The French company GIAT is developing a low-recoil 120mm gun to equip future air transportable armored fighting vehicles weighing around 18 tons. The 120 FER is a derivative of the F1 gun mounted on the Leclerc main battle tank, retaining the same qualities, such as a long barrel, providing better accuracy, trunnion balance and stabilization. The main difference is the lower recoil forces extracted to the turret and, therefore, reducing integration constraints. The new 52 Cal. Smooth bore, chromium plated gun weighs 2.5 tons (including cradle) and measures 7.1 meters in length (barrel length is 6.2 meters). It can fire all current NATO ammunition (STANAG 4385) as well as newly developed ammunition and is suitable for future ETC-ignited ammunition.
AFV Situational Awareness in the Urban Battlespace
Tamir Eshel - 0
Armored fighting vehicles face other challenges when operating in urban combat. They are exposed to snipers or anti-tank teams operating from elevated positions on rooftops or accessing underground shafts too close for the crew...
Israel’s Indoor Surveillance and Attack Drones
Tamir Eshel - 0
Operating drones low above ground and in complex terrain represents unique challenges, as most drone controls are limited to line of sight and uninterrupted satellite-based navigation. To endure in a GNSS-contested environment and operate indoors or underground, standard drones would not operate in such conditions. The drone platforms specially designed for subterranean or indoor environments require unique networking, sensing, navigation, and controls to enable such operations. Since these missions are complex and the drones are small, they are used in mission-specific roles such as autonomous mappers, FPV-operated lead elements, and armed effectors.
Giga-PtX Project Visions Eco-friendly, Efficient and War-Ready, Synthetic Fuel Supply
Tamir Eshel - 0
Rheinmetall has unveiled the Giga-PtX project, aimed at securing a resilient synthetic fuel supply for military applications. The project envisions a decentralized network of large-scale production plants utilizing hydrogen, CO₂, and renewable energy to produce synthetic fuels. This approach addresses the vulnerability of traditional fossil fuel supply chains in wartime, enhancing combat readiness and sustainability. Cooperating with PtX specialist Ineratec, Rheinmetall’s extensive experience in hydrogen technology underpins the development of efficient, cost-effective solutions for fuel production, crucial for modern military operations. The Giga-PtX project ensures a robust and scalable fuel supply, supporting the operational needs of armed forces.
BAE Systems Showcases the MCWS Turret on AMPV
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BAE Systems’ fourth Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) prototype is being showcased at Eurosatory this week. Configured with a common top plate, also known as the External Mission Equipment Package (ExMEP), the prototype showcases the vehicle’s ability to integrate capabilities and equipment packages internationally. The new turret uses Oshkosh / Rafael MCWS turret selected by the US Army for the Stryker. BAE Systems has also introduced Elbit Systems UT30 gun turret, Patria's Nemo mortar turret and Moog Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) for the CUAS variant.
TDW Expands Counter-mobility Capability with PARM NextGen
TDW is introducing an improved weapon fitted with an RF datalink, which enables remote control over a longer distance (4 km). The remote control is used to arm or disarm the mine, enabling friendly forces to move along roads that are covered by PARM weapons.