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25 Sep 19. Philippines commissions amphibious vehicles, attack craft. Key Points:
- The Philippines has commissioned four more amphibious vehicles and three more attack craft that are capable of being fitted with missile launchers
- The inductions aim to further improve the country’s amphibious assault and littoral strike capabilities
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has formally commissioned four more Korean Armoured Amphibian Vehicles (KAAVs) into the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and three more 17 m multipurpose attack craft (MPAC) into the Philippine Navy.
The vehicles were inducted in a commissioning ceremony held in Manila on 23 September. The KAAVs are part of a PHP2.42bn (USD46m) contract for eight vehicles signed in April 2016 between Manila and South Korea’s Hanwha Defense, which was then known as Hanwha Techwin. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
25 Sep 19. Poland Closer to a New IFV. During the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), a member of the Polish Armaments Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, PGZ) holding, presented a prototype of the next generation swimming infantry fighting vehicle (Nowy Bojowy Pływający Wóz Piechoty, NBPWP), which is being developed under the Borsuk programme.
The Borsuk programme calls for the pro-curement of a number of new tracked IFVs, which will eventually replace the current vehicles of this class, the legacy BWP-1. It is expected that Poland could acquire even several thousand of the NBPWP family of vehicles.
The Polish MoD put Borsuk on a list of high priority procurement programmes and included it in the latest Technical Modernization Plan 2017-2026, which was published early 2019. Over the past several months the prototype of the new Polish infantry fighting vehicle has undergone a series of static and dynamic trials. They were to confirm that the platform’s design meets the technical requirements set by the manufacturer as well as the future user, the Polish MoD.
The NBPWP platform was presented with a 30mm turreted, remote-controlled weapon system (Zdalnie Sterowany System Wieżowy, ZSSW-30), which was designed to fight, destroy and suppress enemy light and heavy armoured targets and other objects – including the enemy’s infrastructure – in different climate conditions, and to provide fire support for units during combat operations, at any time.
In the future, the ZSSW-30 weapon system could be integrated with Rosomak/Patria AMV 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles that are widely operated by the Polish Army and armed forces of several countries in Europe.
According to the manufacturer, the new Polish IFV platform will have a swimming capability, making it able to cross wide water obstacles, as well as to operate in diversified terrain and various weather conditions. Furthermore, the NBPWP vehicle will be characterised by high manoeuvrability and ability to be easily transported by air or land.
The next generation Polish IFV will pro-vide a high level of ballistic protection for the crews and dismounted soldiers, withstanding direct shot from firearms and rocket-propelled grenades, as well as the explosion of IEDs or mines. The manufacturer intends to develop several variants of the NBPWP, from a light, swimming vehicle to a heavily armed combat platform. (Source: ESD Spotlight)
25 Sep 19. Australia’s LAND 400 Programme. One of the main partners with high ranking guests visiting DSEI was Australia. A spokesperson from Australia’s Department of Defence highlighted the importance in an interview with European Security & Defence. The questions were asked by Dorothee Frank.
What is so special about the European industry, that it is worth for Australian delegations to come here?
The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) tradeshow is one of many international events that brings together industry and customers. Attending these trade shows provides an opportunity to support Australian industries in their endeavours as part of a global supply chain. It also offers the opportunity to see the latest developments from a range of equipment manufacturers and talk to colleagues from other nations who are also attending.
What is the workshare between Australian and European companies in the LAND 400 Programme?
The Australian Government has contracted Rheinmetall Defence Australia to deliver and support 211 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles for the Australian Army under the Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability project (LAND 400 Phase 2).
The first 25 vehicles will be assembled in Germany as part of technology transfer activities which will familiarise Australian workers and suppliers with the manufacturing techniques of these highly complex vehicles. These vehicles will then be shipped to Australia for final assembly. After this initial phase, the remaining vehicles will be fully assembled in Austra-lia.
The Australian and New Zealand headquarters and manufacturing hub for Rheinmetall Defence Australia will be based in south-east Queensland and use companies located across Australia to deliver the contracted capability. Its main facility in Redbank, Ipswich – the Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) – is currently under construction.
