Innovative HENSOLDT Sensors for Germany’s Luchs 2 Reconnaissance Vehicles
In Germany, HENSOLDT has announced receiving a major contract worth just under one billion euros. The client is General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). Over the next seven years, the company will equip the German Armed Forces’ new-generation (NG) reconnaissance vehicle, LUCHS 2, with cutting-edge sensors and the CERETRON mission system. The order is considered HENSOLDT’s largest single order in this capacity area in its history.
The contract involves development and pre-series vehicles, as well as two production lots with a deadline in 2032. In the first lot, equipment for 274 vehicles have been ordered; there are further options for additional systems.
The Heer’s new reconnaissance vehicle will be based on the latest PIRANHA V 6×6 wheeled variant and will possess amphibious capabilities with rear propellers and a front splash plate. In the German units, it will replace the light 4×4 reconnaissance vehicle, FENNEK.
The LUCHS 2 will be a highly specialized vehicle, setting new standards in terms of autonomy and acoustic and thermal signature. It will be equipped with cutting-edge networked reconnaissance sensors, superior mobility and safety, and will have robust information processing and communication systems.
The vehicles will have a Mk 25 caliber 25×137 mm machine gun from Rheinmetall as their primary weapon, to be purchased through a separate contract.
In addition to hardware and software supply, HENSOLDT provides a full package of logistic support, including training, documentation, supply of spare parts, and long-term system support.
The CERETRON
CERETRON is the central mission system of LUCHS 2. It integrates the platform’s various sensors across different spectrums, processes data in real time, and uses them to generate a consistent tactical picture of the situation inside the vehicle. Thanks to AI-supported image processing, CERETRON detects, identifies and automatically tracks objects and people, thus providing actionable insights for the crew and command structures.
The SETAS
The See-Through Armor System (SETAS) offers 360-degree visibility, day and night. The crew remains protected within the vehicle, while maintaining the ability to monitor the surrounding environment at all times. The SETAS detects threats in real time.
New Multi-Domain MDOcore Software Suite
CERETRON can be seamlessly integrated with HENSOLDT’s new multi-domain MDOcore software suite, transferring data and situational information to make them available at higher user levels. The MDOcore is HENSOLDT’s software-centric integration framework that networks sensors, effectors, and cognitive systems across all domains—land, air, sea, cyber, and space—and weapon systems.
Source: HENSOLDT
Image Credit: @General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS)
