EuroPULS is seen here integrated onto the rear of an IDV Trakker cross-country truck with stabiliser jacks deployed and launcher traversed left. (Photo: KNDS-Germany)
KNDS pitches EuroPULS for German Army rocket requirement
The German Army currently deploys the M270 Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) with a bespoke European Fire Control System (EFCS) and is looking to increase its long-range indirect fire capability. One new option is now confirmed to be on the table.
The German Army is looking at a number of alternatives including more upgraded M270s, the Lockheed Martin M142 HIMARS and bids from Rheinmetall and KNDS-Germany... Continues below
This analysis article originally appeared in August's Decisive Edge Land Warfare Newsletter.
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The latter has confirmed to Shephard that it is offering the EuroPULS (European Precise & Universal Launching System), by modifying the PULS design ordered by the Netherlands (an Elbit contract) to the requirements of Germany.
EuroPULS can potentially be integrated onto a variety of platforms including the BAE Systems Hagglunds CV90 IFV, or IDV 8x8, Scania 8x8 and Tatra 6x6 truck chassis, with these having an onboard crane to the cab rear for rapid resupply.
All of these would have two pods of rockets (compared to HIMARS which can only carry one), and KNDS-Germany would establish a European production base for the launcher and rockets.
PULS has already been selected by the Danish Army with eight systems ordered to compliment its Elbit ATMOS 155mm/52cal SP artillery systems ordered to replace 19 Nexter CAESAR howitzers already passed onto Ukraine. The Netherlands has ordered 20 PULS while Spain is to receive 12.
A representation of a EuroPULS fire mission with the rockets being an artist’s impression. (Photo: KNDS-Germany)
The three main effectors offered are the Elbit Accular 122mm rocket which has a maximum range of up to 35km and comes in pods of 18, Elbit Extra in pods of four with a maximum range of up to 150km and the Elbit Predator Hawk in pods of two with a maximum range of up to 300km.
All of these are guided for precision effect with a claimed accuracy of 10m CEP with some also having different warhead options. For example the Extra can accept a controlled fragmentation or a penetration warhead.
According to KNDS-Germany, a maximum of 12 rockets can be fired in 60 seconds and the launcher would then redeploy to avoid counter-battery fire and be resupplied for another fire mission.
EuroPULS will have a Modular FCS being able to launch the Elbit SkyStriker, Diehl rockets carrying anti-tank mines, Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile with a maximum range of up to 250km and the MBDA Germany Joint Fire Support – Missile (JFS-M) with a range of up to 500km.
The latter is in its early stages of development and propulsion consists of a booster and a turbojet engine giving a maximum speed of up to Mach 0.9. Payload would be a multi-effector or scaleable warhead.
When mounted on an 8x8 cross-country truck, EuroPULS’ gross vehicle weight would be around 35t with a 500hp diesel giving a maximum road speed of 90km/h and a road range of 700km.
The wheeled platform will be supplied with four hydraulic stabilisers, two each side, which would be deployed before launch. All of the wheeled platforms would have a well-protected forward-control cab.
One question unanswered in all of this is that the increasing range of tube artillery as well as surface-to-surface rockets means that many countries will have to find an overseas range to launch their rockets for peacetime training purposes. Will such access now become part of a bidder’s package?