Vehicle assembly in Australia is expected to commence in late 2019.
The MILVEHCOE will be at full production by the third quarter of 2023. The last vehicle is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The extensive collaboration between Defence, Rheinmetall and industry during the tender process and associated Australian industry capability roadshows has resulted in an Australian industry capability level of over 65%. This represents an expected $10.2bn, 30 year investment in Australian industry over the life of the project.
Rheinmetall is now establishing contracts with its major suppliers both in Australia and elsewhere.
Can you name the advantages of the next LAND 400 phases?
LAND 400 Phase 2 will acquire and support 211 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Army, to replace the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) which has seen extensive operational service since its introduction in 1996.
The high levels of protection, firepower and mobility provided by the CRVs will enable sustained operations, ranging from peacekeeping to mounted combat roles which will ensure our soldiers on operations will be able to do their jobs and return home safely.
The Mounted Close Combat Capability project (LAND 400 Phase 3) is scoped to acquire and support up to 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles, to replace Army’s M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers, along with a Manoeuvre Support Vehicle capability. When delivered, these vehicles will allow Army to successfully sustain mounted close combat operations against emerging and future threats as part of a joint force.
Both Land 400 Phase 2 and Land 400 Phase 3 are currently delivering on schedule. The first Rheinmetall Boxer CRV is scheduled to be delivered to the Department before October 2019 while the shortlisting decision for LAND 400 Phase 3 was made on 16 September 2019.
Initial Operating Capability for LAND 400 Phase 2 is scheduled for 2022, and Final Operating Capability in 2026-27.
In the LAND 400 Phase 3 Request for Tender, Defence sought options from industry to reduce lifecycle costs in sub-systems, consumables and training. This in-cludes systems such as the Remote Weapon System, Anti-Tank Guided Missile and a 30mm cannon common with LAND 400 Phase 2.
Tenderers were also asked to propose alternative sub-systems, consumables and training if they represent better value for money and provide through life cost savings. This may include the possibility of retrofitting of the Phase 2 fleet with items from the Phase 3 system as part of planned through life upgrades. (Source: ESD Spotlight)
18 Sep 19. INEOS Automotive’s uncompromising 4×4 to be built in Wales and named ‘Grenadier.’ Grenadier name chosen by the company’s fans and followers.
- Wales to be the home of the INEOS Grenadier, to be assembled in a new manufacturing facility in Bridgend.
- A significant commitment to UK manufacturing, creating up to 500 jobs as part of INEOS’s £600m investment to bring the Grenadier to market in 2021.
INEOS Automotive has announced that its utilitarian 4×4 will be named ‘Grenadier’ after the pub in which it was conceived, with over 6,000 international fans and followers responding to an online poll to choose the vehicle’s name.
INEOS also confirmed that the Grenadier will be built in a bespoke new manufacturing facility on a greenfield site in Bridgend, South Wales. This will create 200 jobs initially, and up to 500 in the long term. Site development is now under way to support planned start of production in 2021.
INEOS Group Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “We have looked long and hard at possible manufacturing locations for Grenadier across the world with lots of good options to choose from. The decision to build in the UK is a significant expression of confidence in British manufacturing, which has always been at the heart of what INEOS stands for.”
Welsh Government Economy and Transport Minister Ken Skates said: “Today’s announcement is great news for Wales and I’m delighted INEOS Automotive will be setting up home in Bridgend which has a long history of skilled manufacturing expertise. The Welsh Government has worked closely with the company to make this happen and I look forward to seeing the development of the new site progress ahead of the planned start of production in 2021.”
INEOS Automotive has confirmed that in parallel, it will be investing in a sub-assembly plant in Estarreja, Portugal. The facility will produce the Grenadier’s body and chassis, working in conjunction with INEOS’s European supply chain partners.
Dirk Heilmann, Chief Executive Officer of INEOS Automotive, commented: “Confirming production in the UK, as well as our investment in Portugal, is a major milestone for the project. We are progressing well with the design and engineering work, as well as our marketing and distribution plans. In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing more information about the Grenadier, and engaging with local suppliers, the community and region, in advance of the start of production in 2021.”
