The Puma

The German PSM group, the manufacturer of the Puma armoured infantry fighting vehicle is displaying this armored vehicle at the Eurosatory exhibition following a successful series of tests demonstrating the vehicle's performance under extreme climatic conditions. Last year the Puma has undergone hot, dry testing in the UAE 2013), which followed the cold weather testing in Norway in 2012

The German PSM group, the manufacturer of the Puma armoured infantry fighting vehicle is displaying this armored vehicle at the Eurosatory exhibition following a successful series of tests demonstrating the vehicle’s performance under extreme climatic conditions. Last year the Puma has undergone hot, dry testing in the UAE2013), which followed the cold weather testing in Norway in 2012.

The vehicle’s combat performance were also evaluated during live-fire trials conducted in cooperation with experts from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment (BAAINBw) and the German Army.Germany’s new armoured infantry fighting vehicle combines high tactical and strategic mobility with maximum crew protection and massive firepower provided by the 30mm cannon, backed by extensive optronic, target acquisition and fire control systems.

Among the vehicle’s unique attributes are its effective modular protection concept, a remote-control, stabilized turret armed with an ABM capable 30mm automatic cannon, and decoupled running gear with hydro-pneumatic shock absorber elements. The vehicle is powered by the newly developed MTU diesel engine developing 800 kW of power. The vehicle delivered to the Bundeswehr are fitted as ‘network-enabled warfare capabable’, provided with battle management systems and supporting ‘future soldier systems’ and digital communications equipment. In addition to their combat capabilities, the vehicles can also be operated in ‘training mode’, providing an autonomous training platform, functioning as a realistic combat simulator for crew and unit training. Multiple vehicles can also be networked, makes it
possible to connect up to four vehicles in a training formation.

Its fighting compartment offers nine cubic metres of armor protected space, enabling enough room for integration of specific mission equipment kits. These can include mobile tactical operations centres, field ambulances, armoured recovery systems or scouts.

PSM Projekt System & Management GmbH is a 50:50 partnership established by the two German leaders in combat vehicles – Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall. The group was founded specifically to manage the German Puma procurement project on the contractor side.http://defense-update.com/