It’s cold in the arena, of course. We’re standing together, putting on gloves and bobble hats in preparation for the next hour, our breath visible in little clouds as we speak. Michael Wandschura, however, doesn’t seem to notice the cold at all. He shows us around the rink, the home of his ice hockey club, the EA Schongau Mammuts.
Wandschura is a systems engineer at VINCORION, where he is currently working on a new generation of hybrid gensets. What many people don’t know is that in the winter season, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he swaps his office outfit for the number 13 jersey after work. Then it’s off to train with his ice hockey team to prepare for their next home or away game on the weekend.
“Without ice hockey, winter can be pretty long and lonely”
When he talks about his sport, his club, and his teammates from the EA Schongau Mammuts, Wandschura’s enthusiasm is infectious. “It was only during the coronavirus pandemic that I realized how long and lonely a winter without ice hockey can be,” he says with a laugh, “and when I was finally allowed back on the ice with my team, it was truly an amazing moment.”
Wandschura, who everyone here simply calls the Wizard, shows us the rink with the VINCORION logo under the ice, the stands, and the players’ bench. In the changing room, the black and white jerseys hang on a pole under the ceiling, and the ice hockey sticks lean casually against the wall next to the wooden benches. This is a behind-the-scenes view that visitors to the ice rink don’t usually get to see. Just like Wandschura’s training preparations, who has now started to sharpen his skates.Just like how Wandschura, who has now started to sharpen his skates, prepares for training. Just like how Wandschura, who has now started to sharpen his skates, prepares for training.
“There was never anything else”
When asked how he got into ice hockey, Wandschura replies: “Back then, everyone played ice hockey. There was never anything else.” After stints with ESV Kaufbeuren, EC Peiting, and ERC Sonthofen, the defenseman has now remained loyal to the EA Schongau Mammuts since 2007. He initially played for the first team, which successfully plays in the Bayernliga, the highest amateur hockey league in the German state of Bavaria. He has been a member of the 1B team since 2012, which allows him to take things a little easier when it comes to the sport.
A short time later on the ice, however, the team proves that playing at this level is anything but a walk in the park. The players pass the puck around precisely according to the coach’s instructions. Their movements on the ice are fast and coordinated. Skating at such a fast pace, we have difficulty documenting the action on camera.
“Above all else, ice hockey should be fun”
Unlike the players, who have really exerted themselves during training, we are now pretty much frozen through and through. Nevertheless, we want to find out more details from Wandschura – after two championships won, 608 games played to date, countless emotional, nerve-wracking, and decisive team moments: What can you learn from the sport of ice hockey that you can apply in the rest of your life? “Responsibility for your own role within a team, perseverance, and determination. These are things I can also apply to my work as an engineer. When we work on new projects as a development team, such as the hybrid gensets, it is precisely these values that are needed,” answers Wandschura, adding, “but above all, ice hockey should be fun.” This is also something he is trying to pass on to his children, who now play ice hockey just like him.
Did you know… that VINCORION has been sponsoring the EA Schongau ice hockey club since 2021? Fans can continue to experience the Mammut’s first team on the ice until March 30, 2024, when the summer break begins. The latest information, match dates, and live broadcasts are available here.
DDW Die Deutsche Wirtschaft has awarded us the seal “Excellence Business of the German Mittelstand.” The business network came to this conclusion by analyzing a total of 26 corporate governance factors in the categories of innovation; certifications; employer performance; commitment to employees, the environment, and society; and key business indicators – with VINCORION achieving excellent results in each of these categories.
“We’re delighted to have received this award. We systematically strive to achieve business success, and this seal is an additional confirmation of our efforts,” explains Managing Director Dr. Stefan Stenzel. The “Excellence Business of the German Mittelstand” award recognizes the achievements of an organization as well as its culture.
Our Achievements: Tailor-Made Technologies in Sync with the Zeitgeist
As a long-standing partner to the civil aviation, rail, security, and defense industries, meeting specific customer requirements is part of our daily business. This requires innovative solutions that will function for several decades, even under extreme conditions, and reliably withstand all kinds of wear and tear. As these are highly regulated areas of application, there are a multitude of certifications, guidelines, and standards of quality that must be met.
