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17 Feb 19. Oshkosh Defense, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) company, is showcasing the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle’s (JLTV) combat effectiveness against battlefield threats at IDEX 2019 in Abu Dhabi from February 17-21, 2019. Designed using lessons learned from the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), the JLTV platform provides MRAP-level protection to mitigate the most prevalent threats while delivering best-in-class off-road mobility in a highly transportable package.
“Achieving a tactical advantage on the modern battlefield requires speed and agility to get to the fight quickly, to outmaneuver threats and to strike fast and hard,” said Mike Ivy, Senior Vice President, International Programs and Global Product Support. “With its payload capacity and system integration-minded design, the JLTV is built to accept a multitude of remotely-operated weapon configurations including cannons, missiles, and advanced non-kinetic weapon systems for use against both land and air threats.”
The JLTV can be configured with many weapons systems, depending on the mission or threat environment. An optional turret supports standard weapons mounts for 7.62mm manned or remotely-operated machine guns or for a variety of cannon and tube-launched missile systems. Side- or rear-mounted weapons from a wide variety of manufacturers are also seamlessly supported. The JLTV General Purpose configuration on display is equipped with an EOS R-400S-MK2 Dual remote weapon station (RWS) integrated with Northrop Grumman’s M230LF 30mm lightweight chain gun to demonstrate the vehicle’s ability to support increased lethality including a medium caliber weapon system.
“The JLTV is a premier weapons platform,” Ivy said. “We at Oshkosh can configure the JLTV in almost any way required for combat operations.”
The JLTV is available in 2-door and 4-door variants in the following configurations:
- JLTV Utility
- JLTV General Purpose
- JLTV Close Combat Weapons Carrier
- JLTV Heavy Guns Carrier
17 Feb 19. Trend towards balanced fleets. While tracked armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) continue to be deployed in the region in large numbers, an increasing number of countries are now moving towards a more balanced fleet of tracked and wheeled AFVs. The main advantage of wheeled AFVs is that they can be rapidly moved over long distances under their own power. Wheeled AFV also have lower through-life support costs, are easier to operate and maintain and have lower noise levels. Tracked AFVs are normally transported to their deployment areas by heavy equipment transporters, which in time of crisis are always in short supply.
Many countries still use 8×8 AFVs in the traditional armoured personnel carrier (APC) role, fitted with a protected weapon station, or a remote weapon station, typically armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun. But the latest vehicles have higher levels of protection and more volume and payload, enabling them to undertake a wider range of battlefield missions, such as an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), when fitted with a turret armed with a 30mm cannon and coaxial 7.62mm machine gun.
The UAE, for example, deploys the Finnish Patria Armoured Modular Vehicle fitted with the complete turret of the Russian tracked BMP-3 IFV, which is armed with a 100mm gun, 30mm dual-feed cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
To supplement its existing fleet of General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada (GDLS-C) Light Armoured Vehicles (LAV) (8×8), which were delivered many years ago in 10 variants, the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG) is now taking delivery of a new generation of GDLS-C LAV (8×8), with many of these being fitted with the latest-generation Belgian CMI Defence Cockerill 3000 series two-person turrets.
The Cockerill 3030 turret is armed with a now Northrop Grumman, Armament Systems 30mm MK44 dual-feed cannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, while the Cockerill 3105 is armed with a 105mm rifled gun that is fed by an automatic loader, enabling the turret crew to be reduced to two.
Oman has operated a fleet of Piranha (8×8) in a number of configurations, manufactured under licence by the then GKN Defence from the now General Dynamics Land Systems MOWAG. These are now being supplemented by a fleet of FNSS Savunma Sistemleri Pars III (8×8).
The IFV version is fitted with the latest Saber one-man turret, armed with a Northrop Grumman, Armament Systems 25mm M242 dual-feed cannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The Turkish company has also completed development of Pars III in the 6×6 configuration, enabling customers to have a fleet of 6×6 and 8×8 with a high degree of commonality.
Piranha 8×8 vehicles are also used elsewhere in the Middle East.
While the clear trend is towards the procurement of 8×8 APCs and variants, there is still a gap in the market for 6×6 vehicles, which are more compact and can be transported in a Lockheed Martin C-130 aircraft. They also have a smaller turning circle than their 8×8 counterparts, making them ideal for use in confined spaces, such as those encountered n urban operations. The Kuwait National Guard operates a fleet of General Dynamics European Land Systems – Steyr Pandur (6×6), the most potent version being fitted with a CMI Defence two-person turret armed with a 90mm gun.
