Puma
The puma (Puma concolor), also known as the cougar or mountain lion, is a large, slender-bodied felid of the family Felidae, characterized by a short, coarse pelage uniformly colored in shades of tawny, reddish, or grayish brown, with a cream-colored underbelly and black-tipped tail, and lacking the rosette patterns of other big cats.[1][2] Native exclusively to the Americas, it exhibits remarkable adaptability, inhabiting diverse ecosystems from dense forests and mountains to arid deserts and swamps across a latitudinal range spanning approximately 16,000 kilometers from Yukon Territory in Canada to Patagonia in southern Argentina and Chile.[3][4] Adult males typically measure 2.0 to 2.3 meters in total length and weigh 60 to 100 kilograms, while females are slightly smaller at 2.0 to 2.1 meters and 35 to 60 kilograms, enabling them to pursue prey through varied terrains with bursts of speed up to 80 kilometers per hour and vertical leaps exceeding 4 meters.[5][2] As solitary ambush predators, pumas maintain expansive home ranges—averaging 140 square kilometers for females and up to twice that for males—that overlap minimally among same-sex individuals but extensively with the opposite sex, with range sizes influenced by prey density and human encroachment.[1][6] Their diet centers on medium-to-large ungulates like deer and elk, supplemented by smaller vertebrates, though opportunistic scavenging and rare predation on livestock contribute to human-wildlife conflicts, including documented attacks on humans that remain infrequent relative to population exposure.[4][7] Despite its wide distribution supporting stable populations in core habitats, the puma's overall conservation status is Least Concern per IUCN assessments, though regional threats such as habitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and genetic bottlenecks imperil isolated subspecies, exemplified by the endangered Florida panther (P. c. coryi), which numbers fewer than 250 individuals due to historical overhunting and development pressures.[6][8] The eastern subspecies (P. c. couguar) was declared extinct in 2018 following extirpation in the 19th century from bounty-driven persecution and habitat loss east of the Mississippi River.[9] These dynamics highlight the puma's resilience as an apex predator pivotal for regulating herbivore populations and maintaining ecosystem balance, yet underscore ongoing management challenges in expanding human-dominated landscapes.[4][3]Animals
Cougar (Puma concolor)
The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as mountain lion, puma, panther, or catamount, is a large felid native to the Americas, recognized as the widest-ranging mammal in the Western Hemisphere. It belongs to the family Felidae and subfamily Felinae, with the species first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1771.[10] Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males typically measuring 1.2 to 2.4 meters in total length (including a 60- to 100-cm tail) and weighing 53 to 100 kilograms on average in North America, while females are smaller at 29 to 64 kilograms and up to 2.1 meters long.[1][4] The coat is short and coarse, uniformly tawny to reddish-brown dorsally with lighter underparts, lacking rosettes or spots except in kittens; the head is rounded with erect ears, and the body is slender and muscular for agile stalking.[11][12] This apex predator inhabits diverse ecosystems from dense forests and swamps to arid deserts and mountains, spanning from northern Canada to southern Argentina and Chile, though populations are fragmented due to historical extirpations.[4][13] It prefers areas with cover for ambush hunting, such as rocky terrain or riparian woodlands, and maintains large home ranges—up to 300 square kilometers for males—reflecting its solitary, territorial nature.[1] Diet consists primarily of ungulates like deer, supplemented by smaller mammals, birds, and occasionally livestock, with hunting via stealthy stalks rather than cooperative packs.[10] Females reach sexual maturity at 1.5 to 2 years and breed year-round, producing litters of 1 to 6 kittens (average 2-4) after a 90-day gestation, with kittens dependent for 12-18 months before dispersing.[14] Globally classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its adaptability and extensive range, the species faces localized threats including habitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, and human-wildlife conflict, with an estimated 4,000 individuals legally or illegally killed annually in the United States and Canada alone.[1][15] Subspecies such as the Florida panther (P. c. coryi) number fewer than 250 and remain endangered, while eastern North American populations were extirpated by the early 20th century from bounty hunting and prey depletion.[1][9] Conservation efforts emphasize connectivity corridors to mitigate genetic isolation, as inbreeding depression has been documented in fragmented groups like those in southern California.[10] Despite resilience, ongoing urban expansion threatens over 40% of habitat in parts of Latin America.[16]Businesses and organizations
