1/2008 - KSPG AG

The latest news from the Rheinmetall Group
Regionalized
The organizational structure
of Rheinmetall Defence necessitated
a re-organization of the group’s
worldwide sales activities (page 3).
1/2008
More benefit
Giving customers a genuine
benefit – this is what the qualified
workforce ob benntec Systemhaus
GmbH in Bremen seeks to do (p. 9-11).
Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann to supply Bundeswehr with new IFV
Go-ahead for the new Puma
Berlin/Düsseldorf. The German Bundestag’s
budget committee recently
cleared the way for the procurement of
405 new Puma infantry fighting vehicles
for the Bundeswehr. For Düsseldorfbased
Rheinmetall AG and Krauss-Maffei
Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG of Munich,
the order represents a combined total of
some € 3 billion in gross sales.
Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann
each hold a 50% stake in the
company tasked with the project, PSM
GmbH of Kassel. Both hailed the decision
as a crucial step in re-equipping
the German Army for the future as well
as being vitally important to the German
defence industry and a whole host of
medium-sized subcontractors. With its
unique balance of tactical and strategic
mobility, survivability and lethality, the
Puma gives the Bundeswehr a state-ofthe-art
infantry fighting vehicle systematically
tailored to current and future
operational requirements of the German
military both at home and abroad.
Successful firing
of Millennium gun
Zurich/Copenhagen. Oerlikon Millennium
35mm naval gun systems successfully
engaged surface and air targets
during live-fire trials aboard HDMS
Absalon, the Royal Danish Navy's first
Absalon-class flexible combat support
ship. The trials took place during the
first and third weeks of November 2007.
The test firings formed part of sea trials
and Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT) off
the Danish coast. Practice ammunition
Today the Puma is poised to significantly expand the Bundeswehr’s capabilities spectrum.
“We’re extremely pleased that the
Puma has cleared the final parliamentary
hurdle. This is the biggest single order
in the history of our company, and
definitely confirms our status as Europe’s
top supplier of army technology”,
states Klaus Eberhardt, chairman of the
executive board of Rheinmetall AG.
and Oerlikon Ahead ammunition – like
the guns, both made by Rheinmetall
subsidiary Oerlikon Contraves – were
used to engage both air and surface targets.
Danish personnel operated the
guns, having already received operation
and maintenance training during
the summer of 2007. According to DALO
(Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics
Organization), the firings with the
two Oerlikon Millennium guns were
successful and its SAT was completed
during the third November week. The
HDMS Absalon is equipped with two
Millennium guns, one forward and one
The Bundestag set the project in motion
in September 2002 when it awarded
a development contract for the new
IFV, followed in 2004 by a € 350-million
procurement order for five pre-series
vehicles and related services.
These vehicles are currently undergo-
(Continued on page 15)
aft. The Royal Danish Navy is the launch
customer for series production of the
Oerlikon Millennium naval gun system,
having ordered six guns in 2004 with an
option for a further four. Production for
further customers is also underway. Absalon-class
final SAT for the Millennium
guns and the 127mm gun is planned for
week 13 or 14 in 2008. The Royal Danish
Navy decided to equip its Absalon-class
ships and patrol vessels with Millennium
because of Oerlikon’s state-of-theart
Ahead ammunition and revolver gun
technology, both of which assure an
outstanding multi-mission capability.

Newsline
Rheinmetall with strong increase in sales and profit
Order intake leaps by 19 percent
Düsseldorf. For the first nine months
of 2007, Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall
AG again showed dynamic growth in all
its key financial indicators. Sales and
order intake rose clearly and corporate
profits improved even more appreciably.
EBIT climbed over 40 percent to
€ 157 million, net income jumped from
€ 54 million to € 79 million. For all of
2007, Rheinmetall counted on significant
growth and much upgraded results.
Says Klaus Eberhardt, Rheinmetall
AG’s CEO: “Rheinmetall is firmly on
track for achieving its 2007 goals. On
the basis of the contracts already
booked we will sustain our organic
growth and continuously enhance the
value of the group.”
In the first three quarters (3Q) of 2007,
Rheinmetall generated group sales of
€ 2,841 million (up from € 2,570 million),
equivalent to an increase of 11 percent
versus 3Q/2006. The Defence sector
outgrew year-earlier sales by 24 percent,
the Automotive sector advanced
by 3 percent. Order intake surged, too;
groupwide orders were booked at the
value of altogether € 2,966 million (up
from € 2,496 million). Orders on hand
at September 30, 2007, added up to
€ 3,331 million (up 17 percent).
The Rheinmetall group’s EBIT for
3Q/2007 soared from € 111 million to
€ 157 million; the EBIT margin rose
from 4.3 to 5.5 percent, also a strong
performance. The group’s EBT advanced
by € 43 million to € 117 million
Issue: February /March 2008
while net income at € 79 million was a
€ 25 million improvement. 3Q earnings
per share after minority interests of € 3
million climbed from € 1.48 to € 2.18.
3Q/2007 sales by Automotive were a
repeat of the solid H1/2007 performance
and rose € 50 million or 3 percent
versus the year-earlier period to € 1,695
million, thus outpacing generally
stalling auto production in this sector’s
especially important markets of Western
Europe, Japan, and Nafta. EBIT at Automotive
for 3Q/2007 amounted to € 82
million, up € 8 million or 11 percent.
A cornerstone in Automotive’s future
growth was laid in the form of a contract
concluded with a major European
carmaker with which Kolbenschmidt
Pierburg is demonstrating its comprehensive
engine expertise in the areas
of emission and CO2 reduction as well
as lightweight manufacture. Besides
an exhaust gas recirculation system including
cooler and bypass, the contract
includes aluminum engine blocks, aluminum
pistons, the newest plain bearing
technology and oil and water
pumps. At full series production the
sales volume corresponds to around
€ 170 million annually.
Likewise promising is business with
Japanese auto manufacturers, with
sales this year for the first time in excess
of € 100 million.
At € 1,143 million, the Defence sector
showed a 24-percent or € 221 million
sales rise in 3Q/2007. Chempro GmbH,
Newsline is a summary of the most
important news articles published
in “Das Profil”, the company newspaper
of the Rheinmetall group
2
Bonn, in which a 51-percent stake was
acquired in April 2007, accounted for
€ 29 million of this. All divisions shared
in Defence’s significant sales advance.
Order intake at Defence also surged,
by around 48 percent to € 1,267 million
(up from € 853 million). One major
contract ahead is the new Puma infantry
fighting vehicle for the German
armed forces whose procurement was
approved by the German parliament on
November 8, 2007, at the value of altogether
€ 3 billion. Rheinmetall’s share
of this is one-half.
During the period, Defence almost
doubled its 3Q EBIT to € 81 million. As
a consequence, the EBIT margin rose
from 4.7 to 7.1 percent in the first nine
Order booked: Rheinmetall Defence, Düsseldorf, supplies the vehicle electronics for the new 8x8 wheel armored Boxer vehicle.
months. The Q3 EBIT includes a € 10
million gain from the sale of Telerob
Gesellschaft für Fernhantierungstechnik
GmbH.
For all of 2007, the Rheinmetall group
predicted a sales advance of 10 percent
to around € 4 billion and hence
well in excess of the 5-percent annual
organic growth benchmark. Automotive
is budgeted to raise its sales by 3
percent, Defence its by around 20 percent.As
to the 2006 EBIT of € 215 million,
Rheinmetall is looking to a strong
sales-outpacing improvement in the region
of € 250–€ 260 million. Automotive’s
EBIT is predicted to inch up to at
least € 115 million (from € 113 million),
Defence’s should surge to a minimum
of € 145 million (up from € 111 million).
Publisher: Rheinmetall AG
P.O. Box 10 42 61
D-40033 Düsseldorf
newsline@rheinmetall.com
Responsible:
Peter Rücker
Editor-in-chief:
Rolf D. Schneider