Compared with the original Fuchs 1, used in large numbers by the German Army, the latest Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Fuchs 2 (6×6) APC has greater volume and payload and a large number are being manufactured in Algeria. More specialised Fuchs 2 versions include an NBC reconnaissance vehicle, which is deployed by Kuwait and the UAE. Otokar of Turkey has exported large numbers of its Cobra (4×4) AFVs, but the latest wheeled AFV is the Arma, available in 8×8 and 6×6 versions, which can be fitted with a range of weapon stations. The first customer is Bahrain. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
18 Feb 19. Milkor reveals early design of new 8×8. Tucked away in the corner of IDEX 2019 South African company Milkor made its debut at the Abu Dhabi event with talk of the early development of an 8×8 armoured vehicle. The design and development of the new 8×8 follows the launch of the company’s 4×4 APC at AAD 2018 in South Africa. According to Armand Bodenstein, senior marketing manager at Milkor, the new 8×8 vehicle design is to focus on the balance between the drivetrain and independent suspension. Still in the early stages, the company is currently in the CAD system testing stage.
‘The drivetrain is where we see we can stand apart,’ Bodenstein said.
In its long-term plan the company is also looking to add a 6×6 vehicle to its product portfolio – however the choice was made to develop the 8×8 first.
While there is no firm timeline for testing as of yet Bodenstein suggested that there will be a more significant announcement on the 8×8 at AAD 2020. It is likely that the development of this family of vehicles will see Milkor directly up against Paramount Group of South Africa with its family of Mbombe vehicles which have already had some export success. The company unveiled its 8×8, the Mbombe 8, back in 2016 and is showcasing the next generation of its Mbombe 4, the 4×4 variant, at IDEX 2019.
Meanwhile, the company has been kept busy in the Middle East and following various RfIs is now negotiating a deal with one customer for around $100m. However, Bodenstein was unable to specify the customer, or the product.
Meanwhile, the company has other development plans in the works with its unmanned systems, of which there are three in its portfolio. Bodenstein said that there are plans for weaponisation of the two larger UAVs, the MA 380 and the MA 80, with small guided bombs.
In addition, testing of the Centurion high speed interceptor is now in the final stages. The company says that the 12m vessel has able to reach speeds up to 54kt but is hoping to achieve up to 60kt.
Speaking on markets Bodenstein said that the company is looking to focus on growing and emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. (Source: Shephard)
16 Feb 19. Rheinmetall’s new protection module on show. Rheinmetall is exhibiting its new Hybrid Protection Module at IDEX 2019. The Module can either be deployed in standalone mode or retrofitted into vehicles, and features a combination of active and passive protection technology.
Two variants of Rheinmetall’s Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) decoy launcher system will also be on display – the MASS_OCR, which includes an Offboard Corner Reflector, and the MASS_ISS, which has an Interated Sensor Suite, intended for units without an organic reconnaissance system for countering threats based on laser and radar technology.
In addition to this, Rheinmetall will be showing its latest in-air defence, the Skynex system. Featuring a remotely operated, network-capable Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 mounted on a HX77 truck, this system will be on display with an X-TARD3D search radar, a Cheetah guided missile and a high-energy laser effector.
Another showcase at IDEX 2019 will be the ‘Total Ship Training’ system, an integrated simulation-based approach for training entire ships’ crews ashore – with the aim of increasing operational readiness and reducing training costs whilst keeping in mind the current demands for greater sea endurance in concept designs.
Also, in the digital product line-up will be the Argus New Generation and Gladius 2.0 soldier systems, as well as the TacNet tactical management system and the Rheinmetall Command and Control Software. (Source: Shephard)
18 Feb 19. Fortress: A top-class APC for High Mobility and Maximal Protection. Historical leader of armed forces mobility, Arquus presents at IDEX one of the jewels of its Medium armored vehicles: the Fortress. The Fortress is a proven vehicle of choice which is constantly being perfected to suit the most demanding units’ needs. The Fortress is already serving in various Special Forces units all around the world.
The Fortress is a vehicle which benefits from all the experience and know-how of the ARQUUS teams. Designed and qualified specifically in compliance with the NATO standards, the FORTRESS can handle the most extreme missions thanks to its resistant driveline and advanced armored hull, which offer the best levels of autonomy and protection.
