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21 Feb 19. German documents reveal Singapore received more Leopard 2 tanks. Information from government documents about a delivery of German Leopard 2 tanks to Singapore in 2017 suggest the city-state bought a new batch of tanks for its Army. According to the register of conventional arms exports released by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Singapore received 18 Leopard 2 main battle tanks in 2017, adding to the seven tanks the German government said it exported in 2016. The additional delivery in 2017 brings the total number of tanks received by Singapore to more than 170. It’s unknown how many tanks were ordered or what variant of was delivered. It is also unknown if this latest batch of tanks are brand new or refurbished secondhand vehicles, although the former is unlikely given production of the Leopard 2A4 has ended.
German media reports say the manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann was building Leopard 2A7s for Singapore and Qatar. Germany previously declared it exported 161 Leopard 2 tanks to Singapore between 2007 and 2012 in its reports to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms database. Singapore declared the receipt of 156 Leopard 2A4s during the same period. The 2017 delivery forms part of the $93m worth of conventional arms exported to Singapore from Germany that year, which also included recovery vehicles, parts for tanks, various military vehicles, training and in-flight refueling aircraft, and small arms.
When contacted for comment regarding the 2017 deliveries, the ministry told Defense News to refer to its earlier statement. It had previously said that “no other variants of the Leopard has (sic) been acquired” since Singapore announced it had acquired refurbished Leopard 2A4s from Germany in 2006. Singapore announced at the time that it had acquired 96 tanks, with 66 to be refurbished and put into service, with the remaining 30 to serve as spares.
However, the statement does not deny Singapore increased the number of Leopard 2A4s in its possession. KMW declined to comment about the transfer when asked by Defense News.
The Singapore Army has one active battalion of Leopard 2s, with additional vehicles assigned to training units in Singapore and Germany, where it uses Oberlausitz Military Training Area. Even accounting for those being used as a source for spares, the number acquired so far suggests Singapore has enough vehicles to equip a number of reserve units.
Singapore’s Leopard 2s are also being upgraded to the Leopard 2SG standard with the addition of an IBD Deisenroth Advanced Modular Armor Protection modular composite armor package, El-Op Commander Open Architecture Panoramic Sight and other improvements. Singapore also reportedly acquired Rheinmetall’s ADS active protection system for its Leopard 2 tanks. (Source: Defense News)
19 Feb 19. BAE Gets $873m For AMPVs, Spelling The End of The ‘Aluminum Coffin’ M113. In Iraq, M113 variants were deemed too vulnerable to roadside bombs and confined to base. But in a fast-moving mechanized war in Eastern Europe, the armored brigades would need support vehicles that stand a chance against Russian firepower. After six decades in service, the US Army is finally phasing out its M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, under-armored even in Vietnam, while trying to buy a new, sturdier workhorse for modern warfare: the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle.
The AMPV is basically the standard M2 Bradley, minus the gun turret removed, plus multiple automotive and protection upgrades. It’s thoroughly proven technology, not revolutionary, and there have been reports that the Army’s forthcoming 2020 budget will move some money out of AMPV to all-new Next Generation Combat Vehicles, some of which may be robotic.
On the current plan, sources tell us, BAE will begin building AMPVs next month under a $873m contract for the first 297 machines. And that’s just part of what the Pentagon calls Low Rate Initial Production. The full LRIP phase, plus prototypes already built, could total about 460 vehicles for $1.2bn. (That’s counting the ones in today’s announcement, which was for the exercise of two contract options totaling $575m).
The Army wants Full Rate Production — scheduled to begin in fall 2021 (1QFY22) — to replace almost 3,000 M113 variants in service with its armored brigades, which would bear the brunt of any future ground wars. Yes, the “aluminum coffin,” as some crews called it, was long ago replaced in frontline infantry companies and scout troops by the better armed and armored Bradley. But many M113 variants remain in service just behind the forward companies as mobile command posts, armored ambulances, weapons carriers, and general-purpose workhorses.
