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01 Dec 22. Mission Accomplished: Canoo Delivers Light Tactical Vehicle to Army for Analysis & Demonstration.
Canoo (NASDAQ: GOEV), a leading high-tech advanced mobility company, has delivered its new Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) to the United States Army for Analysis & Demonstration in fulfilment of the contract awarded in July 2022.
“The LTV is another milestone proving the power of our technology,” said Tony Aquila, Chairman & CEO at Canoo.
The LTV is engineered for extreme environments and includes stealth configurations. Designed to be durable with a focus on passenger and battery safety, the LTV incorporates Carbon Kevlar for strength without the added weight. As with all Canoo vehicles, the LTV is designed for passenger ergonomics, taking body motion and height into consideration as well as multi-task components.
“The LTV is another milestone proving the power of our technology and how it can be used, even in tactical situations,” said Tony Aquila, Chairman & CEO at Canoo. “This is a winning algorithm for our customers and company.”
Modular for Multiple Use Cases: Convertible Flatbed, Mounting Racks, Ramps & Tactical Systems
A jack-of-all trades, the Light Tactical Vehicle can be converted from a pickup to a flatbed truck, a cargo vehicle and more. With a convertible flatbed platform, the LTV can easily carry standard sized plywood, construction and oversized materials, as well as tactical equipment or attachments for the required mission.
Canoo’s proprietary modular attachment system and accessories quickly interchange the flatbed walls with many other types of mounts including racks, ramps, storage boxes, tents, or tactical systems. The modular upfitting enables the LTV to have mission-specific configurations at a lower total cost investment.
Enhanced Performance: Powertrain + Suspension to Get the Job Done
The LTV has a proprietary all-wheel drive system with up to 600 hp. To support the increased demands of off-road environments, the LTV incorporates air-springs, a raised suspension, and 32-inch all-terrain tires to build higher ground clearance suitable for extreme or rugged conditions.
One Platform, Many Variants
Canoo vehicles are based on the company’s proprietary multi-purpose platform which integrates all the critical components of an electric powertrain, so it is as flat and efficient as possible, while maximizing cabin and cargo space.
Full specifications will be revealed closer to production. Canoo’s line of battery electric vehicles are purpose-built to help customers be more productive and achieve a higher return on capital while reducing total cost of professional ownership.
About Canoo
Canoo’s mission is to bring EVs to Everyone. The company has developed breakthrough electric vehicles that are reinventing the automotive landscape with bold innovations in design, pioneering technologies, and a unique business model that spans the full lifecycle of the vehicle. Distinguished by its experienced team from leading technology and automotive companies – Canoo has designed a modular electric platform purpose-built to deliver maximum vehicle interior space that is customizable across all owners in the vehicle lifecycle to support a wide range of vehicle applications for consumers and businesses.
Canoo has teams in California, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Michigan. For more information, please visit www.canoo.com. For Canoo press materials, including photos, please visit press.canoo.com. For investors, please visit investors.canoo.com. (Source: PR Newswire)
02 Dec 22. Hanwha trials UGV with US Army. Hanwha Aerospace has conducted a technology demonstration of the Arion-SMET unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at Camp Humphreys, a US Army Garrison in South Korea, proving the vehicle’s mature robotic and unmanned technologies. The demonstration of the 2-ton multi-purpose UGV took place on November 29 at Camp Humphreys, the world’s largest US military installations located in Pyeongtaek, about 70 kilometers south of Seoul. Hanwha Aerospace and the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) have been in conversation for potential collaboration on next-generation UGV technologies for some time.
During the technology showcase, the Arion-SMET proved a variety of unmanned technologies supporting infantry troops in the battlefield, such as remote-controlled and autonomous driving both on paved and unpaved roads; obstacle avoidance; autonomous homing for communications failures; gun-shot source localisation; and vehicle/soldier following.
