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14 Sep 21. The U.S. Air Force has chosen L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) robots to help protect its bases around the world. The Air Force awarded L3Harris a 10-year, $85-million, IDIQ contract to produce up to 170 T7™ robots to replace its existing 20-year-old Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) system, which mitigates explosive threats at bases. The contract includes robots, robotics support, maintenance and training, with initial deliveries scheduled in 2022.
“The T7 is setting the new standard for large EOD robots and has received outstanding technical and usability ratings from the Air Force,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “This award highlights our ongoing technology investment and positions L3Harris as the premier supplier of large EOD robots.”
The contract follows L3Harris’ successful delivery of Project STARTER to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), which replaced the MOD’s aging fleet of EOD robots with 122 T7 robots.
The L3Harris family of robots, including the T7 and its equally capable medium-sized counterpart, the T4™, will be demonstrated at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) conference in London Sept. 14-17 and the Association of the US Army (AUSA) conference in Washington, DC in October.
15 Sep 21. French Remote Weapon Systems Manufacturer Hornet and Europe’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems Milrem Robotics display a new THeMIS Combat unmanned ground vehicle at DSEI 2021 in London. The system features Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with the Hornet Remote Controlled Weapon System (RCWS). The Hornet was developed for the new French 4×4 and 6×6 armoured combat vehicles of the “Scorpion” program, however it offers unique features for UGV applications.
“The Hornet includes a specific cleaning system for the optronics as well as the option to flip down the sensors to protect it from dirt and damage – crucial
aspects for an unmanned vehicle operated from a distance. It’s also equipped with a protected ammunition feed,” explains Jean Boy, Managing Director of Hornet, adding that the Hornet was developed keeping in mind the French Army’s high standards for firing accuracy.
THeMIS Combat UGVs provide direct fire support for manoeuvre forces acting as a force multiplier increasing stand-off distance, force protection and situational awareness.
The THeMIS is equipped with intelligent functions such as waypoint navigation, follow-me, obstacle detection and avoidance. The intelligent functions are only used for mobility and the weapon system has a human in-the-loop control.
“Combat robotics is the future of warfare that will significantly increase the capabilities and survivability of units. Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS is the preferred UGV for weapon systems integrations. With the future-oriented Hornet that has several innovative features, we have created an unmanned system that allows combat units to encounter today’s challenges on the battlefield more effectively,” said Captain (res) Jüri Pajuste, Director of Defence Research and Development at Milrem Robotics.
Milrem Robotics is the European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is mostly known for its THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicle intended to support dismounted troops and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, a wingman for mechanized units.
Hornet is dedicated to the promotion and marketing of the Hornet range of remotely operated turrets. It was officially launched at IDEX 2021 in Abu Dhabi.
Hornet offers high-end remotely operated weapons systems with the most advanced technologies and capabilities, which can be adapted to fit very specific tactical needs, including UGVs.
The current offering includes the Hornet, the flagship product of the new range, and the Hornet Lite, a lighter version with the same optronic systems. These RCWS fully enhance the capabilities of the vehicles equipped, taking them to fully new operational levels. All Hornet RCWS users benefit from the feedback and possible upgrades to the range.
The remote-controlled weapon stations of the Hornet range are very versatile products, combining an effector and latest generation sensors. This makes them the tool of choice for observation, reconnaissance, and intelligence, but also for information sharing, blue/ red force tracking, designation of enemy targets and indirect fire guidance.
The Hornet stations are also incomparably more accurate than the previous generation of turrets, particularly in movement. They are gyro-stabilized from the optronic unit, which gives them exceptional stability and accuracy. The probability of hitting on the first shot is enhanced by a sophisticated ballistic solution calculation system that considers various parameters such as weapon, ammunition type, range, target movement and vehicle behavior. Come and discover Hornet on booth H6-312
15 Sep 21. Dstl announces armoured UGV concept study at DSEI. The study explores solutions to protect Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and ensure high levels of mobility, survivability and mission availability. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has initiated a study into future Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) concepts to explore cost effective solutions to protect UGVs from threat and provide specific armour and technology that will ensure high levels of mobility, survivability and mission availability to support crewed platforms in battlefield warfare. The work has been carried out in conjunction with a consortium led by RBSL with Prodrive, ARKE, ThinkCreative, Cranfield University and BAE Systems as key partners, and was announced at the 2021 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade exhibition.
The concept study has focused on 2 timescales: the near term which addresses solutions that could be realised using currently available or mature technologies, and the longer term looking at technologies that are likely to be available 10 years or further ahead.
The focus has been on medium weight platforms, around 2 to 5 tonnes, which have been the subject of a lot of interest due to the useful payloads they can carry.
Dstl’s Matt Ackroyd is the project lead and said:
When Uncrewed Ground Vehicles were first fielded it was usually for dangerous tasks such as deactivating or destroying Improvised Explosive Devices with the goal of removing the operators from harm’s way and accepting the device itself was at risk of damage or destruction.
As thinking on the use of UGVs evolved the focus moved to so called ‘Dull, Dirty and Dangerous’ tasks such as route proving, contaminated ground reconnaissance and decontamination.
Today the trend is towards the use of UGVs as platforms for key combat capabilities such as resupply, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, weapons platforms, decoys and communication nodes.
Therefore UGVs are becoming core elements of a deployed capability and will be carrying expensive assets. If they are to support missions across the full spectrum of operations they must be able to fully protect and keep station with the crewed platforms they support.
