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
——————————————————————
09 Aug 10. Elbit Systems Launches Two New Robots, Creating a VIPeR™ Family. From Mini-VIPeR™, a miniature robot, to Maxi-VIPeR™, a larger model with a massive arm – the VIPeR™ family can save warriors’ lives in various combat missions and scenarios. During Elbit Systems’ latest exhibition displaying advanced land and C4I solutions, the Company launched two new members of the VIPeR™ family of intelligent and portable robots: Mini-VIPeR™ and Maxi-VIPeR™, which join the combat-proven VIPeR™ robot, already operational in the Israel Defense Forces under the Hebrew name “Pazit.” Building on Elbit Systems’ extensive experience and know-how in the unmanned systems field, and using a common control system, the robots feature intuitive operation and enable real-time reconnaissance, in addition to arena clearing, in-building mapping, decoy and screening functions. The Mini-VIPeR™ robot is an extremely light-weight one-person portable system (weighing approximately 3.5 kg), equipped with advanced sensors that allow full operation in various adverse terrains, as well as allowing ground forces to survey structures before entering by literally throwing the robot through the window or into a dark tunnel. The larger compact robot, Maxi-VIPeR™, allows the disarming of explosives and handling radioactive materials using its robotic arm and the various advanced sensors. Designed to reduce the danger to the dismounted force during different phases of combat, the VIPeR™ family of robots can take on many of the challenges faced by land warriors engaged in today’s low intensity conflicts (LIC). Portable and highly mobile, the robots are configurable for multiple types of missions by add-on sensors, modules and payloads, tailored to specific tasks.
03 Aug 10. URO launches armoured VAMTAC variant. Spanish tactical wheeled vehicle manufacturer URO-Vehiculos Especiales has developed an up-armoured version of its VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico) S3 4×4 tactical vehicle. The 8-tonne armoured patrol vehicle, designated VAMTAC BN3, is powered by a Steyr Motors M16TCA-3 6-cylinder diesel engine developing 220 hp and coupled to an Allison Transmission S1000 seven-speed – six forward and one reverse – automatic gearbox. (Source: Jane’s, IDR)
05 Aug 10. Navistar eyes new MaxxPro orders as production closes. Navistar has confirmed to Jane’s that production of the MaxxPro mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle has been completed, although the group continues to seek domestic and international orders with a view to restarting production. A total of 7,589 production vehicles have been manufactured by the company since an initial order for 1,200 vehicles was placed by the US Marine Corps in June 2007. (Source: Jane’s Defence Industry)