Paris. At the Eurosatory trade show in Paris, the German technology company VINCORION officially presented its new GTD chaser weapon stabilization system as ready for large-scale production.
The stabilization technology GTD chaser ensures that the gun in modern armored vehicles such as the LEOPARD 2 and the Puma always remains precisely aligned with the target, even at high speeds and when moving over rough terrain. The product’s modular design supports innovative system architectures such as the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 presented at the trade show.
“With GTD chaser, the gunner can precisely engage their targets, even under the most difficult conditions – maximizing the probability of a first hit,” said Sascha Brüning, Vice President Business Development and Sales at VINCORION, at the presentation of the system at the trade show in Paris.
Preconfigured Modules for a Wide Range of Applications
The GTD chaser system is based on preconfigured and prequalified components and modules and offers a number of advantages, such as its ability to be adapted to the needs of the user and the configuration of the vehicle. The core components and modules are fully ready for large-scale production – enabling them to be adapted to new vehicles extremely quickly, such as the latest generation of the LEOPARD 2. Those who opt for the system benefit from a future-proof architecture that can be upgraded quickly and cost-effectively at any time. Furthermore, data-based maintenance and optimized obsolescence management also reduce life cycle costs.
“With the GTD chaser electronics and the corresponding innovative drive systems, it is possible to build unmanned turrets for main battle tanks that are extremely powerful, offer enormous safety benefits for the crew, and can fire three shots in just ten seconds thanks to the additional integration of an autoloader,” said Brüning, explaining the possibilities offered by GTD chaser.
Drive System, Stabilization, and Power Electronics
“At VINCORION, we manufacture numerous important components for the LEOPARD 2: the turret and gun drives, the gun’s aiming and stabilization system, and the power electronics,” said Brüning. The generator for the tank’s approximately 1500 hp diesel engine also comes from the company.
VINCORION has acquired important contracts as part of the latest orders for main battle tanks – for example, 54 LEOPARD 2 A8 tanks will be delivered to NATO partner Norway. This will be the first time that GTD chaser stabilization technology is used in large-scale production. Further deliveries for Germany and partner countries are already confirmed in the order pipeline, translating to more than 120 system deliveries over the next three years, accompanied by numerous other options and opportunities on the market.
System Constantly Compensates for Vehicle Movements
The unparalleled precision offered by the electronic and mechanical systems in GTD chaser can only be achieved with a fast-reacting drive motor for the turret and gun, noted Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product Management at VINCORION. Highly complex control technology and software process, interpret, and use the data from the position and movement sensors. According to Zeitler, the precise interaction of sensor technology, data processing, drive electronics, and the drives is crucial: “This allows the large mass of the turret and, in particular, the barrel to be controlled precisely and at maximum speed. The system needs to continuously and directly compensate for vehicle movement and recoil from the shot in order to precisely aim at the target.”
This is achieved by the power electronics that VINCORION supplies for the tanks. “A lot of computing power, sensors, and energy are required to make the tank’s gun turret rotate and the weapon elevate and lower,” noted Zeitler. That is why the company is convinced that it is supplying a gun aiming and stabilization system that can be considered the best in the world. But VINCORION components are not only found in the LEOPARD 2 – VINCORION technology can also be found in the Puma’s electronic and mechanical systems, which enable a firing angle of minus 10 to plus 45 degrees. This also applies to the Panzerhaubitze 2000.
Technical Background: Details of GTD chaser
The GTD chaser product family has a wide range of applications in light and heavy combat vehicles. It includes a variety of drive systems – from spindles to spur gears – for the mechanical interfaces. It is designed to be reliable and cost-optimized over the entire life cycle. “This gives it the edge that our customers value,” explained Zeitler.
The system is optimized for use in a military environment. It is also equipped with a redundant emergency drive that can be operated either mechanically or electrically. Highlighting the advantages of the system, Brüning noted that: “Our product has low life cycle costs. Its extreme reliability and low maintenance requirements reduce TCO.”
“With the new modular GTD chaser system kit, VINCORION is ready for every requirement and challenge related to future aiming and stabilization systems, especially with regard to new developments for main battle tanks from the major OEMs,” emphasized Dennis Hunold, Senior Product Manager. This is also demonstrated by customer KNDS’ upgrade program for the LEOPARD 2 to unmanned turret technology and design.
