KF51 (Photo: Rheinmetall)
2022 has become the best year in recent times for armoured technology with emergence of several charismatic next generation platforms and projects to meet the future requirements of ever evolving collaborative combat environments. While, Leclerc XLR, Leopard 2A7+ and K2NO/ PL/M proudly present themselves as representative of future backbone of their respective users, the year will be even more memorable for three new technology demonstrators shining bright amidst the crowd of other metal beasts. We are talking about GDLS AbramsX, KF51 and KNDS EMBT- all feature unmanned turrets.
AbramsX
The GDLS AbramsX broke cover at the AUSA 2022. The technology demonstrator addresses several shortcomings in existing Abrams fleet. Though US Army likely will keep using M1A2 Abrams SepV3/ V4, it paves way for integration of several new upgrades to existing one. With a combat weight of just around 54T it has become lighter than any of its cousins! The platform is equipped with ARDEC XM360 120mm gun which is lighter than M256 and has low recoil in comparison. It features Kongsberg Protector RS6 30mm remote weapon system which allows to engage soft skin platforms with an adequate means. It also has a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun. AbramsX can launch four Switchblade 300 loitering munitions as well! SAFRAN Paseo provide the Gunner’s Panoramic Sight (GPS) and Commander’s Independent Thermal Sight (CITS). Both the gunner and commander can scan the battlefield independently without rotating the turret. The sophisticated multi-spectral sensors allows a complete 360-degree view around the tank. The ‘Katalyst Next Generation Electronics Architecture’ enables easy upgrades of sensors, weapons, communications etc. The AI enabled battle management system allows deployment of unmanned aerial system (UAS) and unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This it paves the way for man-unmanned teaming (MUM-T). Eying the crew safety the ammunitions are stored into a sealed compartment. For the enhanced protection Trophy APS is integrated, meanwhile GDLS eyes a new system for the protection against ‘top-attack’ guided weapons. However, the most interesting feature of it will be the hybrid electric power train. It’s based on Cummins Advanced Combat Engine (ACE) and uses Advanced Combat Transmission (ACT) from SAPA. It allows a seamless quieter mobility with reduced fuel consumption.
KF51
The KF51 Panther is the evolution of legacy variants of Leopard series main battle tanks integrating mobility, lethality, situational awareness, survivability and battlefield management to the highest degree possible. This new platform is designed in accordance with NGVA standards to sustain the battlefield of the future. It is equipped with a new 130mm smoothbore gun. The new “Future Gun System” enables a 50 percent longer kill range than contemporary 120mm one. Thus the armament will provide the platform a superior firepower even in long-range engagement. Panther will be provided with the next generation KE rounds and programmable multipurpose HE munition. In a prolonged engagement, the continuous high rate of fire will provide unimaginable advantages. The main weapon is complemented with a 12.7 mm co-axial machine gun for midrange support and defence. The airdefence is provided by the 7.62mm Natter remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS). This will work against enemy UAV as well. The RCWS can be customised with other armaments as well for different requirements. However, the most spectacular feature of the package is integration of four HERO 120 loitering munitions. Thus UVision enables the platform to engage the non-line-ofsight (NLOS) threats as well. According to Rheinmetall the Panther employs a groundbreaking, fully integrated, comprehensive, weight-optimised survivability concept. In addition to classic measures, the Panther’s digital architecture enables on and off-board survivability, with active, reactive and passive protection technologies. The fully digitised NGVA architecture allows integration of additional sensors for early detection of enemy threats. It is configured with a pre-shot detection capability, enabling to strike first. Rheinmetall TAPS (Top Attack Protection System) provides high degree of protection against even top-attack enemy anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM). However, the most compelling feature of this system is capability of defeating KE threats (APFSDS)! As additional defensive measures, ROSY obscureness system is integrated. Adequate measures have been taken to neutralise threats from mines. Most importantly, as a precaution against ever increasing threat of cyber warfare, it is designed to operate in a contested electromagnetic spectrum. The gunner and commander sights are provided by EMES and panoramic SEOSS 2 respectively. Both are equipped with stabilised daylight and IR optics with integrated laser range finder. Thus both can identify and engage threats independently, this provides the tank a hunter-killer capability. Thanks to the see through armour technology, the crew can enjoy 360° view around the platform in their large display screens without opening the hatch which not only enhances the situational awareness but survivability as well. The 59T platform is reported to be equipped with a 1500hp engine. Thus an excellent power to weight ratio is achieved for smoother mobilisation. Besides, the comparatively lower weight and smaller architecture of the turret allows better accessibility to bridges and tunnels than other modern heavier Western tanks. The Panther with its modern BMS and software-defined communication is claimed to dominate what Rheinmetall calls as “multi-domain collaborative combat”. The fully digitised NGVA architecture allows for seamless cross-platform sensorto- shooter links.
