Attica thermal imaging unit selected for Leopard 2
Cassidian Optronics will supply the new Attica thermal imaging unit for the commander’s periscope in the German Army’s Leopard 2 battle tanks under a €7 million contract announced on 22 January. The German procurement authority selected the system as the standard for the commander’s Peri R17 periscope following extensive trials.
According to the company, the Attica thermal imaging device will significantly enhance the tank commander’s ability to acquire targets. With the Peri R17 - also supplied by Cassidian Optronics - the commander is able to supply the gunner with marked targets by day and night, to then be able to acquire other targets without delay. As a result, the acquisition of targets can be separated from their engagement, enabling quicker reactions.
The Attica system has already been selected for the German Army’s Puma armoured infantry fighting vehicle, and its selection for the Leopard 2 will give logistical benefits and a reduction in operating costs.
More from Land Warfare
-
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
-
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.