REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS DERIVED FROM THE NEW AIRMOBILITY CONCEPT OF THE GERMAN ARMY

Significant changes in the political and strategic european scenario require new ideas with respect to concept, structure and equipment how basically defensive forces are able to fulfil their tasks in the future. The treaties on troops and arms limitations and the continuing negotiations on further reductions need to be taken into account when considering airmobility of restructured forces. Since 1989 MBB is carrying out an in house study to support the plannings of the german army to implement the new “Army Structure 2000”. This early dialogue between industry and armed forces is intended to improve coordination between military aims and viable technical solutions looking at the new extension of the army battle into the third dimension. Based on representativ scenarios a number of missions and tasks were derived, for which technical solutions are proposed. Applying various operations research simulation models the investigations were carried out for basically three time periods covering initially the present status and planned equipment changes up to apx. 1993. Taking into account the results of these investigations an improved equipment was introduced in subsequent simulations representing a possible status towards the end of the present planning period of the german forces (2005). In this time frame some of the major deficits recognized in the initial investigation could be decreased considerably by the introduction of the new planned systems like the antitank helicopter TIGER and Light Transport Helicopter (NH90). For the third time frame beyond 2005 a number of possible future options have been included in the investigations. Besides several deficits identified concerning systems and equipments the two major vehicle deficits were determined as an advanced escort helicopter and an advanced transport vehicle of adequate transport capacity and productivity.