In Iraq, those M113 variants were deemed too vulnerable to roadside bombs and either confined to base or not deployed at all. (Even in Vietnam the main threat was not guns but mines, leading many soldiers to feel safer riding on top of the M113 rather than inside). That worked as long as the Army could use an extensive network of bases and supply routes to support relatively static counterinsurgency operations. But in a fast-moving mechanized war in Eastern Europe, the armored brigades would need support vehicles that can both keep up with M1 tanks and Bradleys over rough terrain – hence the Army’s insistence on tracks, not wheels – and stand a chance against Russian firepower.
The Army’s not just brigades, however. Further behind the line, there are over 1,900 more M113 variants in service with division and corps-level support units. All of those will to be replaced by something as they wear out.
Those “echelons above brigade” will be essential supplying and coordinating a large-scale war. But since they don’t have to come right up to the front line like brigade support troops, they might make do with a wheeled vehicle. That could be a second shot for General Dynamics’ 8×8 Stryker, which BAE’s tracked offering beat out for the brigade-level AMPV.
None of this is to disparage the Stryker. It’s the mainstay of the Army’s medium weight brigades, which can do thousand-mile road marches across Eastern Europe with a speed and reliability that heavier, more maintenance-intensive and fuel-hungry tracked vehicles can’t match.
That’s why the Army is investing in Stryker upgrades, including more mine-resistant double-V-shaped hulls, upgunned models with new 30 mm cannon and Javelin anti-tank missiles, and an anti-aircraft variant. It might also buy a truck-mounted howitzer (not on a Stryker chassis) to upgun the Stryker brigades. Those brigades would play important roles against Russia: rapid response to incursions by lightly armed “little green men,” screening and delaying actions against an all-out armored invasion. But they’re still 20-30 ton wheeled vehicles (depending on the variant) that can’t take on 50-ton T-90 tanks.
The AMPV isn’t meant to fight main battle tanks either – most variants are only armed with a machinegun – but it will have to come right behind the firing line for at least some missions. The most urgent of those is as an armored ambulance, but all of the five AMPV variants will operate well in range of Russian artillery and at times in direct line of fire from tanks.
- Command & Control: a mobile, armored command post. Since at least the 1980s, Russian doctrine has called for fast-moving armored spearheads to penetrate Western lines and hunt down these critical targets. And with Russiaahead of the US in electronic warfare, command posts may have to move well forward just to communicate with frontline troops in the face of heavy jamming.
- Medical Evacuation: the armored ambulance, capable of carrying three medics and up to six seated patients (four in stretchers). Russia’s formidable anti-aircraft capabilities may keep medevac helicopters at bay, making the AMPV a wounded soldier’s best bet to survive.
- Medical Treatment: a mobile, armored operating room, with space for four medical specialists to perform surgery on a single patient. The closer this vehicle is to the front, the better the chance that wounded soldiers can get to surgical care within the “golden hour.”
- Mortar Carrier: the only AMPV variant armed with more than a machinegun. Mortars are the form of artillery closest to the front line. Less powerful and shorter-ranged than self-propelled howitzers like the M109 Paladin, they’re also generally closer at hand and more responsive. They’re also major targets.
- General Purpose: the all-purpose workhorse. Unlike the original M113, the AMPV isn’t intended to carry combat troops, but it might have to bring ammunition, repair parts, or even reinforcements right to the front in time of need. The GP machines might also have to evacuate casualties when the dedicated AMPV ambulances can’t keep up with the carnage of a major war.
While better armored by far than the old M113, the AMPV and its M2 Bradley elder brother still can’t shrug off anti-tank missiles. For that matter, even the massive M1 Abrams main battle tank is at risk, as Saudi losses against the Houthi rebels in Yemen have shown. Protection against this threat will require what’s called Active Protection Systems to jam, decoy, or shoot down incoming missiles – another major part of the Army’s rush to modernize. (Source: glstrade.com/Breaking Defense.com)
21 Feb 19. Hanwha’s Tigon 6×6 heads for Middle East demos. Although South Korean Hanwha’s display centred on the gigantic tracked K9 155mm/52cal self-propelled howitzer it could be its 6×6 that is garnering attention in the Middle East. It seems that the new Tigon 6×6 armoured wheeled vehicle could be conducting summer trials in the UAE in 2019 and the company is also planning a demonstration of the vehicle in Saudi Arabia, an official told Shephard. This follows trials conducted in 2018 to the Malaysian Army and promotion of the vehicle in Australia. The company had previously showcased the vehicle for the first time at DSA 2018 in Kuala Lumpur.
