SPHINX at Eurosatory

SPHINX, the Lancaster spirit applied to the EBRC Panhard General Defence, working in collaboration with Lockheed Martin UK, has continued to develop its SPHINX medium 6x6 armoured vehicle concept to address French Army and potential overseas requirements.

First unveiled in 2010, the SPHINX incorporates the best adapted technologies and solutions to fulfil operational needs within today’s budgetary constraints. Lockheed Martin UK hasbeen working alongside Panhard to enhance the Sphinx through its proven turret technology utilised in the UK WARRIOR and SCOUT SV programmes.

"Within an aggressive budgetary environment, Panhard has offered an affordable EBRC solution to the French Army, as it significantly reduces development costs by puttingforward a reliable and qualified asset. A weight in combat configuration of about 16 tons enables us to offer a vehicle with a lower procurement cost in comparison with much heavier conventional solutions. In line with the 2012 Lancaster Treaty on Anglo-French cooperation, we have been working in collaboration with Lockheed Martin in the United Kingdom to further develop the shared programmes,” Christian Mons, Chairman and CEO said.

Marc Chassillan, Panhard Marketing VP, reminds us of the purposes of this project: “All things considered, procurement cost and operational maintenance cost for an armoured vehicle are proportionate to its weight. By developing a sixteen-ton armoured vehicle in combat configuration, Panhard was able to address these issues. Regarding costs, it puts the Sphinx 30 % lower than conventional projects, and it increased twofold the A400Mdeployment factor, as it will be possible to load a couple of vehicles in the bay of the future European tactical cargo aircraft. These are critical arguments for the French Army.”

The Lockheed Martin turret already includes numerous technologies mastered by renowned French manufacturers. The CTA 40 weapon system and its associated munitions will be delivered by CTAI – the common subsidiary of Nexter Systems and BAE - located in Bourges. Optronics and sights are provided by Thales. ATGMs will be of the MMP type currently being competed.

The SPHINX is displayed at Eurosatory.

(Graphic: Panhard)