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08 Sep 23. Fering scoops defence contract to develop military-spec Pioneer.
- Electrified utility vehicle start-up Fering wins contract to supply military versions of its Pioneer
- The Pioneer is ideal for tactical and reconnaissance duties due to its lightweight, modular platform and ease of transportation
- Micro-grid capabilities and silent running open up new operational opportunities
Electrified all-terrain vehicle start-up Fering has secured a contract to develop and supply a military version of its innovative Pioneer 4×4.
The British company will build and supply special prototypes for evaluation ahead of full production, working closely with a specialist tactical unit. These will be built alongside civilian versions of the vehicle.
In addition to the unique flexibility offered by the Pioneer’s innovative design, defence buyers are especially interested in the opportunities to create ‘micro grids’ in remote locations using the Fering’s electrified powertrains.
The Pioneer is the brainchild of ex-Ferrari and McLaren engineer Ben Scott-Geddes, who has repurposed supercar and racing technology to create an off-road vehicle which is light, easily transportable, and unusually efficient.
It uses an ultra-lightweight architecture incorporating what is believed to be the world’s first carbon-fibre utility chassis. Mated to aluminium structures, the carbon chassis provides excellent resistance to corrosion and structural fatigue, extending the vehicle’s service life compared to conventional alternatives.
Besides the low weight, its supercar-inspired engineering means the Pioneer offers class-leading interior space for improved occupant comfort and equipment storage, but the exterior dimensions mean it can be easily transported by air. This is especially attractive to the defence sector, where quick deployment times to inaccessible areas are vital.
Once in ‘theatre’, the Pioneer is uniquely capable in harsh terrain, has a high payload and is able to survive ‘off grid’ for thousands of miles without needing refuelling supplies thanks to its high efficiency and large fuel and battery capacities.
Ben Scott-Geddes said: “Our original design brief of creating the ultimate sustainable all-terrain vehicle has inevitably attracted the attention of the military. We developed the Pioneer to be sustainable in terms of its carbon footprint, making it efficient, compact and light in weight, and these are all qualities which are also prized by the defence industry.
“We have received funding to create military prototypes which will be assessed in the field. We are working closely with a specialist unit to ensure these vehicles meet and exceed their operational requirements.”
The Fering’s modular design structure allows it to be quickly and easily customised for specific mission requirements, with simple integration of specialist systems and powertrains, and multiple body configurations of single-cab, double-cab and more.
For example, all Pioneers are capable of silent and low-heat operation which can give a tactical advantage in combat situations. The hybrid version has four battery boxes that are easily accessible and can be dismounted from within the cabin, enabling them to provide quick battery swaps and localised, off-grid power supplies. This ability to ‘offboard’ power also allows the Pioneer to act as a forward operating base to support equipment required for extended operations.
While stationary, a Pioneer’s generator engine can supply up to 42kW for 60 hours without refuelling. It can also provide 30kW while mobile, supplying charge to devices and smaller vehicles such as electric motorbikes and drones.
The Pioneer’s outer body materials are also easily interchangeable to suit mission requirements. These include Fering’s innovative technical fabric, which offers excellent noise and thermal insulation qualities and can carry its own Kevlar light ballistic protection. The Pioneer can also include solid panel body work with optional additional armoured solutions.
The Pioneer’s fully adjustable independent suspension with an onboard tyre inflation system provides impressive handling characteristics and optimum off-road capabilities, even when heavily laden.
Pilot production of the Pioneer has already begun at Fering’s new factory and headquarters in Battersea, London.
The Pioneer
Despite its imposing appearance, Fering’s Pioneer is no larger in any direction than a typical delivery van and is around the same length as a BMW 3-Series. It also weighs the same as a family hatchback and almost half the figures for some electric and hybrid 4x4s, with a kerb weight of 1,650kg.
Power to the axles is provided solely by two electric motors – unusual for an off-road vehicle. But they are perfectly suited to the task, providing instant torque, controllability, and reliability. They provide a total of 800Nm of torque; far more than a comparable diesel 4×4.
A battery provides a zero local emission, electric-only range of around 50 miles. The Pioneer’s range extender generator is then available. Unlike conventional electric vehicles, the powerpacks are designed to survive in extreme temperatures.
Customers will be able to specify their vehicles to be configured with different combinations of battery pack and range extender fuel to cater for local conditions and operational needs.
The Pioneer’s unique and distinctive appearance is partly due to the use of fabric for many of the body panels. This special material is similar to that used in hiking boots and marine sails, making it light in weight, strong and easy to repair. It also has far better insulation properties – for both noise and heat – than traditional metal or composite.
The next stage of Fering’s development will see the Pioneer going into low volume production in early 2024, followed by larger scale batch production in 2025.
07 Sep 23. Black Sky, Funnel Web Systems unveil armed UGV prototype. Queensland aerospace company Black Sky Aerospace has partnered with Australian robotics developer Funnel Web Systems to unveil their armed Funnel Web prototype.
The portable ground robot, armed with remotely launched rockets, was announced while company officials attended the International Defence Exhibition in Poland.
BSA chief executive officer Blake Nikolic said the development could keep soldiers safer as it gives ground units the tactical advantage while keeping them out of harm’s way.
“People think of robots as sensor platforms, load carriers, and for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks: but we give them fangs,” Nikolic said.
“We can see use cases such as for Ukraine where a missile needs to launch from a location that might put soldiers at too much risk or be otherwise inaccessible.
“The Funnel Web can push into new areas and wait for targets to present and then be command-launched remotely.
