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05 Sep 19. Growth inbound for Europe’s armoured vehicle market. Over the next ten years, European militaries are expected to invest more funds into the modernisation of their armoured vehicle fleets in order to meet the demands of a potential conflict with a near-peer adversary.
According to Defence Insight forecasting, this will grow the region’s share in the sector from $5.2bn in 2019 to $7.1bn in 2029, making it the second-largest armoured vehicles market in the world.
While the top four military spenders in the region (France, Germany, Italy and the UK) will together account for an estimated 56% of total global expenditure on armoured vehicles, the trend towards increased investment in these platforms is also apparent elsewhere, particularly among Central and Eastern European states.
Threatened by the prospect of conflict with Russia, these militaries are looking to replace ageing fleets of legacy Soviet-era vehicles with modern platforms that are compatible with NATO standards. These emerging tenders will create new opportunities to sustain the industry as programmes elsewhere wind down.
Among the sectors predicted to see the most rapid growth from this investment are tracked APCs/IFVs and MBTs, with the latter expected to rise from $0.6bn to $2bn by 2029. With the end of the Cold War and the prioritisation of counter-insurgency warfare, many nations delayed the replacement of their tracked platforms.
This has resulted in an urgent need for major upgrades to ensure that the ageing fleets of European militaries remain viable into the near future, until the development of next-generation platforms are procured.
Notwithstanding the revitalisation of the market for heavier tracked vehicles, wheeled armoured variants are still forecast to account for 41% of total spending. Comprising a broad spectrum of platforms – ranging from 4×4 patrol vehicles to heavy 8×8 IFVs – suppliers in this sector have adapted to meet changing European defence requirements.
As the MRAP market continues to decline following the drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan, technology developed from these vehicles has been leveraged to offer a new generation of protected patrol vehicles and 8×8 IFVs. Quicker to deploy and simpler to support in the field, these platforms have proven to be an invaluable complement to their tracked counterparts.
The Defence Insight ‘Armoured Vehicles Market Report and Forecast 2019-2029’ suggests that growth in these segments will be most pronounced during the next six years, with European spending anticipated to reach a peak of $7.7bn in 2025.
This will be followed by a short-term dip to $6.3bn in 2026 before a recovery to $7.1bn in 2029. This slightly uneven trajectory reflects the fact that many of the ongoing modernisation efforts and major procurement efforts currently under way in the region are scheduled to either conclude or reach their culmination in the mid-2020s, precipitating a slowdown in growth and a momentary downturn in investment across all sectors of the market.
This trend is highlighted by the 8×8 APC/IFV sector, which has been saturated with a bewildering array of products offered by manufacturers across the world. With most of the platforms planned to have a service life of 40 years, there will be fewer and fewer opportunities to market new products as existing tenders are concluded.
Moreover, given the long development period intended for other major programmes – such as the Franco- German Main Ground Combat System, which is not scheduled for deployment until 2035 – the next wave of procurement is not expected to translate into more spending until after the next ten years.
Therefore, after the current wave of procurement reaches its peak in 2025, the market is likely to become more reliant upon tenders in states such as Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, which are still in the process of determining which platforms to acquire. (Source: Shephard)
06 Sep 19. Queensland government’s Defence Hub co-locates in smart precinct. The Queensland government has announced the signing of an MoU with Smart Precinct NQ to establish the $5m Defence Supply Chain Hub in an innovative new industry precinct in the Townsville CBD.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the hub, a 2017 election commitment, will be located in the Smart Precinct North Queensland in Palmer Street, South Townsville, and will operate as a one-stop shop for advice and expertise on regional supply chain logistics as well as maintenance.
“Queensland’s defence industries employ more than 6,500 people and generated an estimated $6.3bn in revenue in 2015-16,” Minister Dick said.
He expanded, saying, “Townsville is a garrison city with over 15,000 defence personnel and four major defence establishments and is an ideal location for a defence industries hub, supporting local businesses to create regional employment opportunities in the defence and aerospace sectors.”
Minister Dick said two staff had already been appointed to the Defence Hub, to work with businesses and defence industry stakeholders to grow and develop north Queensland businesses to become Defence-ready.
“The Townsville Hub will focus on research and development, training and simulated services, aerospace platform deep maintenance, vehicle and maritime sustainment and logistics and garrison support. Accordingly, the Defence Hub will focus on industry growth in these key regional strengths, many of which are operationally critical to, and a sovereign capability for, the Australian Defence Force,” Minister Dick added.
