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IDEX 2017: Rheinmetall 120mm ammunition technology remains commensurate to the threat 22102173.
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Army Recognition
IDEX 2017 Official Online Show Daily News Media Partner International Defence Exhibition & Conference 19 - 23 February 2017 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
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Rheinmetall 120mm ammunition at IDEX 2017
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IDEX 2017: Rheinmetall 120mm ammunition technology remains commensurate to the threat
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Rheinmetall Defence developed the 120mm smoothbore main armament that is used in all Leopard 2 tanks – not just the gun but the ammunition as well. Germany’s foremost defence contractor continues to be the specialist of choice for upgrading this main battle tank. Viewing this as an obligation to its customers, Rheinmetall spares no effort to ensure that its 120mm technology remains commensurate to the threat.
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 One part of Rheinmetall's range of 120 mm ammunitions |
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The first potential customers for this approach are Leopard 2 user nations interested in upgrading parts of their fleet with an enhanced-performance L55 barrel. No later than 2018, Rheinmetall intends to roll out an improved version of the 120mm L55 tank gun (working title: L55A1), which, coupled with the latest generation of KE ammunition, will be significantly more effective against modern protection systems. If required, a technically similar solution could be made available for upgrading the standard L44 barrel to L44A1 status.
Besides high-performance kinetic energy rounds, Rheinmetall supplies time-delay tank ammunition. Known as the 120 mm x 570 High Explosive (HE) Temp. DM11, this round is programmed after loading. The system modification necessary for this (a programming kit) can be readily integrated into any armoured fighting vehicle equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun and a modern fire control unit. The ammunition can be used in three different fuse modes: - Impact fuse mode/point detonation, PD); here the warhead detonates in the target medium in order to produce major breaches; - Point detonation with delay, PDwD); in this case the warhead detonates only after penetrating the target envelop; - Programmable airburst mode (AB); here – at a range of up to 5,000 metres – the warhead detonates in front of and above the designated location for maximum effectiveness against area targets, anti-tank positions etc. Referring to it as the “Multi Purpose (MP) DM11”, the US Marine Corps uses the DM11 primarily for engaging unarmoured and semi-hard targets in asymmetric warfare scenarios. The German Bundeswehr has introduced the “120mm HE Temp. DM11” as its new standard HE round. A number of other Leopard 2 user nations are currently taking delivery of initial stocks of the DM11, the world’s most advanced and effective HE ammunition. |