The German defense company Rheinmetall presented the RCWS 320C-UAS anti-drone system at the Enforce Tac exhibition in Nuremberg.
The system is expected to serve as one of the engagement elements within Germany's emerging NNbs air defense architecture and is planned for installation on the Boxer armored vehicle. It reflects Rheinmetall's assessment of the most practical approach to countering UAVs. Given the company's industrial presence in Ukraine and Germany's continued military support, the system may eventually be evaluated by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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The RCWS 320C-UAS integrates a conventional yet optimized sensor and weapon suite. Drone detection is performed by the EchoShield radar from Echodyne, operating in the Ku-band and specifically designed for small UAV detection.
Target tracking is handled by Rheinmetall's SEOSS 320 electro-optical system with day and night channels and a laser rangefinder. A digital fire control system with AI-based algorithms обеспечивает automatic target tracking and precise aiming point calculation.
The effectors consist of the Dillon M134D-H Minigun chambered in 7.62×51 mm NATO, with a rate of fire of up to 3,000 rounds per minute. Each subsystem has been optimized for counter-UAS missions.
According to EDR, citing Rheinmetall representatives, the M134D was selected because it can create a dense fire barrier at an effective range of approximately 600 meters.
The laser rangefinder operates at a frequency enabling measurement not only of distance but also of target speed and movement vector. High-precision servo drives control weapon guidance. Combined with the structural rigidity of the mount, this reduces dispersion to microradian levels.
The RCWS 320C-UAS weighs 530 kg, including 100 kg of ammunition. This suggests an onboard load of approximately 4,000 rounds. Dimensions are 655 mm in length, 1,140 mm in width, and 940 mm in height. The system is modular and can be integrated onto various vehicle platforms or deployed in a stationary configuration.
From a cost perspective, the use of a 7.62×51 mm Minigun relies on widely available and comparatively inexpensive ammunition. Even extended bursts may cost less than a single round for an automatic cannon, while a full ammunition load may remain cheaper than engaging drones with programmable airburst munitions.
Notably, German defense developers have now selected the Minigun for counter-drone applications for the second time. At the same Enforce Tac exhibition, Diehl Defence is presenting its Garmr system, formerly known as the Kinetic Defense Vehicle, which also employs a Minigun and is supplemented by interceptor drones.
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