24 Sep 19. SAIC to Deliver Marine Corps Technology Demonstrator Reconnaissance Vehicle. Contract awarded through the Office of Naval Research. Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) won a contract valued at $20.5m, if all options are exercised, to deliver an advanced, high-technology Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle technology demonstrator for the Office of Naval Research and the U.S. Marine Corps.
“This state-of-the-art ground vehicle development program leverages our strengths and aligns well with our current strategy,” said Jim Scanlon, executive vice president and general manager of SAIC’s Defense Systems Group. “As a technology integrator with expertise and capabilities in leveraging open architecture and advanced technologies, SAIC is ready to deliver the best options for the Marine Corps’ requirements on this new reconnaissance combat vehicle.”
SAIC’s advanced technology demonstrator will be designed to push the envelope in terms of combat capabilities. SAIC’s “at the edge” variant will “fight for information” by balancing competing capability demands to sense, shoot, move and communicate while remaining transportable as part of the Naval expeditionary force. Some of the capabilities will include self-healing, cyber-secure power and information distribution architectures; an integrated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capability; and modular electronics packages to enable plug and play, multi-mission options including integration with robotics and artificial intelligence.
The ARV advanced technology demonstrator will also have robust cross-country and water mobility. It will have both passive and active force protection and a drive-by-wire capability. The SAIC demonstrator will also deliver direct fires, both kinetic and non-kinetic (e.g., electronic and/or cyber) fires. In short, it will show the full spectrum of possible, 5th generation/21st-Century warfighting survivability and capability. The vehicle is to be delivered in October 2020. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
24 Sep 19. Milrem: Leading European Defence Companies Submit a Project for an Unmanned Ground System to the European Commission.
The system will consist of a robust and modular unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) equipped with an electronic warfare resistant command, control and communications solution and secure autonomous mobility software that enables the operator to simultaneously and safely control multiple land and air platforms. A consortium led by the Estonian Milrem Robotics and composed of several major defence, communication and cybersecurity companies and high technology SMEs established in the EU submitted their application to the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) for a multi-mission unmanned ground system capable of being teamed with manned and aerial vehicles. The system will consist of a robust and modular unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) equipped with an electronic warfare resistant command, control and communications solution and secure autonomous mobility software that enables the operator to simultaneously and safely control multiple land and air platforms.
The UGVs will be able to team with manned and aerial vehicles with the objective to provide flexibility, modularity and versatility for different missions, increase protection, sustainability and performance of military operations and enhance situational awareness of ground forces.
During the project operational know-how will be gathered and concepts for the combined engagement of manned and unmanned assets developed, while taking into account the ethical aspects applicable to robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. State-of-the-art virtual and constructive simulation environments will also be set up.
The project is titled iMUGS (integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System) due to its origins at the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework. The iMUGS project was officially adopted by 25 EU defence Ministers on the updated list of projects for PESCO in November 2018. It is led by Estonia and technical requirements have also been agreed with Finland, Latvia, Germany, Belgium, France and Spain. The project is consistent with several of the European Defence Agency’s 11 major priorities in the 2018 Capability Development Plan.
”A number of European nations will start using unmanned vehicles in logistics and ISR roles, reducing the physical and cognitive load and increasing the safety of our troops. It’s important that this new capability will be well integrated with existing capabilities and force structure,” explained Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “It’s equally important that these new unmanned systems are safe to use and cyber protected. This is exactly the scope that iMUGS is targeting,” Väärsi added.
A Memorandum of Understanding for the cooperation has been signed by 14 parties: Milrem Robotics, GT Cyber Technologies, Safran Electronics & Defense, NEXTER Systems, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Diehl Defence, Bittium Wireless, Insta DefSec, (Un)Manned, dotOcean, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, GMV Aerospace and Defence, the Estonian Military Academy and Royal Military Academy of Belgium. This unprecedented cross-border cooperation will join all expertise and skills across EU necessary to achieve a significant step forwards in this domain.
