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26 Oct 23. Aerobotix to demonstrate new mobile robot for aerospace and defense sector at WESTEC/AeroDef, Aerobotix, a leading robotics integrator for the aerospace and defense industries, announced today that it will demonstrate a new mobile robot at the WESTEC/AeroDef Manufacturing Conference in Long Beach, California, from Nov. 7-9.
These will be the first public demonstrations of the robot, which has been specifically designed for the aerospace and defense sector. It can be configured for applications including sanding, painting and inspection. The demonstration robot will perform automated tasks on aerospace components.
“As Aerobotix continues its groundbreaking work in mobile robots, we’re excited to bring this new technology to WESTEC/AeroDef,” said Josh Tuttle, Aerobotix business development manager. “Mobile robots are widely used in general manufacturing and warehousing but are still new to the aerospace and defense industries. They support the ‘factory of the future’ concept and offer significant benefits in labor and cost savings, output quality and worker safety.”
Aerobotix has been a pioneer in the use of mobile robots for aerospace and defense applications, partnering with Compass Technology Group (CTG) to help build the first collaborative mobile robot for U.S. Air Force maintenance depots.
Developed under the Air Force’s Small Business Innovation Research program, the self-navigating Adaptive Radome Diagnostic System (ARDS) uses microwave signals to non-destructively evaluate aircraft radomes and identify defects such as delamination or water ingress. The ARDS won the top Defense Manufacturing Technology Achievement Award at the 2021 Defense Manufacturing Conference.
“The new mobile robot we’re demonstrating at WESTEC/AeroDef isn’t self-navigating like the ARDS but could be reconfigured to become self-navigating if the customer has that need,” said Tuttle. “A key strength of mobile robots is that they’re highly configurable and can be rapidly repurposed to serve multiple objectives in multiple locations.”
Aerobotix will offer hourly demonstrations at WESTEC/AeroDef booth No. 3003, on the right-hand side of the AeroDef hall.
About Aerobotix
Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Aerobotix is an innovative leader in robotic solutions for the aerospace and defense industries. The company specializes in the creation of cutting-edge automated robotic solutions for high-value, high-precision components, aircraft and vehicles. Aerobotix has more than 130 robotic systems installed in the U.S. and abroad, providing exceptional results and savings for our clients. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
25 Oct 23. Chile opens bidding for new wheeled armored vehicles. The Chilean Army is calling for bids as part of its effort to acquire 40 new eight-wheel drive, all-terrain armored infantry transport vehicles.
The new platforms are to replace a fleet of 160 six-wheel drive Mowag Piranha armored vehicles, built locally under license by Cardoen Industries in the 1980s and assigned to infantry units in central Chile.
Several companies, including the United States’ General Dynamics Land Systems, Italy’s IVECO, Finland’s Patria, and Turkey’s Otokar and BMC, have expressed interest in the potential contract, worth $111.8 m.
Chile plans to award and finalize a contract within the first trimester of 2024.
The potential business derived from winning this contract goes beyond its initial financial worth, as the country is seeking more than 200 armored vehicles in the long term, according to military sources in Santiago, who spoke to Defense News on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press.
The government had considered buying secondhand vehicles or local production under license, but it ultimately dropped that approach. Now, the requirements are for brand new vehicles with a maximum weight of 38 tons, with all equipment, including weapons and communications systems, fitted to the platform.
That maximum weight requirement — more than triple the 11-ton weight of the Piranha vehicles — reflects Chile’s expectation the new vehicle offer far higher levels of survivability and protection to the combat troops onboard.
The country also requires the vehicle meet the NATO STANAG 4569′s level 3 standard. That means the vehicle’s body must resist grenade and mine blasts with up to 8 kilograms of explosive, and resist impacts of 7.62mm х 51 armor-piercing bullets with a tungsten carbide core at a maximum distance of 30 meters with a velocity of 930 meters per second.
Chile also requires that same standard’s level 3A, which means the vehicle can survive a mine or improved explosive device blowing up under any wheel. In addition, the platform must meet level 3B specifications to survive the same type of explosion under the center of the vehicle’s hull.
The vehicle should use a Euro III diesel engine with a power of at least 550 horsepower and carry enough fuel to travel 500 kilometers (311 miles). It should also fit a driver, a radio operator, a commander and eight infantry riflemen.
