection and amphibious requirements take their toll from the Borsuk's design. The Borsuk and the older Anders IFV both are fitted with hydropneumatic suspensions based on the hydrops from the British company Horstman. </div>
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While being developed following a contract of the Polish Army, it is not decided that the Borsuk will actually enter service, which is why the Anders, the ASCOD 2, CV90 and Lynx are apparently all also offered to the Polish military.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-84804809618308251312017-09-06T15:19:00.003-07:002017-09-06T15:19:48.996-07:00New Polish AFVs revealed at MSPO<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the currently ongoing MSPO 2017 defence exhibition in Poland, a number of new combat vehicle prototypes were presented for the first time to the public. These vehicles include new main battle tank (MBT) variants, the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), that is currently being developed for the Polish Army, aswell as various wheeled vehicles such as proposed variants of the Rosomak (locally produced Patria AMV). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukdr1vmJuHGMbyZPO_217MO33RUHezi7ecs_WohtFg6oaYe-oA2MktoJStYfR8hfJcjWvuSdusY9ch6aQZuH93Y35nDz0aPgHi3gpTx5DIq137zzSK1yf2ooPJhY3XzlVrMZ2aVVNG78y/s1600/74k2xfR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukdr1vmJuHGMbyZPO_217MO33RUHezi7ecs_WohtFg6oaYe-oA2MktoJStYfR8hfJcjWvuSdusY9ch6aQZuH93Y35nDz0aPgHi3gpTx5DIq137zzSK1yf2ooPJhY3XzlVrMZ2aVVNG78y/s640/74k2xfR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The PT-91M2 is a further upgrade of the PT-91 Twardy, incorporating many features of the PT-91M Pendekar</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PT-91M2 is an upgraded variant of the Polish PT-91 <i>Twardy</i> tank, although some sources suggest that the T-72 left in Polish Army service might be upgraded to this new configuration. Unlike the Polish Army PT-91 model, the PT-91M2 makes used of the Sagem SAVAN-15 fire control system from the French manufacturer Safran. This is also used on the Malaysian PT-91M <i>Pendekar</i>, currently the most advanced PT-91 version in service with the military of a nation, and is related to the SAVAN-20 system used on the French Leclerc MBT.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The system consists of a new primary sight for the gunner, a ballistic computer and sensors for the gun stabilization and automatic lead. The gunner's optic with two axis stabilization includes a direct daylight optic with 2x and 10x magnification, a thermal imager with two magnification levels and electronic zoom, aswell as a laser rangfinder. According to the manufacturer, the SAVAN-15 fire control system offers a high accuracy with a first-round hit probability of more than 90 percent and can also be used to fire at moving targets while the tank itself is moving.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe7rm6DG0npwzgzLe7Ycpc11qTAq5r-lzXBE3JtB4Y8WYR4BU6hR8fMCWhI_WNtvShaWTbAk4Tr4l3arhqMUsk-PWDOPp-MqhATOAr4KvgpuWOv1WH2WV0WoNfzc0rDF8DEmi5bYW2Ifk/s1600/MSPO+PT-91M2+mit+SOD.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1530" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe7rm6DG0npwzgzLe7Ycpc11qTAq5r-lzXBE3JtB4Y8WYR4BU6hR8fMCWhI_WNtvShaWTbAk4Tr4l3arhqMUsk-PWDOPp-MqhATOAr4KvgpuWOv1WH2WV0WoNfzc0rDF8DEmi5bYW2Ifk/s640/MSPO+PT-91M2+mit+SOD.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The SOD is placed above thee OBRA-3 laser warning system</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The protection of the PT-91M2 is enhanced by the use of a new version of the ERAWA <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor</a> at the frontal arc and most of the sides of the tank. The tank is covered by a mixture of the new ERAWA-3 ERA and the old ERAWA-1 armor, though the latter ERA tiles are apparently not used on the turret frontal section. Slat armor is used to protect the rear section of the MBT against simpler types of rocket propelled grenades (RPGs). The OBRA-3 laser warning system from the Polish company PCO SA is used to alarm the crew when being targeted by an ATGM launchers or by an enemy combat vehicle. Ontop of the OBRA-3 sensors, the modules of the new SOD situational awareness system are mounted. This system is similar to <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/challenger-2-upgrade-proposals-have.html">Rheinmetall's SAS</a> and the Turkish YAMGÖZ close-range surveillance system (<a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/05/new-turkish-combat-vehicles-presented.html">used on the Altay</a>), consisting of multiple modules featuring thermal imagers and/or daylight cameras to observe the surroundings of the tank.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxMlonxmAODFoATHyLv1HAg9iTYFvdJVfCG057lr_M0MGpfH_aK7huxgW4CQPb5Enm74FjgQHrqGGB_y5FkpaXHbVp4KVYViAi_GuTvmzQwDOPXQX-vuWstQMMsyo77zAdR5fdGi6qZVM/s1600/MSPO+PT-91M2+mit+SAVAN-15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxMlonxmAODFoATHyLv1HAg9iTYFvdJVfCG057lr_M0MGpfH_aK7huxgW4CQPb5Enm74FjgQHrqGGB_y5FkpaXHbVp4KVYViAi_GuTvmzQwDOPXQX-vuWstQMMsyo77zAdR5fdGi6qZVM/s640/MSPO+PT-91M2+mit+SAVAN-15.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The SAVAN-15 gunner's sight</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside of using a new FCS, the PT-91M2 offers another firepower enhancment. It is fitted with a new 125 mm smoothbore gun, which according to a spokesperson at MSPO is more precise than the previously used one. The exact model of the gun was not disclosed at the time of writing this pasage, it could be either a KBM-1M/KBA-3 gun from the Ukrainian company KMBD Morozov or an improved version of the 2A46MS of the Slovakian manufacturer ZTS Špeciál. Due to the limitations of the T-72's autoloader design and the still quite limited pressure and barrel length of said tank guns, the PT-91M2 is still not capable of reaching armor penetration levels similar to tanks fitted the latest 120 mm smoothbore guns; this is the reason why the PT-16 and the PT-17 exist as more potent upgrade and export options.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6uYqhYteV048IOMzNDGT2ONShyphenhyphenJT0sTSYTypN3kCObzPQzF86-HWzRm0YZPTXYTOIKVooI3uOEvxOh51uITy59D-r5KGtWUW0dmLqeY-X_8EnG0bsrk-VzJG6aAI1p5OA0G1q4pdgK60/s1600/MSPO+PT-91M2+mit+APU.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1375" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6uYqhYteV048IOMzNDGT2ONShyphenhyphenJT0sTSYTypN3kCObzPQzF86-HWzRm0YZPTXYTOIKVooI3uOEvxOh51uITy59D-r5KGtWUW0dmLqeY-X_8EnG0bsrk-VzJG6aAI1p5OA0G1q4pdgK60/s640/MSPO+PT-91M2+mit+APU.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the right side of the rear hull, an APU is installed.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PT-91M2 is powered by the S-12U diesel engine from the Polish company PZL-Wola. This four-stroke multi-fuel capable engine has twelve cylinders and is watercooled. At a (dry) weight just below one metric ton, it provides 820 or 850 horsepower output. In the rear section of the tank at the right side, a new auxiliary power unit (APU) is located, which has been claimed to provide an output of 8 to 10 kW. This additional power system can provide electricity for the tank's electronics even when the main engine is not running, thus reducing the fuel consumption and enhancing the PT-91M2's thermal and accoustic stealth characteristics for ambushes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCceFEJ3y__Hx5f_FbRiymLmxL2hFZ-OYTAeIMt2u71J_34mLKYg7q7DSKNNIcvo_cV3XUU-sUP5ilL0ACJkDUELl5ejzSZXZig0MegozT79kVfOKY0F7JNocizQCjreux_Kv-0SjK1x3z/s1600/demonstrator-PT-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1140" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCceFEJ3y__Hx5f_FbRiymLmxL2hFZ-OYTAeIMt2u71J_34mLKYg7q7DSKNNIcvo_cV3XUU-sUP5ilL0ACJkDUELl5ejzSZXZig0MegozT79kVfOKY0F7JNocizQCjreux_Kv-0SjK1x3z/s640/demonstrator-PT-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The PT-17 is a new tank variant broadly similar to the PT-16 prototype from last year.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A more severe upgrade for the T-72 and PT-91 designs is the new PT-17 main battle tank. This tank is the result of a closer cooperation between a number of Polish and Ukranian companies. While the hull seems to be still largely based on last year's PT-16's hull, the PT-17 features a new turret compared to its predecessor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While some web-forums claim that this turret is identical to that of the T-72-120 prototype, there are several reasons to question such statements. It rather appears that some of the T-72-120 components were taken and integrated into a barebone PT-91/T-72 turret. For example the lack of roof-mounted ERA (aswell as the lack of mounting points for such armor tiles), the different shape of the add-on armor and the fact that the tank is fitted with composite armor rather than explosive reactive armor are all indicators for this not being the turret of the T-72-120 prototype. Furthermore four modules of the Obra-3 laser warning system from PCO SA are installed on the turret, which can detect the laser wavelengths commonly used in rangefinders and for laser-beam guided missiles. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum-QBigU8sILC6T7SUEXV7wZZPdxN1dp-UFjNw6to0KJGnP5THVva6-CLUmsLYyCQgZRlbnUIBqYYTxSMsGep2zDe8WtXhXJrdwiulSfmwRge17Y3U2vBPfHIEl9Ld9t023TUD40mtvhj/s1600/PT-17+Optik.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1479" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjum-QBigU8sILC6T7SUEXV7wZZPdxN1dp-UFjNw6to0KJGnP5THVva6-CLUmsLYyCQgZRlbnUIBqYYTxSMsGep2zDe8WtXhXJrdwiulSfmwRge17Y3U2vBPfHIEl9Ld9t023TUD40mtvhj/s640/PT-17+Optik.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gunner's sight of the PT-17 is made by the Polish company PCO SA</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PT-17 utilizes the same optics and fire control system as the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/back-from-dead-anders-and-pt-16.html">earlier PT-16 prototype MBT</a>. This means the commander is provided with a GOD-1 Iris sight mounted ontop a small and fixed mast on the turret, while the GOC-1 Nike serves as the gunner's main sight. The GOD-1 Iris is an independent optitc for the commander with 360° traverse, which also provides (depending on configuration) -20° depression and +60° elevation in the vertical plane. It includes a thermal camera (operating in the 8 to 12 µm wavelength), a set of daylight TV cameras and an eyesafe laser rangefinder. The digital camera offers two field of views (FoVs), a wide 10.7° by 8° field of view (WFOV) for target spotting and a near 3.3° by 2.5° field of view (NFOV) for better aiming and target identification. According to the manufacturer, these sights allow detecting tank-sized targets at 5,500 and 12,500 metres distance (WFOV and NFOV respectively), recognizing the targets at 1,800 and 4,800 metres and identifying them at up to 900 and 2,500 metres distance respectively. The thermal imaging unit provides two similar, but slightly smaller field of views: a wide 10° by 8° and a near 3.1° by 2.5° option. The ranges for target detection, recognition and identification are slightly smaller, sitting at 4,950 & 11,000 m, 1,600 & 4,800 m and 800 & 2,400 metres respectively. The thermal imager sensor array has a resolution of 640 by 512. The laser rangefinder has a wavelength of 1.54 µm and a maximum range of 10,000 metres, while its accuracy is ±5 metres. The gunner's GOC-1 Nike is fitted with the same thermal imager, day TV camera and eyesafe laser rangefinder as the commander's Iris sight.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pEI7_ShWBMF29Ui1LzstItSPFwVbL7X1qNBFP_3Mdk_WgYxKrOiyubeZguUfBdt669Bhey6mRAMvjheUra2PCxdwzG7KKDqjk9ENBunY63txxkJfCf7xfY23Vo1DYz7RvwBaurfCFWlF/s1600/120+mm+PzK+KMB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pEI7_ShWBMF29Ui1LzstItSPFwVbL7X1qNBFP_3Mdk_WgYxKrOiyubeZguUfBdt669Bhey6mRAMvjheUra2PCxdwzG7KKDqjk9ENBunY63txxkJfCf7xfY23Vo1DYz7RvwBaurfCFWlF/s400/120+mm+PzK+KMB2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The KBM2 tank gun is compatible with NATO standardized ammunition.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PT-17 is armed with a 120 mm KBM2 smoothbore gun of Ukranian origin. This tank gun is chambered in the NATO standardized 120 x 570 mm calibre and has a barrel length of 50 calibres (6,000 mm), being slightly longer than the average 120 mm L/44 (M256) gun barrel. The maximum supported chamber pressure at 7,200 kgf/cm² (706 MPa) is however just average, other modern tank guns such as the Rheinmetall L/55 gun can sustain higher pressures. In order to install the KBM2 tank gun in a T-72-like turret, the recoil mass and recoil path have to be limited. This is why the smoothbore gun offers a recoil path of 260 to 300 mm, with a hard stop at 310 mm. The recoil path of a Rheinmetall L/44 and L/55 gun is slightly longer at 340 mm, which should result in slightly lowered effects from the recoil force.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The KBM2 gun is fed by a bustle mounted autoloader, which can store up to 22 rounds of main gun ammo. The ammunition magazine is separated from the crew, thus a penetration of the turret armor is less likely to result in a lethal explosion and a flying turret due to ammunition cook-off. The secondary armament of the PT-17 appears to be identical to the PT-16. Aside of a coaxial-mounted machine gun, a further MG is located in a remotely controlled weapon station (RWS). In theory this RWS can also accept a 30 mm or 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHOMODZcfnKWeIomku3CCch8lqpVsPemN5yr6-uPl9Co5l_4nRI3JDFplzx2aRsWvIvdqYwhY_KwTn_n73wqAxphhFa3YxZKVTMkFbmelidF4R4dow_9UNQGdA08TOxgkg0d1LqZiS__b/s1600/PT-17+Ansicht.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHOMODZcfnKWeIomku3CCch8lqpVsPemN5yr6-uPl9Co5l_4nRI3JDFplzx2aRsWvIvdqYwhY_KwTn_n73wqAxphhFa3YxZKVTMkFbmelidF4R4dow_9UNQGdA08TOxgkg0d1LqZiS__b/s640/PT-17+Ansicht.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The PT-17 tank has a roof-mounted RWS (covered under tarp)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/09/updates-on-pt-16-and-leopard-2-pl.html">Like the PT-16</a>, the PT-17 is offered with various engine configurations. The variant on display at the MSPO 2017 is supposedly powered by a S-1000R diesel engine from PZL-Wola; the same engine is also found on the Malaysian PT-91M tanks. This engine provides an output of 1,000 horsepower, but other powerpack alternatives with an output of up to 1,200 hp are also possible. In case of the PT-16, it was mentioned that engines from the German manufacturer MTU and from the Swedish company Scania can also be used on customer's demand. The engine is coupled to an unspecified German-made transmission, but it is most likely a <span class="st">ESM 350 transmission from SESM/Renk, which would be the same powerpack as used on the Pendekar. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcNZWeZ1TFFWQaMBBZDLeez08NfbbwZtit7oOkYRbCyGcKR4NCGMs7ui1_uaQiGCAHKo1qrxcOYXWTzWBPPfdSBlfAudO7XXfrjX-4TliTAl_zb7MKRYRQvk40cGcuQkeZL96n80_OS41/s1600/PT-17+Schwachstelle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1303" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcNZWeZ1TFFWQaMBBZDLeez08NfbbwZtit7oOkYRbCyGcKR4NCGMs7ui1_uaQiGCAHKo1qrxcOYXWTzWBPPfdSBlfAudO7XXfrjX-4TliTAl_zb7MKRYRQvk40cGcuQkeZL96n80_OS41/s640/PT-17+Schwachstelle.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armor coverage is poor at the center of the turret.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In some aspects the PT-17 appears to be a downgrade compared to earlier Polish main battle tanks. The amount and type of smoke grenade launchers - a key reason why people believe it uses the same turret as the T-72-120 - is different from the PT-91 and PT-91M(2). The PT-17 has only two banks, each holding six smoke grenade launchers (one at the left and one at the right side of the turret), which are covered by sheet metal. Compared to the Polish and Malaysian PT-91 variants this is a clear step back; those tanks offered 24 smoke grenade dischargers spread in two groups, each group containing two banks of six grendes. The Leopard 2A5 and Leopard 2PL, the backbone of the Polish Army, both offer 16 smoke grenade dischargers, using four banks of four smoke grenade launchers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A further questionable aspect of the PT-17 is armor protection; while probably better than the PT-91(M2) based on thickness and coverage, the tank appears to be worse armored in several aspects compared to the previous PT-16 prototype. The PT-17 is protected by Ukranian-made composite armor on the turret and unknown - probably Polish-made - applique armor on the T-72-derived hull. The new turret armor is thinner than the PT-16's armor; although it must be noted that thickness alone doesn't say anything about armor protection. However it doesn't include a composite armor module for the gun mantlet and has a very large and weird cut-out at the turret front, leaving a large zone of the tank's center with inferior protection. The new armor modules also don't extend as far back as on the PT-16, covering less of the turret sides.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGFdonOLN0uPxqA1ykuCWmomdmfqY1Eh9Ncz4YXEj1qeto87eFMgUoPVlKveVJ1t0buunacgEeWLcS3t4LxHbgsQPmJByXaHuMghgolou8o-vvdwAT6rMvKAkvOGp1sANtN1FtdXI6MFt/s1600/DI8eQUyWsAEdIbr-696x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="696" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGFdonOLN0uPxqA1ykuCWmomdmfqY1Eh9Ncz4YXEj1qeto87eFMgUoPVlKveVJ1t0buunacgEeWLcS3t4LxHbgsQPmJByXaHuMghgolou8o-vvdwAT6rMvKAkvOGp1sANtN1FtdXI6MFt/s640/DI8eQUyWsAEdIbr-696x454.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Borsuk features a dual-launcher for Spike-LR ATGMs aswell as a 30 mm autocannon.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Borsuk is a new infantry fighting vehicle currently being developed for the Polish Army by OBRUM. <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/first-rendering-from-obrums-borsuk-ifv.html">First 3D renderings of the design</a> already found its way on the internet last year. At MSPO 2017 the first prototype of the Borsuk (Polish for <i>badger</i>) IFV was presented to the public for the first time. The new vehicle is meant to replace the Soviet-designed BMP-1s (locally known as BWP-1) in the Polish military.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Borsuk is one of the few modern IFVs designed with amphibious capabilities, using two sets of water blades for propulsion in water. This key requirement of the Polish Army affects all other aspects of the vehicle's design. The Borsuk has a rather larger hull with a larger UFP and a relatively high roof height, in order to provide enough buyoancy for swimming through water. Moreover the weight of the vehicle is limited to only between 24 and 25 metric tons in the amphibious configuration. In order to achieve a lower weight, the vehicle can be fitted with rubber band tracks, which save about one metric ton of weight compared to conventional steel tracks. The Borsuk is fitted with the unmanned ZSSW-30 turret from HSW, which provides further weight reductions compared to a manned turret. The vehicle is manned by a crew of three (commander, driver and gunner) and can transport a six men infantry squad.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhMTIILvl_RjOXo0DZ1e8N8aNnxA2NUdJCWrsQuro8Psr3JyI1Ktwqxpy86rMloY-AMUlfsMgiMzM1GfqJdQ-W_kSdEof7kBKwnM7-iH6SpLM3eFTWSbhr3awfL3fH5jUdT6Rx4oNYxeN/s1600/4ebbfff55454e0c44816bf6cc9570f68.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1108" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhMTIILvl_RjOXo0DZ1e8N8aNnxA2NUdJCWrsQuro8Psr3JyI1Ktwqxpy86rMloY-AMUlfsMgiMzM1GfqJdQ-W_kSdEof7kBKwnM7-iH6SpLM3eFTWSbhr3awfL3fH5jUdT6Rx4oNYxeN/s640/4ebbfff55454e0c44816bf6cc9570f68.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ZSSW-30 turret being installed on the Borsuk prototype hull</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ZSSW-30 turret is fitted with variants of the same GOC-1 Nike and GOD-1 Iris sights as found on the PT-17 main battle tank, allowing the vehicle to fight at night and in a hunter-killer mode. The main armament consists of a 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II chain gun made by the US company Aliant Techsystems. This gun has a rate of fire of 200 rounds and can be altered to fire the more powerful 40 x 180 mm Super Forty round by swapping out the barrel. The turret contains 200 rounds of ready-to-fire ammunition in the 30 x 173 mm calibre, aswell as 400 7.62 mm bullets for the coaxial UKM-2000C machine gun. A twin launcher for the Spike-LR anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) is mounted on the right side of the turret, allowing the Borsuk to combat even heavily armored vehicles.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutyVIdi7_-QjzEvwsxfd07FcoswEi8SUCCoyJXZvR8hNGSbdHe78kgAKNPygYGTvQoWx7hE9v-NqAahJGK8-ua_bKD7iBKU_rp8T7WePhVSMhBCmI2Xuat5YLcy6pBZ3UbbyTkYUdOQDc/s1600/52f37d51bf441d1c8c5464d11c403a0e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1402" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutyVIdi7_-QjzEvwsxfd07FcoswEi8SUCCoyJXZvR8hNGSbdHe78kgAKNPygYGTvQoWx7hE9v-NqAahJGK8-ua_bKD7iBKU_rp8T7WePhVSMhBCmI2Xuat5YLcy6pBZ3UbbyTkYUdOQDc/s640/52f37d51bf441d1c8c5464d11c403a0e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Borsuk has a very high bow</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The new Polish IFV is powered by a MTU 199TE20 six-cylinder engine coupled to an automatic transmission with four forward and two reverse gears. The Polish defence news website Defence24.pl claims that this powerpack is providing an output of 600 kW (~804 hp); however there seems to be a conversion or writing error, as MTU's own database mentions an output of only 450 kW, which is equal to approximately 600 horsepower. The Borsuk's drivetrain consists of six pairs of roadwheels and a suspension of currently unknown type.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfntI6d0YDjn1NWM3lcHcW1SG13P3Lzk8VwHUl8I9TEEsBuhkxDqowPJYuwQt2LP64uYT6pGgA3qG1ztOgvRxzRrKfkeYUrNYO6Pt2Bzr1Erf-3SB8S64asRUvqeWR1uHc8Lx3YLL_5Be/s1600/a681dcbe-83e6-4f41-b57b-3147f03ed4fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="970" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfntI6d0YDjn1NWM3lcHcW1SG13P3Lzk8VwHUl8I9TEEsBuhkxDqowPJYuwQt2LP64uYT6pGgA3qG1ztOgvRxzRrKfkeYUrNYO6Pt2Bzr1Erf-3SB8S64asRUvqeWR1uHc8Lx3YLL_5Be/s640/a681dcbe-83e6-4f41-b57b-3147f03ed4fa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current Borsuk prototype lacks any sort of modular applique armor </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
OBRUM has not released any data on armor protection yet, however the unmanned turret is protected only according to STANAG 4569 level 2 in the basic variant. The version used on the Borsuk is fitted with bolt-on armor, which can boost the protection up to level 4 (all-round protection against 14.5 mm AP ammunition from 200 m distance). The hull of the prototype is fitted with no add-on armor modules at all and therefore might not even feature special armor on most of the surface; only the lower front plate seems to be fitted with an armor module or attachment points for such. It seems likely that the basic configuration of the<b> </b>Borsuk reaches only ballistic protection according to STANAG 4569 level 3 or 4 at most. The high ride of the vehicle and the belly plate are designed to increase protection against mines and IEDs, but no performance data has been revealed yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Polish Army recently decided to shift the focus of new vehicles more towards armor protection, affecting the Borsuk development. Therefore an additonal armor package making use of materials such as resin and ceramic can be installed on the vehicle, boosting the weight to 30 metric tons. <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">Active protection systems</a> of unknown type are also considered for installation on the vehicle, though no system has yet been fitted. The vehicle is designed with a further growth potential of two additional tons.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-88747966424289352422017-08-26T05:53:00.002-07:002017-08-26T06:04:30.934-07:00Which new IFV for the Czech Army?<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to Jane's IHS, the Czech Army is actively looking for a replacement of the aging Soviet-made BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). Therefore a number of companies has been expected to bid for the contract to deliver a total of 200 new vehicles to the Czech Republic. A number of competitors has shown vehicles at the IEDT 2017 exhibition in Brno (also known as <i>Brünn</i> in the German speaking countries), four vehicles were later photographed during Czech Army trials. The decision on which vehicle to adopt might affect other international tenders such as the Australian LAND 400 phase 3 program.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0x46Nuuwp-da894Algut4rcPnbBtWOzQ5LscsyGSDU_atIxX0vy_9m29Wco9EaMOfX3ssww55Rl1d4WtEeohc0st5T3KTz_6H8ijIkyB3vvj2j1FogSeoA0nfTkCEMk5y46ucYZnb-rO/s1600/iRuXp9u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0x46Nuuwp-da894Algut4rcPnbBtWOzQ5LscsyGSDU_atIxX0vy_9m29Wco9EaMOfX3ssww55Rl1d4WtEeohc0st5T3KTz_6H8ijIkyB3vvj2j1FogSeoA0nfTkCEMk5y46ucYZnb-rO/s640/iRuXp9u.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CV9030 CZ r (left) and the CV9030</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
BAE Systems has already presented a version of the Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) IFV for the Czech Republic more than a year ago. Back then the so called CV9030CZ was nothing but the latest upgraded version of the CV90 for the Norwegian Army; while officially known to be a CV90 Mark III model, BAE Systems also referes to this latest baseline vehicle as a fifth-generation Combat Vehicle 90. The CV90 is manned by a crew of three and can transport up to eight dismounts; however most users (including all operators of the CV90 Mark III model) have used some of the internal space to transport equipment or ammo, limiting the troop transport capacity to only seven men.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A more advanced vehicle was presented at the IDET 2017 in Brno. The new CV9030CZ is also based on the current Norwegian model and has been fitted with a number of new features unique to this specific CV90 model. These include a new panoramic sight for the commander, which enables the crew to operate in a true hunter/killer mode; the previous commander's sight was fixed and thus had only a limited coverage of the azimuth. The gunner is still provided with the SAAB-made UTAAS sight.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A dual-launcher for the Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles has been fitted to an external container on the right side of the turret. It can be fully retracted inside the container and appears to be very similar, if not identical, to the missile launcher used on Rafael's Samson Mk 2 remotely operated weapon station (RWS). The secondary armament was moved; on the vehicle presented at IDET, it consists of a Mk 52 chain gun chambered in the 7.62 mm NATO calibre, which is made by Alliant Techsystems (ATK). Removing the original coaxial machine gun frees up space for the commander's working station. Like most other vehicles demonstrated at IEDT, the main armament consists of a 30 mm Bushmaster II from ATK. A total of 160 rounds of 30 x 173 mm ammunition are loaded into the gun's dual-belt feeding system, while a further 240 rounds can be stored inside the vehicle for restocking it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFstuve48dQAnyRMSI5B8pe32eRES9ae-dAGhhIMciSe0T7eLvbF4Md0ydNGILWpCiUOrzHb3iaVwBr-vTSABzteiSfxaxPWYqYwV-rXjyhgliqfcdJjZZLgPQeTlT8FacWTqyHdK0Bu1/s1600/3_2513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFstuve48dQAnyRMSI5B8pe32eRES9ae-dAGhhIMciSe0T7eLvbF4Md0ydNGILWpCiUOrzHb3iaVwBr-vTSABzteiSfxaxPWYqYwV-rXjyhgliqfcdJjZZLgPQeTlT8FacWTqyHdK0Bu1/s640/3_2513.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CV9030 CZ during trials: note that the Iron Fist APS has been removed!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The version presented at IDET 2017 is protected by AMAP ceramic composite armor from the German company IBD Deisenroth. It is expected to offer a high level of protection, according to BAE Systems it meets the STANAG 4569 level 6 requirement for protection against kinetic energy ammunition and STANAG 4569 level 4 against anti-vehicle mines. Previous production models offered at most level 3 protection against anti-vehicle mines (8 kg TNT charge instead of 10 kg) and a kinetic energy protection level above STANAG 4569 level 5, but below level 6.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Additional armor protection against shaped charge weapons has been offered by IBD Deisenroth (like the AMAP-X armor of the Swedish Strf 9040C) and Rafael, but this has not been fitted to the demonstrator vehicle offer to the Czech Republic. However two dual-barreled launchers for the Iron Fist Light Configuration hardkill active protection system (APS), a scaled down version of the Iron Fist APS, have been fitted to the turret. This APS uses radar antennas to track incoming ATGMs and RPGs, which then are engaged using high-explosive blast grenades.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Other CV90 models make use of different armor types. The original Norwegian and Finish CV90s were fitted with the older MEXAS armor, while Dutch CV9035 Mk III vehicles are fitted with an armor package made by RUAG, which is including MinePRO, SidePRO and RoofPRO products. Danish vehicles are believed to user a further armor package, apparently made by Tencate. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95dEe6CLWiOiQFIRRV6jXEw_qrjQPYJ8gY2shSN77U7mfr-8X20pTboYJ463rZrdFD1wb6_z-NhRBGWzCFWMwQUDT_QN9OIWoYqE2Wv9q0aPirqusj2neZJY9s7Me4LnJrTp_aTkdEg_-/s1600/2562207_1000x.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95dEe6CLWiOiQFIRRV6jXEw_qrjQPYJ8gY2shSN77U7mfr-8X20pTboYJ463rZrdFD1wb6_z-NhRBGWzCFWMwQUDT_QN9OIWoYqE2Wv9q0aPirqusj2neZJY9s7Me4LnJrTp_aTkdEg_-/s640/2562207_1000x.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CV9030 CZ at IDET: note the udal missile launcher and the Iron Fist APS</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The vehicle is fitted with rubber band tracks, that are qualified for a relatively low maximum weight of 35 metric tons, a figure which has also been quoted as the total maximum weight of the CV90 in documents from BAE Systems. The payload capacity of the current fifth generation CV90 is limited to 16 metric tons, an increase compared to earlier variants. This weight has to be used for mission specific components and packages, such as a the turret and armament, the armor package, the seats in for the dismounts, the active protection system and various other components. </div>
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While each successive generation of the CV90 has become heavier and larger by raising the roof and lengthening rear compartment, the overall useable weight and volume is still more limited compared to the other contenders. The ASCOD 2 for example has a payload capacity of 19 metric tons, three more than the CV90. The Puma IFV and Lynx KF41 seem to offer even more payload.</div>
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The Combat Vehicle 90 can be fitted with different diesel engines made by Scania. The latest version has a 810 horsepowers output, which would result in a power to weight ratio of 17 kW/t (23 hp/t), the same power to weight ratio as found on all earlier CV90 models, providing decent off-road mobility. The CV90 can accelerate to a speed of 50 km/h in 15 seconds and has a maximum forward speed of 70 km/h. The maximum reverse speed is only 40 km/h. It can cross 2.6 metres wide trenches and climb one metres high steps. It can ford through 1 metre deep rivers without preperation and 1.5 metres deep rivers after a 3 minute long preperation phase. The CV90 can climb slopes up to 30° and drive along side slopes up to 26°. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4G7hut-617fLXCvSx4Yswl4QeAU_XV-GcM0XLgrsy5bp7OFbPYEvf-RfuJ23EdWarN8xSODraTiKwjJcCzfPAqMeLJYJ33inoh29NiNl5SSyZDMJg5Tt5fbh9roTFbjNXcthrE3egIuO/s1600/B8UJYLJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4G7hut-617fLXCvSx4Yswl4QeAU_XV-GcM0XLgrsy5bp7OFbPYEvf-RfuJ23EdWarN8xSODraTiKwjJcCzfPAqMeLJYJ33inoh29NiNl5SSyZDMJg5Tt5fbh9roTFbjNXcthrE3egIuO/s640/B8UJYLJ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CV9030 CZ r has a raised hull roof and an unmanned Kongsberg turret</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A further variant known as CV9030 CZ r, a Combat Vehicle 90 with a raised hull roof at the turret ring, that has been fitted with the unmanned Kongsberg Protector Medium Caliber Turret 30 (MCT-30). The gunner and commander are now seated in the raised section of the hull and their stations have received vision blocks and hatches. The MCT-30 turret is fitted with ATK's 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II chain gun as main armament and a partially exposed FN MAG 7.62 mm machine gun as secondary armament. There are 150 rounds of main gun ammo (in two groups of 75 rounds) in the linkless dual feed system, while up to 600 of the MG's 7.62 mm bullets can be stored in the turret. Thanks to a hatch in the turret bottom, the ammunition can be reloaded under armor. The Mk 44 gun in the MCT-30 turret has a maximum elevation of 45° and a maximum gun depression of -10°.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The EOTS from the German manufacturer Hensoldt (originally designed by Carl-Zeiss, but the military optic segment was sold to Airbus Cassidian and then to Hensoldt) serves as the gunner's sight. It is fitted with an eyesafe laser rangefinder, a CCD zoom camera and a third generation ATTICA thermal imager. The CCD camera's sensor has a resolution of 752 by 576 pixels and can switch between three zoom stages: two times for a field of view (FoV) of 21.6° by 16.2°, four times (8° x 6°) and sixteen times magnification, the latter resulting in a field of view of 2.6° x 1.95°. The ATTICA thermal imager is available with the same magnification levels and FoVs, but with two different detectors options. The long-wave version, operating at a wavelength of 7.5 μm to 10 μm, has a 384 by 288 detector, while the mid-wave version (3 μm to 5 μm) has a larger detector resolution of 640 x 512. The effective resolution of both variants is higher thanks to the implementation of a 2x2 micro-scan. This means, the sensor is actively being moved by a small amount, two successive frames will be combined into one single output image, essentially doubling the effective resolution. Micro-scanning allows to keep the sensor size (and thus the thermal imager) compact, while providing higher quality output data. In case of the German Puma, the EOTS is fitted with a LDM 38 laser rangefinder with a range of up to 40,000 metres and an accuracy of <span class="_Tgc">±5 metres - it seems likely that the same laser rangefinder is also used in this EOTS model.</span> On top of the turret, a panoramic sight is fitted, which might be a version of Safran's Paseo - this information has yet to be confirmed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Kongsberg Protector MCT-30 turret has recently been adopted by the US Army on a number of upgraded Stryker ICV known as the <span id="docs-internal-guid-9250b2f8-0cc9-9b82-fdc8-5347e2346eae">XM1296</span> Dragoon, but is then fitted with a different set of optics and different secondary armament.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhb_Ui8FimL5H2BUKPRAoV5aTojdKDfs3o5UnwWB5lhBEJR9PbWouL7rWvztkmXGT-q-NfWPjlW2-M3fsayFVmMVQ_tYVLtRulHVosPRQI68WbaAc18ysXPQITVIU_vtRG_b6avZplP-l/s1600/KsZkbKD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhb_Ui8FimL5H2BUKPRAoV5aTojdKDfs3o5UnwWB5lhBEJR9PbWouL7rWvztkmXGT-q-NfWPjlW2-M3fsayFVmMVQ_tYVLtRulHVosPRQI68WbaAc18ysXPQITVIU_vtRG_b6avZplP-l/s640/KsZkbKD.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kongsberg MCT-30 turret is fitted with applique armnor and the EOTS sight</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The MCT-30's basic armor meets the STANAG 4569 level 1 requirements; however the turret on the CV9030 CZ r is fitted with bolted-on applique armor and thus has a higher protection level. Unfortunately the turret - just like the Samson Mk 2 RWS - cannot be armored to the same degree as the hull. According to data from the manufacturing company, Kongsberg, the maximum protection is limited to STANAG 4569 level 4, which is understood to be shown on the CV9030 CR's turret. This means that a hit to the turret by a weapon incapable of penetrating the hull armor can easily lead to a firepower kill or a mission kill. Four dual-banks of smoke grenade launchers improve the vehicle's chances to evade enemy fire.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3T-eTJXPu5mUexKO4voc9XiQZFI1-4PS0X9ebeZDF8yPB1qhISFllE_ClDBNaI3zmqbBQ9jN37VV89rpXZSGEf80nOhEfvoblAqn5lPj53s2nSx5xkrb2O5VpdMbKRRH8ivKn69zSB7t/s1600/XIsd3dP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3T-eTJXPu5mUexKO4voc9XiQZFI1-4PS0X9ebeZDF8yPB1qhISFllE_ClDBNaI3zmqbBQ9jN37VV89rpXZSGEf80nOhEfvoblAqn5lPj53s2nSx5xkrb2O5VpdMbKRRH8ivKn69zSB7t/s640/XIsd3dP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ASCOD 2 fitted with the Samson Mark II RWS</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
General Dynamics European Land Systems has already provided the Czech Army with the Pandur II wheeled 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle, which is armed with a Samson Mk 1 RWS fitted with the Mk 44 Bushmaster II gun and Spike-LR missiles. For the BMP-2 replacement, the company is offering it's latest ASCOD 2 design with an unmanned turret. The configuration presented at IDET 2017 in Brno is based on the experiences from making the British Scout-SV Ajax vehicle and fitted with advanced applique armor; however the vehicle is not based on the exact same version of the chassis, being fitted with rubber band tracks and thus being incapable of handling the full 42 metric tons of maximum gross vehicle weight. Most likely this would limited the ASCOD 2 to 38 metric or less. Bolted-on applique armor covers the hull and turret. The side armor at the upper portion of the hull is extremely thick; it is understood to be spaced armor, which in case of the British Ajax is being used to store ammunition and/or fuel. This would enhance the crew survivability in case of an armor penetration. However there have been unconfirmed speculations that the side armor is actually a type composite armor protecting against shaped charge weapons such as RPGs - if true, it should be noted that the lower section of the hull remains exposed and vulnerable. Speaking against this is however the fact, that the hull frontal armor seems to have the same thickess as other ASCOD 2 variants lacking the thick side armor. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFh-5fKVfuO7Qotkrn4saxZYBy76Fkdw7lhhjYMPv7QZa3jejRfvGiUHo-wLwJsHEWzpx-wFRlcevpDZVvMWAZmiD9rdjEthJu6HIDVwC3fp78ALPXLcfyYWdnweOm7rKKO4ak4tZc0YW/s1600/1_3113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFh-5fKVfuO7Qotkrn4saxZYBy76Fkdw7lhhjYMPv7QZa3jejRfvGiUHo-wLwJsHEWzpx-wFRlcevpDZVvMWAZmiD9rdjEthJu6HIDVwC3fp78ALPXLcfyYWdnweOm7rKKO4ak4tZc0YW/s640/1_3113.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thick applique armor protects sides and front of the vehicle</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ASCOD 2 is believed to feature a very high level of mine and ballistic protection - it is estimated that the hull armor meets the STANAG 4569 level 6 standard for ballistic protection and full level 4/4a mine protection. The armor supplier is unknoown, however some of the armor of the Ajax is manufactured by RUAG. Some armor elements might be supplied by Rafael Systems, the company which already provided the RWS and the applique armor for the Czech Pandur II IFVs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most likely the ASOCD 2 is fitted with a MTU 8V 199 TE20 engine coupled to a Renk HSWL 256 transmission. This combination provides a 600 kW (805 horsepower) output and was recently chosen by the British Army for the Scout-SV Ajax, a variant of the ASCOD 2. It can accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in 14 seconds and has a maximum speed of 70 km/h. The turning diameter of the ASCOD 2 is only 9.5 metres. The vehicle has the ability to ford through 1.2 metres eep water and can drive at side slopes up to 30°. It can climb slopes up to 30° slope and climb a 0.75 metre high vertical onstacle and drive over 2 metres wide ditches.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVo8Ba6BdcZBxsqjY8EUoMyQn-mVSvZ06NmfXwiaHazpyPIs-sLvB1Byp90ZkjQ_8NzHYYHCbiFsFtWOZwLe2gO6SBqAVJ3WPzfN_IGfBMyhKIrNzyShhl-NekA8EgaMPkW5zGTsw_Kuo1/s1600/X4KbNls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVo8Ba6BdcZBxsqjY8EUoMyQn-mVSvZ06NmfXwiaHazpyPIs-sLvB1Byp90ZkjQ_8NzHYYHCbiFsFtWOZwLe2gO6SBqAVJ3WPzfN_IGfBMyhKIrNzyShhl-NekA8EgaMPkW5zGTsw_Kuo1/s640/X4KbNls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The larger ASCOD 2 offers greater payload than the CV90</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ASCOD 2 proposal relies on using the Samson Mk 2 remotely controlled weapon station as unmanned turret. It is armed with an ATK Mk 44 Bushmaster II chain gun, chambered in the 30 x 173 mm calibre. Alternatively this gun could be fitted with a larger barrel to fire the slightly more powerful Super 40 ammunition. Additionally the Samson Mk 2 RWS is featuring a coaxial machine gun and a retractable dual-launcher for the Spike-LR fire & forget ATGM.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two separate sets of dual-axis stabilized MiniPOP optics from Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) allow the turret to be used for hunter/killer operations. The MiniPOP sight includes a CCD color camera, a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager - depending on variant the thermal imager has a 320 by 240 or a 480 by 384 detector array operating at a wavelength of 3 to 5 µm. The daysight camera offers a continuous zoom ranging from a FoV of 1.6 to 42°; likewise the thermal imager can continuous adjust the field of view from 2 to 22°.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The MiniPOP is also used on the wheeled 8x8 Pandur II IFV of the Czech Army, thus chosing the offer from General Dynamics could reduce logistic costs.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahAHvt9unFpt1MGzOArFCrpEOsGmhTOxJd3DG-urop4ZOhUNSCaR-6bqqeAT7XM_86VM4tYwsUzc6HzLtf5POcuZzIHmOnT_qAVrCIspcOPqDbcIxwX-h7XbKQCtOnKqMUnIFHKcqz-ll/s1600/e9c58515acf890236fc54d17c49e4c9e.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1082" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahAHvt9unFpt1MGzOArFCrpEOsGmhTOxJd3DG-urop4ZOhUNSCaR-6bqqeAT7XM_86VM4tYwsUzc6HzLtf5POcuZzIHmOnT_qAVrCIspcOPqDbcIxwX-h7XbKQCtOnKqMUnIFHKcqz-ll/s640/e9c58515acf890236fc54d17c49e4c9e.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Samson Mark 2 RWS features a dual-launcher for the Spike-LR ATGM</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Samson Mk 2 RWS has a weight of 1.5 metric tons in it's lightest configuration. Like the Kongsberg MCT-30 unmanned turret, it has a hatch in the floor to allow restocking the ammunition without leaving the vehicle. The main gun ammo is limited to 200 rounds, while the coaxial machine gun has only 230 rounds ready-to-fire. In theory the turret allows the gun to be depressed by up to -20° and elevated up to 70°, but in reality the values are expected to be lower.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The basic armor of the Samson Mk 2 unmanned turret provides STANAG 4569 level 1 protection only, but it can be enhanced to level 4 by adding applique armor. This means that - like the CV9030CZ r - a hit by a 20-30 mm gun, that would be incapable of penetrating the hull, can disable the vehicle by being a firepower kill or a mission kill.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6Zpg4agI1DstYkxLB-lDK7QECUF_5lAbGqShotuLlLoZ2eUKR9vEV1AX90mWprPGIje3ORUtrprvAFzNvv_cZ4ZBFgXc01w_dNzyM0kgl1TzriP_mjXnZdef5PT3R1_1_O1NxAC8TvYU/s1600/2_2633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6Zpg4agI1DstYkxLB-lDK7QECUF_5lAbGqShotuLlLoZ2eUKR9vEV1AX90mWprPGIje3ORUtrprvAFzNvv_cZ4ZBFgXc01w_dNzyM0kgl1TzriP_mjXnZdef5PT3R1_1_O1NxAC8TvYU/s640/2_2633.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lynx IFV with rubber band tracks being tested in the Czech Republic</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rheinmetall is offering its Lynx infantry fighting vehicle to the Czech Army. The new IFV - first presented at the Eurosatory 2016 - is a big mystery candidate. The Lynx's design has undeniable similarities to the old Marder IFV, such as the general shape, the location of the driver's hatch and the noticable bulge to accommodate the turret ring in the upper front plate of the hull. The German company however claims that the Lynx is a new development, so they might have based on the Lynx on the same basic design as the Marder IFV to save time and costs, but manufactured the Lynx as a completely new vehicle rather than upgrading an existing Marder. However they might just as well have used a different definition for a "new development". It is known that Rheinmetall purchased a large number of former German Army Marders a few years ago.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OPqniL1eH4La6_E1aPLwf3q8ukyS5Qyq85AKJbertWpg76H1KtvjmewEf8h31kklsLlDvUX7BJA1rb_Ft_3pQQ2OrGEyhxgBPXM6VI8wnv9QsfyzXKPahMFOMy7PofpNY10PBnW2ie2t/s1600/nFevIiH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OPqniL1eH4La6_E1aPLwf3q8ukyS5Qyq85AKJbertWpg76H1KtvjmewEf8h31kklsLlDvUX7BJA1rb_Ft_3pQQ2OrGEyhxgBPXM6VI8wnv9QsfyzXKPahMFOMy7PofpNY10PBnW2ie2t/s640/nFevIiH.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lynx IFV was first presented on the Eurosatory 2016 exhibition in Paris</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Lynx IFV has a crew of three (commander, driver and gunner) and can transport either six or eight dismounts, depending on the exact variant. It is fitted with composite armor to achieve protection against medium calibre ammunition and artillery bomblets. Its belly plate can be fitted with an anti-mine plating kit in order to resist mines and IEDs. The company has not disclosed the exact type of armor or the possible level of protection, but Rheinmetall is manufacturing different armor solutions such as the company's own VERHA armor and the AMAP armor of the German design bureau IBD Deisenroth.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is expected that the Lynx achieves a very high level of protection based on its weight and dimensions. The Marder 1A5 already exceeds STANAG 4569 level 5 ballistic protection and meets the level 3 standard for mine protection; the Lynx IFV, being fitted with more weight efficient composite armor and having a greater weight, is expected to be better protected than what is assumed to be its older relative. The shorter Lynx KF31 chassis can support up to 38 metric tons, while the stretched KF41 has a four metric tons higher limit (44 metric tons). Unlike some of the other contenders, it has always been fitted with an anti-bomblet protection on the roof when showcased. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGKH8dvXIViilJH7MFULTz1aWI4Duu-0JBllrd-Xez6k-Y5QlLZoNOjzQZWOt8IzteH7su8yhqOkwleH-ixjEqX7A3LEiWZVm8YNbJ7x1s5nswReFNGTsQjty8DPwHybTeAVTkVNz52ME/s1600/Rheinmetall-Schuetzenpanzer-Lynx-1200x800-593b28fdfe3ac635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGKH8dvXIViilJH7MFULTz1aWI4Duu-0JBllrd-Xez6k-Y5QlLZoNOjzQZWOt8IzteH7su8yhqOkwleH-ixjEqX7A3LEiWZVm8YNbJ7x1s5nswReFNGTsQjty8DPwHybTeAVTkVNz52ME/s640/Rheinmetall-Schuetzenpanzer-Lynx-1200x800-593b28fdfe3ac635.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lynx is fitted with a dampened dual-launcher for the Spike-LR ATGM</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Lynx IFV was presented at the IDET 2017 in Brno in apparently the same configuration as on the Eurosatory 2016. This means it featured a two-men Lance manned turret with a gas-operated Mauser MK 30-2/ABM main gun, which is chambered in the 30 x 173 mm calibre and can fire air-programmable ammunition. Up to 200 rounds of main gun ammo can be stored in the turret, the same gun is also found on the Puma IFV. The secondary armament of the Lynx consists of a 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun mounted in an external container. Furthermore a dual-launcher for Spike-LR ATGMs provides enhanced anti-tank and anti-helicopter capabilities; unlike the launcher found on the Samson Mk 2 RWS, the Lynx's system is dampened, allowing to store the missiles for a longer time without the vibration of the vehicle weakening the electronics of the ATGMs and increasing the likelihood of malfunctions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both the commander and the gunner are provided with on SEOSS sight each, which includes a third-generation Saphir thermal imager, a daysight camera and an eyesafe laser-rangefinder. This enables the crew to operate in the hunter/killer and killer/killer modes. Two units of the SAS situational awareness system provide all-round vision with an automatic movement tracking function, while a number of 40 mm ROSY_MOD smoke grenade launchers enhance the self-protection.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo9otuPI_7eY4Igo8Kq-PB69YeJa0Y6YYGjAWCGr_Y8HsxjqzAz7KHxHc4TgFvgZjF32q5owa46SAJASWBnqQAQJw4_uYYELksOEz9y4B-Dx4_Auwv_97ro2EVOasa_7YaiLBLL_MMXPp/s1600/Rheinmetall-Schuetzenpanzer-Lynx-1200x800-43646cc2c9af8f07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo9otuPI_7eY4Igo8Kq-PB69YeJa0Y6YYGjAWCGr_Y8HsxjqzAz7KHxHc4TgFvgZjF32q5owa46SAJASWBnqQAQJw4_uYYELksOEz9y4B-Dx4_Auwv_97ro2EVOasa_7YaiLBLL_MMXPp/s640/Rheinmetall-Schuetzenpanzer-Lynx-1200x800-43646cc2c9af8f07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear compartment of the vehicle is fitted with enhanced roof armor to protect against bomblets</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Rheinmetall Lynx is depending on variant fitted with a 750 hp or 1,050 hp engine made by the German company Liebherr, leading to a top speed of 65 km/h and 70 km/h respectively. The running gear consists of six pair of roadwheels, which are connected to a torsion bar suspsension. The Lynx has been fitted with rubber band tracks, although light-weight steel tracks are also offered as an option. Unlike the rubber band tracks from <a href="http://www.soucy-defense.com/home">Soucy Defense</a>, which are used on the ASCOD 2 and the CV9030CZ, the Lynx's rubber band tracks are made by DST and have a segmenented design, allowing faster maintenance and repair of damaged track sections. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The vehicle can climb over one metre high obstacles and ford through bodies of water with a depth of up to 1.5 metres. It can climb slopes up tp 30° and can drive along side slopes of more than 30°. The Lynx can cross 2.5 metres wide ditches.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9VQZXnhu3utjWoeEunqwSf88wJTorEwVoESodcYeiLpG-ncJ07YpQQJsOTA1O0PnoUBfzo3G-zGK8AosaTHeVl8TjHfdfWvpzY9QwcxJG4_VhPNgLaDdPTxXJkphqz9oDDGYbE5yMn82/s1600/Lance+Remote+Control.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1456" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9VQZXnhu3utjWoeEunqwSf88wJTorEwVoESodcYeiLpG-ncJ07YpQQJsOTA1O0PnoUBfzo3G-zGK8AosaTHeVl8TjHfdfWvpzY9QwcxJG4_VhPNgLaDdPTxXJkphqz9oDDGYbE5yMn82/s640/Lance+Remote+Control.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The manned Lance turret is operated by a crew of two. Gunner and commander have their own SEOSS optics.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A spokesman from the company highlighted the ability and willingness to modify the design according to the user's needs. The Lynx can not only be fitted with a 30 mm or a 35 mm Wotan chain gun, but it is also capable of accepting a wide range of other weapon systems. The KF41 version with elongated chassis can even accept a turret with 120 mm smoothbore gun to serve as a light/medium tank. Likewise multiple different armor packages can be installed on the Lynx, depending on the required level of protection. The Lance turret is available in a two-men configuration or as unmanned Lance RC turret. Rheinmetall is also willing to integrate any third-party technology in the vehicle, if desired by a customer.<br />
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The Lynx is a modular design, consisting of a baseline vehicle and a mission kit. Unlike true modular vehilces like the canceled SEP and the Boxer, the mission kit has to be installed at the factory and cannot be exchanged without major work. The baseline vehicle consists of the hull including drivetrain and powerpack aswell as the ballistic protection elements of the hull. The mission kit includes its own roof section, thus allowing to adopt a turret, a rasied roof configuration or a crane for an engineering variant with ease. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A number of further options for the Lynx IFV have been mentioned by the manufacturer. <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/land-400-phase-2-and-3-contenders-update.html">Like the Boxer CRV</a>, the Lynx can be fitted with the main sensor slaved armament (MSSA), a RWS without optics slaved to the commander's SEOSS sight. The SAS can be supplemented by a laser-warning system and an accoustic sniper location system, increasing survivability and situational awareness. The <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">ADS hardkill active protection system</a> can be installed to defeat ATGMs and RPGs.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wUV_vY2kfQNPz6j41Ep8byLf6Jgt_6l1iYlSRs1OiA1_7Z0F1R7hDiMXgnufAh_a3W3jwsGMvWBYgjS_bGKNVWobd2nL_-L2QsuHIBRpBq7K0CbZ10BNoJPB9g-Sc0IKlADJqnBckrqa/s1600/2562224_1000x.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wUV_vY2kfQNPz6j41Ep8byLf6Jgt_6l1iYlSRs1OiA1_7Z0F1R7hDiMXgnufAh_a3W3jwsGMvWBYgjS_bGKNVWobd2nL_-L2QsuHIBRpBq7K0CbZ10BNoJPB9g-Sc0IKlADJqnBckrqa/s640/2562224_1000x.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Puma is tthe new IFV of the German Army</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