Puma SE
Puma SE is a German multinational corporation specializing in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of athletic and casual footwear, apparel, and accessories. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, the company operates as the third-largest sportswear manufacturer globally, behind Nike and Adidas.[17][18] Founded on October 1, 1948, by Rudolf Dassler, Puma emerged from the dissolution of the Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik, a shoe factory established in 1924 by Rudolf and his brother Adolf Dassler. The brothers' postwar rift led to the creation of rival brands: Puma by Rudolf and Adidas by Adolf, both based in Herzogenaurach and fueling a longstanding local competition known as the "Battle of the Brothers." Operations began under the name Schuhfabrik Rudolf Dassler (RUDA) in June 1948, with the Puma brand launched shortly thereafter.[19][17] Under CEO Arthur Hoeld, appointed effective July 1, 2025, Puma focuses on innovation in categories including football, basketball, running, and motorsport. The company's product portfolio emphasizes performance footwear like the King football boot series, lifestyle apparel, and team kits. In 2024, Puma achieved currency-adjusted sales of €8,817 million, a 4.4% increase year-over-year, with footwear comprising the largest segment at €3,518.8 million for the first nine months. Ownership is predominantly free float at approximately 71%, with significant stakes held by institutional investors and the Pinault family via related entities.[20][21][22] Puma maintains extensive sports sponsorships, including partnerships with national football teams such as Italy, and events like HYROX fitness racing, renewed in 2025. The brand has historically innovated in athletics, supplying footwear for milestones like the 1952 Olympic victory of West German sprinter Emil Zátopek and continues to equip professional athletes across disciplines. Globally, Puma distributes through over 6,000 retail stores and e-commerce, emphasizing sustainability initiatives like reduced greenhouse gas emissions.[23][24][19]Puma Biotechnology
Puma Biotechnology, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of therapies targeting cancer, particularly through inhibition of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway.[25] Founded on September 15, 2010, by Alan H. Auerbach, who previously established Cougar Biotechnology (acquired by Pfizer in 2009), the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and incorporated in Delaware.[26][27] Puma went public on October 4, 2011, listing on the NASDAQ under the ticker PBYI.[27] The company's primary product is neratinib (marketed as NERLYNX), an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 17, 2017, for the extended adjuvant treatment of adults with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer following adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy, reducing the risk of disease recurrence. The European Commission granted marketing authorization for NERLYNX in 2018 for similar indications in adult patients with early-stage HER2-overexpressed/amplified breast cancer.[28] Puma has licensed rights for NERLYNX commercialization in regions including Greater China to partners like Pierre Fabre.[29] Ongoing clinical studies, such as those presented at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, explore neratinib combinations for metastatic breast cancer and other HER2-mutated solid tumors.[30] Financially, Puma reported net product revenue of $49.2 million for the second quarter of 2025, up from $44.4 million in the same period of 2024, driven primarily by NERLYNX sales.[31] For full-year 2024, revenue totaled $230.47 million, a 2.19% decline from $235.64 million in 2023, with net earnings of $30.28 million.[32] As of late 2025, the company's market capitalization stood at approximately $243.79 million, with shares trading around $5 per share on NASDAQ.[33] Despite profitability improvements, NERLYNX sales have faced challenges from competition and patent expirations in the HER2-targeted therapy space, contributing to revenue pressures.[34] Puma supports patient access through programs like Puma Patient Lynx, offering financial assistance and education for eligible NERLYNX users.[35]Puma Exploration Inc.
