via circulotrubia.blogspot.com
The German defense minister has announced that by the time the Puma not enter service for the problems identified in the five prototypes built, and are waiting for proposals for improvement of the manufacturers to make a decision.What you read is my Google translation of his articles. I'm really loving the S. American blogs because they're in a style that appeals to me (Asian blogs too), the one problem I have is the translation (if you're a Spanish speaker I'd appreciate a verification on this info).
Apparently main problems are electronic systems and software associated with these, but the weight of the vehicle does not seem to convince the Bundeswehr.
Having said all that it appears that the Puma IFV is in a bit of trouble. A quick google search of the German Ministry of Defense and Army websites met with negative results, but the search continues.
But 5 prototypes and problems with the vehicles electronics? That's bad news all around.
It is only about politics( they have market mentality) ,every new vehicle have preproduction problems, of course such complex equipment like IFV need long term optimisation.
ReplyDeleteReduction of rate of electronic malfunctions and weapons/chassis reliability improvements will be made as a result of testing of first serial batch in real line/field units.
PUMA is the only variant to replace old Marders, HEER have 9 mech inf battalions, i don't think Germans want them turn in to light infantry.
Its not just politcs Puma got bad reviews on the tests ranging from bad accuracy (supposedy due to night sight and electronics mismatch) ,broken suspension due to weight growth,bad crew ergonomics and the list goes on .And Germans unlike US don't look kindly on their defense contractors for shody work there are no cushy jobs waiting for some generals on retirement.
ReplyDeletePorque leer espanol?
ReplyDeleteAccording to German public TV ARD: http://www.tagesschau.de/inland/ruestung122.html
Price for 350 Puma is about €4.3 Billion.
Main "issues" with the Puma are:
- Software/ electronics not stable enough
- Insufficient technical documentation
- Weight issues (just like any recent German Chancellor)
- Restricted driver view
E.g. battlefield network between tank and dismounts doesn’t work as expected.
Other failed projects mentioned:
- Assault rifle G36 (bow and arrow is more accurate)
- RQ-4E EuroHawk
But the Puma is not a complete fail. The intermediate report mentions also:
http://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/bundeswehr-schuetzenpanzer-puma-hat-gravierende-maengel-12623684.html
- High agility
- Consistent turret concept (turret works as expected, fully stabilized, hunter-killer)
The barrel was already improved with additional support (visible at 3:30 in the first video) – additional weight. Also the gear changed from 5 to 6 wheels – also more weight.
The news speaks of “grave deficiencies” while the report just speaks of “deficiencies”
The only grave issue I can see is due to weight and A400M. Software problems are solvable.
This video got some additional information: http://youtu.be/55u9L8LJlRc
- Hull production started in 2009 (so the product will be accepted sometime)
- At 9:42 the empty inside is visible.
- At 11:20 SIAM is mentioned (System Integriertes AusbildungsMittel – System Integrated Trainings Resource)
http://youtu.be/tPH_0u88gP8
The second video gets interesting from 5:20 on, vehicle system and SIAM. Within 30 minutes every Puma can act as simulator. Up to 14 Puma could be connected with Marder or Leopard 2 and also the dismounts could be trained via VR anywhere in the world. I hope the system will always know when to act as simulator and when as tank. What was one of the problems: Software/ electronics not stable enough…
BTW: German Army uses fire teams consisting of 6 soldiers. The space beneath the turret is just occupied by a rack. 2 or 3 additional dismounts are therefore possible.
well, the Puma's biggest problem is that it only carries 6 troops.
ReplyDeleteEven the CV-90 carries 8.
German army standard fire team is 6 troops so this is not a problem at all.
DeleteThe German version is just for six dismounts because six is the size of a German Army fire team as I already mentioned above. Take a look at a short video section here http://youtu.be/55u9L8LJlRc?t=9m43s showing the empty inside of the Puma. Then look at these two pictures:
Delete- http://www.psm-spz.de/index.php?id=fahrgestell&L=1
The space beneath the unmanned turret is not used for dismounts. On the next picture you can see why:
- http://www.rommelkiste.de/Fahrzeuge/Puma/puma8.jpg
There is just a big rack that is just fixed to the ceiling of the vehicle. Throw this rack out and you’ll have at least space for 2 additional dismounts. Behind the driver, left to the gunner is also space for an additional dismount. Therefore I would say:
9 dismount could be carried by Puma.