The Puma is one of two infantry fighting vehicles of the Bundeswehr, scheduled to retire its predecessor, the Marder. This article will document the main design aspects of the Puma.
- History and Service in the Bundeswehr
- Propulsion & Drivetrain
- Protection
- Armaments
- Fire Control System & Electronics
- Sources
Development History
The orgins of the Puma program can be traced back to the underfunded days of the post-Coldwar era.
In 1996 the BWB (Bundeswehr procurement agency) - now renamed BAAINBw - called for a new standard armored platform, designed to replace the Leopard 2, the Gepard, and the Marder.
Out of those requirements came the NGP (New Armored Platform) concept, which was pursued until 1998, when budget cuts ultimately killed the project.
The small remaining funds were allocated to the new NeSpz (New IFV) concept which had been researched until 2002.
One of the main requirements was the option of air transport for the, at the time, new missions like ISAF in Afghanistan.
After the conclusion of the tactical concept the German Ministry of Defence first favored producing a modified CV90 under license, but the german conglomerate PSM (Rheinmetall & KMW holding) offered a contract with a batch of 400 vehicles of their Panther IFV. This was in July 2002.
A few name changes (Panther, Igel, Puma) and 4 years later the first pre-production models were presented in 2006.
Further budget cuts and problems like an unreliable gun stabilisation system delayed the next batch until 2009.
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| Trial Puma next to a Marder 1A3 (2007) |
In the period of 2009 until 2015 the vehicle could have already been put in serial production - But there were many changes and improvements in basically all aspects of the vehicle (protection, mobility, firepower and electronics).
The changes included the integration of MUSS, explosive reactive armor, and an improved BMS.
The changes included the integration of MUSS, explosive reactive armor, and an improved BMS.
The engineers kept improving the vehicle until 2015, when the first serial production Puma was handed over to the German Army.
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| Lieutenant General Korff receiving the symbolic key for the Puma (June 2015, DPA) |
Future Outlook
In April 2020 almost all Pumas of the first batch (350 vehicles) have been delivered.
The MoD has secured funds for a second batch of 210 vehicles.
These are projected to start after the completion of the first batch.
These are projected to start after the completion of the first batch.
All vehicles delivered during or after the Summer of 2020 will come in the Puma S1 configuration with MELLS (SPIKE LR2), upgraded radios, new monitors, and cameras.
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| S1 configuration upgrades |
A further development to a S2 configuration will be designed in the coming years.
It will include the integration of a hardkill active protection system and the TSWA close range defense system.
This upgrade doesn't have apriority, as other vehicles within the Bundeswehr completely lack active protection systems.
It will include the integration of a hardkill active protection system and the TSWA close range defense system.
This upgrade doesn't have apriority, as other vehicles within the Bundeswehr completely lack active protection systems.
Propulsion and Drivetrain
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| Engine being installed |
MTU MT 892 Ka-501
The MT 892 Ka-501 is a modern engine made by MTU Friedrichshafen in Germany.
It was developed as part of the NeSpz program to power the new IFVs. The development started in 2002 and was concluded in 2006, being one of the first parts of the Puma ready for mass production.
Its compact dimensions and light dry weight of 980kg were the perfect fit for the Puma IFV.
This gives it a 25hp/t power to weight ratio at a full combat load.
It was developed as part of the NeSpz program to power the new IFVs. The development started in 2002 and was concluded in 2006, being one of the first parts of the Puma ready for mass production.
Its compact dimensions and light dry weight of 980kg were the perfect fit for the Puma IFV.
This gives it a 25hp/t power to weight ratio at a full combat load.
There is a proposed upgrade, increasing its power to 1340hp.
An upgraded version of the engine called the MT 892 Xa-500 was proposed. This version was meant to increase the power to 1.340 hp from the original 1.100 hp. The upgrade was never realized as the existing solution already met the design requirements.
An upgraded version of the engine called the MT 892 Xa-500 was proposed. This version was meant to increase the power to 1.340 hp from the original 1.100 hp. The upgrade was never realized as the existing solution already met the design requirements.
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| Engine performance |
Renk HSWL 256
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| Renk HSWL 256 |
The Renk HSWL 256 automatic transmission was specifically developed for the Puma IFV and the british AJAX scout vehicle.
