New Defence Systems Get Unveiled

South Africas Denel Group showed a range of new defence products and systems for the first time at Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD2008) that took place in Cape Town last week.>> Following is a brief outline of each of the systems for which more detailed information is available in the form of individual news releases with photographs.>> 1. Denel Land Systems: 60mm Breech Loading Long-Range Mortar> As part of its development of the New Generation Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) for the South African Army, Denel Land Systems (DLS) unveiled its unique 60mm breech-loading long-range mortar system, designated M10-BLLR, at AAD2008.>> The Badger ICV, based on the Patria platform, was also on display at the show.>> The new M10 BLLR utilises the ballistic system of the renowned and proven of the DLS M6 long-range mortar.>> The M10 mortar system with a range of 6000m (at sea level) is a world-first for this kind of weapon. It is also unique in respect of elevation: from -5 to +70, which allows it to be employed in a direct fire application.>> An important advantage is that it can launch most types of standard 60mm mortar bombs, although it was designed for Denels own long-range mortar bombs. It also features a load-assist mechanism.>> 2. GI-30: 30mm CamGun> Also part of the development contract for South Africas new generation infantry combat vehicle, Denel Land Systems (DLS) publicly showed its GI-30: 30mm CamGun for the first time.>> The unique GI-30 is an externally driven electro-mechanical cannon, utilising a drum-cam to cycle the breech to chamber rounds and extract spent cartridges. This results in minimising gasses in the confines of a turret and facilitate controlled firing rate. DLS designed the GI-30 to fire link-less 30mm x 173 ammunition through a dual feeder a world-first for this kind of weapon.