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2022-07-01

KF51 Panther MBT .. The Game Changer of Future Battlefields

Rheinmetall debuted its new KF51 Panther main battle tank (MBT) at the Eurosatory 2022, calling it a game changer on the battlefields of the future, which sets new standards in all areas – lethality, protection, reconnaissance, networking and mobility. It is the latest member of Rheinmetall’s family of tracked vehicles (KF is short for “Kettenfahrzeug”, i.e., tracked vehicle).

The Panther is a new MBT concept not constrained by yesterday’s technology. It was designed from the ground up to deliver the highest lethality on the battlefield, combined with an integrated survivability concept and connected by a fully digitised NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA) data backbone to enable next-generation operational capabilities and automation.

This enables a reduction in crew size, which paves the way for unmanned turret options and Human-Machine Teaming.

All weapon systems are connected to the commander’s and gunner’s optics and the fire control computer via the fully digitalised NGVA. This enables both a hunter-killer and a killer-killer function and thus instantaneous target engagement – in the future also supported by artificial intelligence (AI).

Superior Firepower

The Future Gun System (FGS), developed by Rheinmetall, enables a 50 per cent longer kill range to be achieved (than 120 mm) with an unrivalled rate of fire due to the autoloader performance.

With its main armament, the 130mm FGS, the KF51 Panther offers superior firepower against all current and foreseeable mechanised targets. Further armament options are available to provide concentrated firepower for long-range strikes and against multiple targets.

The Rheinmetall FGS consists of a smoothbore gun and a fully automatic ammunition handling system. The autoloader holds 20 ready rounds. Compared to current 120 mm systems, the FGS delivers over 50 per cent greater effectiveness at significantly longer ranges of engagement.

The FGS can fire kinetic energy (KE) rounds as well as programmable airburst ammunition and corresponding practice rounds.

A 12.7 mm coaxial machine gun complements the main weapon. Several options for the integration of remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS) offer flexibility for proximity and drone defence.

The KF51 Panther presented at Eurosatory 2022 was equipped with Rheinmetall’s new “Natter” (adder) RCWS in the 7.62 variant. Integrating a launcher for HERO 120 loitering munition from Rheinmetall’s partner UVision into the turret is equally possible. This enhances the KF51’s ability to strike targets beyond the direct line of sight.

Survivability Concept

The Panther employs a fully integrated, comprehensive, weight-optimised survivability concept. In addition to classic measures, its digital architecture enables on and off-board survivability, with active, reactive and passive protection technologies.

The concept’s most compelling feature is its active protection against KE threats. It increases the level of protection without compromising the weight of the system. The Panther is configured with a pre-shot detection capability, enabling it to strike first.

Rheinmetall’s Top Attack Protection System (TAPS) wards off threats from above, while the fast-acting ROSY smoke/obscurant systems conceal the KF51 from enemy observation. Moreover, its digital NGVA architecture enables integration of additional sensors for detecting launch signatures. Thanks to its pre-shot detection capability, the KF51 can recognise and neutralise threats at an early stage.

Designed to operate in a contested electromagnetic environment, the KF51 is fully hardened against cyber threats.

Innovative Operations

The KF51 Panther features an innovative operating concept. It is designed for a three-person crew: the commander and gunner in the turret and the driver in the chassis, where an additional operator station is available for a weapons and subsystems specialist or for command personnel such as the company commander or battalion commander.

The tank’s architecture enables seamless integration of sensors and effectors both within the platform as well as into a networked “system of systems”. Operation of sensors and weapons can be transferred instantly between crew members. Each operator station can take over the tasks and roles from others, while retaining full functionality.

Thanks to the panoramic Stabilised Electro Optical Sensor System (SEOSS) and main combat aiming device, the commander and gunner are both able to observe and engage targets independently of each other, both day and night, while a stabilised daylight and Infrared (IR) optic with integrated laser rangefinder is available to both.

In addition, via a display in the fighting compartment, the crew has a 360°, round-the-clock view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

Integrated, unmanned aerial reconnaissance systems enhance the crew’s situational awareness in built-up areas and in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. The crew can also conduct reconnaissance under armour protection and share the results with other actors in a networked manner.

Greater Mobility

The KF51 Panther builds on the mobility concept of the Leopard 2. With an operational weight of just 59 tonnes, it delivers far greater mobility than current systems and has a maximum operating range of around 500 kilometres. Without prior preparation, it fits into the AMovP-4L profile, something no other current main battle tank upgrade can do.

Thanks to Rheinmetall’s development approach, users, maintenance specialists, logisticians and procurement experts from all current and future user nations can play an active role in shaping the vehicle’s future.

The company has longstanding experience in establishing global supply chains in order, in cooperation with user nations, to make sure that a large share of production is carried out in-country, thus helping to create and/or preserve sovereign capabilities and capacities.

Future Viability

In developing the KF51, Rheinmetall not only set out to modernise existing main battle tank concepts, but also starting from scratch, it completely reconceived the platform.

The KF51 Panther can be easily updated and equipped with the latest capabilities and functions. It is the first representative of a new generation of combat vehicles. Soon, future innovations will enable environmentally friendly peacetime operations and further optimisation regarding automation and combat effectiveness.

As the turret and weapons control are also provided to the chassis based work stations, future upgrades being planned include unmanned turrets and remotely operated Panthers.

With the Panther, a completely new MBT concept is being brought to life: one that is not limited by considerations of current MBTs. It is designed from the ground up so that it can be easily updated and equipped with the latest capabilities and features. The NGVA modular open-system architecture enables spiral development that can be regularly updated in line with innovation cycles.

Rheinmetall was founded in 1889 as “Rheinische Metallwaaren- und Maschinenbaufabrik Aktiengesellschaft”. Today, as an integrated technology group, Rheinmetall AG, stands for a solid company that operates successfully internationally and is active in various markets with an innovative range of products and services.

Reference Text/Photo:

www.rheinmetall.com

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