The objectives of the EDIDP programme are to contribute to the strategic autonomy of the European Union and to strengthen the cooperation between Member States. The priorities include enabling high-end operations of military forces with special focus on intelligence and secured communications and cyber. Actions include development of next generation ground combat capabilities and solutions in Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality and Cyber technologies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
24 Sep 19. Lumenier develops new UGV. Lumenier has introduced a new UGV platform called the Tactical Truck UGV. Weighing less than 15lbs, the Tactical Truck is designed for operations where an aerial vehicle may not be practical, such as long distance and duration missions where the vehicle may sit idle and monitor an area, tight and potentially dangerous spaces such as pipelines, and missions where flight may not be permissible. The vehicle can carry payloads and enable first-person views for the remote operators from its front and rear thermal and day/night cameras. It is also fitted with a two-way radio with speaker to allow operators to listen and announce back, and can climb stairs and right itself if flipped.
Tim Nilson, Founder and CEO of Lumenier, said: ‘In the air or on the ground, we can answer the needs of any company or government agency.
‘We have parts from over 300 manufactures, including our own high-performance motors and electronics, so when we heard the call for a ground-based vehicle we knew we could make something incredible. Our engineers dove deep and produced a rugged vehicle which anyone can easily operate.’ (Source: Shephard)
23 Sep 19. UK DASA awards funding to companies for Manned-Unmanned Teaming. The UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has awarded funding to six companies for the development of semi-autonomous concept demonstrators for the British Army. Leonardo, General Dynamics (UK), QinetiQ, Horiba-Mira, SCISYS and Tekever were awarded a share of £3m.
The winners of the DASA competition will showcase their innovations at the Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE19) in April next year.
DASA called for ideas that could demonstrate the ability of semi-autonomous unmanned reconnaissance systems to work in coordination with manned forces for the British Army. The concept is known as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). The AWE19 experiment will be run by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
British Army Capability director major general Jeremy Bennett said: “The army’s commitment to innovation and UK prosperity has been reinforced in the army Warfighting Experiment 19.
“We will work with both the Wildcat prime contractor, Leonardo, and the Ajax manufacturer, General Dynamics (UK), to integrate the control station for UAVs into these platforms.
“Building on previous investment with QinetiQ and Horiba-MIRA, we will show how high levels of automation will reduce the cognitive burden for vehicle commanders and helicopter crews. Finally, two consortiums of small and medium-sized enterprises headed by SCISYS and Tekever will explore the benefits of open architectures and operating UAVs beyond visual range.”
The competition focused on identifying advanced technologies to reduce the burden of the operator in controlling an unmanned system.
The innovations are intended to ensure minimal intervention and allow the operators to focus on other military tasks in the field.
Last week, General Dynamics UK announced that it will demonstrate Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT) 6×6 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) and an optionally tethered unmanned air system (UAS), deployed from the AJAX reconnaissance vehicle at the AWE19 experiment. The company submitted its proposal for MUM-T to DASA earlier this year. (Source: army-technology.com)
24 Sep 19. Australian Government takes delivery of next-generation Army ground combat vehicle. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price have confirmed that the first of the fleet of new combat reconnaissance vehicles for the Australian Defence Force has been delivered at a ceremony at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane.
The 211 new Boxer 8×8 CRVs will be delivered by Rheinmetall Defence Australia under the $5bn LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability program. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the new vehicles, with their high levels of protection, firepower and mobility, will provide a world-class capability to the Australian Army.
“These new vehicles are part of the government’s $200bn investment in our defence capability to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment,” Minister Reynolds said
Over the 30-year life of the vehicles, Australian industry will secure $10.2bn of the total investment in acquiring and maintaining the fleet.
“They will be able to undertake a range of missions from regional stability and peacekeeping through to high-threat operations, and will provide improved safety to Australian soldiers on deployment and on exercises around the world,” Minister Reynolds added.
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price also announced an additional seven small businesses that have been contracted by Rheinmetall as suppliers for the first 25 Boxer vehicles.
The companies include:
- Brisbane-based Frontline Manufacturing: supplying prototype bracketry.