PSM, a joint-venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, is offering the German Puma IFV to the Czech Republic. The Puma has entered service with the German Army in 2015, production to fullfill the first batch for it is still under way, while a second batch is expected to be ordered in the near future. The Puma is a high-tech IFV and therefore expected to be rather expensive. A crew of three (commander, driver and gunner) operates the vehicle, while six dismounts can be transported in the rear compartment.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTPPSQOENNmNoutHoyyR9AovjA0JSETpQAQ89oWPJ9lrdgPY7DKFleErafRWSFRDUUNE0tj1qBgG1plKGZbcGdHa3_IAFtvmeXVXbtmJZxn1tunV0H0tm7L16ptx8QDuayQhBglY4h2wV/s1600/2017-08-25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="857" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTPPSQOENNmNoutHoyyR9AovjA0JSETpQAQ89oWPJ9lrdgPY7DKFleErafRWSFRDUUNE0tj1qBgG1plKGZbcGdHa3_IAFtvmeXVXbtmJZxn1tunV0H0tm7L16ptx8QDuayQhBglY4h2wV/s640/2017-08-25.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The decoupled running gear reduces noise and enhances protection</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Puma is powered by a high-power density (HPD) MTU MT 892 multi-fuel/diesel engine coupled to a Renk <span class="st">HSWL 256 transmission, which </span>provides an output of 800 kW (1072 hp) at up to 3,800 rpm. The MT 892 is one of the most efficient engine solutions - if not the most efficient - available for IFVs in terms of power per weight and power per volume. A 170 kW flywheel generator provides the vehicle's systems with electrical energy. The Puma is the first combat vehicle to enter service with a fully decoupled running gear and is the only vehicle offered to the Czech Army fitted with a hydropneumatic suspension. The decoupled running gear means that there is no penetration into the hull belly by the running gear, increasing the level of mine protection. PSM went even a step further by integrating all fuel tanks into the running gear elements - thus the fire hazard after armor penetration is reduced, which boosts crew survivability. Furthermore the running gear is connected to hull only via shock-absorbing fixings, which decreases the noise generation and vibrations. The ground clearance of the Puma hull is 450 mm.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygaZ2Ja6waw0oB0PvWOsPt2YIPKeU_BH83JWj4gEGZgh1tqmSmGcwLQCxU9ElLL4ndjc2d7yOQhaJHH34YsE9pFSJK-U5ATnJx-bRluusXi5NwNMq37zpnHp0Q8BvxXqvLTTZ-7LSTEKS/s1600/320_MTU_Puma_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygaZ2Ja6waw0oB0PvWOsPt2YIPKeU_BH83JWj4gEGZgh1tqmSmGcwLQCxU9ElLL4ndjc2d7yOQhaJHH34YsE9pFSJK-U5ATnJx-bRluusXi5NwNMq37zpnHp0Q8BvxXqvLTTZ-7LSTEKS/s640/320_MTU_Puma_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Puma's powerpack consists of a MT 892 engine and a <span class="st">HSWL 256 transmission</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Puma IFV has a top forward speed of more than 70 km/h and a reverse speed of up to 30 km/h. It uses light-weight steel tracks with a width of 500 mm rather than rubber band tracks, as the latter wouldn't be capable of handling the weight in the up-armored configuration. Due to the very powerfulm engine, the Puma has the highest power to weight ratio of all tested vehicles: 18.6 kW per metric ton (nearly 25 hp/ton) in the up-armored configuratiton and more than 25 kW per metric ton (34 hp/ton) in the basic variant. It can ford through 1.2 metres deep water without any preperation, climb more than 0.8 metres high steps and cross ditches with a width of 2.5 metres.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 30 mm Mauser MK30-2/ABM gas-operated autocannon serves as main armament. It is a dual-belt fed gun with 200 ready to fire rounds; a further 200 rounds for reloading is stored inside the vehicle. This gun can fire Rheinmetall's 30 mm KETF air-burst ammunition, which is programmed using a magnetic coil. A 5.56 mm MG4 light machine gun from Heckler & Koch serves currently as coaxial armament, although it is expected to be replaced by a 7.62 mm general machine gun in the near future. The MG4 is provided with 1,000 bullets at the gun, a further 1,000 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition are stored in the hull for restocking.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Currently the Puma still lacks the two-barreled MELLS launcher for the EuroSpike (Spike-LR) ATGM and the turret-independent secondary weapon station (TSWA), a multi-barreled grenade launcher mounted on an extendable mast. Contractsfor these weapon systems have been made in 2017, though the final integration might last a few years. The Lynx uses a slightly downgraded version of the MELLS launcher. The TSWA was originally planned to contain up to six 76 mm lethal and non-lethal grenades, but was later extended by adding a ring with 24 smaller 40 mm grenades. According to the most recent informations, the 76 mm barrels were replaced by a total of nine 40 mm grenade barrels on the latest designs. The TSWA is fitted with its own set of optics and can be operated by the dismounts, allowing the Puma to engage multiple targets simultaneously.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOZb7UbqrWhg8MUEWUAUuTDsC9gQ1BlsPqY-4MpGNSFijsDR2mRdSkrgDdt0-wKvcbxE0I2bkGNlMXG94uEk99CN7avceCS69NZNRxGiwW603Re41ZHejZVLhkQaaqALLtXbNgKDHvaJX/s1600/TSWA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="871" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOZb7UbqrWhg8MUEWUAUuTDsC9gQ1BlsPqY-4MpGNSFijsDR2mRdSkrgDdt0-wKvcbxE0I2bkGNlMXG94uEk99CN7avceCS69NZNRxGiwW603Re41ZHejZVLhkQaaqALLtXbNgKDHvaJX/s640/TSWA.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The secondary armament includes an independent grenade launcher at the rear of the vehicle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With a weight of up to 43 metric tons, the Puma is heavily armored. Unlike the ASCOD and CV90, where composite armor was an afterthought, the new German Army IFV was designed <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/10/puma-ifv-armor-and-upgrade-speculations.html">for the usage of composite armor </a>from the beginning and therefore specifically optimized for it. As a result of this, the Puma's hull is made using the <i>Dünnblechbiegetechnologie </i>(thin plate bending technology), where thin structural steel plates are used to form the base sturcture of the vehicle, rather than welding together several thicker armor steel plates. Given that ceramic armor can provide up to five times as much protectiton as steel, reducing the thickness of the steel structure allows to increase the protection while staying at the same weight. Furthermore bending the plates rather than welding them together reduces weakspots.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Puma's protection follows a modular concept. In the basic variant, which is about eleven tons lighter than the fully protected model, the hull provides full mine protection (exceeding STANAG 4569 level 4) and frontal protection against RPGs, EFPs and medium calibre ammunition. The frontal protection is listed by Rheinmetall as "greater than 30 mm APFSDS" and therefore is understood to exceed the STANAG 4569 level 6 requirement. In this basic configuration, known as "<i>protection level A</i>", the hull sides, rear and the unmanned turret are fitted with a lighter armor package, offering protection against 14.5 mm AP ammunition only.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW6bJGiigIUjFNsWYWTUjnDgX4TR7KE4CiZo6JHp3nlVoQl4hQLDCg2Gfy2K5G1erekQkuw_5Q5_iGnHlFRjAYBsMzCyDjpYoQF92G4cH-QU11XzjCR8jMVWkJ20f_2CWO_Gn5LqS4VlU/s1600/LAND_Puma_IFV_Modular_Armoring_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="800" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW6bJGiigIUjFNsWYWTUjnDgX4TR7KE4CiZo6JHp3nlVoQl4hQLDCg2Gfy2K5G1erekQkuw_5Q5_iGnHlFRjAYBsMzCyDjpYoQF92G4cH-QU11XzjCR8jMVWkJ20f_2CWO_Gn5LqS4VlU/s640/LAND_Puma_IFV_Modular_Armoring_lg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Puma is designed with a modular armor package</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When fitted with the "<i>protection level C</i>", the armor of the Puma provides all-round protection against 30 mm APFSDS ammunition (or larger), explosively formed penetratiors (EFPs) and RPGs. The protection level against KE ammunition is also achieved on the turret, preventing a firepower kill or mission kill by an AP(FS)DS round incapable of penetrating the hull (unlike the case on the CV9030 CZ r and the ASCOD 2). The roof armor is fitted with plates made of composite materials and protects against bomblets and artillery submunitions, including those types fitted with a shaped charge warhead.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH-YGv-gBmLkVRP6RnRc8OcAJOmNREYPdSCKgrlBYPVCi0H6AATS-ZqqI7bpnHsZm-9sDpftc317StecdtG4PDDNc8ASRUdnx5PjwawMr-SFflFAyNMLEje10tXgAzY2DqyFpB39-RqEP/s1600/Panzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH-YGv-gBmLkVRP6RnRc8OcAJOmNREYPdSCKgrlBYPVCi0H6AATS-ZqqI7bpnHsZm-9sDpftc317StecdtG4PDDNc8ASRUdnx5PjwawMr-SFflFAyNMLEje10tXgAzY2DqyFpB39-RqEP/s640/Panzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puma IFV with armor only partially mounted</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
To achieve the high level of protection multiple different armor solutions are combined into one package: the AMAP-B and AMAP-SC armor types from IBD Deisenroth provide protection against kinetic energy ammunition and shaped charges. According to figures provided by the company that designed this armor, AMAP-B provides up to five times as much protection per weight as steel armor against armor-piercing types of ammunition (APFSDS, APDS, FAPDS, AP, etc.). The latest version of AMAP-B utilizes nano-ceramics and therefore is capable of reducing the armor thickness in some cases; then it is possible to provide the same level of protection as an about twice as thick steel plate; traditionally ceramic armor has always been thicker or about as thick as steel armor of the same protection level, gaining the higher mass efficiency due to the low density of ceramic materials. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
AMAP-SC is understood to be a type of NERA or NxRA, which provides eight to ten times as much protection per weight as steel armor against shaped charge warheads.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Parts of the side armor of the Puma make use of the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">HL-Schutz Rad/Kette (formerly CLARA) explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a> from Dynamit Nobel Defence. Unlike other types of ERA, HL-Schutz Rad/Kette doesn't use metal as part of the flyer plates, making it safe for use on armored personnel carriers, IFVs, and patrol vehicles. According to the manufacturer, HL-Schutz Rad/Kette provides more than ten times as much protection as "conventional armor" (understood to be steel armor) against shaped charges. Depending on version the HL-Schutz armor modules include an additional armor plate against medium calibre ammunition such as 14.5 mm AP rounds. The exact composition of HL-Schutz Rad/Kette is secret, but patents from the manufacturer mention rubber, fibre-composite, plastics and ceramics as possible materials for the composite flyer plates of the ERA.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bC7FekuT-JUsNezbjLPtigYEwy-lRbtn4jMMBV8NVk6TiR9_-f92QwpHu6SLbiTswWBOm4lbF3TI-K0G9uqmbzZRQ7xkuKs64o8za-CsOkSuUx62l2WUKNlRbtTm3l6lE2-qAgK56XMZ/s1600/RoofPRO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1074" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bC7FekuT-JUsNezbjLPtigYEwy-lRbtn4jMMBV8NVk6TiR9_-f92QwpHu6SLbiTswWBOm4lbF3TI-K0G9uqmbzZRQ7xkuKs64o8za-CsOkSuUx62l2WUKNlRbtTm3l6lE2-qAgK56XMZ/s640/RoofPRO.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RoofPRO armor can protect against DPICM bomblets with a penetration of more than four inches into steel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hull bottom and the roof sections of hull and turret are fitted with MinePRO and RoofPRO composite armor from GEKE Schutztechnik and Swiss manufacturer RUAG. The roof armor exists in a heavy RoofPRO-P version with an areal density of 43 kg/m², aswell as a lighter RoofPRO-PL version with an areal denstiy of only 28 kg/m². It is understood that the up-armored Puma uses a variant of the heavier RoofPRO-P, including pads of rubber-spikes to disrupt the formation of shaped charge jets from artillery sub-munitions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In order to deal with anti-tank guided missiles, the Puma is fitted with Hensoldt's Multifunctional Self Protection System (MUSS) softkill active protection system. MUSS uses combined laser warning and optical tracking sensors to detect incoming ATGMs. The system then utilizes an IR/UV jammer and multi-spectral smoke grenades (capable of absorbing lasers and hiding the thermal signature of the vehicle) to prevent the ATGM from hitting the vehicle. The <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/qinetiq-to-test-muss-aps-for-british.html">British Army is testing MUSS</a> as part of the MEDUSA program for adoption the Challenger 2 and other British armored fighting vehicles. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRREf80vXTa27t-vPk6iLKJJ_Nh8wAKwjzW-TyF5OUqUPzt4aKFPQTKBtSxWdzev2pSp_UvLXpcbmeqFi75A4bNWM54bLtIqjcVUxijtwdb7sFzMiFkjATJpPcyt8y3k7oTKkQ4K7l5XJq/s1600/Puma+Turm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRREf80vXTa27t-vPk6iLKJJ_Nh8wAKwjzW-TyF5OUqUPzt4aKFPQTKBtSxWdzev2pSp_UvLXpcbmeqFi75A4bNWM54bLtIqjcVUxijtwdb7sFzMiFkjATJpPcyt8y3k7oTKkQ4K7l5XJq/s640/Puma+Turm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The EOTS is used in the Puma's WAO as the gunner's sight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The gunner of the Puma is provided with the EOTS sight from Hensoldt, i.e. the same optic as fitted to the Kongsberg MCT-30 offered on the CV9030 CZ r. The commander can independently search for targets using his PERI RTWL-B sight. Like the EOTS, the PERI RWTL-B includes a third generation ATTICA thermal imager with 384 by 288
detector elements (effective twice as much thanks to a 2x2 microscan) operating at a wavelength of 7.5 μm to 10 μm, and a LDM 38 eyesafe laser rangefinder with a maximum range of 40,000 metres. It offers the same magnification levels and FoVs as the EOTS. The PERI RTWL-B also includes a CCD camera and an optical sight, which transports the image via a fibre-optical channel to the commander. The advantage of an analog optical connection is a much higher resolution - according to the famous German lens manufacturer Zeiss, it offers an effective resolution of more than six megapixels - this is about fourteen times as much as the average military grade CCD camera!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For enhanced situational awareness, five cameras are mounted on the rear section of the hull; they can be accessed by all crew members and by two members of the infantry squad. The Puma is fitted with the Thales SOTAS-IP digital communication system aswell as with the SOLAR 400 V radio.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ObO-XkTVRxxOvkLj-wmlSLTDz6BSn-dC0bcc4ay0pwlC2QvfMe2gRsant3UaQx200SVQr1NwxZIKb0MnN04xwPgLcocoJOdrORu-2JGP3o6aMqsKlJriHX62qTeYzctE94lae0UEa5w/s1600/2n71eo8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ObO-XkTVRxxOvkLj-wmlSLTDz6BSn-dC0bcc4ay0pwlC2QvfMe2gRsant3UaQx200SVQr1NwxZIKb0MnN04xwPgLcocoJOdrORu-2JGP3o6aMqsKlJriHX62qTeYzctE94lae0UEa5w/s400/2n71eo8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Puma has still to receive its missile launcher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Admittedly the Puma does not come without its problems. Aside of the huge price per vehicle, PSM has yet to release information on possible non-IFV variants; while the Czech Army has not announced the need for any recovery vehicles, light tanks or APC variants based on their future IFV hull, most other contenders such as the ASCOD 2, CV90 and Lynx have in the past showcased non-IFV versions in form of 3D CAD data or prototypes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That said, the two companies responsible for developing the Puma, KMW and Rheinmetall, should have enough experience to design any desired future variant based on the Puma hull - in the end Rheinmetall should be able to adapt all the Lynx versions to the Puma's hull.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The integration of the MELLS missile launcher for EuroSpike, i.e. the Spike-LR ATGM, is still under way. Likewise the turret independent weapon station has yet to be adopted, but prototypes and integration of both weapon systems has been recently ordered by the German Army, after the budget was finally approved by the government. Furthermore the upgrade contract will include enhancements to the situational awareness in form of adopting Rheinmetall's situational awareness system (SAS) and new flatscreen displays.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While the previously mentioned four vehicles have been photographed during testing, there was a larger number of vehicles speculated or rumored to be offered to the Czech Army. At IDET 2017, it was claimed that the Czech Army still had to release official requirements and hence it is still possible that a larger number of contenders might be considered. It is not known (at the time of writing this passage) if the situation has changed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Depending on how much local industry involvment, costs and capabilities are rated, a number of other vehicles still could make the run against the four big IFVs offered by BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Rheinmetall and PSM.</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TOV3rI7lftZ9cF9qgHBXwik-NcPXIsNISBa8ypN1bDHZnzr545qH9cPbdR8wxrCR8olzu9dPiaFHe8o7yDNCX_gHTyJNvb0nKeO3kx9eeiFiqm4A2gGfmLWARkM5LyfNIhPNKavosQXC/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TOV3rI7lftZ9cF9qgHBXwik-NcPXIsNISBa8ypN1bDHZnzr545qH9cPbdR8wxrCR8olzu9dPiaFHe8o7yDNCX_gHTyJNvb0nKeO3kx9eeiFiqm4A2gGfmLWARkM5LyfNIhPNKavosQXC/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BMP-MECXA aka <span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">Šakal is an upgrade of the BMP-2</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In theory the cheapest option to replace the BMP-2 would be an upgraded variant thereof. In the first moment that might sound odd, but in general the
state of the Czech BMP-2s is quite bad, not having been modernized by
any noteworthy degree.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Czech company <i>Excalibur Army </i><span id="result_box"><i><span title="Společnost EXCALIBUR ARMY spol.">spol. </span></i><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí."><i>s ro</i> has developed</span></span><span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí."> the </span></span><span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí."><span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">Šakal </span></span>IFV in cooperation with other Czech and Slovakian companies. The vehicle was originally known as the</span></span> BMP-M2 or BVP-M2 SKCZ and developed mainly for the export market, however video footage shows that it has taken part in various Czech military exercises and apparently was tested by the Czech ministry of defence. Recently the vehicle has been marketed as the BMP-MEXCA.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHlXIgQngIkbUdYo0ABjWJAbZYhvcZZu8flrgAZrsRTEam2390jmJbUJEYxUnI1xd81f52OMFLRY1QzqhEKvMIeCA9xfi9GmCzV0T7DcJqEcZ4IrALZfgQInaUhzYcK-0bEMVB4pMje8P/s1600/armor.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1159" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHlXIgQngIkbUdYo0ABjWJAbZYhvcZZu8flrgAZrsRTEam2390jmJbUJEYxUnI1xd81f52OMFLRY1QzqhEKvMIeCA9xfi9GmCzV0T7DcJqEcZ4IrALZfgQInaUhzYcK-0bEMVB4pMje8P/s640/armor.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional slat armor and passive armor can boost the ballistic protection to STANAG 4569 level 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The biggest drawback of this vehicle is the low level of a<span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">rmor</span></span><span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">
protection<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">;</span></span> its </span></span><span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">welded steel hull and spaced applique armor provides ballistic protection
equivalent to STANAG 4569 level 4 at the frontal arc - this means it is
at least protected against 14.5 mm B32 armor-piercing ammunition fired
from a range of 200 metres, but not against larger threats such as 25
mm and 30 mm AP(FS)DS ammunition. The side armor is protected according to STANAG
4569 level 3 only, being designed to resist 7.62 x 51 mm tungsten-cored
rounds form a 30 metres distance. In general armor protection is not
much better than on the original BMP-1 and BMP-2.</span></span>
<span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">Mine protection is limited to STANAG 4569 level 1 for the hull belly and level 2a under the tracks. However it seems very likely that, despite the limited growth potential of the old BMP-2 components, a better protected variant of </span></span><span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">Šakal could be made. </span></span>Excalibur
Army had developed an upgrade for the MGC-14.5 armored personnel carrier (APC) prototype a few years ago, which enhanced the protection level well beyond the <span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">Šakal/BMP-MEXCA. This vehicle had passive armor to meet the requirements of STANAG 4569 level 4 for ballistic protection, while the mine protection plate and decoupled seats meet the level 2 requirements. A combination of slat armor, reactive armor (covering the small turret) and APS (covering the rear door) provide all around protection agianst simple RPGs such as the most basic RPG-7 rounds (i.e. PG-7, PG-7M and PG-7V). Such a vehicle was offered by Exicalbur Army as the BMP-M1 CZ.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">The German armor design bureau IBD Deisenroth once offered to adapt its IFV Evolution concept to Greek BMPs. This survivability concept consists of adapting various types of AMAP armor and the ADS active protection system to protect an IFV against KE ammunition, EFPs, mines, IEDs, RPGs and ATGMs. In theory the same system could be offered for the BMP-MEXCA.</span></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLh4z97qYFZkTA57JuK2Zob7s6Iy1jpVacY8TsD8c95UQM00RnfCYopD2DnPGdsnVb0v7igA9cdmxVSCCsSfljKJiNU0jIT7Te-7ygzIfskAQmv1QdkgVXmjYGviEGmYU-GV9iMObE8FM/s1600/1FC09757-5056-B73B-0D6E48E9A0CF671C-supporting_image_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLh4z97qYFZkTA57JuK2Zob7s6Iy1jpVacY8TsD8c95UQM00RnfCYopD2DnPGdsnVb0v7igA9cdmxVSCCsSfljKJiNU0jIT7Te-7ygzIfskAQmv1QdkgVXmjYGviEGmYU-GV9iMObE8FM/s640/1FC09757-5056-B73B-0D6E48E9A0CF671C-supporting_image_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TURRA 30 is an unmanned turred from EVPÚ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
most cases, the Šakal was showcased with a TURRA 30 unmanned turret
made by the Slovakian company EVPÚ. This is an unmanned turret is armed with a 30
mm gun, a coaxial machine gun (MG) and a dual launcher for anti-tank
guided missiles (ATGMs). The turret has eight smoke grenade discharges
located in four groups of two. The computerized fire control system
includes modern optronics for commander and gunner, which feature
thermal imagers. At Eurosatory 2014 another variant of the BMP-M2/Šakal was demonstrated, this time fitted with the Samson Mk II RWS from the
Israeli company Rafael. This remote controlled weapon station (RWS) was
chosen by the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/06/boxer-prototype-for-lithuania-being.html">Lithuanian Army for the Vilkas</a>,
a version of the Boxer multi-role armored vehicle. It includes a 30 mm
autocannon - usually the Mk 44 Bushmaster II chaingun from ATK - a
coaxial machine gun and a retractable dual-launcher for Spike-LR ATGMs,
which is however not dampened. Alternatively Excalibur Army is offering the DVK-30 one-man-turret as upgrade option for the APCs and IFVs, which is a low profile turret with the weapon station in overhead mount. This turret can be fitted with either a 30 mm CZ30 or 2A42 autocannon and provides storage for 300 rounds in the dual-feed system of the gun (100 rounds of one type and 200 rouinds of another type). As seconary armament a 7.62 mm machine gun with 1,650 bullets is used. Six 81 mm smoke grenades and the welded steel armor capable of resisting 14.5 mm AP ammo in the frontal arc and 7.62 mm bullets all-around provide protection against incoming fire. The fact that the DVK-30 turret has only a crew of one, the poor armor protection aswell as the limited gun depression from -4° to +50° make the DVK-30 a worse option than both the TURRA 30 and the Samson Mk II unmanned turrets.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjKW5piUi8l7QhZN3pFmoATiodFWJAdAlJPNAI2am5bYumqG7KjDGEOJMFU-nhv78rsUjqgC1zJlvZKw3Wu3cMuJ4oY0qGq_xFrRoZ6usShsk4pxLGu2m5tbf757SuJDpe49jZWhq-zvy/s1600/ukraine-se-nang-cap-xe-chien-dau-bmp-2-cho-nuoc-chau-a-hinh-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="760" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjKW5piUi8l7QhZN3pFmoATiodFWJAdAlJPNAI2am5bYumqG7KjDGEOJMFU-nhv78rsUjqgC1zJlvZKw3Wu3cMuJ4oY0qGq_xFrRoZ6usShsk4pxLGu2m5tbf757SuJDpe49jZWhq-zvy/s640/ukraine-se-nang-cap-xe-chien-dau-bmp-2-cho-nuoc-chau-a-hinh-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">Šakal fitted with Samson Mk 2 RWS</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">The biggest advantage of the Šakal is the greater degree of </span></span>local
industry involvment compared to all other options. While - with the potential exception of the Puma IFV - all offered vehicles are understood to include a cooperation with the local industry, the amount of involvment of the Czech industry seems to be reduced to a small amount. BAE Systems for example always manufactures the CV90 hull, but allows the local industry to provide several components (such as computer systems, roadwheels and storage boxes) and to make the turret under licence. General Dynamics allowed most of the Pandur IIs for the Czech Army to be made locally, while Rheinmetall has shown its willingeness to accept licence production agreements in Algeria and Poland. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Šakal is however far
from perfect, even including the hypothetical versions mentioned earlier. Even though the Šakal uses new rubber
band tracks and a more powerful engine, it won't be able to handle much
additional weight; the BMP-2's growth potential is too limited, being further enhanced requires to start/continue the development of new suspension elements, new powerpacks, etc. and/or buying foreign technology. Even when accounting for a Šakal variant with the upgraded MGC-14.5/BMP-M1 CZ armor, the vehicle would only provide the same level of protection as the already existing wheeled Pandur II IFV operated by the Czech Army. Not only being unable to handle as much weight as the other vehicles, the BMP-2 hull also offers less useable volume. In order to compensate this fact, Excalibur Army used to offer a version of the BMP-M2 <span id="result_box"><span title="s r. o. je rozdělena do několika divizí.">Šakal design with a 500 mm raised roof at the driver's and crew comparment. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According
to Polish sources, the PMMC (protected mission module carrier) G5 from
the German company Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) might also
be offered as option for the BMP-2 replacement. Meant as a low-cost of the M113
armored personnel carrier (APC), the PMMC G5 makes use of many
off-the-shelf components including some parts of the M2 Bradley. The
<a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/pmmc-g5-ultimate-m113.html">PMMC G5 has a semi-modular layout</a>, allowing the vehicle to be
reconfigured for different missions by swapping out mission modules; in
the basic concept this is similar to the Boxer multi-role armored
vehicle (MRAV). The PMMC G5 has an empty weight of about 18 metric tons and has a maximum gross vehicle weight of 26.5 metric tons, thus
offering 8.5 metric tons for the adoption of an add-on armor package, a
weapon station, or a mission specific package. It has been claimed to have a
high level of built-in protection against mines and IEDs (impovised
explosive devices). In some cases the G5 has been showcased with
homogenous armor, but it also has been fitted with spaced armor and with
ceramic composite armor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The G5 is fitted with a 550 horsepower
MTU MTU 199 TE21 engine in a six-cylinder configuration. The slightly
larger eight cylinder version is used on the British Scout-SV Ajax.
Coupled to a LSG 1000 HD automatic transmission from ZF Friedrichshafen
AG, the engine is able to accerlate the PMMC G5 to a top road speed of
74 kilometres per hour. The internal tanks hold enough fuel for a road
range of 1,000 kilometres.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHQEh8knHPRCcJRUCGvZQbZjn0B2MJ1rp5ZdmGIbI52sv7pbmlSLT60wVKrz6M0TElA405l2IVV5qRW_Ycgdt5qUIHWCaUKHY2Ww8zVEI4Ep6p09ZAokwr8zXXsSw3H_TatJJ5ICwfJdW/s1600/16833074_10158444196955107_1800708714_o2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1136" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHQEh8knHPRCcJRUCGvZQbZjn0B2MJ1rp5ZdmGIbI52sv7pbmlSLT60wVKrz6M0TElA405l2IVV5qRW_Ycgdt5qUIHWCaUKHY2Ww8zVEI4Ep6p09ZAokwr8zXXsSw3H_TatJJ5ICwfJdW/s640/16833074_10158444196955107_1800708714_o2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The FFG PMMC G5 in the scout variant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On
IDEX 2017 a version of the G5 was showcased by FFG, which seems to be
suited for use as infantry fighting vehicle. The vehicle is fitted with
Dynamit Nobel Defence's FEWAS 30 remote weapon station armed 30 mm Mk 44
Bushmaster II chain gun, a coaxial machine gun and a dual-launcher for
the Spike-LR ATGMs. This turret appears to be a licence-made version of
the Samson Mk 2 RWS from Rafael. The version at IDEX was fitted with
lightweight rubber band tracks, which reduce the noise generated during
travel. A front-mounted camera system enhances the situtational
awareness. Protection is provided by a mast-mounted laser warning system
from Elbit Systems, located on the rear section of the hull, as well as
applique composite armor, which is expected to reach at least ballistic
protection in accordance with STANAG 4569 level 4.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The APC
variant of the G5 is claimed to be able to transport twelve men
including the three of crew; an IFV variant is expected to carry only
eleven men (driver, commander, gunner and eight dismounts). Thanks to
it's large internal volume of 14.5 m³, the ambulance version of the PMMC
G5 is currently competing against several wheeled options for adoption
by the German Army. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfsyS7LjRmcXHDEVLIuI3JsHCLlirHWJv4_-6i5P-3AoYnTYdovGkaCNsCn4NQBZHQNKyVcezKQPU7zBS27TvlKnjqwB7PWMoyHHxAuSOaEZXfqVjK8pnmLUoS-IQ17L4niCZGh7gTsSe/s1600/1GpgxDt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfsyS7LjRmcXHDEVLIuI3JsHCLlirHWJv4_-6i5P-3AoYnTYdovGkaCNsCn4NQBZHQNKyVcezKQPU7zBS27TvlKnjqwB7PWMoyHHxAuSOaEZXfqVjK8pnmLUoS-IQ17L4niCZGh7gTsSe/s640/1GpgxDt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zetor Engineering is offering the Wolfdog. Note the missing missile launcher on this model</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The company Zetor Engineering, a newly founded subsidiary of the Czech tractor manufacturer, has presented first scale models and a mock-up of a cross-sectiton of the new Wolfdog IFV design, that the company plans to offer to the Czech Army. The vehicle is meant to be manned by a crew of three and transport up to eight dismounts. Ontop of the hull, an unmanned turret of unknown type will be mounted. It is not clear wether Zetor Engineering intends to design an own turret or plans utilizing an yet unnanounced turret made by another company. Alternatively the current turret design might be just a placeholder.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiWxomGN8PhBJlOekV0jmXsW2Aq8j1ZNeeN_hOsFoTh7VElFBMLw1U65s64xm3kNAtvwxDRXNQO-ZEJ7N3E_IK10aPXzh3b8mvJMz4j5LWNq0QVuawDRVzrBk9iomeI9eKQuXYHJUJNvF/s1600/242a39_ddacaba892f64f0688ff032571fe16b0%257Emv2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiWxomGN8PhBJlOekV0jmXsW2Aq8j1ZNeeN_hOsFoTh7VElFBMLw1U65s64xm3kNAtvwxDRXNQO-ZEJ7N3E_IK10aPXzh3b8mvJMz4j5LWNq0QVuawDRVzrBk9iomeI9eKQuXYHJUJNvF/s640/242a39_ddacaba892f64f0688ff032571fe16b0%257Emv2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wolfdog is armed with an autocannon, two machine guns and an ATGM launcher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The turret includes three identical set of optics, each apparently containing a daysight camera, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder. The gunner's sight is fixed to the turret front, while the commander is provided with an independent optic unit, that provides 360° traverse. A further identical optic is mounted in a remotely operated weapon stations - this is rather uncommon, because usually the RWS in AFVs is operated by either gunner or commander (in MBTs sometimes the loader is meant to operate the RWS, but there is no human loader in an IFV). With the RWS' optics and the commander's sight both identical, it seems reasonable to assume that the RWS of the Wolfdog is operated by the gunner or by a soldier belonging to the infantry squad; the latter would enable the Wolfdog to engage multiple targets simultaneously, while at the same time having proper hunter/killer capabilty - other than the Wolfdog, only the Puma (once fitted with its TWSA) is capable of doing that.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5jF78_6XJ3I9nS0VW9accH5sX0_RkiqRQEpj9uYcSIePbX3FDQlfGUerh-VY_d_n2hY6xTtPoyZdNACRsBzhiduaFAgcr098tZ0ZbWE1H2VZb7hzjB375rHaEp4sn9B-iD27ARB69kmE/s1600/242a39_9024ee4fc4674a00850a3fa91d193830%257Emv2_d_7016_4961_s_4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1148" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5jF78_6XJ3I9nS0VW9accH5sX0_RkiqRQEpj9uYcSIePbX3FDQlfGUerh-VY_d_n2hY6xTtPoyZdNACRsBzhiduaFAgcr098tZ0ZbWE1H2VZb7hzjB375rHaEp4sn9B-iD27ARB69kmE/s640/242a39_9024ee4fc4674a00850a3fa91d193830%257Emv2_d_7016_4961_s_4_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wolfdog follows a conventional IFV layout with front-mounted engine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Wolfdog IFVis meant to be equipped with a 800 kW engine connected to a gearbox with six forward and six reverse speeds; the company has not disclosed which exact powerpack will be used, but the description would match the Puma's MT892 engine with Renk HSWL 256 transmission; however one should not rule out the possibility of Zetor Engineering planing to use another powerpack made by Scania or other manufacturers. The running gear of the new IFV design utilizes seven pairs of roadwheels to spread the weight evenly along the tracks. They are connected to a hydropneumatic suspension, that can allow to alter the ground clearance of the vehicles as optional feature. An auxiliary power unit with unknown output provides the vehicle's systems with energy when the engine is turned off. The top speed of the Wolfdog is quoted as 70 km/h, tthe vehicle can carry enough fuel to travel a 600 kilometre long distance. According to current projections of the vehicle's performance, the Wolfdog can cross 1.2 metre deep bodies of water and climb 0.895 m high vertical obstacles. It can drive at up to 32° side slope and climb 30° slopes.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The main armament of the Wolfdog consists of an unspecified autocannon. The vehicle can accept a wide variety of different weapon systems ranging from a small RWS (when used as APC) to a 120 mm gun in case of a light/medium tank variant, which however wouldn't carry an infantry squad. Aside of the autocannon a dual-launcher for anti-tank guided missiles is located at the right side of the unmanned turret, while a coaxial machine gun is located left of the main gun. A RWS with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun sits ontop of the turret.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOOoPPMZ9fFntudyiOspY5f-iAXcKtn2whdL4lXqbg4pSEGmB4YluOd-nwQ2UNKl54v6jM1aQRDmSjHc_nlE5uKGcErtPfgca5eaH-5gUNRSWvnzwoWh_uVtdhjca3dCQDdmJwdN2nPeN/s1600/242a39_ac8f277c62244afcb7e45e71b7b8d3f5%257Emv2_d_7016_4961_s_4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1148" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOOoPPMZ9fFntudyiOspY5f-iAXcKtn2whdL4lXqbg4pSEGmB4YluOd-nwQ2UNKl54v6jM1aQRDmSjHc_nlE5uKGcErtPfgca5eaH-5gUNRSWvnzwoWh_uVtdhjca3dCQDdmJwdN2nPeN/s640/242a39_ac8f277c62244afcb7e45e71b7b8d3f5%257Emv2_d_7016_4961_s_4_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The welded steel hull of the vehicle is fitted with modular add-on armor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At 38 metric tons in the basic configuration, the Wolfdog is heavier than the offered variants of ASCOD 2 and CV90 Mark III, aswell as Lynx and Puma IFV in the baseline configurations. One would expect a matching or greater level of protection then - however according to the manufacturer, the Wolfdog's armor offers only ballistic protection according to STANAG 4569 level 4 and 5, i.e. no protection against 30 mm anti-vehicle rounds and bigger threats. The vehicle can be fitted with additional applique armor sets to reach various different levels of protection. The frontal armor can be boosted to resist 30 mm APFSDS ammo in order to meeting the STANAG 4569 level 6 requirements, while passive armor can be added to resist RPGs with single stage warhead. Active protection - understood to be either explosive reactive armor or an active protection system - would allow the Wolfdog to resist RPGs with tandem shaped charge warhead such as the RPG-29. A further armor package to protect the frontal arc against 40 mm and 57 mm munitions has been suggested, but not yet developed. The maximum gross vehicle weight of 49 metric tons would certainly allow using a lot of additional armor.</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWZwfB2CpD2xUdbvZ1Abz8-2ZElFf73yLMoba6ZXItHQKWI-6SXSeOZrq_LiJV8Tn1NsI8BtqNga5ryXceHBBh74X5wih84kXSMa-3d14eYCeEoRUFkIf04WINVD6jy-FocKuqCS5JN7x/s1600/2562237_1000x.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWZwfB2CpD2xUdbvZ1Abz8-2ZElFf73yLMoba6ZXItHQKWI-6SXSeOZrq_LiJV8Tn1NsI8BtqNga5ryXceHBBh74X5wih84kXSMa-3d14eYCeEoRUFkIf04WINVD6jy-FocKuqCS5JN7x/s640/2562237_1000x.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross-section mock-up of the Wolfdog IFV. Notte the spaced floor plate aswell as the spaced roof armor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The huge weight of the Wolfdog in relation to its protection level is concerning. While arguably being about the same size as the Puma - the Wolfdog has a
slightly longer hull, but is neither as tall nor as wide as German
Army's IFV - the Wolfdog achieves a lower level of protection in the
standard configuration despite having an extra six tons of weight. Zetor Engineering has not revealed any partners or technology suppliers, but rather has shown a mock-up of the Wolfdog's cross-section, which only showed steel and spaced armor; this might mean, that the Czech company decided to develop and utilize its own armor technology, which is unable to achieve the same protection level per weight as modern solutions from the market leading competition. If true, then the Wolfdog designers have made a huge oversight, dimishing the chances of the locally designed IFVs to be chosen over its European rivals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The roof armor of the Wolfdog appears to be spaced steel - the same type of armor was used on the old Marder 1A3 back in 1988 - which should provide protection against artillery fragments from close ranges. The composition of the thick side armor modules is unknown, however the sponsons are empty and can be used to store ammo or other equipment inside them, which would reduce casualities in case of armor penetration. A total of four hatches allows accessing the interior of the sponsons. The double-layered floor plate of the Wolfdog meets the STANAG
4569 level 4 protection against mines and IEDs, which is currently the
highest standardized threat class. However it also appears to be made out of steel only based on the mock-up. A composite belly plate would allow a significant weight reduction.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are numerous further IFVs in the European market, that in theory could be offered to the Czech Army. E.g. one of them them is the Anders, which has its origins in Poland, however it is questionable that it would be offered for the Czech IFV tender. Last year the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/back-from-dead-anders-and-pt-16.html">Anders</a> IFV was presented in an upgraded configuration, but there weren't any further news on the vehicle. Apparently the vehicle was meant to compete against the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/first-rendering-from-obrums-borsuk-ifv.html">Borsuk IFV</a>, the development of which is currently being funded by the Polish government; recently it was announced that the Borsuk will be redesigned with heavier armor protection. The development of the Anders was supposedly finished and it is in theory offering an acceptable level of protection - at least STANAG 4569 level 5 ballistic protection once fitted with applique armor. </div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-54719204460579376362017-07-25T14:17:00.000-07:002017-07-25T14:17:08.109-07:00More T-90 and BMPT contracts<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently it has been reported that Russia has opted to purchase a small number of BMPT fire support vehicles following the combat experiences in Syria. Previously the BMPT had been rejected by the Russian Army, partly due to the T-15 version of the next-generation Armata family of combat vehicles being considered to handle the same taks while being an IFV with enough space to transport nine dismounts. The BMPT ordered by Russia is an improved model that has been described as the <i>BMPT-2</i>, a name that confusingly has sometimes also used in blogs and forums to describe another variant.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the same time the Russian company UVZ and government sources have announced a number of new export contracts for the T-90 main battle tank.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The new variant of the BMPT-2 is mostly based on the existing BMPT Terminator model, but includes a number of enhancements. The guided missile launchers for the 130 mm 9M120 Ataka missiles (that are usually fitted with thermobaric warheads, but are also available with an anti-tank tandem shaped charge warhead) are fitted with a protective armor panel, which is also used on the BMPT-72. This is the main reason why some people have unintentionally mistaken it for the BMPT-72, ignoring the differences in turret and hull size and shape. The BMPT-72 uses a rather unmodified T-72 chassis with the turret proturding out by quite a bit - thus the BMPT-72 has a crew of only three: commander, driver and gunner. The other BMPT variants utilize a more heavbily modified chassis based on components of the T-72 and T-90, which has a rasied roof section to accommodate the larger crew of these vehicles; aside of the commander, the driver and the main gun operator, two further soldiers inside the BMPT are responsible of operating the hull-mounted automatic grenade launchers. The turret has a much lower-profile, due to the larger hull offering more space for the lower sections of the soldiers.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierSPbd8A6tks79Wz5vuRIUGVknl4H0kcEUYTDMeRjUAMDoKTO3CwTrBBl9wj7EX9lvgSuyoxMC-yMTXE3lnQxi5-VzgRXzkIjOVJ9waMrkbMqvnDWZzGvNt2kfIMChOTM4269BAJvHjfk/s1600/BMPT-2+mit+neuem+ERA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierSPbd8A6tks79Wz5vuRIUGVknl4H0kcEUYTDMeRjUAMDoKTO3CwTrBBl9wj7EX9lvgSuyoxMC-yMTXE3lnQxi5-VzgRXzkIjOVJ9waMrkbMqvnDWZzGvNt2kfIMChOTM4269BAJvHjfk/s640/BMPT-2+mit+neuem+ERA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new BMPT is fitted with the "bagged ERA"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The BMPT is protected by composite armor and advanced types of <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a>. The frontal aspect of the tank is fitted with heavy Relikt ERA, which not only provides a considerable reduction in the penetration power of single stage shaped charge warheads and kinetic energy penetrators (KEPs) such as APFSDS ammunition, but also can reduce the penetration of tandem shaped charge warheads as used on modern anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). Compared to the original BMPT prototypes, the upper surface of this ERA is fitted with ribs in order to prevent bullets or splinters being deflected against the driver's sights.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The vehicle has been photographed in Syria while being fitted with a new type of ERA - or at least a new type of mounting existing ERA, which has been previously demonstrated on a few T-72B tanks. The armor modules are contained in cloth bags, which are strapped to the vehicle by two slings. The exact reason behind this layout has yet to be revealed, it is however believed that it allows an easier and faster replacement of damaged or detonated explosive reactive armor modules. Based on the thickness of the ERA and the fact that it is located ontop of a layer of composite armor, that also can incorporate a further reactive armor panel, this armor is believed to provide protection against at least some types of tandem shaped charge warheads.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_NzjbX0OQIQ1C45ZCdM2IONGZPC75MJqu_Zi1DoSdxWz7ERHNqC-Cmhcqy77GFqtvJUcaSbhZ3bbb-70Y96yojMKwIKOxIzl0Cgusvt6BwUrOHGqNmT-bylTWVf9g1RGt9Mh7KL4h-He/s1600/BMPT-2+mit+Tarnnetz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1024" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_NzjbX0OQIQ1C45ZCdM2IONGZPC75MJqu_Zi1DoSdxWz7ERHNqC-Cmhcqy77GFqtvJUcaSbhZ3bbb-70Y96yojMKwIKOxIzl0Cgusvt6BwUrOHGqNmT-bylTWVf9g1RGt9Mh7KL4h-He/s640/BMPT-2+mit+Tarnnetz.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new BMPT variant uses armored panels for protecting the guided missiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
f<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The BMPT is armed an array of different weapons, most of which are mounted in an overhead weapon station above the low-profile turret. This is not a remote weapon station (RWS) and also is not an unmanned turret. The main armament consists of two 30 x 165 mm 2A42 autocannons. The choice of this armament has been questioned in the past; apparently the idea behind using two guns of the same calibre fixed at the same target is only a cheap way of increasing the rate of fire and decreasing the relative barrel wear - a more modern gun might have been able to sustain the same rate of fire with just one barrel. A bigger point of critique is however the relative small calibre of the guns, which has been considered as being too small to engage targets hidden inside of buildings and structures by some members of the Russian Army.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The BMPT-2 has a newly added system allowing to fire programmable ammunition. Unlike comparable systems from Germany and the United States, the timer for the detonation seems to be set outside of the gun using an optical system - though this is not confirmed.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIMvfoZ5UualDXKZx6WLIlNO2wseKF-fpaVhAeQqDQKhFuD6dhaSJ8qowccg3rGpMiaOv02XXzp8TST5Q2x-K-Zy6F-lbWjuOaMpVTeLIfh25hK7dZoUWO14tbTLYxIYBjwtMzgKwXhyphenhyphenw/s1600/11rwsc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIMvfoZ5UualDXKZx6WLIlNO2wseKF-fpaVhAeQqDQKhFuD6dhaSJ8qowccg3rGpMiaOv02XXzp8TST5Q2x-K-Zy6F-lbWjuOaMpVTeLIfh25hK7dZoUWO14tbTLYxIYBjwtMzgKwXhyphenhyphenw/s400/11rwsc4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weapons of the BMPT are arranged in an overhead mount</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The new version of the fire support vehicle includes a number of improved components compared to the previous variant. The turret-independent panoramic sight for the commander is now based on the commander's optic used on the T-90MS, which includes a modern thermal imager, instead of using the previous BO7K1 optic with a simpler image intensifier. Storage boxes have been added to the rear of hull and weapon station, while the drivetrain makes use of the same tracks as the T-90, rather than using the less capable T-72 tracks. In Syria the vehicle has been showcased with a camouflage net ontop. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to not entirely confirmed reports, three countries have requested to purchase the T-90 main battle tank (MBT), while a fourth country is supposedly thinking about ordering a number of T-90 tanks. A statement in an official report from tank manufacturer UralVagonZavod (UVZ) confirms that a costumer with the index 704 has ordered 64 T-90S and T-90SK tanks. This index number is used for Russian arms exports to Vietnam, which has bought the tanks as part of a larger military equipment order funded with a Russian credit.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vietnam has a history of buying Soviet/Russian military equipment, following the Sino-Vietnamese War (Third Indochina War) of 1979, which is why the country rejects buying most of its equipment from the largest regional arms exporter. Currently the Vietnamese ground forces are under-equipped, the most modern tank model in the inventory is apparently the T-62 MBT or an upgraded Chinese-made T-54 copy. Due to the lackluster infrastructure of the country, a large number of light and amphibious tanks aswell as infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) form the bulk of the military vehicles. Buying the T-90 hence seems very reasonable and likely.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The T-90S is an export model of the Russian version, sometimes also described as a <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/t-72-monkey-models.html">monkey model</a>, even though this might not properly reflect its true nature. Unlike the Russian variants, the T-90S usually is not fitted with the Shtora electro-optical countermeasure, a system which uses laser-warners, smoke grenade launchers and two large infrared jammers to prevent anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) from hitting the tank. Similar and often more complex systems have been made by China, <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/qinetiq-to-test-muss-aps-for-british.html">Germany</a>, <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/06/merkava-with-ears-its-alwacs.html">Israel</a>, the Ukraine and the United States.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When fitted with parts of the Shtora protection system, the export T-90 tank is commonly called T-90SA; the Algerian T-90SA tanks however still lack the MTShU-1-7 modulators found on Russian tanks. The T-90SK is a command variant of the T-90, fitted with a new internal navigation system (TNA-4-3), the more capable R-168-100KBE HF radio unit and a PAB-2M theodolite. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeQF7eCyVj_UPoYf_58vcwIAvWW1DA7wWHzgz9FXF3C1H6YXJ4agRNyiye43mj6JWHZcINuSfOFa6JsoX-grvuYLryYCdEoYBhOA9LvH8JKphAkaDsYwme273giUeLY5Twi1esUXHNJqE/s1600/T-90SK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeQF7eCyVj_UPoYf_58vcwIAvWW1DA7wWHzgz9FXF3C1H6YXJ4agRNyiye43mj6JWHZcINuSfOFa6JsoX-grvuYLryYCdEoYBhOA9LvH8JKphAkaDsYwme273giUeLY5Twi1esUXHNJqE/s400/T-90SK.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-90SK is a command variant of the T-90S</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Iraqi Army has been claimed to purchase 73 T-90S and T-90SK tanks. The Iraqi ground forces have taken heavy losses in combat against the terrorists, even the American-made M1A1M Abrams tanks, an export version of the M1A1 Abrams without DU armor but fitted with a heavy conventional armor package, have proven to be vulnerable to anti-tank missiles and RPGs. The largest part of the Iraq's tank force consisted of Soviet-designed T-72M/M1 tanks, some of which were relative recently delivered by Czech manufacturer Excalibur Army. <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/the-armor-protection-of-t-72-tank.html">Lacking any sort of modern armor</a> - even first generation Kontakt-1 ERA is not fitted to the tanks - these T-72 require an urgent replacement. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS0JkKTb8O6oyCx99HDe4QQ5Jw8ZK5U5_SMQiuzv0ukLc55I8y5qniKiaZC4sZZRKujQUm5zZ-zB895pnmP7a6yjuVhDkMMV8YkAbo60mxX18g7lje0ubOd6SIOsBax3rxEDiVPP1-3PA/s1600/T-90ms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBS0JkKTb8O6oyCx99HDe4QQ5Jw8ZK5U5_SMQiuzv0ukLc55I8y5qniKiaZC4sZZRKujQUm5zZ-zB895pnmP7a6yjuVhDkMMV8YkAbo60mxX18g7lje0ubOd6SIOsBax3rxEDiVPP1-3PA/s640/T-90ms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-90MS is a much more advanced tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_534388616"></span><span id="goog_534388617"></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kuwait has been claimed to have ordered 146 of the much more capable T-90MS/T-90MSK tanks, which are based on the T-90AM main battle tank variant. These vehicles will most likely serve as a replacement for the old M-84, a Yugoslavian modified variant of the T-72 MBT made under licence. The M-84 has not seen any upgrades to keep it relevant, lacking essential features of a modern MBT. The T-90MS is currently the latest available version of the T-90, that was first presented in 2011. It features a vast number of enhancements, boosting it's combat performance in all important aspects: armor protection, firepower, manageability, mobility and reliability.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The T-90MS uses a new elongated turret, which is fitted with number of bustle-mounted storage boxes, of which one is used to store some of ammunition. The improved variant of the T-90 includes a new electronics package, while the fire control system allows full hunter/killer operations thanks to the independent commander's Eagly Eye sight made by the Belarussian company Peleng, which contains a video daylight camera, a laser rangefinder and a modern thermal imager. Slaved to the commander's sight is a remote weapon station with a 7.62 mm machine gun and 800 rounds of ammunition. A better powerpack with a more powerful engine increases the mobility.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While not being fitted with the full Shtora system including IR jammers, the laser warning sensors are fitted to the tank, which most likely are linked to the smoke grenade dischargers for faster reactions. The T-90MS is armed with the 125 mm smoothbore 2A46M-5 gun, that unlike earlier models has an internal chromium liner and an improved recoil system. Compared to its predecessor. the 2A46M-5 is about 100 kilograms heavier, but has a 70% higher barrel life and has on average a 15% lower dispersion.