Newsline
International sales organization of Rheinmetall’s worldwide defence business
New regional managers
support “their” markets
Düsseldorf. The new organizational
structure of Rheinmetall Defence introduced
in the summer of 2007 also necessitated
a re-organization of the
group’s worldwide sales activities.
Rheinmetall’s international defence
business is now managed by three national
companies with a so-called portal
function and ten regional managers.
The greater emphasis on regional business
allows Rheinmetall to focus more
strongly on the growing significance of
international business and the specific
requirements
and features
of certain (regional
and local)
markets.
R h e i n -
metall’s internationaldefencebusiness
has
shown significant
growth in
recent years.
Around 60%
of total order
intake is generatedoutside
Germany
nowadays, of
which the lion’s
share
(around 80%)
is achieved in
30 countries
around the
world – the
most important
markets
outside Germany
including Greece, the USA, Saudi
Arabia and Switzerland as well as e.g.
Finland, Great Britain, the Netherlands,
Canada, the UAE and Turkey.
The prospects for the future are similar:
the proportion of defence activities
abroad will rise in the medium to
long term; international sales are expected
to exceed the 65%-threshold
within the next three years – with a total
of 13 core regions contributing to
this development. The defined sales
regions encompass not only the 30
countries in which the greatest
turnover is presently generated but al-
so show further sales potential in another
50 states.
Consequently, Rheinmetall not only
has its three (existing) national entities
with their portal function – supporting
business in Canada, Greece
and Italy/the Mediterranean region –
but also nine regional managers, representing
the new backbone of Rheinmetall
Defence’s international market
activities.
These regional managers support the
following markets: Switzerland, Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC – including
the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait),
Saudi Arabia, India, the USA, Northern
Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe,
Asia and Australia. These markets
are supported either from local offices
(e.g. GCC, Switzerland and India/being
set up), otherwise directly
from Germany and Switzerland.
The designated regional managers
who all have extensive experience and
excellent contacts in their respective
market areas are: Arno Ehlers (Northern
Europe), Dr. Daniel Berger (Western
Europe), Tom Naegli (Eastern Europe),
3
Klaus Hennig (Gulf Cooperation Council),
Jörg Bischof (Switzerland), Andres
Haller (Saudi-Arabia), Gerhard Hoy (India),
Torsten Böhm (USA – interim
manager) and Gordon Hargreave (Asia
+ Australia). Peter Erich Baumer will
continue as the responsible sales manager
for South America.
The sales managers who report directly
to the executive board of Rheinmetall
Defence are primarily responsible
for cooperating with political and
industrial institutions in the supported
countries (political engineering), analyzing
regional requirements and developing
as well as expanding sales activities
and networks.
They will also be responsible for coordinating
the sales activities of RheinmetallDefence’s
six
business
units (Vehicle
Systems,
Weapon and
Munition, Propellants,
Air
Defence,
C4IStar, Simulation
and
Training),
helping them
to manage
their local and
regional representatives
(e.g. selection,monitoring
and quality
control) and
identifying
potential marketopportunities
at an early
stage, e.g. resulting
from
local political
decisions.
The nine regional managers not only
have a clear-cut portfolio of tasks but
also defined responsibilities and competencies.
Jointly with their business
unit managements, they are also responsible
for their regional business
volume and fulfilment of operational
and strategic targets (e.g. sales, order
intake, return on investment), they will
assure the efficient flow of information
between local markets and the six
business units of Rheinmetall Defence,
will verify developments and trends,
and last but not least will help to identify
and avoid risks.
Responsible for the quantitative and qualitative development and growth of customer relations
in “their” respective markets: Rheinmetall Defence’s nine new regional managers who will influence
and help shape the international business of the Düsseldorf-based group. The new structure
reflects and underscores the growing significance of Rheinmetall’s international activities.
Composing: René Dahlmanns