A key challenge of the study has been improving the mobility and survivability of platforms without compromising payload. Further challenges arise from the desire to provide an amphibious capability for river crossing and littoral operations.
In order to meet the demanding, and conflicting requirements, novel modular concepts have been developed which would allow platforms to be configured in theatre to meet specific mission requirements. In order to meet the mobility requirements and enable the smaller UGV platforms to keep station with larger crewed platforms, novel wheel and tracked suspension systems have been designed and modelled.
Dan continued:
This is very exciting work. As well as enhancing mobility the novel suspension systems significantly improve the ride and hence improve reliability and provide a stable sensor and weapon platform.
The use of armour protection for key components and enhanced signature management systems to exploit the benefits of the small platform size have been explored along with weight and cost effective means to provide robustness, redundancy and fall back modes.
The concepts are now being benchmarked against the performance of best in class current UGVs and their operational use explored in synthetic environment based experimentation. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
15 Sep 21. Redefining wheeled armoured vehicle mobility. Dstl and QinetiQ showcase the Mobility Test Rig (MTR), demonstrating the potential functionality and capability of novel mobility solutions. Imagine breaking away from the traditional picture of slow moving heavy tracked armoured vehicles to lighter, faster, more agile and highly fuel-efficient platforms; designed to operate at very high tempo, well within the enemy’s decision cycle and with increased survivability through agility, terrain access and tactical manoeuvrability.
This is the vision being realised as part of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and its Mounted Combat Systems research project. A key component of that research has been joint activity between Dstl and global integrated defence and security company, QinetiQ.
Focused on research and risk reduction, the programme aims to significantly enhance the mobility of wheeled military vehicles through the introduction of a number of innovative technologies and design approaches.
Future armoured vehicles will need to operate at a much higher tempo if they are to be effective and survivable on the future battlefield, characterised by deep effects and short ‘sensor to shooter’ links.
In this context the advantages of wheeled vehicles over tracks are well known; they provide improved ride, higher speeds, higher reliability and fuel efficiency; however traditionally they have lacked the terrain accessibility of tracked platforms which constrains freedom of movement.
One of the key technologies that enables this approach is electric drive. Dstl and QinetiQ are harnessing this capability, taking advantage of the flexibility it can provide to develop high performance active suspension solutions, which not only have long travel and variable ride height but a geometry that allows the wheel base and track to be altered.
In addition, the exploitation of individual wheel torque control provided by QinetiQ’s hub drive technology and all wheel steering strategies further enhance stability and off road performance. The resulting technology solutions can provide vehicles with some enhanced and even unique capabilities, including:
- provision of a compact configuration for transportation or operation in urban areas
- good stability at high speeds or on side slopes
- enhanced step climbing
- enhanced gap crossing
- improved soft soil mobility, especially when operating in convoys
- stable and low vibration crew and weapon platform
- ride height that can be optimised for low silhouette or mine stand-off
To demonstrate the potential functionality and capability of novel mobility solutions, Dstl and QinetiQ have built and are progressively upgrading a 1/3 scale 8×8 demonstrator platform – called the Mobility Test Rig (MTR).
The aims of building the rig have been to address the key challenges of suspension and drive control software, sensor performance and maximising off road performance.
The MTR in its current build standard will be on display at QinetiQ’s stand at industry trade show, DSEi (stand H7 – 510). It has fully articulating suspension, QinetiQ electric drive, advanced multi-wheel steer and wheel traction control. Following this showcase, the final stage of fitting sensors and implementing the full active suspension capability will take place.
The MTR has been presented to the British Army and the significant impact on the capability of future land platforms is recognised.
Plans are being discussed to fully exploit the potential of the technology for near term platforms and in the longer for concepts that are starting to be explored as part of Project Mercury.
Mike Sewart, CTO at QinetiQ, explains:
We have been highlighting the importance of Mission-Led Innovation and this is a perfect example of that approach in practice.
Two years ago we announced this joint research programme. Through a highly focussed programme of innovation, implemented with a clear outcome in mind, in just 24 months we have, alongside a strong ecosystem of partners, designed this demonstrator to showcase how electric drive is a key enabler for future armoured wheeled vehicle success in land environments.
William Suttie, the Dstl technical lead said,
This project is not just about improving the off road mobility of wheeled platforms but has the potential to transform how future armoured vehicles are designed and used.
The ability to move quickly and safely across all types of terrain and provide a stable platform so the crew can operate effectively on the move will enhance tempo and operational freedoms and contribute significantly to survivability. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
14 Sep 21. Otokar, the pioneer land systems company of Turkish Defense Industry, will participate in DSEI 2021 on 14-17 September 2021 in London, UK. TULPAR modular armored tracked vehicle and COBRA II MRAP mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle will be exhibited at Otokar stand.
Otokar, a Koç Group company, is participating in DSEI 2021 on 14-17 September 2021 in London, UK. During the 4-day exhibition Otokar will exhibit COBRA II MRAP mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle and TULPAR modular armored tracked vehicle with its MIZRAK turret system.