The Tigon has a total weight of 11t and a possible crew of up to 12. The maximum road speed is 100km/h, the range is 800km and it has a 525hp engine. The Tigon is a successor to the Black Fox, which was developed by Doosan DST.
The K9 Thunder has yet to be selected by any Middle Eastern nation, though has seen success in Europe.
Meanwhile, the company also showcased models of it its next generation IFV and next generation air defence system.
While the company was not keen to go into details regarding either platform one official said that the IFV was intended for markets such as Australia and the US. Indeed the US Army is looking at options for a new IFV as part of its Next Generation Combat Vehicle programme.
Hanwha is known to have proposed its AS21 Redback to Australia for the country’s Project Land 400 Phase 3.
The Next Generation IFV that was highlighted at IDEX 2019 has a combat weight of 42t, a crew of 11 and includes an active protection system. The main armament would be a 30mm cannon with a 7.62mm machine gun auxiliary armament. (Source: Shephard)
21 Feb 19. Komatsu to stop developing LAV for JGSDF. Japanese vehicle manufacturer Komatsu has announced it will no longer develop new models of its Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), citing slim profit margins. A Komatsu spokesperson told Jane’s on 21 January that the company, which stopped manufacturing LAVs in fiscal year 2017, has already notified the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Tokyo of the decision. The source said that developing engines for new LAV models under stricter emission control standards has become “too costly”, pointing out, however, that Komatsu will continue producing its nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance vehicles for the JGSDF. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
21 Feb 19. UK JLTV, steady as she goes! BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold caught up with Mike Ivy of Oshkosh Defense at IDEX to discuss the ongoing contract negotiations for the introduction of a total requirement of 2047 JLTV vehicle into the UK’s fleet. “Oshkosh continues to work with the U.K. MoD during the current funding issues, to finalise the design of the vehicle to the UK’s specific requirements. The vehicle will be Left Hand DSrive as is common in many of the MoD’s fleet and will require homologation for the usual UK brake and lighting requirements. Whilst we will manage the Programme, we are actively looking for a UK partner with an approved workshop facility to undertake all these activities plus the comms and EW fits required by the MoD. The UK has already purchased two JLTV vehicles to undertake trails for the final specification.”
“Are there any other UK activities for Oshkosh?
“Yes we are currently in the proposal stage to convert our Wheeled Tanker tractors for the Light Equipment Transport (LET) Requirement.”
“Slovenia has recently purchased 38 JLTVs, what significance do you see from this order?”
“The Slovenia order, to be delivered by FY end, although small in comparison with the UK, is very important strategically as it establishes JLTV in an Eastern NATO country’s inventory. WE are actively pursuing other opportunities in the region.”
20 Feb 19. Nimr details new Ajban 447A. Nimr has revealed its new multirole Ajban 447A vehicle at IDEX 2019 following just three months of vehicle development. Speaking to Shephard, Yaser Ahmed al Hammadi, mechanical systems engineer at Nimr and one of the lead personnel on the development of the Ajban 447A, explained some of the unique features of the new variant.
To provide the seven-seat capacity the company eliminated part of the vehicle’s driveshaft and mounted the direct transfer case directly to the transmission making the interior floor flat and providing more space. In addition, the payload capacity has now been increased to 4t through improving the vehicle axles.
The development time was so short, according to Al Hammadi, because most of the vehicle shares commonality with the Ajban 440A.
He mentioned that one difference was that the wheels were now on a direct mount, meaning there is no need for the tyres to be deflated in order to remove them as is the case with the 440A.
The vehicle also includes a Platt M550 mount, a Dillon Aero 7.62×51mm M134D minigun and the Lacroix Galix vehicle survivability solution.
This is the ‘first time’ Dillon Aero has partnered with Nimr in this way, a company spokesperson told Shephard.
