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The Panther KF51 – Rheinmetall’s main battle tank for a new era

One of the main partners of this year's NATO Days in Ostrava & Czech Air Force Days is the German engineering concern Rheinmetall. Among the products of its security and defence division is the most modern main battle tank Panther KF51.

Rheinmetall's Panther KF51 Main Battle Tank (MBT) is destined to be a game changer on the battlefields of the future. The Panther KF51 MBT sets new standards and was designed from the ground up to deliver the highest lethality on the battlefield, combined with an integrated survivability concept and connected by a fully digitised NGVA data backbone to enable next-generation operational capabilities and automation.  

Lethality: The Panther fulfils the core capability of “dominate and destroy”. With the Rheinmetall Future Gun System consisting of a 130 mm smoothbore cannon, a fully automated ammunition handling system and the additional armament options of the HERO 120 loitering ammunition, the KF51 has concentrated firepower for long-range strikes in multi-target engagements.

Rarely has the sheer power of a MBT gun been more impressive. The Future Gun System, developed by Rheinmetall, enables a 50 per cent longer kill range to be achieved (compared to an 120 mm cannon) with an unrivalled rate of fire due to the autoloader performance. Alternatively, a 120 mm fully automated cannon is available, which allows a smooth integration into existing national and NATO ammunition supply frameworks. A 12.7 mm co-axial machine gun complements the main gun. Multiple Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) integration options give flexibility in proximity and drone defence. 

Survivability and force protection: The Panther employs a ground-breaking, fully integrated, comprehensive, weight-optimised survivability concept. In addition to classic measures, the vehicle’s digital architecture enables on and off-board survivability, with active, reactive and passive protection technologies. 

The KF51 is configured with a pre-shot detection capability, enabling it to strike first. Threats from above are defeated by the Rheinmetall TAPS (Top Attack Protection System). The ROSY smoke obscurance system is provided as part of the survivability system, which fully integrates with the digitised architecture to allow additional defence measures. The standout survivability feature is undoubtedly the active KE protection, which increases protection levels without affecting the system weight. As a system designed to operate in a contested electromagnetic spectrum, the Panther is fully cyber hardened.  

Mobility: The combat weight of just 59 tonnes provides far greater mobility than current systems. This puts it in a battle-winning weight category and it also fits the tunnel profile AMovP-4L without preparation: a requirement that no current MBT upgrade fulfils. Consequently, the Panther excels in tactical and strategic mobility.  

Commandability: Based on the needs of the crew, we have developed workstations that are unmatched in their integration. 

The KF51 is designed for a crew of three, supporting future force structures with reduced numbers of soldiers. Two crew stations are located in the chassis, with one dedicated to the driver and an optional station dedicated to a company commander, a drone operator or a wingman pilot. 

The fully digitised NGVA architecture allows for seamless sensor and effector integration both within the platform and cross-platform. Sensor and weapon control assignments can be passed between crew members instantly. Each workstation can hand over and take over tasks and roles from others with no reduction of functionality. As the turret and weapons control are also provided to the chassis based work stations, future upgrades being planned include unmanned turrets and remotely operated Panthers. 
 
Sustainability: With the Panther, a completely new MBT family is being brought to life: one that is not limited by considerations of current MBTs. It is designed from the ground up so that it can be easily updated and equipped with the latest capabilities and features. The NGVA modular open-system architecture enables spiral development that can be regularly updated in line with innovation cycles. 

Main battle tank expertise: Rheinmetall has extensive expertise in the field of main battle tanks ranging from the mobility platform, electronics, protection sytems, as well as weaponry and ammunition. The joint venture Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) is currently carrying out the Challenger 2 life extension program for the British Army. Furthermore, under the German government’s “Ringtausch” programme, Rheinmetall is currently refurbishing Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 main battle tanks. The “Ringtausch” is a multilateral equipment exchange programme designed to support Ukraine’s war effort in the face of Russian aggression. In cooperation with Germany’s European neighbours and NATO partners, Soviet-era heavy equipment is being transferred to Ukraine in exchange for surplus Westernmade systems. Rheinmetall is taking part in various “Ringtausch” exchanges involving the armed forces of Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia.  

See you at
23^rd NATO Days in Ostrava & 14^th Czech Air Force Days!