Highlighting Otokar’s strong R&D capabilities General Manager Serdar Görgüç said “Our combat proven know-how in land systems and related R&D, engineering and testing capabilities as well as our wide product range puts us at the forefront of the global defense industry. In the last 10 years, we had allocated 8% of our revenue for our R&D and testing activities. We continue to introduce innovative solutions in land systems by taking into account the current and future requirements of modern armies and security forces. We analyze the different needs and expectations of our users for land systems, simulate these requirements in house and develop solutions that meet these requirements in the fastest manner thanks to our excellence in R&D, engineering and testing.”
Regarding DSEI objectives, “As a qualified NATO and United Nations supplier, nearly 33 thousand military vehicles of Otokar are actively used in more than 35 countries in different climates and geographies around the world. We are ready to meet the different requirements of armed forces, not only by supplying products but also through transfer of technology and local production models. During DSEI, we will introduce our capabilities in land systems to potential users and develop our cooperation with our existing users” said Serdar Görgüç.
“TULPAR PERFORMED VERY WELL IN DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL AND CLIMATE CONDITIONS”
At DSEI 2021, Otokar showcases TULPAR Modular Armored Tracked Vehicle with its MIZRAK turret system. Emphasizing TULPAR Tracked Armored Vehicle’s success in trials Serdar Görgüç said: “TULPAR has been tested and qualified by Otokar R&D Center in the past years. But in the recent user trials and tests we saw that performances obtained by the potential users are similar to those obtained in Otokar’s own trials, and TULPAR performed very well in different geographical and climate conditions. We believe that TULPAR is a very capable tracked armored vehicle to meet the current and future requirements of modern armies.”
TULPAR stands out with mobility, high firepower, and survivability features. The vehicle is designed as a multi-purpose vehicle with variants ranging from 28000 kg to 45000 kg to fully satisfy the future global requirements. Future-oriented perspective of modularity is to increase operational flexibility by using common components and a common chassis over wide range of vehicle variants. TULPAR comes in several variants that share common subsystems.
Tested in the toughest climates and on rough terrain, TULPAR boasts best-in-class ballistic and mine protection with modular armor technology and armor structure that can be configured and scaled according to threats.
In addition to providing an effective solution in missions that require high fire and destruction power, TULPAR can serve in all kinds of combat environments from urban, built-up areas and light bridges to woodlands and all terrains especially soft surfaces where main battle tanks are unable to operate due to their heavy weights.
MIZRAK REMOTE CONTROLLED WEAPON STATION
MIZRAK is an unmanned remote controlled weapon station which is designed for wheeled and tracked armored fighting vehicles. It is remotely controlled from inside the vehicle under armor. Displayed MIZRAK is with 30 mm cannon and 7.62 mm coaxial MG. MIZRAK has the latest generation digital fire control system architecture having dual-axes independently stabilized commander and gunner sights utilized with highest performance thermal camera, day camera and laser range finder.
MADE FOR THE MOST DEMANDING MISSIONS: COBRA II MRAP
COBRA II Mine-resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle (COBRA II MRAP) is developed to ensure high survivability in risky areas. The vehicle provides superior protection for the crew against ballistic, mine and IED threats while maintaining high cross-country mobility in battlefield conditions with its independent suspension system. It is specifically designed to provide high reliability, ease of maintenance and quick removal / installation of power pack.
With its modular design, COBRA II MRAP provides high payload and spacious internal space for integration of weapon systems and mission equipment. The vehicle can be configured with alternative seating layouts for up to 11 personnel with 3 or 5 door configurations as per specific user requirements.
14 Sep 21. The British Army is looking at procuring a new fleet of 4×4 and 6×6 vehicles for the new Ranger Battalion. Vehicles being considered include Ford Ranger vehicles upgraded by Ricardo and Toyota Land Cruisers such as those supplied by Jankel. Other contenders would be the Ineos Grenadier.
14 Sep 21. BAE bets on battery-powered quadcopter drone for cargo hauling. BAE Systems is moving into the quadcopter drone sector in a collaboration with drone maker Malloy Aeronautics to produce an electric-powered vehicle capable of lifting loads up to 300kg. The two companies used the DSEI show here to announce plans for a concept vehicle exploring the potential of a battery-powered, vertical-takeoff-and-landing drone capable of carrying stores, weapons, sensors and even a life raft for maritime rescue. The vehicle, hanging from the rafters of the Excel Centre above the BAE stand, was displayed carrying a Stingray torpedo, but officials emphasized one of the key attributes of the vehicle was its ability to offer logistics support in military and commercial applications. The two companies said they are looking at a concept vehicle called the T-650 offering a top speed of over 140 km/h with a range of over 30 km when carrying its full load capability of 300kgs.
A test bed vehicle is expected to make its first flight from BAE’s Warton aircraft manufacturing and development site in the second half of next year. Dave Holmes, the advanced projects, technology and manufacturing director for BAE Systems’ air sector, said the first vehicles could be in the hands of customers by 2023.
It’s a potentially a significant move into the drone sector for BAE. The company spent millions of Pounds developing various drone designs like the Mantis, gaining considerable experience along the way in technologies such as autonomous systems without achieving commercial success.
The T-650 is not the first time BAE has dipped its toe in the unmanned air vehicle sector in recent years.
In 2018 it struck a deal with British company Prismatic to help develop the solar electric vehicle known as the PHASA-35.
That high altitude, long endurance vehicle has the potential to fly for months conducting reconnaissance and other missions.
Now though company has turned to vertical-take-off-and-landing vehicles, with executives reckoning a sustainably powered drone with a wide range of applications could be a game changer.
