The German company Rheinmetall presented a prototype tank KF51-U with a completely unmanned turret and a new set of weapons at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition in Paris 17 June This version of the tank, known as the Concept Uncrewed Turret (CUT), is based on a modified Leopard 2 chassis and is a forward-looking development of Rheinmetall.
The new CUT turret is equipped with Rheinmetall's 130 mm Future Gun System gun with a barrel length of 51 caliber. Ammunition is supplied by an automatic loader from two magazines in the aft part of the turret, providing ammunition for 25 rounds. In addition to the gun, the tank is equipped with a twin 12.7 mm large-caliber machine gun.
Additionally, the turret is equipped with a remote-controlled Main Sensor Slaved Armament (MSSA) commander combat module with a Rheinmetall RMG762 machine gun, which has three barrels to prevent overheating. This module can effectively combat small drones and is equipped with a smoke grenade launcher.
The commander, gunner and other crew members are located in the hull of the tank and have access to day and night optics with built-in laser rangefinders. The gunner uses advanced SEOSS 400 optics, and the entire tank is integrated with advanced fire control, C4I and other sensor systems, including a meteorological sensor.
The tank can be equipped with an active protection system such as the Active Protection System (APS). from Rheinmetall or Iron Fist as shown on display. It is also possible to use the “m’any” countering threats such as MUSS and ROSY. The reconnaissance capabilities of the machine can be further enhanced with the help of small on-board drones.