In terms of operational complexity, current conflicts and future crisis scenarios are markedly different from earlier wars. Often deployed in unfamiliar, faraway places, troops today find themselves faced with a whole host of new operational challenges: the threat of asymmetric attacks by insurgents or terrorist groups now has to be factored into every operations plan. New operational requirements call for new operational capabilities – especially for main battle tanks like the Leopard 2.
Against this backdrop, Rheinmetall Defence has developed a modernization package based on state-of-the-art, generally already introduced systems and components, ranging from thermal sighting systems and situation awareness systems to a gun-launched laser homing system. Rheinmetall intends to implement these proposals in cooperation with the Polish defence industry.
Thermal sight for the gunner
The Saphir, Rheinmetall Defence's 3rd-generation IR camera, significantly improves the image quality of the gunner's sight. This thermal sight system uses entirely new focal plain array detector technology; it is also distinctly smaller and easy to integrate in existing systems. Moreover, Saphir has four fields of view that can be freely defined.
This 3rd-generation thermal imager also meets the requirement for video post-processing. Rheinmetall Defence supplies the unit with two spectral ranges in order to suit the customer's requirements, i.e. 3 to 5 µm and 8 to 12 µm. This depends on whether the system is intended for operation in temperate or tropical conditions. The Saphir thermal sight can also be integrated into the Marder infantry fighting vehicle.
Thermal sight for the commander
Having a compact new sighting system can also contribute to successful outcomes. Consisting of a two-axis stabilized sensor head with a thermal imaging sight together with a CCD camera and a laser rangefinder, Rheinmetall Defence's Seoss stabilized electro-optical sighting system gives the vehicle commander an excellent view of the battlefield. The electro-optical sensor unit is mounted on the turret, requiring only a narrow breakthrough for a cable. This high-performance 3rd-generation thermal imager gives the Leopard 2 an excellent night fighting and observation capability.
Automatic target detection and tracking system
The AZEV automatic target detection and tracking system provides the Leopard 2 crew with 360° situational awareness of the area of operations. Consisting of high-resolution cameras, a close-in protection sensor produces an electro-optical panoramic view that is almost complete devoid of blind spots. The commander can authorize engagement of the selected targets and continue to monitor the surrounding terrain using the Seoss stabilized sighting system. Guided by a multi-target tracker, the main armament automatically zeros in on the target. Faster than any other known system, AZEV offers near-real-time evaluation of the current combat situation.
Command and control system for networked operations
Current military requirements call for a multinational, cooperative approach, something which is likely to intensify in future. This means that data models and protocols have to be standardized in order to enable the exchange of tactical information. Here NATO provides a reference model (Land Command Control and Information System, or LC2IS for short) which is based on the Command & Control Information Exchange Data Model (C2IEDM), and uses the MIP DEM standard (Multilateral Interoperability Program, Data Exchange Mechanism) for data replication. These standards are not available at present for the Leopard 2 system.
Based on many years' experience with C4ISR systems, Rheinmetall Defence has developed a command and control system that meets the latest international initiatives for realizing interoperability requirements for joint and combined operations. User- and role-based scalability, configurability and a shared system concept enable its use at all echelons, from dismounted soldiers to brigade-level tactical operations centres. The flexible communications concept enables direct connection of combat net radios (CNR) or time division multiple access (TDMA) radio. Where possible, both modes are used for separate transmission of high-priority data, e.g. blue force tracking, voice and data replication for situational awareness as well as dissemination of the common relevant operational picture (CROP).
Lahat gun-launched laser homing missile.
Up until now, the Leopard 2 has lacked a pinpoint targeting capability for engaging tanks or bunkers at very long ranges. The Lahat upgrade kit addresses this deficit, enabling a first-shot kill of armoured targets at ranges of over 6 km using internal or external target designation. The gun-launched weapon is a laser homing missile, available in two basic configurations: gun-launched and canister-launched. In the gun-launched configuration, the missile is packaged in a standard tank round cartridge, and is fired out of the tank's gun. The tank-launched version can be fired from a 105 mm gun, or using a sabot from a 120 mm gun. It is a cost-effective, easy-to-install add-on system for day and night operations. Featuring pinpoint accuracy, a tandem warhead and a high impact angle, Lahat enhances the Leopard 2's hit and kill probability as well as increasing its survivability thanks to the long engagement standoff and reduced exposure to enemy fire
http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/ind...fid=4952&lang=3
Leopard 2a4
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