“The rockets themselves can be tailored to the intended use, geography and required effects.”
The Funnel Web, named after the deadly Australian spider, is a rugged, highly mobile platform that can be rapidly deployed, uses military grade communications and a hand controller. (Source: Google/Defence Connect)
06 Sep 23. Germany forges pact for Leopard 2 successor in snub to Paris, Handelsblatt reports. Germany has signed agreements with Italy, Spain and Sweden on the development of a successor to the Leopard 2 tank, German business daily Handelsblatt reported on Wednesday.
If confirmed, the deal would be certain to upset France, which, in 2017, agreed with Berlin to develop a joint Franco-German tank to succeed the German Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc in a project beset by delays and disagreements.
The initiative is to take place under the leadership of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE), the German arms makers building the Leopard 2, Handelsblatt reported, citing unnamed industry and political sources.
The German defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Rheinmetall declined to comment on the report. A spokesperson for KMW could not immediately comment.
The newspaper said the partners in the deal were planning to apply to the European Defence Fund for funding amounting to a three-digit m euro sum, adding the project would also involve Sweden’s Saab (SAABb.ST) and Italy’s Leonardo (LDOF.MI). It did not identify which Spanish company would be involved.
The delays to the proposed Franco-German project have strained ties already tested by differences over energy topics and the question to what extent Europe should become independent from the U.S. in its security policy.
Still, the defence ministers of France and Germany said in July they sought to give fresh impetus to the venture and had tasked their army chiefs to hammer out the rough outlines of the new tank’s capabilities, to have a basic document ready by the end of the year.
Handelsblatt, however, reported the countries had not been able to agree on the specifications of the tank, with France aiming for a rather light vehicle whereas Germany opted for a more heavily armoured tank.
The French military has been traditionally strongly involved in Africa where having a lighter vehicle that can be more easily transported by air makes sense. Germany, in contrast, sees the major threat as coming from Russia.
The defence ministry in Paris and the office of President Emmanuel Macron did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Handelsblatt said the new tank deal was a setback for the Franco-German cooperation in defence procurement, even though it was possible that both projects might be continued.
It cited French government sources as saying the topic would be raised at Franco-German government consultations scheduled for the start of October. (Source: Reuters)
06 Sep 23. US Army scraps Abrams tank upgrade, unveils new modernization plan. The U.S. Army is scrapping its current upgrade plans for the Abrams main battle tank and pursuing a more significant modernization effort to increase its mobility and survivability on the battlefield, the service announced in a statement Wednesday.
The Army will end its M1A2 System Enhancement Package version 4 program, and instead develop the M1E3 Abrams focused on challenges the tank is likely to face on the battlefield of 2040 and beyond, the service said. The service was supposed to receive the M1A2 SEPv4 version this past spring.
The SEPv4 will not go into production as planned, Army Under Secretary Gabe Camarillo told Defense News in a Sept. 6 interview at the Defense News Conference in Arlington, Virginia. “We’re essentially going to invest those resources into the [research and] development on this new upgraded Abrams,” he said. “[I]t’s really threat-based, it’s everything that we’re seeing right now, even recently in Ukraine in terms of a native active protection system, lighter weight, more survivability, and of course reduced logistical burdens as well for the Army.”
The Abrams tank “can no longer grow its capabilities without adding weight, and we need to reduce its logistical footprint,” Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, the Army’s program executive officer for ground combat systems, said in the statement. “The war in Ukraine has highlighted a critical need for integrated protections for soldiers, built from within instead of adding on.”
Ukraine’s military will have the chance to put the M1 Abrams to the test when it receives the tanks later this month. The country is fighting off a Russian invasion that began nearly two years ago.
The M1E3 Abrams will “include the best features” of the M1A2 SEPv4 and will be compliant with modular open-systems architecture standards, according to the statement, which will allow for faster and more efficient technology upgrades. “This will enable the Army and its commercial partners to design a more survivable, lighter tank that will be more effective on the battlefield at initial fielding and more easy to upgrade in the future.”
“We appreciate that future battlefields pose new challenges to the tank as we study recent and ongoing conflicts,” said Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team. “We must optimize the Abrams’ mobility and survivability to allow the tank to continue to close with and destroy the enemy as the apex predator on future battlefields.”
Norman, who took over the team last fall, spent seven months prior to his current job in Poland with the 1st Infantry Division. He told Defense News last year that the division worked with Poles, Lithuanians and other European partners on the eastern flank to observe happenings in Ukraine.
Weight is a major inhibitor of mobility, Norman said last fall. “We are consistently looking at ways to drive down the main battle tank’s weight to increase our operational mobility and ensure we can present multiple dilemmas to the adversary by being unpredictable in where we can go and how we can get there.”
General Dynamic Land Systems, which manufactures the Abrams tank, brought what it called AbramsX to the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference in October 2022. AbramsX is a technology demonstrator with reduced weight and the same range as the current tank with 50% less fuel consumption, the American firm told Defense News ahead of the show.
The AbramsX has a hybrid power pack that enables a silent watch capability and “some silent mobility,” which means it can run certain systems on the vehicle without running loud engines.
The tank also has an embedded artificial intelligence capability that enables “lethality, survivability, mobility and manned/unmanned teaming,” GDLS said.
The Army did not detail what the new version might include, but GDLS is using AbramsX to define what is possible in terms of weight reduction, improved survivability and a more efficient logistics tail.
The Army awarded GDLS a contract in August 2017 to develop the SEPv4 version of the tank with a plan then to make a production decision in fiscal 2023, followed by fielding to the first brigade in fiscal 2025.