Close collaboration with our customers, usually in the context of long-term partnerships, is crucial in order to meet these high, sometimes extremely specific requirements. In addition, our product development and optimization activities follow defined megatrends. In particular, sustainable and climate-friendly technologies are playing an increasingly important role at VINCORION. We can ideally apply our expertise in the field of green defense, as energy efficiency has always played a central role in our gensets.
Our Culture: The Value of Employees
In this context, our success is largely driven by our employees, who each make an individual contribution to the security of our society through their work for the civil aviation, rail, and defense industries. We define the way we want to work together and the values that form the foundation for this in our “Guiding Principles for Our Collaboration” and “Leadership Compass” for managers. After all, long-term business success can only be achieved in an environment in which employees feel comfortable. We believe this also includes a healthy work-life balance through concepts such as flexible work schedules, daily working hours that employees can largely set themselves, and the ability to work remotely. We support the development of expertise and stimulate innovation processes through personalized advanced training programs. Our employees also enjoy other perks such as pension benefits, health management, and additional incentives.
A field report from the InfoDVag Heer 2023
The same is true in the defense industry as in all other industries: in order to develop suitable solutions and products, we need to precisely understand our customers’ requirements. In our case, this includes intensively studying the German Armed Forces’ procedures and deployment scenarios. The “Dienstliche Veranstaltung zur Information im Heer” (Official Army Informational Event, abbreviated InfoDVag H in German) offers the opportunity to gain real-world insights into the day-to-day operations of the German Armed Forces. Our colleague Bjane Jacobsen, Business Process Analyst at VINCORION, completed this one-week course. In the following blog article, he reports on his experiences with the German Armed Forces in Munster:
June 26, 2023 – “People from All Walks of Life”
The group participating in the course consists of a mix of people from all walks of life and regions of Germany, from 24 to 64 years old, male as well as female. It includes library directors, social workers, IT specialists, judges, government officials, mayors, pastors, and members of the German parliament. Upon putting on our uniforms, we set aside our everyday lives for a week. One of the toughest parts is not being reachable by phone for seven whole days.
After a brief introduction to formal duties – marching, saluting, mustering – we’re temporarily appointed first lieutenants of the reserve via a tap on the shoulder. A special highlight on the first day is our ceremonial pledge in the presence of our brigadier general, accompanied by the naval music corps from Wilhelmshaven, which came especially for the occasion, as well as an honor guard.
June 27, 2023 – ”The Only Constant Is That the Situation Is Always Changing”
5:30 a.m. – “InfoDVag, TIME TO GET UP!“ echoes through the corridors outside our rooms. Some of the group had wisely set their alarm clocks for a few minutes earlier, while others are now struggling to get out of bed. After eating breakfast together, the press review is conducted by the press officer of the Tank Force School. Our brigade general introduces us to basic training in the German Army. His presentation is followed by a lively discussion.
After that, we head out to the parade ground. As we get off the buses, two NH90 helicopters from the German Air Force thunder overhead. Fortunately, everyone has their safety goggles on, so the swirling branches and dust aren’t a problem.
Detailed safety briefings by the crews prepare us for the flight. Groups 1 and 2 can fly to the training area as scheduled. When it comes to the rest of the groups, the weather has other plans. Due to an approaching thunderstorm, groups 5 and 6 are forced to wait in the rain for the “air-to-bus replacement service,” while groups 3 and 4 enjoy their lunch at the Faßberg air base. As we come to find out, the only constant is that the situation is always changing.
Next, a Fuchs armored transport vehicle and ATF Dingo infantry mobility vehicle take us on a fast-paced, cross-country journey to the orientation march. Solving the tasks together builds camaraderie among the group as we move from activity to activity. One particular highlight is the task of overcoming obstacles as a group – like the “spider web minefield” and the ride in an inflatable boat.
