In
2010, Panhard General Defence presented the Sphinx concept for the first
time at the International Defence Exhibition Eurosatory 2010, and since
that time it has kept developing its medium 6x6 armoured vehicle, including
the best adapted technologies and solutions to requirements and to volatile
budgetary constraints. At Eurosatory 2012, Panhard Defence unveils a
new version of its Sphinx vehicle equipped with a Lockheed Martin turret
including numerous technologies mastered by renowned French manufacturers.
The SPHINX, candidate for the EBRC Scorpion (Engin Blindé de
Reconnaissance et de Combat - Armored Machine for Reconnaissance and
Combat) program associates an armored concept platform with high mobility,
thanks to its power to weight ratio greater than 30 hp/t. |
Armament |
The new
Panhard Defence Sphinx is equipped with a Lockheed Martin
turret armed with a 40mm CTA gun. This weapon is developed
by CTA International, a joint project between Nexter (formerly
GIAT) and British Aerospace. The 40mm CTAS is primarily aimed
to equip armoured and reconnaissance vehicles in order to
provide them with the superior fire power of a medium caliber
weapon where normally there would only be the space for smaller
caliber or lower performing larger caliber weapon systems.
Along with the increased fire power afforded these smaller
turrets, the 40mm CTAS is specifically designed for operation
in the modern combat theatre (urban and peace keeping). The
40mm CTAS HE projectiles weigh 1kg, about 1.5x more than the
Super 40 and 2.5x more than the 30mm HEAB: muzzle velocities
are similar at around 1,000 m/s. The APFSDS projectiles for
the two 40mm rounds are launched at about 1,500 m/s, but again
the 40 CTAS is heavier, thereby providing significantly more
muzzle energy than the Super 40 (around 500,000 joules compared
with c.340.000). However, the Super 40, at 44mm diameter,
is significantly slimmer than the 65mm diameter 40 CTAS round,
so a lot more ammo can be carried in the same volume. One
anti-tank guided missile launcher (ATGM) unit is mounted to
each side of the turret. ATGMs will be of the MMP type, developed
by MBDA. A range of four smoke grenade dischargers is mounted
at the right and left front side of the turret.
|
Design
and Protection |
The
layout of the Sphinx is conventional with the driver at the
front, turret in the middle and engine at the rear. The Sphinx
with Lockheed Martin turret is made in order to produce a hull
with outstanding resistance to various threats and designed
with a pronounced V shape. The protection achieved is level
5 for ballistic threats and 3a/3b for mines. Panhard is conducting
extensive studies to optimize the crews protection and, especially,
to limit the blast effect of lEDs by developing, for example,
new absorbent materials, stronger opening parts and innovative
attachment fittings for seats. This research is being conducted
in partnership with other manufacturers and with the support
of DGA, the French Defence procurement agency. To increase armour
protection the Panhard Sphinx can be fitted with add-on armour
as wire cage or other armour kits.
|
Propulsion |
The
Panhard SPHINX uses a 6x6 chassis, motorized by an engine for
which “several solutions were identified” but not
yet formally selected. Mercedes belongs to the serious applicants,
with V12 having a power of 550-600 cv, Steyr is not excluded.
All six wheels are steerable. The vehicle has a power to weight
ratio of 35 hp/tons, offering good off-road mobility and high
acceleration on paved road, reaching a maximum speed of 110
km/h. |
Accessories |
Standard
equipment of the Sphinx Lockheed Martin turret includes stabilized
day/thermal sights incorporating a laser rangefinder for the
commander and gunner, with former being of the panoramic type.
Optronics and sights are provided by Thales. This Sphinx weight
has been carefully optimized to provide a light tank that can
be easily transported by C130 or A400M and optimize logistic
support.
|
|
Specifications |
Back
to top |
Armament |
40
mm gun, tow anti-tank missile launcher
a
|
Country
users |
- |
Designer
Company |
Panhard
Defense
|
Accessories |
day/night
thermal sights, laser rangefinder;, NBC protection
system |
Crew |
3
soldiers |
|
Armor |
Ballistc
protection and mine protection to Level 5 maximum |
Weight |
15,000
to 17,000 kg |
Speed |
110
km/h |
Range |
?
km
a
|
Dimensions |
Lenght,
? m; Width, ? m; Height, ? m |
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