The keystone technology of the SEPv4 version consisted of a third-generation forward-looking infrared camera and a full-site upgrade including improved target discrimination.
“I think the investment in subsystem technologies in the v4 will actually carry over into the upgraded ECP [Engineering Change Proposal] program for Abrams,” Camarillo said. “However, the plan is to have robust competition at the subsystem level for a lot of what the new ECP will call for, so we’re going to look for best-of-breed tech in a lot of different areas,” such as active protection systems and lighter weight materials.
For instance, the Army has kitted out the tank with Trophy active protection systems as an interim solution to increase survivability. The Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems develops the Trophy. But since the system is not integrated into the design of the vehicle, it adds significant weight, sacrificing mobility.
The Army plans to produce the M1A2 SEPv3 at a reduced rate until it can transition the M1E3 into production.
The M1E3 is expected to reach initial operational capability in the early 2030s, the Army said. “As longer-range threats increase in both lethality and survivability, the M1E3 Abrams will be able to defeat those threats,” the statement said. (Source: Defense News)
06 Sep 23. Indian Army issues RFI for armoured recovery vehicles. The Indian Army issued a request for information (RFI) on 5 September to procure 170 armoured recovery vehicles (ARVs) based on a tracked platform. According to the RFI, the ARV will be used for cross-country (offroad) operations in plain, semi-desert, and desert terrains along India’s western borders, as well as high-altitude (up to 5000m)/mountainous terrain along India’s northern borders (eastern Ladakh/Central Sector/North Sikkim).
The proposed ARV should possess adequate cross-country mobility and protection and the capability to carry at least six soldiers including the driver and commander, the RFI said.
The gross vehicle weight should be less than 50 tonnes and the ARV must be equipped with a diesel fuel-based engine mounted with low thermal and acoustic signature, the RFI added.
The vehicle must have a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) with in-service 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun and smoke grenade launcher, according to the RFI. (Source: Janes)
07 Sep 23. Eastern European nations reshape their fleets of fighting vehicles. With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine fueling military acquisitions along NATO’s eastern flank, several European allies are advancing purchases of new wheeled and tracked infantry fighting vehicles.
Military budgets are soaring across the region, and lessons drawn from the ongoing war are triggering a robust increase in defense acquisitions. Numerous Eastern European allies have supplied tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine, generating a spike in demand for replacements.
Some seek to buy foreign-made vehicles, while securing domestic participation in their manufacturing and maintenance, and others intend to have their own industry develop new vehicles fitted with foreign-designed weapons.
Here’s a snapshot of what that looks like:
Polish fleet
Poland’s Defence Ministry is developing the largest tracked vehicle acquisition program in Eastern Europe in terms of the number of units planned for production. Earlier this year, the ministry signed a contract with a consortium led by Huta Stalowa Wola — an offshoot of Polish defense giant PGZ — to buy about 1,400 vehicles on a tracked platform.
Developed under the Borsuk program (or “Badger” in English), the initiative is to enable Poland to replace its outdated fleet of BWP-1s, a version of the Soviet-designed BMP-1 vehicle.
“The framework agreement concluded on 28 February 2023 foresees the delivery of about 1,400 vehicles based on a universal modular tracked platform, including 1,000 Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles,” a spokesperson for the ministry told Defense News. “The delivery time of these vehicles will be stipulated in the further executive contracts.”
The 400 tracked vehicles that are to accompany the Borsuk are to come in several variants, including command, medical evacuation, engineering reconnaissance, contamination reconnaissance and more.
The Borsuk is equipped with a ZSSW-30 turret armed with a Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm chain gun, a Spike LR anti-tank missile system and a UKM-2000C 7.62mm machine gun, among other weapons, according to the ministry.
Poland plans to implement the entire project by 2035.
Foreign designs for Romania
Romania is spearheading a similar initiative. The nation’s MLI-84 infantry fighting vehicle is a design from the early 1980s. About 180 such vehicles were produced for the country’s land forces, some of which were later modernized in cooperation with Israeli partners. The Romanian Defence Ministry now plans to replace them with a new platform in what could represent one of the country’s largest acquisition programs in the coming years.
Contrary to Poland, which decided to develop its new generation of tracked vehicles through its domestic defense industry, Romania is seemingly planning to acquire a foreign product to be manufactured with the participation of its domestic defense sector.
Other Eastern European nations have employed a similar model. Among others, the Czech Republic and Slovakia selected the CV90 made by BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden, and Hungary opted for the German firm Rheinmetall’s Lynx.
A spokesperson for the Romanian ministry told Defense News that Bucharest “intends to buy a total number of 298 IFVs in different configurations.”
“There is a mix of technical criteria, regarding both the armaments systems and the performances of the vehicle, that will be evaluated, together with financial, economic and delivery conditions,” the representative said.
In March 2023, the ministry requested lawmakers’ approval for several programs, including its tracked vehicle acquisition plans. Publicly available information suggests the program is worth about €2.99 bn (U.S. $3.28 bn).
“There is a cross-party consensus that military spending is needed, given the war that is taking place just across the border in Ukraine,” a senior Romanian defense analyst told Defense News on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of military acquisition efforts.
“The program is divided into two phases. The first phase will take place between 2023 and 2031, and involves the acquisition of 246 vehicles. The second phase will begin after 2031, and involves the procurement of 52 vehicles for the strategic reserve,” the analyst added.
Slovenia’s commitment
For Slovenia, developing a fleet of eight-wheel-drive infantry fighting vehicles is part of the nation’s commitment to NATO.