Holmes declined to say whether the two companies had already turned their minds to scaled-up versions of the T-650, but his response appears to suggest the way ahead is for bigger machines.
“Our broad ambition is to deliver military effect efficiently while maintaining a low carbon footprint. That’s going to demand a variety of solutions so the space we are exploring is our first move on the board,” said Holmes.
“Bringing together Malloy’s proven track record of innovative technology in this field, with our understanding of the military operating environment and extensive engineering and systems integration experience, will enable us to develop a sustainable and cost-effective solution for military and commercial customers,” said Holmes.
Malloy, based near London, first entered the drone sector by designing a hovering motorbike to replace helicopters herding cattle in Australia.
Now the company’s products, including a battery powered vehicle capable of lifting 180kg payloads in excess of 70 km, has already drawn interest from the U.S. and U.K. militaries, including the Royal Marines.
The companies said in a statement they are exploring opportunities to collaborate on capability, design, manufacture and marketing of the concept vehicle.
Holmes says the companies skills are complimentary. “Malloy brings capability around the package while we bring ruggedized know-how and the ability to get into the user community,” he said. (Source: Defense News)
14 Sep 21. Milrem and Kongsberg are building a robotic wingman. European-based companies Milrem Robotics and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace are teaming up to design and build a new robotic combat vehicle geared to meet requirements for European militaries and the U.S., according to a Sept. 15 Milrem statement issued at the DSEI defense exhibition in London. The companies are exhibiting the concept for the Nordic Robotic Wingman at DSEI that will be based on Milrem’s Type-X RCV and Kongsberg’s Protector remote turrets.
“Milrem Robotics and [Kongsberg] have agreed to jointly continue the development of the Type-X RCV by integrating [Kongsberg]’s systems to address the requirements of many countries interested in this type of technology, especially the Nordics and Western Europe, but also the US,” Sverker Svärdby, managing director of Milrem Robotics Sweden, said in the statement.
Two years ago at DSEI, Estonian-based Milrem stood with its THeMIS robotic vehicle platform cropping up all over the exhibition floor at other companies’ booths, showing the breadth of partnerships the company had already formed, including with Kongsberg.
Milrem has expanded its presence with offices in Sweden, Finland and soon to be in the Netherlands, the statement notes, and it leads the iMUGS Consortium that is funded by the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme to develop a standardized unmanned ground system for Europe.
The Type-X tactical vehicle platform is designed to deliver “equal or overmatching” firepower to be used by units with Infantry Fighting Vehicles and would also provide mechanized units with the ability to breach enemy defenses while giving troops greater protective standoff, the statement describes. (Source: Defense News)
11 Sep 21. AL TAIF, the UAE’s leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for military equipment, today signed a contract with L3 Harris Technologies (L3Harris), the US-based specialist in surveillance solutions, microwave weaponry and electronic warfare.
Valued at AED47m, the agreement mandates AL TAIF to deliver programme management and engineering services for Phase 3 of L3Harris’s systems integration project conducted on the vehicle fleet of the UAE Armed Forces. The work scope comprises fabrication, bracket design support and installation in compliance with ISO 9001:2015, OHSAS 18001:2007 and other regulatory standards. The three-phase project has been ongoing since 2014.
Saif Al Dahbashi, Acting CEO of AL TAIF, said: “After the successful completion of Phase 1 and 2 of the systems integration projects, we are delighted to sign the contract for the final phase. With our qualifications, knowledge of the UAE Armed Forces vehicles, and experience in executing the previous phases, we are perfectly positioned to support our partner L3Harris in providing seamless technical services to the customer. This collaboration will also help expand on our combined strategic skills and we are honoured to continue supporting the Ministry of Defence and L3Harris with our land systems capabilities.”
For his part, John Koenig, Vice President and General Manager, Global Communication Systems, L3Harris, said: “AL TAIF continues to be an exceptional partner to L3 Harris and the Ministry of Defence. Its extensive knowledge and vast experience working with the UAE Armed Forces has contributed to the overall success of the programme.”
L3Harris, one of the largest American technology and defence contractors, produces Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber-Defence and Combat Systems and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C6ISR) solutions for defence and commercial use.
Al TAIF provides essential lifecycle services and technical capability development to guarantee the ultimate asset performance and mission readiness for its customers. Its nine state-of-the-art workshops are geographically distributed to offer seamless convenience and flexibility, with a mobile unit that can quickly and efficiently address MRO demands for all land platforms and systems. The company is part of the Platforms & Systems cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology group which ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in the world.
08 Sep 21. Soucy International Defense Division is glad to announce that its Defense division will be exhibiting booth H8-120 in the Canadian Pavilion at DSEI 2021 that will take place from September 14th to the 17th. Once again, Soucy Defense will showcase our Composite Rubber Track (CRT) technology on a Warrior vehicle kindly supplied by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL). As for the 2019 edition, the vehicle displayed is one-off prototype developed by RBSL as a Mortar or Armoured Battlegroup Support Vehicle.
The vehicle on the booth will be equipped on one side with a CRT System which has had been used for over 5,000 kms, the other side being equipped with a brand-new CRT System, allowing visitors to evaluate the Composite rubber track durability and understand how our CRT Systems can help to reduce drastically the life cycle cost of tracked armoured vehicles.
The Warrior has been the type of vehicle solicited for tests on CRT Systems conducted in 2018 by ATDU on vibrations as well as durability.