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuF9nsX1ebGJqTNsSwTPEDwZ37my9YYr4VEUby0WxKTHAjschKmIVw3gKhB0Gm5KU88nB6r8-KsxG7wZLXbcj3fF5pwkNU2FI5EwAGi8-eMZZc6B-yLAnT5X5lMwd6qf-t2QYOJaENyZz/s1600/T-90MS+armor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuF9nsX1ebGJqTNsSwTPEDwZ37my9YYr4VEUby0WxKTHAjschKmIVw3gKhB0Gm5KU88nB6r8-KsxG7wZLXbcj3fF5pwkNU2FI5EwAGi8-eMZZc6B-yLAnT5X5lMwd6qf-t2QYOJaENyZz/s400/T-90MS+armor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-90MS features additional armor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The armor protection is enhanced over the T-90S thanks to a larger number of modifications. The frontal arc of the tank utilizes the more advanced Relikt ERA instead of the old Kontakt-5 ERA used on the T-90, T-90A and T-90S. Furthermore the side skirts are replaced with a newer design, which contains more composite/ERA segments than the previous T-90 skirts, on which they were mostly made of steel-mesh reinforced rubber (only three segments at the frontal section of each hull side included ERA). A big downside of <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/cold-war-mbt-turret-designs.html">the T-90 turret design</a> - the poor side armor which proved to be vulnerable to RPGs in urban combat - has been fixed by adding spaced armor modules that can be fitted with composite armor or ERA panels. Slat armor is covering the rear section of hull and turret.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to a conversation between Vladimir Putin and an official from the Russian Army, which was "leaked" (it seems very likely to be intentional propaganda), the frontal armor is claimed to provide protection equivalent to 850 mm steel armor against APFSDS ammunition and up to 1,200 mm against shaped charge ammunition with tandem warheads.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Furthermore the removal of some of the ammunition from the crew compartment increases the survivability in case of armor penetration.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQaBG-_4WKW2I0t-ToNNNlosbfs2GvnxlmBAy5dOmfUYcLXB43_WksyELTxPyPzwVaOe3Er7hAur7I4asLkEJDW6vuOxOTYWrNfLdzsRFE8EU-LJORh4t-CsDom6vmlGCWf0splvHXndn/s1600/T-90M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQaBG-_4WKW2I0t-ToNNNlosbfs2GvnxlmBAy5dOmfUYcLXB43_WksyELTxPyPzwVaOe3Er7hAur7I4asLkEJDW6vuOxOTYWrNfLdzsRFE8EU-LJORh4t-CsDom6vmlGCWf0splvHXndn/s640/T-90M.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-90M will be adopted by the Russian Army</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Iran is indirectly copying the T-90MS in form of the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/03/karrar-mbt-unveiled.html">Karrar tank,</a> while India has ordered a total of 464 of the T-90MS tanks. According to Russian sources, Egypt (the biggest M1 Abrams user aside of the United States) has shown interest in acquiring the licence to produce up to 400 T-90S or T-90MS tanks locally. Kuwait also operates the M1 Abrams, the Kuwaiti tanks were recently upgraded to the M1A2 configuration, but with an export armor package, where the depleted uranium is replaced with other materials. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Russia is planning to upgrade many of it's current T-90 tanks to the new T-90M configuration as part of the Proryv-3 (<i>breakthrough 3</i>) program. This is very similar to the T-90MS, but includes a number of unique features such as slat armor covering the lower ERA section of the turret front, aswell as the more powerful 125 mm 2A82-1M smoothbore gun of the T-14 Armata. The weight of the T-90M supposedly will reach up to 50 metric tons compared to the 48 metric tons of the T-90MS and the only 46.5 metric tons of the T-90A.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-25368465496859354772017-06-23T06:35:00.000-07:002017-06-23T06:35:03.231-07:00Merkava with ears? It's ALWACS!<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the past months a number of photographs has been posted online, which shows some of the older, upgraded Merkava main battle tanks (MBTs) featuring so called "<i>ears</i>". In different forums people have speculated about the purpose of the oddly shaped turret add-ons, suggesting that these might be part of a 360° close proximity surveillance system or radars for detecting the launch of rocket propelled grenades or anti-tank missiles.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTRZMtqmORV7CH1YKiVIDz_nS4KYIvgfvm_ui3Sel9Re9f_732LhaVaK68hMafG1DhpLh0eDAoufNb3_17OUhP62kkrhHWz63Bl1AxZ9ulwGMM_eE-7KSmF4qltJsZCmXMgqQtJPufmsC/s1600/ALWACS+Merkava+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTRZMtqmORV7CH1YKiVIDz_nS4KYIvgfvm_ui3Sel9Re9f_732LhaVaK68hMafG1DhpLh0eDAoufNb3_17OUhP62kkrhHWz63Bl1AxZ9ulwGMM_eE-7KSmF4qltJsZCmXMgqQtJPufmsC/s640/ALWACS+Merkava+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Operational Merkava tanks with "ears"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In fact the upgraded Merkava II and Merkava III tanks are fitted with <span class="st">the <i>advanced laser warning and countermeasure system </i>(</span>ALWACS), which is made by the local manufacturer Elbit Systems. The ALWACS is a softkill <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">active protection system (APS)</a> capable of defeating anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and other sorts of laser-guided ammunition, by distracting them or by hiding the tank using a multi-spectral smoke screen. ALWACS has also been proposed for adoption on the troubled Arjun Mk. 2 tank upgrade for the Indian Army; however it was not adopted into the upgrade package in favor of other components such as heavy <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J5WXAojQtvA2-AI0IP4jU6-Atp37xjbAHpHgzwqp6h7bds7jpjccmvTNUf3eTXRJQhyCaqy1IujiwT7p_KC1nnXO0961eUkmDV-JAjYSYbHY_UqwffWyr87RiCv9CBBW7tMpnSz-N0VT/s1600/ALWACS+Arjun.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1078" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J5WXAojQtvA2-AI0IP4jU6-Atp37xjbAHpHgzwqp6h7bds7jpjccmvTNUf3eTXRJQhyCaqy1IujiwT7p_KC1nnXO0961eUkmDV-JAjYSYbHY_UqwffWyr87RiCv9CBBW7tMpnSz-N0VT/s640/ALWACS+Arjun.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ALWACS softkill system has been proposed for adoption on the Arjun tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Incoming threats are indirecly detected by the Elbit-made E-LAWS laser warning sensors. In case of the Merkava III tanks, these are usually mounted atop a mast on the turret; however there are also some cases where the E-LAWS modules are bolted to the turret sides. These laser warning sensors are also used on other vehicles inlcuding <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/06/improved-version-of-tam-revealed.html">the TAM 2C upgrade</a> for the Argentine Army and the British Ajax recon vehicle. If a laser source triggers the warning system, the direction of the source is calculated and the countermeasures are being engaged. The ALWACS softkill system includes two different types of defensive measures: the VIRCMs (vehicle infrared counter-measures) and multi-spectral smoke grenades.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each VIRCM module consists of four smaller infrared (IR) jammers, which are set at different angles and cover more than 90° of azimuth; the coverage in elevation is probably limited to about 45°, maybe even less. The IR jammers can confuse missiles that are utilizing IR signales for semi-automatic guidance along the line of sight (SACLOS). The upgraded Merkava tanks feature two VIRCMs (one on the left and on of the right side of the turret rear bustle), covering a large portion of the sides and rear. However the Merkava tanks fitted with the ALWACS softkill APS don't feature any additional smoke grenade launchers; it is not known if the smoke grenades used by the Merkava tanks are capable of blocking the most common IR and laser wavelengths.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWWteIStb0JEa3N_WOkD0mid2Kkdo4d2_fouL-j2ocidu3_Kyxj_zRPFU5inJTJOcFYdwAnhjqQpROhYNsDWV9PT50lK2sClyHGNXH0koJm3Coi1R61GrTR2TrLG5pS3Z3RJcyME-48XJ/s1600/ALWACS+Merkava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWWteIStb0JEa3N_WOkD0mid2Kkdo4d2_fouL-j2ocidu3_Kyxj_zRPFU5inJTJOcFYdwAnhjqQpROhYNsDWV9PT50lK2sClyHGNXH0koJm3Coi1R61GrTR2TrLG5pS3Z3RJcyME-48XJ/s640/ALWACS+Merkava.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ports of the VIRCMs are open; also note the mast with E-LAWS on the center of the turret roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <i><span class="st">advanced laser warning and countermeasure system </span></i>is essentially a more modern equivalent to the Soviet-made Shtora electro-optical countermeasure system and other simple softkill systems like the Ukranian Varta, which utilize laser warners to activate IR jammers and/or to launch smoke grenades. Similiar systems also include the LEDS-50 laser warning and the LEDS-100 softkill system from SAAB Electronics, the US AN/VLQ 6 missile countermeasure device (MCD), which is an infrared jammer not connected to a laser warning system, and Rheinmetall's ROSY_L. ROSY_L consists of multiple smoke grenade launchers in a 40 mm calibre, which are controlled by a manual control unit or by a computer control unit. The computer can be connected to sensor systems such as laser warners and accoustic sensors belonging to the company's SAS product suite in order to create a softkill system known as ROSY_L ISS (integrated sensor suite).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtMdt-zF9h-FdZptqAgs1HKgqNr2EqxLPRudn5eWxpwGMuPbhgCpVWmZZ_m2qMGj97cJPSF_TprXYDAYILIwjAaiS7ho2MwXwS9JDBYXXqeb2YkDZJU6fOzaEeOUu2gOhW2IZ_XBVXchi/s1600/MUSS.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1003" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtMdt-zF9h-FdZptqAgs1HKgqNr2EqxLPRudn5eWxpwGMuPbhgCpVWmZZ_m2qMGj97cJPSF_TprXYDAYILIwjAaiS7ho2MwXwS9JDBYXXqeb2YkDZJU6fOzaEeOUu2gOhW2IZ_XBVXchi/s640/MUSS.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MUSS features optical sensors aswell as rotatable launchers and jammers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The ALWACS is however not as advanced as the multifunctional self-protection system (MUSS) from German manufacturer Hensoldt, which has been fielded on the Puma infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/qinetiq-to-test-muss-aps-for-british.html">is being tested by QinetiQ</a> for a possible adoption on the British Challenger 2 main battle tank and other armored vehicles as part of the Medusa program. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside of laser warners, the MUSS softkill system features optical UV sensors for threat detection and tracking, it therefore can detect and engage missiles that are not fired from a launcher with laser-rangefinder. Furthermore the IR jammer and multi-spectral smoke grenade launchers from MUSS are rotatable, allowing the system to protect a vehicle along the full 360° azimuth - systems like Shtora, Varta, the MCD and ALWACS are usually not capable to do so.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-51451741790802025002017-06-14T14:30:00.000-07:002017-06-14T14:30:00.457-07:00MBT upgrade news<div style="text-align: justify;">
A number of countries has presented or ordered upgrades for main battle tanks (MBTs) in the past months. Unfortunately low activity on this blog has resulted on some of the more recent events not being properly covered. This article is trying to recapitulate a few new developments and news reports that couldn't make it into a full-sized article. While this approach will increase the coverage of "<i>recent</i>" events, the quality of the post might not be up to typical standards. In three countries low-cost upgrades of the T-72 were presented, while three other news a related to the Leopard 2 tank. The Argentine Army is also looking to improve more TAM tanks. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFskbKY-Bh75Akz6ss5nwcK_3dxAk1ZgyZP8bGtxF-MOAGEF9NK1d-_JIOnJh1ZoGlus9Qe-esBEDRAW5FEf9EjTtFDwqQ0HU61xxMVGGKD_-y01GWZxZoVZb_2lYDWMQbgOKUZLQKTdLb/s1600/ZNd2HaKSTBM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFskbKY-Bh75Akz6ss5nwcK_3dxAk1ZgyZP8bGtxF-MOAGEF9NK1d-_JIOnJh1ZoGlus9Qe-esBEDRAW5FEf9EjTtFDwqQ0HU61xxMVGGKD_-y01GWZxZoVZb_2lYDWMQbgOKUZLQKTdLb/s640/ZNd2HaKSTBM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-72BME is fitted with Kontakt-1 ERA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The T-72BME is a new upgrade developed by the 140th repair plant of the Belarussian Army, which was first presented at the MILEX 2017 defence exposition. The upgrade is focused on improving the electronics mainly - in Soviet/Russian nomenclature, the original T-72 variants didn't even feature a proper fire control system (just a <span class="st">"<i>ballistic calculator</i>"</span>) - but it also includes a few improvments to armor protection and mobility. While called T-72BME, the MBT is apparently not based on the T-72B
version, but is rather a T-72A as identifiable by it's turret. The main change in regards to protection is an altered layout for the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a> compared to the old Soviet layout. The T-72B1 originally feature a single ERA row mounted flat to the turret, whereas the T-72BME now uses multiple tiles arranged into a wedge shape - similar to the Kontakt-1 ERA layout on the T-80BV and the T-72AV. The rear section of the turret and the rear section of the hull sides are fitted with slat armor, which should provide protection against older types of RPGs. The slat armor on the turret rear section is used as mounting point for Kontakt-1 ERA.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYLcPphtExmboasZo3uAcWqNHueI4VliimZoCxDBfIsLi1qPrlfPLyS-jygdxidoRvik5_2KNU7JnF4YZr79-uFQfNFV90LRvPdOseC75E8hcv2WIZmehfc_Li8SZFL4fiLFEvbJuu-7H/s1600/FB_IMG_1495414860187-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYLcPphtExmboasZo3uAcWqNHueI4VliimZoCxDBfIsLi1qPrlfPLyS-jygdxidoRvik5_2KNU7JnF4YZr79-uFQfNFV90LRvPdOseC75E8hcv2WIZmehfc_Li8SZFL4fiLFEvbJuu-7H/s640/FB_IMG_1495414860187-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret shape reveals this tank to be an upgraded T-72A </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The T-72BME also features a more powerful engine, now providing up to 840 horsepowers output instead of only 780 hp. This is an increase of only 60 horsepower; it is not known if the Belarussian tank designers opted for uprating the existing engine or adopting a new one. There are quite a few different sub-versions of the V-84 that provide 840 horsepowers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The upgraded MBT from Belarus is fitted with new LED headlights and a Barret-2082 radio system from the Perth-based Australian manufacturer Barret Communications. The gunner's sight is replaced with the ESSA-72U from the Belarussian manufacturer Peleng. This sight is commonly including a French-designed Thales Catherine-FC thermal imager, providing three different magnification stages - x3, x12 and x24, although the latter is understood to be digital zoom only. The respective fields of view are 9° x 6.75°, 3° x 2.25° and 1.12° x 1.5° (in case of the electronic zoom stage). The original ESSA-72 had no independent dual-axis stabilization, however the improved ESSA-72U might feature it. The thermal imager works at a wavelength of 8 to 12 micrometres; overall the target detection range is claimed to be 8.6 to 11.7 kilometres, however this is not based on NATO-standardized testing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Different versions of the ESSA sight have also been used on the Indian T-90S tank and the Russian T-90A. It is not known if the T-72BME will be introduced in the Belarussian Army, it seems rather unlikely given that a number of upgraded T-72B3 MBTs was recently handed over by Russia.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLsXHCWXSyRkqOLPdCJY7nZb087p2PKyZ9JQD-p-GdL27KSg5JZ8JuAWMfyu6hS7P_gPPP14BTFhFmzzVjwpIOvJ9RrTUP7OoFu0rSoKu3ALlt38uxCRwEj32grri2hgtfqnieAl0C8gt/s1600/MG_0221ED1600P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLsXHCWXSyRkqOLPdCJY7nZb087p2PKyZ9JQD-p-GdL27KSg5JZ8JuAWMfyu6hS7P_gPPP14BTFhFmzzVjwpIOvJ9RrTUP7OoFu0rSoKu3ALlt38uxCRwEj32grri2hgtfqnieAl0C8gt/s640/MG_0221ED1600P.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The M-84AS1 is a Serbian upgrade of the Yugoslavian M-84</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Serbia an upgraded version of the M-84 main battle tank was demonstrated to the public, although this supposedly won't be adopted by the Serbian Army in the near future. The M-84 is a Yugoslavian version of the T-72 tank that received several local improvments. The new model by Yugoimport has been described as the M-84AS1, a designation that is extremely similar to the M-84AS, an older M-84 upgrade including many Russian-made components of the T-90 tank, including the Shotra electro-optical protection system, Kontakt-5 ERA and a new fire control system. In many aspects the M-84AS is superior to the newer upgrade solution.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW77l6lTyohi_zwqSe8oy1jsF3MioD7_kRFzIQ5SHIkk_6USufPFZhBS9I2QvR0XIwEgJQmsB25lsPXQDwTZnPhK7KGLkIoESLCxWzODl5Oe-6nFFZ-3O4qUwUaA6aMfJ9nk-k0FUoLldm/s1600/MG_2341ED1600P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW77l6lTyohi_zwqSe8oy1jsF3MioD7_kRFzIQ5SHIkk_6USufPFZhBS9I2QvR0XIwEgJQmsB25lsPXQDwTZnPhK7KGLkIoESLCxWzODl5Oe-6nFFZ-3O4qUwUaA6aMfJ9nk-k0FUoLldm/s640/MG_2341ED1600P.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side armor coverage is quite lackluster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While the previous model already had a digital fire control system, the upgrade to the M-84AS1 configuration introduces thermal imagers with the <span style="line-height: 1.538em;">DNNS 2ATK sight</span> and gives the tank commander the ability to override the gunner's input in case of emergency. The commander of the M-84AS1 is responsible for operating the new <span style="line-height: 1.538em;">KIS M84 battlefield management system.</span> A new radio from French manufacturer Thales is replacing the older Yugoslavian-made radios.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As common for most T-72 upgrades, the commander of the M-84AS1 is not provided with a proper turret-independent main optic, but has to rely on his fixed optics, cupola and the sights of the newly added remote weapon station (RWS). The RWS is armed with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun (HMG) and contains three different optical devices, understood to be a thermal imaging system, a daysight camera and a laser rangefinder.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like the T-72BME, the new tank upgrade makes use of Kontakt-1 ERA; however a locally improved type is used, which has been claimed to provide a very limited amount of additional protection against kinetic energy projectiles such as APFSDS ammunition. This new ERA covers the frontal aspect of the main battle tank. The rear section of the hull and turret are fitted with slat armor to resist older types of RPGs. Three large panels - probably containing six smaller ERA tiles each - are mounted at the frontal section of each hull flank. However the largest aspect of the hull sides is still only covered by rubber skirts, which are understood to be either a single or two approximately 25 mm thick rubber sheets with an internal steel wire mesh for increased rigidity. At most impact angles this won't be enough to reduce the armor penetration of even the oldest RPG-7 warheads in such a way, that the 80 mm steel plate forming of the M-84 hull sides would be able to stop the residual penetration. Therefore the decision to not extend the slat armor or ERA over the full hull sides appears to be questionable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tank is fitted with a radar and laser warning system connected to the smoke grenade launchers in order to work like a simple softkill system. Upon detection the smoke grenades can be used to disguise the tank's position with a multi-spectral smoke screen.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-72 Scarab uupgrade focuses on improving frontal protection by adding DYNA ERA</td></tr>
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In the Czech Republic defence company Excalibur Army spol. s r.o. has presented a new upgrade solution for the T-72 tank, which has been nicknamed Scarab. The T-72 Scarab is mainly intended for export, although it was supposedly also offered to Czech Army according to <a href="http://defence-blog.com/army/excalibur-offers-t-72-scarab-for-replacing-soviet-made-main-battle-tanks-in-czech-army.html">Defence-Blog.com</a>. The Scarab is focused on increasing the tank's protection level by adding a new ERA package to the turret and hull front. This is claimed to be a variant of the DYNA reactive armor, that is also used on the T-72M4Cz tank. It's installed in a new, sloped configuration and provides nearly seamless coverage in case of the turret. Some photos show the turret front with an additional layer bolted ontop of the ERA package, creating the illusion of a passive composite armor package being used instead. If the new armor is really based on the DYNA ERA, then it should not only protect against ATGMs and RPGs, but also affect the armor penetration of tandem shaped charge warheads and APFSDS ammunition.</div>
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The ERA covers the frontal arc and the some parts of the roof of the turret, aswell as the upper front plate (UFP) of the hull. The rear section of the turret is fitted with slat armor, the hull sides and rear however are not fitted with any type of applique or add-on armor.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The altered optics and the remotedly controlled machine gun</td></tr>
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Aside of the new armor package, the T-72 Scarab provides only minor changes to the tank. A new RWS with a 12.7 mm NSVT machine gun is installed ontop of the turret roof, while the old V-46-6 engine is replaced with the 840 horsepower V-84 engine. The new powerpack has a maximum torque of 3,335 Nm when running at 1,350 rotations per minute (rpm). The engine can provide at most 2,100 rpm. The T-72 Scarab is claimed to reach a top-speed of up to 60 kilometres per hour on road and 45 kph in light terrain; this is (together with the unaltered T-72 suspension) not on par with other modern tanks. The fire control system received no major upgrade, but apparently the night vision sight was replaced by a passive system, leading to the removal of the Luna IR searchlight usually located at the side of the main gun. Overall this leads to a combat weight of 45 metric tons.</div>
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All these T-72 upgrades seem to have a rather small scope, being either limited by budget or avialable technology. Other tank upgrades developed in Europe and Asia seem to be much more capable. The T-72M4 Cz, currently in service with the Czech Army, might be the most capable T-72 upgrade operational within NATO, being fitted with anti-tandem HEAT ERA (the previously mentioned DYNA), the British Condor CV12 with 1,000 horsepowers output and the Italian TURMS-T fire control system with modern thermal imagers and turret independent optic for the tank commander. Despite some minor issues of the current model, the PT-91 of the Polish Army also seems to have a number of advantages over the T-72 Scarab, T-72BME and the M-84AS1. Both the T-72M4 Cz and the PT-91 are however much older tanks, which were accepted in general service more than a decade ago! A more modern T-72 upgrade like the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/back-from-dead-anders-and-pt-16.html">PT-16</a> will enhance the tank's capabilities even further. There is not much wrong with the T-72 tank - at least when considering it's age - but poorly made, budget-oriented upgrades won't help much to boost its combat value or its reputation!</div>
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Even the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/03/karrar-mbt-unveiled.html">Iranian Karrar tank</a> seems to be superior to the three recent European upgrade solutions, despite Iran being a third world country based on various available definitions. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard 2SG with COAPS sight (<span style="color: red;">red arrow</span>)</td></tr>
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Singapore has decided to upgrade an unknown quantity of its Leopard 2SG tanks. The Leopard 2SG originally was a standard Leopard 2A4, formerly used by the German Army, fitted with parts of the Evolution armor package from the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering. This package consists of various types of AMAP (Advanced Modular Armor Protection) composite armor, covering the frontal section, sides, roof and bottom of the tank, while slat armor is protecting the rear part of hull and turret. Singapore is understood to have bought only some parts of the Evolution package, giving the Leopard 2SG a distinctive shape with a flat-walled turret compared to the partially rounded/sloped turret front of tanks like the Leopard 2PL, Leopard 2RI and Rheinmetall's Leopard 2 ADT. At least one Leopard 2SG - maybe only a single prototype at the current point of time - was fitted with the Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight from Elbit Systems.</div>
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The COAPS is apparently marketed with a rather aggressive pricing, having being featured in tank upgrades with very limited budget such as the Arjun upgrade and the Argentinian TAM-2C modernization. It is dual-axis stabilized and includes a thermal imager operating at either a mid-wave infrared spectrum, an extended medium-wave spectrum or at a long-wave infrared spectrum - based on the size of the lens opening the Leopard 2SG apparently uses one of the former options - a HD daysight camera and an eyesafe laser rangefinder. The thermal imager is available with a detector resolution of either 640 by 512 or 1,024 by 768. This allows the tank commander to detect targets at ranges up to 10.5 kilometres, recognize them at a distance of up to 4.5 kilometres and identify the target at 2.2 kilometres range or closer. The daysight camera provides slightly better DRI (detect, recognize and identify) ranges of 11.5, 5.1 and 2.3 kilometres respectively. The laser ramgefinder has a range of 7,000 metres. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard 2A5DK: To be upgraded in the near future</td></tr>
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Other countries also have decided to upgrade their Leopard 2 tanks. Denmark has contracted Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) for a midlife update of 38 Leopard 2A5DK main battle tanks. Sixteen of the tanks will receive a full upgrade to a <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/future-leopard-2-improvments.html">Leopard 2A7V-like configuration</a>, including the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/02/rheinmetall-to-develop-130-mm-gun-and.html">new 120 mm L55A1 high-pressure smoothbore gun </a>from Rheinmetall, aswell as a mine protection kit. The other 22 MBTs will receive a basic modification package with reduced scope. The midlife update is claimed to improve firepower, protection and mobility at the same time. It will likely include a better armor package (or interfaces require for mounting such) and a new Danish Army communication and battlefield management system. All tanks will be repaired and obsolete or worn components will be replaced. Denmark has chosen KMW as supplier due to the company having exclusive rights to several components used on the Leopard 2A5DK. A contract was made on the 21th December 2016, which had a value (excluding VAT) of €112.6 million. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuK4005_Xp42qgSe7M2lg5Wvzciq8zT32Bk25JcGlhBxIiUYzMFb_pM_HeBZHhquWiPPFNaoJKuIBiNU6jaqg_2ZZWu0OBQXq8zsZO98-lmSu_bE6yTStEuigUTa3F0sYHKaGvfSvhtlM/s1600/Leopard+2+Norwegen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuK4005_Xp42qgSe7M2lg5Wvzciq8zT32Bk25JcGlhBxIiUYzMFb_pM_HeBZHhquWiPPFNaoJKuIBiNU6jaqg_2ZZWu0OBQXq8zsZO98-lmSu_bE6yTStEuigUTa3F0sYHKaGvfSvhtlM/s640/Leopard+2+Norwegen.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norwegian Leopard 2 upgrade plans</td></tr>
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Norway is still waiting on a decision regarding the upgrade of the Leopard 2A4NO; the website of the Norwegian defence materiel agency (Forsvarsmateriell) claims that no contract has yet been made, although mentioning that a contract was planned for 2016. It appears that budget cuts have lead to a stalling of the Leopard 2 modernization. Norway also plans to acquire a number of bridge-laying vehicles based on an in-service Leopard 2 solution. </div>
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The upgrade is meant to improve the tank's protection while staying within the military loading (weight) class (MLC) 70, i.e. staying at a weight below 63.5 metric tons. This means the tank has to be lighter than the current <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/03/leopard-2-projects.html">Leopard 2A7</a> of the German Army. The protection is increased using a modular approach and is planned to incorporate modules for enhanced ballistic protection at the frontal arc aswell as a thick applique belly plate for additional mine and IED protection. Foils from a Norwegian presentation include photographs of the Leopard 2A5/2A7 from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/08/rheinmetall-mbt-technologietrager.html">Rheinmetall's Advanced Technology Demonstrator </a>(formerly known as Leopard 2 Revolution), aswell as the Leopard 2 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) from the Swiss company RUAG. These choices are similar to the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/11/chile-to-upgrade-leopard-2-tanks.html">upgrade options for the Chilean Leopard 2A4 tanks</a>. While the former two Leopard 2 variants have been quite successful - e.g. Rheinmetall is currently delivering upgraded Leopard 2 tanks to <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/05/leopard-2ri-in-production.html">Indonesia</a> and <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/09/updates-on-pt-16-and-leopard-2-pl.html">Poland</a> - the RUAG-made upgrade has yet to win any contracts. The Leopard 2 MLU makes use of RUAG's armor portfolio featuring the armor types SidePRO-ATR and <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/11/sidepro-rpg-armor.html">SidePRO-RPG</a> (the latter on the rear section only) for ballistic protection, while MinePRO and RoofPRO armor enhances the MBT's survivability against artillery submunitions and mine blasts.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1udPGCT1Sgs8QPXIrZrbeE9uSWK_vujuLeVE8-H8pG_YzZl-BLF0GZlsJKBEOngfFRC39vP_xgkEs8-h46BZd2AQLTQlr4WsT9YxSp5ddtHgaSB7ia7w1XmIsDz_OxyeSwBvf-K-H6h8/s1600/Leopard+2+Norwegen+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1udPGCT1Sgs8QPXIrZrbeE9uSWK_vujuLeVE8-H8pG_YzZl-BLF0GZlsJKBEOngfFRC39vP_xgkEs8-h46BZd2AQLTQlr4WsT9YxSp5ddtHgaSB7ia7w1XmIsDz_OxyeSwBvf-K-H6h8/s1600/Leopard+2+Norwegen+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protector Super Lite on a Leopard 2A4 turret</td></tr>
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The Norwegian Leopard 2 tanks are meant to retain the shorter barreled 120 mm L/44 smoothbore gun, but firepower will still be enhanced by the use of a digital fire control system (FCS) for ranges up to 5,000 metres, including third generation thermal imagers for improved DRI ranges. Electric turret drives improve the turret's rotational speed, while being less dangerous than a flammable, hydraulic system. A new computer system with data link added to the gun's breech for firing programmable air-burst ammunition (such as the 120 mm DM11 HE-ABM ammunition) is also part of the planned upgrade. </div>
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After being upgraded, the Leopard 2 tanks are prepared for the adoption of a remote weapon station (RWS). Most likely a solution from the local manufacturer Kongsberg will be chosen in a future upgrade; a Kongsberg-made Protector Super Lite RWS has been tested on a Leopard 2A4 some time ago in Norway.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHfYuwKUrKGUVEAQ2_9eXze0jSS7nXS4lfFxnfYBxQ_zVohMw5QhTXi2_fkbSt_3a3rgihwOIxs-qv0FLFW-dEmYTIoba21tB6MeKvvZsxxUT0bjkNnxDhby35nmBV-s68p-YJqCbvBA-/s1600/DSC00656_zpskjqhnm3l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHfYuwKUrKGUVEAQ2_9eXze0jSS7nXS4lfFxnfYBxQ_zVohMw5QhTXi2_fkbSt_3a3rgihwOIxs-qv0FLFW-dEmYTIoba21tB6MeKvvZsxxUT0bjkNnxDhby35nmBV-s68p-YJqCbvBA-/s640/DSC00656_zpskjqhnm3l.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TAM 2IP prototype is fitted with Iron Wall armor from Israel</td></tr>
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According to <a href="http://www.janes.com/article/71383/argentine-army-announces-armour-upgrade-programmes">Jane's IHS</a>, the Argentinian Army has finally decided to purchase a larger number of tank and other combat vehicle upgrades. The vehicles scheduled to be upgraded include 400 TAM (Tanque Argentino Mediano) tanks and derived variants (such as the VCTP infantry fighting vehicle and the VCA self-propelled howitzer) aswell as 400 US-made M113 armored personnel carriers (APCs). A further 100 M113 APCs might be purchased by the Argentine Army from the United States inventory; the US Army is replacing the M113 with the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/10/us-armor-programs-at-ausa-2016.html">Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV)</a>, essentially a turret-less Bradley with enhanced IED protection. The TAM is by modern definition a light tank, although being de facto used as a main battle tank by the Argentine Army. It was developed in the 1970s by the German company Thyssen-Henschel and makes use of a modified <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/12/marders-to-jordan.html">Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV)</a> hull fitted with a 105 mm gun turret.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUFhEn12VD4ZjuUjpCewg1XHKEiX6e1OWWxBpDco48vZjxKMtHpATc1dYZzSRNmoFPi-QSZDNXmhJquW2fOM0nEF-_q3RyErEv3bt2H6mZGJlDgdMZ0AmND5ol5MzwhDN9fptqlDqBpeU/s1600/5E4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUFhEn12VD4ZjuUjpCewg1XHKEiX6e1OWWxBpDco48vZjxKMtHpATc1dYZzSRNmoFPi-QSZDNXmhJquW2fOM0nEF-_q3RyErEv3bt2H6mZGJlDgdMZ0AmND5ol5MzwhDN9fptqlDqBpeU/s640/5E4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TAM 2C features advanced optics and electronics</td></tr>
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Argentina has contracted the three Israeli companies Elbit Systems, Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Tadiran to develop an upgrade for the TAM tank beginning in 2008. Originally <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/07/israel-to-upgrade-tanks-of-argentina.html">it was announced in 2015</a>, that only 74 TAM tanks were to be upgraded to the new standard, costing $111 million USD. Under this program two different prototypes were developed, the TAM 2C focusing on upgraded firepower by adding Elbit System's COAPS sight for the commander, the Thermal Imaging Fire Control System (TIFCS) sight for the gunner and a laser warning receiver on a mast on the turret. An APU and new internal electronics are also part of the TAM 2C.</div>
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The other prototype has been designated <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/06/improved-version-of-tam-revealed.html">TAM 2IP</a> and features IMI's Iron Wall composite armor to improve protection against kinetic threats and IEDs. The TAM 2IP upgrade however doesn't include any changes to electronics and optics compared to the original TAM. The weight of the TAM with armor kit is increased to 31 metric tons.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The applique armor gives the TAM turret a wedge-shape</td></tr>
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The exact content of the TAM modernization to be purchased by Argentina is not directly known. The most capable solution would be to adopt both the TAM 2C and TAM 2IP upgrades into each vehicle, although this could be too much weight for the existing running gear. Confirmed by Jane's IHS is an upgrade of the tank's ammo suite and electronics, which will enable the TAM to fire Israeli-designed gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles (GLATGM) through it's 105 mm rifled main gun. The LAHAT missile from IMI has a tandem shaped charge warhead against targets protected by ERA and has an effective range of above 5,000 metres; however Jane's mentions an effective range of 3.5 kilometres with the new guided munition made under licence in Argentina. The LAHAT missile has currently been withdrawn from Israeli service, but might be issued to frontline units in case of war.</div>
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An interesting fact is the number of 400 TAMs: this suggests that the previously mentioned 74 TAM tanks contracted in 2015 are included in the figures - otherwise it would be hard to explain the number of vehicles. It is known that the production number of TAM tanks and IFVs wasn't very large (and only 20 artillery systems were made), and a they are not in very good condition due to maintenance and repair issues; as Argentinian forum users have discovered on Google Earth image data, at least 19 TAMs have been scrapped or cannibalized for spare parts.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-309411535059806302017-06-02T03:50:00.000-07:002017-06-02T03:50:56.053-07:00Austrian Pandur projects progression<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Austrian company GDELS Steyr, part of the General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) division and formerly known as Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug GmbH (SSF), is responsible for developing a new vehicle of the Pandur family of wheeled vehicles (FoV). A few photos of an unspecified Pandur 6x6 variant, which apparently is a long wheelbase version of the Pandur II, were taken at a recent event in April. The fact that the vehicle was presented in a modern digital camouflage pattern has caused some funny commencts regarding the lack of style; however here these photos were the inspiration to take a very short look at the Pandur 1 projects in Austria and other countries. The fact that a Pandur II 6x6 is located at the Steyr plant might be a hint regarding the development of the Pandur EVO - it could be used as reference or as base model for the next iteration of the Pandur vehicle. The Pandur 1 is operated in different versions by the Austrian Army (the so called <i>Bundesheer</i>), the Belgian Army (as scout and ambulance vehicles), the Kuwaiti National Guard (some armed with 25 mm autocannons or 90 mm Cockerill medium calibre guns), the Slovenian Army (known as locally as "<i>Valuk</i>") and the US Army's Special Forces (fitted with applique armor, operated by the Delta Force and 75th Rangers in very small numbers).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr70GDVOMu4d4iRUNhyphenhyphenaQt-qjJvoHL29LuVd5WSapJgKXGE3xMf2mBPbpvEvRpKyx2OZ19SDZFGYKakjfHHCMC7rYGTIKHvZSwJ_SQl9U2Gjmyk6FZOpx-5Qc_Q1r9LR6CW1s-2ggit5pL/s1600/Pandur-Evo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1170" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr70GDVOMu4d4iRUNhyphenhyphenaQt-qjJvoHL29LuVd5WSapJgKXGE3xMf2mBPbpvEvRpKyx2OZ19SDZFGYKakjfHHCMC7rYGTIKHvZSwJ_SQl9U2Gjmyk6FZOpx-5Qc_Q1r9LR6CW1s-2ggit5pL/s640/Pandur-Evo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pandur EVO has a long wheelbase and flat side walls. The rendering shows also a WS4 Panther RWS</td></tr>
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The start of the Pandur EVO project was officially announced on the 21st of April 2017, after initial news reports appeared in December 2016 and January of 2017. It has been confirmed that 34 vehicles were ordered by the <i>Bundesheer </i>(Austrian Army) from GDELS Steyr and ESL Advanced Information Technology GmbH for a speculated price of €105 million. The Pandur EVO is a modernized version of the Pandur 1 armored personnel carrier (APC), but is a new development rather than an upgrade of the older vehicle version. Why the Pandur II, which is known to be superior to the existing Pandur 1 models and is available as a 6x6 and a 8x8 version, hasn't been chosen instead is currently not known, but the decision has been claimed to be related to logistics: the Pandur II is currently only operated by the Czech Army and the Protoguese Army - the Pandur EVO supposedly shares more components with the Pandur 1. It has been said that using the Pandur 1 as base of the EVO model will enable the Austria Army to reduce the costs for spare parts and maintenance. The delivery of the first prototype of the Pandur EVO is expected for 2018, so photos taken at a recent event at the GDELS Steyr factory might showcase the current state of development - although this is most definetly not the final Pandur EVO, due to lacking the rear ramp.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43benn7-nrVKcoLbTiI1cMhPe5K-kuBQliBT7nkubmSvQelWlavyGXKVz-741NnJGXXz_OPLlxLFBsTb8T_zjWQJlrmSwL5L66rVUZHXPsptWusZbXvagUrhc8IUyTRuabIhIWb6yMgNZ/s1600/r9S5FeL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43benn7-nrVKcoLbTiI1cMhPe5K-kuBQliBT7nkubmSvQelWlavyGXKVz-741NnJGXXz_OPLlxLFBsTb8T_zjWQJlrmSwL5L66rVUZHXPsptWusZbXvagUrhc8IUyTRuabIhIWb6yMgNZ/s640/r9S5FeL2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two rear doors and the flat side walls with bolt-on armor can be used as reference for identifying the Pandur II</td></tr>
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Another factor for choosing the Pandur EVO over the Pandur II might be the combat weight: the Pandur II 6x6 is only capable of supporting a maximum combat weight of 16.5 metric tons in case of the long wheelbase variant, while the short wheelbase model supports only 15.5 metric tons. The weight of the Pandur EVO, utilizing a new hull with a long wheelbase, has not been released yet. However the Pandur 1 chassis, in the process of being upgraded as part of the Pandur A2 improvment project, is meant to be boosted to support up to 16.8 metric tons - 3.3 tons more than the original Pandur 1. This requires modifications to the brakes, steering system and the suspension. The Pandur II 8x8 has a maximum combat weight of 24 metric tons in the standard configuration. </div>
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The Pandur EVO is expected to be heavier than the upgraded Pandur A2. The additional weight is utilized for better protection - the demanded level of protection couldn't be achieved with modifying the original Pandur 1 design - and to increase transport capacity from 9 (crew of three + six dismounts) to eleven (crew of three + eight dismounts). This is why the Pandur EVO will feature a long wheelbase. In order to deal wtih the heavier vehicle, the engine has been replaced by a more powerful one, delivering about 27 hp per ton (implying at least a 450 hp engine) - rumors suggest a MTU engine (i.e. a version of the MTU 6V 199), although it might be fitted with a Cummins engine instead (as used on the Pandur 1 vehicles for Kuwait and the Pandur II production versions); the adoption of a new transmission (from Allison, Renk or ZF) is also expected. The Pandur EVO will feature a large rear ramp, rather than two separate rear doors. The seats will be mine-proof and thus not connected to the vehicle's floor plate. A NBC protection system and an anti-lock braking system will also be installed in the Pandur EVO. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamHCPhbqCSNBLsEoX9k3uiqDR6PdDGyzdbua0SrJy9XG95aa8D-XVLvEfNCkViALUygAk2ZbBiCkNRYCstlKUrE2zyvFjCR-obeUT0oFq2AWyDdSKoHDC_PjwgvD7y6YTDkhLwZ1QHvvI/s1600/agms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamHCPhbqCSNBLsEoX9k3uiqDR6PdDGyzdbua0SrJy9XG95aa8D-XVLvEfNCkViALUygAk2ZbBiCkNRYCstlKUrE2zyvFjCR-obeUT0oFq2AWyDdSKoHDC_PjwgvD7y6YTDkhLwZ1QHvvI/s400/agms.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> In US service the vehicle is known as Armored Ground Mobility System</td></tr>
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There is also a politcal component to the decision to purchase the Pandur EVO: in the past the GDELS Steyr plant located in Vienna-Simmering had been manufacutring Pandur 1s for Kuwait; apparently twenty out of seventy from the original order aswell as forty vehicles from the second order were manufactured in Austria, the others were assembled by AV Technology in the United States of America. The plant has finished its task, but no other follow-up order for Pandur 1s existed (the Pandur 2 is not being manufactured in Austria, it's only licence made in the Czech Republic and in Portugal), which meant that ordering the Pandur EVO is essentially for keeping 147 jobs working on the Pandur production - in fact the decision to order the Pandur EVO created jobs, because GDELS Steyr announced to increase it's workforce by about 10%. Previously the plant was downsized, at some time in the past it was even suggested to turn it into a pure repair and maintenance plant. Overall 179 Austrian companies take part in the development of the next evolution of the Austrian APC, leading to 70% of the contract value ending up in Austrian pockets.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU86r6dAV5eDnGNkGRdLx967gn5bX4PWfObmtm_H0bsn6jqwKeGgftDzghhg5K9I6_DLmxRu8pARZUolEcxvgRd02hJIfIXeasTRVLqXmok1YZ77KOf6HKubYRX7b378dWnbMOiYXIjFr/s1600/0e38c80471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU86r6dAV5eDnGNkGRdLx967gn5bX4PWfObmtm_H0bsn6jqwKeGgftDzghhg5K9I6_DLmxRu8pARZUolEcxvgRd02hJIfIXeasTRVLqXmok1YZ77KOf6HKubYRX7b378dWnbMOiYXIjFr/s640/0e38c80471.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Pandur 1 vehicles for the Kuwaiti National Guard are IFVs</td></tr>
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The basic protection of the Pandur 1 is provided by it's all-welded steel hull, which features no proper provisions made for mine protection. The well-sloped frontal aspect is protected against 12.7 mm ammunition from distances greater than 100 metres and against 14.5 mm rounds fired from distances greater than a 1,000 metres. All-round protection is provided against 5.56 mm ammunition only. An initial upgrade to the Pandur A1 included new seats, that together with the relatively high ground clearance common in wheeled vehicles lead to a STANAG 4569 level 1 mine resistance (hand grenade or anti-personnel mine detonating below the vehicle).</div>
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The Pandur EVO's higher protection level is a result of bolt-on applique armor and a new mine protection kit; the relatively high level of required mine protection made it necessary to modify the hull. The exact supplier for the armor has not been disclosed, but the EVO variant might feature an armor kit consisting of RUAG's SidePRO-KE/IED armor for ballistic protection and a MinePRO system for the hull belly in order to resist mines. Both armor types, enabling the vehicle to survive different types of IEDs aswell, have been integrated in the next Pandur A2 upgrade. RUAG has been ordered by Austria and Belgium to develop an applique armor package based on it's existing protection technology in 2015. The total costs for this contract on the side of Austria were €13.57 million. The upgrade unfortunately requires completely stripping down the vehicle, integrating the armor and then adding all previously removed components again - this is the reason why only one prototype of the improved Pandur A2 has yet been finished, two further vehicles are scheduled for 2017. At the time of making the contract, the final delivery of the last uparmored Pandur A2 was expected in 2020; in the same timeframe the Pandur EVO production should be introduced in Austrian service.</div>
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In theory Austria might have chosen another contractor for the armor systems of the Pandur EVO - the Ulan for example is protected by MEXAS armor from RUAG's German competitor IBD Deisenroth, this however would nullify some of the logistic advantages gained by choosing the Pandur EVO rather than the Pandur II. The Pandur II of the Czech Army is fitted with ceramic armor from the Israeli manfacturer Rafael in order to reach STANAG 4569 level 4 ballistic protection (all round protection agianst 14.5 mm AP ammo). The mine protection plating of the EVO version is scheduled for testing in this month, i.e. June 2017.</div>
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If the weight of the Pandur EVO is somewhat close to the Pandur A2 after RUAG's armor upgrade, it shouldn't be able to reach a very high level of protection. Other 6x6 armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) such as the German Fuchs 1A8 reach a combat weight of up to 27 metric tons, which allows a high level of ballistic and mine protection, meeting the full NATO STANAG 4569 level 4 - this includes aside of all-around resistance to 14.5 mm AP rounds, also blast protection against 10 kilograms of TNT and roof armor to withstand artillery fragments from a distance of 30 metres. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDhgjytb2TtVQ-_mnaw3A4UyFmTUcgXsBVEpXRXGGVnbGa1cpVntFuKsw6giNxqzEslFVPUejw6xbMiltXuyJ6-hRK_gNc1pBmCYVNmjVdLLXvRM1Mg_RID0ie0Q-eHQKlLJuNUfps_gn/s1600/20160406_123958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDhgjytb2TtVQ-_mnaw3A4UyFmTUcgXsBVEpXRXGGVnbGa1cpVntFuKsw6giNxqzEslFVPUejw6xbMiltXuyJ6-hRK_gNc1pBmCYVNmjVdLLXvRM1Mg_RID0ie0Q-eHQKlLJuNUfps_gn/s640/20160406_123958.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pandur A2 firring it's M2 Browning heavy machine gun</td></tr>
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The Pandur EVO is to be armed with a remotely controlled weapon station (RWS) of unknown type. The current Pandur A2 APCs are armed with a WS4 Panther weapon station from ESL Advanced Information Technology GmbH, a subsidairy of the Israeli manufacturer Elbit Systems. This RWS can be fitted with either a single 7.62 mm machine gun (MG), a single 12.7 mm heavy MG or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL); due to not having an AGL in the inventory, the Austrian Army utilizes only the M2 Browning MG. Alternatively the WS4 Panther Duo, capable of holding a 7.62 mm machine gun and a 40 mm grenade launcher at the same time, might be fitted to the Pandur EVO, if an AGL is purchased at the same time. Both types of the Panther RWS feature an advanced set of optronics with a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder and a daylight camera.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC37L0GdZgTPAKp-ibc_0k3LLwvizoDuSS8ENsUO-Slgs034vqlfb9s7RXzRc73QwI8Z1lD0wfhGz5RhgyuY4mk7Idiz632jveue75zNZukmphIHrFOKLcO51q35d_Vj6tfRk2NGBW8B_/s1600/2deln8D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC37L0GdZgTPAKp-ibc_0k3LLwvizoDuSS8ENsUO-Slgs034vqlfb9s7RXzRc73QwI8Z1lD0wfhGz5RhgyuY4mk7Idiz632jveue75zNZukmphIHrFOKLcO51q35d_Vj6tfRk2NGBW8B_/s640/2deln8D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This camouflage pattern might be useful for aval infantry, but it is not suited for Austria </td></tr>
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The Austrian Army also bought seven used Pandurs (six APCs and a medical treatment vehicle) for an extremely low price of only half a million Euros from Belgium in 2016. Steyr GDELS is currently also working on an upgrade of the Ulan infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which is focused around the adoption of an air-conditioning unit. This would enable the Ulan - internationally known as ASCOD (Austro-Spanish co-development) to be used for peace-keeping missions in the hot regions of Asia and Africa.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-27817760081280598082017-06-01T10:22:00.001-07:002017-06-01T10:22:38.033-07:00IDF Carmel details emerge<div style="text-align: justify;">
A number of 3D graphics showing the Carmel next generation combat vehicle of the Israeli Defence Force, which sometimes is also called an advanced technology demonstrator, have been posted on the internet. The images come from a presentation held by the retired Brigadier General Didi Ben-Yoash, who formerly was the Chief Armored Corps Officer of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). The presentation was part of the Second International Ground Warfare and Logistics Conference, held on 16th and 17th of May 2017 in the Latrun Armed Corps Memorial. Based on the fact that Didi Ben-Yoash is retied and <a href="http://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/29665">IsraeliDefense.co.il </a>describes this as a simulation of the Carmel, it appears extremely likely that the final vehicle might appear to be very different.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eFhwPOXtiWMXP8c1pC775ebHGIPRl4E7pjjCXucuw10mBzrPnwPlqqULbzGRq5x4JRrFwfCxPaJhXBa6UKEs02RxoA13OBseV2Qx00PGB8Iv7EnI0yP-P-FEsvOib7Y4kzkn0eNMFXm7/s1600/%25D7%25AA%25D7%259E%25D7%2595%25D7%25A0%25D7%25941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="700" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eFhwPOXtiWMXP8c1pC775ebHGIPRl4E7pjjCXucuw10mBzrPnwPlqqULbzGRq5x4JRrFwfCxPaJhXBa6UKEs02RxoA13OBseV2Qx00PGB8Iv7EnI0yP-P-FEsvOib7Y4kzkn0eNMFXm7/s640/%25D7%25AA%25D7%259E%25D7%2595%25D7%25A0%25D7%25941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The simulated Carmel fighting vehicle</td></tr>
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The Carmel is said to have a combat weight of 30 to 35 metric tons, which is about as much as the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/israel-presents-new-eitan-apc.html">new wheeled 8x8 Eitan</a> armored personell carrier (APC), currently being developed by MANTAK for the IDF. This weight level is considerably less than the weight of current heavy infantry fighting vehicles such as the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/first-puma-ifv-handed-over-to-german.html">German Puma </a>at 43 metric tons and the Russian T-15 Armata at 48 metric tons. The Carmel is not an IFV, but what might be it's closest Western counterpart - the British Scout-SV Ajax (based on the ASCOD 2 chassis) - also is a few metric tons heavier than the expected weight of the Carmel. The closest Russian counterpart to the Carmel might be the BMPT/BMPT-72 Terminator fire support vehicle designed by the Russian company UVZ. The Carmel is claimed to be rather inexpensive compared to heavier vehicles like the Merkava 4 and Namer.</div>