“The Arion-SMET has already proved its outstanding mission capabilities during a ROK Army trial earlier this year under a program to test the performance of weapons systems for overseas exports,” said Executive Vice President Youngwoo Seo at Land Systems Business Group of Hanwha Aerospace. “We will do our best to successfully complete the upcoming Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT), hoping to join US DoD’s fast-track acquisition process in the future.”
In October, the Arion-SMET was chosen as one of the ground equipment to be tested by the US military under the FCT program aimed at assessing matured foreign technologies that can fill US forces’ existing capability gaps. It is the first time a Korean-built unmanned ground system is participating in such a field test program.
The Arion-SMET (Autonomous and Robotic systems for Intelligence Off-road Navigation – Small Multi-purpose Equipment Transport) is based on a previous 4×4 UGV developed in 2019 from a joint civilian-military project in South Korea.
The 6×6 electric-powered vehicle was built to support infantry operations, such as ammunition transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and fire support.
According to Hanwha, the vehicle can drive up to 100km when fully charged and has a maximum payload capacity of 550kg, significantly improving its combat support and maneuvering capabilities. It is also equipped with an advanced remote-controlled weapons station that can detect/ track enemy soldiers, localise the source of gunfire and fire back in the direction of the gunfire coming from. With these functionalities, the Arion-SMET is optimised for supporting manned and unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations for infantry troops. (Source: Google/ADM)
01 Dec 22. US donates Vamtac armoured vehicles to Mali. The United States has donated two Vamtac armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to Mali under the US Antiterrorism Assistance Programme (ATA), which provides US government antiterrorism training and equipment to law enforcement agencies throughout the world.
The US Embassy in Mali on 29 November said the vehicles and five pallets of spares were presented to the Special Intervention Group of the National Gendarmerie (GSIGN) by Deputy Chief of Mission Richard Nicholson.
The Vamtac is a 4×4 APC built by Spain’s Urovesa and capable of carrying seven personnel. The US Embassy said the vehicles will be used solely for deployed teams in central Mali to allow them to conduct arrests and patrols more effectively in their area of operation.
The delivery of these two new vehicles marks the culmination of a $3.6m assistance package that began with the delivery of 46 Hesco base protection barriers for the two central Mali locations where the GSIGN is stationed; the delivery of three Quad cab trucks and three single cab trucks and spare parts to facilitate their ability to move about and patrol certain areas in difficult terrain; and the delivery of one vehicle/support package to include a heavy-duty logistics truck, a kitchen trailer, a shower/restroom trailer, a 30-person tent with netting and spare parts.
In his remarks to Director General of the National Gendarmerie Colonel-Major Sambou Minkoro Diakite, Nicholson said, “We believe this capacity building enables Malians to lead their own development. Since 2016, the United States Embassy Bamako has supported the GSIGN to effectively prevent or respond to terrorist attacks in Bamako, and to establish a counterterrorism operational presence in the regions of Segou, Mopti, and Koulikoro. The GSIGN presence in these areas provides rule of law and denies safe haven to terrorists operating in central Mali.”
The United States regularly donates vehicles and equipment to African nations. For example, in August, US Army Major General Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), visited Mogadishu to hand over 24 OTT Puma M36 vehicles to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at its Headquarters.
“To support ATMIS Djiboutian contingency’s efforts in the fight against terrorism with our Somali partners, the United States is providing the 24 Puma Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Harris Radio communication equipment to enable more frequent patrols, and transportation,” Shawley said in reference to the fight against terrorism in the region.
“This equipment will increase the ability of the Djiboutian contingent of ATMIS to protect Somalis from Al-Shabaab violence and extortion,” said Larry André, US Ambassador to Somalia.
A month later, in September, the United States handed over eight Puma M36 vehicles to Niger’s military to help that country in its fight against terrorism, along with 43 Toyota Land Cruisers and other equipment worth $13m.
“The United States of America has just donated a significant amount of equipment to strengthen the capacity of the Special Forces Training Centre in Tillia and the Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ouallam, two strategic entities in the fight against terrorism,” Niger’s ministry of defence said in a statement.