“The overall concept can only be implemented at all thanks to the use of a revolutionary weapon storage system, suitable drives, and the high-performance electronics from GTD chaser. Weight and size are significantly reduced. The crew is protected in the best possible way, whereby the effectiveness of the main battle tank against targets is maximized,” stressed Hunold.
VINCORION LLC, the US subsidiary of the German company VINCORION, has been awarded two major contracts by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) of the US Army worth up to $67 million.
El Paso, Texas. VINCORION LLC, the US subsidiary of German technology company VINCORION, has signed major five-year framework agreements worth up to $33 million each with the US Army’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The contracts cover the maintenance of the Patriot missile defense system’s generator systems to guarantee their operational readiness.
The Patriot system is a globally recognized, state-of-the-art air defense system that plays an important role in defense against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. The system serves as a key pillar of air defense for the United States, Germany, and NATO.
VINCORION Reaches Important Milestones
The technology company VINCORION is a leading supplier of components for complex defense systems. It can look back on more than thirty years of experience as a supplier for the Patriot system and has received several awards for its outstanding performance during this time.
“We are extremely proud of the fact that the US Army has once again placed its confidence in us and selected our company to supply components for the maintenance of its Patriot systems,” said Thomas Gathmann, President of Vincorion LLC, in El Paso. “These contracts represent an important milestone for VINCORION and confirm our position as a leading supplier of reliable power supply components for defense systems.”
VINCORION Contributing to the Safety and Security of the USA and Its Allies
“The Patriot systems play a crucial role in protecting the population and critical infrastructures,” noted Sascha Brüning, Vice President Business Development at VINCORION. “Through our maintenance services, we are making an important contribution to the operational readiness of these defense systems and therefore to the safety and security of the USA and its allies.”
“The spare parts contract with the US Army is further proof of VINCORION’s expertise, hard work, and dedication,” said Gathmann. “As a subsidiary in the United States, we are ideally positioned to continue playing an important role in maintaining the operational readiness of Patriot systems and other complex defense systems in the future.”
Design of the Patriot Power Supply
Three different power systems are used to supply electricity to Patriot in the field. A generator with an output of 15 kW is used for the launcher, i.e., the unit that carries the Patriot missiles together with the launching device. The command post also has its own power supply with an output of 30 kW.
The heart of the system, however, is the radar and firing control station (known as the “engagement control station”). The largest power system, the “electric power plant,” is used to power this part of the Patriot system. Each EPP is designed with redundancy for maximum reliability and has a capacity of 2x 150 kW as well as load distribution and cabling to the Patriot systems being powered.
Wedel. Technology company VINCORION is setting the course for the future, with Kajetan von Mentzingen being appointed Management Spokesman with immediate effect and taking over the areas of operational responsibility held by Dr. Stefan Stenzel, who is retiring on May 31, 2024, after over a decade of success in his role.
“We are delighted that Kajetan von Mentzingen is taking on this new challenge,” says Tobias Seige, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the VINCORION Group, “He has extensive experience in the industry and has already worked closely with Dr. Stenzel in the past. We are convinced that he will successfully lead VINCORION into the future in conjunction with Dieter Holst.”
The Success Story Continues
Kajetan von Mentzingen is highly enthusiastic about his new duties: “I feel greatly motivated to take on this responsibility and continue the success story of the VINCORION Group together with Dieter Holst and the entire team. We will continue to focus on our core competencies and support our customers with innovative and tailored solutions.”
Dr. Stefan Stenzel is handing over his position in good conscience: “I am proud to have had an influence on the company over the past twelve years. Working together with the team, VINCORION developed into one of the leading providers of military energy systems and products for the aviation industry. I would like to thank all employees for this and wish Kajetan von Mentzingen and Dieter Holst all the best for the task ahead of them.”
“Over twelve years, Dr. Stefan Stenzel left a lasting influence on our company and, by applying foresight, made it what it is today,” says Tobias Seige. “We give him our deepest thanks for this lifetime achievement and wish him all the very best for his future,” he continues, “We are carrying out a seamless change in the management and believe that Kajetan von Mentzingen and Dieter Holst make a strong management team to continue the VINCORION growth strategy.”
Von Mentzingen emphasizes, “VINCORION has a great footing for the future. We are continuing to invest in new technologies and processes to strengthen our competitiveness and drive our transformation,” adding that the transition will go seamlessly for all customers and suppliers as well as the employees. “Being able to respond to change flexibly is one of VINCORION’s strengths,” the manager says.
