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Web Page sponsored by MILLBROOK
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.
Tel: +44 (0) 1525 408408
www.millbrook.co.uk/military
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Mar 10. LPPV, still in development? Sources suggest that, in spite of Gordon Brown’s bullish statement regarding fielding of 200 LPPVs this year, that the vehicle testing Programme is still in early stages. The two contenders Ricardo and Supacat have just delivered their two trials vehicles for the first phase of the trials. After this phase has been completed there will be further testing of the vehicles. As no production line has been built by either team, the promise of full delivery this year looks unlikely. The MoD may fudge it by taking delivery of the winning trials vehicle and thus have ‘fielded LPPV in 2010.’
Mar 10. CVR(T) still in the frame for FRES Scout? Sources close to BATTLESPACE suggest that BAE Systems has been working with Preston-based MI Technology (previously the Leyland Technical Centre), to engineer a suspension upgrade to the vehicle in the CVR(T) 90 Programme. This would enable the existing platform to carry the required extra armour. This upgrade was first mooted in 2004 by the then ABRO but turned down by BAE who hoped to win the FRES deal with CV90. Their lack of FRES win may well speed up this Programme as their fight back.
26 Mar 10. Textron Marine and Land Systems has successfully completed the second phase of the US Army’s armoured security vehicle (ASV) reset programme at the company’s Slidell facility in Louisiana. Under the phase II contract to reset 12 M1117 ASVs, Textron has restored battle-damaged and worn vehicles to combat-ready condition. The company has also established manufacturing processes to enable the implementation of a future full-rate reset programme. Textron Marine and Land Systems has equipped the M1117 ASV with a specially designed dual-weapon station that enables the crew to load, reload and clear gun jams under full armour protection. Textron Marine and Land Systems general manager Tom Walmsley said that significant cost improvements were made with the phase II reset contract, in spite of the fact that ten of the 12 vehicles inducted into the programme had suffered structural damage. The company is currently working with M1200 Armoured Knight prime contractor DRS Sustainment Systems for the ongoing Armoured Knight reset programme. Derived from the ASV, the Armoured Knight is equipped with a laser targeting system for the US Army field artillery combat observation and lasing teams. The ASV is a 4×4 wheeled armoured vehicle that provides enhanced crew protection against small arms fire, artillery projectile fragments, IEDs and land mines. The vehicle uses a four-wheel independent suspension system to provide superior mobility, agility, handling and ride quality. ASV variants can undergo a wide range of missions including scout, infantry personnel carrier, reconnaissance, command and control, and recovery.
The phase II ASV reset programme was awarded by the US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). (Source: armytechnology.com)
30 Mar 10. The Spanish Army operating in Afghanistan has received the last of 63 RG-31 vehicles, which have begun to replace the BMR armoured perso