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13 Sep 21. UK’s Supacat – Eco Charger partnership launches `Vizsla` world’s first military all electric Quad at DSEi 2021. The first all-electric Quad bike offering the capability required by military operators is being launched at DSEi 2021 by a partnership between two world leading UK based all-terrain vehicle specialists – Supacat, developer of `Jackal` and special forces vehicles, and Eco Charger, the world leading manufacturer of electric Quad bikes.
The E-ATV (Electric-All Terrain Vehicle), `Vizsla`, is based on Eco Charger’s latest top of the range Lithium Prestige 4WD Quad “workhorse”, which is capable of speeds up to 65kmph. The two UK companies collaborated to modify the E-ATV for military operations including achieving a range extension to over 150km, unmatched by other E-ATVs.
`Vizsla` equals the performance of fossil fuels ATVs and opens up new tactical options for using Quads on operations. A low acoustic signature below 70dB and zero EMC emission means less chance of detection, allowing soldiers to operate closer and faster in and out of enemy positions.
The large onboard battery capacity makes it possible to charge personal equipment, such as sights and radios. `Vizsla` also benefits from Eco Charger’s unique hot-swap battery system; this enables the payload to be varied to optimize the balance between range and payload for individual missions.
Supacat will be Prime Contractor into Defence and provide support with spares, repairs, training and post design services. Eco charger will supply the systems from its Weston-Super-Mare facility to Supacat for assembly at its Devon facility. Their collaboration has grown out of a five-year relationship of Supacat’s parent, SC Group, representing Eco Charger’s products in Australia and New Zealand.
Russell Crisp, Chairman, Eco Charger, said, “After several years of discussion, development and testing we are delighted to be launching a truly world class E-ATV into the defence marketplace with Supacat”.
Phil Applegarth, Director of Supacat, said, “Vizsla meets the aims of the British Army and of other armed forces in moving towards a non-hydrocarbon future and fits perfectly with Supacat’s current and future strategy”.
The military E-ATV follows on from Supacat’s work with Exeter University on the Electric All-Terrain Military Platform (ATMP) and on a hybrid drive version of its `Jackal` vehicle for the UK MoD working with NP Aerospace and Magtec under the Protected Mobility Engineering & Technical Support (PMETS) programme.
DSEi Stand: H2-740.
13 Sep 21. Jankel adds new Tactical Utility Vehicle (TUV) variant to their ‘Fox’ tactical vehicle line up. Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, has launched a new Tactical Utility Vehicle (TUV) variant as an addition to their “Fox” Toyota-based tactical vehicle line up. This announcement coincides with DSEI taking place in London 14-17 September, where Jankel are exhibiting on stand H4-580.
Based on the legendary Toyota LC79 platform, the Fox TUV vehicle provides users with a proven, robust and reliable base platform that benefits from global logistic supportability. Adding to the features of the LC79 base platform, the Fox TUV has been designed to meet a suite of specialist user requirements and standards that make it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to operate a tactical support vehicle alongside an in-service Toyota based tactical fleet. Whilst being officially launched at DSEi, The Fox TUV has already been fielded in-service with a number of undisclosed customers globally and represents the best in class for a closed architecture utility platform of this type. The TUV is a modular design certified for NATO air transportability.
Also on display in this new Fox TUV variant at DSEi is a concept demonstrator fully electric conversion of the platform, replacing the original internal combustion engine with a complete battery electric drive solution. The concept demonstrator is being tested to prove out the future potential platform upgrade to hybrid and or electric drive to give Customers forward thinking options for electrification when required.
The Fox TUV is one of a family of Tactical Vehicles that includes the Fox RRV, LRPV and LUV plus the recently developed 6×6 variant that benefits from increased payload and capacity, whilst maintaining the mobility and tactical fighting capability of the well-proven 4×4 configurations. There are already over 250 of the Fox tactical vehicle family in service across the globe and the TUV adds flexibility and capability to those fleets.
Sam Foreman, Head of Sales and Marketing at Jankel said: “whilst we’re publicly launching the Fox TUV for the first time today, it’s a variant of the Fox family that has already been fielded in-service with undisclosed Jankel customers. As a result, it’s launched as a fully proven product”. He added: “Our recently announced UK production capability puts us in an ideal place to run variants of our Fox family off the UK production line, including the TUV. We see Fox as an ideal and forward thinking replacement for any defence procurement authority seeking to supersede an out of date Land Rover tactical fleet, delivering immediate proven reliability, capability and value for money. The TUV launched today adds to that offering”.
11 Sep 21. TEK Military Seating has been awarded a contract by RBSL to supply operator seating for the FUCHS (CBRN) platform as part of the UK MODs £16m upgrade programme. The ProTEK® T4H was chosen as it offers the latest innovations in occupant safety, ergonomics and functionality, whilst offering good levels of comfort over prolonged usage.
