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17 Jun 24. Pearson Engineering has released its latest development to provide combat engineering capability to uncrewed vehicles, including Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs). Following the release of the RCV-Pioneer Urban Obstacle Clearance Mission Payload at DSEI 2023, which was proven during trials in the United States, the new RCV-Pioneer Minefield Breaching variant will be released at Eurosatory 2024.
The development is part of a planned roll out of engineering capability optimised for a conflict environment that is increasingly characterised by robotics, automation and autonomy. Of a number of Research & Development projects, the minefield breaching mission payload has been prioritised to respond to an increase in demand, driven by the proliferation of anti-tank mines in Ukraine and the threat posed to soldiers. Trial plans with several NATO nations are already in development for Autumn 2024.
Based on expertise developed over Pearson Engineering’s four decades of providing mine ploughs to international end-users, the new Minefield Breaching Mission Payload shares design features that have been integrated with a wide range of vehicle types and are battle proven. Leveraging technical detail from Pearson Engineering’s VECTOR in-service track width mine plough, which maximises ploughing capability on lightweight vehicles with lower tractive capability than traditional Armoured Engineer Vehicles, the RCV-Pioneer Minefield Breaching Mission Payload features two track-width plough blades at the front of the vehicle and a centre-section at the rear to provide full width clearance.
The plough sections are arranged around a free-standing and intelligent mission payload frame which enables rapid docking with the chosen uncrewed vehicle. Adjustable jacks lower the frame onto the vehicle before locks secure the payload and vehicle together. In keeping with Pearson Engineering’s scalable approach, the mission payloads can be interchanged by using the system’s same features to unlock the frame from the vehicle and to lift it to allow the vehicle to drive to another payload where the process can be repeated by the same Commander using the same controls.
Pearson Engineering has designed a customisable Operator Control Unit (OCU) with a real-time digital twin visualisation to shorten training and mission times. The OCU is used to teleoperate the RCV-Pioneer Modular Mission Payloads and is compatible with multiple payloads. The OCU includes an embedded video screen to enable Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) control. The system is designed to meet current Military Standards for performance and safety.
“We recognise the growing place for uncrewed vehicles on the battlefield and their need to both move to places of their Commanders’ choosing, and to provide mobility and counter-mobility support to others. Following the success of our first mission pack which was designed to provide urban obstacle clearance capability, and which has now been trialled on multiple occasions in the United States during manoeuvre support experimentation exercises, we are pleased to launch our new minefield breaching pack at Eurosatory in keeping with end-user demand.” – Richard Beatson, Business Development Director at Pearson Engineering.
17 Jun 24. General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) is currently presenting its latest vehicle variants in Paris at EUROSATORY 2024, one of the world’s leading defence and security trade events. The innovative capabilities presented are all based on GDELS’ off-the-shelf vehicle and mobile bridge families, uniting mission proven reliability with state-of-the-art technology. While Europe and NATO are fundamentally redefining their capability requirements, GDELS’ readily available product portfolio is perfectly suited to swiftly make up for quantitative shortfalls with proven military-of-the-shelf solutions.
GDELS is presenting the ASCOD in an enhanced IFV configuration equipped with a mission-proven unmanned 30 mm turret featuring a co-axial machine gun, an ATGM launcher system and the world’s leading and most mature active protection system. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a MESHnet V6 Tactical from General Dynamics Mission Systems, which provides cutting edge CIS capability to this combat vehicle.
A second ASCOD in a new IFV configuration is presented by Escribano Mechanical & Engineering in the Spanish pavilion.
The highly mobile armoured vehicle PANDUR 6×6 EVO equipped with a 120 mm turreted mortar system provides excellent indirect firepower and firing on the move capabilities. Furthermore, a new configuration of the PANDUR 8X8 is on display with Excalibur Army.
The EAGLE TASYS (Taktisches Aufklärungssystem or Tactical Reconnaissance System) for the Swiss Armed Forces is among the first 6×6 variants of the proven EAGLE family to enter service. The integrated multi-sensor mast, IT and communications systems, low silhouette, large stowage space, broad field of view, and the excellent on- and off-road performance make the EAGLE TASYS the perfect vehicle for today’s reconnaissance role.
