Yes, the new EMBT is very interesting. A few things I noted:
It looks like Safran will be developing brand new sights for the MGCS. Were the French going to be using PASEO they would’ve used one of the mock-up sights they’ve got lying around. This is very interesting: PASEO is only about 10 years old and can objectively be considered the best in the world due to its stabilisation quality, thermal imaging, target detection, identification, etc. This would indicate the French want an even longer-range sight most likely for the hypervelocity munitions they have been developing.
I suspect it’s going to be a 20mm autocannon. If it were a 25mm or above it would make more sense to use CTAS 40 as that is as compact as the GIAT M811 (found on the VBCI). CTAS 40 would be able to engage almost every IFV at distance as well as providing superlative anti-infantry capabilities. Furthermore, the upcoming modernisation of the French VBCI fleet will see them upgraded with the CTAS 40 so from a logistical standpoint it would make sense as both the VBCI and Leclerc are supposed to operate in tandem.
Whilst the EMBT is once again using a 2A7 hull, I suspect the French will end up developing their own to comply with the French army’s wish to have a sub-50 tonne tank. Though I wonder if the French will move to ERA as that would be the only way to achieve the necessary degree of protection…
There’s no ANTARES situational awareness devices or Pilar V acoustic gunshot detectors as found on the rest of the French army’s vehicles (excluding the Leclerc and VBCI) so I wonder if they’ll ever be fitted.
Also, the crewless turret could mean some goofy traverse speeds (the Leclerc is supposed to have a technical horizontal traverse speed of 72°/s)
Promotheus APS is cool to see. I heard that a certain war prompted the French to develop an APS that can engage threats from a steep angle of attack hence why it’s been taking so long.
A very cool vehicle. And I think it proves that France is in a position where there’s nothing they can learn from the Germans which they don’t already know, or surpass them in for that matter (except perhaps armour technology?).
I know someone who works at KNDS who’ll be present in the stands doing sale talks. He agreed to take me as much brochures and official data as possible, I’ll try to share it with you people if and when I can.
One requirement of the MGCS is a maximum weight of 50t. If France and Germany use their own hulls because of some other reason, you might as well stop the project.
France is probably aware that hull development is not viable for them, seeing as Germany got the lead for it. Meanwhile, France is responsible for secondary armaments and sensors, which makes sense imo. Turret will be decided on after the ASCALON and FGS have been trialled.
