DSEI 2017: Rheinmetall in London

Armed forces and security forces in Europe and worldwide are currently modernizing their equipment to face new security challenges. Rheinmetall stands by their side as a strong and reliable partner. The high-tech company reaffirms its claim as a leading system house at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) from September 12 to 15.

This year, Rheinmetall puts a strong focus on its expertise in combat tanks. This ranges from combat value enhancement and modernization programs to manufacturing as an Original Equipment Manufacturer. In addition, Rheinmetall is a global leader in the manufacturing and further development of modern tank armament and ammunition. Furthermore, they provide extensive training and simulation technology. At the DSEI, Rheinmetall showcases its technology demonstrator for the future main battle tank (MBT ATD) as well as the modern programmable multi-purpose ammunition DM11, which is already in use by some NATO countries.

At Rheinmetall's stand S7-110, the Boxer is making a return to the UK. The United Kingdom was involved in the development of the Boxer armored transport vehicle through industrial cooperation. Currently, three NATO nations utilize this versatile, well-protected, and combat-proven vehicle family. Extensive troop trials in Australia have also demonstrated the Boxer's performance capabilities. The Boxer is considered a promising candidate for the UK's "Mechanised Infantry Vehicle" project. Another focus this year is on Networked Operations Leadership. As a system house, Rheinmetall aims to connect soldiers, sensors, effectors, unmanned systems, and vehicles into highly effective combat formations.

In a joint venture with Rohde & Schwarz, Rheinmetall is bidding as a general contractor for two major projects of the German Bundeswehr: MoTaKo (Mobile Tactical Communication) and MoTIV (Mobile Tactical Information Network). Both projects aim to realize the future digital command and control system – essentially the "German Army 4.0."

At Rheinmetall's exhibition stand S7-110, a command post connects MoTaKo/MoTIV through a "mobile communication node" (MKK) to integrate additional soldiers, vehicle systems, and components in a tactical scenario to create a common situational awareness. Other components include:

Command System: TacNet serves as the core of the networking systems. It is also the nucleus of a future Sensor-to-Shooter network, enabling the flexible integration of additional sensors, effectors, or platforms.

Soldier Systems: Rheinmetall has extensive expertise in soldier systems. For example, they supply the Argus system used by the Canadian Armed Forces and the "Infantryman of the Future - Enhanced System (IdZ-ES)" used by the Bundeswehr, among others. Rheinmetall introduces its new soldier system Gladius 2.0 for the first time at DSEI 2017.

Assault Rifle RS556: The modular multi-purpose rifle RS556 in 5.56mm x 45 caliber is characterized by high ergonomics and reliability. It can optionally be equipped with the 40mm underslung grenade launcher RS40.

PanoView: This innovative approach uses cameras mounted outside an armored vehicle to provide the commander with a real-time view through a headset. The innovation lies in the quality and speed of image processing technology. The commander can "see through the armor" and overlay situational information onto the view.

Unmanned Multi-Purpose Vehicle (UMF): Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUT) is a crucial component of modern armed forces. Unmanned systems combined with infantry components enable rapid reconnaissance and engagement. Rheinmetall's UMF stands out for its modular design, allowing integration of different mission equipment for versatile applications – such as a sensor platform for reconnaissance and surveillance, a weapons carrier, or a transport vehicle. Remote control and autonomous operation are both possible.

Vehicle Systems: Rheinmetall integrates the main weapon systems of infantry and dismounted soldiers into the network – such as the Puma infantry fighting vehicle* or the 8x8 combat vehicle Boxer* armed with the two-man LANCE turret.

With its Vehicle Systems Division, Rheinmetall has a center of excellence covering a range from logistics trucks to tactical wheeled vehicles to main battle tanks. The leading system house in Europe for tactical land mobility offers technological showcases like the TG and HX families of trucks, the tactical wheeled vehicles Boxer* and Fuchs, as well as the Puma* infantry fighting vehicle, Kodiak engineering vehicle, and the medium-weight Lynx family of combat vehicles. They also excel in turret systems expertise, including products like the Lance turret or the turret structure for the British Ajax scout vehicle. At DSEI, Rheinmetall showcases an HX77 with a protected cabin alongside the GTK Boxer.

Rheinmetall emphasizes its "Leadership in Cannon Design" with the new 27mm revolver machine cannon "Sea Snake-27" for maritime applications. Themes such as comprehensive protection of personnel and systems, infantry fire control, laser-light modules, ammunition expertise, modern air defense, and simulation technology complete Rheinmetall's DSEI presence. Rheinmetall looks forward to your visit at their stand S7-110!

Rheinmetall Defence online: http://rheinmetall-defence.com