Defence Minister Alkassoum Indattou said the donated equipment would go to the border with Mali. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
30 Nov 22. Russia-Ukraine War Has Influenced How BAE Systems Designed Army Bradley Replacement. The company is including optional armor and making it easy to add counter-drone technology.
Military tactics used in the Ukraine war—including the heavy use of kamikaze drones—are influencing the way BAE Systems is designing a new armored fighting vehicle for the Army.
The company, which is one of five competing to replace the four-decade-old Bradley Fighting Vehicle, shared details Wednesday about its proposal, which includes the option to add more armor to protect soldiers from attacks from above.
“For a long time, … as we’re trying to meet weight targets and great mobility for vehicles, we’ve taken the armor off the top of vehicles,” Jim Miller, vice president of business development at BAE Systems, said during a call with reporters.
Militaries around the world have scrapped heavy armor from the tops of armored vehicles, he said, “which has made those vehicles potentially at risk because of this new top attack thing we’re seeing everywhere, and most recently in Ukraine.”
“We are looking at, and we’re going to offer, the ability to do modular armor protection, so additional armor that would go on the top of the vehicle and allow for protection,” he said.
Anti-tank weapons like the American-made Javelin or the Ukrainian-made Stugna-P climb above the target and then drop down to strike from above where armor is the weakest. Russia says its Kornet anti-tank weapon has a similar capability.
BAE Systems has also designed its vehicle so that high-energy lasers and other types of counter-drone technology could be installed later if the Army wants it.
“What we’re doing is making sure that the modular hooks are in place so that we can support that when it comes,” Miller said.
Bids to build prototypes to replace the Bradley for what the Army calls the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, or OMFV, were due on Nov. 1. The Army is expected to choose three winners next year and then evaluate the prototypes before selecting a single winner in 2027.
BAE, which built the Bradley, is offering a newly designed vehicle. The company announced Wednesday that its teammates include Elbit Systems of America, Curtiss-Wright, and QinetiQ. The team said the vehicle is being designed so that the Army can easily install new weapons or technology as needed in the future.
“Given the Army’s requirements for growth, and for the future, you just can’t constrain it with an old design,” Miller said.
Aside from having more technologically advanced weapons and sensors, all five bidders are proposing hybrid-electric vehicles, which will allow soldiers to drive or conduct reconnaissance using only batteries, making it more difficult for an enemy to spot since they will not be emitting heat or generating noise.
“We’re offering mobility at the objective levels for this vehicle, and so beyond the base requirement,” Miller said. “We think [that] series hybrid electric drive gives you the drive, the mobility, the burst speed, the torque, to be able to operate anywhere that you choose to operate.”
The extra battery power will also allow the Army to install defensive lasers later.
“The onboard power that we have will be able to run lasers that are much bigger than the lasers we see being used for counter-UAS right now,” Miller said. (Source: Defense One)
30 Nov 22. A real-life Lego tank: BAE touts modular design for Army OMFV.
A redesign already trimmed the troop compartment from nine passengers to six, BAE says. Want to upgrade the engine? Load new software? Add a drone-killing laser? Unlike on the old Bradley, there’s plenty of room.
BAE’s design to replace its Reagan-era M2 Bradley troop carrier looks an awful lot like a sexed-up Bradley. But inside, the company told reporters today, the company’s proposal for the Army’s future Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) contract is radically different than its predecessor. For starters, you’d have a hard time finding the engine.
Like the other four competitors for OMFV, the BAE machine will use a hybrid-electric engine instead of a traditional internal combustion engine. While other companies haven’t divulged details, at least not yet, BAE’s James Miller, VP for business development, told reporters this morning the BAE design uses a “serial” hybrid diesel-electric engine that’s “distributed” throughout the armored hull.