It has 6 forward and 6 reverse gears.
The dry weight of the transmission is 1700kg. The complete powerpack with fluids weighs in at a 3.5 tons.
The tranmission has additional features like oil pre-heating and a digital sensor package which allows quick and comprehensive diagnostics of the powerpack.
This makes ascertaining problems in field conditions quick and easy.
It has 6 forward and 6 reverse gears.
The dry weight of the transmission is 1700kg. The complete powerpack with fluids weighs in at a 3.5 tons.
The tranmission has additional features like oil pre-heating and a digital sensor package which allows quick and comprehensive diagnostics of the powerpack.
This makes ascertaining problems in field conditions quick and easy.
Track & Suspension System
The Puma uses a decoupled running gear with a hydropneumatic suspension. This allows vehicle to maintain a constant 450mm of ground clearance, regardless of the weight distribution.
The DLT 464D composite track is supplied by Diehl. It weighs 40% less for a given length than the Leopard 1s track, while offering the same performance on- and off-road.
These features contribute to the comparatively low noise of 95 decibels inside the vehicle at its top speed of 70km/h, which increases crew comfort.
The DLT 464D composite track is supplied by Diehl. It weighs 40% less for a given length than the Leopard 1s track, while offering the same performance on- and off-road.
These features contribute to the comparatively low noise of 95 decibels inside the vehicle at its top speed of 70km/h, which increases crew comfort.
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| Comparison of noise level |
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| About the KMW solution |
Protection
The Puma is often described as one of the best protected IFVs on the planet. When judged by weight the only vehicles which would be comparable are the T-15 Armata and the Namer IFV.
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| 3D render of the Puma armor |
Base Armor of the Puma
In the airportable "A" configuration of 31.5t the Puma is resistant to medium caliber munitions (STANAG 4569 Level 4) and 30mm armor piercing rounds from the frontal Arc.
The combat "C"configuration (43t) raises protection levels up to the STANAG 4569 Level 6 on the side and also gives better protection for the turret.
There were plans for a "B" configuration for train transport as well, but since the "C" configuration met the required STANAG regulations for train loading the "B" concept was made redundant.
The vehicle meets STANAG 4569 Level 4A mine protection levels.
The vehicle is tested the vehicle against a 10kg antitank mine to comply
There were plans for a "B" configuration for train transport as well, but since the "C" configuration met the required STANAG regulations for train loading the "B" concept was made redundant.
The vehicle meets STANAG 4569 Level 4A mine protection levels.
The vehicle is tested the vehicle against a 10kg antitank mine to comply
Front Armor Documentation
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| Space for AMAP-B/SC Composite |
(Note that the uppermost part of the cavity is used for electronics of the powerpack)
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| Stand-off NERA array at high obliquity |
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| Puma UFP armor scheme (Credits: Piotr Zbies) |
The Puma uses AMAP-B and AMAP-SC armor technology to protect against RPGs and 30mm APFSDS munitions. This is armor was originally developed by Ingenieurbüro Deisenroth (IBD) which also made the armor package of the Strv 122.
The highly sloped NERA Glacis armor of the Puma most likely consists of a multi layer array of titanium and aluminium, with a layer of elastic compositions inbetween, rather than conventional rubber like on older NERA designs.
In 1993 IBD Deisenroth had managed to develop a sandwitched NERA array which reduced the penetration of a warhead with 950mm RHA penetration to a mere 20mm.
It is likely that a similar approach was used on the Puma armor, suggested by the given images and the protection requirements.
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| Excerpt of a PEP article from 1993 |
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| 3D Xray render of shaped charge impact on NERA sandwich |
The exact composition and materials are not disclosed, but there is some older footage available on the basic composition.
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| Weight efficiency of protection solutions at Eurosatory 2014 |
As seen in the video, the main component of the armor are ceramics (made with a special hardening process with "nano materials") which have a significantly higher weight efficiency than convential steel (RHA).
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 side armor |
Side Armor Documentation
The side Armor of the production model Puma is comprised of High Hardened Steel (HHS), AMAP and CLARA ERA (outwards).
