Rheinmetall to equip Bundeswehr with new laser duel simulators
Rheinmetall has won an important procurement order from the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) worth just under €20 million to supply the German Army Combat Training Centre (GÜZ) with a new generation of equipment for staging combat training exercises. Located in the Altmark district of Saxony-Anhalt, the GÜZ is one of the world’s most advanced major training areas.
Known in Bundeswehr parlance as the AGDUS HdWa (Training Device, Duel Simulator, Small Arms), this cutting edge laser- and wireless-supported duel simulation system is based on the Rheinmetall LEGATUS family of products, and supersedes existing first-generation Bundeswehr systems, now around twenty years old. In a Europe-wide competition, Rheinmetall’s compelling proposal for second-generation AGDUS small arms systems won the day.
Flowing into this project, the Group’s experience in developing customized solutions for simulation-supported combat exercises will now enable even greater training realism, while simultaneously assuring maximum safety.
At the GÜZ, freely configurable, multidiscipline formations of all types can be prepared for every conceivable military task in a highly realistic environment. Looking ahead, this will soon include training for operations in urban terrain and the use of Future Soldier (IdZ) equipment, responsibility for the expanded version of which (Gladius/IdZ-ES) has also been assigned to Rheinmetall.
During exercises at the GÜZ – conducted on a permanent basis – live rounds are never fired: every weapon is fitted with a laser transmitter, while sensors on potential targets indicate hits, visible to soldiers and trainers alike. Networking of all exercise participants in the system makes it possible to maximize the learning impact of the after action briefings and evaluation phase, in which individual manoeuvre sequences are analysed and potential for improvement is pointed out.
For more information please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY #12/2016, available at the show on booth #2729; and frequently check back for more NEWS FROM THE FLOOR.