June 28, 2023 – “A Day Dedicated to Heavy Vehicles“
This day is all about “heavy metal” – in other words, completely dedicated to the German Army’s large, tracked vehicles. We draw lots for off-road rides with the Marder, Puma, and Leopard 2 tanks. Barreling across the terrain at over 50 km/h, the tracks cut through the moorland sand, branches brush close over our heads, and dust clouds the sky. We experience the ride in the hull of the infantry fighting vehicles and are amazed at how cramped it is for the soldiers inside. An armored infantry tank demolition squad impressively demonstrates dismounting and reconnaissance.
Now we’re standing next to the trenches. In an equally impressive scenario, the tank force demonstrates to us its precise coordination of combined forces engaged in a firefight. We experience the Leopard 2, Puma, Marder, as well as dismounted armored infantry in live combat. We also become acquainted with the reconnaissance unit and its Fennek reconnaissance vehicle, Fuchs armored personnel carrier, and the Luna drone.
Business as usual: up at 5:30 a.m., breakfast, press review. Routine is setting in. Today’s special guest is the Inspector General of the German Army, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, who speaks about the future of the German Armed Forces and the political background behind decisions. It’s a lively discussion with the German Army’s top brass.
This is followed by an educational briefing on Army handguns, with a special focus on safety and shooting techniques. Highly skilled instructors from the ongoing officer training course provide valuable tips – first on the simulator, then out on the shooting range. At the same time, we learn about life in the field: starting a fire, collecting drinking water, and pitching a tent.
Another highlight is our visit to the Munster Tank Museum. Old equipment – intense emotions. The development of tanks over the years is fascinating – from the first models such as the A7V armored fighting vehicle to the Königstiger and the Leopard 2.
Conclusion: “The Combat Uniform Unites”
It’s an intense week packed full of extraordinary insights into the German Armed Forces – things we don’t experience every day. We’re all going to remember the wide range of events and activities – from technical presentations and lively discussions to extensive demonstrations and numerous first-hand experiences – for many years to come. Everyone that took part in the course was left with a rough understanding of what camaraderie means. The combat uniform unites.
The mood was cheerful, yet our minds were also on the serious things that the German Armed Forces also stand for: combat, wounds, and death. In the German Armed Forces of 2023, we encounter soldiers from Hungary, Thailand, Brazil, South Korea, Italy, and even Ukraine. We’re impressed by young women and men who are highly competent and motivated to complete their tasks. We owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the German Armed Forces who defend our democratic values and freedom. We, too, have come to understand what defensive democracy means and how necessary it is.
Fotos: VINCORION / Bjane Jacobsen
Not only are they dangerous predators, they also lend their names to the German Armed Forces’ systems – during military operations, the Leopard, Puma, and Boxer are distantly reminiscent of their animal counterparts. Our overview illustrates what makes the individual tanks stand out and what distinguishes them from one another.
The German Armed Forces use the Leopard 2 as what is known as a main battle tank. Just like the predator, it is characterized by a high degree of mobility and power, made possible by its strong armor, large-caliber cannon in a gun turret that can be rotated 360 degrees, and – a crucial difference from the transport tanks – its caterpillar tracks. The Leopard 2 is used to combat enemy main battle tanks and fortified positions. Among other systems, VINCORION’s on-board power supply, large dust blower, and gun turret and weapon stabilization systems ensure the tank’s smooth operation. Other well-known main battle tanks include the Challenger 2 (UK), M1 Abrams (USA), Leclerc (France), and K2 Black Panther (South Korea).
Infantry fighting vehicles such as the Puma and its predecessor, the Marder, are also deployed on the front line, but with lighter armor. Their job is to transport infantry groups – six to ten people in addition to the vehicle’s own crew – and provide support during combat. Infantry fighting vehicles are equipped with lighter, rapid-fire machine guns and, increasingly, anti-tank guided missiles. A special feature of the Puma is that it is the first infantry fighting vehicle with a 170 kW power system. The state-of-the-art on-board power supply with its compact starter generator, which is located between the HPD engine and the transmission, is also a solution developed by VINCORION, as are the gun turret and weapon stabilization systems. We are currently optimizing the Puma’s power electronics.
