Czech Pandur II to Be Fitted with Rafael Weapon Stations

Released on Sunday, February 19, 2006

The Czech Republic government has selected Steyr- Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug GmbH of Austria (a part of General Dynamics European Land Combat Systems) as main supplier for its PANDUR II Wheeled Armored Vehicles and has chosen Rafael to equip the vehicles with a complete Land Combat Fighting Suit between 2007-2012. The entire contract amounts to $120 Million.

The fighting suit comprises the RCWS (Remote Control Weapon System) family (RCWS-30 with SPIKE launcher and RCWS-12.7), the SPIKE LR Multi-Purpose-Guided-Missiles (that will be supplied by Eurospike GmbH) and Add-on armor for the PANDUR II.

The RCWS-30 is designed to increase the capability and survivability of a modern armored fighting vehicle. The RCWS-30 includes a 30 mm ATK MK-44 automatic Cannon, a launcher pod for two RAFAEL's SPIKE LR Multi-Purpose-Guided-Missiles and a coaxial 7.62mm General-Purpose Machine Gun.

The system is equipped with a 3rd generation fire control system with observation day and night system compatible with the SPIKE requirements, Stabilization system and an automatic tracker system for fire on the move capability. In addition the RCWS-30 can be enslaved to any external director.

The RCWS-30 was successfully tested and proved its qualities during the tests carried out by the Czech Republic Army on both the Steyr PANDUR II and Patria AMV. The testing program included: testing the integration of the RCWS-30 on the vehicles, crossing open water area, test drives on paved and off-road surfaces, loading and unloading from a C-130 Hercules aircraft. Steyr selected the RAFAEL RCWS family after an extensive internal selection procedure among other weapon station manufacturers.

Rafael has already sold more than 1000 land and naval weapon stations, which in addition to the IDF are being used in the US, England, Australia, Canada and additional countries.

RAFAEL will cooperate with VOP026 and other local companies for local integration and manufacturing parts of the systems in the Czech Republic in line with RAFAEL's business culture for partnerships with local companies on its joint projects.