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Arquus, Thales and NTGS officially presented the new Sherpa A2M (Advanced Mobile Mortar) during a ceremony at Arquus’ booth Hall 5A F281 at Eurosatory 2022.
The Sherpa A2M is designed for the tactical challenges met and created by artillery in high-intensity warfare: mobility, protection, close support to the troops on the ground and mobile counter-battery options at a lower cost than a Self-Propelled Gun (SPG).
The Arquus, NTGS and Thales alliance allows the application of a truly complete solution delivering a unique indirect fire support solution suitable for infantry support, collaborative armed forces troops and Special Forces, as well as autonomous artillery units looking for a high level of mobility and protection.
The Sherpa A2M combines the mobility of a Sherpa Light, the proven Deployable Mortar System by NTGS and the 120mm rifled mortar barrel by Thales into one fully integrated solution. The vehicle embeds 120 mm rifled ammunition and, in the future, the mortar laser guided ammunition. The rifled mortar barrel is three times more precise than smoothbore mortar. Due to this superior efficiency and accuracy, it can achieve similar operational effects with much less shots; around 4 times less rounds needed than for a smoothbore mortar.
NTGS’ fire control system at the back of the vehicle conveys information about targets and points of interest, which represents a significant strategic advantage. Thanks to the company’s expertise, the A2M Sherpa delivers control across all mission operations and is already combat proven. The mortar and tube from NTGS and Thales are qualified both by NATO and by different armies.
The Sherpa Light is a multipurpose, 4×4 armored vehicle, designed by Arquus to provide a wide array of versions and customizations for all needs and missions, built on a single, proven base for increased commonality and ease of maintenance.
It is a modern, mature, new-generation vehicle, which is built on many years of industrial experience, operational deployments on the battlefield and maintenance. It is protected against ballistic and mine as well as improvized explosive device threats with a STANAG 4569- certified protection, which ensures a high level of safety for the crew inside the vehicle during operations.
The Sherpa A2M can carry 40 rounds of 120mm mortar ammunition in the rear and additional ammunition in the cabin, depending on user requirements. It has a range up to 8.2km with standard rifled ammunition and up to 13km with a rocket assisted projectile, allowing it to enhance the protection of the embarked soldiers by engaging units without being hit (Shoot & Scoot).
Combining the expertise of these three companies ensures the highest level of quality for the Sherpa A2M’s features: protected tactical mobility, ruggedness, superior firepower and accuracy, as well as easy deployable systems and intuitive fire control.
At Eurosatory 2022, the Sherpa A2M is presented with a Hornet Lite Remote Controlled Weapons Station (RCWS) fitted with a 7.62mm MG for the vehicle’s self-protection, which can be seen on the Arquus booth, Hall 5A F281.