The vehicles included in the anticipated order, besides four command post vehicles, should include a remote controlled weapons station featuring a M2 .50-caliber machine gun and a Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher. All vehicles are to be fitted with optional 7.62mm machine guns and two quadruple smoke grenade launchers.
Chile began considering a replacement for its Piranha vehicles in the early 2010s, but the transfer of half the fleet to the uniformed national police since 2018 added an urgency.
The police force, known as Carabineros, deployed their Piranha vehicles in a so-called macro-zone south in southern Chile, where Indigenous people of the Mapuche group are rebelling against the Chilean government’s use of land. The Army has also deployed its Piranha vehicles to the southern region, where special forces and infantry troops have supported the police there since 2020.
This first batch of new armored vehicles are to be assigned to the 1st Infantry Regiment “Buin,” based in Santiago. The regiment provides one mechanized infantry battalion to the Southern Cross, a joint Chilean-Argentine formation made available for U.N. peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
But the future fleet’s headquarters is to be on Peldehue military camp, a large training ground north of Santiago. From there, the vehicles will be available for training infantry troops from other Chilean Army units.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
23 Oct 23. More SandCat light reconnaissance vehicles rushed into service with Israel. If the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) was set for a ground invasion of Gaza, lightly armoured vehicles such as the SandCat would likely play a key role.
Israeli military defence company Plasan has rushed extra SandCat patrol vehicles to the IDF and re-opened a personal ballistic armour production line as local soldiers and vehicles line-up on the Gaza border in preparation for a potential invasion.
The moves were reported by Israel Defence on 22 October and the vehicles would join the hundreds already in service with the IDF. While it is not clear how many SandCats are already in service with IDF, it could be as many as 700, according to the report.
The report stated that ‘the company has significantly increased the production rate of vehicles and will deliver dozens more in the coming months in addition to the vehicles that were delivered at the beginning of this year in an emergency procurement procedure’.
Israel operates as many as a dozen armoured vehicles of varied age, number and standard, with any invasion proving a major test and demonstrating the worth of newer variants.
The SandCat uses many Ford F Series components, such as the 6.7 litre turbodiesel, but the original ladder frame chassis has been dispensed with in favour of a monocoque design. This would result in a high level of underbody protection without demanding substantial increases in weight and height.
A modular armour system, which can provide up to STANAG 4569 Level 3 protection, would allow the vehicle to be equipped to the threat level and payload requirements of the mission.
The importance of this type of vehicle has been highlighted by the continued arrival of vehicles into Israel including the David Light armoured urban vehicle on 19 October. (Source: Shephard)
23 Oct 23. US Army Testing New Stryker CBRN Reconnaissance Stryker Vehicle. Soldiers Test New Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Recon Stryker Vehicle. Soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McCord have been taking part in operationally testing the new Sensor Suite Upgrade, or SSU, on the M1135 variant Stryker — the Army’s high-speed, high-mobility, armored carrier.
Soldiers with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of 2nd Infantry Division and the 110th Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Battalion are employing the Stryker Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle SSU along with testers of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command based at West Fort Cavazos, Texas.
The SSU supports the warfighter by performing NBC reconnaissance on the battlefield.
Its dedicated system of CBRN detection on a Stryker vehicle can locate, identify, and report NBC contamination to commanders.
“As a CBRN Reconnaissance Platoon, seldom are we presented the opportunity to focus on in-depth front-line reconnaissance, surveillance, warning and reporting, and identification of realistic CBRN threats,” said 1st Lt. Kassi Gulliford, platoon leader of RECCE Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 23rd Brigade Engineer Battalion.
“This operational test has given my platoon the opportunity to focus on our critical war-time collective tasks of mounted CBRN reconnaissance and surveillance, especially operating as crews,” she added.
“The amount of hands-on training and employment opportunities with CBRN simulants we received, really gave all of us confidence in our capabilities with respect to our operational readiness as a mounted RECCE platoon.”
According to Test Officer Joseph Scheerer of the USAOTC’s Maneuver Support and Sustainment Test Directorate, test data and feedback collected informs senior Army leaders on effectiveness, suitability, and reliability of the SSU.
Scheerer explained during the four-day record test, the test players employed the sensors, detected, and identified CBRN threats, provided detailed warning and reports, and conducted decontamination of the systems over 16 varying targets.
“Mounted CBRN reconnaissance and surveillance operations are complex missions that requires our CBRN assets to remain equipped with systems that are effective and suitable in Soldiers hands,” he said.
