State-of-the-Art Solutions in Weapon, Ammunition and Force-Protection Technology
02 May 2007 12:23
As Europe's leading supplier of weapons and ammunition, passive protection systems and propellants, Rheinmetall Defence embodies unsurpassed experience, with an armoury of innovative products made by its weapon and munitions division.
TANK AND ARTILLERY SYSTEM LARGE-CALIBRE ARMS AND AMMUNITION
In the world of large-calibre main armament and ammunition for tanks and artillery systems, Rheinmetall indisputably sets the global standard for technical excellence. The unsurpassed firepower of the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer depends on Rheinmetall weapon and ammunition technology.
The company has recently developed a new generation of ammunition for the Leopard 2, which has a temperature-insensitive propellant that can be safely fired under all climatic conditions. Large-calibre ammunition from Rheinmetall meets the latest requirements regarding insensitivity, reducing the potential danger to friendly troops.
In addition, the company is developing and producing intelligent systems that are capable of detecting and engaging specific enemy targets; certain munitions can be programmed in the weapon system to detonate at an exact location. Smart systems of this type not only increase combat effectiveness, but also minimise the risk of collateral damage.
As well as pushing forward the boundaries of conventional weapons and ammunition, Rheinmetall developers have been exploring the potential of new technologies for force-protection purposes. These include using high-energy lasers to shoot down incoming projectiles, and employing high-power microwave technology to both protect vehicles from improvised explosive devices, and jam radio-based communication.
For instance, this technology can prevent insurgents from detonating a roadside IED by radio or mobile phone. An initial version of this system is currently being demonstrated to customers worldwide; Rheinmetall developers are already hard at work perfecting the next generation of the product.
MEDIUM-CALIBRE AUTOMATIC CANNONS, WEAPON SYSTEMS AND AMMUNITION
Today's ground, air and naval forces now find themselves confronted with a whole host of new challenges when deployed in multinational operations in conflict zones around the globe. Rheinmetall's medium-calibre specialists develop and manufacture automatic cannons, weapon systems and ammunition specifically designed to counter current and future threats to all three components of the military during hazardous, out-of-area deployments.
The chief product groups here are vehicle armament, aircraft armament, naval gun systems and state-of-the-art ammunition technologies. Combining extreme precision with high lethality, medium-calibre systems from Rheinmetall can reliably take out hostile targets while avoiding collateral damage. As such, they are clearly predestined to play an important role in future counter-terrorist operations.
One of Rheinmetall's most advanced products is the MLG 27 light naval gun, designed for close-range self-defence of surface combatants and small craft. Currently being deployed throughout the German Navy, the MLG 27 has already won its first export order.
Installed in the Tornado, Gripen und Eurofighter, the company's BK27 aircraft cannon is in service worldwide.
Developed by Rheinmetall for Germany's new Puma infantry fighting vehicle, the MK30-2/ABM combines high firepower and cutting-edge ammunition technology, making it a universal weapon-system suitable for other applications as well.
RWM Schweiz is the Rheinmetall Defence Group's specialist in developing and producing medium-calibre ammunition families for army, navy, air force and antiaircraft applications. The spectrum of products ranges from conventional service and training ammunition to intelligent munitions with programmable fuses and non-lethal rounds, some of which are still under development. As a result, RWM Schweiz can meet all the current and future requirements of the world's ground, air and naval forces.
PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND PYROTECHNICS
Progress in the domain of defence technology is a two-way street: advances often pose a threat to friendly systems too. For many years, Rheinmetall's protection systems and pyrotechnics product unit has been developing and manufacturing components and systems for protecting both civilian and military personnel, vehicles, aircraft, ships and installations. The product range also includes illumination and smoke or obscurant compounds for large-calibre special ammunition, as well as training and practice systems.
The company's Mass naval protection system offers a globally unique level of protection against smart projectiles. Already installed on board the ships of several nations, this fully automatic decoy-system protects them against incoming sensor-guided missiles in blue water and littoral operations as well as in asymmetric scenarios. Rheinmetall's Giant and Bullfighter rounds, meanwhile, can be launched from existing naval decoy systems to protect ships from radar and infrared-guided missiles.
The company also produces launcher systems and decoy rounds for protecting ground vehicles. In line with customer requirements, these can be tailored to the size of the vehicle and the tactical parameters at short notice. Rheinmetall also makes highly effective aircraft decoy systems for countering current and future threats to transportation aircraft, helicopters and passenger planes from the latest generation of sensor-guided missiles.
Along with highly sophisticated protection systems, Rheinmetall Defence offers a broad spectrum of non-lethal ammunition, including classic pyrotechnic products such as illumination and signal flares and smoke grenades, as well as artillery simulators, practice ammunition and flash-and-bang stun grenades.
One of the group's subsidiaries, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Arges, is a global leader in the field of 40mm cartridges for automatic grenade launchers. These rounds come in many different types, designed to produce a variety of lethal and, increasingly, non-lethal effects.
MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PROPELLANTS
Rheinmetall's Nitrochemie Group's core competency is developing and producing propellant charges for military and civilian needs.
Apart from artillery and mortar-propelling charge systems and propellant powder for large, medium and small-calibre ammunition, the group produces combustible cast components.
These include the MTLS modular propelling charge system used in the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer; temperature-independent propellants for tank rounds; and mortar and medium-calibre ammunition. The Nitrochemie Group also produces and markets nitrocellulose and propellant pastes, important intermediate products in the defence industry.
Nitrochemie's expertise is also found in the automotive and aviation industry as well as in medical and fastener applications. The group supplies components for seatbelt tensioners and airbag ignition systems to well-known automotive-part makers.
Pioneering technologies and well-targeted investments have made Nitrochemie a leader in its field worldwide. Moreover, intensive cooperation with customers, market-oriented research, and closely interlinked sales, development and manufacturing structures have turned the company into a highly competent partner for national and international development projects.
PROVING GROUNDS
Thanks to its 50km² research and development competence centre at Unterluess, in northern Germany, and its test facility in Ochsenboden, Switzerland, Rheinmetall Defence boasts the largest and best-equipped private-sector proving grounds in Europe. The group conducts extensive component and system trials on behalf of domestic and foreign customers at the two sites, as well as carrying out defence technology studies during all phases of the product-development processes.
Rheinmetall Defence is thus well placed to support the global process of force transformation, helping to ready the armed forces of Germany, its allies and other like-minded nations for future challenges.
For more information on this company:
Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH - Large Calibre Weapon Systems and Ammunition
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