- Sydney-based Precision Metal Group Australia: supplying prototype bracketry.
- Burnie-based Direct Edge: supplying prototype bracketry.
- Melbourne-based MoTeC: supplying information data logging, IT connections and system support.
- Sydney-based Axalta: supplying specialist paint and paint supply products.
- Melbourne-based Hilton Manufacturing: supplying prototype bracketry.
- Brisbane-based Rockpress: supplying mine blast protection plates.
“Our government’s investment decisions in defence capability are complemented by a comprehensive defence industry policy agenda to support a robust, resilient and internationally competitive defence industry, which will support jobs and investment across the country,” Minister Price explained.
This brings to a total of 12 small businesses across Australia who will contribute to the Boxer program, ensuring the delivery of these vehicles is a national enterprise.
The $5.2bn LAND 400 Phase 2 program will have Rheinmetall deliver 211 8×8 Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicles to the Australian Army.
Under the company’s offering to the Commonwealth, Rheinmetall will build a majority of the vehicles at the company’s specialised Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Queensland.
The first 25 vehicles will be built in Germany as part of the technology transfer process, with the remaining vehicles to be built in Australia. Boxer will replace the ageing ASLAV vehicles that have served with the Australian Army in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Army will accept 133 reconnaissance variants of the Boxer, which will be equipped with Rheinmetall’s cutting-edge Lance 30mm automatic cannon turret system, amongst a number of other variants.
Joint venture partner Varley Rafael will supply the Spike LR2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile system for the Boxer CRV. The Spike LR2 is a fifth-generation ATGM system, originally developed as a fire-and-forget system.
The vehicle-mounted extended-range variant has a range of 8m, while the non-line-of-sight variant can hit targets up to 25km away.
The Boxer CRV will support Australian industry, sourcing specialised armoured steel from Australian steel companies BlueScope Steel and Bisalloy, with engineering support provided by Melbourne-based Supacat Asia- Pacific. (Source: Defence Connect)
23 Sep 19. UK and US test robot vehicle convoys. The UK’s Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Ground Vehicle Systems Centre have hosted a joint experiment to test autonomous land vehicles. The joint experiment, involving autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, was designed to test the capabilities of the vehicles for logistics and resupply purposes at the Joint Manoeuvre Training Centre in Grayling, Michigan.
It was the result of a three-year collaboration between the US and the UK to accelerate the design and testing of autonomous systems.
Dstl autonomy innovation lead Peter Stockel said: “This has been a journey in understanding, not only how to integrate technically the different capabilities, but importantly to help the British and US Armies understand and develop the potential concepts of use, tactics and procedures together in the representative battlefield environments.
“We have gained hugely valuable insights into the reliability and maturity of ‘state of the art’ technology and how to operate these systems as a UK/US coalition. This is about two major Western partners working together to make future battlefield operations less risky, more effective and efficient.”
Throughout the Afghanistan war, a high number of casualties occurred on logistics missions. The primary purpose of the autonomous vehicles would be to deliver supplies to front line troops without putting personnel and equipment in harm’s way.
In a press release, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said: “This experiment shows how unmanned systems will potentially allow the distribution of supplies directly to forward combat areas with fewer personnel at risk and to allow them to concentrate on winning the battle.”
British Army Head of Capability Combat Service Support Brigadier Darrell Amison said: “CAAR is a great example of successful US/UK Science and Technology and warfighter collaboration. Over three years of trials and experimentation CAAR has rapidly developed the Army’s thinking around the use of autonomous capability within an information-led, integrated and technology-enabled supply chain.
“Exploitation into the army’s core combat service support modernisation and transformation programmes is now a priority and we’ll seek opportunities for collaborative capability development where it makes sense to do so.”
The tests saw a convoy of autonomous vehicles led by a semi-autonomous lead vehicle. The first vehicle followed human-dictated waypoints with the trailing vehicles navigating using data transmitted from it.
Before the final demonstration, British autonomous vehicles were tested delivering a range of supplies including ammunition, food and medical supplies.
