Mobile, modular, and scalable, ground-based air defence systems are gaining new importance now that NATO, as well as armed forces of partner countries, are focusing once again on defending national and allied territory and airspace. At Eurosatory 2022, Rheinmetall is displaying its solutions for this area of application.
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Skyranger 30 Boxer 8x8 armoured vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)
On show is a Boxer 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicle configured for an air defence role, topped with the Sykranger 30 turret and an integrated surface-to-air missile launcher. Also on show will be the Skynex air defence system, consisting of a 35mm Mk3 Revolver Gun, Multi Sensor Unit with AESA radar, and a Control Node 1 command centre, with a high-energy laser functioning as a future effector.
Skyranger 30
The Skyranger 30 is a hybrid solution designed to thwart the full range of future airborne threats. Here, the interplay of a 30mm automatic cannon, guided missiles, and in perspective a high-energy laser (the Skyranger 30 HEL variant) results in a mix of effectors unique in this combination.
Teamed with a matching sensor mix, the Skyranger 30 can monitor airspace autonomously, while simultaneously selecting the optimum effector in response to emerging threats.
The Skyranger 30 can protect mobile units on the march or critical stationary infrastructure and facilities from aerial threats. No matter what the initial situation, an appropriate response is always readily available, assuring adherence to legal requirements and the avoidance of collateral damage.
Thanks to its longstanding experience in the field of ground-based air defence and adherence to a clear technical road map for a future laser weapon system, Rheinmetall is able to integrate mechanically and systemically a full range of advanced capabilities into a wheeled or tracked mobile platforms such as the Boxer multipurpose wheeled armoured vehicle (produced in cooperation with industrial partners) or the tracked Lynx KF41 armoured vehicle. Thanks to the highly flexible
Skymaster fire control system and state-of-the-art sensors, the effectors achieve maximum tactical impact.
Featuring a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute, the 30mmx173 KCE revolver gun is the world's top-performing weapon in this calibre. Programmable time delay ammunition enhances the probability of hitting even the smallest aerial targets. The Skyranger 30’s guided missiles increase the system's operational flexibility and maximum range.
