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18 Oct 13. Ashok Leyland and L&T close to securing Indian Army’s rocket launchers deal. Automobile manufacturing firm Ashok Leyland, along with engineering firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T), are reportedly close to securing a contract from the Indian Army, to supply multi barrel rocket launchers (MBRLs). Sumantran added that the company is also planning to expand its presence in defence logistics, with a heavier truck programme. Ashok Leyland Defence Systems (ALDS) is a joint venture firm which provides solutions to address global defence requirements. Citing the the company’s website, Business Standard reported that the two partners for the company’s business in the segment are Panhard General Defense, France and Germany-based Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). In 2011, Ashok Leyland and KMW signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop advanced defence systems for India and defence forces worldwide. Ashok Leyland supplies a number of vehicles for various applications to the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and para-military forces like troop carriers, re-fuellers, vehicles for gun mounting, fire-fighting, UAV support and recovery vehicles, flat-bed trucks and buses. (Source: army-technology.com)
21 Oct 13. One of the U.S. Army’s top priorities is ensuring the right information is available in any environment down to the lowest tactical level on the battlefield. Oshkosh Defense demonstrated its C4 and systems integration capabilities to connect soldiers to the network on its MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) at AUSA. Unlike a third-party aftermarket integration approach, which requires vehicle disassembly and a trial-and-error design approach, Oshkosh Defense integrates C4 equipment and a full range of weapons and other systems in the initial vehicle design process to reduce potential system conflicts or interference. Complete assembly line installation and quality control processes also eliminate the cost and quality issues related to tearing apart and reassembling the vehicle to run wiring harnesses and connectors. For its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) solution, Oshkosh Defense developed multiple JLTV mission package configurations. The 22 JLTV prototypes that Oshkosh delivered to the government in August for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase were fully integrated and tested by Oshkosh. Responding to an urgent need in Afghanistan for the MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) in 2009, Oshkosh Defense delivered its M-ATVs pre-wired and ready for C4 equipment. This contributed to the life-saving vehicles being designed, produced and delivered at a rate of more than 1,000 per month, all in less than one year’s time.
22 Oct 13. M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) howitzer LRIP announced at AUSA. The low-rate initial production (LRIP) for the Paladin self-propelled howitzer upgrade programme was approved on 18 October, it was announced at the AUSA exhibition. The Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) programme has been running for three-and-a-half years and will upgrade both the M109A6 artillery platform and the M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle. The M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) howitzer is a 39-caliber, 155-mm artillery system designed to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams. The PIM program includes both a self-propelled howitzer, and its companion armored ammunition resupply vehicle. Both incorporate state-of-the art digital backbone and architecture, with a first-of-its-kind 70 KW, 600 volt power generation and distribution system. The mobility platforms leverage significant commonality with the Bradley Family of Vehicles, and the mission systems utilize technology and hardwa