On June 13, 2022, the German Rheinmetall arms concern presented the KF51 Panther main battle tank (Panther) at the Eurosatory in Paris. As reported, the design of the machine is based on the concept of "Leopard 2". At the same time, the model is designed to establish new standards of defeat, protection, intelligence capabilities, networking and mobility. With a working weight of 59 tons, the tank offers much greater mobility than current systems and a range of about 500 km. Thanks to extensive technical means and weapons, it has significantly increased combat power compared to its predecessor.
Armament of the KF51 "Panther"
The main armament of the KF51 "Panther" is a 130-mm advanced gun system (Future Gun System), which, as stated, guarantees excellent firepower against all modern and projected battle tanks. The Future Gun System consists of a 130 mm smoothbore cannon and a fully automatic ammunition supply system (automatic loading device). The ammunition includes 20 rounds in the loaded state. Compared to the current 120-mm systems, the Panther gun system has increased efficiency with a significant increase in firing range. It can fire both ammunition with increased power, and projectiles with programmable air detonation or training shots.
The main weapon system is supplemented with a 12.7 mm twin machine gun. According to the manufacturer, there are several options for integrating remotely controlled weapon stations, including the possibility of close-range defense and anti-UAVS. In addition, a launcher for barrage ammunition can be integrated into the turret, which will allow the Panther to hit targets beyond the line of sight. All weapons systems are fully digitized and connected to the optics of the commander and gunner, as well as to the fire control computer. This guarantees the use of the "hunter-shooter" and "shooter-shooter" functionality and, thus, reduces the reaction time and hitting targets.
Surveillance and reconnaissance
Using panoramic all-round optics or the main battle sight, the commander and the gunner can observe the battlefield both day and night and act independently of each other. Both devices have stabilized digital optics (including infrared) with a built-in laser rangefinder. In addition, the crew has displays that provide a 360-degree circular view from the combat compartment. The picture of the situation is complemented by integrated unmanned reconnaissance complexes. This allows the crew to conduct reconnaissance even under armored protection and share its results with other units.
Manageability and networking.
The crew of the KF51 "Panther" consists of three people. The commander and the gunner are located in the turret, the driver-mechanic – in the chassis housing. There is also a fourth combat post for a specialist in weapons and subsystems or for command personnel, such as a company or battalion commander. According to the manufacturer, the fully digitized system provides seamless integration of sensors and effectors within the platform, as well as their combination with other systems. Sensors and weapons can be controlled by any crew member, which allows each of them to take on the tasks and roles of others without limiting functionality. Since the control of the tower and weapons can also be carried out from the operator's seats in the chassis, variants of the Panther with unmanned towers and even fully remotely controlled vehicles are possible and planned.
Crew member's workplace
Survivability and security
The main battle tankt KF51 "Panther" has a fully integrated, comprehensive and weight-optimized protection concept. Active, reactive and passive protection technologies are used. A special feature is the measures of active protection, which practically do not increase the weight of the tank. The Top Attack Protection System (TAPS) counteracts threats from above, while the ROSY rapid smoke detection system hides the car from the enemy's surveillance means. A fully digital architecture in accordance with NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA) standards also allows the integration of additional sensors for detecting shot signatures. Due to the possibility of their preliminary detection, the Panther is able to open and prevent threats at an early stage. As the main battle tank intended for use in the combat electromagnetic spectrum, it is additionally protected from cyber threats.
The prospects
Reportedly, during the development of the KF51 Panther, Rheinmetall engineers did not limit themselves to updating the previous concept of the main battle tank, but also created a new platform. The machine can be easily upgraded and equipped with the latest features and functionality focused on newly emerging threats. NGVA's modular, open architecture allows for continuous development of a system that is capable of being updated in accordance with innovation cycles. The designers consider the KF51 "Panther" as the first representative of a new family of combat vehicles from Rheinmetall. During the presentation, it was noted that additional innovations will appear in the near future, which will not only ensure the environmentally safe operation of military equipment in peacetime, but also its further optimization in terms of automation and efficiency.
According to the materials of the resource truppendienst.com