What does that mean? Traditional troop carriers (Armored Personnel Carriers, APCs, and Infantry Fighting Vehicles, IFVs) have a single big engine, at the front, where it makes a big heat signature on enemy infrared sensors and can be taken out by the first shot to penetrate the armor. But the BAE OMFV replaces the one big engine with a series of smaller hybrid-electric modules along either side of the hull. (BAE actually pioneered this approach in the Future Combat Systems vehicles cancelled back in 2009.)
The benefits? Despite producing a whopping 1,070 horsepower, the distributed drive spreads out its heat signature along both sides of the hull, making it harder for a heat-seeking enemy to find and track. It’s also designed to reduce noise, allowing the vehicle to power its electronics for nine hours with the engine off, known as “silent watch,” or drive 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) on batteries alone, with no engine noise.
It’s meant to reduce the risk of a single solid hit immobilizing the vehicle, what soldiers call a “mobility kill.” It also reduces weight — although the vehicle, with its modular armor plates configured for combat, is still 50 tons, considerably heavier than the Bradley. And finally, the distributed engine frees up space inside the hull, allowing the designers more freedom to relocate components, a lot like kids playing with Lego.
In fact, the Lego philosophy of design, what engineers call Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), is mandatory on the Army’s OMFV program, and BAE has embraced it enthusiastically, Miller said. This approach isn’t unique to BAE: Archrival General Dynamics has also emphasized MOSA and adaptability.
The idea is a design that’s easy to upgrade, with all software and hardware connecting to common interfaces defined by strict standards. That way the Army could easily swap out obsolescent systems, plug in all-new ones, or even reroute a function in mid-battle from a combat-damaged processor to a backup computer elsewhere in the vehicle, preventing a single lucky shot or breakdown from crippling, for example, fire control.
That adaptability contrasts starkly with Cold War-era vehicles like the Bradley, where every function was hardwired into a specific piece of hardware with its own proprietary software, making every upgrade a jigsaw-puzzle nightmare of complex systems integration.
The Bradley in particular is overtaxed on both weight and electrical power, with some units in Iraq, for instance, having to turn off one system, like a sensor, to free up power to run another, like a counter-IED jammer. Adding an Active Protection System to shoot down incoming anti-tank rockets and missiles has been particularly difficult, although the Bradley is gradually getting the same Israeli-made Iron Fist APS used on the new BAE design.
Those upgrade difficulties are a big part of why the Army — after four decades of modifying the Bradley — has decided to go with an all-new design for OMFV. They wanted a built-in APS instead of kludging one on, better protection against both top-attack missiles and roadside bombs (traditional armor is heaviest on the front), a bigger gun (a 50mm MX913 autocannon vs. Bradley’s 25mm), a lot of automation, and, most important, a lot of room to grow. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)
30 Nov 22. BAE Systems announces partners for Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle design. BAE Systems is teaming with Elbit Systems of America, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, and QinetiQ Limited on its design for the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV).
The companies will work together to produce an innovative, purpose-built, next-generation combat vehicle designed to meet the U.S. Army’s requirements for an agile, lethal, and survivable solution that will help redefine land combat operations and maneuverability in future conflicts. The proposal was submitted to the U.S. Army earlier this month and today, BAE Systems announced details of how the companies are collaborating.
BAE Systems and Elbit Systems of America are leveraging their extensive experience in the evaluation, demonstration, and validation of next generation combat systems. For OMFV, Elbit is providing its 50mm Unmanned Turret (UT50), one of the most versatile armament configurations with multiple mission payloads and capabilities, which recently completed a successful live fire demonstration at the Aberdeen Test Center. The UT50 features a XM913 50mm cannon and a high-capacity ammunition handling system.
The OMFV design will use a standardized, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), designed by BAE Systems and Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions. MOSA solutions are critical for enabling the customer to rapidly refresh technology to field new capabilities and meet emerging threats on the battlefield. The two companies are also providing vital electronics and control systems into the OMFV.