Transport tanks such as the Fox or transport vehicles such as the Boxer have much weaker armor, but are faster and more maneuverable. Another distinguishing feature is that they do not run on tracks, but instead have wheels. Transport tanks are also characterized by their multifunctionality. With medical, reconnaissance, weapons, and other mission modules, the systems are equipped to suit the specific application. VINCORION also supplies the on-board power supply for the Boxer.
In addition, there are a number of specialized armored vehicles that fulfill a special mission in the German Armed Forces.
The “Buffalo” or Bergepanzer 3 A1 is a real behemoth of an armored recovery vehicle (ARV) with a combat weight of 55.3 tons and 1,500 hp. Its three-person crew clears obstacles and is even capable of recovering immobilized vehicles under fire. To do so, the Buffalo’s crane system can lift up to 30 tons. The chassis is structurally identical to the Leopard 2 main battle tank. In addition to the on-board power supply, VINCORION supplies the welding controller for the equipment installed that the Buffalo uses to carry out repairs.
The Iguana bridge-laying tank is gradually replacing its predecessor, the Beaver. Its chassis is also based on the Leopard 2, but the turret has been replaced by a high-speed armored bridge with a laying system. This allows the Iguana to build a 26-meter crossing within five minutes. All of the German Armed Forces’ heavy combat vehicles can use the bridges due to their high load-bearing capacity of more than 70 tons, enabling them to cross small rivers or obstacles.
Equipped with an excavator arm and a scraper blade with ripper teeth for hard ground, the Badger pioneer tank digs through the soil just as skillfully as its animal counterpart. It performs clearing, dredging and recovery work, prepares emplacements for battle tanks, and makes impassable terrain passable. Even bodies of water can’t stop it – the Badger can travel underwater at a depth of up to 4 meters.
Nimble and light, but not to be underestimated, the Wiesel armored weapons carrier (AWC) comes in a number of configurations for reconnaissance, engaging enemy targets, or providing medical care. Its modest size earned it the nickname “Pocket Tank.” Although its tracks are as narrow as a notebook, the Wiesel 1 AWC packs some serious firepower and can even pose a threat to full-sized main battle tanks. The air-transportable vehicle is particularly used by the German Army’s mountain troops and paratroopers.
Everything You Need to Know about the Tanks Used by the German Armed Forces
The protection of major cities and settlements, energy plants, or infrastructure against threats from the air is the subject of controversial debate. Especially since the intensified Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, the question of what defense systems can do—and which ones are deployed in Germany—has become pressing. On the fringes of the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, 14 European countries and Germany have just signed the “Letter of Intent” to establish a European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) for air defense—because Germany has some catching up to do in defending itself against threats from the air and space. The technology company VINCORION from Wedel near Hamburg, itself a supplier of power for defense systems, provides an overview.
These Systems Are in Use in NATO
“An effective protective shield consists of several systems that build on each other, are linked, and span like a dome,” explains Dr. Stefan Stenzel, managing director of VINCORION. The best-known defense system is “Patriot” from the manufacturer Raytheon, which has been on the market since the 1980s and is constantly being further developed. The current version is “Patriot PAC-3 MSE.” The Patriot guided missile can engage up to five targets simultaneously, such as ballistic missiles, which it hits directly. There are versions with different ranges available. As Patriot is continuously improved, it will be in service beyond 2040.
“Energy supply plays a major role in the modernization and adaptation to current defense scenarios, as more and more powerful components are being used,” says Stefan Stenzel. “This is the case, for example, in the design of new radars such as the LTAMDS radar, or in the formation of entire protective shields, which are also expected to grow further and be interconnectable via plug-and-fight functionality.” At the same time, he said, resource-saving components are also required, in terms of emissions, but also fuel consumption, and thus deployment costs.
Another system is the U.S. “THAAD” (“Terminal High Altitude Area Defense”), which is deployed at the medium range of around 200 kilometers, by the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates. This system can stop missiles in the final phase of their flight.
The new “IRIS-T SLM” system from Germany has been hitting the headlines, as a first example of this system has just been delivered to Ukraine. So far, it has only been deployed in a few countries; it is likely, that the German Bundeswehr will be supplied with it. But the missiles it works with are proven, being based on a development for the Eurofighter. “IRIS-T” can engage jets, helicopters, short-range missiles, drones, and guided missiles with a range of up to 40 kilometers.