Our defence Business Development (BD) teams will be on hand throughout DSEI at the Canadian Pavilion – Booth H8-120 to answer your questions about our technology.
14 Sep 21. Lincad’s BLOCS label printer makes global transportation of military batteries easier than ever before. Lincad has developed an innovative battery logistics and operational compliance system (BLOCS) that allows label printing of battery state of charge. It connects directly to compatible in-service Lincad battery conditioners and chargers and enables batteries for military equipment to be transported safely around the world with ease, in line with IATA regulations.
The BLOCS label printer automatically prints a status label for each battery being charged or discharged, showing accurate state of charge data and other battery information. The system allows up to 16 conditioning devices to be connected at the same time for rapid processing and a streamlined logistics process. Using Lincad’s six channel Armada conditioner, up to 192 batteries can be processed simultaneously.
IATA regulations require that lithium-ion batteries have a state of charge of 30 per cent or less when transported by air. The BLOCS label printer system ensures that batteries being transported for mission critical defence purposes comply with these stringent regulations. The system is available as a factory add-on option and works as an automated, stand-alone process that does not require any external inputs once set up.
The system allows different conditioner and charger types to be used simultaneously. This provides maximum flexibility to suit the logistical demands of defence sector end users. The printed status labels provide accuracy and full traceability back to each conditioned battery.
Peter Copplestone, Operations Director at Lincad says: “Our versatile and highly efficient label printing system has been specifically designed to meet battery charging and management demands of our own lithium-ion LIPS battery suite, as well as batteries of other electro chemistries. This means that our customers can not only rely on Lincad for rapid, accurate, up-to-date state of charge status labelling for Lincad products, but also for batteries from other original equipment manufacturers. Such versatility is especially critical for defence equipment that needs transporting to front lines and other demanding military environments.”
As well as the defence and military sectors, Lincad’s range of battery conditioners and chargers in conjunction with the BLOCS label printer can also be used for the safe transport of industrial and commercial lithium-ion batteries.
13 Sep 21. Jankel partners with Bodytrak® to develop innovative vibration mitigation solutions for defence platforms. Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of advanced protection systems for vehicles and occupants, and Bodytrak®, specialists in sensor engineering and human-centric data analytics, have partnered to develop new innovative technology and protection solutions to mitigate the impact of excessive vibration; particularly for defence and security orientated platforms. This announcement coincides with DSEI taking place in London 14-17 September, where Jankel are exhibiting on stand H4-580.
Bodytrak® has unique non-invasive physiological monitoring technology and Jankel are experts in occupant survivability and complex integration specialists. The focus of the partnership will be to develop a sensor-based solution to quantify and track the ongoing effects of vibration on various key regions of the human body and monitor the compound stresses against key health and safety benchmarks, via a real-time monitoring system. This radical new insight into the long-term impacts of excessive vibration is being used to develop improved occupant survivability and protection systems. Jankel can then offer customers a turn-key solution to solving complex issues or improving existing designs, through use of their patented seat technologies and vibration dampening technologies.
In addition to solving design issues, the Bodytrak® system also provides options for real-time monitoring of key occupant physiology during training and or during operations to improve overall performance and manage occupant safety risks. The Bodytrak® system provides a unique, non-invasive, in-ear device that tracks key vital signatures and transmits data in real-time to the Bodytrak® Incident Management Platform to automate health, safety, and performance monitoring. The system also provides options for audio communications and hearing protection.
Sam Foreman, Head of Sales and Marketing at Jankel said: “we are really enthusiastic about this new partnership that gives us a unique insight into the effects of vibration in various protection scenarios and helps us to collectively provide enhanced protection for our customers”. He added: “We are also looking forward to demonstrating this capability and our full range of protection systems to OEMs and end users at DSEi this year”.
Leon Marsh, CEO of Bodytrak, commented: “This partnership with Jankel is a great example of the breadth of data analytics expertise of Bodytrak and provides an opportunity to expand our core competencies. We look forward to developing this market opportunity with Jankel and setting new standards for the industry.”
13 Sep 21. IAI debuts new hybrid ground robot joining the UK army inventory. IAI unveils its REX MK II ground robotic vehicle at DSEI in London in 2021. Israel Aerospace Industries will debut REX MK II, its newest ground robot set to be fielded to British troops, at DSEI, the London-based defense exhibition. IAI signed a contract with the UK in the second quarter of the calendar year and has sold the vehicle to other European countries, Rani Avni, IAI’s deputy general manager for robotics and autonomous systems, told Defense News in a Sept. 12 interview ahead of the show. He declined to identify the other countries.
The light unmanned ground vehicle draws on IAI’s previous experience building robotic vehicles, he said.
REX can perform a range of missions and offers improved maneuverability with all-wheel drive, the ability to climb obstacles, significant endurance and a large payload capacity of 1.3 tons, Avni said.
The hybrid-electric vehicle is capable of “silent watch,” meaning it can perform certain missions without running an engine that would allow for easy detectability by enemy forces.
The robot is also able to operate on land or amphibiously and can perform autonomous missions or be controlled by a single operator remotely.
The robot is designed to support infantry and special forces, whether focused on intelligence gathering, logistical support or remote attacks, Avni said.
With REX’s payload, it can carry a large amount of food, water, munitions, medical equipment or other supplies and could help evacuate injured personnel on stretchers, he noted.