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The potentially smaller internal volume of the Carmel's hull might be able to negate the lower weight, but this is not confirmed - the opposite might just as well be possible: the larger turret and main armament of the Carmel (compared to vehicles like <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/10/puma-ifv-armor-and-upgrade-speculations.html">the Puma</a> and the T-15 Armata) could result in a lower level of ballistic protection. The frontal aspect of the vehicle is most likely protected against 25 mm or 30 mm APFSDS ammunition. Depending on the internal volume and protection level of the turret - an unmanned turret can be designed with an intentionally lower level of armor protection, if a mission kill is considered acceptable - the vehicle's hull might be a bit better protected; however the sense behind such a decision would be questionable, given that no country in the region currently operates an infantry fighting vehicle or scout vehicle armed with a 35 mm or 40 mm gun - i.e. a higher level of ballistic protection would lead to no gain in actual protection.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59v2efq8xUgNfMf7zFH3gz5uVuuCaP2AgJmVkDVPQkTKrDgjmQt57Wf9eR9IXktvBPGUoJYHxTdCFy9KHmccqZ9iptozsXxhuYusVRcvY-06DAEpFq_mYoEeowi1PtxVhBclpqzctcrPF/s1600/Carmel+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1104" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59v2efq8xUgNfMf7zFH3gz5uVuuCaP2AgJmVkDVPQkTKrDgjmQt57Wf9eR9IXktvBPGUoJYHxTdCFy9KHmccqZ9iptozsXxhuYusVRcvY-06DAEpFq_mYoEeowi1PtxVhBclpqzctcrPF/s640/Carmel+1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shape of the Carmel simulation might be result of reducing the AFV's thermal and radar signature</td></tr>
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The side armor in the 3D renderings appears to be rather thin, probably being designed to resist smaller threats than the frontal armor. A common design choice for current APCs and IFVs is side protection against 14.5 mm AP(I) ammunition aswell as smaller EFPs (explosively formed penetrators), which are launched by certain types of anti-vehicle mines and EFP-IEDs.</div>
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Unlike other Israeli armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), the Carmel doesn't make use of <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a> according to the simulation from Didi Ben-Yoash. Past Israeli combat vehicles such as the much heavier Namer APC, versions of the Sho't and Magach main battle tanks (MBTs) aswell as the Pereh anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launcher vehicle were fitted with ERA. The latest version(s) of the Merkava 4 tank supposedly make use of hybrid armor, incorporating ERA layers inside it's relatively thick composite armor array.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdaFKMikhAGxch-nWO81xiEzruTqrvsW5GJz7qVI_YgJ-ur-2nDPMFwFvP3rcBDHXe4jgi9FGkKWAJdGRn60JNUlkFXDbMeMRwgBbYpEtWg_dLFWFFYsJQV8jRcN0kkU0wlXEDujT7mto/s1600/namer_trophy_1021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1021" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdaFKMikhAGxch-nWO81xiEzruTqrvsW5GJz7qVI_YgJ-ur-2nDPMFwFvP3rcBDHXe4jgi9FGkKWAJdGRn60JNUlkFXDbMeMRwgBbYpEtWg_dLFWFFYsJQV8jRcN0kkU0wlXEDujT7mto/s640/namer_trophy_1021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Namer APC (pictured) and the Merkava 4M tank are protected by the Trophy APS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead of using ERA, the Carmel will be relying only on active protection systems (APS) for protection against guided and unguided anti-tank weapons. Other than the Carmel utilizing both softkill and hardkill systems, no further details on the exact type of APS have yet been disclosed; there are however multiple local options. The Trophy APS from Rafael, adopted on the upgraded Merkava 4M MBT and the Namer APC, could be used on the Carmel; this would reduce costs and allow all three vehicles to utilize the same countermeasures, easing the logistic processes. A version of this systems suited for medium weight vehicles already exists in form of Trophy-MV, incorporating hardkill and softkill measures. However the Trophy APS should be considered a relatively "bad" APS, <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">having several unique drawbacks</a> in comparison with other active protections ystems.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Iron Fist, the active protection system developed by the company Israeli Military Industries (IMI), is a more capable option for the Carmel. Currently the Netherlands and the United States are testing this system for possible adoption on some of their AFVs. Iron First already integrates a limited amount of softkill measures (i.e. infrared jammers) and provides a higher short-time multi-hit capability (having usually four countermeasures ready compared to only one per flank in case of Trophy) with lower collateral damage (thanks to using HE blast grenades). A third option would be a combined development from Rafael and IMI, which supposedly is being worked on by the two companies on behalf of the IDF. Such a system might be able to combine the advantages of both APS types without including their drawbacks.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even with APS, the Carmel will only be protected against small/medium calibre ammunition and shaped charge weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank guided missiles. Currently no APS is capable of dealing with large calibre kinetic energy penetrators (KEPs) such as APFSDS ammunition fired by main battle tanks and EFPs in such a way, that the relatively low amount of passive base armor of the Carmel would be capable of absoring the residual penetration of the KEP fragments.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A high level of protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) is required to minimize casualties in the operational environment of the IDF. Heavier Israeli vehicles like the Merkava 4 tank and the Namer APC are fitted with thick add-on armor at the belly plate of the hull. Together with the v-shape of the hull bottom, these vehicles are believed to have a very high level of mine protection. It seems likely that the Carmel will also adopt a similar design; theoretically the anti-mine plating could be reduced to cover only the bottom of the crew compartment, a design used on some MRAPs (mine-resistant ambush protected) vehicles. This however would also increase the likelihood of a mission or mobility kill.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Carmel has a front-mounted engine, which in some cases can improve the crew survivability against mines and IEDs. In particular when the detonation of the explosive charge is triggered by pressure or a trip wire, having the crew seated at the rear of the vehicle reduces lethality rates. However when the mines/IEDs are connected to a fuze triggered with a delay or by a thermal signature, the front-mounted engine might result in a higher probability of the explosive charge detonating below the crew compartment, increasing the probability of wounded crew members.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxSWm-tsVm7PQVBiGFitdnLCBO4kBDj-1tH5Ikc8yXWMUe2Vs2Vu6inuKMPq9nV-KVwRX3_bkE14NF8rbC0SdUZxgQ7YARHJB7YQ65oLS7DieCcknHhx9k6uSMjZYUNiT45yb6Rozskam/s1600/Iron+Vision.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="807" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxSWm-tsVm7PQVBiGFitdnLCBO4kBDj-1tH5Ikc8yXWMUe2Vs2Vu6inuKMPq9nV-KVwRX3_bkE14NF8rbC0SdUZxgQ7YARHJB7YQ65oLS7DieCcknHhx9k6uSMjZYUNiT45yb6Rozskam/s640/Iron+Vision.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Vision allows the crew to see through the armor by displaying images from externally mounted cameras</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The vehicle is to be manned by a crew of two, but supposedly provides enough space for up to three men. The small crew size is possible, because the vehicle makes use of several new technologies in order to assist the operators; in some ways the crew only needs to monitor the vehicle. During the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, several countries inlcuding Germany, the United States and (Soviet-)Russia investigated two-men crews in their main battle tank (MBT) development programs. In general the conclusion was made that tanks (or tank-like combat vehicles) with a crew of only two men are possible, when using advanced optics, properly integrated C4ISR systems and components that allow automatic target recognition, target identification and aiming. Automated driving (potentially based on pre-designed routes using check points) is claimed to be a feature of the Carmel. The Iron Vision system from Elbit, often described as "see-through armor" based on an augmented/virtual reality head mounted display is expected to be fielded on the new vehicle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A problem with reducing the crew size from four to two (or three) is that a lot of tasks aside of operating the vehicle usually require additional workforce. Primarily having two soldiers for working on the tank is a problem when trying to repair the vehicle in combat conditions and when doing certain maintenance tasks. When having more crew members it is also possible (though not necessarily common) to specialize each soldier in a secondary skill: i.e. one man could receive an additional training in mechanics, one other soldier could be taught on fixing the electronics, while another crew member could learn how to properly threat some of the less common medical issues; reducing the crew also reduces the possibility of having the same amount of secondary skills.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is possible to negate the impact of crew reductions by assigning more soldiers to one vehicle, increasing the support staff for the Carmel or by letting the vehicles operate in pairs, that are meant to help each other. How suitable these solutions are is a question that can only be answered after proper combat experience.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPeJdKc5uWiULlMurhcU6hzPJN1gt0MWhrNksaJKYNImNeBy3o1DHKTQp2f5IXFcD-Z61byGxW-AHqwQ-WEkH8nVXc9JNkv9tc-XlPostx9jBs1YtMxUnujXT2_VSdNnfz0wemyCeHkHA/s1600/Carmel+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1104" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPeJdKc5uWiULlMurhcU6hzPJN1gt0MWhrNksaJKYNImNeBy3o1DHKTQp2f5IXFcD-Z61byGxW-AHqwQ-WEkH8nVXc9JNkv9tc-XlPostx9jBs1YtMxUnujXT2_VSdNnfz0wemyCeHkHA/s640/Carmel+3.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unmanned turret used in the Carmel AFV simulation seems to be rather large</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the renderings from Ben-Yaosh's simulation, a relatively large unmanned turret is located ontop of the rear-most section of the Carmel's hull. This happens to be an unspecified type of turret; in reality a modified off-the-shelf design from IMI or Elbit Systems could be used on the Carmel in order to reduce costs. This however would most likely reduce the turret protection to STANAG 4569 level 4 at most, giving enemy IFVs the options to cause a mission kill or firepower kill.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Carmel is said to be armed with a medium calibre autocannon with high elevation, and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). The exact calibre of the gun has yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be within the range of 30 to 76 millimetres, speculations often speak of either a 40 mm or a 60 mm gun. The latter calibre was developed by Israeli Military Industries (IMI) together with the Italian company Oto-Melara. The cooperation of both companies lead to the Hyper-Velocity Medium Support Weapon (HVMS) gun, a 60 mm high-pressure gun capable of penetrating 120 mm steel armor at 60° at a distance of 2,000 metres when firing APFSDS ammunition. This is achieved by a rather high pressure of 427 MPa, compared to 350-370 MPa for 30 x 173 mm APFSDS rounds, 420 MPa for 35 x 228 mm AP(FSDS) rounds and ~400 MPa for ammunition fired by the 40 mm Bofors L70 gun. A problem of the HVMS gun is that it has lost it's biggest selling point - the ability to destroy main battle tanks (MBTs) with the introduction of heavier armored tanks. The high pressue is created by using a larger propellant charge, which negatively affects weight and size: the weight of 60 mm ammunition is between 6 to 7.2 kilograms, depending on ammo type; this compares to 750-860 grams for a single 30 x 173 mm round and ~2.5 kilograms for a 40 mm Bofors L70 HE round.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having a larger calibre can lead to less stowed rounds, which will depending on scenario <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/bigger-guns-are-not-always-better.html">lead to less stowed kills</a>. When engaging large groups of soldiers, a larger round is capable of injuring or killing more soldiers at the same time. When engaging lightly armored vehicles or smaller groups of soldiers outside the range of the coaxial armament (such as a two-men ATGM team), then a smaller calibre can provide the same lethaliy per round, while providing greater ammo stowage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Carmel is said to be specifically optimized for urban combat, which creates another set of operational requirements. If the main gun is not powerful enough to penetrate even thicker walls, then it is rather useless in urban combat; however if the ammunition has too much penetration power or too much explosive/fragmentation payload, then it increases the possibility of collateral damage by a large factor. Finding the right balance and the right ammunition mix seems to be extremely important; here programmable ammunition (requires at least 30 mm calibre for a decent payload) and ammunition with enhanced after-armor effects (provided by ammunition such as FAPDS, FAP, PELE-Pen) seem to be desirable.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kr0NTxRvIpQcSANj__r5n3Ihc2U-ouwJ0798VYxo66rhL-5Sw_kxjk1hJonIbAQNYAtr0p_2yGjcrG7FSdMMVEAhkRLAdMN-lNYr7PZsX62k4GPlBPRDsvuaEDw9edw-s4a3c9Hy2B85/s1600/12896a6ac091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="903" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kr0NTxRvIpQcSANj__r5n3Ihc2U-ouwJ0798VYxo66rhL-5Sw_kxjk1hJonIbAQNYAtr0p_2yGjcrG7FSdMMVEAhkRLAdMN-lNYr7PZsX62k4GPlBPRDsvuaEDw9edw-s4a3c9Hy2B85/s640/12896a6ac091.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swedish SEP featured a diesel electric drive system, partially housed on the sponsons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Carmel is powered by a front-mounted engine; according to Israeli sources, this could potentially be a diesel electric drive system. Diesel-electric drives for armored fighting vehicles have been a topic of research and development since the 1980s, although the earliest proposals such as the Holt Gas-Electric Tank from 1918 "date all the way back". Diesel-electric drive systems are expected to provide a number of advantages such as greater flexibility when arranging the powerpack components inside the vehicle, higher reliability, reduced wear and purely electrical silent running ("sneaking") capability for a short period of time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A problem of diesel-electric drives is the increased weight and volume compared to currently existing diesel engines; increasing the weight and volume relative to it's power output doesn't make much sense, when trying to make the AFVs like the Carmel lighter compared to existing vehicles. A slightly more conventional hybrid system - as used on the infamous civillian Toyota Prius or using a electric-mechanical drive system seems to be more benifical based on the current state of technology, although a conventional diesel engine might still provide most performance per weight and volume. However the Carmel still might be fitted with a diesel-electrical drive system for another reason: technology development. It's not very uncommon in the military to adopt new technology, that offers little to no advantages over existing solutions, just to fund the development of future, improved variants of the technology. A diesel-electric drive doesn't need to be better than existing diesel engines, if the military is convinced that it has the potential to become better in the future - something that is generally accepted. The M1 Abrams' AGT-1500C gas turbine is a prime example for such a choice; it wasn't better than other diesel offerings of it's time, but the Army (apparently falsely) believed that gas turbines were the future of ground combat vehicles. The German Puma IFV was designed specifically with the idea in mind to reuse new technologies in future AFVs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Carmel is expected to utilize rubber band tracks, potentially segmented ones, which would allow easier repairs and maintenance compared to the currently more common continous rubber band tracks.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The computer generated renderings from retired General Didi Ben-Yaosh show a vehicle with a rather bad shape of the frontal hull - the hull front is extruding more than a feet over the tracks. This would result in the vehicle having extremely poor off-road mobility: When driving down a hill, the overlapping hull front could touch the flat ground before the tracks (at the drive wheels in particular) reach it; the vehicle would get stuck in such a case. Likewise when trying to climb up a steep slope, the overlapping hull could touch the slope before the track section reaches the sloped ground.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLns8zBenN9cLcMlvRwZC4sQP4eT8bYUG9Xlj8C14mJIzBbKf5GE4X6_bfwsgpa50ZZVKOBOVwmtqZ_42pklfJGgyrX5nqc9ZdaK-muxqZcBA3Sj49l9RMUH-bukVGVALoilYH2h9zy3o/s1600/Carmel+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1104" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLns8zBenN9cLcMlvRwZC4sQP4eT8bYUG9Xlj8C14mJIzBbKf5GE4X6_bfwsgpa50ZZVKOBOVwmtqZ_42pklfJGgyrX5nqc9ZdaK-muxqZcBA3Sj49l9RMUH-bukVGVALoilYH2h9zy3o/s640/Carmel+2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Different Carmel variants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The renderings from the Carmel simulation also show a number of further vehicle variants, which have not been officially confirmed yet. If the exact type of other variants is speculation on the side of Mr. Ben-Yaosh or result of sources not available to the public (or atleast not available in English) is not known yet. In 2016 the European Security and Defence magazine mentioned only four overall Carmel versions (including the autocannon-armed fire support variant), which appear to be different from the ones shown in the renderings. The four other simulated Carmel variants are apparently a command and control vehicle (mobile command post), a mine-clearing vehicle similar to the US-American Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) fitted with rockets and a dozer blade, a scout and/or electronic warfare vehicle, and a further variant, which houses a large searchlight or laser effector, which might be used for CRAM (counter rocket, artillery and missiles) purposes.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
More than two years ago, the author of this article suggest a somewhat similar vehicle, designed for urban combat and operated by a unit specialized in urban combat - there are specialized mountain infantry and coastal rangers in some militaries, so the latter suggestion seems reasonable. The idea was discussed in another forum, a blog post later meant to go online on this blog was (like so many other posts) started, but was never finished. Main battle tanks are not capable of dealing with all issues of modern combat, being too heavy for many cities and thus being incapable of crossing older bridges or driving in areas with tunnels/subways. All current tanks are also lacking the gun elevation, some also the roof armor, to fight in cities with larger buildings, which would allow enemies to target the vehicles from above. The lack of scalability of tank ammunition in urban combat seems to be a further issue, just like the huge physicial size of a proper MBT. While the Carmel seems to be a step forward, it appears still to be less than ideal based on the available news reports and the simulation from former Brigadier General Ben-Yoash.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This might mean that the Russian BMPT - being operated by Kazakhstan only - might still be the best urban combat fire support vehicle, even after the Carmel entered service.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-65479896823832306832017-05-13T05:45:00.000-07:002017-05-13T08:28:56.874-07:00Austria won the Strong Europe Tank Challenge 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two days ago the Strong Europe Tank Challenge (SETC) 2017 ended. The winning platoon comes from Austria, one of the first time participants. The soldiers of the Austrian <i>Bundesheer </i>deployed the 1980s' Leopard 2A4 main battle tank (MBT), beating last year's winner Germany. In the challenge held from 8th to 11th of May, teams from Austria, France, Germany, Poland, the Ukraine and the United States tried to show their skill in a number of different disciplines. These included offensive actions, defensive actions, target recognition/identification of thirty allied and enemy targets, estimating the range to a target without using the laser rangefinder, accurately reporting targets in a simulated urban area and firing crew weapons (pistols or submachine guns). Also part of the SETC was to recover a tank with simulated damage from an NBC attack, evacuating and treating wounded, calling for fire support by artillery/aircraft and precision driving along a pre-defined track. Crews also had to endure a physical fitness test. In comparison to last year the scoring was changed.<br />
<br />
The confirmed rankings are:</div>
<ol>
<li>Austria (Leopard 2A4)</li>
<li>Germany (Leopard 2A6)</li>
<li>United States (M1A2 SEP v2) </li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As expected, the top ranks were occupied by the Leopard 2 tanks; <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/05/strong-europe-tank-challenge-2016_22.html">last year </a>the three top-scoring teams were all operating the Leopard 2 tank. That the older Leopard 2A4 managed to beat the sixteen years newer Leopard 2A6 gives a lot of reasons to speculate. It shows that the Leopard 2A6 tank (just like the Leclerc and M1A2 MBTs) probably could not make full use of their more advanced optics, as no night operations were tested. The Leopard 2A4 - fitted with only a single, older thermal imager - should perform a lot worse than these tanks. The limited range during firing trials also makes it impossible for the German and French crews to make full use of their longer barreled main guns.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfLe-JkHUq9fxx8Mqfo9SONuN0GoYvz3LuV-xIN-K3OzyFfFxYadLi5OZrF3haBcEUA_KaB1PT0ha0bFHKbe7VEpcSYH56o_DSQIWciBAYtBbbcG5f0NuuPhRa1woWrqUgEJDKSmwbwOc/s1600/18422782_1464958883554178_2139708021828222996_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfLe-JkHUq9fxx8Mqfo9SONuN0GoYvz3LuV-xIN-K3OzyFfFxYadLi5OZrF3haBcEUA_KaB1PT0ha0bFHKbe7VEpcSYH56o_DSQIWciBAYtBbbcG5f0NuuPhRa1woWrqUgEJDKSmwbwOc/s640/18422782_1464958883554178_2139708021828222996_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crews of the four Austrian Leopard 2 tanks with their trophy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However there is also another major factor for the Austrian victory: crew training. The Strong Europe Tank Challenge is not meant to be an evaluation of the technical characteristics of a main battle tank, but instead tries to measure how well a platoon from a country can perform with it's own equipment. The Austrian crew won, because they were the best trained crew (or rather: they could make the most use of their training).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Based on a photo from a score sheet, that was taken during the competition, the Austrians managed to perform best in calling for fire, the highest scored part of the competition. The Austrian crew got 696 of 700 possible points, while other teams such as the Germans and the Poles got only 500 and 450 points respectively. The Leopard 2s managed to get the best results in offensive operations, which might be related to the high quality and performance of the Leopard 2's fire control system (FCS) and optics. The platoons manning the Leopard 2A4 and the Leclerc tanks both managed to get the fastest time in the precision driving challenge; both these tanks happen to have the highest power-to-weight ratio of the competing models. This should give some of the tank designers a reason to think, if upgrading the engines shouldn't be a priority for the future, specifically after armor upgrades lead to an increase in combat weight of tanks like the M1 Abrams and the Leopard 2 by more than seven metric tons.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnszeUBr8tJYlQ31rxygvdRE8BXxYRTUDQa9lihnb6xsPWh9x0vmVdercynABXO5N9MhGXhFF88HHzPQHC7j790Ct6o9QCAYS98hEn4lAwNftBg6Fv-Pxvyr6TeqTi1XEW2xkHC3UwMGc/s1600/nJ24AjhnV-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnszeUBr8tJYlQ31rxygvdRE8BXxYRTUDQa9lihnb6xsPWh9x0vmVdercynABXO5N9MhGXhFF88HHzPQHC7j790Ct6o9QCAYS98hEn4lAwNftBg6Fv-Pxvyr6TeqTi1XEW2xkHC3UwMGc/s640/nJ24AjhnV-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The score sheet during the competition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the <a href="https://www.army.mil/article/187584/">US Army's own news report</a>, there were different 12 events/challenges in the SETC 2017, which allowed for a total score of 1,500 possible points. However official data from the Austrian Army (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-dX-MLWDz424YsynicL1xabFa9eQs_663ZXlLkMdS8kXFsTG6KC1SkRNNTuGsarMdk2_Po9-n9shdvpGwpKWHzwg_tmXn3pkSrTpGXaq2OBp4S7iLAXTCAgyAl1b6XgR4KZHqYNnIQWj/s1600/2zJBywJ.jpg">scores during the competition</a>, not all teams have finished the same amount of tasks) and the photo from a score sheet during the competition suggest that there were more than 1,500 possible points. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unconfirmed rumors from an Ukranian websites suggest that the French team with the Leclerc MBT managed to get the fourth place, while the Ukranian platoon - operating an upgraded version of the T-64BV tank (sometimes described as T-64BM) - got the fifth place. These tanks were fitted with new radios, GPS systems and night vision optics before being send to SETC 2017. Apparently the crews managed to beat other Ukranain soldiers with T-64BM Bulats and T-80BVs in a national competition before being send to Germany. Supposedly the Polish team with the Leopard 2A5 was on the last place, something that has been blamed on poor training; last year the Poles managed to outperform all but the Danish and German crews. Based on the score sheet from during the competition the Polish crews apparently underperformed in the recovery of a damaged vehicle in a CBRN scenario, in precision driving, in calling for fire, in identifying vehicles and in determining the range. <a href="http://11ldkpanc.wp.mil.pl/pl/101_2760.html">Other claims</a> to justify the poor performance of the Polish platoon say that the fire control system of a single Leopard 2A5 broke in such a way, that the crew couldn't repair it. However the Polish press claims, that they managed to get the fourth place, beating the French and the Ukranian squads - it might be possible, that after the challenge a modifier was added to compensate the lack of a single tank.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to claims from the US website Stripes.com, all scores are rather close to each other.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrmadJ3kZ_FBTPIytzsbAwh67Cu8y94s5bw_jTtbEsoN4fcuEO6H0teixHSWRCuGVVBoqxlOUw4Dq8xgmYX6-Lhzf3ngEcCCD8HxTctXqGtE5RVaJa_FOMJb8B49qWa4PS0iPFnNv53oS/s1600/6APR79u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrmadJ3kZ_FBTPIytzsbAwh67Cu8y94s5bw_jTtbEsoN4fcuEO6H0teixHSWRCuGVVBoqxlOUw4Dq8xgmYX6-Lhzf3ngEcCCD8HxTctXqGtE5RVaJa_FOMJb8B49qWa4PS0iPFnNv53oS/s640/6APR79u.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trophy and the awards for first, second and third place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2017 the US Army had only one single platoon competing in the Strong Europe Tank Challenge; previously two US platoons tried their best to win the trophy. Back then the M1A2 SEP v2 tanks managed to only secure the fifth and sixth place, beating out only the M-84s of the Slovenian platoon. For the second time in a row, the US Army used the most modern of all tanks (the M1A2 SEP v2, which first entered service in 2011), but again failed to beat at least some of the Leopard 2 users with much older hardware. This means that the either the training of the US tank crews is lackluster, or that the M1A2 SEP v2 still requires some work in order to reach the same level of performance as the older German designs. Based on the very few known scores, the US tank platoon did perform slightly worse in offensive actions (gunnery, target spotting) than either German-speaking team, while also being a lot worse in precision driving. Specifically the offensive actions should be among the events, that are most affected by equipment.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/05/strong-europe-tank-challenge-2016.html">runner-up of the SETC 2016</a>, Denmark, couldn't afford to participate.
The Strong Europe Tank Challenge is rather expensive, it not only
requires sending four tank crews, but also four tanks, to Southern
Germany. Denmark instead decided to compete at the Worthington Challenge
in Canada and the Nordic Tank Challenge in Scandinavia; both these
competitons require only two crews, while tanks can be leased.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next year Sweden will compete in the Strong Europe Tank Challenge, probably with an <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/swedens-armor-upgrades.html">upgraded version of the Strv 122</a>; there are hopes that the United Kingdom with the Challenger 2 and Canada with the Leopard 2 (2A6 or 2A4M) will also be part of the Strong Europe Tank Challenge 2018. </div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-21741937109103733432017-05-13T05:36:00.001-07:002017-05-13T05:36:19.749-07:00New Turkish combat vehicles presented at IDEF 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
The thirteenth International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2017) has been held in Turkey. While not extremely popular with foreign companies - despite having "international" in the name, not many international AFV manufacturers were present - this exposition serves as an opportunity for all Turkish defence companies to present their latest and greatest developments. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The company FNSS Defence Systems, a joint-venture of the Nurol Holding and BAE Systems, has presented a number of vehicles from the wheeled PARS family of vehicles (FoV) and the tracked Kaplan-20 and Kaplan-30 armored fighting vehicles (AFVs).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLZQiVnJRKzbLF8fmbB1uUSzkJGVfVKIxCviN_1CP99hsJ1a25_MFJnzcRbI-jgeTIVednY5A5KHG09GE72tKZEiXqUyfgHi1NpT0OFIIKGs2L7NycKCwbBJO2kdvc9WGlPmncAOGQeE/s1600/fnss-tracked-armored-vehicles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLZQiVnJRKzbLF8fmbB1uUSzkJGVfVKIxCviN_1CP99hsJ1a25_MFJnzcRbI-jgeTIVednY5A5KHG09GE72tKZEiXqUyfgHi1NpT0OFIIKGs2L7NycKCwbBJO2kdvc9WGlPmncAOGQeE/s640/fnss-tracked-armored-vehicles.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kaplan family of tracked vehicles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are three main variants of the PARS: a light-weight 4x4 vehicle suited only for scouting, a slightly larger 6x6 variant and a large 8x8 version. The PARS design was originally developed by the the US company General Purpose Vehicles Inc. (GPV Inc., previously GPV LLC.), but failed to gain any orders by the US Army and USMC. In terms of weight and protection level, the PARS 6x6 and PARS 8x8 are more comparable to the previous generation of wheeled vehicles including AFVs such as the German Fuchs, the Swiss Piranha III, the French VAB and the US Army's Stryker <i>interim </i>armored vehicle (IAV). This is probably one of the main reasons for it's lack of sales, being not able to compete in performance (payload, protection, mobility and features) with more modern European designs such as the GTK Boxer, the Patria AMV and General Dynamic's Piranha 5.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The PARS vehicles have however been successfully exported to Malaysia, where a local version is known as AV-81 Gempita and manufactured by the local company DefTech.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HO0S9OXnvPgPFy5igHntmfkqqd7O6ACcl6GE4GgSJLAVopoDsqyLUzO_tqrOjKjAV9e2KJMavAQs2HMsu5qi6EJ6pLpeM4uJ-LGDc0xge8JGn4m1_fOLhd8hd5ygkt6Jd0BMJbPaeaeJ/s1600/18320725_1021605451304293_3977573323586327950_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HO0S9OXnvPgPFy5igHntmfkqqd7O6ACcl6GE4GgSJLAVopoDsqyLUzO_tqrOjKjAV9e2KJMavAQs2HMsu5qi6EJ6pLpeM4uJ-LGDc0xge8JGn4m1_fOLhd8hd5ygkt6Jd0BMJbPaeaeJ/s640/18320725_1021605451304293_3977573323586327950_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The PARS 6x6 Scout features a new driver's cabin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At IDEF 2017, three new versions of the PARS were presented. The PARS Scout is also known as Special Purpose Tactical Wheeled Armoured Vehicle (SPTWAV) and is competing in the Turkish tender for a special purpose vehicle (SPV) against an offering from Otokar (probably a version of the Arma vehicle). The biggest change compared to other variants of the PARS 6x6 is the two-seat cabin at the vehicle front, which now features large windscreens made of ballistic glass, that allow a 230° horizontal viewing angle. A SARP remote weapon station ontop of the roof of the vehicle serves as main armament. The combat weight of the PARS Scout has yet to be made public, however it has a power-to-weight ratio of 22 horsepowers per ton and can reach a road speed of up to 100 kilometres per hour. The weight has not been announced, but if it's power by a 500-600 horsepower engine (like other PARS variants), the PARS 6x6 Scout would weigh around 22-27 metric tons. The hull belly is designed to withstand blasts from mines and IEDs, the seats are blast-proof. The amphibious vehicle is powered by two water blades located at the rear, reaching a swimming speed of 8 kilometres per hour (4.3 knots). On roads, the vehicle has a maximum operation rangee of 600 kilometres. It can cross 1.2 metres wide trenches and climb over vertical obstacles up to 600 mm high. It's maximum fording depth is one metre.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNvdlVC4BGNcPgn42Q6a7dUlycHzFBpF_m373wVEwv5UUgpSx21zpxNj27PeyXiXZmnpvlwjLjnewkzAfKlkDYxoj2yydaDX5TH0N-03I-cEzvRkLWYMaEgfIA9vaQ2StmPuT1e9WCSUJ/s1600/C_Y8zIbXsAAE7Z5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNvdlVC4BGNcPgn42Q6a7dUlycHzFBpF_m373wVEwv5UUgpSx21zpxNj27PeyXiXZmnpvlwjLjnewkzAfKlkDYxoj2yydaDX5TH0N-03I-cEzvRkLWYMaEgfIA9vaQ2StmPuT1e9WCSUJ/s640/C_Y8zIbXsAAE7Z5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The PARS III is a further evolution of the old GPV design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside of the PARS Scout, the third generation of the baseline vehicles were presented. The PARS III 8x8 now has a maximum combat weight of 30 metric tons and can carry 12 soldiers (in the configuration presented at IDEF 2017, which included the Saber-25 one-man turret): Three crew members (commander, driver and gunner), aswell as up to 9 dismounts. The PARS III 6x6 has a lower combat weight of only 25 metric tons, and can carry only six dismounts in the configuration presented at IDEF 2017. Both vehicles have an operation range of more than 700 kilometres.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The main focus of the third generation PARS vehicle was apparently protection against current threats in assymetric warfare, FNSS claims that the resistance against mines is comparable to a MRAP, without stating anything more specific (some vehicles with relatively low level of protection are also called MRAPs...). The fuel tanks of the PARS III vehicles are designed to not detonate upon penetration and also to not leak fuel after being hit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwdd1-ODjcMxlPWtEtpY6fqh4F5oBsalV6_4_UbQvR7i4EjYdIPOf5RNvDnyR_q7TCHQCNM-INWY9fwlRmAqAKQXq-LxbiTI7T0XKpi1ZwnxdjtsiLpGodTEfSl_9WpsKZz5A-wO4ZdiV/s1600/teber-turret-fnss-turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwdd1-ODjcMxlPWtEtpY6fqh4F5oBsalV6_4_UbQvR7i4EjYdIPOf5RNvDnyR_q7TCHQCNM-INWY9fwlRmAqAKQXq-LxbiTI7T0XKpi1ZwnxdjtsiLpGodTEfSl_9WpsKZz5A-wO4ZdiV/s400/teber-turret-fnss-turkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FNSS' Teber turret system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The company also presented it's TEBER-30/35 turret, which exists either as a manned turret for a crew of two or as an unmanned version, which does not penetrate the hull roof. The unmanned version - designated the TEBER-30/35 Remote Controlled Turret (RCT) can be fitted with either a 30 mm autocannon, such as the Bushmaster II Mk 44 chaingun from Aliant Techsystems, or a larger 35 mm autocannon such as the more powerful Bushmaster III gun. There is also the option of using the Bushmaster II Mk 44 with the 40 mm SuperShot (40 x 180 mm) calibre, which provides more payload, but lower penetration than the 35 x 228 calibre. The gun has dual-axis stabilization. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Depending on gun, ammunition storage varies. Up to 250 rounds of 30 x 173 mm ammunition fit into the turret, the amount of 35 x 228 mm ammo is limited to only 100. A 7.62 mm machine gun with 750 ready rounds serves as coaxial secondary armament. The maximum gun depression is -10°, the maximum elevation is +45°. The TEBER turret has two seperate sets of optics for gunner and commander, allowing hunter-killer operations. The type of optics has not been disclosed. The TEBER-30 unmanned turret is a welded aluminium construction with add-on steel or composite armor modules in order to reach what is believed to be STANAG 4569 level 4 protection all-around at most. Eight smoke grenade dischargers enhance the self-protection of the vehicle.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO6if8zmVQUn4zsIvH-ETkrXYl1ADisn1UP5RjG4HHOKd8AWGQrCfjrbMeC8eUGBIhFJDpTyPYhkYb4KvZcHmVTBCPvARqES286zx3cwk6YcBBNSQd23ZQz3v2bgifTGHiLksd-232DiF/s1600/fnss-teber30-ckk-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJO6if8zmVQUn4zsIvH-ETkrXYl1ADisn1UP5RjG4HHOKd8AWGQrCfjrbMeC8eUGBIhFJDpTyPYhkYb4KvZcHmVTBCPvARqES286zx3cwk6YcBBNSQd23ZQz3v2bgifTGHiLksd-232DiF/s640/fnss-teber30-ckk-header.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CGI showing the two-men Teber-30 turret</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The manned TEBER-30 turret is operated by a crew of two. It's largely identical to the TEBER-30/35 RT, but provides storage options for up to 300 ready-to-fire rounds of 30/40 mm ammo and up to 1,000 rounds of 7.62 mm machine gun ammunition. Unlike the unmanned version, the TEBER-30 cannot be fitted with the more powerful 35 mm autocannon, due to the gun's greater size and recoild path. The turret has a weight of 3.85 metric tons when fitted with an unknown armor package. Like the unmanned version, it is consisting of aluminium with applique steel and composite armor options. The maximum possible ballistic protection level is STANAG 4569 level 5 (protection against 25 mm ammunition along the frontal arc).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN6cyAIldwkGFSjO46qEVo55Mnu1SpVn9_RCXs8YOurJzhVim0Dlgn0E-Wm5I2PULaC78YtZvd64-wm-M-BiSPWjHcMKriOI_vEuJpgRoazwribH4aY7OxV9q2IB_bw3uPGkugfxtTWEq/s1600/67HGuxe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJN6cyAIldwkGFSjO46qEVo55Mnu1SpVn9_RCXs8YOurJzhVim0Dlgn0E-Wm5I2PULaC78YtZvd64-wm-M-BiSPWjHcMKriOI_vEuJpgRoazwribH4aY7OxV9q2IB_bw3uPGkugfxtTWEq/s640/67HGuxe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaplan-20 armored personnel carrier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like the PARS, multiple different versions of the Kaplan tracked combat vehicle were presented at IDEF 2017. The Kaplan-20 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) has already been presented in 2015. It is meant to replace the ACV series of vehicles, which are essentially upgraded M113s, sometimes fitted with one-man turrets. FNSS calls the Kaplan vehicles also NG-AFV (next generation armored fighting vehicle). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The weight is depending on turret configuration, but it leads to a power to weight ratio between 22 and 25 horsepower per ton; 23 hp/ton in case of the exact vehicle displayed at IDEF 2017. Six roadwheels per side, which are connected to a torsion bar suspension, spread the weight of the vehicle along the lightweight rubber band tracks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The IFV variant is fitted with the Teber-30/35 RT turret, usually armed with a 30 mm gun. It can carry up to 9 passengers, of which three are crew members (commander, driver and gunner). This year at IDEF, the armored personnel carrier (APC) configuration was showcased, which is armed with a remote weapon station (RWS) that is fitted with a machine gun. Modular composite armor provides protection against ballistic threats and mines of a yet to be officially announced level. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa2qdS0SDvNYKouDrd-Wj9VfW70UXof92-TWfu206j5Z2FRS5Gn_JO0b4-cXGvw53FFzhhVKtfd8GRHAjwNBY41DhhBbhF0FEAEHKi4ZdE0urwPlRg6WV2aBfuJmdzmnJS8Z3K8KJEZrq/s1600/lysWHXf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKa2qdS0SDvNYKouDrd-Wj9VfW70UXof92-TWfu206j5Z2FRS5Gn_JO0b4-cXGvw53FFzhhVKtfd8GRHAjwNBY41DhhBbhF0FEAEHKi4ZdE0urwPlRg6WV2aBfuJmdzmnJS8Z3K8KJEZrq/s640/lysWHXf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kaplan-30 is an enlarged Kaplan with betterr protection</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
First presented at IDEF 2017 is an enlarged version of the vehicle, known as the Kaplan-30 NG-AFV. Like the Kaplan-20, it is fitted with an automatic transmission coupled to a diesel engine. It was demonstrated with the latest version of the Teber-30/35 RT remotely controlled turret system, newer as the version used on the Kaplan-20 in 2015. The increased size of the vehicle offers greater payload. The Kaplan-30 has lost the amphibious capabilities of it's smaller cousin, while the power-to-weight ratio is reduced to only 20 hp/ton. These drawbacks were accepted in order to obtain a higher level of protection and to transport a a crew of three (commander, driver and gunner) plus eight dismounts instead of only six. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Kaplan-30 might be a reaction to Otokar's Tuplar IFV. The Turkish Army is expected to open a tender for replacing the outdated ACV-15s; while FNSS developed the rather light Kaplan-20, the Tuplar is much heavier, providing a higher level of protection and room for twelve soliders (9 dismounts plus the crew of three). </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p6I0K9f6HGg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p6I0K9f6HGg?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Kaplan Medium Tank is designed for the Indonesian <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/11/lightmedium-tanks-gain-popularity.html">Modern Medium Weight Tank (MMWT) program</a>, competing with Rheinmetalls offer - a modified Marder 1A3 fitted with a Leonardo's Hitfact II turret. It is being developed by FNSS in cooperation with PT Pindad. The vehicle is based on a modified Kaplan chassis with rear-engine instead of the front-mounted concept used on the IFVs. With an estimated weight of 30 to 35 metric tons, the medium tank might be the development link between the Kaplan-20 and the Kaplan-30. The Cockerill 3105 turret from CMI Defence is fitted ontop of the modified hull. It is armed with a with 105 mm high-pressure Cockerill gun, capable of firing ammunition exceeding the official pressure limit of the 105 mm clabire according to NATO standards. The turret provides the commander and the gunner with two separate sets of optics (including thermal imagers and laser rangefinders), allowing the crew to carry out hunter/killer operations.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Previously the Kaplan medium tank for the MMWT project was only presented in form of computer-generated images, while Rheinmetall already had a working Marder medium tank by last year. The Kaplan Medium Tank was presented at IDEF 2017 to the public for the first time, it is expected to be ready for service by 2018.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML85dJbDA65nY45c5iH1uXN0olA5U6P9tBSFnNDuFSP0eQ9KC96xfsBv62g8BDZkv7aRXylOpWpIvS9CTUGxS3zKmQdC6tetcX0VB8z7fPSNu8j77e_6o9-_dHlmSHXGaGoUEK07H-B7s/s1600/C_T68CRW0AE8ACM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiML85dJbDA65nY45c5iH1uXN0olA5U6P9tBSFnNDuFSP0eQ9KC96xfsBv62g8BDZkv7aRXylOpWpIvS9CTUGxS3zKmQdC6tetcX0VB8z7fPSNu8j77e_6o9-_dHlmSHXGaGoUEK07H-B7s/s640/C_T68CRW0AE8ACM.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aselsan's Korhan features an advanced 35 mm gun-turret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another armored fighting vehicle has been made by Aselsan, the largest defence company of Turkey; however Aselsan is usually focused on providing electronics and sub-components for combat vehicles. The new vehicle is known as Korhan and might be also meant to compete against Kaplan-20/30 and Tulpar for a potential contract with the Turkish Army. Unfortunately at the time of writing this passage, no reliable source provides enough adequate information about the vehicle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is fitted with an Aselsan-developed unmanned turret featuring advanced optics. Thanks to two separate sight units, the system is enabled for hunter/killer operations. The optronic units include laser rangefinders, daysight cameras aswell as thermal imaging systems. A further number of smaller optics is fixed to the turret; some of them are part of a 360° close-range surveillance system, while others optics located at the turret sides are part of a laser warning system.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The remotely controlled turret is armed with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun as secondary armament. The main armament consists of a 35 mm autocannon, which is capable of firing locally developed KETF (kinetic energy time fuzed) airburst ammunition - essentially a direct copy of the AHEAD (<span class="st">advanced hit efficiency and destruction</span>) concept for KETF rounds developed by Rheinmetall Oerlikon. AHEAD-based systems include various 35 mm anti-air guns such as the Rheinmetall Oerlikon GDF series, the Skyshield gun and the MANTIS C-RAM (counter rockets, artillery and mortar) system. It is also used on the CV9035 and on the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/first-puma-ifv-handed-over-to-german.html">German Puma IFV</a>. The Turkish copy is also used in the new Korkut self-propelled anti-air gun (SPAAG), which is based on an upgraded M113 hull.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Korhan's gun has a maximum elevation of +45°, the maximum gun depression is only -10°. A remote weapon station can be added ontop of the turret, if desired by the costumer. Alternatively the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">Akkor active protection system (APS)</a> with two twin-launchers or a hatch for a mini-UAV (controlled</div>
