Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) demonstrates pinpoint accuracy by engaging a distant target with the integrated Spike-LR Anti-Tank-Guided-Missile (ATGM). Lynx is shown launching a single Spike-LR missile against a static target. After the missile successfully hits its mark, the Lynx is seen retracting the Spike launcher. Integration of this hit capability testifies to the maturity and effectiveness of the most-modern tracked infantry fighting vehicle in the world. Looking at a long history of systems integration, Rheinmetall is prepared to equip their platforms with latest ATGM technologies as they become available.
The Lynx is a German armoured fighting vehicle developed by Rheinmetall Landsysteme (part of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division). The KF41 variant was unveiled publicly at the Eurosatory defence exhibition on June 12, 2018. One of the key principles of the Lynx concept is the integration of proven sub-systems with a high technology readiness level to reduce development time, cost and technical risk. The vehicle outfitted with a Lance turret mounting a stabilized, externally powered, autocannon of 30 mm or 35 mm caliber, with airburst munition support. This allows the Lynx to engage targets at ranges of up to 3,000 meters, both when static and when on the move.
Spike is an Israeli fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge HEAT warhead, currently in its fourth generation. It was developed and designed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants. As well as engaging and destroying targets within the line-of-sight of the launcher (“fire-and-forget”), some variants of the missile are capable of making a top attack through a “fire, observe and update” method; the operator tracking the target, or switching to another target, optically through the trailing fiber-optic wire.
In German service, the Spike-LR is known as the MELLS (Mehrrollenfähiges Leichtes Lenkflugkörper-System or Multi-role Light Guided Missile System). The German Armed Forces has placed a new order for the MELLS antitank guided missile system with EuroSpike GmbH, a joint venture of Rheinmetall and its partners Diehl Defence and Rafael. Delivery begins in 2020 and continues through to 2023. A framework agreement contains an option for the fabrication and delivery of around 100 additional weapon systems and a five-figure number of component sets for the MELLS guided missile during the 2024-2031 timeframe.