About Kajetan von Mentzingen
Kajetan von Mentzingen has many years of experience in the industry. Before his move to VINCORION, he held a variety of leadership roles at well-known companies, such as the Airbus Group starting in 2008. During his career at Airbus, the 50-year-old worked in both the Civil Aviation and the Helicopter divisions as well as in Defence and Space. After multiple positions in Germany, France, and Spain, he most recently held the title of Global Head of Quality at Airbus Defence & Space before joining VINCORION in 2023, where he took over Aviation within the management team.
The technology company VINCORION based in Wedel has signed a contract for the delivery of more than 700 EPG huskyV W 600 onboard generators for the Boxer. Additional orders for future projects are expected, meaning orders for a total of more than 1,000 generators are anticipated. This demonstrates the performance of the company’s military energy systems in armored vehicles, too.
The new VINCORION generator, the EPG huskyV W 600, is a water-cooled onboard generator for use in all scenarios: in the Boxer, it can see to the vehicle’s power supply as well as supplying the various mission modules as it supplies power of up to 600 amperes, making it ready for future requirements, too. A new digital voltage regulator has been incorporated, enabling the generator to be adapted to different applications.
Manufacturers Place Their Trust in VINCORION Components
VINCORION has now signed a framework agreement with KNDS Germany. “Delivery of the generator for the Boxer is a very important order for us,” says Dr. Stefan Stenzel, managing director of VINCORION. “This tells us demand for the Boxer remains high. It also shows that manufacturers of modern military technology are placing their trust in VINCORION components and are using these to equip their vehicles.”
The order currently amounts to approximately twelve million euros. The company anticipates additional orders being placed for these modern generators.
Power Increased from 370 to 600 Amperes
“The new generator fits perfectly in the vehicles’ installation space,” explains Stenzel. This means that, in addition to all new vehicles, existing vehicles could likewise be equipped with it if demand for power grows. The predecessor model, the SF 217, was able to deliver 370 amperes, and this has been increased to 600 amperes in the new version. “Modern military technology requires more energy, among other things for communications and air conditioning. We are specialists in the field of military energy supplies. Be it power supplies for sophisticated electronics or for radar systems, our generator reliably supplies the energy needed.”
Intensive vehicle testing with the Boxer featuring the new generator system has already been conducted in the UK and Australia. The new EPG huskyV W 600 model has therefore already demonstrated its reliability. The VINCORION engineers also report that its performance remained stable at all times in vehicle test-drives of more than 1,000 kilometers conducted in Switzerland. The water cooling of the generator means it can operate irrespective of the ambient conditions.
Peak Performance at all Times
The temperatures in the cooling circuit can increase significantly without adversely affecting performance. The generator is also water-resistant in accordance with protection class IP 67. “The generator experiences next to no losses due to changing ambient temperatures. It therefore delivers peak performance at all times,” emphasizes Stenzel.
The EPG huskyV W 600 is manufactured at the VINCORION plant in Essen, which also produces generators for the Leopard 2 tank and the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. A number of the parts such as mechanical components come from the company headquarters in Wedel. VINCORION has built up considerable expertise in generators at its Essen site – and this is what the major contract is founded on. The company also anticipates being able to recruit additional skilled workers as a result of the order.
Technology Company Delievers Energy Supply
Switzerland has ordered five Patriot™ air and missile defense systems from U.S. manufacturer Raytheon as the Swiss air defense solution under the “Air 2030” program. The power supply for the systems is being provided by the technology company VINCORION, based in Wedel near Hamburg, Germany.
VINCORION is proud to provide the power supply for one of the world’s best air defense systems, as it has again been proven in the Ukraine recently. “This provides the Patriot system with a stable, reliable and battle proven power supply for the radar and fire units”, Stefan Stenzel, CEO of VINCORION, affirms.
Self-Sufficient Radar Operation
The order includes “EPP radarV” (“Electric Power Plants”) units that supply power to the radar system and 15-kilowatt power generators that will be supplied for the Patriot launcher. The order further includes frequency converters rated at 150 kilowatts and converters rated at two times 15 kilowatts each. This allows to power the Patriot System without any CO2 emissions directly from the public grid. In this configuration, the generators remain as back-up power source. “Security and military superiority depend on reliable radar operation that is self-sufficient at all times,” emphasizes Stefan Stenzel. VINCORION manufactures the power supply for Patriot at its site in Altenstadt, Bavaria.