The country has vowed it will be able to deploy a midsized battalion battle group and a midsized reconnaissance battalion to take part in NATO activities. According to Slovenia’s 2020 defense whitepaper, the government will establish the former by 2027 and the latter by 2030.
In July 2023, the government amended the Defence Ministry’s acquisition program for the years 2023 to 2026, authorizing it to allocate about €695.2 m toward the purchase of 106 wheeled infantry fighting vehicles.
The ministry is currently “in the process of purchasing 8×8 wheeled combat vehicles on a government-to-government model. We estimate that the procurement process will be completed this year with the signing of the relevant intergovernmental agreement,” a spokesperson for the Slovenian ministry told Defense News.
The latest development follows the government’s decision last year to scrap a deal to buy 45 Boxer armored vehicles with related equipment and services for a total of €343.4m from the international entity Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation. The move was based on findings from an internal audit commissioned by Defence Minister Marjan Šarec.
In a July 2023 interview with local broadcaster RTV Slovenija, Šarec said his ministry is evaluating five offers, but he did not disclose the names of the companies involved.
“This purchase will definitely be carried out according under the government-to-government system, which means without intermediaries,” he said. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
06 Sep 23. G3 Systems and Utilis deliver 2nd Role 2 Field Hospital for the Belgian MoD. G3 Systems Limited, the British company with over 20 years of operationally proven expertise in designing and producing deployable containerised solutions and providing infrastructure support to military in remote locations across the globe, has delivered in partnership with Utilis a second fully deployable Role 2 Field Hospital. The G3 Systems team will be at DSEI23 available for meetings to discuss similar deployable infrastructure solutions and all their other infrastructure support capabilities.
G3 Systems were invited to form a partnership with Utilis to maximise their respective skills and experience in the deployable infrastructure sector to bid for the contract in 2020. Both companies have a strong operational pedigree with metallo-textile structure solutions, rapidly deployable infrastructure and supporting military operations in austere locations. For this contract, Utilis led on the delivery of the tents, shelters and M&E infrastructure while G3 Systems were responsible for delivering the medical equipment and providing the through life support. The G3 Systems – Utilis partnership was successful in bidding for the contract in 2020 and together, through the most challenging pandemic era, they delivered the first of two Role 2 Hospitals in December 2021. Subsequently, the option of an order for a second Role 2 Hospital was received in 2022 for which Initial Operating Capability (IOC) was achieved in April this year and a target date of Full Operating Capability (FOC) for the whole contract is expected by 2026.
A Role 2 Field Hospital is a vital element in the medical evacuation chain as it is deployed forward in a conflict zone to minimise the time taken from injury to primary treatment. Its mission is to identify, triage, and if necessary, operate on casualties to stabilise them before they are transported to more specialist care or rehabilitation further from the conflict zone. The G3 Systems – Utilis solution meets the demanding military specifications imposed by the Belgian MoD and the shelters have successfully passed rigorous testing to NATO standards including in extreme weather conditions. These factors combined with the speed and ease of deployment ensures that the Belgian MoD can fully deliver on their NATO medical support commitments.
Nick Rose, Managing Director at G3 Systems Limited said, “Both G3 Systems and Utilis have vast experience in this sector and this project is an excellent example of true partnership working to deliver the best possible capability for the client. I am also delighted with how the project has progressed through some significant global challenges and wish to commend all the project team for their tireless commitment and professionalism to overcome such hurdles and still deliver an excellent product for our customer.”
06 Sep 23. Upgraded Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle Successfully Tested. Like all of the Bundeswehr’s weapon systems, the Puma infantry fighting vehicle is constantly being technically updated, thereby increasing its combat value. In order to ensure its usability despite its higher weight, extensive testing was recently carried out at the Oberlausitz military training area.
Three weeks of extensive testing
The future viability of all weapon systems used in the Bundeswehr is of fundamental importance for the operational readiness of the troops and for their security.
Within a three-week test period, a team from the military technical department for land-based vehicle systems, pioneer and troop technology, the WTD military technical department 41 in Trier, put the Puma through its paces with its expanded equipment.
Extreme conditions over 1,300 kilometers
The conditions on the military training area were more than challenging: the sandy test tracks were extremely dusty due to the persistent dryness, so that microscopic dust particles threatened to penetrate the smallest cracks of the puma. How would this affect the vehicle? Would the air filter hold up? What would mobility be like in deep sand?
In order to answer these questions, we repeatedly walked through the sandy soil of Upper Lusatia. A total of almost 1,300 kilometers were covered – a long distance. The driver and material had to withstand particularly extreme heat and dust conditions.
New technology on board
In addition, a tactical, laser-based weapons training system was installed on the test Puma. This makes it possible for the troops to simulate a full combat – including interaction with other weapon systems such as battle tanks or artillery and infantry. For this purpose, electrical weapon and effect simulators were installed on the Puma.
This new system also had to withstand the dusty conditions in Upper Lusatia and the rough driving conditions.
Increase in combat value causes more weight
The test catalog was extensive and formed the conclusion of a so-called loading campaign. This means that the armored personnel carrier for the tests was equipped with two tons heavier than the current production vehicle weighs.
The background to this is simple: Experience shows that military vehicles become increasingly heavier as they are used by troops, for example due to stronger armor or more powerful weapons.
During testing, we carefully observed whether the drive elements, such as the engine and gearbox, as well as the chassis, could safely withstand the additional weight and the resulting additional loads.
