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Fla-Rak-System PATRIOT PAC-3 (RS/LS MAN 8x8) - The Bundeswehr’s ballistic Barrier
Hi and welcome to my 98th suggestion, which is about Germanys Patriot SAM system, specificlly mounted on MAN 8x8 carriers, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Basic Background
In 1989, the German Armed Forces began introducing the Patriot air defense missile system into its air force. A total of twelve squadrons were equipped with the system, which was mounted on MAN 8x8 trucks and supplemented with additional German equipment such as power supply, radio, and air
conditioning systems. In addition, Germany operated 24 other systems financed by the US under the Patriot-Roland Agreement. After the end of this agreement, the Air Force also took over these systems, bringing the total to 30 squadrons with approximately 2550 MIM-104A guided missiles.
From 2006 onwards, the number of operational squadrons fell to 24 due to restructuring, with an estimated inventory of 192 launchers. Between 2008 and 2010, 13 squadrons were upgraded to the PAC-3 standard (MIM-104F) and equipped with modern PAC-3 CRI guided missiles. In 2019, the introduction of the improved PAC-3 MSE variant began, offering even higher performance. Each squadron consists of a fire control station, a multifunction radar, eight launchers, a power supply system, and a directional radio team.
In March 2024, the Bundestag decided to procure four new systems to compensate for previous transfers. Two of these will be financed by the Bundeswehr’s special fund. Delivery is planned for the period 2025 to 2029. Germany is also participating in an NSPA framework agreement with several NATO countries for the procurement of PAC-2 GEM-T guided missiles. Initially, 500 missiles worth three billion Euros are planned for Germany, with another 400 to follow.
In July 2024, the purchase of four additional systems with extensive equipment was approved, which are also to be delivered by 2029. In August 2024, Germany also ordered 600 PAC-3 MSE missiles. This means that, following the new procurement, the Bundeswehr will have a total of 17 modern Patriot systems at its disposal from 2029 onwards.
The Fla-Rak-System PATRIOT PAC-3 (RS/LS MAN 8x8) Overall
The PAC-3 system uses the AN/MPQ-65A radar, a PESA radar operating in the G-H bands. It offers a target detection range of over 160 km and can perform both search and tracking. However, the antenna itself only covers a fixed area of 120 degrees (±60°) and does not rotate continuously. To cover the entire 360° airspace, the antenna must be manually realigned, otherwise 240 degrees behind the antenna remain a blind spot. It can track 50 tagrets simultaneously, while providing Datalink guidance for 5 at the same time.
The M903 launcher is mounted on a MAN 8x8 Lkw 15t Mil. GL A1 BR chassis and can transport and fire both PAC-2 and PAC-3 type of missiles – even in mixed configurations with up to eight CRI and six MSE at the same time for example.
Both PAC-3 variants (CRI and MSE) are “hit-to-kill” missiles that destroy their target through kinetic energy. To increase the probability of a hit, especially against munitions and large aircraft, they also feature a so-called lethality enhancer (LE). This is an additional explosive charge containing 330 grams of explosives and 24 steel fragments weighing 95 grams each. Upon detonation, these fragments form concentric rings that extend the missile’s effective area. Although the PAC-3 does not technically have a proximity fuse like conventional missiles, this design allows it to effectively engage targets even without a direct hit.
The PAC-3 CRI is 5.2 meters long, has a diameter of 255 mm, and a launch weight of 315 kgm with a range of betweenn 40-80km. The MSE variant is 5.3 meters long, has a diameter of 290 mm, features a two-pulse engine, and offers improved performance data, with a range of over 60-120km - but requires a new launch tube. For this reason, an M903 launcher can carry a maximum of twelve MSE missiles.
In comparison, the PAC-2 GEM is significantly larger and heavier: 5.3 meters long, 900 kg launch weight, and 410 mm in diameter. It uses a track-via-missile method with semi-active radar guidance, reaches a speed of Mach 3.5 (approx. 1,190 m/s), has a range of 160 km, and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 32,000 m.
Unlike the PAC-2, the PAC-3 uses active radar guidance with datalink. The seeker head operates in the K-band and takes over target tracking during the terminal approach.
PAC-3 CRI missile displayed in Japan
The carrier vehicles for the radar system (RS) and launch device (LS) components consist of MAN 8x8 Lkw 15t Mil. GL A1 BR. These systems are permanently mounted on support frames, can be operated on their own hydraulic supports, and are therefore vehicle-independent. If one vehicle fails, the system remains operational thanks to quick-change systems on the frame. The vehicles usually remain in position, which offers logistical advantages. The chassis measures 10.40 m in length, 2.90 m in width, and 3.96 m in height. The maximum permissible speed is 80 km/h and the crew consists of two people per vehicle.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
Deutschland an weiteren vier Patriot-Einheiten interessiert
Bundeswehr will neue PAC-3-MSE-Lenkflugkörper für Patriot beschaffen
PAC-3 MSE mit modifiziertem Patriot kompatibel
PAC 3 MSE erfolgreich von Patriot-Launcher gestartet
Ulrich´s Referenzbilder - Fla Rak System PATRIOT
https://www.ulrichwrede.de/rundgang-um-fahrzeuge/man-familie/lkw-15t-mil-gl-a1-br-flaraksys-patriot/
Other:
Various Lockheed-Martin Brochures