Acme of the ARQUUS range of protected personnel carriers, the Fortress is a vehicle of choice which boasts all-terrain mobility and versatility, effectively offering the best conditions for the units it serves. Thanks to a rigorous work on ergonomics, the FORTRESS offers a large internal space, hosting a crew of 10 in excellent conditions. It offers great comfort even on the most demanding terrains, thus keeping the forces at their optimal shape, both physically and mentally.
To answer the needs for even more protected and versatile vehicles, ARQUUS’ engineers are constantly working on the Fortress. It can be equipped with numerous solutions, for more versatility in all missions. To optimize its abilities, the Fortress can also be packaged with RCWS or vetronics solutions like ARQUUS’ Battlenet. At IDEX, the FORTRESS will be presented with ARQUUS’ own Hornet T1 RCWS.
The Fortress is a 14.5 ton armored personnel carrier. With its high mobility driveline, 340 HP engine, automatic drive and independent wheel suspensions, the Fortress is the perfect balance of weight/power ratio, important payload and exceptional all-terrain capabilities. Its armored monocoque hull offers a large internal volume, as well as great protection against ballistic aggressions, mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), in compliance with STANAG 4569 standard.
The Fortress is available in personnel carrier and logistics versions, offering high protection and high mobility. The APC version can also be converted to ambulance and command post versions. Thanks to family commonality, Fortress fleets can be easily supported, guaranteeing efficient maintenance and high vehicle availability. The Fortress also benefits from the Volvo and Renault Trucks global network, which provides a worldwide access to ARQUUS parts and organs.
This vehicle is presented on the Arquus booth: N°07-B30.
18 Feb 19. Paramount secures first Mbombe 4 customer. Paramount has successfully sold its Mbombe 4 mine protected armoured vehicle to the UAE the MoD announced at IDEX 2019. The company showcased the 4×4 variant of the Mbombe for the first time at the Abu Dhabi event.
The vehicle displayed is a production variant that has been designed to meet customer requirements, Paramount officials confirmed.
The production line is currently located in South Africa but the company has the capability to move production to a customer nation if required.
The 4×4 completes the Paramount family of vehicles which also includes a 6×6 and an 8×8, of which the company said there are ‘1,000s of vehicles in service worldwide’. All of these are export customers and the company has not yet found success in the domestic market in South Africa.
The 8×8 was officially launched in 2018 at the AAD event in Pretoria.
Speaking to Shephard, Ivor Ichikowitz, executive chairman at Paramount, said that the vehicles consist of 70% commonality in parts across the family and have a Paramount proprietary mission computer which is open architecture.
He also emphasised the large payload weight which he said was hard to achieve with a vehicle at this price point. The exact pricing is unknown but Ichikowitz suggested that typically higher payload weights come at a higher price.
This is partly thanks to Paramount’s shallow ‘V’ hull design which reduces the height of the vehicle allowing it to carry more. The payload capability currently stands at 2,700kg with a combat weight of 16,000kg for the vehicle. The vehicle can accommodate a crew of seven, including a driver, commander and a gunner. The Mbombe offers ballistic and mine protection and protection against a 50kg TNT side blast or IED/roadside bomb. Its applique armour packages can provide higher levels of ballistic protection, up to level four, and mine protection as required by the customer. Other features of the Mbombe 4 include a burst speed of 140km/h, a rear-door ramp design proven in combat on 6×6 and 8×8 IFVs, with the vehicle fully operational in winter conditions of -20˚C to desert conditions of +55˚C. (Source: Shephard)
17 Feb 19. ARQUUS introduces its unique Advanced Survivability System, fitted on the VAB MK3. To answer the needs for advanced capabilities in conflicts of growing intensity, ARQUUS is constantly integrating top-level technologies in its vehicles to further increase their mobility and protection. European leader of protected land mobility, ARQUUS is an expert of vehicle conception and systems integration. Conceptor, manufacturer and maintenance services provider for the world-famous VAB, which has been the battle horse of the French Army for decades, ARQUUS brings more than 40 years of combat experience in wheeled vehicles to constantly serve and develop a unique product, the VAB MK3, an extremely mobile and multi-purpose infantry fighting vehicle.
At IDEX 2019, ARQUUS is introducing a unique solution. Thought as a complete system and designed to be the best in class protected combat vehicle, the VAB MK3 equipped with the Advanced Survivability System combines cutting edge technologies and technical excellence.
On top of its native low profile which grants the Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé with unique stealth in all terrains, the VAB Mk3 now presents new ballistic & mine protection features of the highest standard. These new capabilities significantly improve the protection of the vehicle and its crew against all the conventional threats of the battlefield.
