Military Technology 04/2021

86 · MT 4/2021 Industrial Focus drivers and the degree of maturity of a mission-oriented system. It will serve the Bundeswehr as the basis for preparing solution proposals for procurement of a 3rd-generation IdZ-ES. The study is to be complete by 30 May 2022; depending on the outcome, there could be another signifi- cant contract for Rheinmetall, as the Bundeswehr has a continuing need for advanced digital soldier systems. The study encompasses seven work packages in the core and periph- eral systems. These, of course, include the C4I functions which, among other things, are being examined regarding planned conformity with the Digitised Land-Based Operations (D-LBO) programme. Also being taken into account are the subsystems clothing, protection and load-bearing equipment; optics and optronics; and the links to ground vehicles and air- craft, as well as weapons and aiming devices. Intermediate reports on the individual topics are to be submitted on 22 November 2021 and 30 May 2022. During the contract study, test and trial samples will be fabricated. Rheinmetall Electronics is serving as general contractor in the project, with numerous companies participating as subcontractors. The study contract is based on two current design evolutions: the IdZ- ES 68 platoon system, and the System Panzergrenadier. Consisting of the IdZ-ES VJTF and the new, enhanced version of the PUMA IFV, the System Panzergrenadier will be deployed by NATO’s spearhead formation, the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force VJTF 2023, which will be furnished by the Bundeswehr – the system was declared “ready for action” by the supreme commander of the German Army in March. Chilean Army LEOPARDS and MARDERS to be Modernised FAMAE, a company operated by the Chilean Army, has selected OIP Land Systems (an Elbit Systems company) to modernise the fire con- trol system (FCS) of the service’s LEOPARD 2A4s, and their associated simulators, plus the sighting and targeting systems of the MARDER 1A3 fleet. Aselsan has also been selected to provide new internal commu- nications systems for both vehicles. In a parallel move, FAMAE plans to develop its own FCS for the Army’s M109 self-propelled howitzers, collaborating with Chilean company Village and basing the new system on the NEKULPAN fire C2 system (SMCF), already in service on the LARS 160 rocket artillery systems and the TRALCAN 70mm MLRS. OIP must therefore develop the basic and conceptual engineering, before making the modifications that allow installation of the new obser- vation and targeting system. A mid-life upgrade has been planned for the LEOPARDs (approx. 170) and MARDERs (approx. 280) since their acquisition some 15 years ago. In 2018, the Army’s Directorate of Projects and Investigations (DIPRIDE) initiated the ‘PROACO’ programme, to develop modernisation plans for the upgrades noted above. An estimated budget of $7 million ( € 5.9 mil- lion) was approved for development of prototypes and in 2020 the Army assigned the project to FAMAE. Santiago Rivas reporting from Buenos Aires MeVu – MENATEK’s Range of AFV Periscopes On today’s battlefield, you have to be able to see to fight and – more im- portantly – to survive. Almost all armoured fighting vehicles (AFV), there- fore, require some form of ‘window’ on the outside world. Sometimes, design criteria make this difficult unless a hull-penetrating optical device is used. At this point, the periscope becomes one of the preferred solu- tions: small in size, perhaps, but eminently capable of fulfilling the widest range of tactical mission requirements. Seeking to tackle this requirement, MENATEK’s core team of R&D en- gineers have added a further accomplishment to their list of success- es, developing the first and only indigenous monobloc glass periscopes manufactured in Turkey – the MeVu-M series. The monobloc glass body approach provides users with ultra-clear peripheral vision, while simultaneously offering superior ballistic protec- tion. In order to achieve the required levels of clarity, the MeVu-M series devices feature integrated heating on both upper and lower sights. This ensures that MeVu perisopes provide higher visibility for operators, even under the most difficult of weather conditions. The monobloc glass body solution also provides for bubble/porosity-free assembly, and prevents problems arising from fogging, misting or potential delamination. MeVu-M series periscopes offer ballistic protection to STANAG 4569 Level 3, and feature built-in laser protection for certain wavelengths. The monobloc construction, combined with advanced adhesive technologies, also translates to an unmatched level of structural integrity and a main- tenance-free nature. Shock resistance (up to 10G for 6ms or 500G for 0.5ms) and tolerance for vibrations up to 1.5G are also part of the devices’ operating advantages. Tested and accredited by a world-class AFV manufacturer – Patria – MeVu periscopes have to date been installed on a wide variety of tracked platforms – LEOPARD 1 and LEOPARD 2A4 and their associated tank re- covery vehicles, FIRTINA howitzer, POYRAZ ammunition carrier, M48-M, M60, T-55, ALTAY and New Generation ALTAY tanks, the M113 APC and M110 howitzer, for example – as well as on countless wheeled armoured vehicles manufactured by the likes of FNSS, OTOKAR, BMC and others. The family of devices currently serves with the armed forces and security agencies of eight nations. All raw materials and consumables used in the manufacture of the MeVu-M series are sourced locally, resulting in a ‘one-stop solution’ for clients, from both initial procurement and life-cycle support perspectives. Rheinmetall Shows First Concepts for IdZ-ES Third Generation Rheinmetall has presented the Bundeswehr with the company’s initial complete concept for the third generation of the IdZ-ES (Future Soldier- Expanded System). The presentation showed the initial results of a study contract awarded as recently as March this year, aimed at examining and evaluating potential improvements to the IdZ-ES units already in service. The complete concept will reveal potential implementation risks, cost Rugged, reliable and resistant, MeVu periscopes are already in service in eight nations around the world. (Photo: Menatek Defense) A LEOPARD 2 in Chile’s Atacama Desert. (Photo: Chilean Army)