The PIRANHA Advanced Artillery Carrier (AAC) combines the recently introduced 10×10 PIRANHA Heavy Mission Carrier (HMC) with the fully automated, unmanned 155 mm/L52 artillery gun module (AGM) from KNDS Deutschland. With a gross vehicle weight of up to 40t and a turning circle of less than 18m thanks to its four-axle steering, the PIRANHA AAC unites outstanding tactical mobility and superior artillery firepower – including 360° effective azimuth, shoot & scoot, fire on the move and MRSI capabilities.
The PIRANHA SAPPEUR is the latest addition to the PIRANHA fleet of the Swiss Armed Forces. It sets the benchmark for modern wheeled armoured engineering vehicles. Based on the mission proven PIRANHA family, it features an NGVA-compatible electronic vehicle architecture, a front interface for different mission tools and generous space to transport an engineer squad and additional material.
With the PIRANHA StratCom, GDELS presents the latest and most modern vehicle variant in a C4I role. With its high payload and interior volume, it offers the ideal workspace, providing full protection for mission systems and operators to assure long range communication. The vehicle is equipped with an innovative 15-metre mast system.
ANACONDA – a new standard in the dry-gap bridge domain [© GDELS]
The ANACONDA truck-based bridge-layer system is an innovative, robust and mobile turnkey solution, which represents an effective and affordable alternative to conventional tracked AVLBs. The ANACONDA is specially tailored to the needs of medium mechanised forces. Truck-mounted, it combines high speed for long-distance convoy driving with cross-country driving and a load capacity to carry all Main Battle Tanks in service with all NATO countries.
(Source: www.joint-forces.com)
17 Jun 24. With its state-of-the-art technology, KNDS has always been able to adapt to the operational needs of its customers with combat proven and modular systems. Today, KNDS reveals the three steps of its MBT strategy.
LEOPARD 2A8 and Leclerc XLR: the proven references of main battle tanks
KNDS is exploiting the current extended and expanding European LEOPARD customer base. The latest version of the LEOPARD 2 A8 is characterised by maximum protection, best reconnaissance rate, state-of-the-art communication equipment and maximum effectiveness on the battlefield. It is the successful result of cooperation with 22 user nations.
KNDS is also presenting the Leclerc XLR. The upgrade to the XLR standard of the French Army’s Leclerc fleet is ongoing. This modernisation of the Leclerc MBT for the French Army addresses immediate needs of protection and communication, while intermediate requirements will be tackled by the Leclerc Evolution from 2030 onwards.
LEOPARD 2 ARC 3.0 and Leclerc Evolution: the modular solutions for the next decade
For the first time, KNDS showcases the two next steps of its MBT roadmap: the LEOPARD 2 A-RC 3.0 and the Leclerc Evolution. Both systems are under development, and they both integrate a modular turret which gun can be switched from 120 mm to 140mm ASCALON gun.
The Leclerc Evolution is equipped with a manned turret hosting a 120 mm ASCALON gun, which can be easily retrofitted to higher calibres up to 140 mm. Introducing a new concept with four crew members that is adapted to the latest tactical situations, the Leclerc Evolution integrates a deputy commander crew station fitted in the chassis to manage an extensive sensors and effectors suite, such as the ARX 30 RCWS perfectly fitted for counter-UAV warfare and a loitering ammunition launcher.
The Leopard 2 ARC 3.0 is a 3-crew MBT with an unmanned and modular turret that can host a main gun from 120mm to 140mm and its autoloader. The turret also integrates a 30mm secondary weapon and antitank missiles.
Both the Leclerc Evolution and the Leopard 2 ARC 3.0 will ensure a commercial complementarity and a joint perspective for the third step of KNDS’ strategy: the development of MBT demonstrators preparing for the development of MGCS.
The EMBT ADT 140: anticipating the future
KNDS is pro-actively anticipating on MGCS by developing the ASCALON Demonstrator Turret (ADT 140), a remotely-operated turret equipped with a 140 mm ASCALON gun. During Eurosatory 2024, KNDS displays the EMBT with the ADT 140. This turret demonstrator aims at confirming KNDS’ unmatched firepower as well as illustrating KNDS’ vision of future technologies integration such as sensor fusion, integral hemispheric active protection, AI, cyber and hybrid applications on energy. In the field of autonomous mobility, KNDS is working on a remotely operated main battle tank chassis.
