Oerlikon Skyranger 35

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Photo Credit: RHEINMETALL

General Description

  • Highly mobile air defence system with integrated search and tracking sensors
  • Autonomous shooter optimized for small unmanned aerial targets
  • Capable of engaging agile single or swarming threats (loiter, pop-up, dive attacks)
  • Integrated 3D AESA search radar for continuous airspace monitoring
  • Receives and processes targets from external radars or higher control nodes
  • Fully stabilized tracking radar and high-resolution electro-optical sensor unit
  • Two operator consoles (commander and engagement operator) inside the vehicle
  • High level of automation for effectiveness and ease of use
  • Modular turret integration on current 8x8 or tracked vehicles

Main Features

  • Mobile 35mm air defence gun
  • Effective combat range: up to 4,000 m
  • 35mm Oerlikon Revolver Cannon® KDG
  • Nominal rate of fire: 1,000 rounds/min
  • Rapid single shot mode: 200 rounds/min
  • 35mm x 228 Ahead air burst ammunition
  • Ready-to-fire ammunition: 252 rounds
  • Integrated 360° AESA search radar
  • Ku-band tracking radar
  • Fully stabilized electro-optical sensor unit
  • Ballistic protection: up to Level 4 (STANAG 4569)
  • 2×10 Rosy smoke grenade launchers
  • Integrated navigation system
  • Oerlikon Skymaster® battle management software
  • Modern HMI concept for easy handling and maintenance

Cannon

  • Type: Oerlikon Revolver Cannon® KDG
  • Calibre: 35mm × 228
  • Nominal rate of fire: 1,000 rounds/min
  • Rapid single shot: 200 rounds/min
  • Mean muzzle velocity (Ahead): 1,050 m/s
  • Mean muzzle velocity (Full calibre): 1,175 m/s
  • Length with muzzle brake: 4,206 mm
  • Barrel length (90 cal.): 3,150 mm

Ammunition

  • Programmable Ahead (KETF)
  • Standard full calibre: HEI-T, FAP, TP-T
  • Ready-to-fire rounds: 252

Gun Turret

  • Weight without ammunition: 3,500 kg
  • Weight with ammunition: 3,950 kg
  • Swept radius (barrel 0°): 3,950 mm
  • Traverse arc: 360° continuous
  • Elevation arc: –7° to +80°
  • Traverse speed: 115°/s
  • Elevation speed: 57°/s

Search Radar

Rheinmetall AMMR

  • Type: 3D AESA, S-band or X-band
  • Instrumented range: 35 km
  • Spatial coverage: AZ 360°, EI –5° to +70°

Fire Control

GCC35

  • Automatic target acquisition, detection, and tracking
  • Search and track on the move
  • Gun engagement control

Tracking Sensor Unit

  • Tracking radar: Ku-band
  • Instrumented range: 35 km
  • Update rate: 50 Hz

Electro-Optical Sensor Package

  • TV camera: HD colour CMOS, 0.75°–37.5°
  • IR camera: Cooled MW, HD, 1.3° / 4.6° / 21.8°
  • Laser rangefinder: Eye safe class 1M, 6–10 Hz
  • Video tracker: Optimized for air targets
  • Sensor unit motion vs. gun turret: Az ±150°, El –15° to +85°
  • Identification Friend or Foe (IFF): Directional, optional

Operation & C2 Interface

  • Two operator consoles (commander and engagement operator)
  • Skymaster console / C2 Interface

Oerlikon Skyranger 35 – Platforms

1. Boxer 8x8

  • Type: Modern wheeled armored fighting vehicle (AFV)

  • Role: Modular multi-role platform, widely used for troop transport, command, and specialized missions

  • Advantages for Skyranger 35:

    • High mobility on roads and rough terrain

    • Large payload capacity for turret integration

    • Modular design allows easy installation of the 35mm gun system and sensors

    • Already in service with several NATO countries

2. Lynx KF41

Photo Credit: RHEINMETALL

  • Type: Next-generation tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)

  • Role: Designed for high protection, mobility, and adaptability in modern battlefields

  • Advantages for Skyranger 35:

    • Strong armor protection and survivability

    • High mobility in off-road and combat environments

    • Advanced digital architecture supports integration of Skyranger’s battle management system

    • Provides tracked stability for heavy turret operations

3. Leopard 1

Photo Credit: RHEINMETALL

  • Type: Main Battle Tank (MBT), legacy platform

  • Role: Former frontline MBT, now often repurposed for support roles

  • Advantages for Skyranger 35:

    • Heavy tracked chassis capable of carrying large weapon systems

    • Robust platform for turret weight and recoil management

    • Offers strong ballistic protection compared to lighter vehicles

    • Suitable for nations still operating Leopard 1 fleets as a cost-effective upgrade path

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