EUROSATORY 22: This is the KF51 Panther.

Rheinmetall presents the KF51 Panther at Eurosatory 2022. The Panther is the latest member of Rheinmetall's tracked vehicle (KF) family and is considered a game-changer for the battlefields of the future. The combat tank concept sets new standards in all areas – firepower, protection, reconnaissance capabilities, networking, and mobility. The vehicle will be unveiled in a ceremony on Monday, June 13, 2022 at 14:00 at the Rheinmetall booth F241-240.

All weapon systems are connected via the fully digitized NGVA architecture to the optics of the commander and gunner as well as the fire control system. This allows for both a hunter-killer function and a killer-killer function, enabling seamless target engagement – potentially also supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Weapon: 130mm Rheinmetall Future Gun System

Firepower: With its main armament, the 130mm Rheinmetall Future Gun System, the KF51 Panther offers superior firepower against all current and foreseeable mechanized targets. Additional weapon options provide concentrated firepower for long-range strikes and against multiple targets.

The Rheinmetall Future Gun System (FGS) consists of a 130mm smoothbore gun and a fully automatic ammunition handling system (autoloader). The ammunition supply is 20 rounds in the autoloader. Compared to current 120mm systems, the FGS provides more than 50 percent greater firepower with a significant increase in range. The FGS can fire both kinetic energy (KE) ammunition and programmable explosive (airburst) ammunition, as well as corresponding training ammunition.

A 12.7mm coaxial machine gun complements the main weapon. Several options for integrating remotely operated weapon stations also provide flexibility for close-range defense and drone countermeasures. The KF51 Panther unveiled at Eurosatory 2022 is equipped with Rheinmetall's new RCWS "Natter" in the 7.62 variant.

Additionally, a launcher for Rheinmetall's partner UVision's HERO 120 Loitering Munition can be integrated into the turret. This enhances the KF51 Panther's ability to engage targets beyond direct line of sight.

Survivability and Protection: The Panther features a fully integrated, comprehensive, and weight-optimized protection concept. Active, reactive, and passive protection technologies are utilized. The outstanding feature of survivability is certainly the active protection against kinetic energy threats. It enhances the level of protection without compromising the system's weight.

Protection: Rheinmetall Top Attack Protection System

The Rheinmetall Top Attack Protection System (TAPS) defends against threats from above. The Rapid Obscuration System (ROS) blinds the KF51 Panther from enemy view. The digital NGVA architecture also allows for the integration of additional sensors for detecting launch signatures. Thanks to pre-shot detection capability, the KF51 Panther can identify and neutralize threats early. Designed for use in a contested electromagnetic spectrum, the KF51 is fully hardened against cyber threats.

Usability and Networking: The KF51 Panther features an innovative user interface. It is designed for a crew of three – commander and gunner in the turret, and driver in the chassis. There is also a fourth operator station in the chassis for a weapons and subsystem specialist or for leadership personnel such as a company commander or battalion commander.

The fully digitized architecture according to NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA) standards allows for seamless integration of sensors and effectors both within the platform and in conjunction with other systems. Sensor and weapon operation can be transferred immediately by a crew member. Each operator station can take on tasks and roles of others while maintaining full functionality. Control of the turret and weapons can also be done from the operator stations in the chassis, allowing for future variants of the KF51 Panther with unmanned turrets or completely remotely operated vehicles.

Reconnaissance Capability and Situational Awareness: Commander and gunner can observe and engage independently day and night through the all-round-view optics SEOSS and the main battle sight EMES. Both have a stabilized digital TV and IR optics with an integrated laser rangefinder. The crew also has seamless 360-degree situational awareness from the combat compartment both day and night. Integrated unmanned aerial reconnaissance systems expand situational awareness in urban and close combat environments. With these systems, the crew can conduct reconnaissance even under armor protection and share the results networked with other actors.

Mobility: Leopard 2 Mobility Concept

Mobility: The KF51 Panther is based on the mobility concept of the Leopard 2. With a combat weight of only 59 tons, it offers much greater mobility than current systems and has a range of approximately 500 kilometers. It fits into the AMovP-4L tunnel profile without preparation – a requirement that no current combat tank upgrade meets. Consequently, the KF51 Panther stands out for its tactical and strategic mobility.

Logistics: Thanks to Rheinmetall's innovative development approach, users, maintainers, logisticians, and procurement experts of all current and future user nations can actively shape the future. Rheinmetall has extensive experience in building global supply chains and collaborating with user nations to establish a significant national industrial share and sovereign capabilities and competencies.

Futurure-proof: In the development of the KF51 Panther, Rheinmetall not only limited itself to updating combat tank concepts, but completely redesigned the platform from scratch. The KF51 Panther can be easily updated with the latest threat-related capabilities and functions. The modular, open NGVA system architecture allows for iterative development that can be regularly updated in line with innovation cycles. The KF51 Panther is the first member of a new combat vehicle family. In the near future, there will be further innovations that will enable environmentally friendly operations in peacetime and further optimization in terms of automation and effectiveness.

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