The "Infantryman of the Future" program as one of the most complex and leading programs worldwide for the infantry section and individual soldier and already proven on a daily basis within the scope of the Federal German Armed Forces’ missions abroad. Mission oriented further development is thus the next logical step.

Firms and Fields of Tasks

The contract for implementation of the continued program IdZ-ES was awarded to Messrs. Rheinmetall-Defence-Electronics (RDE) from Bremen as main contractors. In its function as subsystem leaders for the "Armament/Optronics" field, in addition to their actual weapon specific tasks, Heckler & Koch coordinates the activities of the firms involved in this component with the following areas of responsibility:

 
Technical Basic Requirements

For all components to be developed, in addition to optimum optronic performance parameters, the following overall requirements are made: minimum energy consumption and optimum energy management.

Basic Weapons

The current projects in the optronic field are all based on the Heckler & Koch weapon models already introduced within the scope of the IdZ: G36 A2 Assault Rifle - Cal. 5.56 mm x 45; AG36 Add on Grenade Launcher - Cal. 40 mm x 46; MG4 Machine Gun - Cal. 5.56 mm x 45; G82 A1 Long Range Rifle - Cal. 12.7 mm x 99; PzF3 Panzerfaust 3 Antitank Rocket Launcher.

The MP7 A1 Submachine gun in calibre 4.6 mm x 30, as part of the IdZ Program, will not be dealt with within the scope of the IdZ –ES planning phase as there is no need for operative action here for the time being.

Contrary to the G36 A1 Standard version, the G36 A2 assault rifle has the Hensoldt RSA red dot sight, capable of being disassembled by the user, above the 3 Power telescopic sight. The so called "IdZ–ES" completion kit for the G36 additionally includes an aluminium handguard with three picatinny rails as well as an assault grip with integrated switch for the already adopted laser light module from Messrs. Oerlikon-Contraves.

Main Points and Approaches for the Solution

All optronics are to transmit target data determined and video pictures (thermal imagery) with aiming marks (only thermal imagery aiming unit) to the soldier's C4I equipment in real time without the use of any cables. Software updates are to be possible via the IdZ basis station.

Video Sight (VV)

The new Video Sight will be adaptable to the weapons G36 (with AG36), PzF3 and MG4, with the possibility of integration of, for example, the power supply unit or operating elements into the weapons themselves having to be examined.

It has to be fully suitable for night fighting without the use of any additional attachments. It is to include thermal imagery technology and is to enable target data (range/angle) to be determined. In doing so direct and indirect aiming is to be possible in connection with the IdZ helmet mounted sight.

Thermal Imagery Aiming Unit (WBZG) and Thermal Imagery Observation Unit (WBBG)

Above all with battlefield scenarios taking place at dusk, night or in fog, thermal imagery technology is the key to superiority in a fire fight; this auxiliary capability enables reconnaissance and action independently of atmospheric conditions. The thermal imagery aiming unit WBZG is to enable determination of target data (range and angle) up to ranges of 1500 meters.

The cooled WBZG technology is to enable its use on the G82 A1 at ranges up to 1500 meters with fire control software for calibres 12.7 mm x 99, 5.56mm x 45, 25 mm x 40 and 40 mm x 46 having to be integrated. Whereas the WBZG with cooled infrared sensor is intended for use with the G82 A1, the WBBG is a pure observation unit with a cooled WBG-sensor and additional daylight channel.

Upgrading Options

With respect to the AG36 A1, the following options are to be examined for upgrading:

> Use of upgraded ammunition provides possibilities of adaptation to new calibres such as 40 mm x 46 MV ("Medium Velocity") as an upgraded variant of the 40 mm x 46 LV ("Low Velocity") cartridge with identical cartridge dimensions and/or timing possibilities ("Air burst") of the 40 mm x 46 LV, if required 40 mm x 46 MV or 25 x 40 cartridges respectively.

> Mechatronic interfaces G36/AG36 for transmission of data and/or energy for fire control resp. timing.

> On the ammunition side, in order to gain battlefield data in real time, a camera based so called 'reconnaissance shell' is to be developed, intended to be fired from the AG36 like a 40 mm x 46 cartridge.  The objective is visual battlefield reconnaissance up to a distance of 600 meters.

In addition to the above, the research/trial of possibilities of use of the new US 25 mm x 40 Grenade cartridge is intended as a kind of evaluation component. This type of ammunition has been developed for use in the semiautomatic US XM25 Grenade launcher, where it is intended for operational ranges of up to 700 meters.

Within the scope of the IdZ – ES among others it is to be examined to what extent this new calibre on the basis of the AG36 Grenade launcher could be an alternative to the 40 mm x 46 cartridge used so far, particularly for the "effect behind cover up to 1000 meters" scenario. With the AG36, for example, a mere barrel change would thus be possible as an option on the weapon in order to enable the 25 mm x 40 cartridge to be fired. (so called "25mm Module for AG36"). Essential advantages of the new 25 mm x 40 cartridge compared to the 40 mm x 46 are a clearly flatter trajectory, better penetration and a cartridge weight reduced by approx. 30%.