Hello, my name is ROSYRapid Obscuring System

What sounds like an elegant lady from the 1920s is actually a state-of-the-art self-protection system for Bundeswehr vehicles. The launcher is currently being tested at the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTDWehrtechnische Dienststelle 91) in Meppen.

Since its inception, the Bundeswehr has equipped nearly every combat vehicle with smoke grenade launchers. Soldiers and vehicles can hide from the enemy’s view behind the thick smoke. However, the old systems react sluggishly. Several seconds pass between ignition and buildup of the smoke screen. Seconds which might make the difference between life and death in combat. Furthermore, the old system drops the smoke grenades to the ground before the artificial cover is generated. With ROSYRapid Obscuring System, the smoke screen builds up in the air shortly after ejection. The new smoke grenades also have a longer burn time because they contain a larger charge.

Protection for vehicles and crew

Therefore, WTDWehrtechnische Dienststelle 91 is currently testing the integration of the ROSYRapid Obscuring System smoke grenade launcher system in different vehicles. ROSYRapid Obscuring System stands for “Rapid Obscuring System”.  ROSYRapid Obscuring System generates an opaque red phosphorus screen within split seconds. 

The smoke screen can make any tank, never mind how big, disappear behind it. “In real life, you gain up to one minute in order to withdraw and actually disappear,” says the test manager at WTDWehrtechnische Dienststelle 91. The system does not just hide the vehicle from the human eye, state-of-the-art technology such as infrared sensors cannot penetrate the smoke screen either. For smaller vehicles or space constraints, launcher modules with a reduced number of magazines are available.

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ROSYRapid Obscuring System has a modular setup

The new system can be installed in modules. The current test vehicle, an armored palletized load system truck, is equipped with one launcher each on both sides. Two times five rounds each can be fired from the driver’s side and the passenger side. If the launcher’s control panel is activated, the system fires the round in the middle first. The surrounding smoke grenades are fired subsequently. “This is the quickest way of generating a smoke screen,” explains the WTDWehrtechnische Dienststelle 91 employee.

Depending on the vehicle and its use, the modular launching systems can also be installed facing towards the front of the vehicle or facing backwards. This is particularly relevant for vehicles which are able to change direction quickly and operate on dangerous terrain outside of convoys. With the help of the quick fastenings, changes can be made rapidly.

All palletized load systems ordered will be equipped with ROSYRapid Obscuring System

“The system tests are always special. WTDWehrtechnische Dienststelle 91 tested the ammunition and the launchers separately beforehand. But when you test them together on the vehicle they are intended for, hidden faults become obvious,” says the test manager. “The vehicles and the smoke grenade launchers work excellently. There are merely some small details, such as the routing of electric cables or the material of the bolts used, that the manufacturer needs to improve.”

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The 570 palletized load system trucks ordered so far will be equipped with the ROSYRapid Obscuring System smoke grenade launcher system and delivered to the Bundeswehr from 2021 onwards. Further vehicles from Bundeswehr stocks and from the procurement process are also to be equipped with ROSYRapid Obscuring System.

ROSYRapid Obscuring System technical data