Retrofit turret concept is a hit

Günter Endres

Tuesday, 17 June, 2008

Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) is presenting a new concept for retrofitting turrets on light and medium-sized tracked or wheeled armoured vehicles. The aim of the system is to improve the lethality and survivability of the combat platform at night and during the day.
The turret is said to substantially improve combat vehicle missions such as observation, engagement (including with guided weapons), precision strikes and reconnaissance. Furthermore, the turret is designed to meet new combat challenges posed by urban settings or mountainous terrain, high-intensity warfare, stabilisation
missions and diverse targets.
The system’s core contains an enhanced sight with a dual-field TV channel, a thermal camera and an ‘eyesafe’ telemetry channel. These same features are present in the company’s new sight, the SAVAN 11, which integrates high-performance, two-axis stabilisation, longrange target identification and ATGM capacity, providing a long-range target engagement and a high first-round hit probability, in all combat conditions.
SAVAN 11 has already achieved success in fire trials on tracked combat vehicles. Due to its extended swivel, it can be aimed at elevated targets in urban warfare or in hilly terrain. A backup sight mechanically attached to the weapon also exists.
Another key strength of the new concept is its increased firepower. In addition to the main weapon, the system has four ATGM missiles on either side of the turret to engage MBTs or neutralise underground hideouts.
A dual-axis sight with a missile guidance system and a thermal camera powerful enough to detect missiles both day and night is used when firing the weapons.
In terms of surveillance and protection, Sagem offers panoramic multi-purpose sights (MPSs) or Pirate platforms on top of the turret. It also offers the EIREL infrared scrambling solution against anti-tank missiles. All three have a modular design and are easy to integrate in the platform and combat system. Its MMIs have also been improved and simplified by providing them with LCDs, ergonomic crosspieces, fewer consoles and easier access to manual controls.
The new solutions capitalise on the company’s advances in such programmes as Leclerc, AMX-10RC, Sagaie, Challenger, PT-91M, BMP-3, VAB and VBCI. Sagem Défense Sécurité is on Stand H070.