The German sensor supplier Hensoldt can look forward to a major order worth almost one billion euros. The client is General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). In October
The contract includes development and pre-series vehicles as well as two production batches running until 2032. The first batch of equipment was ordered for 274 vehicles, with further options for additional systems planned. In addition to supplying hardware and software, Hensoldt is also providing a logistical support package – including training, documentation, spare parts supply and long-term system support.
“In the age of networked operations, data is the new ammunition. The Luchs 2 thus represents a clear paradigm shift: we are developing systems whose capabilities are no longer static, but can be further developed in a software-defined, modular way over the entire life cycle. In this way, we are creating genuine information superiority, increasing the Bundeswehr’s ability to act and at the same time securing Europe’s technological sovereignty,” Oliver Dörre, CEO of Hensoldt AG, is convinced.
Ceretron – the brain of the lynx 2
Ceretron will form the central mission system in the Luchs 2. It integrates the platform’s many different sensors for various spectrums, processes their data in real time and uses it to generate a tactical situation picture in the vehicle. With the help of AI-supported image processing, Ceretron automatically recognizes, identifies and tracks objects and people, providing decision-relevant information directly to the crew and command structures.
Thanks to its NGVA-compliant, software-defined architecture, the mission system is scalable and adaptable: new capabilities, functions and algorithms can be integrated into the vehicle hardware without intervention, thus extending the performance of the system over its entire life cycle. Sensor extensions can be added to the hardware as required and then integrated into the software.
At the same time, Ceretron takes the cognitive burden off the crew by automatically processing, prioritizing and presenting information in an understandable way. The resulting situation picture is available to every user on the platform in the relevant form – a central principle of software-defined defense and a significant advantage for fast, reliable decisions during operations.
A broad sensor portfolio will be integrated into Ceretron in the Bundeswehr’s new reconnaissance vehicle. This enables consistent end-to-end data management and an unprecedented depth of automated sensor fusion.
BAA IV – reconnaissance with a wide reach
The multispectral observation and reconnaissance system is capable of integrating a short-wave infrared camera (SWIR) for optimum visibility in poor weather conditions in addition to the combined thermal imaging and daylight sensor technology with laser rangefinder and target illuminator.
SETAS – All-round visibility and protection in real time
The See Through Armor System (SETAS) offers 360-degree all-round visibility by day and night. The crew remains protected in the vehicle while keeping an eye on the surroundings at all times. SETAS detects threats at an early stage in real time.
Erster in Polen gefertigter AW149 an die Streitkräfte übergeben
The mission system also includes a Radio Direction Finder (RDF), a laser warning system and acoustic sensors that detect and localize some of the corresponding signals so that the crew is not only warned immediately, but can also react optimally.
Christina Canitz, Head of Optronics Division at Hensoldt, says: “For the Luchs 2, we are bundling our optronic and sensory core capabilities into a powerful overall system. It is crucial that the crew can see, recognize and make safe decisions under all conditions. With this broad capability profile, we are creating clear operational added value for the Bundeswehr’s reconnaissance forces.”
MDOcore – backbone of the Multi Domain Missions
Ceretron can be seamlessly integrated into Hensoldt’s new MDOcore multi-domain software suite and transfer the data and situational information to make it available at higher user levels. MDOcore is a software-centric integration framework that networks sensors, effectors and cognitive systems across all domains – land, air, sea, cyber and space – and weapon systems, thus forming the technological backbone of future networked defense architectures.
Here for more Hensoldt news and here to further news from General Dynamics European Land Systems.
