Following the infantry combat and combat support vehicle, Rheinmetall has introduced a mechanised fire support variant of the LYNX IFV. The variant is called LYNX 120, with the 120mm smoothbore gun derived from the LEOPARD 2 MBT as the main armament.

The vehicle combines a scalable large-calibre turret concept and the 120mm armament with the modular chassis of the LYNX KF 41, writes Rheinmetall.

The company sees the LYNX 120 as a suitable complement for users of the LYNX platform with a balanced mix of firepower, mobility and protection. The modular design of the family concept allows the use of standard components, thus offering weight reduction. The vehicle architecture has been simplified and provides an open ‘plug-and-play’ capability for future upgrades, including protection, while remaining compliant with and potentially compliant with NATO standards, the company emphasises.

The 120mm smoothbore gun is capable of firing the new DM11 programmable multipurpose ammunition. It is complemented by a coaxial machine gun and an independent weapon station for the commander with a .50 calibre machine gun. A 360° camera system with automatic target detection and tracking forns part of the vehicle’s sensor fit

Protection modules are available for protection against ballistic threats, Improvised Explosive Devices, Explosively Formed Penetrators and artillery fire. The LYNX 120 will be the first armoured vehicle to feature Rheinmetall’s Active Defence System as a standard equipment item.

GWH