Main Battle Tank Weapon Stabilization: The Next Generation

Efficient and reliable weapon aiming and stabilization systems for combat vehicles such as the Puma, the Leopard 2 or the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer are an essential factor for superior command and control in combat missions on the ground. The weapon stabilization technology for these three combat systems originates from the development of the mechatronics manufacturer VINCORION. The company is now presenting the next generation of stabilization systems: the GTdrive Modular.

Most combat systems feature customized turret and weapon stabilization systems, each designed specifically for that platform. These solutions impress with their accuracy of fit, but at the same time also cause undesirable side effects. Especially when modernizing existing systems, the high degree of customization can lead to an increase in complexity and costs. In view of continuously growing customer demands such as the shortest possible development times, low costs and system availability over several decades as well as increasing energy requirements due to additional integrated functions, VINCORION has therefore decided on a new approach.

The developers' claim: A turret and weapon stabilization that can be quickly and easily integrated into various target platforms, that minimizes technical risks and is flexible enough to be continuously adapted to market trends, and that offers manufacturers and users alike cost advantages across the board product life cycle offers. For this purpose, state-of-the-art technologies are to be used and at the same time the complexity of the system is to be reduced - in short: squaring the circle.

GTdrive Modular: Innovative platform with proven components

The answer that VINCORION provides is called GTdrive Modular. Behind this is a kind of modular system that enables individual solutions that enable a particularly high degree of flexibility both in product design and in the manufacturing process. GTdrive Modular is an in-house development by VINCORION that combines hardware and software for modular control units with scalable power electronics and gyros. Together with high-performance vertical and horizontal straightening drives, which are also developed by VINCORION, this can be precisely integrated into different system architectures as a platform-specific assembly.

The intelligent modules are internally networked via a real-time system bus, thus enabling easy configuration. The integration into the vehicles
from different manufacturers is ensured by easy-to-configure interfaces. The individual modules can be individually adapted to the available installation space - and in this way ensure a high degree of individualization. Standard components such as sensors or controls can also be easily integrated. Safety is guaranteed in accordance with DIN EN 61508.

State-of-the-art technologies and proactive obsolescence management

For the development of the GTdrive Modular, the mechatronics manufacturer VINCORION uses its many years of experience with stabilization systems for different platforms. In addition to the technological development, a comprehensive MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) approach is also part of the overall concept. This enables the system to be repaired and further developed over the entire product life cycle. In addition, the manufacturer avoids unexpected provision and delivery problems as well as unforeseen cost increases through proactive obsolescence management.

Ready for combat systems of the future

"The GTdrive Modular allows individual solutions that combine highly developed technologies and comprehensive lifecycle management and at the same time ensure cost reductions on all sides," says Dr. Stefan Stenzel, Managing Director of VINCORION. "We are sure that with solutions like these we can make a contribution to the platforms of the future - be it for significant further developments of existing systems or new developments like the MGCS."

The VINCORION brand stands for tailor-made mechatronic solutions for civil and military applications and vehicles in the air, on land and in the water, which the company develops in dialogue with system houses and end customers. The company is part of the Jenoptik technology group and operates three locations in Germany in Altenstadt in Bavaria, in Essen and in Wedel near Hamburg.