BAE Systems has invested in and collaborated with industry for more than 40 years to advance Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) technology. BAE Systems and QinetiQ Limited are developing and integrating the HED technology with an electric cross-drive transmission, a key component of an HED system for tracked combat vehicles, to ensure the OMFV has the speed, reliability, and maneuverability necessary to dominate in the toughest battlefield conditions. QinetiQ Limited’s Modular E-X-Drive® transmission has been tested and proven in a wide range of tracked vehicles and weight classes over the last decade.
“The synergy from our diverse and highly capable team allows us to deliver the next-generation, transformational technology and capabilities our customer is looking for,” said Andy Corea, vice president and general manager for BAE Systems Combat Mission Systems. “Together we have continually researched, developed, innovated, and delivered and we believe this team can provide a purpose-built vehicle with the winning solutions for future battlefields and, most importantly, for the men and women who put their lives on the line for us each and every day.”
BAE Systems already has the expertise, infrastructure, and resources to deliver results for the U.S. Army’s OMFV platform, with plans to complete project elements at facilities across the U.S. that contribute a diverse set of workforce talent and manufacturing quality. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
30 Nov 22. OTT Solutions’ Ratel SLEP makes Lohatla debut for Exercise Vuk’uhlome 2022. OTT Solutions brought its Ratel Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) vehicle to the South African Army’s Combat Training Centre at Lohatla in the Northern Cape, where it was exhibited alongside Exercise Vuk’uhlome, the Army’s largest divisional exercise in nearly a quarter of a century.
The demonstrator vehicle was first unveiled to the public at the September 2022 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof. It was developed in response to the non-delivery of the Badger infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) by Denel under Project Hoefyster. As there is no clear indication when – if ever – the SA Army will get its nearly 250 new Badger vehicles, and Armscor has examined the option of diverting Badger funds towards Ratel upgrades, the OTT Group believes the Ratel SLEP could keep the ageing Ratel fleet in service for much longer.
The company brought the Ratel SLEP vehicle to the Exercise Vuk’uhlome industry exhibition area, where it was presented to Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise and SA Army Chief, Lieutenant General Lawrernce Mbatha, during the exercise’s Distinguished Visitors’ Day on 24 November.
Retired Brigadier General Mbulelo Fihla, a non-executive director of OTT Solutions and current Treasury General of the SA National Military Veterans Association (SANMVA) said, “OTT Solutions, over the past eight months has prepared itself for the recent AAD and DV day to present to the honourable minister and general staff of the SANDF a workable and cost-effective Ratel Service Life Extension Programme”.
“Keen interest was also shown by African users of the Ratel in the new Ratel SLEP, as the availability of spare parts, especially for the Bussing engine and Renk gearbox, is becoming a challenge,” OTT Solutions told defenceWeb.
Travelling to and on the Combat Training Centre completed the reliability testing of the new engine, transmission, transfer case and cooling system of the Ratel SLEP, OTT Solutions said. Testing of the new sighting and navigation systems fitted to the existing Ratel SLEP 20 turret, as well as other new platform subsystems, will be completed early next year.
The Chairman of OTT Solutions and previous SA Army chief, retired General Gilbert Ramano, commented at the completion of Exercise Vuk’uhlome that “the Ratel SLEP is a cost-effective mechanism to keep the Ratel fleet and force readiness at acceptable operational readiness levels specifically within the current budget constraints. This SLEP should assist in possible decisions in terms of Project Hoefyster”.
The OTT Group has years of experience remanufacturing Ratel infantry combat vehicles and developed the self-funded Ratel SLEP project through its subsidiary ADG Mobility together with sister company OTT Solutions.
Primary focus was on the engine and transmission, which shifts to a commercial off the shelf 360 hp engine coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox. A new single speed transfer case completes the driveline upgrades, which are protected by a new cooling system.
OTT Solutions claims the SLEP upgrade provides a 30% increase in available engine power, in a lighter and smaller powerpack, and most importantly is maintainable from readily available commercial parts.
