25 May 21. French Navy, JMSDF and US Navy build logistics network. French, Japanese and US Navies conduct replenishment operations in separate planned events. The US Navy’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AOE 6), left, conducts an underway replenishment with the French Navy’s amphibious assault ship FS Tonnerre (L 9014). Credit: Photo courtesy of the French Navy.
The US Navy, the French Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) have brought their naval vessels together to build strong logistics network and strengthen relationships.
Through a ‘combined logistics planning’, the countries exercised their abilities to sustain each other at sea.
Throughout this month, the French Navy’s Jeanne d’Arc amphibious task group will carry out ‘replenishments-at-sea’ with the US Navy and JMSDF jointly in separate planned events.
Replenishment operations feature refuelling at sea, and the delivery of provisions through connected or vertical replenishments.
On 19 May, the US Navy’s fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn carried out a replenishment-at-sea with the French Navy’s amphibious assault ship FS Tonnerre (L 9014) in the Philippine Sea.
Earlier this month, JMSDF’s Mash?-class replenishment ship JS Masyuu (AOE 425) carried out a replenishment-at-sea with the French Navy frigate FS Surcouf (F 711) in the Philippine Sea.
French Navy Rear Admiral and French Armed Forces Asia-Pacific Joint Commander Jean-Mathieu Rey said: “Replenishment at sea (RAS) is a maneuver of special interest for our navy assets operating in the Indo-Pacific.
“First, it highlights the excellent level of tactical interoperability between partners, as RAS is a complex maritime operation, requiring perfect seamanship training and technical coordination.
“Then, it allows our respective naval forces to operate durably at sea, without the constraint of replenishment port visits. Today, in the specific context of the current pandemic, whereas access to some harbour is denied to our navy ship, this capacity is of first importance.”
US Navy Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) / Task Force (CTF) 73 commander Rear Admiral Joey Tynch said that working together with partners and allies is an ‘important investment’ in building strong relationships.
COMLOG WESTPAC is the US 7th Fleet’s provider of combat-ready logistics. It operates government-owned and contracted vessels to keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled and fed.
The 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet of the US Navy that conducts missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.
Employing 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian oceans, the 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime countries. (Source: naval-technology.com)
26 May 21. Alcon launches next generation of armoured vehicle brake upgrade kits. Alcon Components Ltd, the highly acclaimed UK-based brake and clutch company, have announced the launch of their next generation of Civilian Armoured Vehicle (CAV) brake upgrade kits, which are an extension of the existing range and now cater for a wider range of SUVs and other modified vehicles.
The next generation of Alcon vehicle brake upgrade kits extend the existing range of Ford F150, F550 and Ranger/Raptor series to now include: Mercedes Sprinter 4×4, GMC1500, RAM5500, Toyota Tacoma and Ford F250 / F350, Chevrolet’s Suburban and Suburban HD, GMT K2-based platforms Tahoe and Escalade, Toyota’s LC 200, Hilux, LC78-79 and VW’s Amarok and Crafter.
For those seeking high performance brake upgrades for increased braking capacity and improved safety to deal with higher Gross Vehicle Weights in armoured vehicles, the new Alcon range is the perfect solution. The new brake kits feature custom designed multi-piston iron calipers and larger discs on both front and rear axles, which offer the following key advantages: compatibility with base OEM actuation and stability control systems (so are easy to fit and minimise additional parts required), compliance and certification against various standards associated with increased vehicle weight, reduced brake fade, increased braking torque and less wear leading to reduced through-life costs, acid zinc finish for maximum corrosion protection and inboard bleed screws to increase tamper-proofing protection.
All the kits have been designed and tested using the same concepts, expertise and technology as Alcon’s WRC Championship winning motorsport products so they are robust, reliable and proven in the most demanding of environments.
Alcon has over 35 years of experience in engineering brakes and clutches for specialist vehicles; from F1, World Rally and prestige performance cars to 30T-plus military armoured vehicles. This places them at the forefront of developing and delivering high performance braking solutions for sectors where only the absolute best can be accepted. Alcon’s off the shelf brake kits allow both OEM’s and vehicle modification companies to overcome the challenges posed by modifying vehicles for performance off-road, defence, security and other specialist purposes.
Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of our next generation of brake upgrade kits. These provide the same outstanding enhanced braking performance to a wider range of vehicles and are perfect for those wanting to seriously operate the vehicle off-road, in specialist roles or in the security and defence sectors”. He added: “Alcon is already firmly established in the defence and security sectors with our off the shelf brake kits being used across the world. In addition, our bespoke design service is being used by some of the major big vehicle military OEM’s – solving problems, improving performance and reducing weight and cost, globally”.
19 May 21. Bulgaria Orders Saab’s Deployable Maintenance Facility. Saab has signed a contract to deliver the innovative Deployable Maintenance Facility (DAM) for use by the Bulgarian Air Force. The system will provide the Bulgarian Air Force with an efficient and flexible way to optimise their infrastructure capability.
DAM will be used at numerous air bases throughout Bulgaria. It will provide a complement to existing permanent infrastructure and provide sufficient capability for parking, protection and maintenance of a variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft in the Bulgarian Air Force.
“With this contract, we are growing our installed base of DAM in the central European region, following a previous delivery to Hungary. The key to success for us has been proactivity and a close customer dialogue,” says Christoffer Rashdan, Business Development Director at Saab’s business unit Aviation Services.
The Deployable Maintenance Facility (DAM) provides enhanced and mobile maintenance capacity. Combined with an integrated Barracuda multispectral camouflage, DAM also provides protection against warfare sensors. By using DAM, the operational flexibility increases by reduced dependency on stationary infrastructure for maintenance and protection. DAM contributes to improved autonomy and mission endurance while safeguarding operational availability.
“This is yet another great testament to the great multi-purpose capability of DAM. An asset equally suitable for use in-country as well as during deployed operations,” says Stefan Eriksson, head of Saab business unit Aviation Services.
Along with the system deliveries, we will also provide training where DAM will be installed together with the end-user. Deliveries will commence later this year. (Source: ASD Network)