NEW LOW-COST FUZE WILL GIVE MAJOR ARTILLERY ACCURACY BOOST
08 Sep 2009 | Ref. 160/2009
London, United Kingdom - BAE Systems and JUNGHANS Microtec GmbH are jointly developing a range correcting fuze, to be called the European Correcting Fuze (ECF).
ECF will give greater accuracy by deploying spoilers to aerodynamically compensate for inaccuracies in range, the main source of dispersion. Range dispersion will be less than 40 metres at all ranges, compared with a typical dispersion of around 300-400 metres at maximum range for non-corrected rounds. This improved accuracy reduces collateral damage and costs, as fewer rounds are required to engage any given target.
ECF is a ‘screw-in’ replacement for conventional fuzes. It will use in-service fuze technology to minimise costs and package the extra hardware into the same space envelope as existing fuzes to give a ballistic match. It will be fully compatible with all 105mm and 155mm conventional artillery ammunition with medium fuze intrusion in accordance with common military standards.
Two parts of BAE Systems’ Global Combat Systems organisation are involved: its UK-based Munitions business and the Swedish part of its Weapons business (formerly Bofors).
“This industry collaboration combines both companies’ technical expertise, experience and systems knowledge, and therefore offers a low-risk, high-performance, high-reliability and cost-effective design solution,” said BAE Systems Global Combat Systems managing director David Allott.
JUNGHANS Microtec CEO Dr Gerhard Nowicki added: “Its international nature enables us to be responsive to different customers’ system integration requirements, and by maximising market opportunities provides the potential of delivering cost benefits through economies of scale. “
The companies are currently conducting a comprehensive technical evaluation, and subject to customer qualification requirements, will be in a position to commence series manufacture in 2012.
About JUNGHANS Microtec
JUNGHANS Microtec, located in Germany and France, has established its world-wide reputation upon supplying high quality, high performance precision fuzes providing unrivalled standards of safety and reliability. Investing in leading edge electronic and mechanical technologies, the company is fully responsive to individual customer requirements; offering a comprehensive range of fuzes for artillery, mortar, tank, medium calibre and anti-tank ammunition, together with a flexible range of safety and arming devices. Junghans is able to leverage its recent knowledge in developing, qualifying and delivering the British Army’s new Artillery Fuzing System (AFS).
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Mike Sweeney, BAE Systems
Tel: 0780 171 6452
mike.sweeney2@baesystems.com
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
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