US Army Major Andrew Scruggs said: “The collaboration is vital and has been one of truly mutual support and burden-sharing. Both nations have put their expertise and resources together to learn and create new ideas and approaches for Army logistic operations of the future.
“We have been able to look at the challenges of working with how you take different systems from different nations and different companies and get them all to talk together.”
The British Army has stepped up its investment in autonomous and unmanned systems in recent years under its ‘last-mile challenge’ and General Dynamics recently announced that one of its unmanned ground vehicles had been selected to take part in the British Army’s next Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE).
The British Army says the experiment will “push the boundaries of technology and military capability, testing a range of prototype systems by putting them in the hands of the user while giving invaluable military feedback to suppliers.” (Source: army-technology.com)
10 Sep 19. New Land Rover Defender 90 And 110. After a long wait the New Land Rover Defender has finally been officially unveiled, some 71 years after the original British light utility vehicle was born. This is the new Land Rover Defender. An icon reimagined for the 21st century; it has been cleverly engineered with capability and safety for all the family at its heart. New Defender is built for the adventurous and curious, for those who know the value of community and strive to make a difference. The unmistakable silhouette is familiar yet new. It looks tough and is tough but designed with purpose and engineered to excite. Iconic in name, shape and capability, Defender can be personalised to allow owners to make the most of their world.
Across seven decades of pioneering innovation, Land Rovers have earned a unique place in the hearts of explorers, humanitarian agencies and adventurous families across the world. Proven in the harshest environments on earth, the new Defender maintains this bloodline. Beside the peerless luxury and refinement of the Range Rover family and the highly capable and versatile Discovery SUVs, new Defender completes the Land Rover dynasty. The 110 is just the start for this family of the most capable and durable 4x4s in the world. It will be swiftly followed by a short wheelbase 90, before a pair of practical commercial models join the line-up in 2020.
Driven by a passion and respect for the original, new Defender delivers transformational breadth of capability and advanced all-terrain technologies to redefine adventure for the 21st century, while remaining true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for 71 years.
Emotionally charged design: A distinctive silhouette makes the new Defender instantly recognisable, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles. Land Rover’s designers re-envisioned familiar Defender trademarks for the 21st century, giving the new 4×4 a purposeful upright stance and Alpine light windows in the roof, while retaining the side-hinged rear tailgate and externally-mounted spare wheel that make the original so identifiable.
Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover, said: “The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it. This is a new Defender for a New Age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.”
The stripped-back personality of the original Defender has been embraced inside, where structural elements and fixings usually hidden from view have been exposed, with the emphasis on simplicity and practicality. Innovative features include a dash-mounted gear shifter to accommodate an optional central front ‘jump’ seat, which provides three-abreast seating across the front like early Land Rovers. As a result, the Defender 110 offers five, six or 5+2 seating configurations, with a loadspace behind the second-row seats of up to 1,075 litres, and as much as 2,380-litres when the second row is folded. The 90 will be able to accommodate six occupants in a vehicle the length of a compact family hatchback.
User-friendly features include practical touches and advanced technological innovations. Durable rubberised flooring shrugs off the spills of daily adventures and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions, providing a brush or wipe clean interior. An optional Folding Fabric Roof provides an open-top feel and allows passengers in the second-row seats of the 110 to stand up when parked to provide the full safari experience.
The definition of durability: Land Rover’s new purpose-engineered D7x (for extreme) architecture is 95 per cent new and based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction to create the stiffest body structure Land Rover has ever produced. It is three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs, providing perfect foundations for the fully independent air or coil sprung suspension and supports the latest electrified powertrains.
The new Defender has been through more than 62,000 tests for engineering sign-off, while the chassis and body architecture have been engineered to withstand Land Rover’s Extreme Event Test procedure – repeated and sustained impacts, above and beyond the normal standard for SUV and passenger cars.
During development testing, prototype models have covered more than 1.2 million kilometres across some of the harshest environments on earth, ranging from the 50-degree heat of the desert and sub 40-degree cold of the Arctic to altitudes of 10,000ft in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
A world-class expert off and on-road: Configurable Terrain Response debuts on new Defender, allowing experienced off-roaders to fine-tune individual vehicle settings to perfectly suit the conditions, while inexperienced drivers can let the system detect the most appropriate vehicle settings for the terrain, using the intelligent Auto function.