REX comes equipped with a system of electro-optical sensors and radar that give it the ability to perform surveillance and reconnaissance for units at the tactical edge and can be armed with weapons like a 7.62mm machine gun and a .50 caliber heavy machine gun. (Source: Defense News)
11 Sep 21. HUMS/TELEMATICS IN DEFENCE – THE CASE FOR CIVILIAN TECHNOLOGY WHITE PAPER LAUNCHES AT DSEI 2021. The Microlise Defence & Security (D&S) solution delivers technological support, data intelligence, live alerts and optimised fleet utilisation for when there simply is no room for error.
Our military grade solution is based on a trusted, award-winning commercial platform and is designed to meet the unique challenges of the Defence & Security sector.
As well as monitoring platform health, it spans the functional areas, supporting agile operational decision-making, enhanced training and improved people and asset security.
We are delighted to be launching our latest White Paper HUMS/TELEMATICS IN DEFENCE – THE CASE FOR CIVILIAN TECHNOLOGY at DSEI 2021.
For more information about how data and fleet analytics, edge technology, & IIot end-to-end connectivity is spanning the functional areas and powering increased logistics, engineering, and people & equipment support come along and talk to Microlise at Stand No: H4-425, DSEI from 14 – 17 SEPTEMBER at The Excel, London.
15 Sep 21. Dstl announce armoured UGV concept study at DSEI. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has initiated a study into future Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV) concepts with an aim to explore cost effective solutions to project UGVs from threat and providing specific armour and technology that will ensure high levels of mobility, survivability and mission availability to support crewed platforms in battlefield warfare.
The work has been carried out in conjunction with a consortium led by RBSL with Prodrive, ARKE, ThinkCreative, Cranfield University and BAE Systems as key partners. The concept study has focused on two timescales, the near term which addresses solutions that could be realised using currently available or mature technologies and the longer term looking at technologies that are likely to be available 10 years or further ahead.
The focus has been on medium weight platforms, around 2-5 tonnes, which have been the subject of a lot of interest due to the useful payloads they can carry.
Dstl’s Matt Askroyd, is the project lead and said: “When Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) were first fielded it was usually for dangerous tasks such as deactivation or destroying Improvised Explosive Devices with the goal of removing the operators from harm’s way and accepting the device itself was at risk of damage or destruction. As thinking on the use of UGVs evolved the focus moved to so called ‘Dull, Dirty and Dangerous’ tasks such as route proving, contaminated ground reconnaissance and decontamination.”
Today the trend is towards the use of UGVs as platforms for key combat capabilities such as resupply, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance, weapons platforms, decoys and communication nodes. Therefore UGVs are becoming core elements of a deployed capability and will be carrying expensive assets. Although it will be acceptable to take higher risks with uncrewed platforms than with crewed platforms, they can no longer be considered as ‘disposable’ assets and if they are to support missions across the full spectrum of operations they must be able to fully protect keep station with the crewed platforms they support.
A key challenge of the study has been improving the mobility and survivability of platforms without compromising payload. Further challenges arise from the desire to provide an amphibious capability for river crossing and littoral operations.
In order to meet the demanding, and conflicting requirements, novel modular concepts have been developed which would allow platforms to be configured in theatre to meet specific mission requirements. In order to meet the mobility requirements and enable the smaller UGV platforms to keep station with larger crewed platforms, novel wheel and tracked suspension systems have been designed and modelled.
“This is very exciting work, as well as enhancing mobility the novel suspension systems significantly improve the ride and hence improve reliability and provide a stable sensor and weapon platform. The use of armour protection for key components and enhanced signature management systems to exploit the benefits of the small platform size have been explored along with weight and cost effective means to provide robustness, redundancy and fall back modes.”
The concepts are now being bench marked against the performance of best in class current UGVs and their operational use explored in synthetic environment based experimentation.
10 Sep 21. Redefining wheeled armoured vehicle mobility. Mobility Test Rig (MTR) on display at DSEi. Imagine breaking away from the traditional picture of slow moving heavy tracked armoured vehicles to lighter, faster, more agile and highly fuel-efficient platforms; designed to operate at very high tempo, well within the enemy’s decision cycle and with increased survivability through agility, terrain access and tactical manoeuvrability. This is the vision being realised as part of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and its Mounted Combat Systems research project. A key component of that research has been joint activity between Dstl and global integrated defence and security company, QinetiQ. Focused on research and risk reduction the programme aims to significantly enhance the mobility of wheeled military vehicles through introduction of a number of innovative technologies and design approaches.
Future armoured vehicles will need to operate at a much higher tempo if they are to be effective and survivable on the future battlefield, characterised by deep effects and short ‘sensor to shooter’ links. In this context the advantages of wheeled vehicles over tracks are well known; they provide improved ride, higher speeds, higher reliability and fuel efficiency; however traditionally they have lacked the terrain accessibility of tracked platforms which constrains freedom of movement.