All of these features can be customised by the customer and it is possible to integrate other weapon systems including 12.7mm machine guns or 5.56mm rifles. The vehicle also includes roof-mounted blast seats which are made by Nimr.
The Ajban 447A on show was a prototype and the company will look to undergo summer trials in 2019. While there is no launch customer yet there is interest from the UAE, according to a Nimr spokesperson.
The 447A is a forward-facing seven crew military tactical vehicle featuring a configurable armoured cabin designed for different units such as tactical response, border patrol, reconnaissance, counter-insurgency and special forces teams.
The UAE announced at IDEX 2017 that it would acquire 115 Ajban 440As acquired with anti-tank guided missile launchers. Ten Ajban 440A vehicles were supplied to Turkmenistan in 2016.
Interestingly, at this year’s event the UAE announced a contract for an undisclosed number of Mbombe 4 4×4 vehicles. (Source: Shephard)
19 Feb 19. AM General’s NXT 360 sports new camouflage system. AM General is showcasing its NXT 360 vehicle with an ArmorWorks Tacticam camouflage solution integrated for the first time at IDEX 2019. The vehicle, first launched at Eurosatory 2018, made its Abu Dhabi debut at IDEX 2019 and was fitted with Tacticam 3D camouflage, a Digital Transparent Armour System (DTAS) and modular blast seat systems all from ArmorWorks.
The futuristic looking camouflage was previously shown on the General Dynamics Land Systems Griffin III at AUSA 2018, IDEX 2019 is the first time that the company has shown the grey camouflage on the AM General NXT 360, an evolution of its HMMWV.
The 3D design of the Tacticam is specifically meant to meet signature management requirements of modern militaries as they continue the battle against evolving threats. The camouflage comes in rigid panels rather than as panelled netting which some of ArmorWorks’ competitors offer.
According to the company the Tacticam is able to reduce a vehicles signature across multiple spectrums. Tacticam is currently undergoing testing.
Meanwhile, the DTAS optimises situational awareness of the vehicle by removing transparent armour, i.e. windows, and including two cameras that display onto a screen within the vehicle. According to the company this reduces weight by around 14kg.
All of the ArmorWorks additions are optional extras to the NXT 360, according to an AM General spokesperson.
Some of the key features of the new NXT 360, compared with the previous HMMWV designs, including higher payload capacity at 7,100kg compared with 6,120kg.
In addition the power of the vehicle has been increase through the P400 electronically controlled 6.5L V8 turbocharged engine. This provides a higher level of horsepower which, combined with larger tyres and improved suspension, allows for the increased payload.
The AM General Spokesperson said that the DTX 360 was still currently in the testing phase of development. (Source: Shephard)
20 Feb 19. BAE Systems moves forward with AMPV low-rate production. The US Army is moving forward with its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) programme, and has awarded BAE Systems two contract modifications valued up to USD575 m to kick-start low-rate initial production (LRIP).
In a 19 February release, the company announced that the dual contracts mark the start of AMPV LRIP. The first contract, handed down in January, is valued at USD128m and a second, awarded this month, is valued up to USD447m. Combined with previously awarded dollars to support production planning, the service has now funded AMPV LRIP with USD873m. “Moving into this phase of the AMPV programme is exciting because it brings soldiers one step closer to deploying this critical capability for completing their missions and coming home safely,” said Bill Sheehy, AMPV programme director for BAE Systems’ combat vehicles business. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
19 Feb 19. Streit Group unveils new vehicles. Streit Group unveiled the Salamander 8×8, Shaman 8×8, and Pangolin demining system at the IDEX defence show being held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 17 to 21 February. The Shaman 8×8 has a 3-litre turbo diesel engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and is fully amphibious. Developed for extreme terrain and weather conditions, it is fitted with specially designed low-pressure tyres that Streit says enables it to travel easily across marshes, lakes, and tundra.
The Shaman 8×8 is armoured, but Streit did not say what level of protection it offers or provide a weight figure for the vehicle.