Tests successfully completed
During these intensive tests, damage to the vehicle cannot be ruled out because the technology is intentionally pushed to its limits – and beyond. In the end, all of this should serve to ensure the safety of the soldiers. The few defects identified in the Puma are now being examined in detail.
“The Puma did well in Upper Lusatia, and the mileage for the 45 tonne-load campaign was achieved for all components – that’s fine,” is the conclusion of Cord S., who brought the tests to a successful end with his team. (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Bundeswehr)
05 Sep 23. A Game-Changer That Redefines Future Battlefield Capabilities: The Type-X RCV, The First Robotic Combat Vehicle Equipped With A Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System. Europe’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics will present the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), the first-of-its-kind equipped with a mixed reality situational awareness system (MRSAS) at DSEI 2023 in London.
The Vegvisir Remote MRSAS enhances the decision making of Type-X operators by giving them a 360-degree virtual dome with EO/IR sensor fusion for both close and medium proximity vision and target engagement capabilities in any condition. The system is optimised for lower bandwidth for remote use and connects the operator into a digital hub to interact and consume digital data.
“Milrem Robotics continues the development of the Type-X RCV by integrating cutting edge technologies to address the requirements of many countries interested in intelligent robotic systems, especially the Nordics and Western Europe, but also the US,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
In addition to the new cutting-edge situational awareness system, the Type-X is equipped with KONGSBERG’s latest and best PROTECTOR Medium Calibre Turret that is changeable to specifically meet the particular needs of various end-users. The combination, that has passed several live firing tests, gives mechanized units the means to breach enemy defensive positions with minimal risk to their own troops.
The Type-X is also integrated with the QUADBOX by Elistair, that consists of a tactical tethered UAS for ISR, and communications relay designed to further enhance situational awareness for extended periods whilst on the move.
The Type-X RCV along with other Milrem Robotics’ products can be found at stand no H4-122.
The Type-X RCV is an organic part of mechanized units that can take the most dangerous positions and provide equal or overmatching firepower and tactical usage compared to traditional Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
It was developed to navigate the battlefield autonomously, with a human-in-the-loop control system and artificial intelligence (AI) as an integral part of the operating algorithm. With the Type-X Milrem Robotics also introduces a feature called Indirect Drive that allows remote controlled operations on higher speeds.
Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the US. The company is known for their THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle and the MIFIK autonomy kit.
05 Sep 23. Saab’s New Camouflage Feature Solves Communications Challenge. Saab announces a new feature for its Barracuda Ultra-lightweight Camouflage Screen (ULCAS) giving armed forces the possibility to combine protection from the enemy with the possibility to communicate with friendly forces.
Barracuda camouflage nets provide vital protection for a soldier, hiding the operator from for example radar sensors. However, the same characteristics that provide that protection, also limits the use of GPS and/or VHF communications to and from underneath the net.
Saab’s new Frequency Selective Surface technology (ULCAS-FSS) allows selected radio frequencies to pass easily either way through the camouflage net, while protecting against the higher frequencies of electromagnetic waves used by radar systems.
The represents a significant advancement in modern signature management technology.
“Thanks to our expertise within signature management, we are taking camouflage to the next level with this novel feature. It changes how soldiers communicate while keeping multispectral protection, and so introduces a new era of tactical communication flexibility, offering unparalleled capabilities,” says Henning Robach, head of Saab’s business unit Barracuda.
Saab’s camouflage solutions, including the ULCAS with FSS feature will be shown during the DSEI 2023 event in London, 12-15 September at stand H7-210.
05 Sep 23. Italy seeks to militarise KC-767A tankers to mitigate air-to-air vulnerability.
Besides its long-awaited plan to upgrade and expand its KC-767A tanker fleet, the Italian Air Force is also keen to secure its current air-to-air vulnerability.
The Italian Air Force is looking to secure its KC-767A tanker transport aircraft while conducting air-to-air refuelling. The service has considered various ideas to mitigate the vulnerability of this process during global operations.
Leading intelligence consultancy GlobalData tells us that the nation’s air force comprises six KC-130J tanker units (acquired between 2000-2005) and four KC-767A tankers (procured between 2011-2015).
Italy has previously laid out its plan to procure the KC-464A Pegasus – an advanced tanker that will replace the KC-135 in the US Air Force (USAF). Japan has also inducted two units and Israel has acquired four.
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Boeing developed Pegasus based on its design of the 767 jet airliner, which has led to the Italian designation of Pegasus as the ‘KC-767B’.
GlobalData Aerospace and Defence Analyst Tristan Sauer explained that if Italy does acquire Pegasus, “it would benefit from several survivability upgrades like better CBRN protection, infrared (IR) countermeasures, EMS hardening and armoured fuselage.
“Assuming that procurement goes through, the tanker fleet would grow from four to six while also providing a new and improved platform ready to accommodate additional upgrades over the coming decades as requirements evolve.”
Militarising Italy’s KC-767A fleet
Beyond the prospective acquisition of the Pegasus, with all its security measures for air-to-air refuelling, Italy is also seeking to “militarise” its current fleet of 767s.
The Boeing 767 tanker transport aircraft, is a high-performance version of the Boeing 767-200ER twin-aisle jetliner equipped for fully integrated tanker operations. the manufacturer designed the plane to conduct boom and receptacle refuelling, hose and drogue refuelling, or both.
The service considered IR countermeasures as a way of upgrading the 767 fleet. GlobalData tells us that countries are trying to integrate Electro-Optical (EO) and IR systems into modern warfare platforms to obtain information superiority and situational awareness, which would provide a critical solution to Italy’s tanker vulnerabilities.