new term is often used
in military circles nowadays:
asymmetric warfare.
Soldiers and officers
worldwide are repeatedly
confronted
with this new form of
warfare which presents a serious
challenge to modern-day combat.
The belief that asymmetric warfare
is simply the modern version of a conflict
with partisans is too short-sighted
as underlined by the high number
of casualties inflicted on US soldiers
in the second Iraq conflict. Whereas
“only” 138 soldiers died in official
combat – in other words, real battle –
between March 20th and May 1st,
2003, some 3,500 US families have
lost a relative in the country between
the Euphrates and Tigris so far.
Since the last Iraq war, experts and
the military around the world have
come to realize that the threat to sol-
Newsline
diers through asymmetric warfare
combined with combat in urbane terrain
has grown considerably. Possible
solutions have been developed
ever since, and mission concepts
have been adjusted to counter
changing threat scenarios more effectively.
The concept of “winnings hearts
and minds” is one promising solution.
Such a multi-dimensional campaign
is a combination of economic,
social, political and military measures
aimed at solving a conflict, in effect
illustrating that the chances of a
purely military approach are practically
non-existent. Nonetheless, the military
contribution is still instrumental
in assuring the success of this concept.
Ultimately, therefore, military leaders
around the world still need to find
an answer to a military question:
what is the best possible solution?
4
The answer would appear to be
straightforward: to participate and
succeed in asymmetric conflict and
urbane combat, soldiers need to be
well trained and equipped.
Speaking to soldiers at the Infantry
School in 2004, the Chief of Staff
Army, Lieutenant General Hans-Otto
Budde, very aptly pointed out: “Comprehensive,
maximum protection of
our soldiers in service is given top priority
– and this includes not only
good training and command with a
clear vision and a good heart but also
excellent equipment.”
Rheinmetall Defence took up this
challenge quite a while ago and has
been cooperating with the German
Bundeswehr to develop various future-oriented
systems that meet modern-day
requirements. One of these
solutions is a system dubbed Future
Soldier – Enhanced System (IdZ-ES)
outlined in the following article.

Newsline
Rheinmetall’s Future Soldier System concept (IdZ-ES) – enhancing the capabilities
Inclusion in NEC structures is crucial
Bonn/Bremen. Pedites pugnas decernent (meaning: it
is the infantry that wins the war) is the German infantry’s
motto. With this in mind, the modular combat equipment
dubbed Future Soldier – Enhanced System seeks to improve
the combat efficiency, survivability, sustainability
and mobility of infantrymen while at the same time including
them in the networked enabled capability (NEC)
of the armed forces. Whereas the basic system is already
operational, Rheinmetall Defence in Bremen – an important
partner of the German Bundeswehr – is working on
the second generation of this infantry system, the Future
Soldier –Enhanced System (IdZ-ES). Recent mission ex-
oldiers should also benefit
from rapid technological
progress. Related ideas
developed by military experts
and the defence industry
in NATO member
countries in the frame of
the so-called Soldier Modernization Programs
SMP in the late 1980s seemed like
scenes out of science fiction films: light
armoring, compact weapons with high
efficiency and long ranges, internal communication
equipment, helmets with integrated
cameras and
night viewing devices,
portable computers
for target data transmission
and fire control
seemed inconceivable
at the time –
today, a lot of these
devices are available.
A brief review of developments:
in 1991,
Germany chose to
launch a national
SMP program. Following
various feasibility
studies, the general
of the infantry was in
1997 requested to
conduct an experimental
program with
the Federal Office for
Defence Technology and Procurement
(BWB) and – something that was quite
unusual in those days – in cooperation
with the industry. The industrial project
company for the “Soldier System” under
the leadership of the EADS group coordinated
industrial measures like the
provision of equipment, development
and adaptation of equipment to military
requirements.
In 1999, a tactical concept was prepared,
followed by the staff requirement.
To minimize risks and allow for
technical innovation, it was stipulated
that the program should be performed
in several phases. The final functional
requirements were defined and approval
for implementation (AF/ReG) for
the basic system – which was to meet
the most urgent requirement – was
granted at the end of 2003. The final requirements
for the enhanced system
(IdZ-ES) were defined and approved in
August 2004. Working in cooperation
with subcontractors during the technical
project phase, Rheinmetall Defence
in Bremen (Rheinmetall Defence Elec-
tronics GmbH) was given the overall responsibility
for the Future Soldier – Enhanced
System. Rheinmetall Defence
started working on the IdZ-ES system in
August 2006. The Enhanced System is
more than a mere extension of the basic
version. Joachim Dierig, the man
5
perience has shown that asymmetric conflicts still demand
boots on the ground, in other words, ground forces.
The infantry plays an important role in present-day three
block war scenarios where soldiers may be required to
conduct full scale military action, peacekeeping operations
and humanitarian relief within a restricted area – in
extreme cases in a geographically very limited area: It is
capable of a graded response, can combat asymmetric
forces, and can be moved rapidly to areas of action. Infantry
forces have to fight in urbane areas – considering
that two thirds of the world’s population live in an urbane
environment, this is obviously a clear advantage.
responsible for the ambitious project:
“Technically, IdZ-ES is a completely
new system which naturally allows for
technological advances that have taken
place since the development and
procurement of the basic system.
Added to this, the system concept has
been given further momentum: one
could say that the infantryman is now
a highly complex system.”
By relying on advanced technologies,
the Future Soldier – Enhanced System
(IdZ-ES) largely aims to include the tenstrong
infantry
squad with its vehicle
and basic station
in network centric capabilities
(NEC).This
all-embracing principle
is a core element
of the transformation
of the German Bundeswehr.
The NEC
concept is based on
the doctrine of a network
of reconnaissance,
command
and weapon system
components, allowing
the speedy exchange
of information
to complement
existing classical operational
factors:
force, space and time. This yields a
common battle picture used as a basis
to plan and command forces. The information,
command and effect superiority
achieved by NEC also provides
greater freedom of action and allows
forces to take the initiative.
The implementation of this concept in
combination with proven command
philosophies like “mission-type tactics”
will enhance the combat effectiveness
of troops. In terms of ground forces, this
can for instance mean that the squad
(Continued on page 6)