This year, KNDS will showcase the superlative firepower of the 140mm ASCALON gun, and the versatility of its technology, able to switch from 120 to 140mm calibre. In the next month, we will showcase its capability to fire on the move through a remotely operated ASCALON 140 mm turret.
- KNDS is the leader of the main battle tank (MBT) in Europe with the LEOPARD 2A8 and the Leclerc XLR.
- KNDS is developing the LEOPARD 2 A-RC 3.0 and the Leclerc Evolution to provide intermediate solutions between actual systems and MGCS.
- KNDS prepares the EMBT ADT140 as a demonstrator for the MGCS technology. At Eurosatory, KNDS showcases the firepower and modularity of its 140mm ASCALON gun, and in 2025, KNDS will demonstrate its capacity to fire on the move with its remotely operated turret.
(Source: www.joint-forces.com)
18 Jun 24. At the Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall is presenting the new Ermine family of small tactical vehicles. Ermine is part of a new generation of mobility that combines tactical full electrical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid) and is fully prepared for autonomy.
The modular Ermine family currently consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy and a quad. Various 4×4 and 6×6 variants are available. All vehicles are based on the same diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain and base platform. This gives Ermine maximum modularity with unrivalled agility. Thanks to the hybrid technology, up to one tonne of payload, a range of more than 1,000 kilometres and a top speed of 90 km/h are possible, depending on the vehicle’s configuration. Up to four Ermine vehicles can be transported by cargo helicopters such as the CH-47 or CH-53. The Ermine vehicles can be configured for various purposes, including reconnaissance & connection, anti-tank, weapon carriers, medevac or generator function.
The Ermine vehicles are furthermore characterised by high mobility in almost any terrain and can also be driven completely silent thanks to their electric drive. The vehicles are just as easy to operate as civilian quads or buggies. If the vehicles are not used for tactical mobility, they can be used as a mobile energy source. The Ermine family can therefore significantly increase the operational value of armed forces and also contributes to ESG targets as (locally produced) sustainable energy can be stored in the battery pack.
The Ermine technology was developed in the Netherlands by the start-up company REEQ – a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V. since March 2024 – and is being produced there. The acquisition of REEQ enables Rheinmetall to serve the Dutch and European market in the field of light tactical mobility, both manned and unmanned, in combination with a microgrid – and with short delivery times. Thereby Rheinmetall’s industrial strength and the innovative power of a start-up complement each other. Within the Rheinmetall Group, REEQ retains its status as a start-up in the field of development. The further development and serial production of these vehicles will also take place in the Netherlands.
(Source: www.joint-forces.com)
21 Jun 24. KNDS to become the main European provider of military robots.
Unmanned systems, made for the first engagements in combat, are required to save lives in modern warfare. KNDS is providing a whole range of robots of all sizes characterized by their modularity to meet all needs. KNDS has achieved several successes regarding the secured operation of robots:
The patrol version of the NERVA range of micro-robots is currently in service in Eurosatory 2024 to protect the exhibition by night.
KNDS presented a Medium-Forces-Mission-Solution with manned/unmanned teamed systems including Data-Management and sensor to shooter technologies.
KNDS has performed successful tests of long range secured communication between a ground operator and a ground platform: radio links reached 7km in open field, and 80m inside a ship during a test with the French Navy. KNDS also provides a secured radio link at up to 80km for the LARINAE loitering ammunition program.
Engineering robots: KNDS has proven in multiple scenarios remote piloted bridge laying systems to various nations and the CENTURIO robot successfully achieved an explosive ordnance reconnaissance mission while the operator was piloting out-of-sight.
Robust autonomous capacity: KNDS conducted several mobility tests with an ULTRO robot using an artificial intelligence which has been able to follow roads, forest paths, daymarks, soldiers and vehicles.
CENTURIO: a new range of robots to meet all the needs of an Army
KNDS’ range is now completed with the new CENTURIO multipurpose tactical robots. The CENTURIO range includes a combat robot version equipped with a 30mm ARX 30, an explosive ordnance reconnaissance version and a CBRN detection version. KNDS also offers other heavy solutions such as the ULTRO carrier robot and the OPTIO tracked combat robot. We are now working on a remotely operated main battle tank chassis in order to prepare the MGCS. (Source: Defense Arabia)
20 Jun 24. Germany to order 105 Leopard tanks to equip German brigade in Lithuania. Germany plans to order 105 Leopard 2 A8 tanks from armsmaker KNDS for 2.93bn euros ($3.14bn), according to a confidential budget draft seen by Reuters on Thursday.