Puma Exploration Inc. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company incorporated on August 11, 2000, and headquartered in Rimouski, Quebec.[36][37] The company acquires, explores for, and develops mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold deposits in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick.[38][39] It is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PUMA and on the OTCQB under PUMXF.[40][41] The company is led by President and CEO Marcel Robillard, who assumed the role in 2010 and holds a tenure of over 15 years.[42][43] Puma Exploration emphasizes low-cost exploration strategies to identify and delineate gold resources, targeting multi-million-ounce potential in emerging districts.[44] Its operations prioritize technical drilling, surface sampling, and geophysical surveys, often in partnership with larger miners to fund advancement.[45] Puma's flagship asset is the Williams Brook Gold Project, a 100%-owned property spanning approximately 40,225 hectares across five main claim blocks: Williams Brook, Williams Brook South, Portage, Jonpol, and the TIMM property, all located in northern New Brunswick.[46][45] In late 2024, Puma optioned the project to Kinross Gold Corporation, providing Kinross with an exclusive right to earn up to a 75% interest through exploration expenditures and resource development milestones.[47] Under this agreement, a fully funded $2 million exploration program commenced in 2025, including drilling at the Lynx Gold Zone with six holes totaling 1,343 meters completed by mid-year, alongside prospecting and surface work on adjacent properties.[45][48] Drilling resumed in September 2025, intersecting visible gold and high-grade samples up to 72 g/t Au from quartz-sulfide veins in altered rhyolite.[49][50] Additional projects include the McKenzie Gold Project, acquired via non-binding letters of intent in 2025, targeting high-grade gold quartz veins and stockworks along the McKenzie Fault, approximately 10 km from St. Quentin, New Brunswick.[51][44] Puma plans to apply its systematic exploration model to delineate resources here, similar to Williams Brook. The company maintains environmental commitments, including baseline studies initiated in 2022 and site rehabilitation funding.[42] As of July 2025, its market capitalization stood at approximately $10.5 million, with shares trading around C$0.06.[39]Languages
Puma language
The Puma language (autonym: Pumā) is a southern Kiranti language belonging to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan family, spoken primarily by the Puma ethnic group in the Khotang District of eastern Nepal.[52][53] It is used as a first language mainly by adults, with limited transmission to children, reflecting its endangered status.[52] Speaker numbers are estimated at around 4,000, primarily in rural hill communities, though a 2011 national census recorded 6,686 ethnic Puma individuals, many of whom may be bilingual in Nepali.[54][55] The language faces pressure from dominant Nepali, leading to domain-specific use (e.g., home and ritual contexts) and intergenerational shift, classifying it as seriously endangered.[52][56] Puma exhibits polysynthetic morphology, with verbs incorporating subject, object, and tense markers in complex pronominalized structures; for instance, finite verbs agree with both arguments via prefixes and suffixes.[57][58] Noun phrases show classifiers and relational marking, while syntax favors verb-final order with flexible noun-verb alignment.[57] Documentation has been limited but advanced through projects like the Chintang and Puma Documentation Project (initiated around 2005), which has archived natural speech corpora, including child language and elicited data from over 20 speakers, aiding grammatical analysis and revitalization efforts.[59][60] A 2023 sociolinguistic survey confirms ongoing vitality challenges but notes community interest in orthography development using Devanagari script.[56]People
People named Puma
Sandra "Puma" Jones (October 5, 1953 – January 28, 1990) was an American reggae vocalist best known for her tenure with the band Black Uhuru from 1979 to 1986. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, she earned a master's degree from Columbia University and initially worked as a social worker in New York City before transitioning to music after encountering the band. Jones provided backing vocals and harmonies that contributed to Black Uhuru's distinctive sound, including on their Grammy-winning album Anthem (1984), which secured the first Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1985. She left the group amid internal changes and passed away from cancer at age 36.[61][62] Puma Curry (born July 5, 2004), also known as Puma Sabti Curry, is an American singer, model, and social media influencer, the daughter of musician Erykah Badu and rapper The D.O.C. She has pursued a career in music, releasing original songs and performing covers, including acapella renditions shared online, while also modeling for fashion collections and attending events like the Met Gala. Curry maintains an active presence on platforms like Instagram, where she shares artistic content.[63][64] Johanna Jussinniemi (born September 13, 1976), professionally known as Puma Swede, is a Swedish adult film actress and former glamour model of Finnish descent. Originally from Stockholm, she worked in computer sales before entering the adult entertainment industry in 2005, appearing in over 150 productions and performing as a feature dancer. The stage name derives partly from the Ford Puma car model.[65]Places