leader and his deputy can be given a
comprehensive tactical view – an image
on the helmet display will give them all
the relevant information concerning e.g.
the position of their own, neighboring,
neutral or hostile forces as well as terrain
obstacles, mine barriers, destroyed
bridges or even images of war criminals.
At the same time, soldiers can help
commanders to prepare tactical images
by providing important data from their
squad. For example: if they have an
arms smuggler at a check point, they
can transmit an image of the smuggler
to the intelligence unit via the network
to see whether the person they have arrested
is someone important.
If necessary, the infantry squad can request
assistance on land, by sea or by
air via the network (NEC). Targets can be
engaged with superior and readily available
effectors. If ambushed, the squad
can fight its ambushers with mortars,
howitzers, combat planes, UAVs or
naval gunfire in extreme cases.
The technology behind this: sophisticated
technical equipment is needed to
integrate the Future Soldier in NEC structures.
The main components of the system
are:
★ core and helmet system
★ clothing, protection and carrying
system
★ additional commander equipment
★ weapon accessory equipment
Newsline
Rheinmetall’s Future Soldier System concept (IdZ-ES) – enhancing the capabilities
Inclusion in NEC structures is crucial
(Continued from page 5)
★ recce equipment
★ base station/vehicle connection
The core and helmet system is particularly
important. Based on the Linux
operating system, the core system controls
(via interfaces) all the other devices
which the infantryman has with
him. The main functions are:
★ power supply management
★ access control and monitoring
★ information system infantryman to
map/tactical display, navigation,
reporting, exchange of recce and
target data
★ processing of various sensor data
(e.g. NBC, biometrics, position)
★ user interface and visualization
★ system configuration
The soldier can control the core computer
via a manual control unit. The
PDA of the basic system for control of
the system components is no longer
needed in the enhanced system.
In addition, all the relevant information
on the tactical situation, position
of own forces (GPS and inertial navigation
system as well as digital magnetic
compass), mission and system status
is presented to the infantryman on the
6
helmet display. Video signals from external
sources such as video visors,
thermal weapon sights or thermal imagers
can be seen in real time. An audio
headset with active noise protection
allows radio communication and
enables soldiers to hear their surroundings.
New technologies are also used for
the clothing of future soldiers. Advanced
materials and technologies offer
protection against optical reconnaissance
and bad weather conditions,
and improved protection
against the effects of NBC agents and
ballistic weapons. The clothing provides
class 1 ballistic protection (this
can be extended to class 4 protection),
can accommodate munitions,
explosive ordnance and other devices
and – one of the chief innovations –
the “electronic backpack”, the core
computer, radio equipment and power
supply. The modular architecture
makes the system extremely flexible,
allowing it to be adapted to different
operational conditions and making
the system suitable for all weather
conditions.
The squad leader and his deputy are
additionally equipped with a command
device largely consisting of the
portable command computer as well as
a troop radio set as a complement to
the group radio set available to all Future
Infantrymen.
(Continued on page 8)

Newsline
7

Bremen/Bonn. Future infantry
squads have an extensive range of
weapons at their disposal. The standard
weapon is an assault rifle
G36A2 that has been modified to
suit the requirements of the Future
Soldier scenario. Opto-electronic
components are connected via a cable
harness and can therefore be
controlled from the weapon; the
main battery supply is located in the
buttstock. Additional controls allow
further functions like operation of
the radio sets and laser range finder.
Two of the G36 gunners are additionally
equipped with an advanced
AG36 system which permits the use
of a large variety of ammunition –
Newsline
Rheinmetall’s Future Soldier System concept (IdZ-ES) – enhancing the capabilities
Inclusion in NEC structures is crucial
(Continued from page 6)
Joachim Dierig: “The Future Soldier –
Enhanced System variant to be introduced
in 2010 will incorporate all the
improvements resulting from experience
gained with the basic version in
previous operations.” Allowance will also
be made for changing mission requirements
in the years to come with a
special focus on integration, networking
and operation of partial elements of
the Future Soldier – Enhanced System.
Improved protection and ergonomics
– especially as a result of weight reduction,
miniaturization and higher levels
of component integration – are equally
important. By virtue of the modular concept,
soldiers need only carry the devices
and equipment actually needed
to fulfill their mission. Dierig: “Soldiers
must be able to handle the system,
however stressful the situation may be.
This is one of the fundamental factors
to be taken into account.”
The command system as such: To allow
communication within the squad,
the system provides a broadband UHF
link, which is complemented by a VHF
connection to the squad vehicle and
platoon leader vehicle. Data exchange
within the IdZ-ES squad will conform to
the NATO standard MIP/DEM. The new
generation of the Future Soldier system
will allow the squad to be linked to the
higher command system echelon via
the vehicle.
Based on existing, proven command
system technologies, Rheinmetall
Defence has implemented the
following components:
from non-lethal kinetic-energy projectiles
to fragmentation grenades.
The squad is also equipped with the
MG4 caliber 5.56x45mm (the new
standard caliber of NATO) which is
fired from the G36. Targets at greater
distances of up to 1,800 meters can
Wide choice
be engaged with the G82 gun, a selfloading
weapon with caliber .50
BMG (12.7x99mm). The choice of
weapons is rounded off by the shoulder-fired
anti-tank missile (Panzerfaust
3) – soon to be performanceenhanced.
The squad is further
★ command system as part of the basic
system
★ command system on the basis of a
portable command computer for the
squad leader and his deputy
★ command system for every infantryman,
integrated in the central computer
unit
★ link to the external command system
(combat forces command and
control system FÜWES IFIS, the German
Army’s C3I system FüInfoSys H).
Standard feature
in Boxer and Puma
Bremen/Bonn. The Future Soldier
– Enhanced System (IdZ-ES) program
has its tactical focus on the infantry
squad with its vehicle and basic
station. The tactical unit has all
its weapons and equipment on
board the vehicle so that the necessary
elements can be selected from
the modular system. The vehicle also
provides the power supply and allows
data transmission. The basic
version of the Future Soldier System
has already been integrated in some
military vehicles (e.g. the armored
8
equipped with components from the
basic system such as the telescope
Leica Vector IV BT with laser
rangefinder, digital compass as well
as low light-level intensifier Lucie. A
new video visor with IR and CCD
camera, laser rangefinder, digital
magnetic compass and wireless interface
(WLAN / UWB) will be used in
the Future Soldier – Enhanced System
variant. The new RangIR with
cooled thermal imager, laser
rangefinder, digital magnetic compass
and wireless interface will be
used for long-range weapons. The
weapon accessories can be controlled
directly with the controls on
the weapon.
Rheinmetall can draw on its experience
with the Battle Management System
(BMS) fielded in various European countries
and benefit from its findings in connection
with the development of the
French and Canadian soldier modernization
programs.
Outlook: 217 Future Soldier basic systems
have already been procured and
are partly in operation for object protection
personnel of the air force and 14 for
naval protection personnel. The latest
enhanced version of the system is to be
delivered to the customer between 2010
and 2014. Around 900 Enhanced System
variants will be procured for all infantrymen,
mechanized infantrymen, air force
protection personnel and naval personnel
assigned to protection duties.
Dr. Jan-Phillipp Weisswange
vehicles Fuchs, Mungo, BV 206 S
and BV 206 D) with the aid of an installation
kit; the Enhanced System
variant offers these possibilities as a
standard option in the armored vehicles
Boxer and Fuchs (Fox). The basic
station is generally fitted in the
squad vehicle.
Once the infantry squad has
mounted the vehicle, the equipment
is connected to the basic station,
and the batteries are charged. Communication
is then possible with the
vehicle’s intercom system and with
soldiers who are not on board the vehicle
as well as other command echelons
using the radio sets belonging
to the vehicle.

