Rheinmetall: Better protection with the Fuchs

Ordnance, mines, and booby traps pose a significant danger to soldiers in the field. The Bundeswehr is currently receiving a newly developed, highly complex, and powerful system from Rheinmetall that significantly contributes to tackling such threats. With the new Transportpanzer (TPz) Fuchs 1A8 mine detection and identification (KAI), the German Armed Forces are making a quantum leap in mine clearance. Thanks to a powerful optronics system and a multi-jointed, precise, and versatile manipulator arm with high-performance sensors, the mine clearance forces of the pioneer unit can identify, mark, uncover, and identify suspicious objects from a safe distance.

A total of seven Transportpanzer Fuchs in the KAI variant have been ordered by the German Armed Forces. The delivery of the series systems is currently underway and is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. The contract volume amounts to a mid-double-digit million-euro figure.

The TPz Fuchs KAI complements the equipment of the Bundeswehr's heavy mine clearance platoon and is designed to identify danger points that cannot be reached by the Route Clearance System - also partially developed and supplied by Rheinmetall. Furthermore, the TPz KAI is intended to operate independently of the Route Clearance System, providing mine detection capability that accompanies convoys and identifies vulnerable points.

The carrier vehicle for the KAI is currently the most modern version 1A8 of the proven Transportpanzer. It features a high level of protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as well as modern protective elements and mine-protected seats to separate the crew from the hull floor. The Fuchs KAI variant's standout feature is the aforementioned multi-jointed, highly precise manipulator arm with over ten meters of reach and a high payload capacity of 400 kg. This enables mine clearance forces to investigate suspicious sites remotely from the TPz KAI and accurately identify mines and booby traps.

In addition to the basic tool, the manipulator arm can accommodate two additional tools. Firstly, a dual sensor is used, which is the 80 cm version of the sensor used in the Route Clearance System. This sensor allows for investigation of suspicious sites to determine if a mine has been buried. There is also a tool camera for visually inspecting areas such as drainage pipes, edges and undersides of bridges, areas behind walls, etc., in order to identify potential booby traps. The system is equipped with powerful optronics for visual reconnaissance. A new optronics wiping and washing function allows the reconnaissance cameras to be cleaned quickly during operations, enhancing the system's tactical flexibility.

Another core element of the KAI is its Water-Air-Spade System, which is a water-air spade capable of operating at a pressure of 400 bar, as well as a ripper. These tools allow mine clearance forces to uncover objects that cannot be clearly identified in suspicious cases. Marking can be done digitally in the system using a unique GPS coordinate or with an optical marking device for dismounted specialists.

In cases of emergency, a personnel rescue system that can be adapted to the manipulator arm can be used to rescue individuals from a hazardous area.

Rheinmetall is the system house for pioneer equipment in the German Armed Forces. Other products in this segment include shares of the aforementioned Route Clearance System, the Pionierpanzer 2 Dachs, the Mine Clearance Tank Keiler, and several variants of the TPz 1 Fuchs.

RHEINMETALL DEFENCE Online: www.rheinmetall-defence.com