Places named Puma
Puma is a small Gurung village located in the Lamjung District of Nepal, at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level in the Annapurna Himalayan region near Besisahar.[66] Inhabited primarily by members of the Gurung ethnic group, who traditionally engage in farming on terraced hillsides and have served in military roles, the settlement is accessible mainly by 4WD vehicles from Besisahar and serves as a site for cultural home stays and rural tourism focused on sustainable living and local traditions.[67] Another Puma is the sole inhabited village on Teanu Island in the Vanikoro group, Temotu Province, Solomon Islands, situated at coordinates approximately 11°37′S 166°57′E near sea level amid forests and beaches.[68] This coastal settlement, with an estimated elevation of 1 meter, is associated with the Teanu language (also known historically as Puma), and lies about 804 kilometers from the national capital Honiara.[69][70]Sports
Puma in sports
Puma SE maintains an extensive involvement in professional sports, supplying apparel, footwear, and equipment to athletes and teams across multiple disciplines, with a particular emphasis on football, athletics, basketball, cricket, and motorsport. The company's sports portfolio leverages partnerships that date back to its early years, focusing on performance innovation and global visibility through high-profile endorsements. In 2006, during the FIFA World Cup in Germany, Puma sponsored 13 of the 32 participating teams, marking the highest number for any supplier at the tournament.[19] FootballPuma's largest sports segment is football (soccer), where it partners with elite clubs such as Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund (including a 5% ownership stake since 2012), Palmeiras, Valencia FC, and RB Leipzig, among others.[23][71] The brand also endorses prominent players, including Neymar Jr., Antoine Griezmann, Marco Reus, Christian Pulisic, and Kai Havertz, continuing a tradition of associating with football icons like Pelé and Diego Maradona from earlier decades.[72][73] These sponsorships extend to national teams and events, with Puma active in teamsport beyond football, including handball.[74] Athletics and Track & Field
In athletics, Puma has sponsored world-record holder Usain Bolt since signing him at age 16 in 2003, a deal noted as the brand's largest investment in a track athlete at the time.[75] The company supports ongoing track and field initiatives, equipping athletes for competitions on the global stage. In May 2024, Puma secured a kit sponsorship with the Athletics Federation of India, joining sponsors like Reliance Foundation and HSBC India to provide official apparel for Indian track events and athletes.[23][76] Other Sports
Puma's reach includes basketball, with NBA star LaMelo Ball as a key ambassador promoting signature shoe lines.[73] In cricket, Indian captain Virat Kohli serves as a brand endorser, contributing to Puma's visibility in the sport through targeted campaigns.[77] Motorsport partnerships feature Formula 1 teams Scuderia Ferrari and Aston Martin, supplying team kits and driver gear.[71] Additional involvements span golf and cycling, with Puma emphasizing equipment tailored for performance in these areas.[23] These collaborations, highlighted in 2024-2025 advertising across YouTube and other platforms, underscore Puma's strategy of athlete-driven narratives in running, football, cricket, and motorsport.[78]
Science and technology
PUMA (industrial robot)
The PUMA, or Programmable Universal Machine for Assembly, is a six-axis electric industrial robotic arm designed for precision assembly tasks.[79] It was developed by Victor Scheinman, who initially created a prototype known as the Stanford Arm in 1969 while at Stanford University's Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; this arm featured decoupled rotary joints and electric actuators, enabling repeatable positioning with six degrees of freedom.[80] In 1973, Scheinman founded Vicarm Inc. to commercialize the design, which emphasized lightweight construction using aluminum castings and DC servomotors for joints, achieving payloads up to 5 kilograms and reach of approximately 1 meter.[81] Unimation Inc., the pioneering robotics firm founded by Joseph Engelberger, acquired Vicarm's technology in 1977 and collaborated with General Motors to refine it for automotive assembly lines, resulting in the PUMA 560 model's commercial debut in 1978.[79] The PUMA's control system utilized a PDP-11 minicomputer running VAL (Victor’s Assembly Language), a high-level programming language that simplified teach-pending and kinematic computations for tasks like spot welding and parts insertion.[81] Its electric drive system contrasted with earlier hydraulic Unimate robots, offering quieter operation, higher precision (repeatability under 0.1 mm), and adaptability to cleanroom environments, which facilitated adoption in electronics manufacturing.[82] The PUMA series became a benchmark for industrial robotics, with over 100,000 units produced by the 1990s; it influenced subsequent designs by prioritizing modularity and sensor integration for force feedback.[79] Beyond manufacturing, a PUMA 560 was adapted in 1985 for the first stereotactic neurosurgery at the University of California, Irvine, guiding a biopsy needle under CT imaging—demonstrating its versatility despite lacking inherent medical features.[83] Unimation's production continued until its acquisition by Westinghouse around 1980 and later by Stäubli in 1988, after which PUMA variants evolved into research platforms like those used in university labs for kinematics studies.[79] Its legacy persists in modern collaborative robots, underscoring the shift from rigid automation to programmable manipulators grounded in kinematic chain principles.[82]Puma (web server)