One of the key technologies that enables this approach is electric drive. Dstl and QinetiQ are harnessing this capability, taking advantage of the flexibility it can provide to develop high performance active suspension solutions, which not only have long travel and variable ride height but a geometry that allows the wheel base and track to be altered. In addition the exploitation of individual wheel torque control; provided by QinetiQ’s hub drive technology and all wheel steering strategies further enhance stability and off road performance. The resulting technology solutions can provide vehicles with some enhanced and even unique capabilities, including:
– Provision of a compact configuration for transportation or operation in urban areas
– Good stability at high speeds or on side slopes
– Enhanced step climbing
– Enhanced gap crossing
– Improved soft soil mobility, especially when operating in convoys
– Stable and low vibration crew and weapon platform
– Ride height that can be optimised for low silhouette or mine stand-off
To demonstrate the potential functionality and capability of novel mobility solutions, Dstl and QinetiQ have built and are progressively upgrading a 1/3 scale 8×8 demonstrator platform – called the Mobility Test Rig (MTR). The aims of building the rig have been to address the key challenges of suspension and drive control software, sensor performance and maximising off road performance. It also provides a low risk route to demonstrating the military customer the capability benefits provided by the technologies.
The MTR in its current build standard will be on display at QinetiQ’s stand at industry trade show, DSEi (stand H7 – 510). It has fully articulating suspension, QinetiQ electric drive, advanced multi-wheel steer and wheel traction control. Following this showcase, the final stage of fitting sensors and implementing the full active suspension capability will take place.
The MTR has been presented to the British Army and the significant impact on the capability of future land platforms is recognised. Plans are being discussed to fully exploit the potential of the technology for near term platforms and in the longer for concepts that are starting to be explored as part of Project Mercury.
“We have been highlighting the importance of Mission-Led Innovation and this is a perfect example of that approach in practice,” explains Mike Sewart, CTO at QinetiQ. “Two years ago we announced this joint research programme. Through a highly focussed programme of innovation, implemented with a clear outcome in mind, in just 24 months we have, alongside a strong ecosystem of partners, designed this demonstrator to showcase how electric drive is a key enabler for future armoured wheeled vehicle success in land environments.”
William Suttie, the Dstl technical lead said, “This project is not just about improving the off road mobility of wheeled platforms but has the potential to transform how future armoured vehicles are designed and used. The ability to move quickly and safely across all types of terrain and provide a stable platform so the crew can operate effectively on the move will enhance tempo and operational freedoms and contribute significantly to survivability”.
13 Sep 21. Newest Light Tactical Military Vehicle to Debut at DSEI. The Polaris MRZR Alpha extends capabilities for global armed forces. Polaris Government and Defense, the premier provider of ultralight tactical vehicles to global military forces, will debut its revolutionary mobility platform at DSEI in stand #H8-302 in London Sept. 14-17. The MRZR Alpha is the highest performing MRZR ever developed, providing superior off-road maneuverability and performance to global forces. The advanced platform supports requirements of U.S. Special Operations Command and the U.S. Marine Corps for a longer life-cycle while increasing performance and payload and maintaining internal, tactical air transportability. Polaris will also display its DAGOR and MRZR D4 light tactical vehicles and highlight its global training, engineering and integration capabilities.
“The Polaris Government and Defense team here in the U.K. serves Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) customers, handling all configuration management to deliver a complete capability,” said Steve Canner, manager of EMEA, Polaris Government and Defense. “The MRZR platform is widely used by global forces and we’re honored the global debut of the MRZR Alpha is here at DSEI. After the show, the vehicle will remain in the U.K. so we can schedule more in-depth briefings and MRZR Alpha demonstrations.”
First introduced in 2012, Polaris has continued to enhance the MRZR platform to meet the mission demands of the U.S. military, and over 50 allied forces worldwide – and the MRZR Alpha ups the ante once again. A new chassis provides a larger and more durable foundation for the latest MRZR, which is
powered by a high-performance, yet quiet, 118 hp turbo-diesel engine and off-road tuned automotive 8-speed transmission. This provides 200 ft-lbs of efficient torque that, when combined with a selectable locker for the 2WD/4WD drive system, delivers superior off-road maneuverability and handling in the most demanding environments, including deep sand. In the cab, there is increased exportable power, more cab space and a greater configurability.
Dedication to European Requirements and Global Support
Multiple European Special Operations and conventional forces have Polaris DAGOR and MRZR platforms and receive localized support from Polaris. Support includes custom-engineered accessories and upfit modifications to meet specific capabilities, complete equipment integration, program management, training, long-term parts supply and service. The delivery of a complete capability will be featured on the stand with the inclusion of the Polaris DAGOR equipped with a SurRon® e-bike, which Polaris purchases and mounts for a European special operations forces customer.
Recent vehicle deliveries to the German Army demonstrate the localized support Polaris provides internationally and how leveraging the company’s existing network benefits military customers worldwide. Polaris has delivered 65 MRZR D4s to special units of the Bundeswehr providing integration of specialized on-board equipment, training, spare parts, tool kits and documentation. The light airborne utility terrain vehicles (LL-UTV) contract has been executed by Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use (BAAINBw) with Rainer Diederich GmbH from Wiehl-Bomig. Rainer Diederich is the sole distributor of Polaris military vehicles in Germany.
Polaris is a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with 20 manufacturing facilities in six countries – including Poland and France as well as the U.S. The MRZR Alpha is produced in Minnesota at the birthplace of Polaris on a state-of-the-art, dedicated defense production line. It’s here that the company combines new technologies with the legacy of workmanship and quality that’s carried on in each employee that helps to build a Polaris vehicle.
Polaris employs dedicated military field service representatives (FSRs) to teach operator and maintainer training courses to the U.S. and its allies. Polaris also provides world-class parts distribution with an established inventory management system that allows for proactive management of parts inventory, minimizes lead time for parts and reduces the logistics for supply chain planning and management. Worldwide logistics are strengthened by the global footprint of Polaris, which has over 3,600 dealers and products sold to 120 countries.