In June of 2021, the Swiss Government announced its intent to purchase the proven Patriot™ system for its ground-based air defence, selected as the preferred solution after evaluation as part of the competitive BODLUV GR Air2030 tender.
Modernizing the Patriot system’s energy supply
Patriot is an air and missile defense system consisting of radars, command and control, and interceptor missiles. It can detect, identify, and engage cruise missiles, drones, advanced fighter aircraft and other airborne threats.
VINCORION is consistently working on modernizing the energy supply. To this end, the company is developing new hybrid solutions. These can reduce fuel consumption and thus lead to lower operating costs. This is because lower emissions mean lower consumption of resources – and help reduce the number of personnel who have to be deployed for refueling operations, for example. However, there are no compromises in terms of performance.
The Patriot system is the basis for an integrated air and missile defense system for 18 nations. In Europe, the system’s customers include Germany, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Romania. VINCORION has been a supplier to Patriot for 30 years.
Claus Ruhe Madsen, Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister for Economics, visited the technology company VINCORION in Wedel on Friday, April 14, to learn more about the situation in the German state’s industrial SME sector. The minister stressed that the German Armed Forces must be equipped quickly and that there shouldn’t be any further delays in procurement.
In a conversation with Madsen, Stefan Stenzel, managing director of VINCORION, explained the industry’s desire for planability and reliability from policymakers. He also showcased the latest developments in the industry related to, for example, “green defense” and ways to cut carbon emissions.
Procurement Cannot Be Allowed to Drag On
“The defense technology industry is extremely important to Schleswig-Holstein’s economy,” Madsen noted. Germany’s northernmost state is home to approximately 30 companies in this sector that employ roughly 7,000 people and indirectly provide as many as 20,000 jobs. The industry also includes a significant number of industrial SMEs – such as VINCORION.
“The state government wants a good portion of the 100-billion-euro special fund for Germany’s military to be invested here in the North,” Madsen emphasized. “New material for the military must be procured quickly; this is necessary both in terms of security policy and economic policy.” The minister expressed understanding for the fact that it causes problems for the industry when procurement processes take a long time. The industry needs binding commitments in order to plan, Stenzel explained. If equipment is given to Ukraine, for example, it will take up to 24 months to be replaced. This is because material is also sometimes difficult to obtain.
No Stigma When It Comes to Providing Loans
The fact that defense companies have difficulty obtaining loans from banks in times of military threat is not acceptable in this day and age. “There can’t be any stigma associated with this. That would be to disregard the importance of the defense industry to the state. And it would also run counter to our foreign policy and security policy interests.”
This situation was caused by ESG (environment, social, governance) criteria and the EU taxonomy, which imposes new rules on banks when it comes to providing loans. Defense technology must be recognized as sustainable to facilitate financing. Madsen plans to raise the issue not only with banks in the state, but also to continue talks about the potential involvement of the state-owned KfW Bank.
The German Armed Forces’ Investment Backlog Must Be Eliminated
The war in Ukraine has shifted the public’s perspective on the need for a military that is operationally ready and also on the defense technology industry in general, Stenzel told the minister. “In this respect, we can expect that the needed investments in our military will now also be made in Germany as soon as possible.”
Stenzel pointed out that his company still has not received any concrete orders from the 100-billion-euro special fund – even though numerous defense contractors have submitted inquiries. “The special fund has been specifically earmarked for equipment gaps and to replace old equipment. It’s absolutely clear that the defense budget needs to be increased by 20 to 30 billion a year.” This would be the only way to finance the army’s costs, which are rising due to inflation. In 2022, VINCORION was able to hire 79 new employees in Wedel, and will continue hiring this year. The company is also expanding its workforce at the Altenstadt site in Bavaria. “Finding skilled workers for the industry is not easy, however, not in Wedel and not at any of our other sites,” Stenzel noted.
Cutting-Edge Technology Manufactured in Wedel
Stenzel emphasized that SMEs also played a major role in technological development in Schleswig-Holstein. Addressing Madsen, who is also minister for technology, he said, “we design and manufacture hybrid systems for power generation at VINCORION.” This includes electronics and components such as the starter motor for the Leopard 2 tank or the motor that turns the vehicle’s turret. Weapon stabilization is cutting-edge technology that is manufactured here in Wedel. VINCORION is also working on technological solutions in the civilian sector, such as an innovative electronic rescue hoist being developed for its customer Airbus Helicopter, which meets the highest safety standards worldwide.
