At DSEI 2019 in London, the international defence community will get its first-ever look at Rheinmetall’s new 60mm mortar for infantry and special operators. The RSG60 features innovative design and engineering characteristics which make this indirect fire system very light and easy to handle. A few quick manual adjustments turn the 15.8 kg standard infantry version into a commando mortar weighing just 6.8 kg, with no need for tools. This makes the RSG60 a two-in-one solution. In addition, Rheinmetall has developed an ergonomic new quick-release carrier system for the RSG60, meaning that the weapon is ready for action or transport in a matter of seconds. Together with the carrier system, the infantry version of the RSG60 weighs just 23 kilos.

Depending on the ammunition and charges, the standard version can attain ranges of up 3,200 metres. Equipped with a thirty centimetre-longer barrel, the range increases by around 500 metres. The commando variant of the RSG60 has a range of around 2,000 metres.

About 70 centimetres long, the barrel is made of steel with a carbon fibre over-wrap. This assures the necessary stability at the same time as lower weight, resulting in a barrel that weighs around 30 percent less than a conventional steel mortar. The base plate is made of carbon fibre composite material. The novel design of this indirect fire weapon not only saves space, it can be set up and ready to fire in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, by loosening the retaining bolts, it is possible to separate the RSG60 from the base plate in around thirty seconds, transforming it into lighter-weight commando mortar.

Development of the new mortar began in October 2017 at Rheinmetall Waffe Munition. Rheinmetall’s objective was to augment the Group’s versatile family of 60mm ammunition and existing Rheinmetall Electronics fire control technology with a matching, future-oriented weapon system. Right from the start, development work therefore focused on low weight, speed and ergonomics.

The RSG60 has repeatedly undergone successful test firing.

Arnold Defense, the St. Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, will be unveiling their sensational new high-capacity rocket launcher, the Multiple Launch Hydra System (MLHS) at DSEi London, 10th September 2019. Prior to the MLHS debut, Arnold Defense will also be attending the 27th International Defence Industry Exhibition, MSPO, taking place in Poland, 03-06 September 2019.

The MLHS is a new surface-based, 23-round, 2.75-inch/70mm precision-guided rocket launcher. When coupled with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), the most accurate precision guided weapon in its class, the MLHS is set to transform the surface defence world by delivering a low-cost, high-capacity surgical strike capability.

Whilst the MLHS is a new system, it represents a significant product development of Arnold Defense’s exceptional FLETCHER surface-based, laser-guided rocket launcher. Prior to the development of FLETCHER, the delivery of precision weapons in support of land-forces necessitated the deployment of air or aviation assets; assets that are expensive and not guaranteed to be available when needed. MLHS offers the same organic surface-to-surface precision effect with the versatility and utility demonstrated by FLETCHER, coupled with significant additional delivery capacity. Both systems meet the demands of modern surface-based, asymmetric warfare, optimized for use by both special and conventional forces.

Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense said “It is always great to be exhibiting at DSEi, where we had the privilege to reveal the FLETCHER concept in 2017. This year we take that concept a step further with our newest rocket launcher, the Multiple Launch Hydra System”. He added “Both DSEi and MSPO offer a fabulous opportunity to engage with our European and wider international partners and customer base; where Arnold Defense will be showcasing our continued innovation and dedication to providing only the best weapons systems to today’s modern warfighters”.

• At MSPO, Arnold Defense will be exhibiting the LWL-12, another of their core products, at the Works 11 booth, E 38- E42. Meet the Arnold Defense team on their stand, F-47 in the USA Pavilion.

• Arnold’s unveiling of the MLHS will take place at DSEi, where the system will be mounted on the UNIMOG LTTV on the Jankel Stand N6-350. Their FLETCHER rocket launcher will also be on display on BAE Stand S4-200, S4-240, mounted on the Level Peaks M205 tripod, with Capco mount plate.

www.arnolddefense.com