Thales Scorpion Automated Mortar Platform presented at IDEX 2015

 
 
Thales at IDEX 2015
 
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IDEX 2015
International Defence Exhibition & Conference

22 - 26 February 2015
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
 
 
 
Thales Scorpion Automated Mortar Platform presented at IDEX 2015
Scorpion, or the Automated Mortar and Rocket Fire Control System (AMRFCS). is a self-contained motorized mortar and rocket application, capable of observation, mortar and rocketlaying. Mounted on a single palletised platform, it fires from the back of a vehicle in less than 15 seconds. This is made possible through ballistic calculations, orientation methods and recoil absorption.
     
Thales Scorpion Automated Mortar Platform presented at IDEX 2015Thales Scorpion on a Polaris Ranger 6x6 at IDEX 2015
     

Scorpion can operate in all weather, and day or night operations. It boasts direct and indirect fire capabilities with high accuracy (pointing and positioning), improved responsiveness and rapid target switching (shoot, shift, shoot). It has a high first round hit probability and is digitally connected to the battlefield.

The Scorpion consist of a Fire Control System (FCS) with a tablet PC, human interface, ballistic calculations, communications and power interface. The FCS is equipped with target engagement software which is customised to client requirements. This provides enhanced flexibility to execute engagements, either at direct targets from the mortar and rocket platform (interchangeable), or indirect targets via reception of fully automated digital target data from the data radio.

An Interface Data Communication Unit (IDCU) which interfaces the Scorpion to the data radio/s. An Observer Sighting System (OSS) with an angle measurement pedestal performs target acquisition and fire direction. The Observer Payload includs Sophie binocular/thermal imager with laser rangefinder, camera, digital magnetic compass (demountable) and GPS. The Inertial Navigation Unit uses strap-down gyroscopes as well as a distance travelled unit. An Integrated GPS gives position and time source.
     
Thales Scorpion Automated Mortar Platform presented at IDEX 2015Zoom on the mortar installed on the Scorpion at IDEX 2015
     

The Motorised Motor and Rocket Platform provides automated tube laying and corrections. 60 mm (standard and long range versions), 81 mm and 82 mm mortar tubes, 107 mm multiple rockets with associated ballistic calculations can be installed on the Scorpion. Data Radio's to provide target and situational data - target pictures can be shared between observer and launcher vehicles via the data radio, or received from other sourcesThe battery pack with split charger uses the vehicle's alternator to charge the Scorpion battery pack.

The system can operate on any vehicle with adaptations such as platform mountings, ammunition, water, fuel, and more.At IDEX 2015, the Scorpion Automated Mortar Weapons Platform is installed on a Polaris Ranger 6x6. See It on the International Golden Group booth 04-C20.