from inside the vehicle) can be added.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIkDVgSiGK109wFGtzW7dmo0YYHrJIJjLQAFRP_ZpKtqoWR488gHvBKMyj7HgahV66tkGAtJnTwG0EXZZgn35c0s7TZLytqec09HNQiztvRCZl6crcF7uHeVePIGYzPyZdywXudhqn1Yi/s1600/Aselsan-AHS-120.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwIkDVgSiGK109wFGtzW7dmo0YYHrJIJjLQAFRP_ZpKtqoWR488gHvBKMyj7HgahV66tkGAtJnTwG0EXZZgn35c0s7TZLytqec09HNQiztvRCZl6crcF7uHeVePIGYzPyZdywXudhqn1Yi/s640/Aselsan-AHS-120.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Korhan's hull can be used for a mortar carrier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Korhan's turret system is fitted with a modular armor system, utilizing bolt-on panels of composite armor atop the metal structure. The hull however apparently lacks any sort of modular armor in the demonstrated version. A sniper detection system and two banks of four smoke grenade dischargers each provide improved protection for the vehicle and nearby infantry. Like most IFVs, the Korhan has a front-mounted engine in order to allow the designers to incorporate a rear hatch for the dismounts. Up to eight dismounts can be tansported inside the rear compartment. Three crew members (commander, driver and gunner) are located in front of them. The vehicle utilizes steel tracks with rubber padding, the hull has six roadwheels per side, which are connected to an unknwon type of suspension (most likely a torsion-bar system or a hydropneumatic suspension). Aselsan also proposed a mortar vehicle based on a modified variant of the same hull.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYMhHhz23_lpO9m-TgV5T1iNBP5R7kTPzB-62FbWnJAp3KS08WLPoms2eNoslKt8E3fR_7IAKcJ9Lcafkm7l3jrjJFVDzpAUkhPeuz_UVhyIOqF-Sde3M0zkgxbIVqdQAFomNpnPukoOZ/s1600/orYuaE2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYMhHhz23_lpO9m-TgV5T1iNBP5R7kTPzB-62FbWnJAp3KS08WLPoms2eNoslKt8E3fR_7IAKcJ9Lcafkm7l3jrjJFVDzpAUkhPeuz_UVhyIOqF-Sde3M0zkgxbIVqdQAFomNpnPukoOZ/s640/orYuaE2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upgraded M60T Sabra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Other vehicles presented by Aselsan at IDEF 2017 include the Korkut SPAAG, and upgraded versions of the M60T Sabra and Leopard 2 NG. The <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/05/about-that-m60t-which-survived-kornet.html">M60T Sabra</a>, a Israeli-developed upgrade for the Turkish M60A1 main battle tanks, now has been fitted with a SARP remote weapon station (RWS), a 360° camera system, laser warners and a new commander's cupola with increased situational awareness. The SARP RWS accepts either a 7.62 mm general purpose MG, a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun (HMG) or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/12/leopard-2-in-syria.html">The Leopard 2NG </a>is an upgrade for the Leopard 2A4, which has been developed by Aselsan. It is based on the Leopard 2 Evolution armor package from the German company IBD Deisenroth, while Aselsan has developed new optics and electronics. On the enhanced Leopard 2NG, Aselsan has added a laser warning system and a SARP RWS.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The company Otokar presented it's range of wheeled vehicles, including four different variants (two 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles) of the Arma wheeled AFV fitted with the Mizrak and Mizrak-S unmanned turrets - the latter being a new development first presented at IDEF 2017. The up to 24 metric tons heavy Arma failed to gain contracts by the Turkish Army, but has been successfully exported to other countries in the Middle East.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrQT_LGU8RqAZV87SIZeEhmVbXB7LJpe-6YFgUcLJZMStxSRnRHOe8G0viErUGE8o3T_RKFbY8TwF501pgVWrQh9iFUbA5CfthQ41L1rjiQNn0vccgII2s9qGJLxX6LaAnmeXY59fgCiy/s1600/9QOXaO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrQT_LGU8RqAZV87SIZeEhmVbXB7LJpe-6YFgUcLJZMStxSRnRHOe8G0viErUGE8o3T_RKFbY8TwF501pgVWrQh9iFUbA5CfthQ41L1rjiQNn0vccgII2s9qGJLxX6LaAnmeXY59fgCiy/s640/9QOXaO.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Altay has been fitted with the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/us-army-adopts-barracuda.html">SAAB Barracuda MCS</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Otokar demonstrated two variants of the new Turkish Altay main battle tank (MBT), which is expected to enter production within the next year. However the project mightr be delayed after severe issues with the local engine development: while all original prototypes were build using the EuroPowerPack made by the German companies MTU (engine) and Renk (transmission), the Turkish government was interested in using an indigenous engine for the tank - in the end the only reason for the development of the Altay was to have an own Turkish tank, rather than buying the licence to locally manufacture the M1A2 Abrams, the Leopard 2A6 or the Leclerc MBT. When South Korea offered a transfer of technology (ToT), the Altay project was born. The MTU powerpack might still be used for the very initial batch of Altay tanks, but makes exporting the Altay quite complicated - Germany could block possible export contracts to countries with poor human rights record. The Turkish industry however failed to develop a proper replacement engine on it's own, which is why the Austrian company AVL List was chosen to deliver technology and components to TUMOSAN, the Turkish engine manufacturer.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKbYhxTyuHlH_35FlcMEBA0J-PLk1VAbG3Fxn9NYeH0fXtdg1-K1Uvr7ueCna9L7Y2mluTsIj2MoO8ib8KImg82QrsJb_r3g_mXnAop52VaDI_5DcO5bz1ftTKL9cTw40eagsA1y_Recg/s1600/p1645974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKbYhxTyuHlH_35FlcMEBA0J-PLk1VAbG3Fxn9NYeH0fXtdg1-K1Uvr7ueCna9L7Y2mluTsIj2MoO8ib8KImg82QrsJb_r3g_mXnAop52VaDI_5DcO5bz1ftTKL9cTw40eagsA1y_Recg/s640/p1645974.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ukrainian 6TD-3 six-cylinder engine might be fitted to some Altay batches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Due to political issues between Turkey and Austria, the Altay engine project the was delayed. The Austrian government decided to forbid AVL List to export know-how to Turkey, after the Turkish president insulted and threatend Austria and other European countries. Thus the Turkish government searched for another source of engine technology and ended up finding Ukraine's State Enterprise Malyshev Plant. About a year ago in May 2016, this state-owned company presented the 6TD-3, a six-cylinder two-stroke enigne with an output of 1,500 horsepower, which is supercharged and liquid-cooled. It is a further development of the 6TD-2E used on the Oplot MBT from KMBD, which can be traced back to the times of the Soviet Union. It's very questionable that this six-cylinder engine can achieve the same performance in all aspects (including size, fuel consumption, operational range, etc.) as the current offerings from the market-leading German and US enterprises. Pakistan supposedly is interested in using the same engine for the upgraded Al-Khalid 2 tank variant.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaHGT3NOinYFbPggdzCtq1cVJu3h3EQ-Yv7GsqafVO7E2ycokmD5voz27AXFlX-l34Je8_RbUZrwXioIxLIqU-IDAv6uwtJ4naVpnCd41ITVpMSqIqZirnCNCsaMY6jmsHJcs0O_gUBmt/s1600/brW8Vn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaHGT3NOinYFbPggdzCtq1cVJu3h3EQ-Yv7GsqafVO7E2ycokmD5voz27AXFlX-l34Je8_RbUZrwXioIxLIqU-IDAv6uwtJ4naVpnCd41ITVpMSqIqZirnCNCsaMY6jmsHJcs0O_gUBmt/s640/brW8Vn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Altay AHT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also presented at IDEF 2017 for the first time was the Altay-AHT, new Altay variant optimized for assymetrical warfare and urban combat - why a modern tank, designed after the bad experiences of the US military in Iraq, lacks the armor for urban combat shows that something went wrong within the development process. The tank should have been designed with either a proper applique armor package or enough armor to be used in urban combat from the get go. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When upgraded to the AHT configuration, the tank's sides are protected by an unknown type of <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a>; given that Otokar is not known for making it's own armor solutions, this might be a type of new ERA designed by Roketsan. ERA from Roketsan will be fitted to a large number of <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/04/leopard-2-poland-wants-more-germany-and.html">Turkish M60 and Leopard 2 tanks</a>. The turret front now has a sloped shape rather than flat walls, due to addition of passive applique armor. This might imply that the original frontal armor was not meant to resist all possible threats encountered in Syria. At the rear section of the hull and turret, slat armor is adopted to protect against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y5LP7T3dXMfB4zkMEDRZqw7BnAlJKSADKH93A7rKT4IIJuQgE-2I8vEMExAKlljzv0sNjFDOS2Kz2KY9uM8cMmpeVYyk0jaWnbLXwTZLZf_NNsFGrZ49PNGIqYfbm5Rx5PDbLxR9iQ6t/s1600/c_eavdswaaeztmrhzlo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y5LP7T3dXMfB4zkMEDRZqw7BnAlJKSADKH93A7rKT4IIJuQgE-2I8vEMExAKlljzv0sNjFDOS2Kz2KY9uM8cMmpeVYyk0jaWnbLXwTZLZf_NNsFGrZ49PNGIqYfbm5Rx5PDbLxR9iQ6t/s640/c_eavdswaaeztmrhzlo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flanks of the Altay AHT are covered by ERA and slat armor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tank is fitted with a new suite of optics in order to detect enemies approaching from all sides. The commander's independent periscope was dropped out of the AHT's design, instead a remote weapon station (RWS) fitted with a 12.7 mm heavy M2 machine gun, aswell as telescopic elevated observation system (EOS) have been added to the turret roof. The EOS is mounted on a retractable mast, it can be raised in order to enable the tank's crew to observe and spot targets, while the vehicle completely remains behind cover. It is apparently fitted with a thermal imager, but probably also includes a laser rangefinder and a daysight CCD camera - there are at least three openings for optics at the EOS' top module.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-slTvi6N_2DljKGFQETGRB62an94PkmJdO6E_jCNR9OyYzdODdS-WMqNo87FF9Tsq_5ryGXdpCw2E7yNRNuw01SdTk_nvErlY0zqoVwV4kWvzErSAseUXvyQIl47dDoZ5eVLm9gIogKY2/s1600/Turkey_Altay_AHT_Slat_armour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-slTvi6N_2DljKGFQETGRB62an94PkmJdO6E_jCNR9OyYzdODdS-WMqNo87FF9Tsq_5ryGXdpCw2E7yNRNuw01SdTk_nvErlY0zqoVwV4kWvzErSAseUXvyQIl47dDoZ5eVLm9gIogKY2/s640/Turkey_Altay_AHT_Slat_armour.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the corner of the turret, the YAMGÖZ system and laser warners are mounted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <a href="http://en.azeridefence.com/yamgoz-close-range-surveillance-system/">YAMGÖZ close-range surveillance system</a> provides 360° degree coverage using cameras and thermal imager with a rather limited resolution. It consists of eight modules, each being a tandem of a camera and a night vision optic. Two modules are mounted at each corner of the turret, with a laser warning system located inbetween them. Each detector of the thermal imaging sensors has a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels, they operate at a spectral band of 8 to 12 µm. The daysight camera's have a slightly better resolution at 976 by 582 pixels. The field of view of both optics is limited to 40° horizontally and 30° in elevation. In terms of design this arrangement is similar to Rheinmetall's situational awareness system (SAS), but due the worse sensor unit layout, more optics are required - potentially leading to a higher price than Rheinmetall's offering. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unlike the current Altay prototypes, the Altay-AHT's hull makes use of a torsion-bar suspension; it can however be fitted with the original hydropneuamtic suspension if desired. Otokar cites easier maintenance for this decision. Indirectly the move to a torsion bar suspension might imply, that the Altay's hydropneuamtic suspension is not capable of dealing with the higher weight of the Altay-AHT, that it might offer lower reliability than the torsion-bar design or that replacing damaged components is a pain in the arse for the maintentance crews. A dozer blade is fitted to the hull front, which can be used for self-entrenching and clearing obstacles.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like most modern tanks designed for urban combat, the upgraded Altay is also fitted with an electronical jammer to counter radio-fuzed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by jamming the frequencies used to fuze them. Furthermore the Altay-AHT has an acoustic location system to track the position of enemy snipers and soldiers. The laser warning system allows to launch the smoke grenade dischargers, acting like a simple soft-kill active protection system. Depending on setting, either the RWS, the EOS or the turret can be turned to face into the direction of a laser, from which the turret-mounted warners were triggered.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-34866717390190036102017-04-27T04:33:00.001-07:002017-04-28T04:01:51.178-07:00Leopard 2: Poland wants more; Germany and Turkey opt for upgrades<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to a news report from <a href="http://www.defence24.com/570918,poland-is-looking-for-leopard-2-tanks">Defence24.com</a>, the Polish Army is interested in buying more Leopard 2 main battle tanks (MBTs). Poland originally received 128 Leopard 2A4s for an extremely low price, a decision made in Germany in order to build up better political relationships between the two countries, which previously due to the second World War and previous conflicts had been terrible. A further 119 Leopard 2 tanks (including 105 relatively modern Leopard 2A5s) were ordered in 2013, after Germany (falsely) decided to downsize it's tank force. These second-hand tanks also were extremely cheap, costing only €180 million.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBId2RBxaH-lOug-tG92K-ez0PTwKHrqWLpp_BRSfS1jaILcQi-i5AmAhQQnkWEeHlNKmDcGIUF-top64qJz7srJ8KaXzXYYSO18F5_ZYFV0maVoMhlEnCNrF220BeX4JGYlnFDa8j8LgY/s1600/WIT_MSPO_2016_leopard_ok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBId2RBxaH-lOug-tG92K-ez0PTwKHrqWLpp_BRSfS1jaILcQi-i5AmAhQQnkWEeHlNKmDcGIUF-top64qJz7srJ8KaXzXYYSO18F5_ZYFV0maVoMhlEnCNrF220BeX4JGYlnFDa8j8LgY/s640/WIT_MSPO_2016_leopard_ok.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Leopard 2PL is an upgraded Leopard 2A4 with AMAP armor, new optics, electronics and an APU</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Given this history, it seems very unlikely that Poland is going to order newly built Leopard 2 tanks, which would cost between €5 and €11 million per vehicle, depending on variant and other parts and services being part of the contract value. Buying new tanks also would delay the introduction into service by some years, however the tanks could be more capable than what currently is possible with upgrading older vehicles - in order to keep upgrades cheap, most Leopard 2A4 users try to limit the weight of a modified version to 60 metric tons (above this limit the torsion bars need to be replaced, which requires some welding on the hull). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thus Poland is most likely looking to buy second hand Leopard 2A4 tanks for a much a lower price - before Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula, used Leopard 2A4 tanks were sometimes sold for less than one million Euros per tank.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If Poland purchased Leopard 2A4 tanks, these MBTs then should be upgraded to the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/09/updates-on-pt-16-and-leopard-2-pl.html">modern Leopard 2PL standard</a>, which features enhanced surivability, firepower and slightly improved mobility. A thick AMAP composite armor module at the turret front boosts the frontal turret protection to a level comparable to the Leopard 2A7, while optics and modifications to the gun, improved drive system and a computer unit to program the 120 mm DM11 HE-airburst ammunition boost the tank's lethality.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A possible source for these second-hand tanks might be Norway; recent reports suggest that Norway is considering giving up it's small tank force (originally ordered 52 Leopard 2A4s, 46 left operational) in favor of a more mobile infantry-focused doctrine. Small infantry units should take out enemy tanks by using anti-tank guided missiles and other weapons. This is however only one of three options being considered by the Norwegian Army, in the end the tanks might be kept operational.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finland might also be able to sell slightly less than a hundred Leopard 2A4 tanks, after purchasing 100 ex-Dutch Leopard 2A6 MBTs in 2014. Some of the 139 Leopard 2A4s originally bought by Finland have been relegated to reserve units, while others were converted into bridge layers, support vehicles or cannibalized for spare parts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A third option for getting Leopard 2A4s at a low price might be Spain. Originally Spain leased 108 Leopard 2A4 tanks from Germany, which later were purchased by the Ejército de Tierra (Spanish Army), after Germany had downsized it's own military significantly and had no need for further tanks. Spain has offered the tanks to the Czech Republic and to Peru; however they were rejected due to being in a bad condition and thus requiring costly factory-level maintenance.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is currently unknown what buying more Leopard 2 tanks means for the fate of the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/back-from-dead-anders-and-pt-16.html">PT-16 tank </a>developed by the Polish industry. It might result in no PT-16 being bought by the Polish Army, however the current government plans to increase the size of the military dramatically (together with it's budget), which might allow to upgrade some of the older T-72 and PT-91 tanks to the PT-16 configuration.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWqg7o40RZ83vgmwsgTpLD8bWrQfz9UJXb_9GZkTG4AKB18xQzvJCs9T0SU6H-cSfeeoOFdmHxHJxw6IlDzwW7T_iNvrWlNi5RwcHxypjLXgnhixMQM1N3wi7XeljvtnRkGuEBmG_nkJa/s1600/3-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWqg7o40RZ83vgmwsgTpLD8bWrQfz9UJXb_9GZkTG4AKB18xQzvJCs9T0SU6H-cSfeeoOFdmHxHJxw6IlDzwW7T_iNvrWlNi5RwcHxypjLXgnhixMQM1N3wi7XeljvtnRkGuEBmG_nkJa/s640/3-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard 2A5 of the Polish Army</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Due to Russia's politics towards Eastern Europe (predominantely annexing Crimea and supporting the rebels in the <strike>civil </strike>war in Ukraine) being considered an aggression and inacceptable, NATO has increased it's focus on conventional warfare, shifting away from focusing on international peace-keeping, peace-making and anti-terror operations. To react faster and better in case of a Russian aggression, the Polish Army has moved some of it's currently most advanced tanks - the Leopard 2A5 - closer to it's eastern border. The tanks originally belonging to the 34th Armoured Cavalry Brigade located in Zagan (a city close to the German border) have been moved to the 1st Tank Brigade, which is stationed in Wesola, a place close to the country's capital, Warsaw. Likewise the PT-91, an enhanced, local version of the T-72 featuring ERAWA armor and improved electronics, will be used to replace some other tanks in the 1st Tank Brigade. Previously the unit was equipped with obsolete T-72M1 tanks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfcxujdoj3msd_9sps4XTQrzivBrnepijLtoZUtKCQ9kAEJiW4Rpk3EMHYNPe8c7-cZ1vf-Eq0K28mUGbvG18Gh6K4K1JG59k0dQZoIYy0O-Rm2HX8UJ86negvqd-NZe4u3HQn0y0voLw/s1600/54b015e3-1706-499a-bbe4-66762520bb52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfcxujdoj3msd_9sps4XTQrzivBrnepijLtoZUtKCQ9kAEJiW4Rpk3EMHYNPe8c7-cZ1vf-Eq0K28mUGbvG18Gh6K4K1JG59k0dQZoIYy0O-Rm2HX8UJ86negvqd-NZe4u3HQn0y0voLw/s640/54b015e3-1706-499a-bbe4-66762520bb52.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ADS system utilizes pre-warner radars, optronic sensors and box-based countermeasures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile ADS Protection GmbH, a German company owned by Rheinmetall Defence and it's partner IBD Deisenroth Engineering, has suggested to the German military to adopt it's Active Defence System (ADS), a <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">box-based active protection system </a>(APS) capable of defeating (depending on exact variant) anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) - including top-attack weapons, RPGs, EFPs, aswell as HE(AT) and APFSDS ammunition fired by main battle tanks. A report following an investigation on the system was presented to the German Defence Commitee at the end of March. Due to the commitee working in private, it is not known what the result of this report are. According to an earlier report in a news magazine, the system could enter service in 2018 or 2019, when ordered in 2017. The system manages to exceed the NATO STANAG 4686 requirements for active protection systems (intercepting more than 85% of incoming projectiles for a reduction in penetration capacity by 50%), defeating over 95% of incoming threats during testing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the 26th April of 2017, the German parliament finally approved a contract to buy and upgrade 103 Leopard 2A4 tanks, which are currently owned by the German defence industry. <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/03/leopard-2-projects.html">Previously the contract was delayed </a>due to disputes between the two companies Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, which could not agree on how the contract value would be split between them. Most of the tanks will be upgraded to the new <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/future-leopard-2-improvments.html">Leopard 2A7V configuration</a>, an upgraded variant of the Leopard 2A7, while the other tanks will be converted to support vehicles or repurposed in another way. The Leopard 2A7V will feature a stronger 20 kW auxiliary power unit (APU), enhanced armor protection, superior optics and improved communication systems. It might also feature the improved L/55A1 tank gun, that allows to operate at higher pressures. Together with new ammunition, this is said to improve performance/penetration by 20% compared to the current gun.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxyb2S-3fsoK-rAB0apI7tGg4QqbpW7hQ0KVSrimu2-s39j3ZjvSudunJP8yZ9ks5jFCW3_qiKgDfq_LQhyKcBLX09qcPRw2tx5i_sgIM1VqBRR_B4jL1nsq4aj4-d4brDwIhq7qTWVNI/s1600/LEOPARD-2A4_TURKEY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxyb2S-3fsoK-rAB0apI7tGg4QqbpW7hQ0KVSrimu2-s39j3ZjvSudunJP8yZ9ks5jFCW3_qiKgDfq_LQhyKcBLX09qcPRw2tx5i_sgIM1VqBRR_B4jL1nsq4aj4-d4brDwIhq7qTWVNI/s640/LEOPARD-2A4_TURKEY.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard 2's originally produced with old armor package can be identified by the welded ammo hatch (<span style="color: red;">red arrow</span>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/12/leopard-2-in-syria.html">loosing several Leopard 2A4 tanks</a> in combat against terrorists, Turkey is trying to improve the protection of the tanks. Depending on production batch, the 2A4 version of the tank is either fitted with a first, a second or a third generation armor package. At least some Turkish Leopard 2A4 tanks are most likely fitted with the oldest and weakest armor option, because they belong to the earliest production batches. These can be identified by the ammunition hatch located in the left side wall of the turret; it was closed (by welding steel ontop of it) when the tanks were upgraded to the 2A4 configuration.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the Military Technology Magazine, Turkish sources claim that a about 80 MBTs were used in the operation "Euphrates Shield", of which 43 were Leopard 2A4 tanks. Based on available data about 7 to 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks were hit by anti-tank guided missiles, damaging or destroying the tanks. Due to IS propaganda filming the same tank from different angles and pretending that this would be different vehicles, the exact kill number might be inflated.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NdC5dfpWLNmyrgdPOyWm-6wyPRrk1YxadLfCN7jtKWqKkWhgoF7srDqczxH81Vfd03NXAvAFEe_oQBWZP4XHXEwAwK3njSl6d-FnLuKViyOoziRMVrn0fmvsX7jFyLVz0_gaYcK-OqyK/s1600/C9bsdEKWAAAGrLj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NdC5dfpWLNmyrgdPOyWm-6wyPRrk1YxadLfCN7jtKWqKkWhgoF7srDqczxH81Vfd03NXAvAFEe_oQBWZP4XHXEwAwK3njSl6d-FnLuKViyOoziRMVrn0fmvsX7jFyLVz0_gaYcK-OqyK/s400/C9bsdEKWAAAGrLj.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M60A3 fitted with ERA from Roketsan </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Currently 40 Leopard 2A4, 40 M60A3 and 120 M60T MBTs of the Turkish Army are planned to receive an upgrade to improve the protection against ATGMs, after two M60T tanks were already fitted with a remote weapon station (RWS) and laser warners. The M60T is meant to receive an <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">active protection system</a>; given that the Akkor APS is still in development, Turkey plans to buy an existing system. Furthermore the M60A3s and Leopard 2A4s are to be fitted with <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">a new ERA kit</a> from Roketsan (scheduled to be tested on a Leopard 2A4 first), a fire supression system, a close proximity surveillance system and the same upgrades as the two M60Ts received (which are laser warners and a <a href="http://www.aselsan.com.tr/en-us/capabilities/weapon-systems/remote-weapon-platforms/sarp-stabilized-advanced-remote-weapon-platfor">SARP RWS</a>). The upgraded Leopard 2A4 tanks are also meant to receive an APS, just like the M60T Sabra tanks. Which APS will be chosen is unknown, but Rheinmetall has complained about Germany blocking several weapon exports to Turkey; this might include the AMAP armor package used on the Turkish Leopard 2NG upgrade and/or the ADS active protection system.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, Denmark and Poland did enjoy great success in the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/05/strong-europe-tank-challenge-2016_22.html">Strong Europe Tank Challenge 2016</a>, hosted by the US Army on the Grafenwöhr site located in Germany. This year's competition is scheduled to take place between the 7th and 12th of May. Denmark, Italy and Slovenia won't return after participating last year, however Austria (with Leopard 2A4s), France (with the Leclerc MBT), Romania (with the TR-85M1) and Ukraine (most likely using an upgraded T-64 version) join last year's competitors Germany, Poland and the United States. Let's see how the Leopard 2 can handle the Strong Europe Tank Challenge 2017.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-44199389127165125112017-04-26T15:45:00.000-07:002017-04-26T15:45:00.216-07:00Russian T-72B3 receive armor upgrades<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Russian Army has decided to upgrade the current T-72B3 to a new configuration, which was first seen in the middle of last month. The exact number tanks upgraded has not been disclosed yet. The tank has been called "<i>T-72B3M</i>" or "<i>T-72B4</i>" by different websites, suggesting that the new designation may also not have been revealed yet. It might be known as "<i>T-72B3 mod. 2016</i>" rather than receiving a completely new designation. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The upgrade is aimed to improve the survivability of the tank by installing <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor</a> (ERA) at the flanks of turret and hull. This armor is apparently identical to that used on the current version of T-90MS "premium" export tank. This reactive armor is not known to provide protection against kinetic energy ammunition such as APFSDS rounds nor against anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) or rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) with tandem shaped charge warhead.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9nhMSQhyphenhyphenzeWDTvGW2uqmZTz-ZF5Wkmg-lYkh1h_TAPQY8QcBcJnMorrqHrgRnSMIzAdPvGy58Q2kbTRCN5gnO26Rl0N2_OQirI2e8gDzESjHXAAMKlPUdcldDSgMXarRXbvv4-3eteBy/s1600/4cv5Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9nhMSQhyphenhyphenzeWDTvGW2uqmZTz-ZF5Wkmg-lYkh1h_TAPQY8QcBcJnMorrqHrgRnSMIzAdPvGy58Q2kbTRCN5gnO26Rl0N2_OQirI2e8gDzESjHXAAMKlPUdcldDSgMXarRXbvv4-3eteBy/s640/4cv5Y.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upgraded T-72B3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Specifically on the turret sides the ERA boosts protection level considerably, because the T-72 and other Soviet-designed tanks rely mostly on <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/cold-war-mbt-turret-designs.html">turret geometry</a> to obtain a high level of protection while staying at a relatively low weight. The turret flanks are covered by the heavily armored turret cheeks along the <span class="st">±</span>30° frontal arc, which allows having only very thin steel armor at the turret sides - about 70 to 120 milimetres thick (depending on location and variant).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In conventional warfare, the turret design of the T-72 is not considered to be a drawback, because the overwhelming majority of hits will occur within the frontal arc, as proven by the analysis of damaged and destroyed tanks. However it's turret design is a major reason why the T-72 is not suited for irregular or hybrid warfare. When the side armor is hit during an ambush, it can be penetrated by even the oldest and weakest RPGs. Meanwhile the turret side armor of the other tanks such as the Challenger 2, Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams is already much thicker - usually more than a feet (~300 mm) thick - this is believed to be enough to resist att least older types of RPGs. To deal with ATGMs and more modern RPGs, additional urban warfare packages have been developed and adopted on numerous modern main battle tanks, including the C1 Ariete, the Challenger 2, <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/06/upgraded-leclerc-presented-at.html">the Leclerc</a>, <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/12/leopard-2-in-syria.html">the Leopard 2</a>, the M1 Abrams, the PT-91/T-72 and the T-84M. The Russian Army is rather late with adopting the new armor package.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcPyOgvW7lZ-4JPlhlej_nN4jZEC5V_dPvGSLJ9gErMYzfD0eOGYb0C1ZiBEdWJBu10NPTC-kpCN1t22p_hjBt-xXePcetf9dJuTDQIdLbL4WTGfjeD8QsjTnlEla2GTau2ugQp36LxUo/s1600/jWzV0bbIr90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcPyOgvW7lZ-4JPlhlej_nN4jZEC5V_dPvGSLJ9gErMYzfD0eOGYb0C1ZiBEdWJBu10NPTC-kpCN1t22p_hjBt-xXePcetf9dJuTDQIdLbL4WTGfjeD8QsjTnlEla2GTau2ugQp36LxUo/s640/jWzV0bbIr90.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear of the upgraded tank is fitted with slat armor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nine relatively large ERA modules are added to the turret sides of the tank: five are mounted on the right side of the turret, providing rather good armor coverage. Only four ERA modules are installed on the left side of the turret however, because there is a large gap caused by the smoke grenade dischargers. This area should be considered a weakspot that still is susceptible to penetration by even the oldest types of RPGs. The original T-72B upgrade with Kontakt-5 reactive was a rather "cheap and dirty" attempt to boost the protection of the tank, not trying to focus on perfect coverage, but rather being a low-cost option. This resulted in the old smoke grenade launchers being kept, rather than relocating them ontop of the ERA or on the turret roof, where they wouldn't cause a weakspot. Other tanks such as the T-80U and T-90 have a much better ERA layout.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYwfchvaIslttTgb0nncb2X6ooQDzhCcErj61X0VI1n3RGJwFMVe63AfIBBWaeUve2DGvJUpYN0ilnuwFxw9vJWCZfXDdusDd2lLvaq1rJkYAq7orWuh-y06sE0eesdatnqyk_sLWMp_Y/s1600/Btusa_tocZg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYwfchvaIslttTgb0nncb2X6ooQDzhCcErj61X0VI1n3RGJwFMVe63AfIBBWaeUve2DGvJUpYN0ilnuwFxw9vJWCZfXDdusDd2lLvaq1rJkYAq7orWuh-y06sE0eesdatnqyk_sLWMp_Y/s640/Btusa_tocZg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flanks of the T-72B3 are now protected by ERA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On each side of the hull there are twelve rather large, but thin, panels of reactive armor. Each panel might hold multiple reactive elements in order to maximize multi-hit capability - at least this design was used on the Kontakt-5 hull flank armor panels. Below the reactive armor modules is a rubber sheet with a zigzag pattern at the lower edge. In most cases it won't provide any armor protection, but can affect how much issues are caused when driving at high speeds through dirt and dust. At the rear sections of the turret and at the engine compartment in the hull, slat armor has been installed to provide a weight efficient protection solution against older types of RPGs. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75K6TYMMZwjHgrNUuyzrGNb74HlB5OdtOjN_2v79dJn6rDjas6xCSValOTuOUXaLHDane7Qa5MZpNUZNYuzNki-PkTipk77j9yr5k0KcaQXGEXiCX3NqsauJX1k6C5RYAdZg9W9mkvXke/s1600/C8rSnbOWAAEF4Vm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75K6TYMMZwjHgrNUuyzrGNb74HlB5OdtOjN_2v79dJn6rDjas6xCSValOTuOUXaLHDane7Qa5MZpNUZNYuzNki-PkTipk77j9yr5k0KcaQXGEXiCX3NqsauJX1k6C5RYAdZg9W9mkvXke/s640/C8rSnbOWAAEF4Vm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frontal armor protection was enhanced only by the addition of a single ERA tile </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the original T-72B3, the Russian ministry of defence (MoD) settled for a rather poor upgrade of the T-72B tank; at least in terms of armor protection. The old Kontakt-5 armor is still utilized and it is covering only a relatively small part of the frontal aspect of the main battle tank: there are gaps inbetween the ERA tiles mounted to the turret, while the gun mantlet, aswell as the lower and upper portions of turret and hull are not even covered by it. The cast structure of the T-72B's turret is known for leading to inconsistent armor thickness - supposedly resulting in several weakspots according to articles in Russian language; the lackluster ERA coverage only increases this issue. Except of a single ERA tile located left to the main gun, the frontal protection hasn't been altered with the new upgraded variant. The Kontakt-5 ERA is outdated by modern standards - modern ammunition from NATO and other countries has been specifically optimized to defeat Kontakt-5 and similar types of explosive reactive armor.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4z4-HJPZFAlEcKXMcfbKTir20YIqEOzfecGSm3rgH1YzpFfO4Tck2Elyc_27GInzd3TWigW3yTukaW9Rj9xw8MyRrtwz3nMYz4fyzIk_zwBFT188Jxjq115o4dhSzXWQ2b1f3mpUnj-ZD/s1600/1019010348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4z4-HJPZFAlEcKXMcfbKTir20YIqEOzfecGSm3rgH1YzpFfO4Tck2Elyc_27GInzd3TWigW3yTukaW9Rj9xw8MyRrtwz3nMYz4fyzIk_zwBFT188Jxjq115o4dhSzXWQ2b1f3mpUnj-ZD/s400/1019010348.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-72B2 Rogatka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
UralVagonZavod (UVZ), the company responsible for manufacturing the T-72B, T-90 and upgrades thereof, has developed much more capable solutions to enhance the survivability of the T-72 main battle tank. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the better upgrade options is the T-72B2, which was first shown to the public in 2006. Like the T-72B3, this sub-version of the T-72B features a similiar fire control system (FCS) designed around the Sosna-U gunner's sight, which includes an optical day channel, a laser rangefinder and a French-developed Catherine-FC thermal imaging system. Unlike the current Russian T-72B3 variant however, the B2 upgrade features the latest generation Relikt ERA, which provides enhanced protection against ATGMs, APFSDS ammunition and RPGs. It is claimed to even have some anti-tandem-warhead capabilities. While the tank lacked the extensive ERA package at the turret and hull sides, slat armor was fitted to protect the sides against RPGs at least. The T-72B2 tank is also fitted with a Nakidka cover to reduce the thermal and radar signature of the tank.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOt3VCuUqpwhaFnWn0cWTSCYAyh8ggTg0NFI6bqD8k8dq46ll0l-JBSBI0-FGoe9WezzcelAzzOk_iIjFkYHZ_95XggwmglWFPh9J5dTHmliD5i8KVYIVZSK3fgoq5XQO-jqEC1APfqPI/s1600/urban_T72B_1021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOt3VCuUqpwhaFnWn0cWTSCYAyh8ggTg0NFI6bqD8k8dq46ll0l-JBSBI0-FGoe9WezzcelAzzOk_iIjFkYHZ_95XggwmglWFPh9J5dTHmliD5i8KVYIVZSK3fgoq5XQO-jqEC1APfqPI/s400/urban_T72B_1021.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-72 with urban combat kit at KADEX 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the KADEX exhibition in 2016 in Kazakhstan, UVZ presented an urban warfare kit for the T-72 tank, which also utilized the superior Relikt armor rather than the old Kontakt-5. Instead of using the same side armor as the T-90MS, this tank was fitted with a heavier ERA package at the hull sides, which appears to be similar to the one used on the more advanced T-14 Armata MBT. The urban warfare kit has worse ERA coverage at the turret sides (due to the different smoke grenade launcher configuration of the tank used to demonstrate the optional upgrade), but like the T-72B2 it includes the laser warning system from the Shtora-1 electronic countermeasure. A T-72B3 with such an armor kit should be considerable better than the T-72B3.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Supposedly UVZ offered to upgrade the Russians T-72B3 tank to an
enhanced T-72B2 configuration, including an additional ERA package
similiar to the <i>T-72B3 mod. 2016</i> (aka T-<i>72B3M </i>or <i>T-72B4</i> according to other websites) and a new independent
commander's sight to enable hunter/killer operations at day and night.
This upgrade was - like the previous T-72B2 upgrade - considered to be
too expensive for the Russian MoD.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9VsGSgbqoAYwD_PCFJnMYMTTwPSbd7Zqfci1amNdHjwpFsuTTK2GzkZlNsnfT3x9oTOW_SAv3QZEA_yxzd0rl8pZvGxlRmPnTkneMlz8UlzYhDPsU0t1r0dL4GJKVqFul6m_F0Qfmr_z/s1600/T-90M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9VsGSgbqoAYwD_PCFJnMYMTTwPSbd7Zqfci1amNdHjwpFsuTTK2GzkZlNsnfT3x9oTOW_SAv3QZEA_yxzd0rl8pZvGxlRmPnTkneMlz8UlzYhDPsU0t1r0dL4GJKVqFul6m_F0Qfmr_z/s640/T-90M.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-90M features Relikt ERA, slat armor, a new RWS and an upgraded FCS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of the T-90 tanks will be upgraded to a new configuration developed as part of Proryv-3 (<i>breakthrough 3</i>) program. This enhanced version is understood to be largely based on the T-90MS, but introduces new slat armor covering the lower half of the turret front to further minimize weakspots - at least according to photo was leaked via a Russian calendar that was created in corporation with the corresponding institutions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A model of the T-90M was first presented in 2011, but the tank still hasn't been adopted in Russian Army service. If and when Russia will adopt the upgraded MBT in a significant number is currently unknown, but there still is a relatively large time slot until the next-generation T-14 Armata tank will have entered service in reasonable numbers. With the upgrades the weight of the T-90 tank is supposed to reach 50 metric tons.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-29162073877861199912017-04-19T14:28:00.001-07:002017-04-19T14:29:11.537-07:00US armor modernization plans<div style="text-align: justify;">
The armed forces of the United States of America are running a number of projects to modernize the land vehicle and amphibious vehicles during the next few years. The Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), based on a modified Bradley chassis, will replace the obsolete M113 (not called Gavin) in the Army's inventory. <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/10/us-armor-programs-at-ausa-2016.html">The AMPV </a>features enhanced protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a total of 2,907 AMPVs will replace the M113-based vehicles as general-purpose vehicles, mission command vehicles, mortar carriers, medical evacuation and medical treatment vehicles in the US Army's Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). On the long run a further 1,922 AMPVs might be procured, if the M113 should be replaced at brigade level (and lower) on a one-to-one basis by the AMPV.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/2cwCDYz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://i.imgur.com/2cwCDYz.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AMPV in the medical evacuation variant</td></tr>
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In general both Army and USMC are interested in upgrading or replacing the existing medium weight personnel carriers (both APCs and IFVs) in the near future. The Army is working on improving the M2 Bradley and the Stryker, developing ECPs (engineering change proposals) and prototypes for future enhancements. The Marines meanwhile are working on a survivability upgrade of the tracked Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV), which is being developed by SAIC. It includes a new ceramic armor package (which supposedly offers the same protection level as the currently used Israeli-developed spaced applique armor, but improved buoyancy), an underbelly plate against mines, blast-absorbing seats for the passengers and crew aswell as improved mobility thanks to a new transmission and upgrades to the engine. The other big ground forces project of the USMC is the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), a 8x8 wheeled vehicle with amphibious capabilities. Two contenders have been shortlisted, one of them being a proposal from SAIC and ST Kinetics, while the other offer is a version of Iveco's proven SuperAV incorporating technology from BAE Systems. However the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has proposed to move the decision on the ACV <a href="http://www.snafu-solomon.com/2017/04/gao-recommends-acv-production-decision.html">into the fiscal year 2019.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87FiEPLn6VTFmYqYW1vh5wbBNImLsemKEKP6RIrM4xYYZzcX-E6oX871vxDvv4FGWVdVQPBBuBQnnxDP-hN0H5RU-YbwXnc7Eml6cBAZj4qPnEGbxFuPexWi32_l6gyUm3CCKYOJTcTpO/s1600/Stryker+Dragoon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87FiEPLn6VTFmYqYW1vh5wbBNImLsemKEKP6RIrM4xYYZzcX-E6oX871vxDvv4FGWVdVQPBBuBQnnxDP-hN0H5RU-YbwXnc7Eml6cBAZj4qPnEGbxFuPexWi32_l6gyUm3CCKYOJTcTpO/s400/Stryker+Dragoon+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stryker Dragoon design overview</td></tr>
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The US Army has recently accepted a prototype version of the Stryker 8x8 wheeled vehicle fitted with a Kongsberg Protector MCT-30 turret, which is armed with a fully stabilized 30 mm XM 813 chain gun, based on the Mk 44 Bushmaster II from Aliant Techsystems (ATK), as urgent operational requirement for the Germany-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment (aka the 2nd Dragoons). This variant of the Stryker is known as the Stryker ICV Dragoon or simply Dragoon, the official designation is <span id="docs-internal-guid-9250b2f8-0cc9-9b82-fdc8-5347e2346eae">XM1296. The vehicle is expected to enter actual troop service in May 2018.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUxMYLYjUQ8MpY3hjIBpLHl2-6p5eczFpN3jVQ_oJiw_9AXZy4Pv61Wr5YPRzT4f8yywQrmAoq76oe8YDgank2A8Qu_XHlLGLQOvFSS3VZDvMq6H6MQY0IV3NWO2EqchZmXcOvSnHcgXR/s1600/Stryker+ICV+Dragoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUxMYLYjUQ8MpY3hjIBpLHl2-6p5eczFpN3jVQ_oJiw_9AXZy4Pv61Wr5YPRzT4f8yywQrmAoq76oe8YDgank2A8Qu_XHlLGLQOvFSS3VZDvMq6H6MQY0IV3NWO2EqchZmXcOvSnHcgXR/s640/Stryker+ICV+Dragoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stryker Dragoon is fitted with an unmanned MCT-30 turret from Kongsberg</td></tr>
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Aside of the 30 mm cannon, the unmanned MCT-30 turret can be fitted with an optional coaxial machine gun, that is externally mounted above the gun shield, but apparently the US Army hasn't opted for it. Another option not taken on the Dragoon is the inclusion of a separate sight for the commander, which would have enabled the vehicle to be used in hunter-killer operations. The gunner is provided with an optronic unit including a thermal imager, a daysight camera and a laser-rangefinder.</div>
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The MCT-30 turret stores only 150 rounds of 30 x 173 mm ammunition (two types, of each 75 rounds), however unlike other unmanned turrets it can be reloaded from the interior, if the space below the resupply hatch is not occupied. It offers only limited ballistic protection, reaching only STANAG 4569 level 1 in the base configuration. With applique armor the protection can be boosted up to level 4 (resisting 14.5 mm AP ammunition fired from 200 metres distance); the Dragoon's turret is fitted with bolt-on armor, however the exact protection level has yet to be revealed. </div>
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The new Stryker variant is not without it's issues. With only 81 old Stryker ICVs being converted to the Dragoon variant, is it a rather rare and hence will be relatively expensive. Spare parts might be limited and only be supplied to the repair depot(s) in Germany, making operations outside of Europe rather unlikely. The 30 x 173 mm calibre is also not very common in the Army, but used by the Airforce and Navy (with ammunition types not necessarily suited for the Dragoon). </div>
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It is also limited in capabilities due to the fact that the Dragoon is based on rebuild Stryker with flat-bottomed hull - not on the improved vehicle with double-v hull, that was adopted after the Stryker's vulnerability to mines and IEDs became apparent. This means the vehicle is not suited for assymetrical and hybrid warfare, but also suffers from being non-optimal in conventional warfare (seeing how Soviet/Yugoslavian anti-tank and anti-infantry mines lead to the adoption of many mine protection kits during KFOR and how popular mines have become in Ukraine).</div>
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The Stryker Dragoon should be considered an interim solution, designed following an urgent operational requirement. If the Army decided to increase the amount of Dragoons, it should take a number of steps to enhance the basic design. Lithuania for example has <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.com/2016/06/boxer-prototype-for-lithuania-being.html">ordered 88 Vilkas infantry fighting vehicles</a> (IFVs), which are Dutch-German Boxer wheeled 8x8 vehicles fitted with the Israeli-made Samson Mk II remote weapon station (RWS). This offers the same level of protection as the Kongsberg Protector MCT-30, is however including a dual-launcher for Spike-LR ATGMs and an independent optic for the commander. Furthermore the Boxer includes a multi-layered composite floor to protect against large anti-vehicle mines, while the frontal area of the hull is resistant to the Soviet-made 30 mm APDS ammunition at combat ranges. Such ammo is currently still used by the Russian Army.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/M551_Sheridan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/M551_Sheridan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The M551 Sheridan was the last light tank operated by the US military</td></tr>
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A key project for the US Army is to adopt a Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle to provide infantry units with enhanced firepower against opposing infantry, fortifications and lightly armored vehicles. According to the Army's requirements, the main gun has to be stabilized for on-the-move firing, while the optics and fire control system should support operations at all weather conditions including night operations. The new vehicle is required to be air-transportable via a C-17, although transportability with a C-130 is desired. The MPF vehicle should be capable of being low-velocity air-dropped from said aircrafts with initial combat capability (main gun and coaxial armament ready without any need for the installation or adaption of the equipment). The MPF vehicle has to be able to operate 24 hours in IBCTs (infantry brigade combat teams) without refueling. Protection has to be provided against small arms fire and artillery fragments with the option to install additional armor kits, including an underbelly plate against mines and IEDs.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2iUOeHyTTxGfgOpY1ljWb8jbyDk5xiYzpkv0FAYsVu0mUlV1g4hlxsrzIIrE-84XIT7nZwCTThUsLwy8VJ_XSwkGSNYRyAFduMBUpTAya-oHSEnoR6p-HuvWaPK8laKTnaKsRBMzA8lU/s1600/LAV-25A2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2iUOeHyTTxGfgOpY1ljWb8jbyDk5xiYzpkv0FAYsVu0mUlV1g4hlxsrzIIrE-84XIT7nZwCTThUsLwy8VJ_XSwkGSNYRyAFduMBUpTAya-oHSEnoR6p-HuvWaPK8laKTnaKsRBMzA8lU/s640/LAV-25A2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The LAV-25A2 features add-on armor and a two-men tuurret fitted with a 25 mm Bushmaster chain gun</td></tr>
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The US Army is currently experimenting with the USMC's LAV-25A2, an 8x8 vehicle based on the Swiss Piranha-design, in order to figure out the role of the future MPF vehicle, aswell as to develop tactics, techniques and procedures for the new vehicle. Soliders of the 82nd Airborne Division (at least some of the men belonging to the 73rd Cavalry Regiment) were trained on the LAV-25 in the past months before putting the new learned knowledge into use during training and excerises. Based on how well the LAV performs, the Army will create a number of new tactics and probably also a few more specific requirements. The LAV-25 itself is obviously not well suited for the current Mobile Protected Firepower requirements; it is being unnecessarily bulky and is using outdated armament, so it most likely won't even be considered by the US Army.</div>
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Despite some members of the US Army <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/tardec-on-mobile-protected-firepower.html">wishing for a lightweight MPF vehicle</a>, which could be air-dropped and would be armed with a 50 mm autocannon, the Army has apparently decided to focus on a larger concept armed with either a 105 or 120 mm gun - that's at least what the industry has been proposing to the Army, following first talks between industry representatives and Army officials. The US Army hopes to field a solution for the MPF by the mid-2020s.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykbau2vownOHGq3aFF70jOrnFIGv7S4WvaD0CEHQxCbhW6UJGm_BFIEIOrCepXqTP20tZ8TQYEVEIRRFTgUB2v0FTVY8OmauXXaYqC-gMPCBICEi9WY2DcqFHSkrBcGIAiyIYh8iZGfnY/s1600/Griffin+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykbau2vownOHGq3aFF70jOrnFIGv7S4WvaD0CEHQxCbhW6UJGm_BFIEIOrCepXqTP20tZ8TQYEVEIRRFTgUB2v0FTVY8OmauXXaYqC-gMPCBICEi9WY2DcqFHSkrBcGIAiyIYh8iZGfnY/s640/Griffin+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Griffin technology demonstrator for the MPF program</td></tr>
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General Dynamics is offering <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/10/general-dyamics-reveals-griffin.html">the Griffin tank</a>, a light/medium weight vehicle testbed based on the proven ASCOD design, to start a conversation with the US Army on the topic of mobile protected firepower. To be more exact, it is said to be a variant of the improved ASCOD 2 design, which is also used for the British Scout-SV vehicles such as the Ajax. The turret of the Griffins is based on the Abrams' turret design, but is made of more weight efficient aluminum and lacks any sort of composite armor. It is fitted with the lightweight <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/upgraded-abrams-to-feautre-xm360-gun.html">120 mm XM360 gun</a> originally developed for the Future Combat Systems, but can accept other types of 105 mm rifled or 120 mm smoothbore guns aswell. The gunner is provided with an optical daysight and a thermal imager, but there is no independent sight for the commander.</div>
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The weight of the vehicle is about 29 metric tons, the protection level has not been mentioned by General Dynamics representatives at AUSA 2016. However based on the lack of applique armor (as used on the Scout-SV Ajax and ASCOD Ulan), it seems unlikely that the vehicle manages to reach all-round protection against 14.5 mm AP ammunition. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs29P9ZFwWqi6KIaPv5vgAppoUJbzlP12hdjjLDVd956zRWvf6jPkUlSH3zxQWWsGPyYga91UYxXDAKt45D8pGK64t9AqiAf6_orBntjRr-xUDlWWMDDQWna3ZHZjmYafBZe2Mrbmgtoa/s1600/1476902255-14352411-1109784055724450-3294183563254358420-o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs29P9ZFwWqi6KIaPv5vgAppoUJbzlP12hdjjLDVd956zRWvf6jPkUlSH3zxQWWsGPyYga91UYxXDAKt45D8pGK64t9AqiAf6_orBntjRr-xUDlWWMDDQWna3ZHZjmYafBZe2Mrbmgtoa/s640/1476902255-14352411-1109784055724450-3294183563254358420-o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M8 Armored Gun System with rubber band tracks</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
BAE Systems on the other hand is offering an updated version of the M8 Armored Gun System (AGS), the last light tank developed in the United States, but never adopted by the Army. The AGS has the advantage of being the only purpose-built light tank on offer in the Western world, being not based on a unnecessarily large infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) chassis.</div>
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There are variants of the M8 AGS fitted with either a rifled 105 mm XM35 gun or a 120 mm smoothbore gun. Up to two machine guns are provided for the crew: a coaxial 7.62 mm MG and a heavy, roof-mounted 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, The vehicle uses a modular armor concept to adapt weight, ranging from approximately 19 to 25 metric tons, and protection level to the available transport methods and the threat scenario. This concept includes composite armor, perforated armor and <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a>. In the basic configuration, the vehicle is only protected against small arms and artillery splinters only. Up-armored to the second armor configuration, the vehicle becomes resistant to heavy machine gun (HMG) fire. Fitted with the third and heaviest armor kit, the vehicle becomes frontally resistant to Soviet-made 30 x 165 mm armor piercing (AP/APDS) rounds and light rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) without tandem charge warheads.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The vehicle is fitted with a modern fire control system including a daysight, a thermal imager and a laser rangefinder for the gunner. The gun is fully stabilized two axis. There is no proper independent commander's optic, thus the AGS lacks hunter/killer-capabilities just like the Griffin. The updated version of the M8 AGS is also fitted with a camera system for enhanced surveillance of the vehicles surroundings and weight-efficient rubber band tracks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNecrnbAmSPluMP_2GTi5NzY92ruqpMU71XBGwTqQDsWcyTm4Y9qGPktE19U3EV9yWdrnsHPqRYXcHEHo9lWq1RF74sm1YQ_lvYWTKdtjTpd2hqx_5NT1NoL3CdWDc20lKRfIu9scME1i/s1600/NGAFV+with+turret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNecrnbAmSPluMP_2GTi5NzY92ruqpMU71XBGwTqQDsWcyTm4Y9qGPktE19U3EV9yWdrnsHPqRYXcHEHo9lWq1RF74sm1YQ_lvYWTKdtjTpd2hqx_5NT1NoL3CdWDc20lKRfIu9scME1i/s640/NGAFV+with+turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The NGAFV with Cockerill 3105 turret has been offered for the MPF requirement</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not only BAE Systems and General Dynamics are interested in the MPF contract - the Singaporean company ST Kinetics has also shown interest in providing a vehicle for the US Army's MPF requirements. The vehicle offer is based on a new and still unnamed, tracked APC/IFV chassis developed for to replaced the obsolete M113 Ultra APCs in the Singaporean Army. Currently it is being refered to as NGAFV (next gen armored fighting vehicle). The NGAFV is a tracked vehicle, which is fully digitized. It features a camera system for 360° surveillance and drive-by-wire technology. For the Mobile Protected Firepower program, the NGAFV has been fitted with a Cockerill 3105 turret from the Belgian company CMI Defence. This turret is armed with a 105 mm rifled gun with muzzle break, that can also accept ammunition with a higher pressure. It also can be used to fire the Falarick gun-launched ATGM, a co-development of the Belgians with a Ukranian partner. The turret is crewed by only two men, an autoloader in the rear bustle is responsible for taking over the loader's job. The turret features independent optics for gunner and commander, modern thermal imagers for night operations, and a coaxial machine gun. </div>
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The protection of the Cockerill 3105 turret can be adjusted from STANAG 4569 level 1 to level 5, depending on the customer's wish. Two banks of four smoke grenade launchers each provide the ability to disguise the vehicle and evade unwanted attention. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HqM6bwQUAnVuOVTT-2GIQAoXr___grvqasAaQc4xBN0BPSJeVt8TTRep4V1rW35u9t_rfAv7YqrfD7sjuSmFMwQand17M2_ZFs1O5VZDi058_QLZv5yAuTIfg02SUduOn2jx8LJDAYKw/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HqM6bwQUAnVuOVTT-2GIQAoXr___grvqasAaQc4xBN0BPSJeVt8TTRep4V1rW35u9t_rfAv7YqrfD7sjuSmFMwQand17M2_ZFs1O5VZDi058_QLZv5yAuTIfg02SUduOn2jx8LJDAYKw/s640/2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The NGAFV in the infantry fighting vehicle configuration</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately there aren't many details on the NGAFV available. It has a weight of 29 metric tons when fitted with the locally made Adder RWS with 30 mm gun, so the offer for the MPF vehicle is expected to weigh more than 30 metric tons. It is protected by composite armor of unknown origin to reach a currently unknown level of protection, but estimates from the Defence Technology Review magazine put it at STANAG 4569 level 4 ballsitic and level 4a/4b blast protection. Details on the powerpack are also lacking, aside of the vehicle having an engine output of 711 bhp and utilizing ST Kinetic's own HMX3000 fully automatic transmission. According to the Singaporean Ministry of Defnece, the NGAFV was considered to be the most cost-effective option for replacing the M113 Ultra.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sk-J3q6HmDK8RUa0e2Zg2cWIjoWHTxXCmVGByy3045YQnAQ2b-clItOhyphenhyphen9a87hr_kjasnNE5H5aN10KUNqbXH_7EO15tRZnnJP71bCY8ZAQEhURR4bzD8XvVX2APQXkQe_No9ILigJjE/s1600/ACV_1.1_Rollout_Images-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sk-J3q6HmDK8RUa0e2Zg2cWIjoWHTxXCmVGByy3045YQnAQ2b-clItOhyphenhyphen9a87hr_kjasnNE5H5aN10KUNqbXH_7EO15tRZnnJP71bCY8ZAQEhURR4bzD8XvVX2APQXkQe_No9ILigJjE/s640/ACV_1.1_Rollout_Images-35.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ACV contender based on the Terrex 2 design</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Singaporean company has a history of trying to sell it's products to other countries: The Bionix tracked vehicle was offered to the US Army as alternative to the wheeled 8x8 Stryker. ST Kinetics teamed up with Otokar to pitch a licence production of an improved Terrex 1 (known as Yavuz) to the Turkish Army. The Terrex 3 was used as base for the failed Sentinel II offer for the Australian LAND 400 program, while the Terrex 2 is currently being evaluated by the US Marine Corps as part of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It seems rather unlikely that ST Kinetics' offer for the MPF vehicle will be successful, there is apparently a lack of competitiveness in vehicle performance or a lack of connections to decision-makers as proven by the failed tenders in Australia, Turkey and the United States.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNZmR_tVfZ_iHU43RWw67_1RIhoFY72QlPQrglwDPpHn1UH0l9aiLufDE-KedI1yvbUJtnZYb-aNc0TblhA4rdn73FHSkMKueEHU3zdvclBO5nseTrZG2WkjEZ_ZQeiY58tFGErqoPX9o/s1600/17854801_10155234767704324_3383655306114941062_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNZmR_tVfZ_iHU43RWw67_1RIhoFY72QlPQrglwDPpHn1UH0l9aiLufDE-KedI1yvbUJtnZYb-aNc0TblhA4rdn73FHSkMKueEHU3zdvclBO5nseTrZG2WkjEZ_ZQeiY58tFGErqoPX9o/s640/17854801_10155234767704324_3383655306114941062_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M1A2 SEP v3 main battle tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile the M1 Abrams will be upgraded to the M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 configuration, development and testing of this is currently under way. First contracts for the development were awarded in 2015. In 2016 testing and development was continued, the new M1A2 Abrams variant is expected to become fully operational after the final full-up system-level live fire testing currently scheduled for 2019. The M1A2 SEP v3 features improved electric systems and power generation to deal with the increased power demands on main battle tanks (MBTs) following the integration and adoption of more electronics or other power-consuming components. Improvements to the networked warfare abilities are also an aspect of the new upgrade.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AcfBD-IkWe1-UkNDSyIaKBZ1ZefwuJoGCnwuipbLGbfNUv6hd06xUs4h80r2nOEjsgSygbvPvi3noYvY2tygYeJ0iWft0XrV5C5t19pqBWnPr6BSbXYcJKvenk-xQEFvt4IOOGkgM1N-/s1600/sepv3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AcfBD-IkWe1-UkNDSyIaKBZ1ZefwuJoGCnwuipbLGbfNUv6hd06xUs4h80r2nOEjsgSygbvPvi3noYvY2tygYeJ0iWft0XrV5C5t19pqBWnPr6BSbXYcJKvenk-xQEFvt4IOOGkgM1N-/s640/sepv3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M1A2 SEP v3 with steel simulators to represent weight changes in armor and internal components</td></tr>
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</div>