KF51 (Photo: Rheinmetall)
EMBT
The KNDS EMBT is a concept platform integrating redesigned Leclerc turret to new Leopard 2A7 chassis. It was first time unveiled during Eurosatory 2018. However, at that time it was just a symbolic representation of easy integration of French and German systems. But the example with a massive evolution signifies the revolution in armoured technology and preparation for the future development of Main Combat Ground System (MCGS). The primary weapon is CN120-26 120mm L52 smoothbore gun with an auto-loader. But if needed, ASCALON 140mm can be integrated as well. The next generation telescoped ammunition will make the MGCS a lethal mobile behemoth. The main gun is complemented by a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun. The secondary weapon system is a Nexter remotely operated ARX 30 which is equipped with 30M781 MPG 30mm auto-cannon for better protection against both the ground and aerial threats especially against UAV. Augmenting further, there is another 7.62mm RWS coaxial to commander sight. The EMBT offers dynamic multilayer defensive mechanism in form of passive and active protection system. Nexter-Lacroix Galix is a soft-kill mechanism which launches projectiles which generate smoke screen masking visible and infrared (IR) domains against hostiles. The fully automated system is comprised of variety of sensors and laser warning receivers (E-LAWS) for adequate measurement. In addition of it, Rafael Trophy is also integrated which is a hardkill measures against enemy ATGM. The commander sight is weaponised. The tank features a 360° local situation awareness system. The platform is equipped with the Multi-Threat Detection System (MTDS) which detects radar and RF sources. Metravib Pilar V Acoustic Gunshot Detector provides real-time detection and identification of enemy firing. MMI (Man/ Machine Interface) is a very important aspect of the new development. A wide array of sensors, AI and BMS allows the System Operator to manage the tank in a collaborative combat scenario. It is a 62.5T platform, but thanks to 1500hp powerful MTU 883 EPP engine achieved a smooth mobility. The digital control allows drive-by-wire, which is a prerequisite for automated driving operations and manned/ unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
EMBT (Photo: KNDS)
How they are changing everything: In all three platforms there are some common features. All are developed to address longstanding beefs in predecessors. They are envisaged to use more powerful gun system with auto-loader. All three emphasise on digitisation and cross platform sensor-toshooter links. Situational awareness and multilayer protection are given utmost priority. AbramsX however leave others two behind pioneering the new hybrid power pack.
What they mean for India: India eyes a new generation main battle tank which will be equipped with next generation armaments, advanced situational awareness, dynamic protection, augmented UAV capability, integrated digitisation for seamless communication between other friendly manned and unmanned platforms and an excellent mobilisation. These TD can disseminate essential assessment for India’s own development of the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV). These platforms will go through several new modifications in coming years, especially the EMBT which likely to be the basis of Franco-German future MGCS. There are many things to learn and moreover to be concerned of possible shortcomings in apparently shiny whistles and bells. Evolution of the revolutionary technology for indigenous means has been started. It’s time India kept pace with the new era.
Article by Sankalan Chattopadhyay (Twitter @vinoddx9)