The Salamander 8×8 is fitted with an 8.9-litre turbo-charged engine, has an 8×8 drive configuration, eight-speed manual transmission, and is fully amphibious. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
19 Feb 19. Polaris Government and Defense (Stand CP-412), a division of USA-based Polaris Industries Inc, showcased at IDEX its MRZR X multimode vehicle platform, which is currently undergoing field trials in a squad integration evaluation with the US Army as part of the Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) programme. Polaris gave BATTLESPACE Editor Julian Nettlefold an update on the US Army’s the Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) program.
In May 2018 Team Polaris® and its advanced MRZR® Xmulti-mode vehicle platform have been selected by the U.S. Army to be one of the robotic systems used by infantry brigade combat teams for the next year of trials as part of the Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) program.
“The optionally-manned MRZR X helps ease the transition from manned vehicles to unmanned because it maintains the functionality, drivability and multi-mission capability of a traditional MRZR,” said Patrick Zech, program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “Providing the Army with the option for high speed operations or missions with a soldier driving behind a traditional steering wheel is an important part of our offering.”
As military forces worldwide look to lighten the warfighter’s load now and smartly network vehicles in the multi-domain battlefield in the coming years, the MRZR X provides an evolving, robotics capable, multi-mission platform. In addition, the MRZR X provides worldwide commonality with the MRZRs already in service in the U.S. and more than 30 allied nations.
“In addition to meeting or exceeding all of the current robotics requirements, we’ve designed a layered, modular, open architecture, integrating sensors and software that will make it easier for the Army to securely upgrade technology in the vehicles,” Matthew Fordham, group lead and associate division manager for Unmanned Systems and Security Products, Applied Research Associates Inc (ARA).
The MRZR X provides warfighters with a modular, multi-mission support platform and that has multiple modes of operation that span a broad spectrum from traditional operator driving, to multiple levels of autonomy, including the capability for remote control, teleoperation, follow-me, leader-follower and full autonomy. This allows the MRZR X to enhance and evolve mobility in varying roles including service as a robotic equipment mule, autonomous resupply vehicle, warfighter-driven squad carrier, logistics support vehicle, rescue mission enabler and high-speed casualty evacuation capability. In the future, the connectivity of the MRZR X will provide the ability to act as a networked node in the multi-domain battlespace.
ARA has been producing Modular Robotic Applique Kits (M-RAKs) for more than 20 years, with a specialty in off-road robotics, further enhanced by the acquisition of Neya Systems. The advanced MRZR X fully integrates the autonomy systems and optimally places the sensors to safeguard the technology while keeping the physical and software architecture open so it can spiral in future technology. The vehicle drivetrain is powerful and reliable, allowing for longer missions, high speeds and silent drive when needed – all on the very familiar, sustainable and intuitive MRZR platform.
Polaris Industries Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) and Neya Systems LLC formally teamed in 2017. The Team Polaris MRZR® X evolves squad mobility with advanced unmanned systems technology from ARA and the pioneering and unsurpassed autonomous systems behavior of Neya Systems. Team Polaris has many pursuits – together and individually – with U.S. services, allied militaries and commercial programs. Phase 1 of the Trials involved 10 companies, down-selected to gfour.
Phase 2 of the Project consists of trails from four Companies from an original list of ten, Polaris, Howe & Howe, now part of Textron Defense, with a tracked vehicle, GD with the MVTT 6×6 vehicle and HDT Global, all submitted 20 vehicles for trials with the 10th Mountain and 101st Infantry Division starting in April ending in September at Fort Hamilton ending in August 2019 where there will be a down-select to one or two contractors. The mission requirement is 72 hours. Phase 3 is the Production Option. The vehicles must not exceed $100,000 in value for a total requirement of 5000 vehicles. Polaris is the only company offering a driveable option.
The vehicle is a hybrid drive with a 3Kw generator for charging not only the vehicle battery but also the soldier’s batteries also carried in the vehicle with 1100lbs of equipment. Another application is a Medevac version which requires dual autonomous and driveable vehicle with a two stretcher configuration on an hydraulic hoist allowing a one-man operation. The medic can concentrate on treating the soldier whilst the vehicle drives itself back to the base hospital.
