| First
unveiled in 2010, the Sphinx
incorporates the best adapted technologies and solutions to fulfil operational
needs within today’s budgetary constraints. Lockheed Martin UK has
been working alongside Panhard to enhance the Sphinx through its proven
turret technology utilised in the UK Warrior and Scout SV programmes.
« Within an aggressive budgetary environment, Panhard has offered
an affordable EBRC solution to the French Army, as it significantly reduces
development costs by putting forward a reliable and qualified asset. A
weight in combat configuration of about 16 tons enables us to offer a
vehicle with a lower procurement cost in comparison with much heavier
conventional solutions. In line with the 2012 Lancaster Treaty on Anglo-French
cooperation, we have been working in collaboration with Lockheed Martin
in the United Kingdom to further develop the shared programmes,”
Christian Mons, Chairman and CEO said. |
The
advantages of Sphinx
include reduced weight; maturity; and the pedigree of Panhard, renowned
for its know-how in the design and manufacture of light armoured wheeled
vehicles.
Marc Chassillan, Panhard Marketing VP, reminds us of the purposes of this
project: “All things considered, procurement cost and operational
maintenance cost for an armoured vehicle are proportionate to its weight.
By developing a sixteen-ton armoured vehicle in combat configuration,
Panhard was able to address these issues. Regarding costs, it puts the
Sphinx 30 % lower than conventional projects, and it increased twofold
the A400Mdeployment factor, as it will be possible to load a couple of
vehicles in the bay of the future European tactical cargo aircraft. These
are critical arguments for the French Army.”
The Lockheed Martin turret already includes numerous technologies mastered
by renowned French manufacturers. The CTA 40 weapon system and its associated
munitions will be delivered by CTAI – the common subsidiary of Nexter
Systems and BAE - located in Bourges. Optronics and sights are provided
by Thales. ATGMs will be of the MMP type currently being competed.
“The Lockheed Martin turret perfectly meets the French Army’s
requirements. And, together, we are already considering the integration
of future common equipment coming from Scorpion in order to complete the
perfect adequacy of this turret to the French requirements.” Eric
Hervet, Panhard Development Manager added.
Richard Muir, Business Development Director at Lockheed Martin UK highlighted
the advantages of Lockheed Martin UK’s low risk approach.
He commented: “Our EBRC CT40 turret is based on our proven integration
of the CT40 cannon on the UK’s Warrior and Scout programmes. We
take a modular approach to our turret design. That means we get a lot
of commonality and re-use between different solutions, which is particularly
important on critical parts of the design where you don’t want to
reintroduce risk. We’re also able to minimise our design and development
costs.
“Our electronic architecture, which is Defstan compliant, also allows
us to rapidly integrate new mission systems, which is important when there’s
a strong national preference, such as the sighting, ECM, DAS and comms
systems. There is already significant French content, about 50%, in our
current turret and we’re committed to working with the French Ministry
of Defence to deliver the right French industrial solution.”
Panhard also intends the Sphinx
to address well identified export markets: “The size of the chassis
enables us to set other medium-calibre (30-mm or 35-mm) turrets onto it.
Moreover, all 90-mm turrets can be set and we are still considering integrating
a shortrecoil 105-mm gun. Among the other versions, TMUASs (Turret Mortar
Under Armour Systems), and anti-aircraft missile launchers or guns are
also feasible operational layouts. Eventually, the Sphinx will make up
a full family,” Marc Chassillan said.
The Sphinx
will be displayed at the Eurosatory from 11th to 15th June in Villepinte. |