“Our focus is to support our defence industry to be agile, resilient and responsive to the Australian Defence Force capability requirements in a rapidly changing global environment.”
Townsville mayor Jenny Hill said the defence hub would be an exciting anchor tenant for north Queensland’s new Smart Precinct. The Smart Precinct’s repurposing of the Transit Centre will lead to a revitalisation of the building with a variety of other organisations and businesses to follow the move into the precinct.
“The precinct is a collaborative project that includes Townsville City Council, Burdekin Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, James Cook University, CQUniversity, DEVeloper NQ, Coder Dojo and now the Defence Hub. The defence industries sector is growing quickly and establishing a national and international reputation for excellence, so the hub is going to tap into that rapid growth,” Cr Hill explained.
Minister Dick said it also proposed that the Townsville Manufacturing hub, which is due to open soon, will also have a demonstration space in the Smart Precinct to showcase technologies, processes and practices to regional manufacturers.
“The regional hubs are part of the government’s commitment to supporting and growing Queensland’s manufacturing industry, which also includes practical initiatives such as Made in Queensland, Industry 4.0, Design in Manufacturing, Women in Manufacturing and the Hackerspace programs,” Minister Dick said. (Source: Defence Connect)
05 Sep 19. Lithium-ion battery passes rigorous tests in Israel. Israel’s Merkava Mark IV tanks have completed 3,000 kilometers worth of field testing using lithium-ion 6T batteries developed by local company Epsilor-Electric Fuel. The accomplishment comes amid Israel’s plans for future armored vehicles to run on hybrid propulsion, known as the Carmel program.
The company now sees the battery application expanding to heavy-duty platforms, such as armored fighting vehicles, according to Felix Frisch, Epsilor’s vice president for marketing and sales.
Li-ion batteries are lighter weight and provide more energy than some other means of fuel. They can operate through 10 times the number of cycles of a normal battery and benefit robots and unmanned ground vehicles that require lightweight batteries.
And while the hurdle in integrating this technology has traditionally been cost and safety, that’s changing. The price tag for the batteries has decreased in recent years, from around $1,000 per kilowatt hour to $200. Their increased use in the commercial market by companies like electric car manufacturer Tesla is driving cost reductions and innovation.
“We have learned a lot from the long test series and now we are presenting a mature product, fit to serial integration in large vehicle fleets”, Frisch said. “We are now presenting a family of 6T batteries, based on two complementary chemistries: lithium NCA with its extremely high energy density, and lithium iron phosphate, with a longer life cycle and an improved safety.”
The latest lithium batteries enable growth of onboard energy for armored vehicles by up to 300 percent and gives them the flexibility to perform “silent watch” missions for up to 16 hours. This can transform the ability of vehicles to handle more onboard tech, such as air-conditioning systems, C4I tech, active protection systems like Israel’s Trophy, and electro-optics. Such gadgets and the increased use of unmanned vehicles call for lighter batteries that last longer and can enable vehicles to perform more tasks.
High-tech militaries like Denmark have been the first to adopt the battery technology, and countries like India may follow as they overhaul aging vehicles. Li-ion batteries also provide added value to countries seeking green technology. Some NATO members in particular are seeking more efficient and sustainable energy, according to a 2018 declaration from the alliance. Epsilor was awarded a new budget by the Ministry of Defense for a production line and has secured 10 customers globally, including Israel. Six of the 10 are NATO members, according to the company.
Equipped with the Epsilor 6T batteries, the Merkava operated at training bases in the Golan Heights and the Negev desert. Despite the diversity of terrain and heat, the batteries did not suffer problems. Epsilor has also performed testing with customers from colder climates, according to the company. “Now we are presenting a more mature product that is ready for serial procurement,” Frisch said.
Li-ion batteries are currently operational in Israel for use with UAVs and underwater systems. Beyond the Carmel future armored vehicle program, the hybrid propulsion concept can enable an armored vehicle to be deployed for days without resupply by more lightly armored logistic vehicles. “As a drop-in replacement for existing batteries in legacy vehicle fleets, the integration of ELI-52526 battery is smooth and straightforward. There is no need to modify anything in the vehicle. A battery is installed and the mission continues as usual”, said Ronen Badichi, the president of Epsilor.
The U.S. Army has also looked at improving battery technology to enhance mobility and lethality “while unburdening logistics requirements.” For its part, South Korea developed li-ion batteries for use on next-generation attack submarines while li-ion producer Saft has placed the battery type on torpedoes. (Source: Defense News)
05 Sep 19. Lincad launches Four Channel Caravel Mk2 charger with orders from UK Ministry of Defence. Lincad, a leading provider of batteries and charging systems to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), has launched an enhanced capability version of its world leading Caravel Mark 2 charger.