Research in the field of third-generation forward-looking infrared, nonlinear crystals, laser radars, advanced 3D visualisation, persistent surveillance systems, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, is leading to the creation of more capable EO/IR systems. GlobalData valued the global EO/IR systems market at $9.2bn in 2021, the company expects this to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.43% to reach a value of $12.9bn by 2031.
Moreover, the USAF has recently adopted a blended wing body (BWB), which is a design that integrates the aircraft’s body into its high-aspect-ratio wing, resulting in a 30% reduction in aerodynamic drag. This move, backed by investments, sets the stage for an evolution in airpower effectiveness, promising impacts on both military and commercial aviation sectors. The distinctive design of the BWB sets it apart from conventional tube-and-wing aircraft.
However, this advancement currently lies beyond the capabilities of the Italian Air Force; if the service starts to add on more capabilities, it will incur more costs. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
05 Sep 23. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company are, displaying their brand new General Logistic Vehicle (GLV) prototype at DSEI 2023. The ground-breaking GLV is built around the proven Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series platform which is used by militaries and aid agencies all around the world. Able to fulfil a multitude of tasks for the armed forces, it offers a common vehicle base with various role modules to meet the needs of different missions across evolving theatres of operation. The GLV will come with an automatic gear box and a powerful 2.8 litre diesel engine as well as unique military body and enhancements from Babcock which will put crew comfort and safety to the fore.
It builds upon the characteristics, performance, and core architecture of the iconic military Land Rover whilst applying Babcock’s engineering expertise and the latest technology. It will deliver reliable, mission readiness, anywhere.
Chris Spicer, Managing Director of Engineering and Systems Integration at Babcock said, “We are confident that this vehicle meets the requirements of military and security forces across the world. By applying engineering excellence and the latest technology, we can provide our partners with the systems they need to complete their mission.”
The vehicle is a must-see for DSEI 2023. Come and see it on Stand B4 on the main boulevard. This will be the first opportunity to see the prototype.
05 Sep 23. Prospeed at DSEI. H2-740 – UK Capability Showcase. HILOAD is a militarised 4×4 and 6×6 module for Toyota Hilux which increases payload, load-space and mobility.
4×4 HILOAD: 5000Kgs GVW, 3400Kgs Payload
6×6 HILOAD: 6500kgs GVW, 4500Kgs Payload
Unlocks the capability of OEM pick-up truck for the military end user for Light Utility Vehicle projects.
Prospeed takes responsibility for aspects of the user requirement concerning the base vehicle platform and works with prime contractors to deliver the complete capability. Supplied as a module or licence build.
www.6x6hiload.co.uk
07 Sep 23. Jankel launches Future Toyota Platform Strategy, at DSEi 2023. Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO vehicle platforms and protection systems, has announced the launch of their Future Toyota Platform Strategy. Jankel is a long-established supplier of Toyota based military and civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs) and this new strategy has been developed in anticipation of the recently announced developments from Toyota in their forward vehicle line-up. The Jankel strategy will ensure that a full and common range of Toyota platforms remain available to their global customer base as a fleet solution covering tactical, armoured and general-purpose roles.
This announcement coincides with the DSEi exhibition where Jankel are exhibiting on stand H4-604. Amongst their range of products and services on display is the Fox Rapid Reaction Vehicle demonstrated with Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) and a stabilised and ultra-light Remote Weapon Station from SIG Sauer.
The future strategy incorporates the proven range of Jankel tactical conversions integrated with the very latest Toyota developments which includes the announcement from Toyota of the new Land Cruiser along with convergence in configurations and specifications across the Hilux and 70 series platforms. Jankel’s range of proven armoured and tactical 4×4 and 6×6 Fox variants will not only benefit from this immediate commonality (including a common diesel powertrain and automatic transmission option) but will also be future proofed through emerging technologies including the introduction of an electrified powertrain (available in 2024).
Jankel’s relationship with the Toyota product line goes back over 25 years and has seen them deliver over 2000 Toyota-based vehicles, to customers all over the world. In July 2023, Jankel celebrated the milestone of having delivered over 500 Toyota-based Fox tactical platforms that are now in service with 15 end user groups globally, with the Fox battle-proven on multiple operations.
Andrew Jankel, Chairman at Jankel Group said: “I’m pleased to announce the launch of our new strategy which leverages the very latest products from Toyota. We know the credibility and capability of the Toyota vehicles, and our strategy builds upon our proven range of platforms whilst offering significant commonality benefits for years to come”. He added “We’re in a unique position with the new Toyota and our proven armoured and tactical developments to offer our global customer base a common fleet solution on a world leading and prolific base platform”.
04 Sep 23. Alcon receives major order from Babcock for the provision of 70 Supacat Jackal vehicle braking systems. Alcon Components Ltd, the highly acclaimed UK-based brake and clutch company, has received a major order from Babcock, Supacat’s build partners, to supply 70 HMT vehicle braking systems. The order has been placed to enable the production of 70 new Jackal vehicles for UK MoD, a contract that was signed between UK Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and Supacat in February 2023. Alcon will commence production immediately and will be delivering components to Supacat and their build partners Babcock throughout the remainder of the build.
