Web Page sponsored by MILLBROOK
Millbrook, based in Bedfordshire, UK, makes a significant contribution to the quality and performance of military vehicles worldwide. Its specialist expertise is focussed in two distinct areas: test programmes to help armed services and their suppliers ensure that their vehicles and systems work as the specification requires; and design and build work to upgrade new or existing vehicles, evaluate vehicle capability and investigate in-service failures. Complementing these is driver and service training and a hospitality business that allows customers to use selected areas of Millbrook’s remarkable facilities for demonstrations and exhibitions.
Tel: +44 (0) 1525 408408
www.millbrook.co.uk/military
——————————————————————
12 May 11. More Bushmasters for Afghanistan. The Australian Government has approved the purchase of an additional 101 Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations in Afghanistan. Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced the purchase today. The Bushmaster has proven to be a most effective combat vehicle, providing Australian troops with mobility and protection, including against Improvised Explosive Devices. It has unquestionably saved lives in Afghanistan. The purchase provides for operational attrition. 31 Bushmasters have been damaged beyond repair in recent years and their replacement with a further 70 vehicles will support current and future operations. Defence will also evaluate a range of enhancements to the Bushmaster vehicle to increase the level of protection it provides to ADF personnel. If these enhancements are viable they may be applied to the 101 vehicles. The purchase of the Bushmasters is subject to the satisfactory negotiation of a contract with acceptable terms and conditions including in relation to performance, cost and schedule. Details of costs will be released on finalisation of contract details. Under standing arrangements, Defence will be supplemented for the cost of Bushmasters damaged on operations, with the remainder to be funded from the Defence Capability Plan.
16 May 11. Project Remus, Pinzgauer or new? Sources close to BATTLESPACE suggest that Project Remus the MoD upgrade project for the Land Rover Wolf and Pinzgauer vehicles worth a suggested £150m for 2015 has a parallel requirement study for a new vehicle vs. refurbished Pinzgauers. The Land Rover Wolf is expected to remain in service until 2020 whilst, spares permitting, Pinzgauer also has the same date. However, due to the spares and engine problems (the vehicle is only EURO 3) the MoD is believed to be looking at a new vehicle which could include offerings from Renault, IVECO, NAVISTAR and others. Sources suggest that the lack of space in the Pinzgauer engine compartment may make the installation of a 300TDi engine tight. Studies are believed to be underway.
16 May 11. DSG to take the lead in UK MoD wheeled vehicles. Sources suggest that DSG is to take over as Whole Fleet Manager for the entire MoD Wheeled Vehicle Fleet from DE&S. The announcement is expected soon and will result in the loss of jobs at DE&S. This will cement DSG into the fabric of the MoD with sources suggesting that it will make a sale of DSG less likely. However, some sources suggest that this move will give DSG the long-term work it needs to make it viable to a seller. Sources suggest that the possible bidders for DSG include Serco, with a partner, Lockheed Martin, Babcock and Rheinmetall which interestingly is believed to be casting its slide rule over BAE’s UK land Systems business.
11 May 11. Mobile whole body scanning will be available to British Forces medical teams following the award of a contract to Marshall SV, part of Cambridge based Marshall Land Systems, to supply a mobile containerised CT Scanner to the UK Ministry of Defence. This proven system, cu