Rheinmetall
 
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Rheinmetall Press release ( 16 October 2010)

Rheinmetall and Timoney join forces in the military wheeled vehicle sector
Advanced chassis technology for new all-terrain vehicles from RMMV
 
Wisent 8x8 Rheinmetall Wheeled armoured transport vehicle
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Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RRMV) of Munich has entered a farreaching agreement with Timoney Technology Ltd. of Gibbstown, Ireland, to cooperate in the military logistic and tactical vehicle sector.
Under a license agreement, Timoney Technology will develop and produce independent suspension systems and power trains for all new RMMV vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and independent suspension, including systems with two, three or four axles. Based on the Timoney power train technology in Rheinmetall’s Wisent armoured transport vehicle, the result will be a new, highmobility family of vehicles systematically designed to meet the needs of the military.
“This agreement represents a significant step in strategically positioning RMMV as a leading supplier of military wheeled vehicles”, declares Dr. Gerhard Skoff, a member of RMMV top management. “By partnering with Timoney Technology, we’re able to draw on their superior know-how in the field of advanced chassis technology, which bolsters our bid to occupy a leading position in the global all-terrain military wheeled vehicle market”, adds Dr. Skoff.


Wisent 8x8 Rheinmetall Wheeled armoured transport vehicle
Wisent 8x8 Data Sheet and pictures click here

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Shane O’Neill, the Chief Executive Officer of TTL said “TTL are enormously excited to be closely involved with RMMV and proud that through TTL Ireland can offer such fundamental automotive engineering to RMMV and Germany, the country which invented the motor car and leads the world in this technology since 1885. TTL, by paying close attention to vehicle mission requirements, have produced the right product in the configuration needed by RMMV.”
The new Wisent, an 8x8 all-wheel drive armoured vehicle, is a first example of fruitful cooperation between the two companies. During intensive qualification trials conducted under the Bundeswehr’s GFF 4 procurement programme, the vehicle handled superbly and, thanks to its high-performance chassis, had no problem coping with even the most challenging off-road conditions.
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About Timoney:
Timoney Technology Ltd. is a global leader in the field of vehicle driveline technology and specialises the area of Independent wheel movement Driveline systems, Steering systems, Planetary Drive solutions, Transfer Cases, Drop-Boxes, Vehicl dynamics, Whole Body Vibration Analysis and vehicle design. Timoney serves the Construction, Fire Fighting, Vocational, Military, Mining and unmanned Vehicle markets.
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About Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles:
Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH is a joint venture of Rheinmetall AG and MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG, established at the beginning of 2010. Combining Rheinmetall’s cutting edge defence technology with MAN’s robust automotive engineering, RMMV has quickly emerged as a major systems supplier serving the global market for military wheeled vehicles. The company now offers the world’s armed forces a complete range of protected and unprotected transport, command and mission-specific vehicles.
 
     
 
 
 
 
Rheinmetall
 
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Rheinmetall Press release ( 08 October 2010)

Leopard 2 steals the show in South Africa
 
Leopard 2A4 main battle tank Rheinmetall at AAD 2010 Africa Defense Exhibition
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Marking the African debut of the Leopard 2A4, Rheinmetall Defence of Germany took advantage of Africa Aerospace & Defence 2010 (AAD) in Cape Town to put the world’s finest main battle tank through its paces. Daily live presentations on a special test track proved to be a major draw, with the Leopard 2A4’s excellent mobility in rough terrain clearly impressing the crowd. Rheinmetall has been developing and producing armoured vehicles for over forty years. The Leopard 2 continues to set the global standard for modern main battle tanks, with more than 3,600 in existence, now in service with 16 nations. Although Rheinmetall is not the main contractor for the Leopard 2 MBT, the company has nevertheless played an integral role in its development and production. Moreover, out of a total 2,125 Leopard 2A4 tanks produced, 977 were manufactured entirely by Rheinmetall in Kiel for the German and Dutch armed forces.
By supplying critical subsystems, Rheinmetall contributes decisively to the Leopard’s overall performance. For example, Rheinmetall is responsible for its 120mm smoothbore main armament, still the world’s finest tank gun. This cutting edge weapon is produced under licence in the United States for the M1 Abrams, and is also found in other MBTs.


Leopard 2A4 during the dynamic demonstration at AAD 2010 Africa Defense Exhibition

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The Leopard likewise benefits from Rheinmetall’s globally leading ammunition technology. Developing perfectly harmonized combinations of weapons and associated ammunition families is a longstanding core competence of the Rheinmetall Group, blending system integration expertise with unrivalled kinetics know-how.
Developed and manufactured by Rheinmetall and based on the Leopard, the Büffel/Buffalo 3 armoured recovery vehicle forms an integral part of the Leopard 2 family of land systems. Likewise based on the Leopard 2 chassis, Rheinmetall’s highly versatile Kodiak armoured engineer vehicle underscores the Group’s competence and capabilities as a system builder.

Leopard 2A4 during the dynamic demonstration at AAD 2010 Africa Defense Exhibition
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In the field of C4I and fire control technology, Rheinmetall possesses a unique selling point. Adapted to the individual requirements of the user, it supplies customized solutions that can be integrated into existing higher-echelon command and control systems.
Furthermore, user nations benefit from Rheinmetall’s longstanding experience in maintenance and system support – even during deployed operations. Made-tomeasure logistical concepts guarantee high levels of readiness and reliability for systems in service worldwide. Moreover, the recent integration of MAN’s military truck division means that Rheinmetall now has a tightly woven, comprehensive global service network. Rheinmetall’s logistical philosophy also embraces the use of existing military resources as well as local contractors, thus providing users with maximum strategic independence.
Rheinmetall Denel Munition of South Africa forms an integral part of the Rheinmetall Defence Group. In particular, the integration of the 155mm L52 main armament from the company’s PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer into Denel Land Systems’ outstanding G6 artillery system – earmarked for third-party customers – shows the Rheinmetall is willing and able cooperate successfully with the South African defence industry.
Leopard 2A4 Rheinmetall main battle tank at AAD 2010 Africa Defense Exhibition
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With a view to future combat scenarios, Rheinmetall’s MBT Revolution modular upgrade programme is a coherent concept for adapting the Leopard 2 and other tanks for new missions. In particular, the concept includes a fully digitized turret as well as a 360° protection package capable of withstanding the full array of asymmetric threats. 3rd generation optical sight and reconnaissance technology rounds this compelling performance upgrade suite. Finally, at its Unterlüß competence centre, Rheinmetall boasts the largest proving ground and firing range in Europe. Located near the German Army Armour School in Munster, this sprawling facility gives the company a huge advantage in developing new defence technolog solutions – independently and economically.
During the current Afghanistan mission, the Leopard 2 has performed impressively in the face of asymmetric threats such as landmines and IEDs, saving crewmembers’ lives. Today, there is no denying that main battle tanks will continue to play a decisive role in assuring the combat effectiveness and survivability of friendly forces on future battlefields. For the South African National Defence Forces – currently reviewing possible replacements for the aging Olifant tank – this is likely to be a key consideration.