aultless production presupposes
a profound and
up-to-date knowledge
base of all involved in the
process! Airbus – and
specifically the Airbus site
in Bremen – realises the
importance of this and jointly
launched a pilot project for a production-oriented
learning and information
system called Virtual Quality
Helpdesk (VQH) in cooperation with
benntec Systemtechnik GmbH in
early 2006. The aim of this project is
to train Airbus production employees
at Bremen (3,100 in all) in manufacturing
processes and machine
operation to avoid errors in production.
Components manufactured at the
Bremen plant include the flaps of
various Airbus models ranging from
the A318 to the A380. Specific knowhow
is required for the production of
these parts. The learning system
from benntec also serves to shorten
familiarization times and reduce the
strain on experienced personnel –
such as supervisors – in the production
chain.
To meet these targets, benntec and
the customer jointly identified the
training requirements on the basis of
a so-called production process
analysis. Related activities also involved
an analysis of the learning
culture at Airbus. It was jointly decided
that Airbus employees should be
trained in an interactive process: 3-D
scenarios and animations illustrating
how individual manufacturing
steps work are well suited for this
purpose.
Newsline
3-D based maintenance training from Bremen-based benntec Systemtechnik GmbH – a future-oriented advanced
training system for the new Tiger combat helicopter (l). Pictured on the right is a part of the Virtual Quality Helpdesk
learning and information system, aimed at optimizing the knowledge base of production employees at Airbus.
Be it insulators – as shown here for a
high-power transmitter – or other systems,
technical training and visualization
with the aid of vivid 3-D models.
Pilot project
with Airbus
Explaining the benefits of this
method, Gunnar Landwehr, business
development and sales manager at
benntec points out: “The advantage
offered by this method is that employees
are actively involved, e.g. by
being asked to operate the equipment
used to apply surface protection
to the flaps.” Trainees are supported
by tutors included in the
9
learning system. These (computergenerated)
persons – called Mrs. Q
(for Quality) at Airbus – give the employee
the help and support needed
to control a system or to answer
technical questions, e.g. regarding
safety aspects. Having mutually defined
the training requirements, a
training demonstrator has now been
built. This will serve as a basis for
further steps.
Typically, the next step in this project
– and in others – is the demandoriented
content development. benntec
authors start to develop the customer-specific
training content in a
script. Once the script has been approved
by Airbus, the program with
its multimedia components is then
developed. A test phase with appropriate
target persons then generally
follows.
Since the production processes at
Airbus may change over the years,
software changes may become necessary
at a later stage. This aftersales
service which also includes the
software training of employees and
an analysis of the success of the
learning system in practice speaks
for the service-oriented approach of
the Bremen-based specialist.
Gunnar Landwehr: “As it is our policy
to assist our customers when
they need our help, we keep in touch
with them even when a project has
been completed. Airbus is naturally
aware of this.” The aircraft manufacturer
headquartered in Toulouse –
who recently booked one of the
biggest orders ever from Emirates –
knows this and is obviously happy to
rely on the support offered.
Composing (3): Sebastian Schramm

Composing: Sebastian Schramm
Newsline
benntec Systemtechnik GmbH, Bremen, can look back on 20 years of business success. This picture shows the principles and process
of air combat for a pilot of the German Air Force – interactively trained with the company’s Air-to-Air Operations learning program.
Bremen-based benntec Systemtechnik GmbH celebrated its 20th anniversary
Maximizing the customer’s benefit
Bremen. Offering customers a genuine
benefit – this is what the highly
qualified workforce of benntec Systemtechnik
GmbH has set out to do.
Bremen-based benntec, a 49% subsidiary
of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics
GmbH (linked to Rheinmetall
Defence’s Simulation and Training division)
and one of the five major eLearning
businesses in Germany, recently
celebrated its 20th anniversary.
According to managing director Roman
Tamilla, the close business ties
with Rheinmetall are an important
trump card which the company is happy
to use. “Since we enjoy an excellent
reputation as the eLearning specialist
within the Düsseldorf-based group, we
have repeatedly been able to secure
major contracts like the recent order for
the new Puma armored infantry fighting
vehicle.
Added to this,
the good contacts
of our parent
company
are very valuable
for future
work.”
The company
which special-
izes in content
Photos (2): Peter Diercks
development
(such an interactive
learning
and 3-D visualization)
for complicated technical subjects
is proud of its growth from a
small business with only 3 employees
to a staff of 65 today. Ongoing training
programs keep the qualification standards
of employees up-to-date. “In
the past two years, several project
managers successfully completed a
qualification program of Rheinmetall
AG,” adds the 46 year-old managing
director.
As mentioned, the employees are
crucial to the success of the company.
Another equally important success
factor has been the stable and longterm
working relationship with customers.
“Contrary to many other
eLearning suppliers at the end of the
1990s who were looking for short-term
success, we always concentrated on
the long-term benefit for our customers,”
says Gunnar Landwehr, business
development and sales manager
at benntec. “This also explains why
our business did not suffer like others
in the new economy boom but has experienced
continuous growth.”
But what exactly does long-term benefit
to customers mean? The eLearning
specialist determines which learning
landscape the customer sustains. Subsequently,
it is jointly decided how and
Managing director Roman Tamilla (l) and sales manager Gunnar Landwehr want
to meet the growing demand for improved training. The company intends to
expand its civil activities with a focus on medical and automotive engineering.
in which form this should be complemented.
To adhere to this philosophy,
the company even opted out of certain
opportunities in the past. Landwehr:
“In some cases, a potential customer
may state very clearly that he does not
need eLearning – in other words, learning
concepts based on electronic media
– because a trainer can impart the
learning material much more efficiently
by face-to-face instruction.”
10
The 48 year-old sales manager is
convinced that customers appreciate
the confidence placed in them and
the technical know-how offered. “After
all, we have been cooperating successfully
and closely with businesses
like bremenports (a management
company for the ports of Bremen and
Bremerhaven) and Airbus for many
years now.”
To utilize synergies and offset any
fluctuation in sales, the eLearning
company specializes in three business
areas (see also article entitled
Broad Customer Portfolio), the greatest
demand currently being registered
in the fields of System Software and
eLearning & Multimedia. Products like
Computer Based Training (CBT), Web
Based Training (WBT) or Game Based
Training (GBT) are used because there
is a high repetitive
training requirement;
this
can be the case
when employee
fluctuation is
high and sites are
distributed
across the globe.
To give one typical
example: be-
fore actually training
how to retrofit
a vehicle in reality,
soldiers of the
German Bundeswehr are given a computer-based
advance training at various
training centers around the world.
Remarking on the essential benefits of
eLearning, Landwehr explains: “CBT
and WBT are very useful for such international
remote training applications
because they reach a large number of
persons quickly, and offer a low-cost
intensive training solution quickly
(Continued on page 11)

