GENERAL   EQUIPMENT   INC.                    

1. DESCRIPTIÓN OF THE PROPOSED SYSTEMS

The GEPARD Anti Aircraft Tank is from German origin and is part of the LEOPARD family. This means that its hull is basically the same that the LEOPARD 1 tank hull. The very high commonality with the Leopard 1 tank, which is still in service in numerous armies, ensures an easy and cost effective access to spare parts supply for the hull systems, sub-systems and spares. The proposed vehicles have been in service since their manufacturing (between 1978 and 1980) till mid 90’s. After the have been retired from service they have been cocooned and kept in optimal conditions to guarantee an easy return to service. stock available is 48 units (out of which 44 are complete) of the GEPARD systems together with the complete logistic system (spares, tools, maintenance and repair equipments, ammunition stock, technical documentation, etc…) which were kept by a European  Army in order to guarantee the operability of this weapon system. These vehicles can be offered either in their current condition (complete, no guarantee), or with one year guarantee after a complete overhaul process. We can also offer an upgrade in order to replace the obsolete analogic ballistic computer by a modern state-of-the art digital system.

2. TECHNICAL CHARACTERÍSTICS

1. General

2. Radar system

Two independent Doppler radars(search and tracking)

- The radars work simultaneously and at 360°
- The radars will work even if there is a lot of electronic noise or in ECM (Electronic countermeasures) conditions
- The radars are fitted with a built-in (continuous) tests system
- Modular, compact and robust design

2.1. Search radar

3. Ballistic Computer

Currently analogue computer with the following performances

4. Periscopes Monocular

5. Turret / Gun drive

6. Weapons and ammunition

3. OPERATIONAL PROFILE

During recent conflicts, air superiority has become a factor each day more decisive during combats. Today, armies with modern vehicles but without mobile air defense are totally unprotected against attacks from aircrafts or combat helicopters Only a mobile system, permanently active and with a very short reaction time can Project against these threats. The GEPARD has been developed specifically for this type of missions, using two 35 mm guns controlled by a ballistic computer and connected to two radars. Usually, the Anti Aircraft systems are assigned to the following missions :

- Engage airships at low or medium altitude
- Protect a zone were some units (and their equipment) are located against air reconnaissance and air attacks.
- Reduce the enemy air force
- Help to establish an “ air situation ” favourable to its own air force

Therefore it must execute the following tasks:

- Go to combat with the troupes and protect them at the same time
- Protect the tropees in large open areas
- Protect specific equipments and systems (mainly the ones dedicated to Command & Control for air activities) wherever they are located

Although the separation between both is not clearly defined, we can separate these tasks in 2 different type of missions:

- Escort missions

- Static missions

The GEPARD can easily perform both thanks to:

- the high performances of its radar system
- its weapon system with high fire power against airships and tanks, with high accuracy to the computer control based on the information received from the radars.
- Its permanent operability
- Its rapid reaction time
- Its high mobility, identical to LEOPARD tank
- Its ability to be operated either static or in movement
- The fact that it is an independent system, having on the same platform all the equipment needed for detection, identification, target acquisition and weapons in order to achieve its missions
- The fact that it stays operative in any weather condition, day or night.

4. TECHNICAL CONCEPT

The concept of the FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM is based on the following requirements:

- Maximal independency in terms of detection, identification, acquisition and tracking,
- Optimal operational and tactical efficiency in any weather condition, day or night,
- High operational availability, due to the simplicity of use, maintenance and repair

Its main components are:

- Search radar
- Tracking Radar
- Optical periscopes
- Ballistic computer
- Electronic systems

Its main auxiliary components are:

- Muzzle velocity measurement system
- Tilt Sensor
- Navigation System
- Command & Control Central Unit
- Radio Equipment

The search radar is a Doppler radar which controls the situation in the air zone within its range (15 km) and inform of the presence of airships in polar coordinates. It can detect mobile or static targets.

The identification is made through an IFF unit. The targets are shown on a screen with identification symbols.

The tracking radar and the periscopes are aligned on the targets based on the distance and the azimuth given by the search radar. The role of the tracking radar is to locate in elevation and automatically follow any target detected by the search radar, and then indicate continuously

o the azimuth angle
o the elevation angle
o the distance

The information regarding the target are transmitted to the ballistic computer in order to be processed. In optical mode, these data (azimuth and elevation) are collected using the commander and gunner (stabilized) periscopes, which functions are

- additional identification of the target
- define the azimuth and elevation angles
- Surveillance of the battle field
- Simultaneous radar / periscopes tracking to be able to switch from one to another in case of technical problem (ECM)
- Aim at ground targets