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A big part of the third iteration of the system enhancement package (SEP) will be focused on improving the tank's survivability. To deal with the increased armor penetration characteristics oof modern ammunition and missiles, the Abrams' armor will be replaced with a newly developed NEA package. NEA stands either for Next Evolutionary Armor or New Evolution Armor, both names have been used in official documents. For the development of the NEA, three Abrams tanks were provided as Government Furnished Material (GFM) to a contractor. The contractor had to remove the old armor package from the tanks, install the NEA package and investigate the impact of the weight increase on mobility.</div>
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Furthermore a new underbody anti-IED kit will be installed on the tank. Together with other changes this kit will reduce the vulnerability of the Abrams to mines and improvised explosive devices. One of the measures is redesigning the crew seatings and fitting additional floors stiffeners to the floor structure. The material and dimensions of the structural supports will be altered to better resists large mine blasts. The crew will also be provided with lower limb protection.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQ21yWvco54kI8dm8v3KvAE8XlgfbJej9oXiO4lSHL_B6f4AzJbvPfsKIIkDiRAocIk_zEgdUFAQGlsMQuYypaXQJXTRzeF1CIrTi8u-uW6WgrQZ-ROebGheCkasl8_CVnPYmGHPQ5jIS/s1600/LtgaHlR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQ21yWvco54kI8dm8v3KvAE8XlgfbJej9oXiO4lSHL_B6f4AzJbvPfsKIIkDiRAocIk_zEgdUFAQGlsMQuYypaXQJXTRzeF1CIrTi8u-uW6WgrQZ-ROebGheCkasl8_CVnPYmGHPQ5jIS/s400/LtgaHlR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The optics of the CROWS-LP are aligned horizontally</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The M1A2 SEP v3 features a new digital interface - the so called Ammunition Data Link (ADL) - for the main gun, which will enable the usage of programmable multi-mode 120 mm ammunition. The older CROWS remote weapon station (RWS) is being replaced with the M153A1E1 CROWS-LP (low profile) variant, which doesn't block as much of the field of view and is about ten inches smaller, thanks to the ammo box, the laser rangefinder and the sights being located at the side of the gun rather than below the gun. Third generation thermal imagers have been investigated for installation in the main battle tank, but apparently will not be part of the third SEP variant. The M1A2 SEP v3 also has a more powerful auxiliary power unit (APU), which is located under armor.</div>
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The M1A2 Abrams SEP v3 will be followed by a fourth version of the System Enhancement Package, the M1A2 SEP v4, somewhere in the 2020s. Exact details of the M1A2 SEP v4 upgrade are not known (as development details have yet to become public), however the tank is said to then feature improved networking capabilities, next-generation optics - including a new laser rangefinder and color cameras, weather sensors, a laser-warning system and third generation thermal imagers. The internal electronics will be reworked, streamlining the concept and reducing the number of parts. The M1A2 SEP v4 will supposedly utilize the Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round, which utilizes the ADL found on the SEP v3 and v4 versions.</div>
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Supposedly the M1A2 Abrams SEP v4 will be lighter despite being better protected. That future Abrams versions would become lighter without sacrificing protection is something that has been proclaimed even before the M1A2 Abrams entered service in the 1990s. While modern armor technology might allow some weight reductions, it's questionable if this would make any difference compared to the state-of-the-art NEA to be integrated in the SEP v3 main battle tanks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXR3vwqhzslAp_UoPZVlQUzilSINgvs_H5rAZGm16_VQDdegw52jcCEur4vqGR2fzNVf5VhP2ebSJGwMG6_DQXRQ5Xo5jJHNELVVlWdKB_t8NE93aewtvpM8B654n4mdr0JGyJ9x4rAuYA/s1600/trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXR3vwqhzslAp_UoPZVlQUzilSINgvs_H5rAZGm16_VQDdegw52jcCEur4vqGR2fzNVf5VhP2ebSJGwMG6_DQXRQ5Xo5jJHNELVVlWdKB_t8NE93aewtvpM8B654n4mdr0JGyJ9x4rAuYA/s400/trophy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artist's illustration of an Abrams with Trophy</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One project of the US Army and the US Marine Corps that has been mentioned in the past, is the planned adoption of an <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/hardkill-aps-overview.html">active protection system (APS)</a>. Apparently there is a big misunderstanding in this regard: The military is currently testing the Iron Curtain, Iron Fist and Trophy systems (testing of the Rheinmetall Active Defence System might start once the budget is cleared for purchasing a number of test systems), but merely for the sake of testing and evaluating currently available solutions. Neither the Army nor the USMC have a current intend to purchase an APS in the next years, at least according to budget allocations and the Congressional Research Service (CRS): "<i>Both Army and Marine officials emphasized to CRS that their respective APS efforts are <u>not in any sense either acquisition programs or Programs of Record by DOD definition</u>. Although there is not a Joint Program Office (JPO) for APS, both services are working in concert on their respective APS programs, which they currently characterize as “vehicle capability assessments” and “technology demonstrations,” respectively, as opposed to formal acquisition programs</i>."</div>
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A decision wether the US Army will acquire any APS will not happen before FY2018. Meanwhile "<i>[T]he Marines describe their APS efforts as a “technology demonstration” [...].</i>"</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBMJ1cgtYqLAO6SQycZRGowi5wxBxlrJmIfdBjbnaUEHRV4EpRJCN8zRrkLPvcmgSyhCpYBz3icm43CFiwlqBLRaoZ3OPj9-tBYTBqiHwHgA3TqBoY7zDkbKP-mACMQng5z4YMvqNCsSl/s1600/size0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBMJ1cgtYqLAO6SQycZRGowi5wxBxlrJmIfdBjbnaUEHRV4EpRJCN8zRrkLPvcmgSyhCpYBz3icm43CFiwlqBLRaoZ3OPj9-tBYTBqiHwHgA3TqBoY7zDkbKP-mACMQng5z4YMvqNCsSl/s640/size0.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The longer gun barrel of the 155 mm ERCA gun</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
While it is not sure yet if the designation M109A8 will be adopted after the next upgrade, the US military has handed out a request for information (RFI) for the development of a future upgrade of the M109A7 self-propelled gun (SPG). The M109A7 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) is an evolution of the 1960s M109 SPG, featuring numerous upgrades to drivetrain, powerpack, electronics and gun. Compared to the original vehicle, it includes improved ballistic protection, better electronics, newer sensors, electric drives instead of hydraulic ones, and numerous other changes. The M109A7 uses a new chassis derived from the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, featuring the same powerpack and tracks for reducing costs and improving logistics.</div>
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However it still has a relatively short gun barrel, which results in a shorter range than other current artillery systems. The M109A7 also has a lower rate of fire (ROF) compared to modern self-propelled gun designs such as the K9 Thunder and the Panzerhaubitze 2000. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a first step, the contractor answering to the RFI should modify the M109A7 design to integrate the XM907 Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA), the XM208 gun mount and new drive systems into the vehicle. The ERCA was developed by the US military and uses a longer 155 mm L/52 gun barrel, which increases the effective combat range to the same level as other modern artillery systems. In a second step the contractor is required to modify the M109 design in order to fit the government furnished autoloader into the vehicle.</div>
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While these changes would enhance the M109A7 dramatically, such a hypothetical upgrade still would leave several aspects of the vehicle to be upgraded. E.g. the US Army demanded a higher level of protection and mobility in past SPG projects such as the XM2001 Crusader and the XM1203 NLOS-C.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFT50CBIkLoa6NyD2Be2qd5qZTAv0cEqCwDXND-b1HD7sxUkzPUvUQBcsC1rQWyBjF-705LPH2DzULXaR6RW8O9txEyszqBb6b7ywUis1fY4J1bMDTk3hrE_DlOqOrTR9gRlFHfWjhrhG/s1600/2l-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFT50CBIkLoa6NyD2Be2qd5qZTAv0cEqCwDXND-b1HD7sxUkzPUvUQBcsC1rQWyBjF-705LPH2DzULXaR6RW8O9txEyszqBb6b7ywUis1fY4J1bMDTk3hrE_DlOqOrTR9gRlFHfWjhrhG/s400/2l-image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BAE proposal for the failed GCV program</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to current plans from the US TARDEC (Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center), a replacement for the the M2 Bradley (and possibly the M1 Abrams) will be developed in form of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV). The vehicle is meant to transport a "half squad" of six men and has a crew of two - the latter figure being a reduction in crew members compared to the current Bradley. Because the US Army's doctrine focuses on very large infantry squads, two NGCV IFVs will transport a single infantry squad - this seems to be a lesson learned from the US Army atempt to develop the Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV), which due to carrying a nine men squad ended up being too heavy, too large and too expensive. Subsequently the GCV was canceled.</div>
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How exactly the NGCV will look and what it's capabilities will be is yet to be determined. It will replace the Bradley, but it also could turn into a wider program, being used as basis for a number of different variants, just like the T-14/T-15 Armata vehicles or like originally planned for the canceled Future Combat Systems (FCS) program. Then the NGCV could also serve as replacement for the M1 Abrams and possibly for the Stryker and MPF vehicle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However the US Army doesn't want to repeat the mistakes from the FCS development: Instead of trying to develop a whole family of very advanced vehicles at the same time, the NGCV will be developed in iterative steps using rapid prototyping. This means that after an initial prototype with a certain set of capabilities has been designed, the system will be evaluated and then a more advanced prototype will be built with enhanced capabilities, based on the experiences with the previous version. This also allows to react to changes in the threat scenario and operational experience, something that wasn't possible with the development path chosen for the Future Combat Systems.</div>
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The Army hopes to field the NGCV by 2035. The industry has been asked to form development teams that create proposals for the NGCV or technology that should go into the project. The best design will be chosen by TARDEC and it's makers will be awarded a contract - according to current plans by September 2017. TARDEC and the contractor will develop and test a first prototype desgin over the following seven years. At least two IFV variant NGCV prototypes will be made. In the following three to four years, an enhanced second iteration of the NGCV prototype design will be created, potentially followed by even more. The fiscal year 2021 or 2022 will decide what happens with the Next Generation Combat Vehicle program - if funded, the vehicles could be ready by 2035, assuming everything goes according to schedule. Seeing how France and Germany supposedly will finish (or already have finished) the conception phase of the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/02/rheinmetall-to-develop-130-mm-gun-and.html">Main Ground Combat System tank project with 130 mm gun</a>, but still expect to field the vehicle only by 2035, the Army's schedule seems to be quite ambitious... maybe a bit too ambitious? </div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-11978143943526985102017-03-12T06:31:00.003-07:002017-03-12T06:58:28.482-07:00Production version of the Karrar MBT unveiled (updated)<div style="text-align: justify;">
The new main battle tank (MBT) of the Iranian armed forces has finally been revealed to the public in March 2017. The original tank revealed as the so-called "<i>Karrar</i>" <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/10/karrar-tank-revealed-to-be-upgraded-t-72.html">was an upgraded version </a>of the T-72S <i>Shilden</i>, the last Soviet <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/t-72-monkey-models.html">export version of the T-72 </a>main battle tank. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ4MsIciWZMK-mTTzz-7AnAjOAVOMe1XGBlDCySghKsQcdAZAJh7jeNWzf_UKxOGiDZUPMTV9mQjPEnLzDrmfW7xzoLnvs-LiREO8SqJuVmd1en7vFRd3rw5AgBIueiZSw8j05WSiDMLc/s1600/g2QY7JQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ4MsIciWZMK-mTTzz-7AnAjOAVOMe1XGBlDCySghKsQcdAZAJh7jeNWzf_UKxOGiDZUPMTV9mQjPEnLzDrmfW7xzoLnvs-LiREO8SqJuVmd1en7vFRd3rw5AgBIueiZSw8j05WSiDMLc/s400/g2QY7JQ.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-72 being upgraded to Karrar</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/08/first-footage-of-karrar-mbt.html">The Karrar </a>is inspired by the latest Russian T-90MS tank, an enhanced version of the T-90. Unfortunately finding detailed information in English about Iranian tanks is rather problematic, so that the exact relationship between the T-90MS and the Karrar remains uncertain. According to Iranian news websites, the army tested the T-90S or T-90MS in or before 2015, but penultimately rejected buying the tank in favour for a local alternative. This lead to the development of the Karrar, but it is not entirely clear if it is meant to be a copy of the T-90MS or the similarities between the two tanks are result of the a cooperation with the Russian industry. Both versions have been mentioned in different forums and blogs.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOBb7-AvWEdgXskkhWXcAAcmbuFdaLr-zhrwy1ec5As3Ak5JuCLpCmAp5lg4vpXVqSpjT2oY0p3CYQoU2autVj0KkHF2GdWMxpik2bii3eFz9QpBr2n-vxxwW0qexUXcp-BTin63sxHRY/s1600/Karrar+turret.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOBb7-AvWEdgXskkhWXcAAcmbuFdaLr-zhrwy1ec5As3Ak5JuCLpCmAp5lg4vpXVqSpjT2oY0p3CYQoU2autVj0KkHF2GdWMxpik2bii3eFz9QpBr2n-vxxwW0qexUXcp-BTin63sxHRY/s640/Karrar+turret.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Karrar features a new welded turret</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Karrar tank is still an upgraded T-72S, but it is fitted with a completely new, welded turret as newly released video footages shows. It is also fitted with digital control panels and a battlefield management system. The base armor package of the Karrar's turret was improved, offering a higher level of protection compared to the older composite armor in the cast T-72S turret.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_dX2hyphenhyphenC4njYqVInB2L6MCUcRiBpYf7lXGU-x8bjA8HHpSfJV3J40TB8R3cc1Q8ngz3LbxC_0KjmqhA8r3bvX8mwZDpkxfSrrcXoZF9q0At_WSmwSl-KkqtanvN91AvNNkmkZTxFQloAd/s1600/karrar+features+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_dX2hyphenhyphenC4njYqVInB2L6MCUcRiBpYf7lXGU-x8bjA8HHpSfJV3J40TB8R3cc1Q8ngz3LbxC_0KjmqhA8r3bvX8mwZDpkxfSrrcXoZF9q0At_WSmwSl-KkqtanvN91AvNNkmkZTxFQloAd/s640/karrar+features+.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Karrar provides digital control panels for the crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Compared to the T-72S <i>Shilden</i>, the current MBT of the Iranian Army, the Karrar offers improvments to armor protection, firepower and electronics. There is no indication that the engine was altered, so the mobility appears to be equal to that of the original T-72S, maybe a bit worse as result of the weight increase. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKABlYNHjuF29mCzU63F2k0HM0qFeF2onL4QATUnMF1P4EacN1f-SZo-ioUSjXTwE49RuH4CH8wNdLMQjRyO6DOLlW0yEMxaTyDDbpPjWUP9NNzkcc-D3FwSh7WhauP9dmeye-OrNbWsG/s1600/837278_895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKABlYNHjuF29mCzU63F2k0HM0qFeF2onL4QATUnMF1P4EacN1f-SZo-ioUSjXTwE49RuH4CH8wNdLMQjRyO6DOLlW0yEMxaTyDDbpPjWUP9NNzkcc-D3FwSh7WhauP9dmeye-OrNbWsG/s640/837278_895.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the extruding steel casing at the gun mount</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The tank features a new polygonal metal sleeve at the base of the gun barrel. The purpose of this design has not been revealed yet, but it might be an attempt to reduce oscillations when firing on the move. On some combat vehicles, such as the German Puma infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and the Ukranian BTR-4, the gun barrel is <span class="st">enclosed in a metal casing in order to provide better stabilization when firing multiple rounds on the move.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDBxsHd7XtZF8-Bu97G5M3mYO7vutoXmd6aAIrEpgcTCVbGPPwbWJDEzNZ7I9fNolSbDQvSGAWmUt4ojxSpMMunkHmDxmcTa_MxFZvN0afMfzHa39iUsLccMKqzIZgEi4ICarIM9Fq3Vm/s1600/837787_379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDBxsHd7XtZF8-Bu97G5M3mYO7vutoXmd6aAIrEpgcTCVbGPPwbWJDEzNZ7I9fNolSbDQvSGAWmUt4ojxSpMMunkHmDxmcTa_MxFZvN0afMfzHa39iUsLccMKqzIZgEi4ICarIM9Fq3Vm/s640/837787_379.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karrar MBT prototype: new armor is colored black, while the vehicle is painted grey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The armor protection has been improved by fitting a more modern ERA package to the tank. Previoulsy the T-72S was fitted with the Soviet-made Kontakt-1 armor. The new <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor (ERA)</a> covers the frontal aspects of turret and hull, while also protection the hull sides along the crew compartment. At the engine compartment and turret rear section, slat armor is utilized for protection against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The turret sides are fitted with spaced composite armor modules.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4B8dI0dHpIRJGyY0aMsK_fX8z4fVeySIONRcUktQmc9_p16lqprFJAxPIVZXEjAmHH_nUIIIr5rEm9uYkE7pFYpgPA7fouweHNMJTANlNDut9qwaWOGwOInWtwIQ06b6APe6tiPXKpDy/s1600/837279_304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4B8dI0dHpIRJGyY0aMsK_fX8z4fVeySIONRcUktQmc9_p16lqprFJAxPIVZXEjAmHH_nUIIIr5rEm9uYkE7pFYpgPA7fouweHNMJTANlNDut9qwaWOGwOInWtwIQ06b6APe6tiPXKpDy/s640/837279_304.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the odd shaped ERA the glacis, LED headlights, driver's optics and the new gunner's sight</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While the explosive reactive armor at the turret front and hull sides appears to be very similar to the Relikt ERA solution used on the T-90MS, the ERA package mounted at the glacis uses oddly-shaped ERA tiles, that are very thick, but have a rather small overall size. It is about twice as thick as the normal Kontakt-1 ERA used on the T-72S <i>Shilden</i>. This type of armor is somewhat reminiscent to the ERA used on Iranian M60 tank.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most likely the reactive armor of the Karrar provides protection against RPGs, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) with single-stage shaped charge warhead, as well as some degree of reduction in the penetration capabilities of APFSDS ammunition. It might also provide some limited protection against tandem shaped charge warheads, but that is not confirmed.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrlCfzoNIV0yAcFLscpMMZwA1ZeIipMd2mtSLaLe4NvcMmeb_2aGrrmXmlGhNvBTd_7sneK76hYxGWrt6rc3fWXF1O9B-KCqOCBkhDSYhjTj1icVrTY7OtkS_05NeRAhYsvz_8nWjOMoR/s1600/img7178f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrlCfzoNIV0yAcFLscpMMZwA1ZeIipMd2mtSLaLe4NvcMmeb_2aGrrmXmlGhNvBTd_7sneK76hYxGWrt6rc3fWXF1O9B-KCqOCBkhDSYhjTj1icVrTY7OtkS_05NeRAhYsvz_8nWjOMoR/s400/img7178f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The T-90MS features ERA also at the turret sides</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It must be noted that the latest version of the T-90MS also features explosive reactive armor covering the spaced side armor modules of the turret. On the Karrar such armor is not found, suggesting that it might be reverse-engineered by the Iranian military industry based on older photographs of the tank instead of being a proper cooperation between Iran and Russia. Alternatively Russia might have only offered the older version of the tank, which lacked the enhanced side protection. Two banks of six smoke grenade launchers allow the tank to hide while retreating.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULbfzOatZvsgfy62S6MMGcIQgX6qn5uZckeHvJ86xtEYaqyoHXWmYsKkCWZPeVJsg04k53MOa-4C6WSPP1BBMBKdO0v-sXmlXZbsV8bh0J1Yngbb6t2aqqXEAlsbr6huWvo0s58s0MB1e/s1600/837277_558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULbfzOatZvsgfy62S6MMGcIQgX6qn5uZckeHvJ86xtEYaqyoHXWmYsKkCWZPeVJsg04k53MOa-4C6WSPP1BBMBKdO0v-sXmlXZbsV8bh0J1Yngbb6t2aqqXEAlsbr6huWvo0s58s0MB1e/s640/837277_558.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RWS and coommander's sight of the Karrar MBT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The Karrar is fitted with a remote weapon station (RWS), which is coupled to an independent optic for the commander. It includes a thermal imager, a day sight optic (probably a CCD camera with zoom functionality) and a laser rangefinder. The weapon station is armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun and also includes a secondary camera located left to the armament.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This RWS desgin is also used on the T-90MS and on some products of the German company Rheinmetall, where it is known as main sensor slaved armament (MSSA), consisting of a heavy machine gun and a SEOSS sight. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZE8i21ZttNnwYJO6OM1iUme1yhlPa9Krn3BdvO5vWKdjXsPtmgf5UH7VBnqOsF74FzLbjnXc9y5o9OmkglouoMlzxF7YUXt4hWd-gkV9XFUpOaI0QALsvbwsixbLLUHpdfn7MCAoIBHSv/s1600/837791_938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZE8i21ZttNnwYJO6OM1iUme1yhlPa9Krn3BdvO5vWKdjXsPtmgf5UH7VBnqOsF74FzLbjnXc9y5o9OmkglouoMlzxF7YUXt4hWd-gkV9XFUpOaI0QALsvbwsixbLLUHpdfn7MCAoIBHSv/s640/837791_938.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prototype fitted with the older generation RWS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Older photographs show the Karrar being fitted with a different RWS, which usually is armed with a Soviet-designed PKT machine gun, but it seems to lack the same advanced optronics of the newer design. This remote weapon station is also a lot more bulky, because the ammunition container is located at the side of the gun.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtt73QAxEedbLLckMgUWYlrALEcjn3lGCqHdoTSplw973W_eA0pxI3ohgvqoxEynW0UyBjBgVe-3uaumO9a4iYzfQYLBMA5YDGtW3BsaUfjHWCdkXhdsrMkUMForS8S7qGyrR6PEljfK_/s1600/837318_869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtt73QAxEedbLLckMgUWYlrALEcjn3lGCqHdoTSplw973W_eA0pxI3ohgvqoxEynW0UyBjBgVe-3uaumO9a4iYzfQYLBMA5YDGtW3BsaUfjHWCdkXhdsrMkUMForS8S7qGyrR6PEljfK_/s640/837318_869.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Karrar MBT features an upgraded fire control system</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fire control system (FCS) of the Karrar has been significantly enhanced. Aside of the new indepent sight for the tank's commander, the main optics for the gunner have been replaced. The gunner's sight now features not only a day sight, but also a thermal imager for enhanced target detection and acquistion at night and in situations with reduced visbility. The origin of the new FCS is unknown, but the local industry has utilized the EFCS-3 from the Solvenian company <a href="https://www.fotona.com/en/products/2469/fire-control-systems/">Fotona</a> in the past to upgrade the dated M60A1 and T-54 tanks. The Defense Industries Organization (DIOMIL) of Iran also offered the KAT-72 FCS as upgrade for older generations of T-72 tanks. Both these systems however lack thermal imagers and independent sights for the tank commander, suggesting that the Karrar utilizes a newly developed system - probably incorporating imported technology. Iran has been supporting the Syrian government, which operates T-72 tanks fitted with the advanced Italian TURMS system. Iran also has good relations with North Korea, from which Syria imported components of thermal imagers for upgrading older T-55 tanks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A small searchlight, which probably can be rotated, is located next the gunner's hatch. The driver is provided with a new camera system next to his vision block, which contains two optics - probably a daysight CCD camera and a night vision optic. The tank also features new LED headlights. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Suprisingly the Karrar appears to be one of the most advanced modernizations of the T-72 tank, albeit the performance and specifications of most components are currently unknown. If the engine was replaced - but there currently is no sources suggesting that this happned - the tank could be even better. It might be able it compare favourable to tanks such as the Russian T-72B3 and the Polish PT-91 <i>Twardy</i> in many aspects (such armor protection and firepower) - but in the end the crew performances matters just as much as the equipment.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-89303481682928424372017-03-10T09:13:00.000-08:002017-03-10T09:13:44.570-08:00Leopard 2 projects<div style="text-align: justify;">
In April 2015 the German Army announced it's plans to increase the operational Leopard 2 fleet by 103 tanks. Since then not a lot has happened, as revealed in official documents and in newspaper articles from the Februrary of 2017. At least some of the tanks are currently owned by the German defence industry, so the government has to buy them back - but no contract has been signed within nearly two years of planning. The Leopard 2A4 main battle tank (MBT) is an improved version from the mid/late 1980s of the original Leopard 2 tank. By modern standards it has outdated armor, a short gun with inferior armor penetration and range, while lacking of modern electronics, optronics and relying on the more dangerous hydraulic systems instead of using electric drives. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy8IovjKkjkx1GhISFwR6BYoIhmQXJbl3542752tG6gSTRrAgU__UVnps9BsPw7oi_DMtdl9eoZSwltbQuRsj3uNs2Y3XiNLgXnSXGbCyxKw742LgDbCTDM9P-6BdD42u2PkoqRMPMt7g/s1600/leostorage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy8IovjKkjkx1GhISFwR6BYoIhmQXJbl3542752tG6gSTRrAgU__UVnps9BsPw7oi_DMtdl9eoZSwltbQuRsj3uNs2Y3XiNLgXnSXGbCyxKw742LgDbCTDM9P-6BdD42u2PkoqRMPMt7g/s400/leostorage.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard 2 tanks in long-term storage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.esut.de/esut/archiv/news-detail-view/artikel/demonstrator-leopard-2-a7v-von-kmw/">Original reports </a>from last year expected 84 of the new tanks to be upgraded to the Leopard 2A7 or the improved Leopard 2A7V configuration. The costs for buying and upgrading the tanks are expected to be about 760 million Euros, the contract might be signed before summer of 2017; if not the whole program might be delayed by another year due to the German elections in September 2017. The reason for the current delays is a disagreement between the two companies Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall. Current workshare plans see about a third of the work (and the money) going to Rheinmetall, but the company demands more. Rheinmetall acquired the military division of Maschiennebau Kiel (MaK) in 1990, which was responsible for manufacturing 45% of all German Leopard 2 tanks. Rheinmetall is also a major subcontractor for the main armament, delivering the L/55 smoothbore gun for the tank.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
KMW on the other hand doesn't want to share any more work and money with the much larger competitor, which has decided to invade KMW's core business by offering Leopard 2 upgrade since 2010. The company has a much more specialized portfolio than Rheinmetall, pretty much offering combat vehicles and remote weapon stations (RWS) only.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ33eOuN9JkfNOpi_UgNL1brmIQ0OvPaNARToP6PsJE_ozz0ig72rAL_SvAdmuasHWPRi85CgbHb9ERGPo18Gtm1z3J5htzSO7uhHY-g3BvpQTmvSbt2e8qmg5ObAaJQYO_-IFtUhu4jTd/s1600/35605_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ33eOuN9JkfNOpi_UgNL1brmIQ0OvPaNARToP6PsJE_ozz0ig72rAL_SvAdmuasHWPRi85CgbHb9ERGPo18Gtm1z3J5htzSO7uhHY-g3BvpQTmvSbt2e8qmg5ObAaJQYO_-IFtUhu4jTd/s400/35605_original.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PERI R17A3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile the upgrade of fifty Leopard 2A6M to the so-called Leopard 2A6M+ configuration is under way. This is an inofficial name only, which is supposedly used to differentiate between upgraded and stock Leopard 2A6M tanks. After the upgrade the 2A6M+ designation will be dropped and all vehicles will be refered to as Leopard 2A6M. The commander's sight will be replaced by the new PERI R17A3 incorporating a third generation ATTICA thermal imager, which was first adopted on the Leopard 2A7 in 2014.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EBA98PLB2rpG0lBts0NMbaQLz3t4sSQJy28xIY90atop5xCSIkIWMnf0MWaXJDBjqbB0THv1n1OHLPMC-5KFP_8pOa2YKi_GtYeEC4WXbXZTy63UacH9DAMnqAcm_34hf7JhfcTmns0s/s1600/ultra-cap-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EBA98PLB2rpG0lBts0NMbaQLz3t4sSQJy28xIY90atop5xCSIkIWMnf0MWaXJDBjqbB0THv1n1OHLPMC-5KFP_8pOa2YKi_GtYeEC4WXbXZTy63UacH9DAMnqAcm_34hf7JhfcTmns0s/s640/ultra-cap-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Leopard 2A6M+ can be identified by the bulge for the ultracaps and the spaced armor above the SOTAS-IP system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <a href="https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/datasheet%20sotas%20ip%20lr.pdf">SOTAS-IP</a> multi-media communication system from the French company Thales is installed in the Leopard 2A6M+. Aside of the Leopard 2A7 tank, it is also used on the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/09/rheinmetall-boxer-crv.html">Boxer</a> armored personnel carrier (APC) and the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/first-puma-ifv-handed-over-to-german.html">Puma</a> infantry fighting vehicle (IFV); it is also part of the IDZ soldier system. To deal with the increased power demands, the tank is fitted ultra capactiors, which can deliver energy faster and increase the stability of the electrical power supply. The <a href="http://www.kidde-deugra.com/en/home.html">Deugra</a> fire supression system has been reactivated using the extinguishing agent DeuGen-N FE36 (for a certain period of time the fire supression system was not utilized due to the previous extinguishing agent violating environment laws). The upgrade also features new digital control panels for the crew.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the IDEX 2017 military exhibition two variants of the Leopard 2 were present: Rheinmetall demonstrated a prototype or testbed of the, currently in development, Leopard 2PL tank, while KMW presented the Leopard 2A7Q, which has been refered to as Leopard 2A7+ or Leopard 2A7 QAT by numerous other sources. Rheinmetall is also delivering the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/05/leopard-2ri-in-production.html">Leopard 2RI to Indenonesia</a>, which features greatly enhanced armor protection, air conditioning and other features.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvtL9CUKbOKasy5pTFILVovm1j1X7fXvqVLDdAR1L75X4YIrP3tGBO4e_hFUP0iQ8XVp-R9ZwW8K-gpjFb7zIKFAKIduqegcxao2Igo6Lwxc6FfAd2p1J7iwNVYu4ivYVNIh_TbTWv9mI/s1600/C484xI5WcAEnsRh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvtL9CUKbOKasy5pTFILVovm1j1X7fXvqVLDdAR1L75X4YIrP3tGBO4e_hFUP0iQ8XVp-R9ZwW8K-gpjFb7zIKFAKIduqegcxao2Igo6Lwxc6FfAd2p1J7iwNVYu4ivYVNIh_TbTWv9mI/s640/C484xI5WcAEnsRh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard 2PL with MSSA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Leopard 2PL is an upgraded Leopard 2A4 tank meant for the Polish Army. It is based on the modular MBT Revolution upgrade, which has been renamed to Advanced Technology Demonstator (ADT). The tank features improved armor protection by adding thick AMAP composite armor modules to the turret, supposedly increasing protection level beyond the Leopard 2A5 level. New optics with a Polish-made third generation thermal imager and Jenoptik's electric turret drives are also part of the upgrade. Changes to the fire control system (FCS) allow the usage of the programmable 120 mm DM11 high explosive (HE) ammunition and the DM63A1 APFSDS round with temperature independent propellant and high penetration capabilties. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A new addition of the vehicle presented at IDEX 2017 is the MSSA (main sensor slaved armament) remote weapon station, which does not have it's own optics and is coupled to the commander's independent sight. It is not part of the upgrade of the Polish Leopard 2A4 tanks. The installation of the MSSA also means that the digital SEOSS sight is utilized instead of the PERI R17A3.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rheinmetall is in the process of bidding for an upgrade contract of the Turkish Leopard 2A4 tanks, which <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/12/leopard-2-in-syria.html">suffered heavy losses</a> in Syria - or at least ISIS <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2017/01/leopard-2-in-syria-part-2.html">wants us to believe that</a>. The company is also part of a joint venture that is trying to get the contract for producing the new Turkish Altay MBT.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMubdsybgnYbwYvMRVohNIekKx3bQW6NcVNhR_rUblBFIayALX617bkLWKwsLN_HY0zeuv_YAjFqSEiuS8EFTpaOKvdesGAHOfuABNOtb_iJ0KwCUBQoZ0F1ExaD7o8uhiGfNkftwfdL74/s1600/WAyO47E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMubdsybgnYbwYvMRVohNIekKx3bQW6NcVNhR_rUblBFIayALX617bkLWKwsLN_HY0zeuv_YAjFqSEiuS8EFTpaOKvdesGAHOfuABNOtb_iJ0KwCUBQoZ0F1ExaD7o8uhiGfNkftwfdL74/s640/WAyO47E.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard 2A7Q at the IDEX 2017</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Leopard 2A7Q is a version of the MBT made for the Qatari Army. It is based on the Leopard 2A7+ demonstrator from KMW, thus it includes a number of changes currently not found on the German Leopard 2A7, such as the additional hull armor kit, the passive bomblet and top-attack protection on the roof and the FLW 200 RWS. The Leopard 2A7Q is fitted with a modified APU, which is even running when the vehicle is standing still in order to power the air conditioning system. The Barracuda camouflage system of the Leopard 2A7Q is having longer skirts, which reduces dust clouds when driving through the desert. According to unconfirmed rumors an unknown nation has purchased (or ordered) a large number of Leopard 2 tanks from KMW. An indicator for the validity - or maybe the origin - of this rumor is a sheet of paper being attached to the Leopard 2A7Q at IDEX 2017, which contained the text "SOLD".</div>
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After the purchase and upgrade of the Leopard 2A4 tanks, the German Army will have 103 Leopard 2A7(V) tanks in service. 48 Leopard 2A6M(+) and 152 Leopard 2A6 will supplement them. Seventeen Leopard 2A5 will remain at the combat training centre, being the last vehicles fitted with the short-barreled L/44 gun. Thirty-two Leopard 2 tanks (including 20 of the re-purchased Leopard 2A4) tanks will be kept for conversion to combat engineering vehicles, bridge-layers and other variants. Two Leopard 2A5, two Leopard 2A6, two Leopard 2A6M and one Leopard 2A7(V) tank will remain at the German military procurement office, the BAAinBw as reference and for tests, trials aswell as upgrade proposals. On the long run all tanks should be converted to a single version in order to keep logistics at a reasonable level.</div>
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For the Leopard 2A7V many <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/future-leopard-2-improvments.html">technologies and features have been considered</a>, but the only known demonstrator from KMW is a rather conventional upgrade. All Leopard 2A7 tanks are meant to be upgraded to the 2A7V configuration until 2022. What exactly will be changed is unknown, but apparently the engine will remain the dated MB 873 Ka-501 from MTU. It's very reliable and fuel efficient, but bulky by modern standards. Instead of replacing the engine, the powerpack and drivetrain will be modified - in particular the transmission and the side drives - to improve the mobility of the tank. If this allows to reach the original requirement for the Leopard 2A7V - regaining the mobility of the 10 tons lighter original version of the Leopard 2 - is questionable at least. The drivetrain also will be strengthened to deal with the high weight, while the APU's power output has been raised to 20 kilowatts.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24Ohsj5Vi1RwlzKuj9Q_SEKaPZ6iYUTS7o9wZ1ElgY3mWoWlhMNlt06P33D9L3y1l7Efy14WiUw5_XXdWw9b1jkWT_d_NYI6aIzfV2eDBxPgEHFyIen1NAR4bxjYn7e5X_mlEm6LhFGas/s1600/DSC_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24Ohsj5Vi1RwlzKuj9Q_SEKaPZ6iYUTS7o9wZ1ElgY3mWoWlhMNlt06P33D9L3y1l7Efy14WiUw5_XXdWw9b1jkWT_d_NYI6aIzfV2eDBxPgEHFyIen1NAR4bxjYn7e5X_mlEm6LhFGas/s640/DSC_0319.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Leopard 2A7+ prototype includes a hull armor kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The Leopard 2A7V will feature enhanced armor protection, which might be limited to the installation of a hull armor kit. However the basic Leopard 2A7 is already fitted with connectors, which allow fitting additional armor packages to the sides of the hull and turret when required. The composite armor modules at the upper front plate (the glaics) are about 45 mm thick; including the slope this boosts armor thickness from aproximately 328 milimetres to 697 milimetres. The relatively thin glacis relies on it's extreme slope; against highly sloped armor most shaped charge warheads fail to fuze, while APFSDS penetrators have a tendency to break, which greatly reduces the penetration performance. At the hull nose and lower front plate, the increase in armor thickness is estimated to be about 200 to 300 milimetres. This is a considerable improvment compared to the original Leopard 2 hull.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While thickness and shape are similar to the MEXAS-H hull armor of the Strv 122, Leopard 2A5DK, Leopard 2A6HEL, and Leopardo 2E, the size and locations of the mounting bolts has been altered. This might imply a change in armor composition, a more modern version (using newer AMAP technology) would offer better resistance to penetration or lower weight for a given protection level. <br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgO-TXnYVVT3Hw9DRVm0unWEKrn6vXoix-r2uj6YabD4d-o4RR4oftuyjwPueO79qcnZWw2Q9nV_oixmIxGCE05vv-kF8r77mwNbvFADzWC-KLDn1KE2uniGp2aa-6bc-8k_KYnf_OoHR-/s1600/35466_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgO-TXnYVVT3Hw9DRVm0unWEKrn6vXoix-r2uj6YabD4d-o4RR4oftuyjwPueO79qcnZWw2Q9nV_oixmIxGCE05vv-kF8r77mwNbvFADzWC-KLDn1KE2uniGp2aa-6bc-8k_KYnf_OoHR-/s640/35466_original.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ATTICA thermal sight will replace the WBG-X </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Leopard 2A7V upgrade is said to include improved main optics for the gunner - the old first generation WBG-X thermal imager would be replaced by a third generation ATTICA device. The SPECTUS sight from Airbus (originally developed by Zeiss, but the military divison was sold to Airbus) provides the driver with IR night-vision aswell as a thermal image. A new camera system for better situational awareness was fitted to the KMW demonstator vehicle at Eurosatory 2016. The FLW-200 remote weapon station is also expected to be part of the Leopard 2A7V upgrade. It can be fitted with (heavy) machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. Denmark supposedly will upgrade at least some of it's tank to a similar configuration.</div>
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Last year the company Rheinmetall announced, that the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/02/rheinmetall-to-develop-130-mm-gun-and.html">new L/55A1 gun </a>will be delivered to the first costumer in 2017. According to the company, the launch costumer will be the German Army, implying this gun will be part of the Leopard 2A7V upgrade. The L/55A1 smoothbore gun is an enhanced Rh 120 L/55, which can handle higher pressures: This will result in an increase in performance (penetration and range) by 20% according to earlier data from the manufacturer.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gUy0lfn0jv2hL4aNMZ58Td-In_88pk8_EDK4Jf-wTf7rADRgfkYz-lrJxAJstmIUmlGwhbFWnttOf_T6IFxon46nukPdLNKt4z0Qson_EhfBNuSaIu648hyphenhypheni0aIftzsFMk1L33Ru1xhT/s1600/novosti_o_novoj_nemetskoj_130_mm_tankovoj_pushke_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gUy0lfn0jv2hL4aNMZ58Td-In_88pk8_EDK4Jf-wTf7rADRgfkYz-lrJxAJstmIUmlGwhbFWnttOf_T6IFxon46nukPdLNKt4z0Qson_EhfBNuSaIu648hyphenhypheni0aIftzsFMk1L33Ru1xhT/s640/novosti_o_novoj_nemetskoj_130_mm_tankovoj_pushke_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new 130 mm smoothbore gun from Rheinmetall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the long run the Leopard 2 and the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/06/upgraded-leclerc-presented-at.html">French Leclerc MBT</a> will be replaced by the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a next-generation tank for which Rheinmetall <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/02/rheinmetall-to-develop-130-mm-gun-and.html">developed a 130 mm smoothbore gun</a> with 50% improved penetration capabilties. The MGCS is a co-development between Germany and France, but other countries are expected to join the development. Rumors - or speculation from random forum users - suggests that the turret might be developed in France, while the hull would be made in Germany. These speculations seems to be rather questionable, although the French know-how in autoloader-design might be an important aspect for the MGCS. The conception phase for the Main Ground Combat System is expected to end in 2017, after that the development of first prototypes would start. In the timeframe from 2025 to 2030 the first vehicles should be ready.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-27565786178522877742017-01-21T14:58:00.001-08:002017-01-21T15:00:09.976-08:00 Leopard 2 in Syria - part 2<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday a new video was released by ISIS terrorists showing a bunch of destroyed main battle tanks (MBTs) and armored personnel carriers (APCs) near the Syrian city of Al-Bab. This video however has proven something, that I understimated a certain weapon. Not anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), not improvised explosive devices (IEDs). A much older weapon: <b>propaganda</b>. The same weapon that turned the Tiger heavy tank - a rather mediocre design of it's time - to a supposed super tank, that still is being worshipped by some individuals today. However the propaganda worked, invoking a Tiger-phobia on the side of the allies.</div>
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Now, what exaclty has happened? A new video showing the exact same area that the first few videos were showing. The destroyed or damaged tanks are probably all identical to the tanks already shown in earlier videos, that have been covered by numerous news articles and blogs. Still some people start writing articles in a sort of kneejerk reaction, claiming that these are newly defeated tanks and that the Turkish Army is just poorly trained or the Leopard 2 is a poorly designed tank, incapable of competing on the same level as the tanks of other countries (even though this is not tank-vs-tank warfare...). This again leads to people to come and reply or spread the articles, which are pushing for their own agenda. "<i>The T-90 is so much better, only one was penetrated!</i>", "<i>All people who think the Leopard 2 is a good are Nazi-tank fanboys</i>" and "<i>The Abrams/Challenger 2/T-84 is an inpenetratable super tank</i>". People love to ignore the fact that the Turkish Leopard 2A4 is fitted with out-dated armor, possibly still the first generation of armor technology introduced with the original Leopard 2 in 1979. The fact that the Turkish Army was purged after the failed coup attempt - in which most tank units were equipped with Leopard 2A4 tanks - is intentionally ignored.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what exactly has happened to the Leopard 2 in the past month in Syria? Well, apparently not much in that area. ISIS was only interested in spreading images from already destroyed tanks - this might mean that there are no newer encounters that were video-taped.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-vishsnh_PLLOJI4KbrGx3pey30cMrMJVwGE61hXRLqA-2MFvfQf8EWb26zqKzEs8exVfi99LUv1mz59oQzgbsw7_34hN724Te-FHXMS1hiq8ahACD4ATjnOVGWqg11X6zdFWScuPlet/s1600/anti-propaganda2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-vishsnh_PLLOJI4KbrGx3pey30cMrMJVwGE61hXRLqA-2MFvfQf8EWb26zqKzEs8exVfi99LUv1mz59oQzgbsw7_34hN724Te-FHXMS1hiq8ahACD4ATjnOVGWqg11X6zdFWScuPlet/s640/anti-propaganda2.png" width="606" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leopard 2 tank wrecks in Syria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first Leopard 2A4 tanks of the Turkish Army were destroyed or at least disabled in combat already in December. Above are screenshots from one of the very first combat encounters, below are captures from two different propaganda videos - all showing the same two destroyed tanks. Well that's propaganda, pretending (by using different camera positions and filming on different days) to have destroyed six tanks, while in reality only two were destroyed (or rather one was destroyed, while one was apparently rendered immobile and abandoned).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHATcGFKUUE8iu2yuajfdqzLG8QXkIhknpJbYJUbVivWg-jPj6v5CXqh9ZVx5Zo_vDivsACUs2_JdCJFZsVlyshP_RYBHtFDwRXYNT2KFmwslVGtXPKvhVMB1sAavMbbACiZLpD_zsKbh/s1600/anti-propaganda3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHATcGFKUUE8iu2yuajfdqzLG8QXkIhknpJbYJUbVivWg-jPj6v5CXqh9ZVx5Zo_vDivsACUs2_JdCJFZsVlyshP_RYBHtFDwRXYNT2KFmwslVGtXPKvhVMB1sAavMbbACiZLpD_zsKbh/s640/anti-propaganda3.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ATGM penetrated the roof of this tank</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The image above shows a tank was hit by an ATGM at the roof. There are at least three different scenes from different videos showing this tank. It actually might be four, but the image quality of one is so bad, that it couldn't be clarified without doubt. This shows again how the terrorists' propaganda tries to inflate kill numbers in an attempt to demoralize the enemy. They supposedly even filmed the tank at different times of the day, so that the mood of light changed.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eFbYEv_NNXWah5QxEbmU8yRssXkF5MFVkV4VWRQy4ZOteQfy4kMtsU2RrwfQz58FomdoHkPzLSD1fbs8VcMuvY8hBcoyTcnWIrJuri9OLima12oKx8fM__wYxJ4XmT74rBuM-yq7BhQN/s1600/anti-propaganda.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eFbYEv_NNXWah5QxEbmU8yRssXkF5MFVkV4VWRQy4ZOteQfy4kMtsU2RrwfQz58FomdoHkPzLSD1fbs8VcMuvY8hBcoyTcnWIrJuri9OLima12oKx8fM__wYxJ4XmT74rBuM-yq7BhQN/s640/anti-propaganda.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blowing up captured tanks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The terrorists are known to have captured up to three tanks, of which one had a track issue. So what to do with a tank that cannot be utilized by the own forces? Blow it up in a propaganda video, pretending that it was an enemy tank destroyed in combat. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVBtcKhTtbMejvk_HGmSjRNR05rQhrFtzrj6OKMyHKppmcowBNiTPmgcWLlOeu5wWNza8aIL6O6hyphenhyphen9i1fmRZRP4x-KhrmXjNfk3drHzE_gzC8Y1RlEuEjlbGxCvMDZkuYUMP_NOZZPvso/s1600/C2oZgbNWgAAF_6H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVBtcKhTtbMejvk_HGmSjRNR05rQhrFtzrj6OKMyHKppmcowBNiTPmgcWLlOeu5wWNza8aIL6O6hyphenhyphen9i1fmRZRP4x-KhrmXjNfk3drHzE_gzC8Y1RlEuEjlbGxCvMDZkuYUMP_NOZZPvso/s640/C2oZgbNWgAAF_6H.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victims of a large explosion: airstrike or blown up after being abandoned</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Supposedly at least one captured tank was destroyed by an airstrike from a Turkish F-16. A photo showing a Leopard 2A4 with turret popped of the hull was shared on Twitter in December 2016. While it is not exactly confirmed that this tank is one of the two destroyed tanks above, all vehicles in above photo show damaga typical for airstirkes or large explosive charges being placed inside the vehicle. This can be seen by locking at the front of the Otokar APV (engine compartment blown off) and the excessive damage caused to the frontal Leopard 2. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One can only speculate about the exact fate of this tanks. Were they abandoned and then destroyed by an airstrike? Were they captured by ISIS and then destroyed by Turkish forces? Did the terrorist blow them up for a propaganda video?</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWj6BD8TI37hRLy38HmD5HGzRATSGc5cCH3o1rRcaDKd-_lbseZcBWVlsuha_8Vus6WoAhPkwDkgGFUeHs_0vVo6D6c69Ztk8PKyp6-13k3piZFeqGXu4jElyjlh7-Ykh3BK3vasb2DGY/s1600/yMwgdnP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWj6BD8TI37hRLy38HmD5HGzRATSGc5cCH3o1rRcaDKd-_lbseZcBWVlsuha_8Vus6WoAhPkwDkgGFUeHs_0vVo6D6c69Ztk8PKyp6-13k3piZFeqGXu4jElyjlh7-Ykh3BK3vasb2DGY/s640/yMwgdnP.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overview with text by militaysta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's why speculating about how awful or how good some military unit perform just based on photos of wrecks doesn't make sense. Who knows how many hits the tank took before ending there? Or maybe the tanks didn't even take any damage but broke down before combat. Who would know based on a wreck of a tank?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.snafu-solomon.com/2017/01/survivorship-bias-by-dieselpunkisdad.html">Snafu Solomon reblogged </a>an interesting <a href="https://dieselpunkisdad.tumblr.com/post/156075043378/survivorship-bias">article from DieselPunkIsDad </a>on survivability bias. While this term doesn't exactly apply to the topic, it clearly shows the same problem: people are judging the peformance of a combat vehicle, a military unit or even a whole nation based on a biased subset of encounters. The Battle of Crete was a horrible failure from the perspective of the
Nazi-German Army, which abandoned the tactics of airborne invasion via
paratroopers after it. From the perspective of the Allies, who were
unaware of the German losses, the airborne invasion was suddenly a
highly effective tool of warfare - that happens when only a subset of
data is considered. How many videos out there are showing an Iraqi or a Saudi Abrams tank getting hit by an ATGM, while sitting in the open without (mechanized/motorized) infantry support? Everytime such a video appears, someone comments on how bad said vehicle/persons are doing and how they are essentially getting slaughtered. What is ignored in this context is that the terrorists will only show your successful attacks - that's how propaganda works. But how many times do their attacks fail by missing the target, failing to penetrate the armor or being discovered and killed? </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvBguj-b1204YrlRMcAQoNJCRin89CDxMJ-4Zg7wTZMA7AcSxlnAx9HXkfRK95j4V5TU0FifwnD0JWncH9UK4EiFP-eBODl4hk6OIa_TWqFP7QFAK5M_XhixOqSzNyHnhHw_FCcU-LbV9/s1600/Turkish+Losses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvBguj-b1204YrlRMcAQoNJCRin89CDxMJ-4Zg7wTZMA7AcSxlnAx9HXkfRK95j4V5TU0FifwnD0JWncH9UK4EiFP-eBODl4hk6OIa_TWqFP7QFAK5M_XhixOqSzNyHnhHw_FCcU-LbV9/s640/Turkish+Losses.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Older informations on Turkish losses via Reddit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what is the conclusion of this post? Well, probably that one should keep calm and take some time to think about what is shown by a source and what the motivation for showing this is. Based on the videos and earlier reports of Turkish losses, there seem to be no recently destroyed tanks at this specific area near Al-Bab. This could have several different reasons, but speculations without sources won't lead to much. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to older Turkish sources, a total of ten Leopard 2A4 tanks, one M60T
Sabra and four other vehicles were disabled or destroyed in the area
around Al-Bab. One Leopard 2 had an issue with the tracks and the
situation of one tank is unknown (supposedly this tank is among the ones
captured by ISIS). Two tanks were damaged by IEDs, one of them heavily. A further tank was damaged by a mortar attack,
while the other five Leopard 2A4 tanks were damaged by ATGMs - back then not a
single tank was listed as destroyed by ATGMs. Earlier sources from about a week before the losses were leaked/published via Twitter claim that fifteen M60T Sabra tanks, three M60 tanks and
three Leopard 2A4 were hit by ATGMs. One of the M60 tanks and three Sabras
were total losses. Supposedly ten soldiers died in Turkish tanks at this time. The fact that no new tank wrecks appeared in the area from Al-Bab doesn't mean that Turkey hasn't lost more tanks since then - but it also doesn't directly confirm any losses at other places.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turkish sources claim that between the 8th and 18th January 192 air raids and firing 2,196 rounds of artillery, tank and mortar ammunition resulted in the death of 1,362 enemies, a further 168 were wounded. As always these claims haver to be taken with a grain of salt, as there is no proof for any of these claims and kill figures of airstrikes and artillery are known to be exaggerated quite often. Still if true, one shouldn't pretend that the Turkish Army is so bad and the "<i>Arabs are horrible at war</i>" meme applies (not to mention that technically Turks aren't Arabs). Yes, the first Leopard 2 tanks were employed in a horrible way and thus destroyed. But maybe at least some common NATO training standards are met and result in some better performance after the initial shock. </div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-70884592510014045382017-01-18T16:24:00.000-08:002017-01-19T08:31:42.949-08:00Early M1 Abrams composite armor<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the TankNet forums, a user with the nickname "whelm" has posted drawings from a formerly classified document on the earliest iteration of the US M1 Abrams main battle tank (MBT). He got this document from Vollketten, a user with accounts at the Sturgeon's House forum, the WoT forum and other places. It details the armor layout of the tank, showing were the Burlington composite armor is located and how it is specifically implemented on different areas.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The name of the document</td></tr>
