SPz Puma GSD: I may be smaller, but my claws are not

Armen_Lozone · December 26, 2024, 7:41pm

SPz Puma GSD

Would you like to see the Igel IFV in game?

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The birth of a gladiator

I may be smaller, but my claws arent

History and testing
The Puma (previously known as Igel (hedgehog) and even as panther) program was started as a successor to the German “NGP” project (Neue Gepanzerte Plattformen, “New Armoured Platforms”) from 1996. Initially research was put into designing concepts that would present high levels of interoperability and interchangeability when it comes to battlefield roles such as AA, IFV, MBT etc. However the NGP project came to an end in 2001.

During the same time since 1998, a neuer Schutzenpanzer concept was being looked into as the Germany army, the Bundeswehr was interested in a new IFV that could engage a variety of targets while also transporting troops and having decent armour. Eventually becoming the Marder’s replacement, the Puma, planned around 2002 was ordered as a pre-production test vehicle by the Bundeswehr. It was to be delivered complete with accompanying logistical and training services for the crew that would be operating and testing them. The new vehicle impressed the army, as is evident from its induction, and a large budget for the purchase of 405 Puma IFVs was drawn up of around 3 Billion euros in 2007 (excluding the 5 pre production models supplied to the German Army for trials).

The first two serial vehicles were turned over to the German Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik and Beschaffung on December, 2010.

The vehicle underwent cold weather testing under arctic conditions of -30 degrees Celsius in March 2007 (Norway). The United Arab Emirates were the host of the hot weather tests for the Puma in August of 2013.

After successfully completing mobility and firepower assessments, the now-named Puma IFV was authorised for operation in April, 2015 by BAAINBw. By June of 2015, the German military formally adopted the Puma making it one of, if not the most modern ground combat vehicle both in game and in real life.

The Gesamt System Demonstrator (GSD) model was built as a trial vehicle (in 2003) for the BW, subsequently named the Puma, it demonstrated its preliminary capabilities to the German high command in 2005 after completing initial trials. It was during these trials that it later underwent modifications including but not limited to new suspension components, modified engine displacement, modified torque convertor, new drive sprockets and one extra roadwheel on each side of the vehicle.

The Puma GSD represents the very first complete prototype of the Puma IFV as we know today. It was part of a group of 5 pre-production vehicles delivered to the BW and would prove vital for the Puma’s move onto three separate protection classes, A (air-transportable), B (rail-transport) and C (combat).

The GSD falls into Class A while the Puma production falls into Class C. As such, the GSD is only frontally protected against 30mm autocannons and hand held AT weapons such as the RPG-7. Class B was deemed not as big an upgrade and was eventually dropped as an option, to add onto it, Class C already fulfilled rail-transportability requirements hence the class and designation was trashed. All production Pumas are made into class C standards but can be stripped down to A for air-transportability.

Being the first prototype, it does not have access to either the MUSS APS nor the Laser warning system as the sensors have not been integrated. It does not have the CLARA ERA blocks on the side nor does it have the MELLS weapon system. What it does have to make up for it is increased acceleration, hydropneumatic suspension and a smaller vertical profile.

In the hands of the skilled, alongside its APFSDS and AHEAD shells, it will prove a bane for tanks and aircraft alike.

Technical Specifications

Crew: 3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)
— Mobility —
Weight: 31.5t
Engine: MTU V10 892 diesel
Power: 1,088 hp at 4,250 rpm
Top speed: +70kmph
Power/weight: 34.5hp/t
Transmission: Renk HSWL 256
Suspension: Horstman hydrosruts (Hydropneumatic)

— Armament —
Main gun: 30 mm (MK 30-2/ABM)
Secondary gun(s): MG 4
Elevation: -10, +45
Traverse: 360 degrees
Gun sight: Hensoldt EOTS II (+ PERI RTWL sight for comander)
Laser range finder: Yes
Thermals: 3rd generation ATTICA (gunner + commander)

— Ammunition —

30mm
Count: 200 rounds (+ 200 in storage)
Types and performance:

Differences from production Puma

Key:

Add-on UFP composite screen not on GSD
Hull side composite screen not on GSD
Hull side ERA not on GSD
5 road wheels on GSD vs 6 on Puma C standard (one extra is mounted on each side upon conversion from level A to level C)
MUSS APS not on GSD
No gunshield on GSD
Equal number of Smoke launchers but mounted on top rear of the turret in GSD [refer to pictures attached at end (picture # 2)]

Puma Prototype in museum

NOTE: possible shorter hull length on GSD

Primary argument for Puma GSD

Adding the prototype/early production versions of the Puma as a lower BR replacement for the Puma IFV to give the ranks a suitable LT.
See also:
[h]ttps://forum.warthunder.com/t/removable-electro-optical-aps-module-as-a-modification-for-puma/98106

Visual References