Additional platform upgrades include the addition of applique add on armour; the upgrade and replacement of obsolete components on the braking and pneumatic systems; addition of crew compartment insulation (against fumes, noise and heat); new generation military grade tyres; and a new seating arrangement.
The Ratel SLEP retains the in-service GI2 20 mm automatic cannon, but ‘huge’ improvements are offered in first round accuracy by means of a partially stabilised and electrically assisted gun drive system. Coupled to this is a full day/night gunner sighting system with laser rangefinder and an independent commander’s fully stabilised sight. This enables the two-man (gunner/commander) crew to have the capability to engage/observe/track/designate targets. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
28 Nov 22. AAR and WZL-2 celebrate support of USAFE F-16 fleet with ribbon-cutting ceremony in Poland. AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, and Polish aviation leader Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 2 (WZL-2) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month for their new state-of-the-art aircraft overhaul facility in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
U.S. government personnel, including Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski, Polish government officials, and leaders from AAR and WZL-2 celebrated the official opening of a depot capability supporting the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) F-16 fleet. In addition to leveraging collaboration across AAR, WZL-2, and government partners to deliver consistent mission readiness for U.S. forces and allies, this operation is expected to offer job opportunities and economic growth to Poland.
“This celebration represents not just the opening of the facility, but the beginning of joint efforts to optimize fleet readiness and aircraft availability for the USAFE F-16 program,” said Jay Pereira, AAR’s General Manager of Government Programs. “In this critical time for regional security, AAR is excited to establish an industry-leading depot capability to support regional needs and enable USAFE forces.”
The AAR / WZL-2 team is working in partnership to leverage their strengths and talents in support of a successful program. AAR brings program management, maintenance, and supply chain management expertise, while WZL-2 brings industry-leading facilities and infrastructure. Adding their combined expert workforces, AAR / WZL-2 will accomplish some of the most challenging and complex maintenance tasks to keep the F-16 a lethal fighter aircraft supporting NATO. These tasks include F-16 avionic modification upgrades; structural modifications, repairs, and corrosion control; service life extension program (SLEP) modifications; as well as any other technical upgrades needed. The facility has already inducted two F-16s for maintenance and repairs with plans to induct a third next month.
28 Nov 22. Australian Opposition lambasts LAND 400 delay. The government’s decision to put the LAND 400 Phase 3 program on hold is a “blow” to the defence industry, according to the federal opposition.
Last week, the Albanese government announced it would delay the selection of a preferred tender for the $18 to $27bn LAND 400 Phase 3 project — aimed at procuring and supporting up to 450 next-generation infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
A final decision will now be subject to recommendations handed down by the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) in March.
The government had previously committed to selecting a preferred tender before the end of 2022.
According to shadow minister for Defence Andrew Hastie, the government has dealt a “blow” to the defence industry.
“It’s disappointing for many small and large businesses, and their workforces, that have been preparing and investing in anticipation of a decision,” he said.
“…Labor government’s delay in the decision means many businesses will have to wait until March next year to know whether they are successful in tendering or not.” (Source: Defence Connect)
28 Nov 22. Royal Air Force Typhoons will be powered up by 40 new electric battery ground power units following a recent trial conducted with BAE Systems on a Typhoon Squadron. The units will replace diesel powered systems and reduce harmful emissions by more than 90% whilst cutting running costs by 80%.
The battery powered units will deliver sustainable ground power to Typhoon jets at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby, saving more than 3 m lbs of CO2. The new units have a 95% reduction in NOX fumes and a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions. Over 40% of the CO2 footprint from Typhoon ground operations comes from the diesel units so this transition will almost eradicate those emissions.
The previous diesel ground power units cost £20 per hour to run compared to the new ground power units which cost £3 per hour and only require an eight hour charge to power a Typhoon aircraft for an entire week. This will save more than £13m across the fleet over the next decade. The new units also require less maintenance and spares.