The VAB Mk3 is the first vehicle protected against Tandem Warhead Threats. The integrated systems aboard the vehicle detect the impact of warheads on the hull, and launch countermeasures which negate the tandem warhead effect. To ensure the best possible level of tactical awareness and decision process, the VAB Mk3 has also been equipped with ARQUUS’ own Battlenet information and communication system. The VAB Mk3 is a family of 6×6 medium weight armored vehicles offering very high level performance in terms of mobility, protection and payload. The vehicle, driven from behind the windshield, provides the on-board commander and driver with a wide view, allowing for excellent direct observation and situational awareness. ARQUUS offers the VAB Mk3 with a complete systems package integrating top-level technologies and allowing the completion of all combat missions in collaborative mode.
The VAB MK3 offers performance close to an 8×8 with an excellent cost-efficiency. It also benefits from the global Volvo/Renault Trucks maintenance network. This vehicle is presented on the ARQUUS Booth: n°07-B30.
17 Feb 19. Paramount unveils new Mbombe 4 personnel carrier. Paramount Group, a global defence and aerospace company, has unveiled its next generation armoured personnel carrier, the new Mbombe 4, which is specially designed for local manufacturing within customer countries. The new carrier will boost such countries’ defence capabilities, economic diversification and sustainable growth, said a company statement. Drawing on the exceptional heritage of the Mbombe 8×8, now in production following its launch in 2016, and the Mbombe 6×6, which has entered service, the Mbombe 4×4 completes the highly advanced Mbombe family of combat vehicles that are designed to optimally meet the increasing demand for outstanding protection, yet versatility in conventional and asymmetric warfare, counter terrorism and peacekeeping missions. The Mbombe family enables Paramount Group to provide customers with a comprehensive family of 4 x 4, 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 IFVs, which share over 70 per cent of common components to reduce through life costs and ensures efficient training and logistics. This also presents a unique opportunity for the global market, affording a prospective end-user of all three vehicles significant savings in the areas of maintenance and logistical support. The vehicle is being fully industrialised to allow for manufacture in customer countries using Paramount’s proven portable manufacturing model. Paramount Group founder and executive chairman Ivor Ichikowitz said: “Mbombe 4 was designed and developed specifically for local manufacturing in customer countries in response to specific market requirements.”
“Our company specialises in the creation of portable manufacturing facilities through technology and skills transfer, resulting in new local capabilities and sustainable jobs, proven to not only benefit local defence industrial capabilities but economic diversification and growth. Importantly, this model allows for common supply chains and ensures the security of supply,” he added.
Displaying a striking new design, packed with the latest technologies and capabilities required for the modern battlefield and ever-evolving threats, the Mbombe 4 offers outstanding levels of protection, mobility and flexibility. The Mbombe 4 will be launched on the first day of Idex 2019, the largest defence expo in the Middle East, held in Abu Dhabi.
One of the defining characteristics of the new Mbombe 4 is the unique, rear-door ramp design, which has been proven in combat on its 6×6 and 8×8 IFVs. The ease of access provided by the rear-door ensures the rapid deployment of the crew while the vehicle is static or on the move.
The platform offers very high levels of ballistic and mine protections (e.g. crew compartment STANAG 4569-Level 3, blast protection STANAG 4569-Level 4a & 4b) and protection against a 50 kg TNT side blast or IED/roadside bomb. The applique armour packages can provide higher levels of ballistic protection (up to level 4) and mine protection as required by the customer.
Other key features of the Mbombe 4 include a burst speed of 140km/hr, ensuring exceptional levels of mobility, with the vehicle fully operational in winter conditions of -20 Celsius to desert conditions of +55 Celsius. The 16 tonnes Mbombe 4 provides a payload of nearly three tonnes, encapsulating weapon systems, ammunition, crew and supplies.
Ichikowitz continued: “There are very few constants to the nature of the asymmetrical warfare that many of our customers across the globe are experiencing. As a result, we are constantly innovating, not only to enhance, but to pioneer the most up-to-date defence technologies in the world.”
“Though each of the Mbombe family of vehicles is equipped for full mission capability and maximum versatility, they share a singular mission – the survival of personnel in the vehicle through the highest levels of protection, mobility and firepower, in order to meet the requirements of armed forces operating in the toughest environments around the globe,” he added.
The Mbombe 4 has been designed to accommodate a wide range of payloads and turrets. The onboard mission computer and interface system is able to integrate with both Western and Eastern-made weapon systems.