Newsline
Bremen-based benntec Systemtechnik GmbH celebrated its 20th anniversary
Maximizing the customer’s benefit
(Continued from page 10)
be suitably combined with face-to-face
bringing trainees to the same level of seminars (blended learning concepts).
knowledge.”
Landwehr: “For example, we can impart
communication theories and visualize
The attainment of a homogenous specific conversation situations by 3-D
knowledge base is one of the essential animation.” In subsequent face-to-face
advantages of production-oriented seminars, the communication behavior
learning, a new benntec development should then, however, also be prac-
combining production and training. Unticed with a trainer.
limited access gives users the chance to
playfully learn in a virtual environment. The business outlook for coming
years is good. Managing director Tamil-
In spite of the many advantages, la: “As a competent partner for eLearn-
eLearning obviously has its limits, for ing, software development and video
instance when it comes to teaching so- technology, we attach importance to
called soft skills like communication. the continued cooperation with our
benntec is aware of these limitations. long-standing partners such as Voda-
More recent developments have, howfone, one of the world’s leading suppliever,
shown that eLearning projects can ers of mobile phones, the port company
bremenports or Eurocopter, one of
the leading helicopter manufacturers
in the world.“
Whereas the eLearning specialist focused
largely on defence business in
the past, it now intends to diversify
more strongly into the commercial sector,
especially the medical and automotive
business. A sales expert spe-
Schramm
cializing in these areas joined benntec
last year. benntec also intends to internationalize
its business by making
Sebastian
“Tell me – and I’ll forget, show me – and maximum use of the international
(2):
I’ll remember, let me do it – and I’ll un- sales contacts of the Rheinmetall
derstand”: benntec products are used group. Director Tamilla is convinced:
to understand things one cannot see. “Collectively, we are stronger.”
Composing
stablished in 1987, Bremen-based
benntec Systemtechnik
GmbH specializes
in the three business
areas Video Technology,
System Software
and eLearning & Multimedia.
The most successful products of
the business with around 65 employees
(of which 40 are involved in
eLearning & Multimedia activities
and 17 in System Software) include
training management systems, interactive
computer-based and webbased
training software (CBT and
WBT), the comprehensive learning
system ILT HGA for training helicopter
pilots of the German armed
forces and police department, the
eLearning series moBiel for tram
drivers in Bielefeld and the product
presentation and eLearning application
for cars/trucks. Production-oriented
learning and information sys-
tems for training and qualification
in industrial production are a new
product line.
The extensive system know-how is
reflected by benntec’s broad customer
portfolio. Some of the main
customers are:
★ for system software Rheinmetall
Defence in Bremen;
★ the German Bundeswehr with the
army, navy, air force, medical services,
fire departments and the flying
corps of the federal police;
★ in the automotive sector, the MAN
group (Munich/Augsburg) and
Friedrichshafen-based ZF Friedrichshafen
AG, an international automotive
supplier;
11
★ in the telecommunications sector,
the global communications enterprise
Vodafone headquartered in Düsseldorf;
★ in the medical and pharmaceutical
sector, Compudent Praxiscomputer
GmbH and Co. KG headquartered in
Koblenz and PHV (Patienten-Heim-Versorgung)
located in Bad Homburg, one of
the leading dialysis suppliers in Germany.
Broad customer portfolio
In 2006, the three business areas of
benntec generated a turnover of € 4.6
million. The eLearning specialist is distinguished
by its high quality levels combined
with high training standards: benntec
is certified in accordance with ISO
9001:2000 and was recently awarded
the Training Quality seal of approval by
the Chamber of Commerce in Bremen.