The electric batteries produce less than 60 decibels of noise which is equivalent to the sound of a dishwasher or electric shower. This will significantly reduce hazards and improve conditions for ground crew and pilots.
Nick Sharples, Head of Technology Delivery, Support and Training for BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “Improving environmental performance where we can in fast-jet support is a key goal for both BAE Systems and the RAF. Not only will the new ground power units reduce the environmental impact of operations, we are also lowering the cost of running the UK Typhoon fleet, with each new electric ground power unit costing £340k less to run over a 10 year period.”
Flight Lieutenant Adam Hayler, DE&S Typhoon Development Team: “In addition to its green credentials, its maintenance costs are much reduced, meaning that overall operating costs are also lower. We estimate that it costs 15% of the current diesel solution; which is a clear benefit in light of current energy prices and maintenance costs.”
The Electric Ground Power Units (eGPUs) are being rolled out across the two RAF stations, with plans to secure 30 more. The diesel powered units that will be taken out of service will go through a ‘Reduce To Produce’ programme, recycling the old diesel units for spare parts.
21 Nov 22. The JODDB Al-Maha Light Internal Security Vehicle displayed at SOFEX 2022 is a smaller armoured carrier than the in-service Al-Jawad, writes Bob Morrison. First briefly seen in three-door prototype form on the KADDB (now JODDB) stand in the Jordanian marquee at SOFEX 2018, before an unseasonal overnight heavy rainstorm which caused problems with the electrics forced its early closure, the Al-Maha debuted in production standard four-door (2x front + side + rear) format at SOFEX 2022.
Although the design work was undertaken by JODDB, its subsidiary JLVM (Jordan Light Vehicle Manufacturing) is the constructor of what is essentially a down-sized Al-Jawad equivalent aimed at internal security operations in built-up areas where the larger vehicle can sometimes be less manoeuvrable and a little too big. The new fourth door, in the right side of the reworked passenger compartment behind the commander’s front seat, provides an alternate means of fast exit for the four (originally six) inward-facing dismounts in the rear and this has resulted in the loss of a fifth rear seat.
Weighing 5500kg, half a tonne more than the 2018 prototype, the Al-Maha is based on a Toyota Land Cruiser 79 chassis with upgraded leaf and coil spring suspension and gas struts. Measuring 5420x2285x2350mm (to top of hull) the vehicle has 230mm of ground clearance, approach and departure angles of 37° and 30° respectively, a 60% gradient can be tackled and a 39% side slope is manageable. Powered by a 195hp diesel engine through a five-speed manual gearbox, it has a claimed maximum road speed of 120km/h and maximum range of 1000km. Armour protection against pistol and rifle fire is BR6. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
27 Nov 22. The Ford Ranger is another potential UK GSUP (General Service Utility Platform) contender which appeared at the DVD 2022 defence expo, reports Bob Morrison. Ford Motor Company produced well over a quarter of a m Jeeps during Word War II and they both designed and originally manufactured M151 Military Utility Tactical Truck or MUTT of the late 1950s, but until quite recently they were not perceived as being major players on the light and medium utility vehicle scene. Since the end of the 1990s the larger and heavier Ford F-Series Super Duty pick-up truck family has been a little more successful on military markets, however over the last decade it has been the Ford Ranger and Ford Everest family of vehicles which has quietly been making inroads.
The Ford Ranger family of compact and medium sized pick-up trucks has evolved through several generations over the last forty years and, as there has been design input from both non-American subsidiaries and other marques closely associated with the Michigan-based company, this is quite a complicated story. For simplicity, I am just going to refer to the 1998-onwards ‘International’ version of the Ranger produced in collaboration with Mazda of Japan, and the more recent T6 version designed by Ford Australia and produced from 2011 onwards for non-US markets. To further complicate matters, a redesigned T6.2 or T6 New Generation model was introduced at the end of 2021 and also the Ford Everest is essentially the SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) sibling of the Ford Ranger.