Representing the very latest in battery charger technology and design, Lincad’s new Four Channel Caravel Mk2 charger is set to join a line of Caravel charger products which have seen front-line service with British and international armed forces for over 18 years. Lincad has already received significant orders for the new four channel version from the UK MOD.
The multi-chemistry charger is designed to meet the battery charging and management requirements of Lincad’s LIPS (Lithium Ion Power System) suite of batteries, in addition to other batteries of any electrochemistry, from any original equipment manufacturer.
It can charge batteries ranging from 2 to 58V through a series of interchangeable BIAs (battery interface adaptors), including products not originally intended for use with a third-party charger. With the ability to work with up to four batteries at once, an entire fleet of batteries can be simply managed from a single type of charger. With four USB ports, it can also charge smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, and can be configured for wireless or Ethernet communication for central monitoring.
Both the Caravel Mk2 and Four Channel Caravel Mk2 chargers provide significant power delivery improvement on their predecessors, effectively halving charging times while delivering improved efficiency and greater flexibility in the battery types that can be recharged.
The upgraded models also feature a transport mode to allow the discharge of any lithium-ion battery to less than 30% state of charge in line with current International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations, making it the default charger for organisations in the lithium-ion battery supply chain.
Designed for simplicity of operation with largely automated functionality, the chargers offer flexible, all-purpose solutions for battery charging in barracks environments. With in-service configurable software, end-users are provided with the reassurance that all their current and future battery charging requirements are being met.
Lincad will be showcasing its latest batteries and charging systems at London’s DSEI next week on Stand S3-437.
05 Sep 19. Tyron ATR-MP keeps DCD Springbuck APC moving.
- DCD fitted Tyron ATRs for IED demonstration
- At all times vehicle was able to keep moving even though tyres deflated
During a recent series of demonstrations and trials by DCD Protected Mobility of South Africa, the company fitted Tyron All Terrain Rubber runflats, the ATR-MP, to its Springbuck Armoured Personnel Carrier to ensure the vehicle could keep moving in the event of a sudden deflation.
During the demonstrations, which focused on route clearance, the Springbuck set off a simulated IED before coming under attack from enemy forces. At all times the vehicle was able to keep moving even though its tyres were no longer inflated as the Tyron ATR Runflats ensured that the damaged tyres were still locked to the wheel and didn’t spin independently of the wheel. The runflat also ensured that the vehicle was still running on rubber which not only gave the vehicle traction but reduced the physical stress on the crew.
“We have chosen to fit Tyron ATR Multi Part Runflats as they ensure traction is maintained and the vehicle able to keep moving for many kilometres at speed. In addition the logistic burden for our users is significantly reduced as changing the tyres does not require any specialist tools,” said Cornelius Grundling, General Manager of DCD Protected Vehicles.
The Tyron ATR wheel assembly has a unique multi-part rubber runflat fitted to its partner, Global Wheels two part bolt-together steel wheels. This system is locally manufactured specifically for the Springbuck APC.
The Tyron All Terrain Rubber runflat is not only a multi-piece unit but also successfully passed ballistic tests. Emphasis was placed on the connections to ensure that under severe ballistic attack the ATR is not compromised as rubber absorbs far more energy than hard materials from kerb strikes and IEDs.
The Global Wheels bolt-together wheels are available in both steel and aluminium, the rubber of the ATR is enhanced to ensure beadlock, which offers a guaranteed high level off-road flat tyre performance which is not possible with composite runflats.
04 Sep 19. Alcon launches new CIR46 medium to heavy armoured vehicle brake caliper, to coincide with the DSEi Exhibition in London .
Alcon Components Ltd, the acclaimed global specialist brake and engineering company, have launched a brand new bespoke armoured vehicle brake caliper. The new CIR46 has been designed and developed to fit 4×4 and 6×6 type military vehicles operating at 12-25+ tonne GVM. Offered to the global defence and security market, this caliper allows OEM’s, fleet managers, maintainers and vehicle modification companies to fit an off-the-shelf, military special brake system. The CIR46 significantly increases braking performance and reduces both weight and cost in comparison to existing alternatives.