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<a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/03/chobham-armor-facts-and-fiction-1.html">Burlington special armor</a>, also known as Chobham armor, is a type of composite armor developed in the United Kingdom by the FVRDE from the late 1960s onwards. It consists of a number of sandwich plates - also called biscuits - which are mounted in a spaced configuration. It is understood that these sandwich plates work as a type of non-explosive reactive armor (NERA), by using an elastic interlayer located between two metal plates (usually steel or alumininum). On impact the rubber will compress to the point of maximum compression, until expanding again and bouncing back. This will move more material into the path of penetration and also shatter thin and fragile projectiles, such as the shaped charge jets created by high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warheads commonly used on anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Essentially NERA works like <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">explosive reactive armor</a>, but with a lot less plate movment, as it only reuses the energy from the impacting projectile, instead of using an external energy source (such as the detonation of an explosive layer) to move the metal plates. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The location of the special armor on the M1 Abrams MBT</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The special armor covers the frontal arc of the tank only, <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/cold-war-mbt-turret-designs.html">with an exception being the sides of the turret bustle</a>. The lower front plate (LFP) of the hull is fitted with composite armor, the upper front plate, also known as glacis plate, however relies on conventional steel armor with high sloping. The gun shield and turret front, as well as complete turret side armor and the frontal two/four side skirt segments are protected by Burlington special armor aswell.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao_dsla_O6UjpaWTRZU57sqv32CC_AKeuyLucYCXABRWQMe0NK9pKZ-IThdazcYFEfuhk-KVOFrwFUMO88tI1Xv72ThYh6moadcV6wbu4Hbx0DWGwKmGk0WiQBD9Vubd08A_GUUDNCJB_/s1600/F5nVTZU3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao_dsla_O6UjpaWTRZU57sqv32CC_AKeuyLucYCXABRWQMe0NK9pKZ-IThdazcYFEfuhk-KVOFrwFUMO88tI1Xv72ThYh6moadcV6wbu4Hbx0DWGwKmGk0WiQBD9Vubd08A_GUUDNCJB_/s640/F5nVTZU3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frontal hull armor</td></tr>
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The lower fornt plate of the M1 Abrams' hull consists of an array of NERA sandwich plates, which however only cover about half of the complete armor volume. The other half of the armor thickness is occupied by a mounting bracket for the NERA sandwich array and conventional steel armor. When hitting the hull straight on, the projectile has to pass through the exterior steel layer, four sandwich plates and then the thick inner steel plate.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The armor layout of the gun shield</td></tr>
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The special armor of the gun shield of the Abrams follows a similar design as the hull armor, however there is no mounting bracket. The gun shield itself also does only include a rather thin backplate, however there is a thick steel plate located behind the gun shield, which might be connected to the trunnion plate. When hitting the tank straight without any oblique angle, the penetrating projectile again has to pass through four sandwich plates.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side armor of the turret bustle</td></tr>
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The side armor at the turret bustle seems to be the most interesting aspect of the tank, as it not only features a sloped NERA sandwich array and a mounting bracket as seen on the lower front plate armor array, but it also features a multi-layered backplate consisting of two steel plates with another material located between them. The exact naturre of this material is unkwnon, but it could be an application of ceramic as armor material. Using ceramic armor as part of the backplate in order to absorb the leftover penetration power of a projectile, that was damaged by (N)ERA sandwiches, has been suggested and patented by the Franco-German institute in Saint-Louis; it is believed that the armor used on the Leopard 2 and Leclerc might follow the same concept.</div>
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However there is no exact proof that said material is ceramic; other possibilities include glass and silicia, which have been tested by the US Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory in the 1950s and 1960s as part of the siliceous cored armor for the T95 medium tank and the XM60 MBT. In theory the material also might be a type of glass-reinforced plastic or aluminium, as used on the early models of the Soviet T-64 and T-72 tanks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHslAjhVB-nnnE-zXJQ4VU4ZYiIIqrmbXd9qmSKwYk3YY4tJYPuPHy_XmJVPPN2JH-x_xO_Qvv5gSi-ABq1ilSjGr13sHhE_CnUdIQTlN_wW0KSY7rX_QOa8gfLovGDFIau8rmlZLGbn4a/s1600/XI0Ga1F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHslAjhVB-nnnE-zXJQ4VU4ZYiIIqrmbXd9qmSKwYk3YY4tJYPuPHy_XmJVPPN2JH-x_xO_Qvv5gSi-ABq1ilSjGr13sHhE_CnUdIQTlN_wW0KSY7rX_QOa8gfLovGDFIau8rmlZLGbn4a/s640/XI0Ga1F.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side skirt armor</td></tr>
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The sides skirts of the M1 Abrams consists of a four or five layer sandwich, which is spaced from the homogenous steel base hull armor. The outermost plate is apparently a steel plate, followed by what is believed to be alternating layers of elastic material and metal. On the left hull side only the frontal two skirt elements are fitted with special armor, which is required for protecting the crew and fuel tanks along the 60° arc (<span class="_Tgc">±30° from the tank's center line</span>). On the right hull side, the first four side skirt elements are made of special armor, which is required to also protect the hull ammunition storage that is located behind the turret ring at the right hull side.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS0mJZgnLJT-3OdzIwrXpdKiltbXhZsnniGf1AElRf2dzyDFvW6Jc3ErgeZpdcoG9rCvZuzD_2YlaQ54ggxeBo36uQeQ_kLho6lL1zTp7Tiezc8GciiJLoxroHay5fhwooTSyoD9-8Jwp/s1600/2865253585_f79f4cc7e2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS0mJZgnLJT-3OdzIwrXpdKiltbXhZsnniGf1AElRf2dzyDFvW6Jc3ErgeZpdcoG9rCvZuzD_2YlaQ54ggxeBo36uQeQ_kLho6lL1zTp7Tiezc8GciiJLoxroHay5fhwooTSyoD9-8Jwp/s640/2865253585_f79f4cc7e2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burlington armor array for the British Chieftain Mk. 5/2 MBT</td></tr>
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Unfortunately there is no image showing the frontal turret armor, but given that we know the layouts of the frontal hull armor, the gun shield armor array and the turret side armor, there is not much reason to doubt that the frontal turret armor will look a lot differently. In general the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/03/chobham-armor-facts-and-fiction-1.html">Burlington composite armor </a>used on the M1 Abrams is a further evolution of the British designs from the 1960s and 1970s. Thanks to nowadays declassified documents, it is a secured fact that the UK shared it's armor research with the United States and the Federal Rebuplic of Germany during the Cold War. Thus we can expect the early armor arrays used on Leopard 2 and Challenger 1 to look very similar.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4qgkHdEMLaswBSUsAFjN4rPK0nu8aGkgzgFkmP6Tp7B_o4kK1kXahzdx4imh6i0MdHacZRIGAg36MILa4WsIyUSrtjm3zte04pQcI6qHQ7yFkma55p_grkUuvQR-KB_PIhlNdQR7nA9Z/s1600/merkavaChobham.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4qgkHdEMLaswBSUsAFjN4rPK0nu8aGkgzgFkmP6Tp7B_o4kK1kXahzdx4imh6i0MdHacZRIGAg36MILa4WsIyUSrtjm3zte04pQcI6qHQ7yFkma55p_grkUuvQR-KB_PIhlNdQR7nA9Z/s400/merkavaChobham.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merkava armor</td></tr>
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Other countries have developed their own versions of NERA sandwich arrays in the past. The Soviet Union adopted a very similar armor layout in 1985. <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/11/chinese-tank-composite-armor.html">Leaked Chinese armor arrays </a>from research papers and CAD models show a very similar conception, using NERA sandwich arrays held by mounting brackets in front of thicker and multi-layered backplates. Photographs of damaged Merkava tanks reveal a similar armor concept/technology.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese composite armor arrays</td></tr>
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More modern versions of the M1 Abrams and other tanks are still following this general armor design concept, however sometimes more complex arrays with additional layers and elements are used. A common design principle according to Dipl.-Ing. Rolf Hilmes, who formerly worked at the German BWB, and according to a presentation from the British Defence Science Technology Laboratory (DSTL), is to incorporate a further heavy layer in front of the armor array, which servers to disrupt (shatter/break) the projectile, before the fragments enter the NERA array. There are different options to implement this armor, however a common way is to use heavy ERA (such as the Kontakt-5 ERA and Relikt ERA used on Soviet/Russian MBTs) or thick NERA plates (as featured on the Leopard 2A5 and subsequent versions).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCSxR1EwgsgYS9X7X00udYfx5seF-CK52F0u33ksnSVr65Mva_npcArCvVIL1z6VKATpN4jUPp2DBPLrKTznfzfiSWyP5wL1vQO_ouoZKrK6ccWH3Ki6utF4Aq-gvSepDxA1FFnfbqYoQ/s1600/T-72B+Panzerung.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCSxR1EwgsgYS9X7X00udYfx5seF-CK52F0u33ksnSVr65Mva_npcArCvVIL1z6VKATpN4jUPp2DBPLrKTznfzfiSWyP5wL1vQO_ouoZKrK6ccWH3Ki6utF4Aq-gvSepDxA1FFnfbqYoQ/s400/T-72B+Panzerung.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret armor of a Soviet T-72B MBT</td></tr>
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Photographs from US Abrams tanks damaged in the Gulf War and in the Invasion of Iraq, show that in general the armor layout of the Abrams has not been altered drastically. Most likely the materials have been improved and the thicker back plates have been replaced by mutli-layered arrays including ceramics and other materials.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M1 Abrams' side skirt penetrated during the Invasion of Iraq</td></tr>
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A known addition to the side armor of the M1 Abrams' turret is at least a new spaced armor array, which is mounted on coil springs. The spaced armor is made up of three rather thin, multi-layered sandwhich plates. Most likely the coil springs are compressed, which would enable greater force being used against a penetrating projectile.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6icjYTFFs7lRaWnPHLNKM1Ejz45LYtaf2BC25QSkY9zkjxvnvZrdyaLMHeKP3xDVWdN4mVf4PlgcFXqBfxWbCd7R9ByWOqKTXE6k92WqqtrY7q6jBkMxdDC_lM8XOG4d-eD2KYQEPTcb8/s1600/1850044hgvt654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6icjYTFFs7lRaWnPHLNKM1Ejz45LYtaf2BC25QSkY9zkjxvnvZrdyaLMHeKP3xDVWdN4mVf4PlgcFXqBfxWbCd7R9ByWOqKTXE6k92WqqtrY7q6jBkMxdDC_lM8XOG4d-eD2KYQEPTcb8/s640/1850044hgvt654.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Destroyed M1A1 HA with exposed armor elements </td></tr>
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A more detailed coverage of modern armor technology on this blog is planned for the future.m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3680821082869261047.post-40732996722063355392017-01-07T10:21:00.000-08:002017-01-08T02:58:25.967-08:00Hardkill APS overview<div style="text-align: justify;">
Active protection systems (APS) have been an important topic when it comes to enhancing the protection of modern combat vehicles since a number of years. Combat in Iraq, Yemen and <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/12/leopard-2-in-syria.html">in Syria </a>has proven the vulnerability of main battle tanks (MBTs) to handheld and/or guided anti-tank weaponry. While many people pretend that active protection systems are a rather new development, many can be traced back to the 1980s and 1990s. One of the earliest APS was tested in 1969 in Germany - that's 48 years ago! The first APS adopted in military service was the Soviet Drozd system from 1977/1978, that was fitted to a number of T-55 and T-62 tanks. According to unconfirmed rumors Drozd was used in Afghanistan.</div>
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A more commonly known APS is Trophy, which has received huge orders by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) and was adopted on the Merkava 4M MBT and the Namer armored personnel carrier (APC). Aside of the hardkill active protection systems, which actually destroy incoming threats using countermeasures, there is also the less popular category of softkill systems such as the MUSS, which has been adopted <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2015/06/first-puma-ifv-handed-over-to-german.html">on the Puma </a>and is <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/qinetiq-to-test-muss-aps-for-british.html">being tested by the British Army</a>. </div>
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But what types of active hardkill protection systems exist? What makes an APS good? What are the drawbacks of each specific system? This blog post tries to dive a bit deeper in the topic of APS, but due to the secret nature of many details and characteristics it ends up being not more than a somewhat superficial overview of some types of active protection systems that have been developed in the past decades.</div>
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In general the following characteristics are essential to evaluate the performance of an active protection system:</div>
<ul>
<li>detection range </li>
<li>minimum defeat distance (MDD)</li>
<li>system reaction time (SRT)</li>
<li>the distance to the interception point (IP)</li>
<li>multi-hit capability</li>
<li>short-time multi-hit capability</li>
<li>simultaneous threat defeat </li>
</ul>
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The system reaction time is the time required for the system to detect, engage and defeat an incoming threat. In includes the time to detect, track and defeat the threat. The smaller the system reaction time, the greater are the systems capabilities.</div>
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The minimum defeat distance is closely related to the SRT; it is the shortest distance from where a threat can be fired, so that the APS has still enough time to react and defeat it. If the time of flight of a RPG is smaller than the SRT, the APS will fail to protect.</div>
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The distance to the interception point is not identical with the MDD. The MDD defines how far away a threat has to be in order to be defeated, while the interception point defines the possible collateral damage. The smaller the distance to the IP, the lower is the increase in possible collateral damage caused by the APS. The minimum defeat distance equals to the interception point plus the system reaction time multiplied by the threat velocity.</div>
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Multi-hit capability, short-time multi-hit capability and simultaneous threat defeat are important for the APS in order to not become depleted or overpowered by RPGs. If a system has two rotatable launchers, it can engage at most two threats at a time, limiting the simultaneous threat defeat compared to a system with four launchers. If each launcher holds only two countermeasures, the multi-hit capability is limited to four threats on a two launcher system (firing five RPGs or ATGMs without the system being restocked will mean that one has to hit without being defeated by the APS), while a four launcher system has a multi-hit capability of eight threats (when each launcher has two countermeasures). The short-time multi-hit capability is important for certain systems, which require some time after engaging a threat to reload themselves - in such a case firing two RPGs within a short frame of time might result in a penetration of the vehicle.</div>
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The hardkill systems are categorized into three categories: APS with rotatable launchers, APS with fixed launchers, and box-based APS.<br />
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<h3>
Launcher-based hardkill active protection systems</h3>
Laucher-based active protection systems suffer however from certain specific disadvantages:<br />
<ul>
<li>the amount of launchers is limited to 1 - 4 (depending on APS and vehicle)</li>
<li>the amount of countermeasures is limited to 2 - 6 (depending on APS)</li>
<li>reaction time is larger, as the launcher needs time to rotate</li>
<li>due to the larger reaction time, the systems have to rely on mid/long-range radar detection (can be used to find/track the vehicle)</li>
<li>system redundancy is limited (if a vehicle has just one or two launchers, destroying one will have a big impact on the performance)</li>
</ul>
<h3>
</h3>
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The <b>Trophy </b>active protection system (also known as <b>ASPRO-A </b>and "<i>Windbreaker</i>" in IDF service) is made by the Israeli company Rafael. It is actively being used by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) on the Merkava 4M main battle tank and the Namer heavily armored personnel carrier. There are three versions of Trophy currently being offered by Rafael: Trophy-HV, Trophy-MV and Trophy-LV. The latter system is using a box-based approach and will be described at a later point in this article. Trophy-HV (heavy) has a weight of 850 kilograms and requires about 0.69 cubic metres of volume. It consists of four flat radar panels, two launchers and two autoloaders. Each autoloader holds only three rounds, so that a maximum of six threats can be engaged in the ideal case. After that, the autoloaders have to be restocked, which is only possible from the exterior and takes up some time. It cannot be reloaded in combat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trophy-MV (medium) is a lower weight version of Trophy, weighing only 520 kg and requiring only 0.42 cubic metres of volume. Trophy-MV is intended for medium weight vehicles like wheeled 8x8 APCs and IFVs such as the US Army's Stryker. It follows the same working mechanism and design as the Trophy-HV version, but is extended with parts of a soft-kill system. The weight savings are achieved by using a smaller, miniaturized version of Trophy-HV. It is unkown if the autoloaders hold the same amount of countermeasures.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRVD_9ZCDNS5ud6kfUH81mV2MmdQvZ4wGo4wzFfyM5kckVkFh41_u3rhPaxJ7pCch_oc6SM3MKlvleUtY3iP9HSKBBsQHAcDN_kd6TJdLi9w1jFgwHjJZFsVXc6NEGDg7c8wrRPDdlqdc/s1600/ASPRO-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRVD_9ZCDNS5ud6kfUH81mV2MmdQvZ4wGo4wzFfyM5kckVkFh41_u3rhPaxJ7pCch_oc6SM3MKlvleUtY3iP9HSKBBsQHAcDN_kd6TJdLi9w1jFgwHjJZFsVXc6NEGDg7c8wrRPDdlqdc/s640/ASPRO-A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trophy radar panel (left) and autoloader with mock-up countermeasure (<span style="color: #3d85c6;">blue</span>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Trophy is an unique system, relying on directed multi-EFPs (MEFPs), which are bundled in one countermeasure. Each MEFP consists of 35 radially bundled EFPs located on a single warhead. Currently all configurations of Trophy use two launchers, one located per side of the vehicle. Due to the MEFP being essentially a metal container that explodes, each launcher can only hold a single countermeasure and placing two launchers directly side-by-side is not possible, because the fragments of the metal containers could damage them. In order to prevent damage to the vehicle's turret-mounted systems (such as optics) and to prevent injuries of crew members operating above the hatch, behind each Trophy launcher a blast shield made out of steel is located. This however affects the coverage of the system: it is not possible to traverse a launcher by 360°, because then the countermeasure would hit the blast shield when firing at many angles; realistically the Trophy launcher is limited to a maximum traverse arc of 200° to 220°.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk6di39NPnLqw5xNtZVPS8DyrkZmbo-F8YUZ7uBvEojA_yjgfWFmbB2_G4Os_PzCQ1iTRQoxyMQX8O2hyvzzdA8RE119E-XkRM954NdLh8og-o392zUp7BTfEy3sqi9AegL9N3cV6ENGO/s1600/ZttZc4z.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk6di39NPnLqw5xNtZVPS8DyrkZmbo-F8YUZ7uBvEojA_yjgfWFmbB2_G4Os_PzCQ1iTRQoxyMQX8O2hyvzzdA8RE119E-XkRM954NdLh8og-o392zUp7BTfEy3sqi9AegL9N3cV6ENGO/s400/ZttZc4z.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blast shield limits the traverse of the launcher</td></tr>
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Trophy's working mechanism is not capable of defeating all types of projectiles, because the explosively formed penetrators are to small and not accurate enough, to guarantee damage to kinetic energy penetrators (KEPs) such as longrod APFSDS ammunition, which is required in order to affect their penetration capabilities. Trophy is also not fast enough to intercept EFP mines and EFP-IEDs. It is designed to defeat RPGs and ATGMs mainly, but it is also capable of defeating HE and HEAT tank rounds. The interception point is - dependening on the threat velocity - about 10 to 30 metres away from the target (e.g. the Merkava tank or Namer APC) and the system reaction time is estimated by experts of the German Army to be 300 to 350 miliseconds. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-moe0DjB7F2bpNAEQZyzcwpvF71ZB4_RYACgvCKonoyd1pvYWTKBttX-jzIqXlhFTFlMohHMwEtMSIDx3rU8dl4PK7FAvnrwS_Zx68367T2yP5sdSKob9ps-6S1l6VPQfxoqHXrXT5Gtj/s1600/Trophy+HK.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-moe0DjB7F2bpNAEQZyzcwpvF71ZB4_RYACgvCKonoyd1pvYWTKBttX-jzIqXlhFTFlMohHMwEtMSIDx3rU8dl4PK7FAvnrwS_Zx68367T2yP5sdSKob9ps-6S1l6VPQfxoqHXrXT5Gtj/s400/Trophy+HK.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A RPG is defeated by Trophy. Note the fragments from the RPG and EFPs!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A major issue with using MEFP warheads against missiles is the fragmentation and the large lethal zone. The EFPs and fragments from the warhead casing/EFP will be shot into the direction of the incoming threat, spreading over a larger area (a desired effect, because hitting the threat wouldn't be possible otherwise) and forming a cone of fragments. This however endangers infantry aswell as soft-skinned and lightly armored vehicles located in the flight path of the fragments and EFPs. The US Army rejected Trophy because of this high danger for dismounted soldiers. While Rafael and the IDF claim that the propability of injuring a dismount is less than 1%, the IDF did indirectly admit the issue by changing the doctrine of how infantry operates alongside Trophy-equipped tanks and vehicles, making sure the infantry avoids the danger zone created by Trophy.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A further problem of this system is the low amount of ready-to-fire countermeasures (one per launcher) and the relatively long reload time; in the marketing video from Rafael at least, the automatic reloading of the launcher took more than 1.5 seconds (closer to 1.75 seconds). This means that the minimum defeat distance against multiple threats being shot at the same time is not given. An average RPG-7 round has a top speed of 294 metres per second - this means that after engaging a threat, Trophy is incapable of protecting against any RPG fired at the same side from more than 450 metres distance! Against faster flying RPGs, ATGMs and tank ammunition (a 120 mm HEAT round has a muzzle velocity of 1,140 mps!), the deadzone after reloading is considerable larger. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's main advantage of Trophy is probably the lower complexity and price. While other launcher-based systems use projectiles that detonate mid-air, Trophy simply tracks the threat, turns the MEFP countermeasure into the direction and fires it. It doesn't require bulky rounds with fin-stabilization, that have an expensive fuze system that is set on the launcher before firing by the APS' computer system with pre-calculated data.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Trophy seems to be offering less performance in order to reach a lower price point, making the system more attractive for militaries that can accept it's shortcomings or are on a budget. </div>
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The German <b>AWiSS </b>active protection system dates back to initial requirements for the German NGP next generation tank from 1993. Diehl was awarded a contract to investigate the development of two different active protection systems in 1997, one designated "AFSS" to defeat anti-tank guided missiles and RPGs and one designed to defeat kinetic energy penetrators called "AKESS". These developments lead in 1999 to AWiSS, a combined system against KEPs and missiles developed by Diehl BGT Defence. The system was used as base to create the AVePS active protection and to some extend the Iron Fist APS as part of the mutual active protection system (MAPS) cooperation between Diehl and Israeli Military Industries.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH58xTN-ib-2qF1TKeStj_XbnohW9z_c1spumwOZu6eBbUIe-Tf6SVgld1J4HpTg2WKBR-ZQjHpLZ9C-OBiAYU3Q1nq5qaXLq8dveQ-gKhz9gYoTt00R5WuFYWXq_3ATp7CpoRcLZi507o/s1600/AFSS_Abwehrsystem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH58xTN-ib-2qF1TKeStj_XbnohW9z_c1spumwOZu6eBbUIe-Tf6SVgld1J4HpTg2WKBR-ZQjHpLZ9C-OBiAYU3Q1nq5qaXLq8dveQ-gKhz9gYoTt00R5WuFYWXq_3ATp7CpoRcLZi507o/s400/AFSS_Abwehrsystem.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four-barreled AWiSS launcher</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
AWiSS consists of a central computing unit, four Ka-band militmeter-wave radar units located around the vehicle and up to two launchers with integrated IR sensors. When one launcher is utilized, only a 240° arc can be protected against fast-flying threats fired from a close proximity; two launchers provide a full 360° protection. The launchers have either three or four barrels for countermeasures, depending on the prototype version. In order to keep the overall exterior size of the launcher small, the motor units of the AWiSS launcher are located at the interior. This means that the vehicle requires the roof of the vehicle to be pentrated, if installing it to an existing plattform. As a result retrofitting an existing vehicle with AWiSS is more complicated. The launcher adds about 400 mm to the vehicle height, while the motors requires about 400 mm internal clearance. The weight of the system is below 500 kilograms.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcTrHY8pJCe-oW2hSvB4IopTnaNV5d2SBN8NIcyn20qDRZ8ZShlC5t_-EcZf3WpkgJ7kz-nCVLBHoYZGyAiKnJO9k8MR2RfC1rEI69K_l31CLAAytZvAnJ44qphsPGJMduvoIEG0dZNof/s1600/AWiSS+Werfer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcTrHY8pJCe-oW2hSvB4IopTnaNV5d2SBN8NIcyn20qDRZ8ZShlC5t_-EcZf3WpkgJ7kz-nCVLBHoYZGyAiKnJO9k8MR2RfC1rEI69K_l31CLAAytZvAnJ44qphsPGJMduvoIEG0dZNof/s1600/AWiSS+Werfer.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three-barreled AWiSS launcher with countermeasure</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The AWiSS countermeasures intercept the threats at a distance of 10 to 25 metres. Against large calibre ATGMs and KE ammunition, an intercep<span id="goog_162327844"></span><span id="goog_162327845"></span>tion distance of 25 metres or more is ideal, because the greater distance reduces the leftover armor penetration after intercepting the threat. Against RPGs the interception at only 10 metres is possible, a result of the German requirement of being able to defeat hand-held anti-tank weapons fired from a range of 75 metres away. The system reaction time of AWiSS is supposedly 355 miliseconds (or less than 400 ms according to older sources) and the launchers have a traverse speed of more than 600 degrees per second.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLD-PcPNatKaHkqe17CRY7Tr-Y2qd7Qv2Z4CJKa4-DPGOxMGMTq0XydIDww_LfAfxRIw36NEX0bKXCOhck5qacECmwwcOcpozqNJBLVnCeSliI_s6hx2wbieFuQZhf7IcWKjNKl184lox/s1600/AWiSS+auf+Leopard+2AV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLD-PcPNatKaHkqe17CRY7Tr-Y2qd7Qv2Z4CJKa4-DPGOxMGMTq0XydIDww_LfAfxRIw36NEX0bKXCOhck5qacECmwwcOcpozqNJBLVnCeSliI_s6hx2wbieFuQZhf7IcWKjNKl184lox/s640/AWiSS+auf+Leopard+2AV.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live firing test of AWiSS (single barrel early prototype) on a Leopard 2 AV</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
It uses a 3 kilograms heavy HE-fragmentation or HE-blast warhead, although the latter was developed at a later point of time. This enables AWiSS to be utilized against RPGs, ATGMs (including top-attack types), HE(AT) tank ammunition aswell as large-calibre APFSDS ammunition. After first tests in 2001 with HE fragmentation grenades and in 2002 with a HE-blast grenade, a Leopard 2 AV tank equipped with AWiSS defeated a MILAN ATGM in 2006 uisng an interceptor with HE-fragmentation warhead. The fragementation warhead proved to be more effective in defeating rockets and missiles with shaped charge warheads, while the blast grenade performed superior against kinetic energy penetrators. The development of AWiSS was discontinued in favour of AVePS, which utilizes only HE blast grenades. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTmK0gBpKNilC0T3yFAWrPwkc8IVRznCP3o2UxBRCbkvDtuTRySn1mm__o4Tz0mqJiz9xGsX5IrEwJuiE24SdhHuLzMmPEVWYMwnLUk7s7oqLF8irPY66l_9umSk951WDmkqK0C0W_Nry/s1600/iaaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTmK0gBpKNilC0T3yFAWrPwkc8IVRznCP3o2UxBRCbkvDtuTRySn1mm__o4Tz0mqJiz9xGsX5IrEwJuiE24SdhHuLzMmPEVWYMwnLUk7s7oqLF8irPY66l_9umSk951WDmkqK0C0W_Nry/s1600/iaaps.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IAAPS launcher</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <span class="st">integrated army active protection system, </span><b> IAAPS</b>, is an US-American APS developed by United Defense (today part of BAE Systems) together with BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman for the US Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program and other vehicles. The start of it's development dates back to a TARDEC contract awarded to United Defense in 1997. The IAAPS combines a number of softkill and hardkill measures to defeat incoming missiles and RPGS. The active protection system utilizes two types of passive sensors (apparently laser warners and electro-optronical IR sensors for detecting the muzzle flash/rocket engine) and a radar system to detect incoming threats. At first the system will try to use the directable infrared countermeasure (DIRCM, essentially an IR jammer) and the laser target decoy device (LATADS) to interrupt or confuse the missiles guidance systems. If this is not successful, the IAAPS utilizes up to two launchers with four barrels to defeat the detected threats. These is achieved with HE fragmentation grenades or HE blast grenades detonating about 30 metres from the protected vehicle. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
An option for extending the system was defeating kinetic energy penetrators using HE blast grenades in the same manner as AWiSS, AVePS and Iron Fist. It was successfully demonstrated in a live firing test in 2006, that the IAAPS firing new interim countermeasure (with blast warhead) was capable of getting close enough to the kinetic energy penetrators, that fuzing the warhead would have resulted in a significant reduction in penetration power. The successful tests with the original countermeasure occured in 2003. During US Army testing in 2006, the IAAPS managed to defeat several RPGs and ATGMs, even while the vehicles were moving at 40 kph.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first the IAAPS was renamed to active defense system (ADS, not to be confused with Rheinmetall's ADS), but apparently the development of the IAAPS was stalled or canceled, after the US Army awarded a contract for the development of the Quick Kill APS to Raytheon. The current US Army program for a protection system is the modular active protection system project.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj8EkiHkOkUADMBmG0kBNa4CTy4hRjYs0F9pyB_noj-dvlJIR8LH51MRD1FT_R6S9eXqIlIRCW89rsaW30cvGWyslakQk4lpHHZVnB4XTA09rsX0qyLscp-PxI0HZK1CXTHvQqDAXtZ8o/s1600/cicm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj8EkiHkOkUADMBmG0kBNa4CTy4hRjYs0F9pyB_noj-dvlJIR8LH51MRD1FT_R6S9eXqIlIRCW89rsaW30cvGWyslakQk4lpHHZVnB4XTA09rsX0qyLscp-PxI0HZK1CXTHvQqDAXtZ8o/s320/cicm.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CICM launcher</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A version of IAAPS known as close-in counter-measure (<b>CICM</b>) system was developed in 2004 for lighter vehicles. CICM is using a muzzle flash detector and a radar unit to detect incoming threats. The system requires two dual-barreled launchers for a full 360° coverage. Each launcher barrel contains 55 metal pellets (made from steel or a higher density material such as tungsten), which are fired as a shot-gun blast at incoming RPGs. The low weight of only about 200 kilograms make the CICM system suited for lightweight vehicles such as Humvees, however the short interception distance (only about 10 metres from the vehicle) make it incapable of defeating ATGMs without leaving enough left-over penetration to defeat the armor of light and medium armored vehicles.<b><br /></b>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both AVePS and Iron Fist are result of a cooperation between Diehl of Germany and Israeli Military Industries (IMI). The cooperation was known as mutual active protection system (MAPS - not to be confused with the American modular active protection system program). These systems are to some extend based on the older AWiSS APS, but are incorporating newer technologies from Diehl and IMI. In contrast to the previous system, AVePS and Iron Fist rely only on high explosive (HE) blast grenades as countermeasures to intercept incoming threats. This reduces the probability of collateral damage. Both systems were revealed in 2006 and might utilize slightly different sub-components, delivered from local or international suppliers. For detecting incoming threats, both systems rely on radars (in case of AVePS, it is a Ka-band milimeter-wave radar similar to the one used for AWiSS) in combination with IR sensors for fine tracking. The power consumption in case of AVePS is limited to only 1.5 kW.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj152wXYscHAhP6lj64_RyDR06ZypP0ljubIbyyAkQcV4PaFD7MZtTiAY3OER55RCpeALbMht3bsPdQyNwwBcHw2zXsC1c6f-pRWbSr3EnfmSWtXWKrxwGRaDI5w8_FKrp2xLkLI10H3z52/s1600/AVePs+Marder.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj152wXYscHAhP6lj64_RyDR06ZypP0ljubIbyyAkQcV4PaFD7MZtTiAY3OER55RCpeALbMht3bsPdQyNwwBcHw2zXsC1c6f-pRWbSr3EnfmSWtXWKrxwGRaDI5w8_FKrp2xLkLI10H3z52/s640/AVePs+Marder.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AVePS with two launchers on a modified Marder 1A5</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<b>AVePS </b>(Active Vehicle Protection System) consists of the sensor units, a central computer and up to two launchers. One lighter vehicles just one launcher is used in order to reduce the weight of the system. Each launcher contains four tubes for interceptors, two mounted on each side of the launcher. The weight of the heavy version with two launchers is less than 500 kilograms, while the single launcher configuration weighs only 350 kg. The traverse speed of the launchers is more than 600° per second. No penetration of the roof is required for the launchers, however the computer control system requires 80 litres (0.08 cubic metres) of volume. The system reaction time is 300 to 350 miliseconds or 355 ms according to different German sources. It is possible to reload AVePS through open hatches without completely exiting the vehicle, because of the easy to use catridge and launcher design.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRZG8HGNXLnPVAQZJWTWtDkhyeBv9JhaSh0Ne69btIavNGnOkRNTRGuBpqjXnWg1vLRKI-M35mmrlaiqzByPD1AzrZmuahQcL0YvBBz1S1Cri6QEVL2EeBtVoiXWaeYWyTDLK8rgr-t4t/s1600/AVePS+Reload.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRZG8HGNXLnPVAQZJWTWtDkhyeBv9JhaSh0Ne69btIavNGnOkRNTRGuBpqjXnWg1vLRKI-M35mmrlaiqzByPD1AzrZmuahQcL0YvBBz1S1Cri6QEVL2EeBtVoiXWaeYWyTDLK8rgr-t4t/s400/AVePS+Reload.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reloading of AVePS</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The mutual active protection system has been successfully tested in 2011 on the M113 (not stated by Diehl wether this was AVePS or Iron Fist) and later in the same year, AVePS was tested on the Fuchs APC. In the tests MAPS/AVePS defeated RPG-7 and Panzerfaust 3 hand-held anti-tank weapons.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
A lighter version known as AWiSS/AVePS light was proposed in 2006 for assymetrical warfare, however it is not known if the development of this version has been continued, finalized or if the developments have been integrated into the normal AVePS. The main feature was a reduction in system reaction time to 300 ms or less, so that the engagement distance could be reduced.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI2mDnue1crJaBb5XeOg2JwxQnENEctfI-p2OjYZubMsuP_GKURbkakY65kPOwrROd1oD08PFM42rpHT7H6wqeN8uKmILpOozvw_bBJSN8WTWinwgyMXZKCPc0BMQXuZ6hMTkF587SrAE/s1600/Iron+Fist+HK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI2mDnue1crJaBb5XeOg2JwxQnENEctfI-p2OjYZubMsuP_GKURbkakY65kPOwrROd1oD08PFM42rpHT7H6wqeN8uKmILpOozvw_bBJSN8WTWinwgyMXZKCPc0BMQXuZ6hMTkF587SrAE/s400/Iron+Fist+HK.JPG" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Fist system</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
IMI's <b>Iron Fist </b>uses two launchers with only two countermeasure tubes each. Unlike AVePS, it seems to utilize the same type of flat radar panels as used on the Trophy APS. In contrast to AVePS, it integrates further soft-kill measures like Trophy-MV. These soft-kill measures are E/O jammers to defeat second-generation anti-tank guided missiles, i.e. missiles with semi-automatic line-of-sight guidance based on IR beams such as TOW or MILAN. The system reaction time is estimated to be 300 to 350 miliseconds. Iron Fist was rejected by the IDF in favour of Trophy and funding for the system was stopped, but IMI managed to gain other investors such as the US Army, which is interested in Iron Fist as part of the modular active protection system competition. The Netherlands are going to trial Iron Fist on the CV9035 IFV.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnRdU7TKIcNSQd01ClfuKIWQ9w67qnKmBCg8vMGJFKq5I8bwsS3BoQAEkJl-KS6eUwPuiXEMGXeuUP2-64p743DrFbCfawfOa9lNWQ1wuBvAa9HGlM_q_LCUh7P6m2neAzmYLRUua45l2/s1600/Iron+Fist+LC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnRdU7TKIcNSQd01ClfuKIWQ9w67qnKmBCg8vMGJFKq5I8bwsS3BoQAEkJl-KS6eUwPuiXEMGXeuUP2-64p743DrFbCfawfOa9lNWQ1wuBvAa9HGlM_q_LCUh7P6m2neAzmYLRUua45l2/s320/Iron+Fist+LC.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Fist LC</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Iron Fist Light Configuration (Iron Fist LC) aka Iron Fist Lite is a version of Iron Fist first unveiled in 2016 on the <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/07/land-400-phase-2-and-3-contenders-update.html">Sentinel II, a candidate for the Australian LAND 400 program Phase 2</a>. The system appears to be a down-scaled version of Iron Fist, still utilizing two launchers with two smaller blast grenades, but apparently the soft-kill features are left out. Due to the smaller size, this system is not capable of dealing with APFSDS rods. The weight of a two launcher variant is only 551 pounds (250 kg).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQLx3FeSt-mVNEu3f80ANM_FJqP2JX-DRFKx59VhHksNu_WRCoPAijlNMWSD4z4SLPkYb1dCBQVkc4h1ZVYf7S4oUtijyz8NOdGoCUMYZOZD6jGfvYMXrfT_TWJVOQNbz2UlCJ0QO4N5y/s1600/AVePS+Defeat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQLx3FeSt-mVNEu3f80ANM_FJqP2JX-DRFKx59VhHksNu_WRCoPAijlNMWSD4z4SLPkYb1dCBQVkc4h1ZVYf7S4oUtijyz8NOdGoCUMYZOZD6jGfvYMXrfT_TWJVOQNbz2UlCJ0QO4N5y/s640/AVePS+Defeat.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AVePS defeating a Panzerfaust 3</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both systems can defeat ATGMs, RPGs and HEAT rounds from tank guns. Furthermore it is possible with these active protection systems to engage high-velocity longrod APFSDS projectiles - in ideal case tilting them to reduce the penetration capabilities dramatically. For this to be successfull, the HE blast grenade has to detonate in very close proximity to the APFSDS rod - according to IMI the distance is 50 to 80 centimetres. While this might be easy to achieve against slower flying rods under ideal conditions, there are a few technical challenges that make the anti-APFSDS mechanism of AVePS and Iron Fist appear less desirable and unreliable. For one, there is a huge difference in muzzle velocity for available APFSDS ammunition. While 105 mm APFSDS ammuntion is rather slow (with a muzzle velocity of 1,300 to 1,400 metres per second), modern 120 mm APFSDS rounds fired from longer barreled smoothbore guns can reach or even exceed 1,800 mps depending on ambient temperature. The countermeasures being rather bulky and not very fast, will be more affected by exterior influences such as (cross-)winds, temperature and pressure. Given the extremely short amount of time given to an AVePS/Iron Fist countermeasure to detonate within the 50 to 80 cm distance to a longrod APFSDS, it seems impossible to achieve a proper tilting effect under all circumstance. In an interview about Iron Fist, IMI stated that APFSDS rounds leave the muzzle with a velocity of about 1,600 mps - this might be indirectly implying that the MAPS cannot defeat faster-flying APFSDS rounds. However when tilting the rod is successful, penetration can be greatly reduce; tilting the rod by some 10° reduces armor penetration by about 50%.</div>
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By using HE blast grenades, the probability of collateral damage is greatly reduced. The HE grenade detonates close to the incoming threat, defeating it with the shockwave of the detonation. There are no sub-projectiles/fragments used to defeat the threat. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
AVePS has an advantage in terms of multi-hit capability, allowing to engage and defeat twice as much threats before having to be reloaded. IMI's Iron Fist on the other hand offers softkill features and a lower weight for a dual launcher configuration (though a configuration with a single AVePS launcher should weigh less than one with two Iron Fist launchers).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Based on German data, the minimum defeat distance of AVePS and Iron Fist should be 50 to 150 metres for RPGs and most ATGMs (depending on muzzle velocity) and more than 600 metres for kinetic energy penetrators.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJba9tZfNooWX6W1-t9uSwWspXo8Dj_h1Wj9VI17zTrKu_MJ19rX2NCcoMKqdUHwP3AU5WUi3Q5-Umjv24Y0WunYxFowgQpvYdHcw6lCS29n06ZytbMIwGxn2AfSgQFF6uKtbAnitvyGqF/s1600/LEDS+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJba9tZfNooWX6W1-t9uSwWspXo8Dj_h1Wj9VI17zTrKu_MJ19rX2NCcoMKqdUHwP3AU5WUi3Q5-Umjv24Y0WunYxFowgQpvYdHcw6lCS29n06ZytbMIwGxn2AfSgQFF6uKtbAnitvyGqF/s640/LEDS+150.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEDS-150 on the CV90 Armadillo</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>LEDS,</b> which stands for stands for "<i>land electronic defence system</i>", is an APS made by Swedish SAAB. It is a wider family of products including the LEDS-50 laser warning system (installed on Dutch CV9035 IFVs), the LED-100 softkill protection systems, aswell as three versions of hardkill active protection systems designated LEDS-150, LEDS-200 and LEDS-300, as part of a common modular family. LEDS stands for "land electronic defence system".</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C_GWdVKuytSuA_zL0S8x9PJ9f9vQ-o37C7j0h1Vq4RrXe4EFOPsHqSmFZ2VfX3mh2hWT2ko6Q6eNfp_7rp2iVPn5re8pHWdWkGDYNlVo1xpyOOp65bOX4ghnP3by4_QNZbKqatuONM8k/s1600/LEDS-150+CM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C_GWdVKuytSuA_zL0S8x9PJ9f9vQ-o37C7j0h1Vq4RrXe4EFOPsHqSmFZ2VfX3mh2hWT2ko6Q6eNfp_7rp2iVPn5re8pHWdWkGDYNlVo1xpyOOp65bOX4ghnP3by4_QNZbKqatuONM8k/s400/LEDS-150+CM.png" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mongoose-1 missile</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
LEDS-150 consists of a radar and IR tracking sensors, a computer unit and up to two hardkill launchers, which SAAB describes as "high speed directed launchers" (HSDL). On smaller vehicles just one launcher is installed, while larger vehicles are fitted with two. Each HDSL holds six Mongoose-1 missiles, which are made by the South Aftrican company Denel Dynamics. The Mongoose-1 missiles appear to be substanially smaller than the blast grenades from AWiSS, AVePS and Iron Fist; in fact they seem to be more comparable to the Iron Fist Light Configuration countermeasures. SAAB claims that LEDS-150 can defeat RPGs, ATGMs and HE(AT) rounds fired from tanks, but not that it is useful against kinetic energy penetrators. LEDS doesn't use fragmenting warheads and thus poses only limited danger to nearby infantry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XQF8y5SwGfjERMQbFGFnD9V6xVCZSUaZQQsjXLbO9h2COoA2lqKsMifszslFEn3RGucVL7CBtgYk6JR95p-4PNoLMaKjKXGSO6cqf9_DKrI3kWR4f_fb-U0ll0CB9sr94eR3So9vMIGw/s1600/LEDS-150+success.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XQF8y5SwGfjERMQbFGFnD9V6xVCZSUaZQQsjXLbO9h2COoA2lqKsMifszslFEn3RGucVL7CBtgYk6JR95p-4PNoLMaKjKXGSO6cqf9_DKrI3kWR4f_fb-U0ll0CB9sr94eR3So9vMIGw/s400/LEDS-150+success.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEDS-150 intercepting a RPG</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The engagement of the threats with the Mongoose-1 missile happens in a distance of 5 to 15 metres from the vehicle. LEDS-200 adds a softkill protection system against top-attack missiles, which consists of an automatically triggered foam generation system. The foam alters the vehicles physical shape and thermal signature; fire-and-forget type missiles will then most likely be unable to identify the vehicle. The foam can also be used to extinguish fires on the top of the vehicle created by molotov cocktails and other sources. LEDS-300 adds a long-range capability to the HSDLs, allowing to engage ATGMs and RPGs to a distance of 150 metres. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7oiWNEZdrDlbx4vFz2qGXtE8q9OsMqrdMDAjcps1LOQiNFAadACR59gCZlaIpKB99LUdelfVCWVxfFjIWkYQdztVgx3u4et4o0ufOWyUjw5BY33lRMrQeVVp6U0xoe_3k05mQPbBGkIB/s1600/KAPS+launcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7oiWNEZdrDlbx4vFz2qGXtE8q9OsMqrdMDAjcps1LOQiNFAadACR59gCZlaIpKB99LUdelfVCWVxfFjIWkYQdztVgx3u4et4o0ufOWyUjw5BY33lRMrQeVVp6U0xoe_3k05mQPbBGkIB/s400/KAPS+launcher.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two-barreled KAPS lauuncher</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Korean Active Protection System (<b>KAPS</b>) is a system developed on order of the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA, 방위사업청). The development started somewhere around 2006, when South Korean officials investigated the adoption of the Russian Arena APS, but rejected it shortly after. It was developed by South Korean Agency for Defense Development (ADD) with a development budget of about $36 million until early 2011. The development was expected to be finished by 2013. KAPS consists of two search and tracking radar units, a control computer unit, IR trackers and countermeasure launchers.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0tXME43hwVvqLsXsEhJBIWaeh5VR6SxXRWblpxB2UlD2_gD3HWLEuh24vfUk8p6pTtbsFdSQSpfJBjI7L7RbPenfrGIU5-pOYkGTrnU8aOkPHt4AK2tPF5kzAI2DqLtmwNTQV6r618kr/s1600/KAPS+Radar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0tXME43hwVvqLsXsEhJBIWaeh5VR6SxXRWblpxB2UlD2_gD3HWLEuh24vfUk8p6pTtbsFdSQSpfJBjI7L7RbPenfrGIU5-pOYkGTrnU8aOkPHt4AK2tPF5kzAI2DqLtmwNTQV6r618kr/s400/KAPS+Radar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KAPS radar and IR tracker</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The threats are detected by two multi-panel radar units located at the frontal turret sides and IR trackers. To defeat the detected threats, the APS uses dual-barreled interceptor launchers. The KAPS is meant for the K2 Black Panther tank. Some graphics show the tank fitted with two launchers, but other graphics show the tank only equipped with a single countermeasure launcher. The prototype tested in South Korea apparently had just one launcher. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The small physical size of the launcher units and the presented prototype model including it's own base plate imply that the KAPS launcher's traverse motors are located below the turret roof when installed on a tank, just like it was done with the original AWiSS system. This means that the adoption of KAPS requires a roof penetration, making it harder to retrofit existing vehicles with this active protection system.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgZw6AEPHkPHF09HmkpWWuLyfly9wMg1ze1A3Q0RlBb-Uw1dUQTu4Vn1b08zN4g-Z2bfcfGgdCUkGkA4omWsdrt92lZ-bckBMBzjB4nn2oUaX6FeAbtCfklsa3sBYCnW3JEAe3WjSKPSZ/s1600/KAPS+Concept.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgZw6AEPHkPHF09HmkpWWuLyfly9wMg1ze1A3Q0RlBb-Uw1dUQTu4Vn1b08zN4g-Z2bfcfGgdCUkGkA4omWsdrt92lZ-bckBMBzjB4nn2oUaX6FeAbtCfklsa3sBYCnW3JEAe3WjSKPSZ/s640/KAPS+Concept.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KAPS defeat mechanism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to South Korean claims, the system reaction time is about 0.2 to 0.3 seconds (200 to 300 miliseconds) from target detection to interception. It is not clear if this is including the time required to detect and track the target or not. For defeating the threats, the system uses HE fragmentation grenades with tungsten fragements. These grenades detonate in front of the incoming threat, sending a cloud of fragments towards it. This means that the system can only defeat ATGMs, RPGs and HE(AT) rounds, but is incapable of defeating kinetic energy ammunition and EFPs. Due to the nature of the countermeasure, KAPS endangers nearby infantry and soft-skinned vehicles in the path of the interceptor. Having only two barrels per launcher is a clear drawback compared to some previously mentioned systems.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Turkish defense industry is working on the <b>Akkor </b>APS as an option for the new Altay tank and other vehicle programs. Main contractor for the development of the Akkor active protection system is the defense electronics company Aselsan, which also developed the fire control system for the Altay aswell as Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 upgrades. It was first reveiled at the IDEF 2015 exhibition mounted on a 6x6 Arma infantry fighting vehicle. According to Aselsan, the development of the Akkor sensor units started in 2008, the development of the countermeasure was intiated in 2010. The APS is to be ready for series production by 2017. Supposedly Turkey wants to equip the Altay tank with this APS.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Svj4nzRkGlifg6JMVfhTapmt5cloYTYU3pi0vI20y3X7jfba2qdMkMIt1jFW6lM0s7uw-lVcp3GvXqv_CankCpIuIWoYYyMaNWzc4qWEb_jBMUN_GtBCeSDoOvPMFT19hATLMMyEyxLF/s1600/Akkor+APS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Svj4nzRkGlifg6JMVfhTapmt5cloYTYU3pi0vI20y3X7jfba2qdMkMIt1jFW6lM0s7uw-lVcp3GvXqv_CankCpIuIWoYYyMaNWzc4qWEb_jBMUN_GtBCeSDoOvPMFT19hATLMMyEyxLF/s640/Akkor+APS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Akkor APS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Akkor active protection system consists of soft and hardkill measures. The softkill part of the system uses laser warning sensors to trigger the vehicle's smoke grenade dischargers. It apparently doesn't feature an IR jammer. The hardkill system is composed of a central computing unit, four flat radar panels and two twin launchers for the countermeasures. The interceptors appear to be HE blast grenades based on the available photographs of the system. It is not known if the system is designed with a capability to defeat APFSDS (like AVePS, AWiSS and Iron Fist) or is designed to defeat ATGMs and RPGs only (like LEDS-150 and Iron Fist LC).</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Scudo </b>(Italian for "<i>shield</i>") is an active protection system developed by the Italian industry on behalf of the Italian Army. The development of Scudo was initiated in 2002 with Oto Melara apparently acting as main contractor. While most APS are utilizing either box-based or launcher-based countermeasures, Scudo makes use of both systems: the launcher-based countermeasures are described as APS, while the box-based contermeasures are called "active armor".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The contract for the development of the sensor suite for the APS and active armor was awarded in 2002, while the contract to develop the countermeasures was awarded in 2003. At this time it was expected that the development could be finished by 2006 to such an degree, so that live firing tests should be possible. The original plans saw the system ready for series production by 2009.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQYWWdacGx06GvyiXB9MKGlUfpuEQCucretiVx33QM0o5bh4mlVoA6gY-ReeXJ6DlcaK8y35lWWfPS5SEhPzDLSjhDL4RxghMVIbSnk70YyJNuk0vQWpXhVHU4doX12AUJ_99NKnHX0Xj/s1600/Scudo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQYWWdacGx06GvyiXB9MKGlUfpuEQCucretiVx33QM0o5bh4mlVoA6gY-ReeXJ6DlcaK8y35lWWfPS5SEhPzDLSjhDL4RxghMVIbSnk70YyJNuk0vQWpXhVHU4doX12AUJ_99NKnHX0Xj/s400/Scudo.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graphic representing Scudo on the Ariete</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For detecting the theats, Oto Melara or a sub-contractor would develop an X-band dual frequency CW radar with a range of at least 500 metres, if possible even a range of 1,000 metres. This radar would detect incoming projectiles and transfer the data to the computer unit, which then lets the hardkill launchers engage the threat when necessary. The six-barreled launchers are meant to engage the threat within a range of 30 to 100 metres from the vehicle. For a 180° rotation they should have a reaction time of only 250 ms (the total system reaction time would be slightly more, due to the tracking, etc. being part of this). For larger vehicles at least two launchers would be employed. The weight of a launcher should be less than 90 kilograms. Each launcher was required to be capable of 360° traverse and up to 30° (45° desired) elevation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each launcher holds up to six countermeasures, which have a 70 mm diameter and a total length of 300 mm (200 mm without fins). The countermeasure has a payload of 3.5 kilograms and is fitted with a pre-fragmented warhead, which detonates to the sides of the interceptor. In case that the grenade-countermeasures miss or that a threat is launched from a closer proximity (but still detected by the radar in time), the active armor takes over. It is designed to defeat threats within a distance of 6 to 15 metres from the vehicle. The active armor consists of 200 x 200 mm modules with a thickness of 100 mm. Each active armor tile includes a sensor, a layer of metal fragments/pellets, a layer of explosives, a microwave fuze and it's own electronics. The total weight is less than 15 kilograms, the reaction time is less than 150 miliseconds. For one firing action to defeat a threat, between two and four active armor modules are detonated. Due to the large amount of fragments used in both the grenade interceptors aswell as in the active armor, Scudo proves to be extremely dangerous to nearby infantry.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR2QHI4_vXbOsV334kgHSUr9Zk44nnh14aR-fy05GlXgKoSFEvpTTyVx2qiwkRouezxQRyMLk3LxFMiB6ZVtaWiNz2brvH0Yt6N94TEwf-0rk_96du4eW6b-kp5uQIcxDrCzD58onLfa_/s1600/scudo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR2QHI4_vXbOsV334kgHSUr9Zk44nnh14aR-fy05GlXgKoSFEvpTTyVx2qiwkRouezxQRyMLk3LxFMiB6ZVtaWiNz2brvH0Yt6N94TEwf-0rk_96du4eW6b-kp5uQIcxDrCzD58onLfa_/s400/scudo.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four active armor tiles of Scudo and two sensor units on the Draco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is not known if the development of Scudo has been discontinued or is still undergoing, but at Eurosatory 2010 the Draco air-defense vehicle presented by Oto-Melara was fitted with parts of the active armor concept of Scudo, consisting of four active armor tiles mounted at the side between two sensor units.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An issue of all launcher-based systems similar to AVePS, IAAPS, Iron Fist and