More about the All-New MRZR Alpha
The Polaris MRZR Alpha represents the insertion of cutting-edge off-road vehicle technology for ultimate tactical mobility – derived from research and development investments that keep Polaris in front of the highly competitive off-road vehicle market. At the Polaris Product Development Center in Wyoming, Minn., engineers take the lead, improving technology and advancing vehicles through innovation.
“The Polaris portfolio of light tactical vehicles provides unmatched off-road capability. Like all Polaris military platforms, the new MRZR Alpha continues a tradition of light tactical military vehicles that are intuitive to operate, easy to maintain, and easy to globally support within an existing worldwide infrastructure of parts distribution and dealer service networks which is ideal for expeditionary forces,” said Jed Leonard, vice president, Polaris Government and Defense.
The MRZR Alpha retains a 1500 lb (680 kg) towing capacity common in the MRZR family, as well as blackout mode and a two-litter capacity. The MRZR Alpha comes in a two and four-seat option, like its predecessors, and increased payload to 1400 and 2000 lbs (635 and 907.2 kg), respectively. The range at gross-vehicle weight (GVW) increases to 225 miles (362.1 km) for expanded mission flexibility and it is heavy-fuel compatible – including DF1, DF2, JP8 and F24. The top speed of over 60 mph (96.5 kmh) supports convoy operations. An expanded off-road profile is made possible with 12 inches (30.48 cm) of ground clearance at full GVW, high clearance dual A-arm front and rear suspension with payload leveling, and 32-inch (81.28 cm), high mobility run-flat tires with bead-lock rims.
The MRZR Alpha can be internally transported by V-22, H-47 and larger aircraft by leveraging toolless ROPS and spare tire stowage. External transportation includes H-60 and larger rotary wing lift assets. Robust tie down and lifting provisions also allow for LVAD, JPADS and HSL certifications.
With the MRZR Alpha, maintenance is simplified through an On-Board Diagnostics interface (OBD-II) for real-time feedback on the status of the vehicle subsystems and a pinpoint diagnostics manual. On board vehicle systems support future condition-based maintenance and guided diagnostics.
26 Aug 21. Ricardo showcases future sustainable engineering capability for the defence sector at DSEI 2021. Ricardo will use its expertise in electrification engineering and systems integration for commercial platforms to demonstrate to the defence sector sustainable mobility solutions supporting net zero goals across land, sea and air.
As part of its mission to support the decarbonisation of the global transport and energy sectors, Ricardo, a world-class environmental, engineering and strategic consulting company, will be using its presence at DSEI 2021 to showcase its expertise in future sustainable propulsion systems including hybridisation as the global defence sector seeks trusted technology solutions to achieve net zero goals.
At DSEI 2021, Ricardo will be highlighting its capability in supporting the defence sector decarbonise its military vehicles and the robust technology solutions required to help the sector achieve net zero future land platforms in a cost-effective way while also maintaining or enhancing survivability, reliability, safety and performance.
At the event, Ricardo is collaborating with partners to highlight its world-leading engineering and manufacturing expertise in systems integration and cost-effective adaptation of commercial platforms for the defence sector:
Ricardo’s aim is to demonstrate that through technology transfer from its 100-year track record in the automotive industry, its world-leading integration solutions will reduce costs, minimise waste, protect lives and protect the planet.
Armed forces around the world trust Ricardo to provide independent engineering advice and solutions for their ever evolving, mission-critical challenges around integrating complex and diverse systems.
Ricardo’s innovative and sustainable cross-sector solutions help customers to create a cleaner and safer future. Working across multiple transportation sectors, Ricardo’s cross-sector engineering solutions are helping to accelerate decarbonised transportation; and its innovation is supporting global net zero and industry agendas.
With in-depth knowledge across land, sea and air domains, Ricardo delivers wide-ranging engineering programmes for clients in the defence sector. For over 25 years, Ricardo has been a trusted engineering services provider to Government Departments and the defence industry for the design, development and delivery of innovative projects from its UK List X technical centres. Ricardo works with special forces units internationally to deliver performance reliability and technology integration that make a real difference in extreme and demanding operating conditions.
Ricardo’s in-house engineering capabilities provide both high-quality prototypes and low-volume manufacturing of complex products, assemblies and vehicles, including: engines, hybrid electric batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and autonomous systems. The company’s experienced manufacturing and technical teams provide seamless niche manufacturing solutions. At DSEI 2021 Ricardo is exhibiting at stand H4-421 Land Zone.
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TEK Military Seating Limited
TEK Military Seating Limited is a UK based designer and manufacturer of ProTEK military vehicle seating which offer the highest standards of safety and protection. The ProTEK brand is well respected across the globe for its robust construction, innovative design, built in modularity and cost effectiveness. Our superior products are supported by our experienced team who endeavor to offer unrivalled service to our customers from enquiry, through design and acceptance, to through life support.
From its inception ProTEK seats have been designed around a family of innovative seat frames onto which tested and certified modules can be fitted to create a bespoke solution for the user. These include Blast protection to Stanag 4569 standards, vibration reduction, head and body protection, seat risers and turntables, fore & aft adjustment, and seat back rake along with viable seat dimensions without the need for additional tooling costs.
Contact: David Parkman
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