The vehicles displayed by Ford’s European sales team on the Millbrook Proving Ground at DVD 2022 were of the latest T6.2 design and they were in civilian colours; until details are made public about precisely which suppliers UK MoD is inviting to tender for the GSUP requirement, and precisely which vehicle models the selected companies are putting forward for trials, we can only assume that it is a militarised version of this pick-up truck that Ford is proposing. In simple terms, Ford offers the T6 Ranger in three separate engine power and/or trim level versions ~ RAPTOR, WILDTRAK and XLT ~ and it was civilian versions of the first two variants that were displayed at Millbrook. As civvy spec sheets sometimes have little in common with what is actually offered for military users, I don’t intend to delve much further into detail until it is confirmed which specification, if any, is actually being offered by Ford for GSUP.
Shoreham-based Ricardo, first at DSEI 2021 and then at DVD 2022, displayed earlier T6 base model Rangers and as their stand was located right alongside Ford at Millbrook it is almost certain that the two companies intend working closely together for UK MoD requirements; including, no doubt, both the GSUP and Special Operations Brigade programmes. On promotional material at DVD Ricardo mention that one Ford Ranger option is the 213 PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue Bi-turbo diesel powertrain producing 500Nm of torque mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, so that is probably a good indication of where they as a company could be heading. Incidentally, Ricardo and Ford have also been heavily involved (along with DCE, TPGroup and DTC) in producing an Optionally Unmanned concept demonstrator version of the Ranger for the UK MoD and this was also on show at DVD 2022; but that is another story.
Optionally Unmanned concept demonstrator version of the Ford Ranger [©BM]
The Polish Armed Forces have recently started using the Ford Ranger, based upon the T6 XLT version, and first examples were displayed at MSPO 2021 with a handful of in-service vehicles being on show at MSPO 2022. As this year’s exhibition overlapped with ARMY EXPO 2022 in the UK I was only able to spend a single day out on the ground in Kielce this year, but I still managed to snap a couple of Ford Rangers at the show. Most interesting of these was a Special Forces gunship variant included in the JWK display and uniformed operators assured me that this vehicle is in service (though of course they couldn’t disclose precisely where). (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
25 Nov 22. Leonardo, Iveco win Brazil order worth up to 2bn euros, Italy’s defence minister says. A consortium of defence group Leonardo (LDOF.MI) and commercial vehicle maker Iveco (IVG.MI) has won an order to supply Brazil’s army with 220 armoured vehicles worth up to 2bn euros ($2.08bin), Italy’s defence minister said on Friday.
“(This) demonstrates the excellence of Italian industry in the world and excellent teamwork,” Guido Crosetto said in a statement. CIO, the 50-50 consortium between Leonardo and Iveco, later on Friday said in a separate statement that it had won the contract to supply 8-wheel drive Centauro II armoured vehicles fitted with a 120 mm armament. It did not say how many vehicles it would supply nor give the value of the deal. ($1 = 0.9614 euros) (Source: Reuters)
25 Nov 22. Rheinmetall demonstrates new UGV to British Army at AWE.
Rheinmetall has demonstrated its new Mission Master unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) module at the British Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE) Urban: Sustain and Protect (S&P) programme at Portsmouth Naval Base.
The UGV, known as the Mission Master XT − Rescue, was demonstrated in a live scenario for the first time at AWE on 22 November.
This module is designed for medical evacuation (medevac), meeting the AWE S&P hypothesis, which seeks a solution to enable medical specialists to autonomously identify and treat or extract casualties.
Basic medical equipment was fitted inside the module, including a moveable stretcher, oxygen masks and canisters, and a hot/cold box.
A Rheinmetall spokesperson told Janes at AWE that the system weighs three tonne in total and is capable of speeds of up to 40 km/h. It was developed in collaboration with the University of Sherbrooke, Canada, the spokesperson added. (Source: Janes)
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