Puma is a multi-threaded HTTP 1.1 server designed for Ruby applications compatible with the Rack interface.[84] It emphasizes speed, concurrency, and efficient resource utilization, supporting both threaded and clustered (multi-process) modes to handle high loads.[85] Originally developed for the Rubinius Ruby implementation, Puma has been adapted for use with MRI (Matz's Ruby Interpreter) and JRuby, leveraging true parallelism where possible while mitigating limitations like the Global Interpreter Lock (GVL) in MRI through hybrid worker-thread models.[84] Development began in late 2011 under Evan Phoenix, deriving its HTTP parser from the established Mongrel server while rewriting much of the core for enhanced parallelism.[85] The project gained traction as an alternative to single-threaded-per-process servers like Unicorn, with its first stable releases appearing in early 2012.[86] Puma became the default web server bundled with Ruby on Rails starting in version 5.0, released in April 2016, primarily to support features like WebSocket handling in ActionCable without requiring additional configuration.[84] Key features include configurable thread pools (defaulting to 0-5 threads in MRI for balanced concurrency under GVL constraints), clustered mode for forking multiple workers, SSL/TLS termination, and zero-downtime deploys via phased restarts.[84] It incorporates a Ragel-based HTTP parser for low-latency request handling and includes built-in buffering to optimize memory under bursty traffic.[85] In benchmarks, Puma achieves high throughput, such as over 9,000 requests per second at 50 concurrent connections with a 16-thread configuration, while maintaining lower memory footprints compared to predecessors like Unicorn (e.g., 78 MB vs. 1 GB+ in similar tests).[85] Puma's adoption stems from its ability to scale Ruby applications efficiently in production environments, often deployed standalone or behind reverse proxies like Nginx for static assets.[87] It supports persistent connections and HTTP keep-alives, though tuning worker counts and thread limits is recommended based on CPU cores and workload to avoid contention.[88] As of 2024, it remains the most widely used Ruby web server, powering major deployments including those on platforms like Heroku and GitLab.[84]Transportation
Aircraft
The Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engined medium-lift utility helicopter originally developed by Sud Aviation (later Aérospatiale) for military transport roles.[89] Development commenced in 1963 to fulfill a French Army specification for an all-weather, day/night-capable helicopter capable of carrying troops or cargo in diverse conditions.[90] The prototype conducted its maiden flight on 15 April 1965, powered by two Turboméca Turmo IIIC4 turboshaft engines each rated at 1,175 kW (1,575 shp).[91][89] Key dimensions include a main rotor diameter of 15 m, overall length of 18.15 m, and height of 5.14 m, with a retractable tricycle undercarriage and streamlined fuselage for improved aerodynamics.[89] The design supports a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 7,000 kg and can accommodate up to 20 troops or equivalent cargo, including external sling loads.[92] Production began in 1968, with initial deliveries to the French Army in 1969 and to the Royal Air Force (RAF) as the Puma HC.1 in August 1971, where it served in troop transport, search and rescue, and special operations until its retirement on 31 March 2025 after 54 years of service.[93][94] Licensing agreements enabled international production, including by Westland Helicopters in the UK for RAF variants and by IAR in Romania starting with the IAR 330 in 1975.[95] An enlarged derivative, the AS 332 Super Puma (later redesignated H215 by Airbus Helicopters), entered production in 1978 with enhanced power, range, and payload for civil and military applications, including offshore support and firefighting.[96] Separately, the AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma is a small, hand-launched unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) classified as a Group 1 UAS, primarily employed for tactical reconnaissance by ground forces.[97] Introduced in 2007 and achieving initial operational capability with the U.S. military in 2008, the RQ-20B Puma AE variant features waterproof construction, battery-powered propulsion for up to 3 hours of endurance, and a maximum altitude of 10,000 ft, with capabilities for electro-optical/infrared gimbaled sensors and autonomous water landings.[98][99] It weighs 11 kg fully loaded and supports real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions for units at battalion level and below.[100]Automobiles