This protection level ("C" configuration) is enough to be on the frontal protection level, since CLARA on its own can resist 30mm APFSDS. The ERA, together with the AMAP base armor should be able to stop even the most modern shoulder launched threats.
A glimpse on the performance of AMAP armor was given in an image film by the manufacturer,
where a protection test rig was trialed against a RPG-7VLT.
This protection level ("C" configuration) is enough to be on the frontal protection level, since CLARA on its own can resist 30mm APFSDS. The ERA, together with the AMAP base armor should be able to stop even the most modern shoulder launched threats.
A glimpse on the performance of AMAP armor was given in an image film by the manufacturer,
where a protection test rig was trialed against a RPG-7VLT.
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| Test against tandem warhead with 550mm penetration |
The test was successful, the jet did not manage to penetrate the array.
MUSS - Multifunctional Self-Protection System
The MUSS softkill active protection system is a latest generation APS developed by Hensoldt.
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| MUSS components |
The countermeasures include a laser warning receiver, the Jammer Pod which is installed on the top of the turret and the IR smoke dischargers. The sensors and countermeasures are connected by the individual electronic units.
When the system detects a target, the gathered data gets distributed to the countermeasure systems, and immediately sending a warning to the crew of the vehicle.
The second countermeasure is the jamming process which works against wire-guided missiles.
The third option is the discharging of the turnable smoke dispensers which can create a smoke screen within less then a second to disturb missiles which rely on an IR and optical seekers.
The system as a whole is passive and can not be visually tracked nor be detected in the thermal spectrum. It can track and fight multiple threats at the same time. It is also very light, weighing about 100kg.
CLARA - Composite Lightweight Adaptable Reactive Armor
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| Older version of CLARA stopping a PG7V at WTD 91 Meppen in 2006 |
The Pumas' upper hull sides are protected by CLARA explosive reactive armor made by Dynamit Nobel Defence, providing protection against advanced hollow charge munitions.
According to Rolf Hilmes the older and lighter version managed to reduce penetration of the RPG-7V to less than 10mm.
The newer and heaver module is said to be able to stop 30mm munition. The exact HEAT protection is unknown.
The production model Puma uses one row of CLARA, but it has been seen with a 2 row configuration in earlier versions as well.
The development history of CLARA dates back to a requirement of the German Army to introduce a low fragmentation reactive armor.
This was an answer to the vehicle losses in the early ISAF campaigns, where german troops had to rely on badly protected vehicles during patrol missions.
Basic first generation ERA types (e.g. Kontakt-1 or Blazer ERA) with simple metal flyer plates were rejected and deemed unsafe for surrounding infantry.
This led to the first concepts of CLARA which was accepted by the German Army for the Fennek scout car, despite it never being fielded.
Back then a single ERA block weighed only 20kg, which was necessary to be able to fit it onto the light weight Fennek Scout vehicle.
In 2013 the German Army reassessed the Pumas armor protection, and came to the conclusion that there still was a lot of potential in upgrading its armor. This led to the proposal of an altered, and heavier version of the ERA package, now weighing 40kg per block.
It has potential usage for usage on other platforms and was already tested on vehicles like the Leopard 2 or the Boxer.
According to Rolf Hilmes the older and lighter version managed to reduce penetration of the RPG-7V to less than 10mm.
The newer and heaver module is said to be able to stop 30mm munition. The exact HEAT protection is unknown.
The production model Puma uses one row of CLARA, but it has been seen with a 2 row configuration in earlier versions as well.
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| Single ERA block |
This was an answer to the vehicle losses in the early ISAF campaigns, where german troops had to rely on badly protected vehicles during patrol missions.
Basic first generation ERA types (e.g. Kontakt-1 or Blazer ERA) with simple metal flyer plates were rejected and deemed unsafe for surrounding infantry.
This led to the first concepts of CLARA which was accepted by the German Army for the Fennek scout car, despite it never being fielded.
Back then a single ERA block weighed only 20kg, which was necessary to be able to fit it onto the light weight Fennek Scout vehicle.
In 2013 the German Army reassessed the Pumas armor protection, and came to the conclusion that there still was a lot of potential in upgrading its armor. This led to the proposal of an altered, and heavier version of the ERA package, now weighing 40kg per block.
