Web Page sponsored by MILLBROOK
Tel: +44 (0) 1525 408408
www.millbrook.co.uk/military
————————————————————————-
29 Jul 13. Following our story last week (See: BATTLESPACE UPDATE Vol.15 ISSUE 31, 29 July 2013, MoD vehicle sums wrong?) Supacat has confirmed to BATTLESPACE that it has undertaken Light Gun Trials with its 6×6 Coyote Tactical Support vehicle currently in service in Afghanistan.
Jamie Clarke of Supacat told BATTLESPACE, “Supacat have assisted the Royal Artillery in the past with the provision of their own demonstrator Coyote for Gun Towing Trials. Supacat’s understanding is that Coyote is being considered for this future role as the UOR vehicles are brought back from Afghanistan and integrated into the core fleet. Coyote would be an ideal replacement GTV for the current Pinzgauer as it provides excellent towing capability combined with a considerable payload that allows a pallet of ammo to be carried concurrently by the towing vehicle, as well as being mine blast protected. Successful trials with 105mm Light Gun were followed by towing the M777 LIMAWS(G). Whilst the vehicle proved capable, a simple modification would be required in order to service the air brakes on the larger gun. Supacat believes that Coyote in a GTV role would fit particularly well into the Army 2020 Reaction Forces ORBAT (16 and 3 Brigades) given Coyote’s commonality with the Jackal 2 vehicles that are also likely to be held by these units post-Afghanistan, combined with the requirement for higher mobility and protection levels than alternative GTV options can offer”.
29 Jul 13. Canada issues RFP for medium logistics trucks purchase. The Canadian government has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the
medium-support vehicle system (MSVS) standard military pattern (SMP) programme, which aims to replace and upgrade the national armed force’s existing medium-sized logistics truck fleet. Issued by the Public Works and Government Services Canada following release of a letter of interest and one-to-one meetings with industry representatives in January, the RFP seeks acquisition of a new fleet of up to 1,500 medium-sized trucks and associated logistics solutions. Specifically, the SMP vehicle requirement covers procurement of five vehicle variants and associated equipment, as well as in-service support throughout their service life. Serving in combat since the 1980s, Canada’s existing Bombardier-built medium logistics vehicle wheeled (MLVW) fleet has nearly completed their operational life. The vehicle testing and other government evaluations are scheduled to be carried out in 2014, followed by the contract award in 2015. Deliveries are set to commence in 2017, with planned completion by 2018. As in all government contracts, the industrial and regional benefits (IRB) policy will apply to the acquisition, ensuring that the winning company creates economic benefits in Canada equal to 100% of the contract value, including a minimum of 20% direct IRB for acquisition and 35% direct IRB for the in-service support contract. Meanwhile, Oshkosh Defense has confirmed its intention to respond to the RFP with a proposal that will be designed to offer the overall best value to the Canadian government. Oshkosh Defense international programmes senior vice-president and general manager Serge Buchakjian said, “The Oshkosh MSVS SMP solution is designed to improve the protection and performance capabilities of the Canadian forces’ medium-payload fleet, both for today and for decades to come.” Released by Public Works and Government Services Canada on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND), the RFP is scheduled to close on 17 December 2013. (Source: army-technology.com)
01 Aug 13. US Army enhances communication capabilities with SNE installation. The US Army has installed the soldier network extension (SNE) on its mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) all-terrain vehicles, in an effor