“This test event is about making sure the systems developed provide proper capabilities in the environments in which Soldiers and units train and fight.”
U.S. Army Operational Test Command: As the Army’s only independent operational tester, USAOTC enlists the “Total Army” (Active, National Guard, and Reserve) when testing Army, joint, and multi-service warfighting systems in realistic operational environments, using typical Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable. USAOTC is required by public law to test major systems before they are fielded to its ultimate customer — the American Soldier.
The Maneuver Support and Sustainment Test Directorate conducts operational tests of combat engineer, chemical, transportation, military police, quartermaster, ordnance, and medical service systems to provide our senior leaders with the necessary information to field the highest quality equipment for the warfighter. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ US Army)
20 Oct 23. Hanwha grows Unmanned Ground Vehicle portfolio. South Korean defence prime Hanwha Aerospace has taken the opportunity at the 2023 edition of ADEX in Seoul to showcase its expanding range of 6×6 Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicles (UGCVs).
Taking centre stage at its expansive booth were four UGCV models, namely TAIpers (Tank Sniper), Turret, RCWS (Remote Control Weapon System), and Laser.
The latest development comes after Hanwha had exhibited the full-scale TAIpers UGCV at MSPO 2023 in Kielce, Poland earlier in September. The vehicle on display in Kielce was seen with a topside launcher armed with six ready to fire TAIpers anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
In contrast, the Turret variant is envisioned to be armed with a medium-calibre main gun, a secondary gun, as well as customer-specified ATGMs, while the RCWS is designed for reconnaissance and is armed with a heavy machine gun. The Laser variant will be equipped with a high-energy laser (HEL) that will be able to defeat tactical missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
A company spokesperson told AMR that Hanwha was earlier selected by the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to spearhead development of the RoKA’s future combat UGVs after successful technology demonstrations and field trials.
The company earlier unveiled the baseline 6-tonne UGCV prototype at the DX Korea exhibition in 2018. The prototype vehicle measures about 4.6 metres long and 2.5 metres wide, according to the spokesperson. Although it is expected that production vehicles will be considered expendable assets, there is also the option to beef up survivability with lightweight composite armour plating on its hull for protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
“The UGCV is designed to support conventional mechanised forces on the battlefield on all types of terrain, and can be used to detect enemy presence, enhance friendly units’ targeting, and even engage in direct combat,” said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson also pointed out that the vehicle could be employed as a ‘robotic wingman’ alongside the Republic of Korea Army’s future land warfare platforms such as the proposed next-generation K3 main battle tank and other infantry fighting vehicles. (Source: AMR)
20 Oct 23. Hyundai Rotem unveils N-WAV amphibious 8×8 vehicle.
According to Hyundai Rotem, the 30-tonne class 8×8 multirole vehicle has specifically designed to operate in the littorals, and can be launched from amphibious assault vessels.
A company spokesperson told AMR that the N-WAV features several improvements over the in-service K808 Baekho (White Tiger) armoured fighting vehicle used by the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA).
The prototype vehicle on display was seen with a concept manned turret armed with a 30mm automatic cannon, remote control weapon station (RCWS), a launcher with two ready to fire anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) as well as the Korean Active Protection System (KAPS).
“The N-WAV is a much improved over our successful K808 platform with a more powerful 700hp engine and hydrodynamically optimised hull form with a raised snorkel system to cope with littoral operation,” said the spokesperson.
According to company specifications, the N-WAV has a length of 9.3 metres, a width of 3.1 metres, and a height of 2.8 metres (non-turreted) and 3.5 metres (turreted). In contrast, the K808 is 7.2 metres long, 2.7 metres wide, and 2.1 metres tall without a turret.
“The K808 was designed for rapid inland mobility and traversing the many rivers and lakes that can be found on the Korean peninsula,” explained the spokesperson, adding that the N-WAV is not intended to replace the current platform but instead offer a unique option for littoral reconnaissance and fire support requirements.
The fully digitalised N-WAV can accommodate an 11-person crew, comprising the driver, gunner, vehicle commander, and around eight dismounts. The driver is aided by an integrated display which fuses imagery captured by multiple high-definition and lowlight cameras affixed around the hull, providing a 360º view for enhanced situational awareness. The commander and dismounts are also able to access this information from their individual terminals. (Source: AMR)
20 Oct 23. Hyundai, Kia unveil hydrogen-fuelled cargo drone. Hyundai Motor Group and its sister firm Kia unveiled the hydrogen-fuelled cargo (HFC) concept drone at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023 held from 17 to 22 October.