Developed to fill a gap in their current defence and specialist vehicle brake range, the newly launched CIR46 brake caliper sits between their existing CIR15 and CIR55 calipers. Alcon can now offer bespoke braking solutions for every type of defence and security vehicle from armoured SUV’s, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, all the way up to 8×8 type armoured giants, such as the Patria AMV. The new CIR46 is expected to be used on military vehicles based on commercial off the shelf chassis, such as the Ford F550 and Mercedes UNIMOG.
The caliper has been designed to enable as many configurations, with regards to torque capacity and installation, as possible. Both lug mount and radial mount options are available to be machined from a single set of castings. 10 different piston configuration options are available giving maximum working torque values from 9,513Nm to 15,561Nm (piston diameters from 47.6mm to 57.2mm). The caliper is centre split to allow fitment over a variety of disc thickness with disc diameters between 370mm and 410mm. The fully hanging, high friction pads are fitted with an anti-rattle system and the caliper and seals are protected to cope with the harsh military environment. The six-piston arrangement gives a lower profile than existing four piston calipers in this torque range allowing them to be fitted in tighter wheel envelopes. The caliper will be available for both brake fluid and mineral oil systems.
Visitors to the DSEi exhibition will be able to see Alcon calipers fitted to a wide variety of defence and security vehicles including those from Jankel, Supacat & Patria, to name a few. The DSEi show is taking place in London, 10-13 September 2019. Alcon staff will also be in attendance and will be available for meetings, on appointment.
Already firmly established in the defence and security vehicle marketplace, Alcon braking solutions have been sought out by some of the world’s finest Special Forces vehicle manufacturers. Amongst other key defence players, Supacat, the designers of the Jackal vehicle, BAe, Ricardo, Patria and Jankel have turned to Alcon to obtain bespoke, tailored braking systems that fully meet the demanding requirements of the challenging, high-performance, modern-day battlefield.
Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “this new caliper fills a gap we had identified in our range of brakes. We’ve already successfully developed and delivered bespoke solutions to both the light and heavy ends of the defence market but the new CIR46 will allow us to also solve braking problems in the medium weight range”. He added: “as well as marketing our brakes directly to vehicle developers and manufacturers, we see our customers for CIR46 being axle manufacturers who are selling their axles to the defence and security OEM’s. Using the technology and capabilities we’ve developed in motorsport allows us to offer significant performance benefits to the military and specialist markets, including crucial weight savings. Our automotive production experience allows us to deliver quality and value for money to our customers, globally”.
04 Sep 19. thyssenkrupp wins 3D printing approval for maritime applications. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has secured approval from DNV GL to integrate additive manufactured parts on ships and submarines.
The company obtained approval after identifying a need for parts with acceptance test certification. Thyssenkrupp developed the 3D manufacturing procedures in collaboration with thyssenkrupp TechCenter Additive Manufacturing.
With the additive manufacturing certificate from DNV GL, thyssenkrupp TechCenter Additive Manufacturing becomes an approved supplier of 3D printed parts for maritime and general industrial applications.
The approval awarded to the company covers austenitic stainless steel parts. In addition, DNV GL awarded certification for the acceptance process and associated product information.
DNV GL Maritime technical director Geir Dugstad said: “Additive manufacturing will have a significant impact on the future maritime value chain. Producing components that have the same level of quality as conventionally manufactured parts and fulfil class requirements is key.
“At DNV GL, we are very pleased to certify that the thyssenkrupp TechCenter Additive Manufacturing has demonstrated its ability to reliably produce metallic materials using additive manufacturing.”
3D printing technology is expected to reduce lead times, costs, and stock requirements.
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems chief operating officer Dr Luis Alejandro Orellano said: “We are delighted that with thyssenkrupp TechCenter Additive Manufacturing we now have a certified partner who can supply thyssenkrupp Marine Systems with additive manufactured parts that meet both our own and our customers’ high expectations.
“Together we are putting innovative solutions into our submarines and ships, setting new standards for the navy of the future.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
03 Sep 19. RUAG perform avionics enhancements for Italian Army’s Dornier 228. RUAG MRO International has added new systems and equipment to three Dornier 228 aircraft operated by the Italian Army.
The company made the additions as part of the annual inspection of the Dornier 228 aircraft.
RUAG performed the inspections at its facilities in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany. The inspection included maintenance check and avionics upgrade to enable the aircraft to comply with upcoming European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ADS-B Out/EHS regulation. The special mission configuration also includes the addition of mini tablet holders to the cockpit for the pilot and co-pilot controls to improve safety. In addition, RUAG carried out a retrofit of the VHF radios to 8.33kHz spacing.
