GDELS presents for the first time DONAR, the PIRANHA III HIGH PROTECTION and Modern Bridge Systems at EUROSATORY 2008

GDELS presents for the first time DONAR, the PIRANHA III HIGH PROTECTION and Modern Bridge Systems at EUROSATORY 2008 (NSI News Source Info) September 7, 2008: General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) will display for the first time during the EUROSATORY trade show in Paris (16th20th June, 2008) three new vehicle systems: DONAR, a new generation, air deployable (less than 32 tons), autonomous and remotely operated 155mm artillery system jointly developed with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), the PIRANHA III HIGH PROTECTION vehicle (the PIRANHA is no prototype) and the RAPIDLY EMPLACED BRIDGE SYSTEM (REBS). DONAR provides capabilities that will change conventional artillery doctrine because not only does it reduce crew and logistics requirements, but also provides for autonomous operations. The system is targeted to replace legacy systems (e.g., M109, AS90, K9, etc.) in service with modern armies. The DONAR is a joint European technology program of General Dynamics European Land Systems and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann that utilizes specific resources and shared skills between the companies, creating true value for European and international defense forces. The joint effort also follows the growing European trend towards enhanced multinational industry cooperation in the land systems sector. The system addresses the growing need for precise indirect fire capabilities that can augment or even replace close-air-support operations previously conducted by costly fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft (Press Conference, GDELS booth No.P030 Tuesday 11.00 hours).

The Piranha III has been ordered by Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Spain and Switzerland.

The PIRANHA III HIGH PROTECTION version provides excellent ballistic and mine protection levels for this vehicle class, while still maintaining a great payload and outstanding mobility in all terrains. The active protection system, type LEDS enhances in addition the survivability of the vehicle against omni-directional threats from symmetrical warfare, such as laser targeting, guided and unguided Rocket Propelled Grenades as well as different kinds of stand-off defeat (Press Conference Update Piranha Family, GDELS booth No. P030 Monday 14.00 hours). REBS is a light air-transportable bridge system for mechanized forces and provides crossing capability for vehicles up to MLC50 for dry and wet gaps up to 13 m (43 ft). Transport, launch and recovery is possible from any 10-15 tons PLS truck through a self-powered Bridge Adaptor Pallet. The launching and retrieving procedure itself needs less than 10 minutes. This bridge system has been designed for use by highly mobile mechanized infantry forces. It was successfully tested by the US Army, received Type Classification and Full Material Release in April 2007 and has already been successfully fielded to the first operational units of the US Army. The REB (RAPIDLY EMPLACED BRIDGE) shown is integrated on a wheeled armored vehicle (PIRANHA III) with the newly developed ADAPTABLE BRIDGE LAUNCHING KIT (ABLK), which enables mechanized infantry forces to operate the bridge under armor protection, without losing its fighting capability. (Press Conference GDELS booth No.P030 Wednesday 10.00 hours). GDELS will display also other products (Booth No. P030 in the exhibition hall of the Parc des Exposition Paris-Nord in Villepinte, north of Paris city center) such as: **the PIRANHA Evolution 8x8 (Selected for the British FRES UV Program) armed with the Rheinmetall LANCE 30 mm modular turret system **the M3 amphibious bridging and ferrying equipment which provides crossing capability for heavy combat vehicles with payloads of up to MLC85 (Tracked) and MLC132 (Wheeled) **the PANDUR II 6x6 equipped with a 12.7 mm KONGSBERG PROTECTOR remote weapon station, as offered to the Austrian Army **the EAGLE IV, selected by the German Army, in a reconnaissance version with a 10 m mast and sensor suite, equipped with a 12.7 mm BOFORS LEMUR remote weapon station **the DURO IIIP armored personnel transporter with a 12.7 mm KONGSBERG PROTECTOR remote weapon station, as selected by the Swiss Army **the ASCOD 2. Its original benefits have been improved, incorporating Battle Field Management, Vetronics, improved protection and the tactical communications system - C4I Bowman. This vehicle will be on display with GD UK as possible candidate for FRES SV. General Dynamics European Land Systems, headquartered in Vienna (Austria.) is a business unit of General Dynamics Corporation, and conducts its business through four European operating units located in Spain, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With more than 3,250 highly skilled technical employees, GDELS companies design, manufacture and deliver Land Combat Systems to global customers, including wheeled, tracked and amphibious vehicles, armaments and munitions.