The bespoke braking systems ordered were first developed by Alcon in 2008 to deal with a challenge that had occurred when the significant additional weight of applique armour was added to the UK’s Jackal and Coyote UOR vehicles. The original braking system had become over-matched, compromising safety and impacting upon operational availability and through life costs. Alcon delivered a bespoke designed solution that includes calipers, discs and friction pads. On the front axle of each vehicle, the calipers are doubled-up so each vehicle has a total of 6 calipers fitted. Since then, Alcon have supplied the braking systems fitted to all of the UK’s existing Jackal and Coyote in-service HMT vehicle fleet and more recently, to Supacat’s multiple overseas customers, including Australia and Norway. In UK, over 600 vehicles were procured as a series of Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs) for Afghanistan and post-conflict, these were brought into the UK’s core fleet. The procurement of 70 additional HMT platforms by UK MoD fills a gap in the UK’s fleet requirement under renewed Army structures.
Alcon are highlighting this order as yet another example of a key global defence vehicle OEM turning to Alcon for specific bespoke vehicle braking system support. Alcon are able to work with an unlimited range of military vehicle types and their experience across multiple global programmes has given them the knowledge and credibility to deliver the very best bespoke braking solutions. Alcon braking solutions have been sought out by some of the world’s finest defence industry vehicle OEMs and notably, were selected by Patria to provide the bespoke braking solution for the new 6×6 heavy armoured vehicle. Alcon braking systems are used by over 20 defence and security equipment OEMs, including Babcock, Patria, Supacat, BAE Systems, Ricardo and Jankel because Alcon provide bespoke braking systems that fully meet the demanding requirements of the challenging, high-performance, modern-day battlefield.
Chris Spicer, Managing Director of Engineering and Systems Integration at Babcock said, “We are delighted to be working with Alcon as the provider of the braking system for the Jackal vehicle. The operational demands placed on the Jackal can be extreme, therefore, we require a dedicated team of professionals at every stage of production. In Alcon, I don’t doubt that we have the ideal partner to be working with”.
Phil Applegarth, Director and Head of Supacat said: “The braking system is a key vehicle component. Alcon have designed a superb and optimal system for us. When you need a set of brakes that can stop a vehicle quickly and safely, you definitely need a trusted partner that specialise in the design of bespoke braking systems. We are really proud to say that Alcon is that partner, and we remain committed to continuing our longstanding relationship. We have every confidence they will continue to support us on new vehicle builds and the ongoing support to the in-service fleets for years to come. This order, placed through Babcock, aligns with our strategy to continuously improve our social value and increase our spending in the UK economy, supporting a UK supply chain.”
Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “Alcon’s relationship with Babcock and Supacat goes back many years. Supacat were one of the first defence vehicle OEMs to recognise the benefits of our experience and capabilities developed at the top of motorsport and performance automotive. Initially, we moved very quickly to help them solve what was at the time a significant braking challenge. Now, nearly 15 years later, we remain Supacat’s braking supplier of choice having delivered braking systems for many new HMT vehicles globally, along with the through life support required to keep them all at the forefront of performance, safety and operational availability. We’re very proud indeed of what’s been achieved and long may this partnership continue. I’d like to congratulate Supacat on winning this most recent order and thank them for trusting in Alcon to continue to deliver.”
04 Sep 23. Electric military vehicles are an emerging trend in the defense sector. Electric military vehicles are an emerging trend in the defense sector as they offer advantages such as lower noise, lower carbon footprint and greater energy efficiency. Some of the armies that are developing or testing electric military vehicles are:
1- United States: The US Army is exploring the use of hybrid and battery electric vehicles to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase troop survivability. Some examples are the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) and the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV).
2- China: The People’s Liberation Army of China is investing in electric vehicles to improve the mobility, stealth and sustainability of ground forces. Some examples are the VN-17 Armored Personnel Carrier, the ZBD-03 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the ZFB-05 Utility Vehicle.
3- France: The French Army is developing a program called Scorpion, which aims to modernize armored vehicles with electric and hybrid technologies. Some examples are the Griffon multipurpose armored vehicle, the Jaguar reconnaissance and combat vehicle, and the Serval light vehicle.
4- Germany: The German Army is testing a prototype electric vehicle called eMilitärFahrzeug (eMFZ), which is based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The objective is to evaluate the performance, reliability and safety of electric vehicles in military operations.
5- United Kingdom: The British Army is participating in a project called Future All Electric Vehicle (FAEV), which aims to develop a light and modular electric vehicle for reconnaissance, surveillance and patrol missions. The project is led by the company QinetiQ and has a partnership with other companies such as Williams Advanced Engineering, Horiba Mira and Ricardo.
Electric military vehicles have several advantages over conventional combustion-powered vehicles. Some of these advantages are:
1- Less noise: Electric vehicles are quieter than diesel or gasoline vehicles, which increases stealth and the ability to surprise the enemy in military operations.
2- Lower carbon emissions: Electric vehicles do not emit polluting gases such as carbon dioxide, which contributes to preserving the environment and reducing global warming.
3- Energy efficiency: Electric vehicles make better use of the energy stored in the batteries, which reduces fuel consumption and operating costs. In addition, electric vehicles can be recharged by renewable sources such as solar or wind energy.
4- Autonomy: Electric vehicles can have greater autonomy than conventional vehicles, depending on the capacity of the batteries and the availability of charging points. This increases the flexibility and mobility of military forces in different scenarios.
5-Safety: Electric vehicles have less risk of fire or explosion than combustion vehicles, which increases the safety of soldiers and civilians. In addition, electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and less wear and tear, which reduces the need for maintenance and repairs.
(Source: Paulo Dominonni via LinkedIn)
04 Sep 23. Bulgaria to purchase Stryker vehicles from US in $1.5bn deal. The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence follows the rest of Europe in increasing its force structure, despite the nation’s hurdles to effectively procure systems.