LEDS-150 is the location of the launcher; in order to allow a full 360°
traverse of one or multiple launchers, they have to be located atop of the turret. The problem here is that the there are other components mounted at the turret aswell, which also need an unobstructed 360° traverse such as the commander's primary optic, a remote weapon station and possible a gunner's shield for the loader's or commander's machine gun.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Diehl, the developer of AWiSS and AVePS has patented different concepts on how to solve this issue. One suggestion is using fixed launchers for the APS' countermeasure at the dead zones of the normal launchers. This would however increase the weight of the system and lead to zones without the same degree of multi-hit capability. Another, more complicated, suggestion is using a more complex countermeasure design, which uses a warhead, that is steerable in order to detonate at an angle towards the threat, so that the countermeasures can intercept at a wider arc. This however would require about three times greater defeat distance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuu_P_1Han8JpcHRLnCSlciPZywfsZ4rLMSeJHGf-BJQNbEt9kwWX9-qtyIUj3agMv6hDg5D7zckpezec2ET0Czr4PJ5tWzY0t3oeqWhIUk1ZOL4dXpvIdpS8ruhCNTPncIww36Im-i8Y/s1600/Bright+Arrow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuu_P_1Han8JpcHRLnCSlciPZywfsZ4rLMSeJHGf-BJQNbEt9kwWX9-qtyIUj3agMv6hDg5D7zckpezec2ET0Czr4PJ5tWzY0t3oeqWhIUk1ZOL4dXpvIdpS8ruhCNTPncIww36Im-i8Y/s400/Bright+Arrow.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Arrow APS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another solution for this problem could be combining two existing design concepts: IMI's Bright Arrow APS and Rheinmetall's MSSA (main sensor slaved armament). Bright Arrow is a cut-down version of Iron Fist, which is directly integrated into a remote weapon station. The MSSA concept slaves a RWS without optronics to the commander's independent main sight. By combining these two systems, one could use a single unit containing APS countermeasures, the commander's optronics and a RWS. This would greatly reduce the dead zones of the APS and RWS, while granting the commander a less obstructed field of view. The only drawback would be, that the APS has to override the movement of RWS/commander's sight once a threat is detected.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Fixed launchers vs rotatable launchers</h4>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside of using rotatable launchers, a number of hardkill systems relies on fixed launchers. The main advantage of having fixed launchers is improved coverage (no dead-zones caused by RWS or optronic systems mounted on the turret) and the ability to have a much larger amount of countermeasures ready-to-fire. The system reaction time with fixed launchers is also faster, as no launcher has to be rotated towards the incoming threat. On the downside however these systems tend to be heavier and have only a limited multi-hit capability, because fixed launchers cannot be directed and not aimed at different points. </div>
<br />
<h3>
Fixed launchers</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Soviet <b>Drozd</b> APS was the first hardkill system to ever enter service. The development of Drozd started in the 1977 by the Soviet Tula Machine Design Bureau (KBP Tula). It is desgined to protect the frontal 80° arc of the tank against ATGMs and RPGs. A small batch of up to 250 T-55AD tanks were fitted with Drozd in 1983 for the Soviet naval infantry, which couldn't use heavier T-64 or T-72 tanks with composite armor. Drozd was also tested on a different versions of the T-62 tanks, which are rumored to have seen combat in Afghanistan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-WJ_o3y4p_ROtmSp3cTjMBc4Fe3yFwPe1lKe9vTltxjbBiJ60K0KLGV4R13NNPUdhIuOlg42syxeg994ujWol8PQLi0vIIkidYc5zQ0uWcpi8Sw4xtLUt7ZTAfy0HpPILsKpu0nLsy-w/s1600/11b6d1c26d1ad2ab8b4846eb3b92c8e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-WJ_o3y4p_ROtmSp3cTjMBc4Fe3yFwPe1lKe9vTltxjbBiJ60K0KLGV4R13NNPUdhIuOlg42syxeg994ujWol8PQLi0vIIkidYc5zQ0uWcpi8Sw4xtLUt7ZTAfy0HpPILsKpu0nLsy-w/s640/11b6d1c26d1ad2ab8b4846eb3b92c8e7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-55 with Drozd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Drozd uses two doppler radars (operating at 24.5 GHz) to detect incoming projectiles moving a velocity between 70 and 700 metres per second beginning at a distance of about 250 metres from the vehicle. For intercepting incoming ATGMs, Drozd uses unguided 3UOF14 rockets with a 107 mm diameter and a HE fragmentation warhead. Two interceptors can be shot from a fixed launcher covering a 20° segment of the vehicle's frontal arc; the T-55AD is fitted with four dual-barreled launchers to provide protection along an 80° frontal arc. Such a configuration was also presented on the T-80U-M2 prototype in Omsk in 1997. All calculations are done by an analog computer instead of a more advanced digital system. Drozd's 9 kilograms heavy 107 mm rockets have a velocity of about 190 metres and detonate in 7 metres distance from the vehicle (this is hard-coded within the rocket). The pre-fragmented warhead will propell about 1,000 fragments to a velocity of about 1,600 metres per second.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7SGz6voVvxzzVXh-hxDO0KGbHLw8_rPd6Ut2GxYV0jmcnTSpL3lTW2s7nFkbyO1n_0bbCbXi5ST6yGXXfiMyjI5UQCo9Eljef7_dQq6XgZ6U3lNSmXBCH3pGRtSZCUJz1d9xmsOnLBQR/s1600/drozd-215B15D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7SGz6voVvxzzVXh-hxDO0KGbHLw8_rPd6Ut2GxYV0jmcnTSpL3lTW2s7nFkbyO1n_0bbCbXi5ST6yGXXfiMyjI5UQCo9Eljef7_dQq6XgZ6U3lNSmXBCH3pGRtSZCUJz1d9xmsOnLBQR/s400/drozd-215B15D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drozd(-2) on a T-80U</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A major issue with Drozd is that it only protect the frontal arc of the vehicle and a single 20° segment of the arc can only be hit twice before the system needs to be reloaded. Despite using fixed launchers, the system has a system reaction time of about 350 miliseconds due to relying on old 1980s technology. With the fragmentation warhead the countermeasure rockets are dangerous for nearby infantry and softskin vehicles (supposedly up to a distance of 1,000 metres from the point of detonation).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrjVr0hlzr4va4w6aj_PFX4QVwd9X-BCy33VW0ORYoZgv8v1nrhLQYS-KjJ3DGqARTZR_xLZPtJ340X1CvW2mK9S3_y3d0cP1UoonFN-c7qIEKGyFWTKbomvOdC8SyHaLfQXKxx3wR5Sz/s1600/fon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrjVr0hlzr4va4w6aj_PFX4QVwd9X-BCy33VW0ORYoZgv8v1nrhLQYS-KjJ3DGqARTZR_xLZPtJ340X1CvW2mK9S3_y3d0cP1UoonFN-c7qIEKGyFWTKbomvOdC8SyHaLfQXKxx3wR5Sz/s640/fon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drozd-2 model from KBP Tula</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Upgraded versions of Drozd have been presented on multiple occasions, some of which have been labeled <b>Drozd-2</b>. A system designed with 200° coverage was tested on the Object 476M tank (an upgraded T-80 variant), which used ten dual-barreled launchers instead of only four. A system presented in 1997 (called Drozd-2 back at this time) with 18 dual-barreled launchers and modernized (and much smaller) radars and electronic was designed with 360° coverage. The Drozd-2 prototype used longer and heavier rockets (up to 19 kg). The total weight of this system was about 800 kilograms. However KBP Tula's website includes a third version designated Drozd-2, which has a total weight of 850 kilograms and uses smaller 95 mm rockets with HE-fragmentation warhead. It provides coverage of 360° in traverse and from -6° to 20° in azimuth. It destroys ATGMs and RPGs with a velocity of up to 1,200 metres within a distance of 7 to 10 metres from the vehicle. Power consumption is 0.75 kW.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikN24bd9maMiURa1VqAiFN4Z0Q3PipGbVxNqlnZCweD8vhl5w_7ojAHofW-7fmFMpr0YNCYsfZlVjcviaeyFBzYAcwxyzryK_YZwOUT4CSOqERix1JJ0I3QvL2pOGqYtHnntRElse9yiq/s1600/00002810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikN24bd9maMiURa1VqAiFN4Z0Q3PipGbVxNqlnZCweD8vhl5w_7ojAHofW-7fmFMpr0YNCYsfZlVjcviaeyFBzYAcwxyzryK_YZwOUT4CSOqERix1JJ0I3QvL2pOGqYtHnntRElse9yiq/s640/00002810.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arena APS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another APS developed in Russia is the <b>Arena </b>active protection system. The development of the Arena APS was started in the late 1980s, it was subsequently first tested in 1992. The existence of the Arena system was first officially revealed in 1997 to the public. In 2001 an upgraded version of Arena was demonstrated on an upgraded T-72 tank. There also is the export version known as Arena-E. The system uses a six-panel milimetric wave radar unit mounted on a mast to detect the incoming threats, a central processing unit and an array of about 32 countermeasures mounted in a collar round the turret. The radars detect threats along an arc of 220 to 270° depending on application; the rear section of the turret/vehicle is not covered. For tanks the weight of the system is about 1100 kilograms and the power consumption is about 1 kW. The radar units start to track projectiles with a velocity of 70 to 700 metres per second beginning at a distance of 50 metres. The countermeasure is used to engage the tracked projectile at about 4 to 10 metres from the vehicle.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Arena uses 5 kilograms heavy casettes (about 150 x 250 mm) filled with a number of metal fragments/pellets, a fuze and explosives, which are launched into the air at an anlge. The casette detonates mid-ar at a distance of about 5 to 7 metres from the vehicle, launching depending on source 120 or up to 400 splinters at a velocity somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 metres at the incoming threat. The probability of destruction is about 55% according to Russian sources. The defeat mechanism (metal pellets penetrating the rocket/missile) and the short minimum defeat mechanism however result in relatively high leftover penetration power of the damage shaped charge jet fragments - it is claimed to be about 50% in extreme cases. Thus the Arena APS can only protect well armored vehicles against larger RPGs and ATGMs. The BMP-3 testbed with the Arena system has been fitted with applique armor.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRgGeR3z_rEFgkKYoze5IqVkBTthP8Mqx0gTNDXCVt6mt67pM8s5rQWPheSvij_wQpVlQG_Ynu3X7d6zA4MJyRL4OrxU5sFgcdHXXTPqZ12Y8ey6T9zed8ux3PAb3Yzhev8gMIcKg5pGQ/s1600/t-72-aps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRgGeR3z_rEFgkKYoze5IqVkBTthP8Mqx0gTNDXCVt6mt67pM8s5rQWPheSvij_wQpVlQG_Ynu3X7d6zA4MJyRL4OrxU5sFgcdHXXTPqZ12Y8ey6T9zed8ux3PAb3Yzhev8gMIcKg5pGQ/s640/t-72-aps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arena-3 on a T-72</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the RAE 2013 exposition, <b>Arena-3</b> was presented for the first time. This system is designed to be a simple add-on system for existing vehicles and consists of three modules one located behind the turret, and two at the rear turret corner (in case of fitting the system to the T-72 tank). The rear module seems to contain some of the electronics, based on the amount of cables connected to it. The side corner modules each have two bays angled at 90° from each other. Each bay contains two countermeasures. One bay is responsible for protecting about 90° of the vehicles azimuth against up to two ATGMs/RPGs. This means the system is capable to intercept at most eights threats before being reloaden, two per 90° quadrant of the azimuth. The system provides protection along an elevation of +20 degrees to -6 degrees. The system reaction time is about 300 miliseconds. </div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeztCisPpIWVPjKPU2YSzeBpEUgZONFc4uJ1xkRWPhYVkZUHpFDumokLOfoMWFCT9rKTMT0kyVhfm_r9-lwn1Dd7HDgNAljRqBkCi1M_nVL_61XKMalQKLIsT2vLbk8KxR0KPIty0UU9ym/s1600/afganit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeztCisPpIWVPjKPU2YSzeBpEUgZONFc4uJ1xkRWPhYVkZUHpFDumokLOfoMWFCT9rKTMT0kyVhfm_r9-lwn1Dd7HDgNAljRqBkCi1M_nVL_61XKMalQKLIsT2vLbk8KxR0KPIty0UU9ym/s640/afganit.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afghanit hardkill (<span style="color: red;">red</span>) and softkill (<span style="color: lime;">green</span>) launchers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The current Russian <b>Afghanit </b>APS is installed on the T-14 Armata MBT, the T-15 IFV, the Kurganets-25 IFV and the Bumerang wheeled IFV/APC. It appears to be a development of Drozd, at least in terms of basic conception and layout.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The system combines softkill and hardkill features. It consists of a number of sensors, mainly doppler radars, to detect incoming missiles and rocket-propelled grenades with velocities of somewhere up to 1,500-2,000 ms. A variant utilizing UV sensors for the electro-optical tracking of ATGMs and RPGs has been proposed and supposedly was developed. It might have been ordered for the Russian Army vehicles. For defeating the detected threats, Afghanit employs fixed hardkill-launchers mounted on the hull, aswell as rotatable launchers for multi-spectral smoke-grenades. Apparently the softkill component of Afghanit does not include any sort of UV and IR jammers as found on the MUSS and Shtora softkill systems. The fixed launchers provide coverage only for a certain arc of the vehicle. There appear to be two different versions of Afghanit based on the different size of the countermeasure tubes.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to Russian claims, the APS provides protection against ATGMs, RPGs, longrod KE penetrators and top-attack missiles. However these claims should be taken with a grain of salt. It is understood only the softkill components of Afghanit are capable of dealing with top-attack missiles. Claims about the ability to defeat KE penetrators is questionable, but it must be noted that most of the informations about this are speculations or from rather biased and "patriotic" websites. The defeat mechanism of Afghanit seems to be based on MEFP or HE-fragementation warheads, which can affect APFSDS penetration only by a limited amount.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJZCWAgYGScAFQyiHRPeDSDF45Brg6HYX_m_ItUSkxiKry0ylD8iJFbmCxhfC1GAmnVfgDSnYgnydBMetH-OFHIVG59o9RaKB1f9AYnLBPbKSIcbe-6NyEQSyQlOMqHXMGKYBTtuv10em/s1600/121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJZCWAgYGScAFQyiHRPeDSDF45Brg6HYX_m_ItUSkxiKry0ylD8iJFbmCxhfC1GAmnVfgDSnYgnydBMetH-OFHIVG59o9RaKB1f9AYnLBPbKSIcbe-6NyEQSyQlOMqHXMGKYBTtuv10em/s400/121.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The light version of Afghanit on a Kurganets-25 IFV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In case of the T-14 and T-15 Armata vehicles, Afghanit utilizes ten launcher tubes covering only the frontal ~120° arc. On the Kurganets-25 and on the latest prototypes of the Bumerang, the Afghanit APS uses smaller tubes; depending on prototype five or six for each side (so 10 to 12 per vehicle), covering approximately a 200° arc at the left and right side of the vehicle, leaving the rear and front exposed.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Raytheon's <b>Quick Kill </b>APS uses vertically launched interceptors to defeat ATGMs and RPGs. The incoming threats are dectected by the Multi-Function Radio Frequency System radar. This radar was also mean to be integrated into the Future Combat Systems manned ground vehicles. Quick Kill uses missiles as countermeasure, of which multiple are stored in large box-shaped containers in a VLS-like manner. For each threat, a 480 mm long missile is launched vertically by small propellant or gas charge. The missile then rotates via it's rocket engine to fact the threat before it's main engine is engaged. This allows Quick Kill to provide an unobstructed 360° coverage in azimuth, while not having launchers proturding over the turret roof.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlkLi5YQzDczoTHqCwKaHcz8_uH_s1oh8cIawn6SLdu6m4FfEIhV_6uthedQhZSEyQNl37-SmZKeLQA-A8nDSkpmdFVsnVHoE7fQfCaLekBiYqYt4TqDwiHUfiu4p_5czDK2hoOS69hX6/s1600/Quickkill.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlkLi5YQzDczoTHqCwKaHcz8_uH_s1oh8cIawn6SLdu6m4FfEIhV_6uthedQhZSEyQNl37-SmZKeLQA-A8nDSkpmdFVsnVHoE7fQfCaLekBiYqYt4TqDwiHUfiu4p_5czDK2hoOS69hX6/s400/Quickkill.png" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick Kill APS launcher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The two different types of countermeasures - guided and unguided - have been proposed for the system. At least the unguided countermeasures have already been successfully tested. The guided countermeasures are meant to engage ATGMs and (HEAT) tank rounds, which due to their greater penetration power have to be engaged at a further distance from the vehicle to minimize the leftover penetration. The guided countermeasures are larger and more complicated. The unguided countermeasures are utilized to defeat RPGs at a closer proximity of the vehicle. On the earlier designs, each VLS unit for the Quick Kill APS stored either 18 unguided or eight of the larger guided countermeasures. Quick Kill was successfully tested in December 2012 against an unnamed type of RPG round.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Quick Kill APS has been highly controversial in the past decade. Originally the US Army intended to field Quick Kill as active
protection system for it's vehicles, prefering the system over foreign
alternatives following it's trials in 2006 and 2007. However the Army
has recently chosen to evaluate foreign active protection systems and
the US-made Iron Curtain system instead, suggesting that there are either delays in
the development of Quick Kill or it fails to reach the desired performance metrics.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p8DS2xCMyVe_U2QFIyDbPW-Cm5fDHDW8bQw5BqWJXcNarUqxDQs1fubOQGLYDlkG4CcPjxTaPNyn6IOq1sRDLiy8DfxvQgr5WybVcvL-QdAEP6zK__jOeKrYDN7hK0sCxkaMUgtu3hXV/s1600/QuickKill2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p8DS2xCMyVe_U2QFIyDbPW-Cm5fDHDW8bQw5BqWJXcNarUqxDQs1fubOQGLYDlkG4CcPjxTaPNyn6IOq1sRDLiy8DfxvQgr5WybVcvL-QdAEP6zK__jOeKrYDN7hK0sCxkaMUgtu3hXV/s640/QuickKill2.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick Kill countermeasure launching. Note how a single countermeasure blocks most of the space over the launcher.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A major issue of Quick Kill limited space above each VLS, which might result in complications when multiple threats have to be engaged within a short amount of time. Due to the missile rotating and engaging it's rocket engine directly above the launcher, firing two Quick Kill missiles at the same time is not possible. This can in theory be fixed by using two or more VLS units located at different parts of the vehicle, but this is still very dependent on the exact location and engaging two threats simultaneously might still not be possible in all cases.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEYfQdg0_TtWe39Rsn6wkvpbRav9GGr5iYkMigahc7q6SDIbWl5weAmudg10kfjneO-2tuCLmXWvEjp18T10tqHoNGxbQBXn-st73IujNwrNDVVU8jhRPdbBLNtOuHU76oclhkgVPC5Ma/s1600/rms15_aps_hero_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEYfQdg0_TtWe39Rsn6wkvpbRav9GGr5iYkMigahc7q6SDIbWl5weAmudg10kfjneO-2tuCLmXWvEjp18T10tqHoNGxbQBXn-st73IujNwrNDVVU8jhRPdbBLNtOuHU76oclhkgVPC5Ma/s400/rms15_aps_hero_image.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick Kill defeating a RPG (3D graphic from Raytheon)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another problem of the system reporterd by some defense news websites is that Quick Kill might be not suited for lightly armored vehicles, as the HE blast of the countermeasures might deform the steel structure of the vehicle, when being detonated too close. This sounds like a rather odd problem, and it is is not confirmed by any official sources. In general Quick Kill seems to be a rather complicated design, which might lead to a much higher cost and susceptance to failure. The ammunition should be more expensive, requiring not only a warhead and a fuze, but also a propulsion system with thrust vectoring. The larger countermeasure with guidance system required to defeat ATGMs should be a lot more expensive than a simple blast grenade as used by AVePS and Iron Fist. The estimated system reaction time according to German sources is 350 to 400 ms, the weight of a single countermeasure-VLS system, the sensors and computer system is claimed to be only 140 kilograms.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The Ukranian company Microtek has developed the <b>Zaslon</b> active protection system. The APS provides protection against ATGMs, RPGs and HEAT ammunition fired from MBTs. Zaslon consists of a control panel and a number of apparently identical modules, which are spread along the vehicle's surface. Each module contains a radar unit and either one or two countermeasures.</span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKe2XgX-wYgGOgQ1HnQL6C0Qw1f99U2RjF-9hyqFPy35sU4hBirzNNxT5QTSKBbwE4OzditkQ_OG2pUoT1IhDypY1AWJMM7kLVxsUJHHpfpCkyK1VGVwe0B8R5sC18CR3Sc8XgBYagSpN/s1600/zaslon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrKe2XgX-wYgGOgQ1HnQL6C0Qw1f99U2RjF-9hyqFPy35sU4hBirzNNxT5QTSKBbwE4OzditkQ_OG2pUoT1IhDypY1AWJMM7kLVxsUJHHpfpCkyK1VGVwe0B8R5sC18CR3Sc8XgBYagSpN/s640/zaslon1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zaslon APS implementation on MBTs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Depending on application Zaslon protects a 150° frontal arc or a 360° arc of the vehicle in azimuth. For protecting a main battle tank such as the T-64 against threats from all-around, seven modules are required: one at the front, two modules on the left and right sides each, one module protecting the rear and a further module mounted at the turret roof to protect against top-attack weapons. Smaller vehicles are often pictured with only four modules: one at the fornt, one at the rear and one each at the left and right sides. A special lightweight version of the Zaslon APS known as Zaslon-L has been offered for the Polish Rosomak infantry fighting vehicle.</span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MM4YwU0eKzITeZ-E6Z8TIrs4OhJxGiX9-vXkYZf5IDc4lDZBSq5qOm036n8N57Csr7t8uOnv0hJO_FCV2QZ2RL_wmu85-lM4VzcsnD5C0sEjuSBno-Ig4Prs8hrChQTuwOUoUrDiWlJS/s1600/338blog1316445638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MM4YwU0eKzITeZ-E6Z8TIrs4OhJxGiX9-vXkYZf5IDc4lDZBSq5qOm036n8N57Csr7t8uOnv0hJO_FCV2QZ2RL_wmu85-lM4VzcsnD5C0sEjuSBno-Ig4Prs8hrChQTuwOUoUrDiWlJS/s400/338blog1316445638.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zaslon APS module</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The countermeasures are long tubes, filled with high explosives. Essentially the system uses HE-fragmentation grenades, which are designed to spread the fragments only into one direction. The tube is rotated into the direction where the threat would hit, then the countermeasure is detonated when the threat reaches the engagement distance. According to the manufacturer Zaslon can defeat anti-tank guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and HEAT ammunition fired from tank guns. While the website mentions a mechanism to weaken KE penetrators, the official specifications from the manufacturer claim that the system can only engage threats with a velocity between 70 and 1,200 metres per second; defeating APFSDS ammunition at normal combat ranges is hence not possible.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Due to the design of Zaslon, at most four threats can be engaged per vehicle side - after this the modules have to be reloaded with new HE fragmentation grenades. On smaller vehicles and on the front and rear only two threats can be engaged per side. According to Microtek, the Zaslon system has an "efficiency of operation" between 1 and 6 miliseconds. It is not exactly sure if this is meant to be the system reaction time or only part of the defeat mechanism, not including other factors such as tracking or extruding the countermeasures. Zaslon takes up one litre of internal space, if all modules are mounted externally. </span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The system consumes between 0.4 and 0.5 kW of electrical energy</span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<b> </b><br />
<h3>
Box-based active protection systems </h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Explosvily formed axe (<b>EFA</b>) is an active protection system developed by the Czech VOP-026 Sternberk, s.p., a state-owned repair and upgrade facility for armored vehicles. The development was then taken over by the state-owned military institute Vojenský Výzkumný Ùstav s. p. (VVU). The active protection system was first presented in an article in Jane's Defence Weekly (JDW) published in 2010, after a series of successful test in 2009. The research and development of EFA has lead to improved versions known as EFA Mk. II (developed in 2011 to 2013) and the even more recent EFA Mk. III. The Czech government is planning to adopt the EFA APS after a trial and testing program running from 2014 to 2017, the main application would be the Pandur II IFV, but it might be adopted also on other combat vehicles such as the T-72M4Cz and the OT-64 Skot.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps29Qa4ocH5sAzCd91cTKdw3P0J8Run3FcTqkdcXWMmIT6hfr_VtYTH231OzoPF16sVjKnPWIalYzLN1mOFba7bgrua5R_wljkMI9nF6r3pcaycAoa_fBHxHjPKnnYxY9oUbbqJkgHhd_/s1600/efa-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps29Qa4ocH5sAzCd91cTKdw3P0J8Run3FcTqkdcXWMmIT6hfr_VtYTH231OzoPF16sVjKnPWIalYzLN1mOFba7bgrua5R_wljkMI9nF6r3pcaycAoa_fBHxHjPKnnYxY9oUbbqJkgHhd_/s400/efa-l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EFA-L active protection system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There appears to be a light and heavy version of the system, depending on application. The light version of EFA is also known as EFA-L and has been tested on the OT-64 Skot APC and was at least demonstrated on the Pandur II wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. EFA-L might be identical with the Mk. II version of the system, but this is only unconfirmed speculation. The heavier version of EFA was tested on the T-72M1 main battle tank and an uparmored OT-64 Skot.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-5pqLJewYuCwGgAyo2V0mS13CO6pPZ6oLhrljY5ws5mtz-rap4ikk34pNtZH-9fkM_33IbEj30xzQIXEHDKRv9AEN9U1l97n_dQ4eQR893EuO8v4-tVXwEK4kDQJc4xPGfpfWmcuNG49/s1600/efa-l2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-5pqLJewYuCwGgAyo2V0mS13CO6pPZ6oLhrljY5ws5mtz-rap4ikk34pNtZH-9fkM_33IbEj30xzQIXEHDKRv9AEN9U1l97n_dQ4eQR893EuO8v4-tVXwEK4kDQJc4xPGfpfWmcuNG49/s400/efa-l2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steel plate after RPG was stopped by EFA-L</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
EFA uses radar systems to detect incoming ammunition with a velocity of up to 1,900 metres per second. The EFA-L system uses a doppler-radar in combination with a further set of sensors - either optical sensors or microwave detectors were proposed in the JDW article.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The system uses linear shaped charges with a velocity of 7,000 m/s or more as countermeasures to defeat ATGMs, RPGs and KE projectiles. It is not known to defeat explosively formed penetrators (EFPs). ATGMs and RPGs are cut into pieces, in ideal case cutting cables or the fuze, so that the warhead does not detonate as intended. APFSDS projectiles are damaged by the linear shaped charges and fragments of the penetrator are cut away. This is leading to a considerable reduction in penetration power.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUX7dIxg68PiZPneETaW09Je9i98Xs_VJvsxYY139LeAHPoCMdjQaNj-qcSLSwNLMw6U2oaoFiDZDepucBqe9WqrCAlh_9ghE1bdTirK8XAf3HlvOYvhUTo1xCZ1TQfo4b6_a5W0cZaph/s1600/efa_sdfkjl4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUX7dIxg68PiZPneETaW09Je9i98Xs_VJvsxYY139LeAHPoCMdjQaNj-qcSLSwNLMw6U2oaoFiDZDepucBqe9WqrCAlh_9ghE1bdTirK8XAf3HlvOYvhUTo1xCZ1TQfo4b6_a5W0cZaph/s400/efa_sdfkjl4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EFA defeating an APFSDS projectile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2009 the system was suuccessfully tested against the PG-7V ammunition fired from a RPG-7. In tests with the Soviet-era BM-15, BM-42 and the local EPpSv-97 APFSDS ammunition, the shaped charge countermeasure of the heavy version reduces penetration of APFSDS longrod penetrators by up to 30% depending on the specific type of ammunition. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
An issue of the known prototypes of the EFA APS is that the shaped charge countermeasures are only upwards or downward firing, leaving either the upper vehicle (including the roof) or the lower vehicle sections unprotected. The shaped charges utilize metal liners, which will result in a higher amount of potentially lethal fragments flying around.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Like most box-based active protection systems, EFA has a limited multi-hit capability. If a round hits the exact same place were a countermeasure box was previously initated, it cannot be engaged by the APS. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCxNUSINqr0q24dWxGwXbkr2KRQt2ClztIvfm1JOwYUyVYBrly0bC23U12OT2Um1YqlYfc8AMpOaVuC59pRfroKvha5k2yN7rVBcVrh6oh6X1r9F9AMM0jI8ZtZwetj8FcSAvlym0eDS4/s1600/traps.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCxNUSINqr0q24dWxGwXbkr2KRQt2ClztIvfm1JOwYUyVYBrly0bC23U12OT2Um1YqlYfc8AMpOaVuC59pRfroKvha5k2yN7rVBcVrh6oh6X1r9F9AMM0jI8ZtZwetj8FcSAvlym0eDS4/s640/traps.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HMMWV fitted with Textron's TRAPS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The US company Textron Sytstems has developed the <b>TRAPS </b>to defeat RPGs. TRAPS is an acronym for Tactical RPG Airbag Protection System. TRAPS relies on commercial off-the-shelf airbags to defeat incoming RPGs. The RPGs are detected by a radar unit and the RPGs are defeated by the downwards firing airbags without any leftover penetration (apparently the fuze does not properly work when hit by an airbag.) The weight to protect the sides of a smaller four-door vehicle - such as a HMMWV - is only 125 lbs (56.7 kilograms). TRAPS has no multi-hit capability, because the airbags are fixed over the protected area, always facing down. TRAPS cannot defeat ATGMs, longrod KEPs or EFPs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhB5g60h9lmV1TGW2QlAB-QSNxmCpqzOy26wTCmkzuSqq4YDOOdIAtIgiJnlIz1D-ukrc3S9CCU85gAkWAXgF4Oq0CcS33VrR7RhkkgcePO0yVUPRt0JwHrgwYJrO8uR4oTgpi4vXUvyA/s1600/Traps23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhB5g60h9lmV1TGW2QlAB-QSNxmCpqzOy26wTCmkzuSqq4YDOOdIAtIgiJnlIz1D-ukrc3S9CCU85gAkWAXgF4Oq0CcS33VrR7RhkkgcePO0yVUPRt0JwHrgwYJrO8uR4oTgpi4vXUvyA/s400/Traps23.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TRAPS working mechanism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <b>Iron Curtain </b>APS has been developed by the US company Artemis LLC following being awarded a contract for APS development by DARPA in 2004. In it's original configuration, Iron Curtain relied on a C-band radar from <span class="st">the US-American Mustang Technology Group </span>for detecting incoming RPGs, but was supposedly not capable of defeating ATGMs (which might be affiliated to the type of countermeasure aswell). In 2016 however a contract was made to integrate the RPS-10 radar system from the Israeli company Rada Electronic Industries into the system. The RPS-10 radar system is also used on the Iron Fist active protection systems. It is a S-band radar and requires between three or four flat panels to provide a 360° coverage. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcAh7jjTQJhll9dvYh7Vxn8kQDI2OXqO7pMFGex8PCoORlWfxsDX9jjuMaRPS6DxoyyXgL0_LvidMKPOSPB7HPUay9nHkVpiFDXUnvTrYWNhhuXQ7hpxMTe4nf_6RxMighZkRsaT-d3KB/s1600/Iron-Curtain-APS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcAh7jjTQJhll9dvYh7Vxn8kQDI2OXqO7pMFGex8PCoORlWfxsDX9jjuMaRPS6DxoyyXgL0_LvidMKPOSPB7HPUay9nHkVpiFDXUnvTrYWNhhuXQ7hpxMTe4nf_6RxMighZkRsaT-d3KB/s640/Iron-Curtain-APS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Curtain APS on a M-ATV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Iron Curtain system utilizes multiple countermeasures located along the roof, which are aimed downwards. The exact type of countermeasure is not known to the public, but based on photographs and drawing it seems to be an array of small shaped charges. Multiple shaped charges seem to be located in a single counter measure array, they might be detonated at the same time to increase the likelyhood of hitting the incoming RPGs.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhgpvm0lEX4Qnj7lFvbA6oyRXH9nswFLbDFoKG1L_Om2oDe0yInp5Y1suRevom7vXa59AYx0yEnF4h4Kgl0kfPfIpEfjEGoPs7EK8qSm9l4fAx8WD38XdT68kRExvECXQzZgIfxO8-e-i/s1600/iron_curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhgpvm0lEX4Qnj7lFvbA6oyRXH9nswFLbDFoKG1L_Om2oDe0yInp5Y1suRevom7vXa59AYx0yEnF4h4Kgl0kfPfIpEfjEGoPs7EK8qSm9l4fAx8WD38XdT68kRExvECXQzZgIfxO8-e-i/s400/iron_curtain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Curtain destorying a RPG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Trophy-LV </b>is the lightest version of Trophy, intendend for lightly armored vehicles such as uparmored HMMWVs, wheeled APC and IFVs. It was first revealed at Eurosatory 2014. It has a weight of about 200 kilograms for protecting the cabin of a HMMWV and takes up about 0.26 m³ of volume. Trophy-LV utilizes a radar system (apparently consisting of four smaller panels on the Iveco LMV) to detect incoming projectiles. When the projectiles get closer to the vehicle, electro-optical sensors mount at the corners of the system are activated. These optical sensors are used to detected the threat more accurately and send the information to the corresponding countermeasure.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQucHrwIOiQfXS0eah7FrbS_0cClXIoJfd_Az6UGUxzNc3hYKTCJzWGNxCxcRy4V46DF2lSkKYVoyw8E6C9577zuRu9wb5DhLBh2WACV3DE0kCBgCz6nPmKZ9pXMMNvAZSNbVNEnhtrZv/s1600/trophy_lv725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQucHrwIOiQfXS0eah7FrbS_0cClXIoJfd_Az6UGUxzNc3hYKTCJzWGNxCxcRy4V46DF2lSkKYVoyw8E6C9577zuRu9wb5DhLBh2WACV3DE0kCBgCz6nPmKZ9pXMMNvAZSNbVNEnhtrZv/s400/trophy_lv725.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trophy-LV sensor and countermeasures</td></tr>
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The countermeasures of Trophy-LV are mounted on along a collar at the top of the vehicle; they cover the front, rear and sides of the crew cabin of a 4x4 military vehicle. The amount of countermeasures differs depending on the application: on the M-ATV a total of 18 countermeasures (3 at the front, 6 at each side and 3 at the rear). Rafael calls the countermeasure "<i>energetic blades</i>", but apparently they are either metal plates or (extremely thin) linear shaped charges, which are fired downwards. Trophy-LV can only protect against RPGs, anti-tank guided missiles will have too much penetration power leftover after being intercepted by Trophy-LV, so that the base armor of the vehicle still will be penetrated. Trophy-LV cannot defeat EFPs or longrod KEPs. Due to the way how Trophy-LV is mounted on vehicles and the fact that the countermeasures cannot be directed, the system offers no multi-hit capability and leaves the roof area exposed to top-attack munitions or ATGMS and RPGs fired from roof-tops.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUrL_m1Q4_tG9de6hSV7nqqWpre_krVYxIz9aDagz7ZOJJc43dcQ3l8rVGwZI-HBfgyC11w6uyaxIxzqujK2GPT6HsaFklBSUrKoDrJdNoglxbBHcXmcr7PlD7i7xRoB8OZ4u4onyDIZm/s1600/trophyprotect2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUrL_m1Q4_tG9de6hSV7nqqWpre_krVYxIz9aDagz7ZOJJc43dcQ3l8rVGwZI-HBfgyC11w6uyaxIxzqujK2GPT6HsaFklBSUrKoDrJdNoglxbBHcXmcr7PlD7i7xRoB8OZ4u4onyDIZm/s640/trophyprotect2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graphical representation of ADS</td></tr>
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The German <b>AMAP-ADS </b>has been developed by IBD Deisenroth in cooperation with Rheinmetall. After Rheinmetall increased it's amount of shares in the joint venture in 2007, the AMAP branding was dropped from the system, leaving only the name Active Defense System (<b>ADS</b>). The development of ADS started in the 1990s, but has lasted since at least 2011. First successful</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WbRxanvbbiYGNbJNrhbgmItytpq3Ubkoe0soFmuPqzGJBaGCYrwBGT0w724CGSDB8jwiUe1i-xVTogFoxsV9W3sdiJbYoH6pwGTyneySgnhYcztyjWVyK-AUFzNyk4AotknHBU8qdtTk/s1600/AAMAPS.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WbRxanvbbiYGNbJNrhbgmItytpq3Ubkoe0soFmuPqzGJBaGCYrwBGT0w724CGSDB8jwiUe1i-xVTogFoxsV9W3sdiJbYoH6pwGTyneySgnhYcztyjWVyK-AUFzNyk4AotknHBU8qdtTk/s640/AAMAPS.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADS components</td></tr>
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The ADS consists of counteremasure boxes, pre-warner sensors, electro-optical sensors and a central computing unit. The pre-warner sensors seem to be flat radar panels, but they might be designed for a much shorter range, as the ADS system is designed for close range interception. This would make it harder to target the radar systems and to detect the vehicle. The pre-warner sensors are used to determine wether a threat is coming at the vehicle. Once the vector of the threat is confirmed and the threat is classified, the electro-optical sensors are woken up for the fine-tracking of the threat. According to the ADS - Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsysteme mbH, the joint venture between IBD and Rheinmetall - the radar detection is working in a distance from 10 to 35 metres from the vehicle The optical sensors work in a distance of only two metres (up to four metres according to other sources), while the countermeasure is engaging the threat at an interception point only one metre away from the vehicle. Supposedly the electro-optical sensors are ladar (laser detection and ranging) sensors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt-rROROqIP1T9QOYFIr6bqvR_j3O0bgb7V5pSkp9lHlCMvzYNbwTH_e22KucIxR14G8RJpIm0hNDw6Y2Gved45iQpWviebT6F98miemEqYgY9Z4PCssxmCy-kNIICH9IrjUfbZKVkwVm/s1600/IMG_3174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt-rROROqIP1T9QOYFIr6bqvR_j3O0bgb7V5pSkp9lHlCMvzYNbwTH_e22KucIxR14G8RJpIm0hNDw6Y2Gved45iQpWviebT6F98miemEqYgY9Z4PCssxmCy-kNIICH9IrjUfbZKVkwVm/s400/IMG_3174.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADS CAB on an Iveco LMV</td></tr>
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There have been multiple versions of the Active Defense System, some of them prototypes that probably have been discontinued. However there are at least two different versions known as ADS CAB and ADS HAT. ADS CAB protects only the cabin of the vehicle and is meant for smaller 4x4 vehicles such as the Iveco LVM and MAN military trucks. ADS HAT (hull and turret) is meant for larger vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks. ADS CAB has a weight of 70 to 250 kilograms, while the HAT version weighs 300 to 600 kg. The peak power consumption of the CAB system is about 200 Watts, while the larger system can consume up to 1,000 Watts. An optional feature of the system is the ADS APP, which allows to share sensor informations from ADS with other component in the vehicle such as softkill systems.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/JUkaixE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://i.imgur.com/JUkaixE.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADS on the MBT Advanced Technology Demonstrator. Countermeasure in read, sensors in blue and prewarner in green.</td></tr>
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While ADS CAB and the original version of ADS HAT seem to rely on mounting the countermeasures in a collar along the vehicle roof or the upper edge of the vehicle's hull, a new design of the Active Defence System appeared in 2015. This version uses countermeasures mounted to the turret and hull walls of the vehicle in combination with dedicated roof-mounted countermeasures to defeat top-attack ammunitions. Due to the different design, it seems reasonable to assume that this version is capable of protecting a wide vertical angle of the vehicle. While the electro-optical sensors on ADS CAB are always facing downwards at a certain angle, the sensors of the new system are mounted facing sidewards, potentionally covering a larger arc of the azimuth. </div>
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An even further enhanced version of the ADS was fitted to the Boxer CRV, which uses vertically mounted sensors and countermeasures. In this version however the amount of sensor units is reduced to half (reducing costs) and the countermeasures are set at angle, which might increase the systems coverage in the elevation.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROqGvexZ94uzMXyKNCh84LtbZi3MrILo6-zc__UgyZAXs0fnakEFGIMs432MMhafZbIsaYV2kFavWK_l-HBzUxU_CWePYBVHFcMIFxMz-xh0fos35g0XRXEqIu_lQl0x_B5VFFORyq-6_/s1600/ADS+destuct.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROqGvexZ94uzMXyKNCh84LtbZi3MrILo6-zc__UgyZAXs0fnakEFGIMs432MMhafZbIsaYV2kFavWK_l-HBzUxU_CWePYBVHFcMIFxMz-xh0fos35g0XRXEqIu_lQl0x_B5VFFORyq-6_/s640/ADS+destuct.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADS destroying a PG-7 round and a MILAN ATGM</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unlike Trophy-LV, EFA and Iron Curtain, ADS uses a directable countermeasure, which can be fired within a certain arc to each direction. This allows ADS to defeat top-attack and, thanks to the to the overlapping countermeasures, to defeat multiple threats fired at exactly the same spot. Supposedly current versions are limited to "only" three threats hitting exactly the same spot.</div>
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The true nature of this countermeasure has not been revealed by either Rheinmetall or IBD. Most times it is cryptically described as "directed energy". It has been mentioned that the countermeasure is free of fragmentation and thus it cannot utilize any sort of shaped charge warhead or metal plates as part of the defeat mechanism. According to Rheinmetall, the system is also no pure HE-blast either, which means that there has to be anything else. The Armada magazine described the countermeasure of ADS as "focused blades ofconcentrated energy".</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEMAtJw1Ra3IYAaGH1dqbESkP48LQeL3ZuI_4dJjkfKShkQmeU7gEuaWqUFMhA53ZDClWtIwHdj56cl3dqYla-jBfo_SET5Llqg6kQorVOT-FnfXnzoIDwPLv-lg_DXW7UvSFCY-XO27f/s1600/ads+cm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEMAtJw1Ra3IYAaGH1dqbESkP48LQeL3ZuI_4dJjkfKShkQmeU7gEuaWqUFMhA53ZDClWtIwHdj56cl3dqYla-jBfo_SET5Llqg6kQorVOT-FnfXnzoIDwPLv-lg_DXW7UvSFCY-XO27f/s640/ads+cm.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADS promotion video implying a DIME principle?</td></tr>
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There are different options of how the ADS active protection system defeats threats. An option would be a DIME (dense inert metal explosive) approach: instead of using metal plates or pellets in order to defeat the threat, the system might utilize (heavy) metal powder, i.e. tungsten powder or tantalum powder. When fired by a directed blast against a threat, the powder will behave similar to a solid metal body, in areas where powder denisty and velocity is high (so in the area near the launcher). However the powder will spread fast and the decelerate, this means it won't pose any danger after a distance of a few metres.</div>
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Another option of how ADS can be fragment free, a box-based system, directable and still be effective against a wide array of threats (including APFSDS ammunition and EFPs) could be the usage of composite flyer plates. In different tests by official institutions such as the ISL, launching metal plates against an incoming projectile proved to be highly effective. Modern plates manufactured out of composite materials such as ceramics and fibreglass could perform equally well without creating lethal metal fragments. However there is no direct proof that ADS actually uses any sort of flyer plates, this is just one of many theories about the system that can be found on the internet.</div>
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Regardless of how the system works, it has proven to be able of defeating not only ATGMs and RPGs, but also EFPs and APFSDS rounds. Supposedly it is capable of "cut" through the engaged threats, shattering or bending EFPs and APFSDS penetrators in the process. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK4zHSFiRCctrxw5tKIiz5FcClvxwhN4zBXq_uN7I4qNA91QgdJUgLbEpJeKAongAlHaFb_Li1cQrRtQTCWuvm-srhFoSkotPOyWdwecaMTtbEDLlBJ3hNhRibYS7rFWyA4MRFt1D3qGL/s1600/amap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK4zHSFiRCctrxw5tKIiz5FcClvxwhN4zBXq_uN7I4qNA91QgdJUgLbEpJeKAongAlHaFb_Li1cQrRtQTCWuvm-srhFoSkotPOyWdwecaMTtbEDLlBJ3hNhRibYS7rFWyA4MRFt1D3qGL/s640/amap.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ADS defeating a RPG fired at a Fuchs 1A8 APC</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The system reaction time of ADS is only 560 micro-seconds (µs) or about 0.56 miliseconds. This enables the system to defeat incoming threats even when fired from extremely short ranges. In 2011 a 477 kg heavy version of the ADS was fitted to a Fuchs 1A8, which survived being shot at by two RPGs fired at the same spot from a distance of only 18 metres. Most other APS such as AVePS, Iron Fist and Trophy would be incapable of defeating the RPGs due to their slower reaction time (in 300 miliseconds the standard RPG-7 ammunition travels more than 30 metres). Other box-based active protection systems such as EFA and Trophy-LV would have failed to protect against both RPGs, due to their limited multi-hit capability.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmG_5Z4z0wPeAtx9uWuF5GqzREkPAEDdOE_ST8ktCpwxBV99KYuKOgkvNAlkIqRlfBxwkrJV9vjDxNr6-IXxxmPAmXqKJGbHiSXatUA5CWUGbapJ2HiiDwako8px9E2P1O_vGWIvFQf_8K/s1600/m02008052600002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmG_5Z4z0wPeAtx9uWuF5GqzREkPAEDdOE_ST8ktCpwxBV99KYuKOgkvNAlkIqRlfBxwkrJV9vjDxNr6-IXxxmPAmXqKJGbHiSXatUA5CWUGbapJ2HiiDwako8px9E2P1O_vGWIvFQf_8K/s400/m02008052600002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swedish SEP prototype with ADS</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The system is also known as AAC (Active Armor Concept) in Sweden, were it is being marketed by Åkers Krutbruk (a company owned by IBD Deisenroth). Supposedly more than hundred firing tests were done in Sweden, because of Swedish regulations for those being less strict than the German. According to the Swedish FMV, the collateral damage caused by an RPG intercepted by the ADS is smaller than the collateral damaged caused by the RPG without interception - a strong contrast to systems such as Drozd and Trophy, which increase the collateral damage with their fragmentation-based countermeasures. ADS is also being tested in France, where a version known as SHARK (system hard kill) is being funded by the French ministry of defence.</div>
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An international costumer has decided to adopt the ADS for some of it's combat vehicle. In 2011 a contract was signed to deliver an unknown quantity of Active Defence Systems to an unnamed Asian nation. In 2013 the Armada magazine stated that deliveries of the system are under way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9sCK73EsDOjr7WURdhZFMtQmHrpveJVdb1Tgdssj6LxZqfK_JJDA4wZTFsO-9X-lFgaQ0zLhfLITARP0B16ec5eBl5a-IbVAUXfmgToqizROa343X7XGsoesmxgOxGP9oohvul4iuFbl/s1600/image005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9sCK73EsDOjr7WURdhZFMtQmHrpveJVdb1Tgdssj6LxZqfK_JJDA4wZTFsO-9X-lFgaQ0zLhfLITARP0B16ec5eBl5a-IbVAUXfmgToqizROa343X7XGsoesmxgOxGP9oohvul4iuFbl/s400/image005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German ASS active protection system</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
An early box-based active protection system was developed in Germany by Messerschmitt-Bölkow Bremen (MBB), Krauss-Maffei and Porsche in the late 1960s. It seems that Dr. Manfred Held, <a href="http://below-the-turret-ring.blogspot.de/2016/04/explosive-reactive-armor-some-history.html">the inventor of ERA,</a> was involved in the development of this system, which has been called ASS (probably meant to be the German acronym for "active protection system"). Two versions of this APS were designed with different layout.</div>
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Much like Iron Curtain, the system utilized multiple shaped charge warheads in order to defeat RPGs or ATGMs. The shaped charges were placed in large boxes along the vehicle's edges. When a threat flies over one of the countermeasure boxes, a number of small shaped charges is fired at it, detonating it mid-air. The system was successfully tested in 1969 against a Panzerfaust 44 "Lanze". It was meant for adoption on the Marder IFV and on tanks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNGfWK0owmTHcECE7YgJR1WxwnXlALIpn1b55m5AQCX4qc6y-E8gJy1IKUY91yEsgFOgXcdzD1BXoFTmX8s2EeLM3saKSEVqBo4JxWFXlLtJJdLgsAK6Nf88HszplW3K90GS6JlaNo3GR/s1600/340466_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNGfWK0owmTHcECE7YgJR1WxwnXlALIpn1b55m5AQCX4qc6y-E8gJy1IKUY91yEsgFOgXcdzD1BXoFTmX8s2EeLM3saKSEVqBo4JxWFXlLtJJdLgsAK6Nf88HszplW3K90GS6JlaNo3GR/s400/340466_600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polish APS prototype</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are a number of other box-based systems on which information is rather scarce. Poland is actively developing an APS, which utilizes boxes filled with metal pellets in order to defeat RPGs. If an RPG is detected, the explosive charge of a box is detonated, sending a cloud of metal pellets at the RPG. This system seems to be similar to the active armor of the Scudo APS and shares the high danger for nearby infantry.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jK_ixCF2xHZWJ5Rb586fVt3QgovHzyHAHhbbAcxBhy5zAesMjXy09a3-tgawvPfvNEIKuurzxrbfLzwNFiPz5RihWWOngeIfrVwW7H__JxBpYMrS-Qc7cLBbL5NYf8aXfDDKvllwA0RG/s1600/image010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jK_ixCF2xHZWJ5Rb586fVt3QgovHzyHAHhbbAcxBhy5zAesMjXy09a3-tgawvPfvNEIKuurzxrbfLzwNFiPz5RihWWOngeIfrVwW7H__JxBpYMrS-Qc7cLBbL5NYf8aXfDDKvllwA0RG/s400/image010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">APFSDS destroyed by Dr. Held's APS</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Franco-German institute at Saint-Louis (ISL) has developed an APS using metal plates (size 200 x 200 mm) propelled by either an electromagnetic charge or the detonation of explosives. The plates reach a velocity of about 400 m/s and are highly effective against ATGMs and APFSDS ammunition. Another version of this APS was proposed by Dr. Manfred Held, but this time using a combination of ERA and metal plates as reactive element. In one test, the penetration of an APFSDS was reduced by a staggering 91.5%!</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) presented a new APS at the AUSA 2012, which they simply called "Aktives Schutzsystem" (German for active protection system). Unfortunately there is no photograph of said system. It uses radars operating in the 25 to 35 GHz band to detect and track incoming threats. The radars can track the position with an accuracy of ±10 centimetres. A typical configuration would include four radar elements, one on each corner of the vehicle. The 300 mm wide countermeasures are located at the edge of the roof, just like on older versions of the (AMAP-)ADS. The defeat of the threat happens in a distance of 2.5 to 4 metres from the vehicle, leading to only limited collateral damage. The reaction time and type of the countermeasures are unknown. The devlopment of the Aktives Schutzsystem started about 7 to 8 years before AUSA 2012.</div>
m.m.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04128979980083950538noreply@blogger.com52