Climate change is playing a growing role not only in society as a whole, but also in the defense sector, VINCORION’s managing director explained to the minister during his visit. “We are working to make production processes at our company, corporate management, and also our products themselves more sustainable and carbon-efficient,” Stenzel said. The topic of “green defense” is becoming increasingly important, he noted, adding that “as a company, we stand fully behind the goal of reducing the carbon emissions generated by armies such as the Bundeswehr.”
Stefan Stenzel, Managing Director of VINCORION, welcomes Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen in Wedel. (Photo: VINCORION)
The industry award for innovative production and logistics solutions was presented in Gerlingen near Stuttgart, and VINCORION received an award in the “Customer Focus” category. The benchmarking competition for “best practices” in the industry is supported by the German Logistics Association.
The award is presented each year by an independent jury of experts made up of former MX winners under the scientific direction of the Technical University of Berlin. It recognizes innovative production and logistics solutions. The aim of the award is to strengthen Germany as an industrial location by identifying best practices, promoting cross-industry collaboration, and creating a platform for exchange.
Technology company VINCORION specializes in power systems for safety-critical applications – including generators, electric motors and drives, gensets, power electronics, and hybrid power systems. Specific customer requirements are part and parcel of VINCORION’s daily business.
Products Have a Long Service Life
Whether in the air, on the rails, or in military use, solutions from VINCORION must be able to withstand extreme loads. The products are usually in use for several decades and must function reliably over a long product life cycle. As these are all highly regulated areas of application, compliance with a wide range of certifications, guidelines, and standards of quality is a basic prerequisite.
“Our customer focus is therefore based on several pillars: collaboration as partners, in-depth dialogue, and long-term service. To this end, we not only constantly monitor the market in order to meet our customers’ expectations as precisely as possible, but also make customer satisfaction measurable on the basis of specific key figures,” explains Dr. Stefan Stenzel, Managing Director of VINCORION.
Customer Satisfaction as a Measurable Metric
In order to make customer satisfaction comparable on the basis of key figures, VINCORION restructured the company. For this purpose, discussions were held with the nearly fifteen most important customers, in which they disclosed their needs and desires with respect to customer support. Based on this feedback, VINCORION developed new structures and processes. For example, each “top customer” was assigned a key account manager as a point of contact to handle all their concerns and develop a deeper understanding of the customer and their business.
Together, up to four metrics were defined to make customer satisfaction measurable: These include: 1) Adherence to deadlines: Will the product be delivered on time by the agreed upon date? 2) Adherence to ordered quantities: Will the agreed upon quantities be delivered? 3) Complaint rate: Did any errors occur within the warranty period? 4) Communication: Were potential deviations communicated to the customer at an early stage? Once a quarter, customers submit an evaluation of these criteria according to a points system. Finally, VINCORION’s self-assessment and the customer’s external assessment are compared.
Ideas for Product Advancements
VINCORION has been an established supplier for many years, such as for the hydraulic rescue hoist for the NH90 helicopter, which is used in alpine emergencies or rescue missions in flooded areas. In discussions and interviews with helicopter manufacturers and users, the team received ideas for ways to improve the existing product. On this basis, they are working on a new electric rescue hoist, the ERH premierv, which sets new standards in terms of performance, reliability, and safety.
The Leopard 2 is a good example of just how long VINCORION technologies have been in service – the very first units were deployed by the German Armed Forces at the turn of the year 1979/80, and the tank is still in service. VINCORION supplies the weapon aiming and stabilization system for the Leopard 2. In this context, the company uses easy-to-maintain assemblies and modular systems. In addition, the company considered and made the technical preparations needed to allow for further development right from the start.
Maintaining Technology Used for the Long Term
“We face the constant challenge of thinking ahead and developing new products. At the same time, we often have to maintain technology that has been in use for a long time and constantly adapt it to changing challenges,” emphasizes Dr. Stenzel. “The results of the MX Award benchmarking competition provide us with further valuable input in this regard, enabling us to leverage optimization potential at VINCORION and position ourselves for the future even better as a company.”
Registration for the MX Award for the year 2023 is open.
Klaus Lübbers (DIRKS Group), Dr. Manfred Jagiella (Endress+Hauser Gruppe), Marco Lienau (VINCORION), Marcus Golchert (VINCORION), Dr.-Ing. Daniel Roy (MX) und Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wimmer (MX) are happy about the award (from right to left) (Photo: Marcus Krüger)
