Thales Scorpion a new mobile automated mortar weapons platform for African market 2109122

Scorpion is an Automated Mortar and Fire Control System (AMFCS) designed to accommodate the requirements of mobile and Special Forces. The AMFCS is a vehicle-mounted mortar system. It is capable of autonomous engagement of targets (from the back of the vehicle) due to its sensors and mechanical installation.

The sensors are effectively in two areas, those that sense the position and orientation of the vehicle and those used to locate and fixate targets. Position sensing is by inertial means, supplemented with Global Positioning System (GPS) and distance information. Observation sensing is on a mounted pedestal, gives accurate angle measurements and is topped by an optical sensor with laser range finding.

By combining precision positioning with good target data, the fire solution and mortar laying data can easily be computed. The computed values are then used to control the motorised platform to lay the mortar tube accurately. This can be done without relying on external (traditional) survey methods. The system can effectively shoot-and-shift during an engagement, attack again from a different position without the need to survey the new position. The fire solution and mortar laying data updates automatically in the background. This allows the crew to monitor proper target acquisition and observation of landings with adjustments. The AMFCS caters for 60mm (Standard and long range versions) and 81mm mortar tubes, 82mm mortar tubes and associated ballistic calculations.

The payload sensor consists of a Binocular / Thermal Imaging System integrated with a laser Range Finder (LRF), GPS and Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC). The payload can also be utilised as a dismounted standalone sensor for indirect fire modes. Target information can be shared via data radio between observer and launcher vehicles or received from other sources via the data radio. The system is thus capable of operating in both the direct and indirect fire modes.