Dynamit Nobel Defence GmbH is developing a new anti-structure weapon designed to fill the gap between current anti-tank and anti-material shoulder fired weapons, capable of operating at ranges of 300-600 meters and anti-tank missiles, which are not considered effective beyond 1,000 meters.
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) currently use the Panzerfaust Pzf3 IT600 anti-tank weapon, capable of a maximum combat range of 600 meters (equipped with the DynaRange optical sight). For longer range the Bundeswehr the Milan 2 and TOW 2B missiles which are much heavier and not suitable for special operations. Current anti-structure weapons comprise the RGW 60 using a 60mm High Explosive Squash (HESH) warhead. The new Wirkmittel 90 weapon will use a 90mm warhead, being operable from very short range (20m) up to double the current combat effective range of comparable weapons, reaching up to 1,200 meters. Like other Dynamit Nobel Defence weapons it will enable firing from enclosure, particularly useful for combat engagements in urban terrain.
The disposable weapon will use a detachable fire control system. According to DefPro, Zeiss Optronic or Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH , both German companies are considered to be the sight suppliers. The optical sight and laser rangefinder will provide the operatorwith lateral corrections and super elevation for range and target movement aiming compensation.
The new disposable weapon will weigh about 10kg, loaded with a 3kg HESH fragmentation tandem warhead. This warhead will comprise a precursor breeching the target and a main segment, containing the HESH charge and fragmentation layer. The warhead will utilize a tri-modal fusing mechanism, selected before firing by the user, enabling point (impact) short or delay activation, enabling the weapon to defeat armored vehicles, structures and soft, exposed targets from long distance. At present DND is developing the weapon only for the German Army. It is expected to be operational toward 2014.