For the outer part of the protective shields, which build up like domes, Germany plans to acquire the Israeli “Arrow 3” system, which can intercept long- and medium-range missiles. Development began with the “Arrow” in 1986 in Israel with U.S. participation. The new “Arrow 3” is considered to be very flexible; enemy missiles are to be destroyed by direct hits. The protective shield of the new “European Sky Shield Initiative” could consist of three systems: “IRIS-T”, “Patriot,” and “Arrow 3.”
France and Italy manufacture the “SAMP/T” system, which has been operational since 2002. The defense system can be equipped with different missiles, which reach a range between 30 kilometers[AG1] (“Aster 15”) and up to 120 kilometers (“Aster 30”). The missiles are smaller than those of the “Patriot” system.
The U.S. now supplies the “NASAMS” system to Ukraine, which is built in Norway and the U.S. It can be coupled with “Patriot”, which is intended for the longer ranges. Currently, the “NASAMS 3” system reaches a range of up to 50 kilometers. In Europe, this system is used as a protective shield, for example, by Lithuania and the Netherlands.
These Systems Also Exist
The Israeli industry is also a leader, producing “David’s Sling” (up to 160 kilometers) and the “Iron Dome” (up to 17 kilometers), for example, which are two very advanced defense systems. However, they are not supplied to Ukraine.
On the Russian side, the S-300 and S-400 systems are in use, whose hit rates have performed less well in NATO studies than the Patriot system. Ukraine has the S-300 and achieved intercept rates of up to 50 percent with it in recent missile attacks. It has a range of 75 to 100 kilometers.
In the meantime, Germany planned to develop another system, the “TVLS,” which was based on the “MEADS” project. In 2020, however, the Bundestag passed a resolution halting further development. Other countries that develop and manufacture protective shields are India and China, as well as Taiwan.
How Does a Modern Defense System Work?
A radar looks at the airspace over a given area. It can perform friend/foe detection, which is interpreted. All aircraft are detected, because it not only concerns airplanes, but also missiles and larger drones. If the radar detects enemy contact, the defensive missile is launched. In cooperation with the radar, the missile can also be retargeted until it finally hits the flying object and renders it harmless.
A secure energy supply is essential at all times: VINCORION supplies the energy for the radar system and Patriot’s missile launcher and IRIS-T’s launcher. “What makes it special is the system’s load profile,” explains Stefan Stenzel. Over the course of the mission, he says, there are always special loads for which energy must be provided. Hybrid systems can be significantly more efficient because they allow operation on the grid when a system is stationary. “The challenge is to always provide as much energy as is needed – also an important undertaking from an environmental perspective,” says Stefan Stenzel.
Patriot is transportable, but future systems will also be housed in containers. The modules will have a standard 20-foot transport interface to the carrier vehicle—making logistics easier and the units readily deployable.
“IRIS-T,” for example, consists of three parts: the radar system, command post and missile launcher mounted on trucks. Multiple systems can be coupled to form a more effective protective shield.
What Can Help Ukraine?
Indeed, the IRIS-T equipment seems to be very helpful for Ukraine in the war with Russia. Initially, the first “IRIS-T” has been delivered, and three more are to be added in the course of 2023. However, it is still unclear whether Ukraine will get a “Patriot” system. The Kyiv government has been promoting the delivery of such a system to the U.S.
One unit of the “NASAMS-3” system has been delivered from the U.S., with up to seven more to follow. Concerns about a missile shield falling into Russia’s hands may also play a role in some systems, according to some experts. So far, France and Italy have refused to deliver their systems. However, movement has come into play there: France wants to deliver a system in principle, but is still holding back on details.
However, the systems that will be delivered to Ukraine, be it “IRIS-T” or “NASAMS,” have yet to be produced. Resource-saving components are required for production and operation, not only in terms of emissions, but also in terms of fuel consumption and operating costs. VINCORION benefits from its experience with mobile, hybrid power supply units, such as those it will supply to the German armed forces in the new power generation units SEA.