Newsline
Around 300 high-ranking visitors came to “Rheinmetall Live 2007”
Highly effective protection of troops
Unterlüß/Düsseldorf. Following the first such event in 2005, Rheinmetall
Defence again invited national and international experts to attend its
skillful presentation of the group’s latest developments and products at
the Rheinmetall test range in Unterlüß, Lower Saxony. Delegations from
numerous countries came to the two-day “Live 2007” event. The “national
day” was attended by Dr. Peter Eickenboom, State Secretary in the Ministry
of Defence and Lieutenant General Hans-Otto Budde, Chief of Staff Army,
heading a group of specialists from all areas of the German armed forces
including senior officers responsible for current foreign assignments.
esides many representatives
of the military, Detlef
Moog, member of the
Rheinmetall executive
board, welcomed various
MPs from the German Bundestag
and officials from
the region. Following the “Protective
Shield” presentation two years ago and
the highly acclaimed presentation this
year, the event will very probably be repeated
in 2009 to showcase the latest
products from the Defence sector.
In spite of the serious nature of the
occasion that had
been organized to
show the systems
and equipment
available for the
protection of German
soldiers and
their partner nations,
the guests
nonetheless also
experienced lighter
moments. One
such memorable
moment occurred
during the presentation
of the world’s
only recoilless automatic
cannon – the
RMK 30 – developed
by Rheinmetall.
To demonstrate
the cannon’s
capability, the operating
team placed a
glass with dark liquid on the flat platform
below the cannon. Recoilless meant
that there would be practically no shaking
on the platform and hence no liquid
would be spilt from the glass….needless
to say, the team achieved exactly
what it had set out to do.
Focusing on the more serious aspects
of the presentation and the purpose of
the two-day event in his short welcoming
speech, Detlef Moog, the Rheinmetall
board member responsible for
these activities, very aptly noted: “The
threat to our soldiers on their missions
has not grown smaller since our last live
demonstration in 2005. Quite the contrary
is true – the dangers are rising so it
is all the more important that everything
possible should be done to protect
them and make solutions available to
the armed forces at short notice.”
Moog emphasized the group’s willingness
to show the maximum possible
initiative and support for the German
Bundeswehr, as has been the
case with the Protective Shield project
for the protection of field camps. “The
basic version of Protective Shield that
was developed with company funds
has been available for deployment to
mission areas of the German forces for
about twelve months.”
Assisted by the companies Thales,
Kongsberg, Securiton from Switzerland
and the engineering company Deisenroth,
Rheinmetall for the first time presented
completely new capabilities for
the wide array of land forces activities –
capabilities that had already been demanded
in connection with the transfor-
12
mation of the German Bundeswehr.
Combined to “complete solutions” –
as illustrated by the term „networking“
often used to describe this concept –
these are more effective against hostile
forces while at the same time affording
own troops greater protection,
improved survivability and more safety
against injury.
On huge screens placed directly in
front of them and in the extensive test
range at Unterlüß, onlookers were
shown three different scenarios highlighting
the effect achieved by networking
reconnaissance sensors with advanced
command systems and smart
weapons.
To give one example of a scenario to illustrate
how this works: the new command
capability in combination with improved
reconnaissance and advanced
target engagement with the aid of highperformance
radio waves. An airborne
drone reconnoiters the main supply
route before a
convoy uses it.
The reconnaissance
results are
transmitted to the
ground station in
real time. An advance
guard of
the convoy secures
the route on
the basis of the
reconnaissance
data provided.
The ground station
has identified
a suspicious
wreck by the
roadside and informs
the motorized
guard about
this. One of its
escort vehicles
equipped with
high-performance
radio technology directs electromagnetic
waves at the object to neutralize
hidden booby traps. The Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) does not
explode meaning that the danger no
longer exists. To make sure that this is
true, another vehicle from the advance
guard launches a small robotic vehicle
to reconnoiter the wreck in greater detail.
Finally, the object which has been
reconnoitered and found not to present
a danger is pushed aside by an armored
engineer vehicle.
Photos: Christoph Schuhknecht / Composing: René Dahlmanns

Newsline
RHEINMETALL LIVE 2007: For the second
time since 2005 Rheinmetall Defence
presented its latest developments and
products to national and international experts
at the end of October 2007. Around
300 high-ranking visitors from at home
and abroad welcomed the chance to visit
the group’s test range at Unterlüß and
find out more about the wide portfolio of
troop protection systems. At the “Live
2007”, Rheinmetall for the first time presented
completely new capabilities for
the wide-ranging activities of the land
forces – capabilities that had already
been demanded in connection with the
transformation of the German Bundeswehr.
13
Photos (27): Christoph Schuhknecht

Motor Service with
new umbrella logo
Neckarsulm. Responsible for the
worldwide aftermarket business in
the Kolbenschmidt Pierburg group,
the Motor Service division has with
immediate effect coherently positioned
itself under a new umbrella logo.
To this end, the subsidiaries in
Germany, France, Brazil and Turkey
and most recently China, hitherto
acting under a variety of names and
logos, will adopt a uniform nomenclature
and operate as a globally coherent
trading organization under the
new “Motor Service” logo.
“Under this new umbrella brand we
will continue to use our worldwide fa-
Motor Service now
joins eXponentia
Neckarsulm. As from January 1, 2008,
MS Motor Service International GmbH
is a partner in eXponentia. In joining
this European training organization,
Motor Service customers will benefit, in
particular, from the extended access to
the comprehensive engineering expertise
of this specialist in engine parts.
The mission of eXponentia: to provide
garages with the tools and talents
to stay competitive and grow.
“eXponentia is for us the ideal platform
in order to pass on to workshops
and dealers our extensive knowledge
in engine matters. As a partner within
Newsline
miliar packaging and market Kolbenschmidt
and Pierburg replacement
parts in OEM quality as well as other
brands distributed through our group.
As far as retailers and end-users are
concerned, nothing has changed at
all,” explains Hansjörg Rölle, head of
Motor Service.
The reason for the changes: the
brand synergies that can thus be exploited
internationally, too. A shared
identity makes it easier for customers
worldwide to identify the
brand while opening up opportunities
for broadening international
brand awareness. In this context,
Motor Service’s worldwide marketing
operations will also adopt a uniform
livery for improved brand
awareness which ultimately also
this alliance, we are able to provide
our customers with even more technical
knowledge,” is how Motor Service
General Manager Hansjörg Rölle explains
membership of this partner initiative
founded in 2004 by the four
OEM and aftermarket suppliers SKF,
Tenneco, TRW, and Valeo.
Within eXponentia, each partner
contributes its experience for the
purpose of developing sophisticated
technical training modules and ensuring
ongoing training within the industry.
The training sessions are
staged in France, Germany, Great
Britain, Italy, and Poland. The emphasis
is on practical learning.
“All the members of our partnership
are convinced that within such
14
benefits customers worldwide. The
Motor Service Group includes MS
Motor Service International GmbH,
Neckarsulm, Germany; MS Motor
Service Deutschland GmbH, Weinstadt;
MS Motor Service France
S.A.S., Paris (formerly: KS Motorac
S.A.S.); MS Motor Service Brasil Ltda.,
Nova Odessa (formerly, KS Produtos
Automotivos Ltda.); MS Motor
Service Istanbul A.S. (formerly, Kolbenschmidt
Istanbul A.S.), and most
recently, MS Motor Service (Shanghai)
Trading Co., Ltd.
Tokyo Motor Show with tech-shows and customer meetings
KSPG showing the flag in Japan
Tokyo/Neckarsulm. Presently accounting
for around five percent of its
total sales (excluding the two Chinese
joint ventures), the Asian market still
offers vast growth potential for Kolbenschmidt
Pierburg. The aim of expanding
auto industry market shares especially
among the globally operating
Japanese players has been the driving
force behind various measures undertaken
in recent years for strategically
positioning the group in the Land of
the Rising Sun.
Included among these in particular
were in 2003 the takeover from Mazda
Motor Company of Microtechno pistons
production, close to Hiroshima, and the
setting-up of a sales and engineering office
in Odawara. The most recent step
was last September’s cooperation
agreement signed with the Japanese
piston ring manufacturer NPR, Nippon
Piston Ring Co., Ltd., in Saitama, to the
north of Tokyo.
Sound reasons, therefore, for KSPG to
heighten its presence versus Japanese
customers. With this in mind, the group
displayed highlights from its development
departments under the motto
“German Car Suppliers” on a joint stand
run by VDA (German Association of the
Automotive Industry) at the Tokyo Motor
Show, Asia’s most important auto exhibition.
Additionally, the group succeed-
ed for the first time in displaying the entire
spectrum of the KSPG range at two
tech-shows staged at Nissan and Mazda,
thus obtaining direct access to the
plants and development centers of
these two manufacturers.
“This direct presence gives us a
much closer and purposeful contact to
the engineers and buyers of our customers
than possible with even the
biggest fairs and exhibitions,” says
Udo Nenning, CEO of Pierburg Pump
Technology GmbH, when explaining
the advantages of such tech-days. The
figures prove his point: Japanese customers
showed vast interest in KSPG’s
AutoMotive Power.
a dynamic sector as the automotive
parts business, only those players
will remain competitive that undergo
continuous training. We are happy
that Motor Service is to become one
of our partners and will contribute its
experience,” says Silvano Berardo of
eXponentia in welcoming the membership
of MS Motor Service International.
MS Motor Service International
GmbH is the distribution organization
for the worldwide aftermarket
business of Kolbenschmidt Pierburg
AG. It is a foremost supplier of engine
components for this market and
its premium brands include Kolbenschmidt,
Pierburg and TRW Engine
Components.