A Kia official told Janes that the new platform represents the next phase of the Kia and Hyundai group’s focus on developing hydrogen-fuelled unmanned aircraft.
In 2022 Hyundai revealed its Project N multicopter drone powered by a combination of hydrogen fuel cells and batteries.
The KIA official added that Project N drone has been flying since 2022 to mature hydrogen fuel cells technology.
The operational parameters envisaged for the HFC drone include a cargo carrying capacity of 200 kg and a flight endurance of two hours. The hydrogen fuel cell system from Project N drone will be incorporated into the HFC drone for military operations, the KIA official said. (Source: Janes)
20 Oct 23. Canada Takes Delivery of First Armoured Combat Support Vehicles for Canadian Army.
Minister Blair Officially Accepts Delivery of First New Armoured Combat Support Vehicles for the Canadian Army. Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and General Wayne Eyre, Chief of the Defence Staff, visited Garrison Petawawa where the first four new Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) were officially accepted by the Canadian Army.
Minister Blair and General Eyre toured the newly arrived armoured vehicles, which represent the first of 360 Armoured Combat Support Vehicles that will be delivered to the Canadian Army over the coming years.
These first four vehicles are the ambulance variant, which will be equipped with medical supplies and an internal layout that will allow for the treatment of a wide range of injuries.
Procured through the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle project, these vehicles will provide the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with a modernized, armoured combat support fleet which will ensure the members of the Canadian Army have the tools that they need to conduct operations in Canada, and abroad. These vehicles are general-utility combat support vehicles that will fulfil a wide variety of support roles on the battlefield – including serving as troop transport, command vehicles, electronic warfare, mobile repair, and various combat engineering tasks. They will provide a high degree of maneuverability and protection to their crews and payloads.
This procurement is delivering major economic benefits for Canada. The 360 ACSVs are being acquired thanks to a $2 bn investment with General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada. This project is supporting 1,975 jobs annually in London, Ontario and across the country, as well as contributing $250 m dollars annually to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product over an eight-year period.
The delivery of the ambulance marks the first of eight variants to be received by the Canadian Army under the ACSV project. Training for both maintainers and operators of the vehicle is scheduled to begin this month.
Quick facts
Under Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we previously expected initial delivery in 2025. National Defence and the CAF were able to advance this procurement to a faster timeline, which is good news for CAF members.
The new fleet of ACSVs will all be based on the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) 6.0 and will replace the current LAV II Bison and M113 Tracked LAV fleets.
The LAV 6.0 is a tested and proven platform that meets the Canadian Army’s needs, and having similar combat support vehicles will offer operational advantages to the CAF, including reduced training and sustainment costs, as well as the availability of common spare parts to fix vehicles quickly during critical operations.
The ACSV will provide the CAF with a new fleet of armoured support vehicles employed in eight variants: Command Post, Mobile Repair Team, Maintenance and Recovery Vehicle, Ambulance, Electronic Warfare, Engineer, Troop Cargo Vehicle, and Fitter Cargo Vehicle.
CFB Petawawa is receiving the first of the ambulance – armoured support vehicles, a total of 49 vehicles will be delivered to bases across Canada in the coming months.
The Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy applies to this contract, ensuring that General Dynamics will invest equal to the value of the contract back into the Canadian economy, providing opportunities for Canadian small and medium businesses, and supporting innovation and skills development for Canadian workers.
In summer 2022, Canada announced the donation of 39 Armoured Combat Support vehicles to Ukraine, which have all been delivered.
On September 22, 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new investment of $650 m over three years to supply Ukraine with 50 armoured vehicles, including armoured medical evacuation vehicles, built by Canadian workers in London, Ontario.
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Canadian Armed Forces)
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TEK Military Seating Limited
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From its inception ProTEK seats have been designed around a family of innovative seat frames onto which tested and certified modules can be fitted to create a bespoke solution for the user. These include Blast protection to Stanag 4569 standards, vibration reduction, head and body protection, seat risers and turntables, fore & aft adjustment, and seat back rake along with viable seat dimensions without the need for additional tooling costs.
Contact: David Parkman
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