Military Technology 06/2020

66 · MT 6/2020 Homeland Security Forum police ammunition, both for training and service use, are clearly defined. Traditionally, police officers use indoor shooting ranges, therefore the needs for training ammunition are quite different from those for military firing ranges. The military’s requests are described in technical delivery terms. The basis here is the NATO specifications, often in conjunction with additional country-specific requirements. Apart from different training scenarios, the weapons in use are significantly different from police weapons. Then there is the issue of sniping requirements for both police and mil- itary applications. Here, we have very specific details to consider in order to fulfil the tasks. The categorisation of our production into police, military and sniper lines enables our customers to have a quick overview of our capabilities in each segment. MilTech: Over the years, calibres effective for close-range applications have been the priority for special forces. Urban engagements require short, manageable weapons offering high flexibility and mobility. How does MEN meet these requirements? HM: With our long-lasting experience of the police market, as well as military training applications, we developed several solutions in recent decades. The latest development in this segment is our Lead Free Indoor (LFI) line, in 5.56 and 7.62mm calibres. These products are well-proven and reliable for indoor training, designed for trajectory match with service ammunition. The advantage of this new ammunition is that it not only protects shooter health but, due to the material used and the specific structure, materials in the firing ranges are significantly less stressed. An additional advantage is the vast reduction in rebounds when firing at steel targets. Our 5.56x45mm ‘Übung’ has a special plastic projectile, especially de- signed for military assault rifles and urban training. The development task was to create a cartridge with a maximum range of 400m until it falls, thus significantly reducing the danger zone. MilTech: Your motto, “We serve your mission,” is intriguing. Can you tell us more? HM: It states clearly that MEN can fulfil the entire spectrum of customer requests, from dedicated types of ammunition to logistics solutions – the safe transport and handling of our products. Talking and listening to our customers is the basis for success – both for our customers and for MEN! Interview conducted by Jürgen Rosenthal MEN’s CEO, Hermann Mayer, is Managing Partner of MEN and sees the future in terms of new markets and innovations for the company. MEN is looking to build on its customer base and is introducing fresh innova- tions in ammunition for the armed forces and law enforcement person- nel. Based in Nassau near Koblenz, the company is considered one of the most important small-calibre ammunition manufacturers in Germany and, indeed, in Europe. More than 60 years after its foundation in 1957, innovation will no doubt remain key to the company’s philosophy and outlook as it casts an eye towards the future to see what both soldiers and law enforcement professionals will require from tomorrow’s ammu- nition. Since its very beginning, MEN has embodied premium quality and reliable security. Miltech had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Mr Mayer (HM) prior to the later-cancelled Enforce Tac exhibition in March. MilTech: Can you tell us about the reasons behind your success? HM: One of our biggest assets, for sure, is our extraordinary employees, who have many years of service and therefore a great deal of experience and knowledge. In our industry, attention to the smallest details, coupled with strict discipline and established, proven production routines provide our fundamental support. State-of-the-art production and laboratory ma- chinery, including ballistics equipment are essential – the former to ensure the closest possible production tolerances in serial production, the latter to test and proof the resulting materiel. Also, don’t neglect the fact that our detailed knowledge of small arms technologies and the wide range of weapons available within the company enable us to test our products in line with each customer’s requirements. Finally, our administrative team understands the customer’s requirements in every respect – including the complex logistics solutions involved in getting the manufactured product to the users. Every aspect of our activity is of equal importance in assuring the most complete possible solution is delivered. MilTech: Y ou categorise your products in line with customer regulations: can you shed a little more light on this issue? HM: Looking at the various customer requirements, we see distinctly different applications. For example, the German Police developed the Technical Guideline Police Ammunition as the basis for procurement of ammunition in Germany. In this specification, the requirements for Homeland Security Forum We Serve Your Mission – Hermann Mayer, CEO, MEN Metallwerk Elisenhütte GmbH Laser inspection. (Photo: Metallwerk Elisenhütte GmbH) Ammunition linking. (Photo: Metallwerk Elisenhütte GmbH)