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Planning to improve its urban combat
capabilities, the French Army is testing new concepts under the AZUR
Urban Survivability Functions Demonstration program. Three vehicles
specially modified for AZUR were displayed.
 A GIAT
Leclerc Main Battle Tank, a Renault VAB armored troop carrier
and a Panhard VBL light armored scout. Each vehicle was fitted with a
special AZUR kit designed for field installation within few hours,
requiring no workshop infrastructure. The AZUR kit developed by GIAT
for the Leclerc includes improved firepower, observation and
situational awareness, upgraded protection and survivability, enhanced
C3I and better ergonomics. Collaboration, identification and
situational awareness are maintained by sharing a wireless
communication and networking with all combat elements. All vehicles
are equipped with this wireless network, facilitating direct
collaborative networking between all elements. Each of the vehicles is
also equipped with daylight night/thermal visible combat
identification panels and an
Omni-directional Video Camera (ODR)
developed in Israel by ODF Optronics.
The visible additions of the Leclerc include appliqué side panels and
rear protection slate armor, additional coverage and density of the GALIX close defense systems, through the additional launchers covering
360 deg. (firing smoke, non-lethal ammunition and grenades). Other
enhancements include the protection of all openings, against burning
liquid, securing all explosive materials and strengthening external
mounts, to minimize damage of vandalism by hostile crowd. The tank is
equipped with jettisoned multi-purpose logistics load racks used to
rearm and support dismounted troops under fire. An FNH Arrows Remotely
Controlled Weapon Station mounting 7.62mm machine gun replaces the
commander's pintle mounted machinegun, featuring day/night sighting
and the ability to engage targets near the tank and at high
elevations.
 The VAB troop carrier is equipped with a RAFAEL Mini-Samson day/night
remote controlled weapon station, an ODR panoramic camera, wireless
intercom, multi-purpose removable storage devices, multi-functional
socket extensions and CID panels. The VBL light patrol vehicle AZUR
demonstrator is equipped with white light/IR projector, mounted in
parallel to the machine gun, GALIX close defense systems and
additional firearms which can be reloaded from within the armored
cabin, firing non lethal crowd dispersal munitions.
 A different urban combat application was displayed by Elbit Systems,
demonstrating an array of sensors and weapons, mounted for
demonstration purposes on a Renault VAB 4x4 vehicle. The system's
ensemble included dual-axis stabilized unmanned turret, mounting an
automatic 25mm cannon, a model of the IMI Iron Fist active protection
system, augmented by the infrared sensor Tandir, which can be linked
to the APS or on-board situational display. An Elisra
EJAB IED jammer
is also installed in the vehicle. A new product displayed on the VAB
was the 'omni-vision' multi-sensor assembly, providing a panoramic
view of the vehicle's rear area. Omni-Vision could also be installed
on a UGV, offering continuous hemispheric coverage. Tandir can be
integrated with the Threat Detection System, which detects,
categorizes and localizes laser sources from rangefinders,
designators, beam-riding missiles and IR target illuminators.  |