Bob Quinn of ARA told the Editor that the ability to provide either driveability or autonomous was beneficial to the user as the dual-mode vehicle can be driven onto the battlefield rather than on a transporter and speed is of the essence when being fired on. An autonomous vehicle is limited to 15mph whilst a driver operated vehicle can reach up to 90kph. In addition, the LIDAR and optics systems operated on the autonomous vehicles have to cross difficult terrain at slower seeds due to the limited depth of field and vision provide by the systems. The use of a Cambus on the vehicle allowed ‘Pug nd Play of new systems and assemblies such as EO/IR systems and LIDAR.
The USMC is also looking at a similar platform to launch and recover UAVs.
The UK Ministry of Defence also included the vehicle in its December Army Warfare Experiment (AWE), further proving its viability as a support vehicle. The US company is also displaying the DAGOR and MRZR Diesel vehicle platforms.
“The MRZR X is a transformative vehicle because it is optionally manned and can fulfil its current mission to move at the speed of manoeuvre with a driver or act as a robotic mule to carry mission equipment and soldiers’ loads,” said vice-president Jed Leonard. “This ability to both drive the vehicle and still have dismounted control of a robotic platform provides great mission capability and operation flexibility.”
The MRZR X is designed for future flexibility, with Modular Robotic Appliqué Kits (M-RAKs) from Applied Research Associates Inc (ARA). It fully integrates the autonomy systems and optimally places the sensors to safeguard the technology, while keeping the physical and software architecture open for future technology upgrades. The vehicle’s hybrid drivetrain is powerful and reliable, allowing for export power, longer missions, high speeds and silent drive when needed.
The Polaris family of vehicles helps address the need within light infantry and special operations forces for ultra-light, off-road mobility: from the single passenger MV850 all-terrain vehicle, to the two- and four-passenger, lightweight MRZR tactical all-terrain vehicle, up to the ultra-light DAGOR, which can carry up to nine warfighters and their gear, for a total payload of up to 1,800kg.
Polaris vehicles also use commercial-off-the-shelf driveline, controls and components to streamline mechanic and operator training, and for simplified operation and maintenance. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
19 Feb 19. Highly protected. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) (Stand 03-C07) is showing for the first time in the Middle East a model of its new infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) it has proposed for the Australian Army Land 400 Phase 3 requirement for a mounted close combat capability (MCCC), and other potential export customers at IDEX.
This leverages from the Ajax family of tracked vehicles that GDLS –UK has developed to meet the requirements of the British Army to replace its Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) Scorpion family. The new vehicle for Australia is fitted with a GDLS-designed two-person turret armed with a stabilised 30mm dual-feed cannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, coupled to a computerised fire control system. Hull and turret are fitted with a modular passive armour package to provide a high level of protection, especially against mines and improvised explosive devices. For improved protection against rocket propelled grenades and anti-tank guided weapons, a hard kill defensive aids system is fitted.
In addition to its crew of commander, gunner and driver, the vehicle can carry six dismounts, who can rapidly enter and leave via the power-operated ramp.
The Land 400 Phase 3 requirement is for 450 vehicles to replace the currently deployed M113AS4 series vehicles. There are two elements to the MCCC: an IFV and a manoeuvre support vehicle (MSV). Australia issued the request for tender in August 2018 and these have to be returned by 1 March 2019, with a down-select to two contenders for a risk mitigation activity before final down-select to one vehicle. Projected initial operating capability is in 2024/25. The British Army is due to take delivery of 589 Ajax series, with initial production being undertaken in Spain, followed by transfer to the UK at GDLS’ facilities in South Wales.
In addition to the dedicated Ajax reconnaissance vehicle fitted with a two-person turret armed with a CTAI 40mm Cased Telescoped Armament System and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, there is a family of variants already developed. These are the Ares armoured personnel carrier, Athena command and control vehicle, Apollo support vehicle with crane, Atlas recovery vehicle, and the Argus engineer vehicle. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
18 Feb 19. Allison Transmission Builds Upon Its History of Innovative and Adaptive Propulsion Solutions for Defense Vehicle Fleets. Allison Transmission continues to support critical missions with its world-class fully automatic transmissions. Known for superior performance and exceptional reliability, Allison Automatics continue to evolve to meet the stringent demands of military fleets worldwide.