Bulgaria is set to acquire 183 Stryker land vehicles as part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the US Department of State worth approximately $1.5bn the Defense Security Co-operation Agency announced on 1 September 2023.
The Stryker family comprise ten variant models of eight-wheel drive combat vehicles of which Bulgaria has requested five – 107 Infantry Carrier Vehicles (ICVs); nine Engineer Squad Vehicles; 33 M1130 Command Vehicles; 24 M1133 Medical Evacuation Vehicles; ten M1135 Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles, among other supplementary equipment.
Stryker’s mobile gun system can fire 18 rounds of 105mm main gun ammunition, 400 rounds of 0.50-calibre ammunition and 3,400 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
The Stryker meets Bulgaria’s modernisation aims
The Bulgarian Armed Forces have key capability goals including the acquisition of new armoured vehicles such as the Stryker, new multi-role combat aircraft, modular patrol vessels, 3D radars and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Bulgaria also aims to increase the quantity and complexity of joint training and exercises with its allies prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The most recent exercise ended last month in which Bulgarian and American air forces operated together in exercise Thracian Summer.
Balancing hurdles with modernisation
However, according to GlobalData intelligence Bulgaria faces significant challenges in maintaining higher levels of spending: corruption issues, political divisions and a struggling and technologically outdated defence industry are all hurdles to overcome before any substantial modernisation may take hold.
As it stands, there are an unknown number of armoured personnel carriers that Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) procured between the 1960s and 1990s, including the BTR-60PB and the MT-LB.
In the last ten years, the MoD has slowly expanded its armoured carriers and ICVs: 380 BMP-1s, 36 BRDM-2s and various other Russian-manufactured land systems.
However, since last year the tide has turned for the MoD leading them to procure western manufactured systems such as this $1.5bn Stryker deal. This is not the Balkan country’s first modern land system deal as the government has procured 50 Humvee trucks in 2008, manufactured by the American contractor AM General. (Source: army-technology.com)
01 Sep 23. US Army commits over $700m in AMPV and Bradley armour acquisition. Contracts are the latest in series of multi-year planning deals to modernise the US Army’s mechanised infantry capabilities, and potentially support Ukraine’s and requirements.
UK defence prime BAE Systems’ US-based Land & Armaments entity has been awarded combined contract modifications worth in excess of $700m (£555m) by US Army Contracting Command for the purchase of Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPV) and M2A4 and M7A4 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFV).
Announced by the US Department of Defence (DoD) on 31 August, the AMPV contract amounted to $432.5m, with an estimated completion date of February 2027. The M2A4 and M7A4 contract worth was $274.1m and has an estimated completion date of January 2026.
BAE Systems and its US-based entities were forecast to account for 28% of the North American region’s military land vehicle market from by 2032 according to GlobalData analysis, due to the procurement of the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), AMPV, and Bradley M2A4 and M7A4 fighting vehicles, among others.
In October last year the US Army was permitted to increase its purchase of AMPVs following the provision of around 200 in-service M113 armoured personnel carriers to Ukraine to aid Kyiv in its fight against Russia.
The AMPV programme will deliver around 2,900 vehicles across five variants, including command and control, mortar carrier, general-purpose, medical evacuation, and medical treatment. The medical variants in particular offer a step-change in capability to deployed soldiers, providing greater mobility, force protection and on-board power than the M113 platform it will replace.
Final testing for the AMPV began midway through 2022, with production planned in Q3 last year to rise to around 16 units per month to take into account the Ukrainian M113 recapitalisation.
Lightly armed, the one-person open turret of the AMPV can be installed with a roof-mounted protected weapon station housing 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
US Army modernising its mechanised infantry
The US Army is currently undergoing an extensive recapitalisation programme of its armoured mobility fleets, with the AMPV replacing the legacy M113 platforms, while the future Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) – now redesignated the XM30 mechanised infantry combat vehicle – will in turn replace the Bradley.
Earlier in August the US Army announced another modification to its contract with BAE Systems for M2A4 and M7A4 Bradley provision, which goes back as far as 2018 when the company was tasked with the manufacture of 473 vehicles. Since then, the DoD has amended the contract several times, once in 2019, again in 2022 in a contract worth $31.9m, the mid-August contract worth $113m, and again on 31 August with its $274m announcement.
The combined totals US Army contract to BAE Systems for Bradley production now reaches in excess of $766m. In service with the US Army as well as internationally in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Croatia and others, more than 6,700 Bradley’s have been manufactured since 1981.
Both of the latest contact announcements were from the US Army, rather than US Security Assistance funding to Ukraine as has been the case with other platforms and munitions for contract specific to Washington’s support of Kyiv. However, it is unknown whether the latest Bradley contract relates to a US need, or those of Ukraine.
According to GlobalData, some 1,563 Bradley units are currently in service within the US Army’s force structure, broken down to 1,420 M2 IFVs and 143 M7 armoured support vehicles.
In June this year the US Army awarded $1.6bn in contracts to General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall Vehicles under the Phase III and IV Detailed Design and Prototype Build and Testing phases of the OMFV programme.
According to the US Army, during the next two phases of the programme, the service will look to mature the design and verify prototype performance during test activities, including a limited user test. The two companies selected for the next phase will be required to deliver up to 11 prototype vehicles, as well as two ballistic hulls and turrets, armour coupons and digital engineering data.
Following the detailed design and prototype build and testing phases, the US Army intends to have a limited competition to downselect to one vendor at Milestone C near the end of fiscal year 2027, with first unit equipped anticipated in fiscal year 2029. (Source: army-technology.com)
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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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