The vehicle is further fitted with the latest generation navigational, crew comfort and security systems, with examples including a driver-assist camera system, winterisation kit, vehicle location and tracking systems, a NATO standard tow-hitch, radios and intercoms systems and a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS).
The portable manufacturing of vehicles such as the Mbombe 4 has allowed Paramount Group to manufacture their defence technologies with partners around the world; from Kazakhstan and the dynamic growth of Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) to their partnership with Singapore’s ST Engineering and the launch of the Belrex family of vehicles, based on the Marauder, a platform that is also being exhibited at Idex. – TradeArabia News Servic. (Source: Google/http://tradearabia.com)
17 Feb 19. MBDA and Milrem Robotics unveil the world’s first anti-tank UGV. MBDA and Milrem Robotics are showcasing the world’s first anti-tank unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at IDEX 2019, the main defence industry event in the MENA region. The debut of the system’s advanced concept comes only eight months after Milrem Robotics and MBDA announced the start of feasibility studies of the system.
The joint project integrates the Milrem Robotics THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle with the MBDA IMPACT (Integrated MMP Precision Attack Combat Turret) system fitted with two MMP 5th generation battlefield engagement missiles and a self-defence machine gun. “This combination of two of the most modern technologies in their field is a very good example how robotic warfare systems will bring disruption to the battlefield and make some traditional technologies obsolete,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “Our unmanned land combat system under study together with MBDA will be very efficient in keeping our troops safe and significantly increasing the capability to fight main battle tanks as well as any other ground target,” Väärsi added.
The land combat warfare system is intended to be remotely operated. Soldiers can deploy it while remaining at a safe distance and using a wireless or a tethered connection. The system will have a low heat and noise signature so it can stay unnoticed until completing its mission.
“Being delivered to the French Army since the end of 2017, the MMP system is now deployed by the French forces in theatre, where it replaces the Milan and Javelin missiles. With fully digitalized functions of observation, targeting, positioning and guidance, the MMP system is perfectly suited for integration on vehicles, including remotely operated ones” said Francis Bordachar, Military Advisor Land Products at MBDA.
16 Feb 19. Otokar to Present ARMA 6×6 and COBRA II in Abu Dhabi. Otokar, with armoured vehicles used in 32 countries across the world, attends at the IDEX to take place on February 17-21, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. During the five-day exhibition Otokar presents its ARMA 6×6, COBRA II armoured vehicles with its own design turrets. Otokar, a Koç Group Company, with over 30 years of experience in military vehicles, participates in IDEX 2019 in UAE. Within its wide product range, Otokar displays its ARMA 6×6 with BOZOK turret, and COBRA II 4×4 with KESKIN turret systems during the show.
Stating that Otokar boasts the widest land defence systems product range from 4×4 to 8×8, from tracked armoured vehicles to turret systems, General Manager Serdar Görgüç said “Apart from being the leading supplier of the Turkish Military and Security Forces for land systems, over 30,000 Otokar military vehicles serve almost 55 different end users in 32 countries. Our strength in the defence industry is driven by our experience, engineering and R&D capabilities, and successful use of technology.”
Mentioning Otokar’s strong presence in Gulf region, Görgüç continued: “GCC countries are particularly important for Otokar where many different vehicle types of wide Otokar military range are already serving successfully to the requirements of the region in different forces since early 2000s. Due to our broad activities in the United Arab Emirates, our establishment of Otokar Land Systems in the country in 2016 helps us a lot in our relations with all countries in the region. Through this company we became much closer to our customers and even more strengthen our existing relations.”
“Through our recent activities, Otokar is no longer playing only a vehicle manufacturer and supplier role in GCC but also enjoys its local MRO activities and even transferring its engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Last year Otokar Land Systems’ joint venture company Al Jasoor signed a significant 8×8 armoured vehicle contract for UAE Armed Forces for RABDAN 8×8 Armoured Vehicles, which is displayed right beside us, in Al Jasoor stand.”
“With the aim of increasing our presence in the region, IDEX is an important opportunity for us to meet our existing users as well as potential users. We believe that our vehicles serving worldwide are the most important reference for our potential users. We will use our unique experience in response to the unique needs of the region in the best possible way.”