RUAG MRO International Dornier 228 Customer Support director Michael Franz said: “Preventing potential operating limitations resulting from the upcoming regulations is a crucial issue for the Italian Army.
“With this in mind, they entrusted our engineering specialists with the complete ADS-B system integration for all three of their Dornier 228 aircraft. Improving safety through heightened situational awareness and reduced pilot workload is a priority for the Italian Army. The mini tablet holders were specifically developed to respond to these criteria.”
The three RUAG-manufactured Dornier 228 aircraft support the Italian Army’s paratrooper training, passenger and material transport, and pilot training needs.
The company has been providing maintenance services for the aircraft under an MRO contract received in 2003.
RUAG MRO International Dornier 228 and Military Business Jets senior vice-president Volker Wallrodt said: “The Italian Army relies on our team for solutions that contribute to continued aircraft availability and the success of their daily missions.
“We strive to provide robust and sustainable support in our role as an OEM and, especially, as the Italian Army’s primary provider for maintenance, repair and overhaul services.”
The army operates the Dornier 228-212 aircraft from the site at Viterbo airfield north-west of Rome. (Source: army-technology.com)
03 Sep 19. Top military logistics and IT consultancy Hawkeye Tracking joins IFS Partner Network.
- Partnership sees Hawkeye support IFS product suite and opens new market opportunities for IFS
IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces that Hawkeye Tracking, a recognised, innovative management consulting firm specialising in military logistics and information technology, has joined the IFS Partner Network. Hawkeye is a veteran-owned small business, with unique military and specialist knowledge of defence ministry processes around the globe. Together, IFS and Hawkeye will co-operate to provide advanced end-to-end supply chain solutions for military and commercial customers, supported by a world-class military logistics consultancy.
Hawkeye is well-established with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and possesses valuable experience in meeting rigid DoD contractual requirements. The company also has experience working on defence ministry opportunities across the Middle East, and the partnership will make IFS A&D solutions available to a wider range of global customers through the unique, government-supported Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system. As part of the IFS partner ecosystem, Hawkeye will in turn benefit from full access to the product suites of IFS Applications and IFS Maintenix, as well as comprehensive partner education from the IFS Academy through a series of exams and courses to train as certified IFS specialists.
“The success of Hawkeye is built on establishing strong relationships with our clients and growing our portfolio by working closely with key business partners. Given our close relationship with a number of militaries and in light of IFS progress as a specialist A&D enterprise software supplier in the sector, we believe that we are strongly positioned to collaborate with IFS to enhance performance and best support our customers in an evolving A&D market,” said Bill Hayes, President of Hawkeye Tracking.
“The partnership with Hawkeye is reflective of the tremendous traction IFS is currently experiencing in aerospace and defence,” added Graham Grose, VP and Industry Director, Aerospace & Defence, IFS. “Key enabling partners like Hawkeye play an essential role in delivering and building on the capabilities of IFS, while helping us expand into new markets and regions. We look forward to working closely with Hawkeye and sharing our mutual military knowledge to further enhance our position in the A&D market.”
04 Sep 19. Bulgarian Su-25s arrive in Belarus for overhaul. The Bulgarian Air Force (BuAF) has begun sending its Su-25 attack aircraft for overhaul to Belarus’s 558th Aircraft Repair Plant (558 ARZ). The first aircraft was airlifted by Il-76 transport to Baranovichi in Belarus in a partially disassembled state on 28 August. The framework agreement between the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence and 558 ARZ, inked on 28 November 2018, is worth BGN82.5m (USD48m). Six Su-25K single-seat and two Su-25UBK twin-seat aircraft will receive an overhaul, life extension, and minor avionics and weapon upgrades. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
28 Aug 19. Lockheed to build F-35 maintenance, repair facility for Japanese fleet. Lockheed Martin Co. will build a maintenance repair and upgrade facility in Japan for its F-35 fighter plane fleet under a $25.2m contract announced by the U.S. Defense Department. The contract, announced Tuesday, calls for construction of a regional facility to handle repairs, as well as maintenance and upgrades, on Japan’s F-35s. The facility, specifically “for the Government of Japan under the Foreign Military Sales program,” is expected to be completed by September 2022. The majority of work will be performed in Nagoya, where the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force operates Nagoya Komaki Air Force Base and Japan was formerly constructing its own F-35s.
The Japanese fleet has 42 F-35s, and the nation announced plans in 2018 to purchase 105 more of the fifth generation fighter. The aircraft includes stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and range, is regarded as the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft ever built. The United States has the overwhelming majority of the 420 F-35s built to date, and an F-35 base at Misawa Air Base in Japan, with plans to obtain about 1,800 more of the aircraft.