(Continued from page 1)
ing intensive trials. The first serially
produced Pumas are scheduled to enter
into service in 2010.
Today, more than thirty years after
Germany first fielded the Marder IFV,
the Puma is poised to significantly expand
the Bundeswehr’s capabilities
spectrum, providing it with an entirely
new category of tactical vehicle. In any
international comparison, the Puma
clearly represents the cutting edge in
contemporary armoured vehicle technology.
Newsline
Rheinmetall Defence delivers Buffalo armored recovery vehicle for Afghanistan
Employees convert
vehicle in record time
Kassel. Job accomplished within
just months: after only three months
of conversion work, Rheinmetall’s
Vehicle Systems division in Kassel
handed over two Buffalo (Büffel) armored
recovery vehicles (ARV) to the
Canadian armed forces. Both vehicles
had previously been used by the
German Bundeswehr and are “on
loan” to the Canadians; since September
2007, the vehicles have been
helping the International Security Assistance
Force (ISAF) in its fight
against the Taliban in the southern
province of Kandahar. The demand
for the armored recovery vehicle that
also has an NBC and fire extinguishing
system came directly from the
Hindu Kush where there is an urgent
need for such ARVs to recover and
tow tracked vehicles.
Following contract conclusion between
the Canadian Army and Rheinmetall
Landsysteme GmbH (RLS) in
Kassel, conversion work on the Buffalo
vehicle quickly got under way in
May 2007; delivery was scheduled for
August 2007 so that the Vehicle Systems
division was left with very little
time to modify the recovery vehicle in
line with the Canadian requirements.
A pragmatic solution that suited both
parties had to be found quickly. “It
was essential for us to optimize the
quality and equipment of the armored
vehicle such that it would survive
even under extreme conditions. After
all, the vehicle’s prime task is to protect
the crew members,” remarks
project manager Andreas Schönknecht,
the ARV product manager.
More than 60 specialists knuckled
down to implement the customer’s
requirements within a very short period
of time. Requirements to be met
Project manager Andreas Schönknecht
from Rheinmetall Defence in Kiel pictured
here with a virtual Buffalo armored
recovery vehicle for Afghanistan.
involved enhanced mine protection,
integration of the Canadian communication
system, provision of a
broader sweeping and support
shield and stowage of equipment including
large quantities of additional
potable water. Another important focus
was improved ballistic protection
against rockets, shoulder-fired antitank
weapons and grenades.
Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann to supply Bundeswehr with new IFV
Go-ahead for the new Puma
Well-protected yet light enough to airlift,
the Puma’s modularity and expandability
make it the perfect tool for international
conflict management. No comparable
vehicle provides its crew with
such a high level of protection from typical
conflict zone threats such as landmines,
rocket propelled grenades and
improvised explosive devices.
The Puma features two different levels
of protection. In the basic configuration
it can be airlifted in the future A 400 M
transport aircraft, and thus swiftly redeployed
from one area of operation to
another despite offering a high degree
15
Photo: Uwe Ullmann
New and unexpected challenges kept
cropping up in the course of the project:
for instance, a special fixture was
needed to install the Canadian radio
sets, meaning that logisticians and
purchasers had to find the related fixtures
within a very short period of time.
The 45 year-old project manager recalls:
“We had to improvise a lot, and
this turned out to be very successful.”
While the conversion work was going
on, the complete technical documentation
– in other words, the operating
instructions for the vehicle –
had to be tailored to the customer requirements.
This called for the revision
of hundreds of pages with the
addition of new photos.
A seven-week crash course was
held to show Canadian soldiers how
to use the Buffalo armored recovery
vehicle. Soldiers learnt how to operate
and handle the vehicle safely
during on-the-job training sessions
under real conditions with Rheinmetall’s
training personnel/driving
instructors. Amongst other things,
RLS service technicians taught them
how to recover a battle tank – e.g. a
Leopard 2 MBT – in a danger zone
and how to use the items of equipment
in the vehicle correctly.
The ARV was subjected to a thorough
inspection prior to the actual customer
acceptance in July 2007. Checks included
a test of the brakes on a steep
slope. The project team was extremely
relieved to note that the test results
were good, especially when the two vehicles
were finally handed over on
schedule on August 13, 2007.
of crew protection. The vehicle can be
quickly reconfigured for higher intensity
combat by adding separately transported
modular armour elements,
which provide optimum protection
from landmines, shaped charges and
medium-calibre weapons fire. Furthermore,
special roof armour elements
protect the crew from bomblets.
Other standard-setting features of this
revolutionary vehicle include the newly
developed 800 kW high-power density
engine, running gear decoupled from
the vehicle hull, an unmanned turret and
programmable ammunition.