It has potential usage for usage on other platforms and was already tested on vehicles like the Leopard 2 or the Boxer.
Armaments
Main Gun
The main armament of the Puma IFV is the dual feed 30mm Mauser Mk30-2 ABM cannon produced by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition (RMW).
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| Mk30-2 with dual feed |
The barrel is rifled and chromed to enhance its service life. Its small dimensions (3300mm) and low weight of 173kg with a low recoil force of 18kN allows mounting on very small turrets. The nominal rate of fire of the gun is certified at 700 rounds per minute. With the standard munitions the suggested combat range is 3000-4000m. The ammunition capacity on the Puma is 400 rounds.
The main ammunitions (produced by Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec) are the APFSDS-T and ABM / KETF rounds.
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| 30mm x 173 ABM |
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| 30mm x 173 APFSDS-T |
The APFSDS-T is designed to fight light / medium armored vehicles relying on a 235g Tungsten penetrator fired at muzzle velocity of approximately 1400m/s. These metrics give it a NATO certified penetration performance of 53mm against a 60° angled RHA plate at 1000m distance which would translate to a rough 90-100mm against a vertical target.
Coaxial Machine Gun
Currently the Puma uses the 5.56mm MG4 as its coaxial machine gun with 1000 readyrounds and a further 1000 rounds as reserve.
The MG is recommended to be used at ranges up to 1500m.
Munitions in use are the standard BW 5.56mm x 45 bullets: DM11 and DM21 Tracer rounds.
The MG is recommended to be used at ranges up to 1500m.
Munitions in use are the standard BW 5.56mm x 45 bullets: DM11 and DM21 Tracer rounds.
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| Modified MG5 |
MELLS / SPIKE LR ATGM
The missile operates in a F&F (Fire and Forget) mode and attacks the target via top attack. It also has the so called "lock-on after launch" feature.
The missile homes in on its target via an Infrared seeker or electro optical guidance (CCD).
It detonates its 130mm tandem warhead upon impact with penetration being greater than 1000mm of rolled homogenous steel.
The ATGM has a range of up to 5.5km and is also used on the latest Marder IFVs.
Fire Control System & Electronics
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| EOTS II |
Gunner's sight (EOTS II)
The stabilized EOTS II sight uses the Attica 3rd Generation Thermal Imager, a CCD daylight camera with digital zoom and a laser rangefinder.
The system has a distinct operation mode where automated target tracking is possible.
The display has a resolution of 1280x1024 with a FOV of up to 26°.
The elevation range is -15° to +75° enabling the Puma to track and destroy airborne threats.
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| Peri RTWL |
Commander's sight (PERI RTWL-B)
The primary optic for the commander is the PERI RTWL.
It is similar to the PERI R17A3 used on the Leopard 2 MBT.
They both have the ATTICA Thermal Imager with high identification ranges.
It is similar to the PERI R17A3 used on the Leopard 2 MBT.
They both have the ATTICA Thermal Imager with high identification ranges.
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| Attica M-ER |
The sight also features an Autofocus function, a digital zoom and the LDR 38 laser rangefinder also found on the EOTS II sight.
All of the sensor input is shown on a 1280x1024 display.
Both the gunner and commander can access each other's sensor input.
SEM 80/90 is the (rather old) analogue radio used on many german vehicles.
Its range of 17km is insufficent for modern combat scenarios, on top of that it is questionable whether it can resist jamming attacks of newer systems.
It will be replaced by a new SDR (software defined radio) from Rohde & Schwarz.
The digital battlefield communication system SOTAS IP is supplied by Thales.
It enables the IFV to communicate with dismounted units.
dismounts have access to a BMS which can send back information to the IFV.
This has already seen service in Afghanistan, used on the Boxer APC.
All of the sensor input is shown on a 1280x1024 display.
Both the gunner and commander can access each other's sensor input.
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| Locations of the Cameras |
Other Situational Awareness Systems
The Puma relies on a 360° camera system, using over 11 external cameras giving allround vision to its crew.
The cameras used are similar to the SPECTUS system seen on other vehicles as well.
The cameras used are similar to the SPECTUS system seen on other vehicles as well.
