LOCATIONS
LAND
03 Sep 12. MBDA Germany has opened a new simulation and integration centre for air defence systems at its Schrobenhausen site. With approximately 4,000 m² of usable space, this building offers a modern infrastructure and sufficient space for integrating large end items such as radar systems, launchers and command posts, and for installation in vehicles. The building also houses a new simulation centre enabling, amongst other things, the simulation of air defence scenarios. The hall is a key part of the air defence centre of excellence at the company’s main site in Schrobenhausen. In addition to the new simulation and integration centre, the company’s facilities also comprise the test centre in Freinhausen and the laser weapons test facility. Over the past years, the company has invested over €60m in expanding and modernising its Schrobenhausen site. The new integration hall for air defence systems was constructed as a part of this investment initiative.
03 Sep 12. Boeing signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korean province of Gyeongsangbuk-do and the city of Yeongcheon to establish an avionics Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the region that will service avionics components for the Republic of Korea The facility, which will be located in the Yeongcheon Industry District of Daegu-Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone, will support the area’s Aero Techno Valley vision of a high-tech aerospace industry corridor and expanded in-country avionics capabilities. The location is close to Daegu Air Force Base and ideally suited for the Slam Eagle work as part of Boeing’s Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) program.
MARITIME
03 Sep 12. DUNCAN, the sixth and final Type 45 destroyer built by BAE Systems, set sail from the company’s Scotstoun shipyard to embark on her first stage of sea trials off the west coast of Scotland. During three weeks at sea, DUNCAN will undertake an extensive programme of trials that will include testing of her power and propulsion systems, auxiliary and domestic services. DUNCAN is on track to be handed over to the UK Royal Navy in the first half of next year. This follows the handover of DEFENDER, which was accepted off contract in a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base in July. DUNCAN, named after Admiral Lord Viscount Adam Duncan who commanded the Royal Navy to victory over the Dutch Fleet in the Battle of Camperdown in 1797, is affiliated with his home town of Dundee as well as Belfast. Once handed over, DUNCAN will be based in Portsmouth where BAE Systems will continue to provide ship support alongside the MOD, Royal Navy and industry partners in the Type 45 Class Output Management Team (COM), which works as a single team to sustain the high level of availability required throughout the life of the Type 45 ships. The Type 45 COM currently provides support to all six ships in class, including the four commissioned vessels, HMS DARING, HMS DAUNTLESS, HMS DIAMOND and HMS DRAGON. (Source: ASD Network)
24 Aug 12. Kazakhstan Navy inducts artillery vessel. Kazakhstan’s Caspian Fleet has commissioned the country’s first locally built patrol vessel following the successful completion of a live-fire exercise off the Manghistau Peninsula, the Defence Ministry has announced. The artillery vessel Kazakhstan is fitted with a 12-tube multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS) – apparently of 122 mm calibre – at the stern. (Source: Jane’s, JDW)
04 Sep 12. The U.S. Navy’s first joint high speed vessel, USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), successfully completed acceptance trials in Mobile, Ala., Aug. 16. Built by Austal USA, JHSV 1 is a versatile, non-combatant, transport ship that will be used for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles and equipment. The ship was presented to the Navy’s independent Board of Inspection and Survey by the Program Executive Officer, Ships, for a complete and thorough material assessment, which included two days underway in the Gulf of Me