The new body architecture provides ground clearance of 291mm and world-class off-road geometry, giving the 110 approach, breakover and departure angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees (Off Road height) respectively. Its maximum wading depth of 900mm is supported by a new Wade programme in the Terrain Response 2 system, which ensures drivers can ford deep water with complete confidence.
On dry land, Land Rover’s advanced ClearSight Ground View technology helps drivers take full advantage of Defender’s all-conquering capability by showing the area usually hidden by the bonnet, directly ahead of the front wheels, on the central touchscreen.
As a result, the new Defender redefines breadth of capability, raising the threshold for both off-road ruggedness and on-road comfort. It can negotiate crowded city streets as effortlessly as climbing mountains, crossing deserts and withstanding freezing temperatures. Its carefully honed handling delivers both a rewarding drive and first-class long-haul comfort across all terrains.
Power and efficiency: A choice of advanced petrol and cleaner diesel engines ensure new Defender has the power, control and efficiency for any environment, while a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain will join the range next year providing the prospect of silent EV-only progress.
At launch, the petrol line-up comprises a four-cylinder P300 and a powerful six-cylinder P400 featuring efficient Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology. Alternatively, customers can choose from a pair of four-cylinder diesels – the D200 and powerful D240 – both of which deliver fuel economy of 37.2mpg (7.6 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 199g/km (NEDC equivalent). Innovative engineering solutions support the efficiency drive, including a flat underbody which optimises aerodynamic performance across the line-up.
21st century technology: New Defender is as technologically advanced as it is durable and introduces Jaguar Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The next generation touchscreen is more intuitive and user-friendly, requiring fewer inputs to perform frequently used tasks, while its always-on design guarantees almost instant responses.
In addition, the new Defender takes Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology to a new level, with 14 individual modules capable of receiving remote updates. By downloading data while customers are asleep at home or in far-flung locations, the new Defender will get better with age: as electronic updates cascade down to the vehicle immediately, without delay and with no need to visit a Land Rover retailer.
Nick Rogers, Executive Director, Product Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We’ve embraced Defender’s stunning capability and minimalistic, functional interior to reinvent the icon for the 21st century. New Defender gives us the licence to do things differently, to push the boundaries and do the unthinkable, without ever losing the character and authenticity of the original. From the start we had an absolute obsession with functionality beneath the skin, from choosing the right materials through to state of the art connectivity. The result is not only the most capable Land Rover ever made, but also a truly comfortable, modern vehicle that people will love to drive.”
Personalised for your world: New Defender will be available in 90 and 110 body designs, with up to six seats in the 90 and the option of five, six or 5+2 seating in the 110. The model range comprises Defender, S, SE, HSE, First Edition and top of the range Defender X models and customers will be able to personalise their vehicle in more ways than any previous Land Rover with four Accessory Packs. The Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban Packs each give Defender a distinct character with a specially selected range of enhancements. The exclusive First Edition model features a unique specification and will be available throughout the first model year of production.
Customers will even be able to opt for a new Satin Protective Film to make the exterior paintwork even more durable. The sustainable, solvent-free and completely recyclable wrap helps protect against everything from car park scratches to bramble rash and will be available as a factory-fit option with Indus Silver, Gondwana Stone and Pangea Green colours, providing a unique contemporary finish as it protects new Defender’s paintwork.
In addition to the Accessory Packs, new Defender is available with the widest choice of individual accessories ever assembled for a new Land Rover, with everything from a Remote Control Electric Winch, Rooftop Tent and Inflatable Waterproof Awnings to more conventional tow bar systems and roof racks.
Felix Bräutigam, Chief Commercial Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “New Defender will be available in 128 global markets and meets or exceeds the toughest emissions and safety requirements in the world. Using advanced technology to deliver the toughness and character you can only find in a Defender, our new 4×4 has been developed for adventurous hearts and curious minds.” (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
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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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