Rheinmetall has developed a new fire control device for low- and medium-velocity 40mm grenade launchers and shoulder launched rockets, the company announced on 12 October.
The Vingmate MR 500 is a manually-adjusted clip-on aiming system that weighs 11 ounces and incorporates an infrared target marker and illuminator.
The fire control device is powered by a CR123 battery and is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. It has a customisable user interface and is capable of supporting future extended-range munitions and airburst/counter-defilade warheads.
The MR 500 can be used with both standalone and underslung grenade launchers. The system also has the ability to store 32 ballistic tables, two of which can be selected using a dedicated switch. It can communicate with Rheinmetall's rifle-mounted TAC-Ray clip-on laser rangefinder.
According to the company, the device meets the current and future requirements for the US Army's M320 40mm grenade launcher module.
If all goes to plan, initial delivery of the selected vehicle could take place in 2029/2030 with final delivery in 2031/2032. The Bv206 were supplied to Canada many years ago and are in urgent need of replacement. More than 11,000 Bv206 were built for worldwide sale.
The One-Way Effector (OWE) is a ground-launched missile or drome designed to act as a swarm to overwhelm air defence systems. It was displayed for the first time in Paris this week.
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.
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
Connect with us on socials
