06 Oct 06. BAE Systems featured its Bradley Technology Demonstrator for the first time at AUSA. The company supports the overall capabilities of the Army’s modular Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCTs), and helps ensure current force compatibility with Future Combat Systems (FCS) – all designed to support the future soldier.
“BAE Systems is supporting the Army’s efforts to define requirements for its current force combat systems as it evolves to meet future threats, by leveraging the Army’s broad investments in advanced technologies,” said Andy Hove, BAE Systems’ director of Bradley Combat Systems. “The company’s development on the Bradley TD reduces future risk by applying and evaluating Army-developed enhancements on existing current force platforms.”
The Bradley TD illustrates the impact of integrating a broad range of technologies currently under development in the Army Technology base and across current acquisition programs.
Bradley TD is BAE Systems’ look at managing the Bradley Combat System into the future, leveraging the extensive CMMI Level 5 certified software development and systems integration expertise of the BAE Systems design team. The team’s focus will be on demonstrating technologies and capabilities that can ensure the Bradley continues to deliver critical capabilities to the Army and the HBCTs as the units fight alongside FCS BCTs.
The vehicle illustrates enhanced lethality, survivability through situational awareness, enhanced mobility, sustainability, networkability, plus enhanced mission role packages for Infantry, Cavalry, Fire Support, Engineer and Battle Command.
Bradley TD as demonstrated at AUSA features:
* Upgunned to 30/40MM Mk 44 Cannon (based on the current Bradley turret structure)
* Common Missile Launcher (mock-up)
* Commanders Light Automatic Weapon (integrated to CIV)
* Remote Turret operation (Driver, Gunner, Commander, plus 9-man squad)
* Shock Absorbing Suspended Seating
* Panoramic Vision
* Double-pin Track
* Conventional Auxiliary Power Unit
* Embedded Diagnostics/On-Vehicle Level 1 IETM
* Embedded Training across the live, virtual and constructive domain
* Environmental Control
* FCS Spin Out One Mock-up
* Wireless Intercom
* Improved Fire Suppression
* External Fuel Tanks
* Ceramic Composite Armor mock-up
BAE Systems contributes 80 percent of the combat vehicles to the HBCT and brings the organizational and developmental expertise to leverage technologies and commonality across HBCT platforms. BAE Systems, along with General Dynamics on the M1, are the HBCT OEMs for all combat vehicles, and are best able to integrate technologies into HBCTs as they come on line.
Comment: Sources suggest that BAE and Lockheed had further discussions during AUSA about bringing the SIKA vehicle, developed for the Joint U.S./U.K. TACER/FSCS Program, back to the U.K. as a basline for the FRES Recce requirement. This move would enable the MoD to bring forward its recce requirement to repalce the ageing and poorly protect CVR(T) models. It is not known whether SIKA will also be considered for FCS. Lockheed Martin had been given additional funding to continue development of the SIOKA vehicle as part of FCS. One enhancement would be the inclusion of the QinetiQ electric drive system in preference to the existing system which had some flaws. Whether CTA will be the ‘weapon of choice’ will be decided on conclusion of the current requirement. Lockheed Martin is believed to have conclude its Electronic Architecture TDP for FRES within timescale and budget ahead of the Thales team.
05 Oct 06. Textron Systems Corporation showed its Tactical Rocket Propelled Grenade Airbag Protection System (TRAPS) at AUSA. TRAPS is among the products that were added to the company’s overall product portfolio as a result of the acquisition of Innovative Survivability Technologies, Inc. (IST) by Textron Systems in July 2006. The TRAPS airbag protection system is designed to defeat Rocket P