TacNet BMS
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| Portable version of TacNet |
Like most modern AFVs the Puma also features a BMS, supplied by Rheinmetall.
The system displays friendly units and allows marking OPFORs and mission goals.
The procurement was part of the larger scale D-LBO program, which aims to make every (digital) communications systems within the german army compatible with the others.
The system displays friendly units and allows marking OPFORs and mission goals.
The procurement was part of the larger scale D-LBO program, which aims to make every (digital) communications systems within the german army compatible with the others.
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| SEM 80/90 & SOTAS IP |
SOTAS IP and SEM 80/90
SEM 80/90 is the (rather old) analogue radio used on many german vehicles.
Its range of 17km is insufficent for modern combat scenarios, on top of that it is questionable whether it can resist jamming attacks of newer systems.
It will be replaced by a new SDR (software defined radio) from Rohde & Schwarz.
The digital battlefield communication system SOTAS IP is supplied by Thales.
It enables the IFV to communicate with dismounted units.
dismounts have access to a BMS which can send back information to the IFV.
This has already seen service in Afghanistan, used on the Boxer APC.
Sources
Web Sources:
- https://www.vffwts.de/artikel/40-jahre-schuetzenpanzer-marder.html
- https://mtu-online-shop.com/print/3232171_MTU_Def_spec_10V890.pdf
- https://www.renk-ag.com/de/produkte-service/produkte/fahrzeuggetriebe/hswl-256/
- http://psm-spz.de/fileadmin/data/Datenblatt_Antrieb_Laufw.pdf
- http://www.psm-spz.de/home.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8RPqJvZX9g
- https://topwar.ru/uploads/posts/2014-10/1412502710_eurosatory-2014-ibd-nanotech_2.jpg
- https://www.hensoldt.net/fileadmin/HENSOLDT_2019/Products/Optronics/Vehicle_Optronics/0746_17_MUSS_brochure_E_intranet.pdf
- https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/de/rheinmetall_defence/systems_and_products/weapons_and_ammunition/direct_fire/medium_calibre/index.php
- https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/de/rheinmetall_defence/systems_and_products/weapons_and_ammunition/direct_fire/mittelkalibermunition/index.php
- http://www.angelopodesta.com/documenti/30mm_x_173_APFSDS-T_PMC_287.pdf
- https://www.eurospike.com/
- https://www.hensoldt.net/products/optronics/#c12320
- https://www.hensoldt.net/fileadmin/HENSOLDT_2019/Products/Optronics/Sensor_Components/0714_SL_0817-9_LDM_Product_Family_EN_LoRes.pdf
- https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/de/rheinmetall_defence/systems_and_products/c4i_systems/command_and_control_system_tacnet/index.php
Literature:
- Newsletter Verteidigung, Special GTK Boxer. 39, 20-21 (2009).
- Hilmes, Rolf. Kampfpanzer heute und morgen: Konzepte - Systeme - Technologien, 90-91 (2007).
- Maclaurin, Bruce. High Speed Off-Road Vehicles: Suspensions, Tracks, Wheels and Dynamics, 44-45 (2018).
- Thoma, K & Vinckier, D. & Kiermeir, J. & Deisenroth, U. & Fucke, W. Shaped Charge Jet Interaction with Highly Effective Passive Systems. Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics. 18, 275 - 281 (1993).
- Demark, R., Groddeck, M. & Ruetz, G. Die neue Dieselmotoren-Baureihe 890 von MTU. MTZ Motortech, 80–86 (2006).
Credits:
- Piotr Zbies (Zadlo) for the Puma UFP armor scheme.
Hey buddy, big fan of what you've done. Any new articles in the pipeline?
ReplyDeleteThere is some new stuff coming soon!
ReplyDeleteHey mate I love your work please post more okay thx xoxo
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks for your work so much! But the link for the APFSDS-T doesnt work anymore...do u have it still?(http://www.angelopodesta.com/documenti/30mm_x_173_APFSDS-T_PMC_287.pdf) Because i would be vvery interested in it. And another thing is that Gaijin didnt accept this article as a reliable source for my bug report...Do you also have some concrete things about it? Thank you and I am not even sure if you will read this(lol). Btw I am german and if u are also german u can also answer in german of course;)
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