In April, Gen. Charles Brown, commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, said he expects the United States and its allies to have over 200 F-35 planes deployed in the Asia-Pacific region by 2025. He referred to China, which has been expanding its military power rapidly, as an “existential threat” to the United States.
Around the South Pacific, Australia has 14 F-35s, with 58 on order and 28 more orders planned, South Korea also has six, with orders for 34 more, and Taiwan and Singapore are among countries that have expressed interest in purchasing the aircraft as well. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/UPI)
30 Aug 19. eMARINE Global wins maintenance contract extension with Korean Navy. eMARINE Global has secured a KRW920m ($0.76m) contract extension for the maintenance of the South Korean Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Team Trainer (ASWTT) at the Jin-Hae Naval Base. The company stated that it has been maintaining the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROK Navy) ASWTT virtual reality simulator since 2017.
Developed and installed more than ten years ago by Italian simulator manufacturer ECA Sindel, the technology simulates battles between warships and submarines.
ECA Group’s ASWTT system features warship rooms, a submarine simulator, a helicopter for anti-submarine warfare, and an anti-surface warfare (ASuW) operation.
eMARINE Global chairman and CEO Ung Gyu Kim said: “Our success and track record of excellence in providing maintenance for the ASWTT system, combined with good customer references, places eMARINE in an advantageous position to secure work on the second ASWTT installation planned for the Dong-Hae Naval Base.
“The new installation at Dong-Hae, scheduled to start in early 2020, is budgeted at KRW23bn ($19m) over two years.”
The company secured a contract in January last year for the provision of maintenance services for the ASWTT centre simulator at Jinhae Naval Base. eMARINE entered a technical support agreement with ECA Sindel in this connection.
eMARINE also provides maintenance and chart updates for the electronic charts display and information systems (ECDIS) installed on RoK Navy ships. In March, the firm was awarded a contract to supply the warship version of its ECDIS to 20 Korean naval vessels, including ten navy destroyers and ten support ships. (Source: naval-technology.com)
30 Aug 19. Stratasys and BAE extend additive manufacturing solutions partnership. 3D printing technology company Stratasys has extended its partnership with British defence and aerospace company BAE Systems.
The collaboration will enhance the focus on new additive manufacturing solutions in land, maritime and air sectors.
Under this new partnership, Stratasys will provide BAE Systems with greater access to its new additive manufacturing materials and production technologies currently under research and development.
Stratasys EMEA strategic accounts head Yann Rageul said: “Stratasys’ close cooperation and knowledge-share with strategic customers like BAE Systems is paramount to ensuring we continue to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to developing and delivering additive manufacturing solutions that meet exacting application requirements within key industries.
“We look forward to strengthening our ties and working even more closely with BAE Systems to help realise their short and long-term manufacturing objectives.”
According to Stratasys, the alliance will also support the development of next-generation additive manufacturing technologies.
BAE Systems began investing in Stratasys’ 3D printing technology since 2006. It currently uses Stratasys’ PolyJet and FDM-based additive manufacturing technologies.
It has also implemented a battery of F900 Production 3D Printers at its Samlesbury facility in the UK.
BAE Systems Air manufacturing director Dave Holmes said: “We’re delighted to bolster our relationship with such an innovative partner as Stratasys.
“Already integrated across our production operations, Stratasys’ technology will continue to be vital in addressing and solving our current and future manufacturing challenges.”
In June, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group used Stratasys’s advanced 3D printing for flight-ready parts. (Source: aerospace-technology.com)
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About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense is a leading provider of tactical wheeled vehicles and life cycle sustainment services. For decades Oshkosh has been mobilizing military and security forces around the globe by offering a full portfolio of heavy, medium, light and highly protected military vehicles to support our customers’ missions. In addition, Oshkosh offers advanced technologies and vehicle components such as TAK-4® independent suspension systems, TerraMax™ unmanned ground vehicle solutions, Command Zone™ integrated control and diagnostics system, and ProPulse® diesel electric and on-board vehicle power solutions, to provide our customers with a technical edge as they fulfill their missions. Every Oshkosh vehicle is backed by a team of defense industry experts and complete range of sustainment and training services to optimize fleet readiness and performance. Oshkosh Defense, LLC is an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE: OSK].
To learn more about Oshkosh Defense, please visit us at www.oshkoshdefense.com.
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