The draft still needs parliamentary approval.
Some vehicles will equip a German combat brigade in Lithuania being set up as part of NATO’s deterrence against Russia, said the draft budget, which Spiegel first reported. Others will reinforce the 300-tank force inside Germany.
The Bundeswehr expects to take delivery of the most advanced version of the tanks between 2027 and 2030.
The document noted that most of the purchase was unfunded since there was insufficient money in the regular budget and in the 100-bn-euro special funds established after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The draft said the defence ministry was therefore asking for extraordinary financial authorisation, meaning that while the deal can be approved now, a successor government will need to find the money.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has been fighting for a defence budget increase for months, but has not made progress as budget negotiations in Germany’s fractious coalition government drag on.
‘ZEITENWENDE’ SEEN AT STAKE
The budget infighting is jeopardizing Berlin’s pledge of a “Zeitenwende” (sea change) after decades of neglecting the military, even as tensions with Russia rise and NATO-sceptic Donald Trump bids for a second term as U.S. president.
UK’s Sunak ‘angry’ about election betting claims
Ingo Gaedechens, a member of conservative opposition party CDU and parliament’s budget committee, said the tank deal is a manoeuvre by Pistorius to bypass the budget stalemate.
He told Reuters the tank order was justified but that the deal raised questions regarding future funding of German forces, as did the latest purchase of two frigates for more than 3 bn euros and the announcement of an order of Eurofighter jets for some 3 bn euros.
“There’s one thing that all three projects have in common: The government refuses to answer the question how these purchases are meant to be bankrolled,” Gaedechens said.
“The many blank cheques being issued by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Defence Minister Boris Pistorius cause an ever-growing financial bow wave – and nobody in the ruling coalition has any idea how to come to grips with this financial chaos,” he said. ($1 = 0.9321 euros) (Source: Reuters)
19 Jun 24. ARQUUS launches a new Business Unit: ARQUUS TURNKEY SOLUTIONS. At Eurosatory 2024, Arquus, a European leader in wheeled armoured vehicles, proudly announces the launch of its new Business Unit: Arquus Turnkey Solutions. It offers comprehensive and customized solutions to meet the specific needs of customers in land combat systems. Designed for rapid and efficient industrial implementation, Arquus Turnkey Solutions leverages Arquus’ expertise in the design, production, refurbishment, and support of in-service vehicles.
Thanks to its experience in usage concepts, complex mobility systems, and weapon systems, along with its project management skills, Arquus Turnkey Solutions can offer turnkey solutions for the global design of vehicles. It provides mature technical solutions and components already proven in combat, meeting strategic needs such as: drivetrain modernization, implementation of ballistic and survivability protection kits, and integration of mission systems, sensors, and various effectors.
Arquus Turnkey Solutions revolves around Research and Development (R&D), manufacturing support, logistics, and maintenance support.
In terms of R&D, it offers assistance in the design of subassemblies or complete vehicles, including ballistic and mine protection, as well as the integration of weapon systems. Innovation is at the heart of this approach, with the development of modernization solutions like drivetrains, powertrains, and independent suspension systems. Arquus Turnkey Solutions can help you design and validate your own combat system, either designing it for you or assisting your design office.
Manufacturing support is another pillar of this new offering. Arquus Turnkey Solutions supports its clients in defining the layout and organization of factories, setting up supply chains, and continuous improvement.
The company sets up production lines, supports manufacturing engineering, designs and implements necessary tooling, and trains operators in welding, painting, assembly techniques, etc., while establishing rigorous quality control.
In terms of logistics and maintenance support, Arquus Turnkey Solutions stands out by defining support systems, including maintainability analysis, setting up spare parts warehouses, and equipping repair workshops. The company assists its clients in vehicle maintenance management, fleet audits, operational refurbishment, and component obsolescence management throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
Arquus Turnkey Solutions supports its clients from project development to vehicle maintenance, offering a comprehensive and personalized approach for each partner.
This new service offering reflects Arquus’ commitment to providing tailor-made solutions that meet its clients’ operational requirements. Arquus leverages its expertise to develop proven and ready-to-use technical solutions.
17 Jun 24. On the first day of Eurosatory 2024, Texelis and PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya (PT SSE) signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles.