Allison representatives are at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, discussing their technologies, products and services. The stand features both 3000 and 4000 series units as well as the 5290 MXR, a future innovation for tracked vehicles.
Allison Transmission has been designing and manufacturing propulsion solutions for military vehicles since 1946. Its transmissions are suited for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty military wheeled and tracked vehicles.
Additionally, Allison works with OEMs around the world to design, develop, manufacture and support transmissions that deliver in the toughest conditions. For fleets that are developing new wheeled or tracked vehicles, Allison can tailor a transmission specifically for that application.
Allison transmissions use a torque converter that absorbs shock loads and spikes, reducing wear and tear on everything from the vehicle’s crew to the engine to the wheels or tracks. With Continuous Power Technology™, smooth engine acceleration at launch and during shifts protects the entire drivetrain. Further, because an Allison transmission uses a torque converter for launch, there are no mechanical clutches to wear out.
“Today’s global defense forces face a variety of new missions in addition to traditional armed conflict,” said Dana Pittard, vice president for defense programs at Allison Transmission. “These ever-evolving responsibilities demand vehicle transmissions that have demonstrated they are reliable and ready for action.” (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
19 Feb 19. Albury-based company signs supply agreement for Rheinmetall truck program. Milspec Manufacturing has been selected by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) to supply critical products for the Rheinmetall MAN range of high mobility logistics trucks as part of the LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B program.
Under the contract worth over $10m, Milspec will supply roof frames, gunner stands, wire cutters, stowage boxes, signs, brackets and interior components for each vehicle’s command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4i) systems.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia managing director Gary Stewart said Milspec’s “commitment to delivering quality technology and componentry enabled the company to stand out globally”.
“This contract is a significant statement about the level of excellence at Milspec,” Stewart said.
“We congratulate the company for establishing a reputation as a premier supplier of subsystems to the defence industry and we look forward to working side by side as we deliver the best possible product to the Australian Army.”
Milspec has secured $27m worth of contracts for the LAND 121 Phase 3B program alone, providing a quality of work that is “highly regarded by Australian primes”, according to general manager Neil Morrison.
“Milspec’s engineering capabilities address Rheinmetall’s needs to access smart, in-country manufacturing capabilities,” Morrison said.
“The development of the Milspec range of permanent magnet alternators is testament to the sovereign capability in leading Australian design for a world market.”
Rheinmetall said it is looking forward to announcing future local supply contracts for the LAND 121 Phase 3B/5B program and “extending the successful partnership with existing Australian SMEs”.
“Australian content is a critical part of Rheinmetall’s industry plan for Australia and will see the involvement of SMEs from around the nation,” Stewart said. (Source: Defence Connect)
18 Feb 19. Mack Defense recently started production of five Mack® Granite®-based M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDT) as part of the Production Vehicle Testing (PVT) phase of its $296m contract with the U.S. Army for armored and armor-capable HDTs. Once completed, the trucks will enter 40 weeks of rigorous durability testing at the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Test Center this summer.
“Our production team and suppliers are excited to begin building these next generation HDTs for the U.S. Army,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “We’re confident the M917A3 will provide the Army the legendary durability and toughness Mack customers have come to depend on.”
Seeking the next generation of M917 vehicles to offer increased protection levels, higher payload and improved mobility, the U.S. Army solicited bids for new HDTs in June 2017. The contract, awarded to Mack Defense in May 2018, allows for Mack Defense to produce armor-capable or armored HDTs with deliveries through May 2025. The trucks will increase operational effectiveness and readiness, and will support mobility, counter mobility, survivability and sustainment operations for the Joint Forces in areas of the world with austere infrastructures and little or no host nation support.
“We have had regular meetings with our U.S. Army partners in preparation for the PVT phase of the contract, and we look forward to providing a tough, dependable truck that will meet their requirements,” said Jack Terefinko, HDT program manager for Mack Defense.
Based on the civilian Mack Granite model, Mack Defense engineers optimized the M917A3 HDT to meet the current needs of the U.S. Army, while allowing for evolving requirements and future growth. With heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive and increased suspension ride height, the M917A3 is capable of meeting the demanding payload and mobility requirements set by the U.S. Army HDT program.
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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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