Puma Automóveis Ltda., a Brazilian manufacturer of fiberglass-bodied sports cars, originated in 1963 as Lumimari and adopted the Puma name in 1964 under founders including Rino Malzoni.[101][102] The company produced small-series vehicles, initially using DKW mechanical components before shifting to Volkswagen platforms to comply with Brazil's import restrictions aimed at fostering domestic production.[103][104] Early models like the Puma GT, introduced around 1967, featured sleek, aerodynamic designs with Volkswagen's air-cooled engines, achieving top speeds exceeding 170 km/h in period tests.[105] Subsequent variants, such as the Puma GTI in the late 1960s and Puma GTE through the 1970s, incorporated water-cooled Volkswagen engines for improved performance, with outputs reaching approximately 100 hp.[102] These cars gained popularity in Brazil for their lightweight construction—typically under 800 kg—and racing pedigree, though production volumes remained low due to economic volatility and competition from imported alternatives once restrictions eased.[104] Puma Automóveis ceased major operations by the 1980s amid Brazil's automotive market shifts, but restored examples persist in collector circles.[103] Ford Motor Company has applied the Puma nameplate to two unrelated passenger car lines. The first, a compact three-door coupé produced from June 1997 to 2002, shared the platform and suspension tuning of the fourth-generation Ford Fiesta, paired with a 1.7-liter Zetec inline-four engine delivering 123 hp and 155 Nm of torque.[106] Approximately 26,000 units were built at Ford's Cologne plant in Germany, earning acclaim for cornering prowess—independent tests recorded lateral acceleration up to 0.92 g—and affordability, with base prices around £13,000 in the UK at launch.[107] A limited-edition Racing Puma variant, introduced in 1999 with revised aerodynamics and a 153 hp version of the same engine, further enhanced its enthusiast appeal, though only about 500 were produced.[108] In September 2019, Ford reintroduced Puma as a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) derived from the seventh-generation Fiesta, emphasizing mild-hybrid powertrains with 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engines offering 123–153 hp in standard trims.[109] The Puma ST performance model employs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 197 hp and 320 Nm, achieving 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds per manufacturer data.[110] Built in Romania, it incorporates features like a 456-liter "MegaBox" underfloor storage compartment and has topped European sales charts since launch, with over 400,000 units delivered by mid-2023.[111] In late 2024, Ford unveiled the Puma Gen-E, an all-electric iteration with a 52–61 kWh battery promising up to 435 km range, targeting production in 2025 to expand the lineup amid Europe's electrification mandates.[112] An Italian firm named Puma, active from the 1970s to 1990s, specialized in kit cars assembled from donor components, producing niche models like the Puma Ranch for hobbyist builders, though its output was limited and primarily confined to the European aftermarket.[104]Combat vehicles
The Schützenpanzer Puma is a tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) developed for the German Army (Bundeswehr) to replace the Marder series, emphasizing high protection levels, firepower, and mobility for mechanized infantry operations.[113] It features a three-person crew (commander, gunner, driver) accommodating six dismounted infantry, with a modular design allowing protection upgrades across weight classes from 31.4 tonnes (base) to 43 tonnes (maximum).[113] Manufactured by Projekt System & Management GmbH (a joint venture of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall), the Puma integrates advanced sensors and self-protection systems for networked warfare.[113] [114] Development began with parliamentary authorization in 2002, followed by prototype rollout in December 2005 and delivery in May 2006; pre-production trials started in early 2008.[113] Serial production was approved in June 2009 under a €3 billion contract for 405 vehicles, with the first entering service in April 2015 and full combat readiness achieved in March 2021 after addressing integration challenges.[113] Initial batches focused on low-rate production to refine systems, including integration of the Spike-LR anti-tank guided missile in December 2008.[113] The Puma's armament centers on a stabilized Mauser MK 30-2/ABM 30 mm autocannon capable of 700 rounds per minute with an effective range of 3 km, paired with a coaxial 5.56 mm machine gun and provision for Spike-LR missiles for anti-armor roles.[113] Protection employs passive and active measures, including spaced composite armor resistant to 30 mm projectiles from the front and flanks at base level (A configuration), explosive reactive armor, slat armor against rocket-propelled grenades, and the Multifunctional Self-Protection System (MUSS) for 360-degree threat detection, laser warning, and countermeasures like smoke launchers.[113] [114] Mobility derives from an MTU 892 diesel engine outputting 800 kW, yielding a 25.4 kW/tonne power-to-weight ratio and road speed exceeding 70 km/h, supported by decoupled hydropneumatic suspension for enhanced cross-country performance.[113]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.4 m length × 3.7 m width × 3.1 m height (turret roof)[113] |
| Combat Weight | 31.4–43 tonnes (configurable levels)[113] |
| Crew Capacity | 3 + 6 infantry[113] |
| Main Armament | 30 mm MK 30-2 cannon (200–400 ready rounds)[113] |
| Secondary Armament | Coaxial MG, Spike-LR ATGMs[113] |
| Engine | MTU 892, 800 kW[113] |
| Max Speed | >70 km/h (road)[115] |