Under that MOU, Texelis will be supporting PT SSE’s efforts to develop their 4×4 range, develop, qualify and produce their new range of 6×6 vehicles, as well as work towards new mobility solutions for 8×8 vehicles, both for the Indonesian market and for export.
As the MOU states, SSE and Texelis are desirous of exploring development, marketing, sale and production opportunities to collaborate on design of 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 mobility solutions. That joint collaboration will leverage on SSE expertise on armoured vehicles and Indonesian market as well as Texelis 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 mobility solutions for military and special purpose vehicles and expertise on the European market especially France, where feasible.
In 2023, Texelis introduced Celeris, its mobility offer for turnkey mobility. Very soon after that launch, Texelis and PT SSE announced a new partnership agreement to develop an armoured personnel carrier (APC) for the Indonesian National Armed Forces based on Celeris, with a first prototype to be presented by the end of 2024, a testament to Celeris’ readiness as well as both companies’ will to move forward on these important programs.
Already an esteemed client of CELERIS 4×4, PT SSE, decided to utilise similar framework to build a heavier 6×6 platform.
On Eurosatory 2024, Texelis announced the launch of its CELERIS 6×6 solution, aimed at answering requests from its clients, starting with PT SSE. That solution aims at developing vehicles ranging from 18 to 24 tonnes, allowing for a wide range of vehicle designs and architectures. This 6×6 solution retains the CELERIS philosophy of full support from vehicle design to testing and qualification, as well as building on proven mobility kits, available in a very short time.
Celeris is all about growing together. Under that new MOU, PT SSE will benefit from Texelis’ advanced mobility solutions, while Texelis will have the opportunity of equipping forces in Indonesia and develop new specific options for their solutions. PT SSE understands the value of CELERIS as an enabler for their new ranges of vehicles, bringing even more value to their customer.
Texelis will have the opportunity to take part in major programmes aimed at the Indonesian Army, as well as other markets.
The MOU is another step in the special relationship between Texelis and PT SSE, which is currently growing for the benefit of their customers and end users. Indeed, that partnership combines the strengths of two great companies with their own area of expertise and markets.
It also reinforces Texelis as a major supplier of full mobility solutions for Defense.
19 Jun 24. Ground robots hauling drones into battle is a trend at Paris arms fair. The next-generation of robot warfare is unfolding with the teaming of ground and air robots propelling each other forward.
At the Eurosatory trade show here, the U.S.-based company Teledyne Flir debuted a new unmanned ground vehicle, or UGV, mounted with its nano aerial drone, the Black Hornet 4, on top.
Dubbed the SUGV 325, the ground robot is light enough to be carried by a single person and is fitted with an arm-like structure for grabbing objects.
“We see robots as being good unmanned partners for unmanned aerial systems, you can lean into the good things of the robot – eight hours of runtime, capability to carry heavier payloads, and persistence – and pair it with the drone’s agility and speed,” Nate Winn, director of product management for unmanned systems at Teledyne told Defense News.
Both assets can be used to extend each other’s range, where if something is detected by the high-definition cameras onboard the UGV, the drone can be launched from the robot using the same controller to go investigate potential danger further away.
The unmanned duo also enables it to increase the standoff distance between a threat and military personnel on the battlefield, Winn added.
“Any action in the battle space begins with gathering information, so you want the robot and or the unmannd arial system to be the first point of contact with any potentially threatening situation,” he said.
Rheinmetall Canada’s Mission Master unmanned ground vehicle, pictured at the Eurosatory trade show in Paris on June 18, 2024, can release an aerial drone and have it follow along overhead. (Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo/staff photo)
The integration of aerial drones and combat robots into fighting units is something that the U.S. Army appears to be experimenting with.
Last month, footage branded with the U.S. Army’s Sandhills Project logo emerged on social media, in which more than a dozen drones are seen launched from a UGV in less than 15 seconds.
Another robot-on-robot combo at the trade show here was Rheinmetall Canada’s Mission Master CXT, which was armed with a tethered drone from the French company Elistair.
“We have already integrated it into our Mission Master command and control software, meaning that with the same control tablet, a single operator can control the UGV and the connected drone,” Etienne Rancourt, director of international business development at Rheinmetall Canada said.
The Elistair drone is also able to follow the Mission Master at a 30-meter altitude autonomously, he added. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
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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: Paul Fleming
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