ARMA 6×6: MODULAR ARMOURED VEHICLE
Otokar presents ARMA 6×6 at IDEX with Otokar design BOZOK turret. Otokar’s multi-wheeled modular armoured vehicle ARMA 6×6 offers superior mobility, high mine and ballistic protection, as well as medium and high-calibre weapon system integration options. Offering high tactical and technical features, ARMA comes with an optional amphibious version for peacekeeping and humanitarian aid operations in the most demanding terrain and climate conditions. ARMA 6×6 stands out especially with its high payload capacity and large internal volume. ARMA can be equipped with different weapons and turret according to the needs. The ARMA family can be used for different missions as an armoured personnel carrier, armoured combat vehicle, command control, CBRN reconnaissance vehicle while different weapon systems can be integrated into the vehicle.
COBRA II: HIGH PROTECTION AND MOBILITY CAPABILITIES
COBRA is displayed with KESKIN turret system at IDEX. COBRA II, manufactured by Otokar with the mission of designing and manufacturing globally competitive land systems products, stands out with its superior performance. Built on the COBRA platform, COBRA II offers high level of protection and payload capacity and large internal volume. In addition to superior mobility, COBRA II also comes with the capacity to accommodate 9 personnel including the driver and commander, offering high protection against ballistic, mine and IED threats. Delivering high performance in the toughest terrain and climate conditions, COBRA II is optionally available with an amphibious version, adapting perfectly to different missions as needed. COBRA II, subjected to rigorous climatic and amphibious tests in different parts of the world, travelled thousands of miles and also successfully passed the open sea swimming tests. Preferred especially for offering a wide range of weapons integration and mission equipment options, COBRA II is successfully used in border protection as well as internal security and peacekeeping missions. The modular structure of COBRA II also makes it possible to be used as a personnel carrier, weapons platform, ground surveillance radar, CBRN reconnaissance vehicle, command control vehicle and ambulance. COBRA II is already in service with Turkish Armed and Security forces and with export customers.
Otokar Turret Systems
With the expansion of its vehicle family, Otokar turned its focus on turret and weapon station development. With over 30 years of knowledge and expertise in turret systems design and integration, Otokar developed MIZRAK, BOZOK, BASOK, UCOK and KESKIN remote controlled turrets ranging from 7.62 mm to 30 mm. With its high-performance, high-tech turret systems, Otokar aims to strengthen its platforms and gain competitive advantage in the world.
17 Feb 19. ECA GROUP extends its UGV range with CAMELEON LG. In 2018, ECA Group integrates a ground robot based on the CAMELEON UGV range to meet new operational needs of military and security units: the CAMELEON LG. This new generation ground robot is lightweight, compact and particularly resistant.
The CAMELEON LG is designed to be carried in a backpack in addition to the standard equipment of an infantry soldier deployed in OPEX (Operations abroad) missions and this without supposing an overload. The CAMELEON LG is a real partner that increases the capacity of a unit deployed on the field without slowing down or hindering it in its tactical movements.
Lightweight (12 kg) but versatile (payload 15 kg) the robot CAMELEON LG can be equipped with a manipulator arm (lifting capacity of 4.5 kg) or sensors (laser range finder, radiological sensor, chemical sensor, thermal camera, etc. ) and meet the needs of the mission with a radius of action up to 500 meters and a capacity to climb 45-degrees slopes.
Resistant (IP65) to dust, water and shocks it can be thrown during its deployment to limit the vulnerability of the operator or to reach inaccessible places such as windows, balconies, low walls, terraces, caves, cliffs … This resistance is also an asset during its transport, the CAMELEON LG can be loaded in all types of military vehicles without any storage box.
Operational in only 3 minutes, the deployment of the CAMELEON LG is simple and fast meeting all responsiveness needs of a tactical mission.
Its high-resolution cameras, light weight, small size, agility and off-road capabilities make it an ideal robot for inspecting terrain, culverts, homes, caches or undersides of vehicles in search of IEDs, suspicious packages or hidden triggering devices.
Learning how to use it is easy, quick and without long training requirements.
A specific design is made to enhance the ergonomics of the touch screen, controls and buttons. Thus, the operator can easily control the CAMELEON LG, interpret received images and data, direct the robot and manipulate the arm and sensors. Its auto-diagnostic system for maintenance helps reduce the operator’s workload. The control station is also resistant to shocks, water and dust.
The CAMELEON LG has great endurance capability with 4 hours on the move and 15 hours in stand-by mode.
ECA GROUP develops and supplies land robots – UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) – for French and foreign POLICE and MILITARY units for more than 15 years. Their good reputation is due to their performances, reliability and versatility, such as the CAMELEON and its LG version which is already popular.
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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.
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