The ProTEK® T4H seat offers unrivalled modularity, like other ProTEK® ranges of military seating solutions which are available with tried, tested and certified modules such as blast protection, integrated harness seat belts, vehicle-seat interface and many more, enabling us to create a seating solution which matches the customers’ requirements.
10 Sep 21. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK showcases adaptable Foxhound at DSEI 2021. General Dynamics Land Systems–UK is showcasing its highly-adaptable Foxhound 4×4 vehicle at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2021.
Since 2012, 400 Foxhound vehicles have been in-service with the British Army and have been deployed worldwide, including in Afghanistan and Iraq, offering exceptional mobility, ride and blast protection. Designed and built in the UK, Foxhound integrates highly survivable V-shaped hull technology and utilises a dismountable crew pod design for different roles, including the existing Foxhound Troop Carrier, a Weapons Mount Installation Kit (WMIK)-style Reconnaissance variant and a Command and Control (C2) variant. The Foxhound Utility variant, able to carry a standard NATO pallet, is showcased at DSEI 2021.
General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, in partnership with NP Aerospace and Magtec, recently demonstrated an innovative e-drive solution for Foxhound, which delivered:
• improved mobility, both through ‘boost’ and silent modes
• enhanced Silent Watch capabilities
• increased electrical power to support future capabilities and light infantry soldiers.
Carew Wilks, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, said: “Foxhound is the protected mobility vehicle of choice for British Army light infantry and specialist troops on operations worldwide. Throughout its service, Foxhound has delivered high-levels of availability, operationally-proven protection and reliability. Foxhound can be adapted to deliver any role the British Army needs it to, including an e-drive solution that delivers improved mobility and additional off-board power.”
General Dynamics Land Systems has a long pedigree and worldwide experience delivering tracked and wheeled military vehicles, alongside specialist knowledge in complex, scalable Electronic Architectures. It delivers, amongst others, the Ajax family of vehicles, the Abrams main battle tank, LAV (Light Armoured Vehicle) and Stryker Family of Vehicles, and the Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush–Protected (MRAP).
14 Sep 21. Saab Signs Deployable Health Capability Contract with Strategic Partner Marshall. Saab Australia (Saab) has moved a step closer to delivery of Australia’s deployable health capability (JP2060 Phase 3) with the signing of an AUD 8.28m contract with key technology supplier and capability partner, Marshall. Under the contract, applied-engineering firm Marshall will deliver three of its award-winning Marshall Military CT scanners for use as part of the deployable medical modules being delivered by Saab to the Australian Defence Force under the JP2060 Phase 3 project.
Once operational and deployed, the scanners will enable field medical staff to create detailed diagnostic images of patients – enabling immediate and accurate treatment in the field.
“Safe, effective and reliable medical equipment is critical to Australia’s deployable health capability in ensuring world-class clinical care,” says Andy Keough CSC, Saab Australia Managing Director.
“That’s why we’re delighted to have Marshall Land Systems on board. They are a leading supplier of proven deployable health systems and their CT scanners are currently being used by armed forces across the globe.”
Saab signed a contract with the Australian Department of Defence in 2020 to deliver more than 550 deployable health modules. The AUD 370 million order is to be fulfilled between 2020 and 2024. Modules within the program will include features such as surgical theatres, x-ray, CT scanning and ultrasound equipment, and trauma, intensive care and ward units.
Marshall Land Systems Managing Director Ray Cutting says the scanners being supplied for the project have a proven operational record in the most hostile of environments.
“I am delighted that Saab Australia has decided to partner with us on this critical element of the JP2060 Phase 3 program,” he says.
“Our innovative and award-winning CT scanner system is designed to meet clinicians’ needs for the highest quality diagnostic imagery, even in the most austere environments, and can be operational within four hours of arrival on site.”
Mr Cutting says the benefit of having access to CT imagery in the field cannot be overstated.
“The unit will give military surgeons vital CT imagery on deployed operations to quickly and accurately diagnose trauma for severely injured patients. Potentially, more lives will be saved.”
The CT units are being supplied in the United Kingdom by Philips and will be maintained in Australia by the locally based Philips team.
CT scanners combine a series of x-ray images and use computer processing power to create cross sections of targeted body parts. This allows medical staff to view bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body.
Saab and Marshall are currently exhibiting at DSEI 2021 in London, where visitors are welcome to learn more about these capabilities. Meet the Saab experts at stand H7-110 to learn more about Saab’s deployable health capability, or the Marshall team at stand H2-552, to learn more about Marshall’s CT scanner solutions.
11 Sep 21. AmeyBriggs select TVS SCS to manage the end to end supply chain for the £240m MITER Contract. In August 2020 it was announced that the AmeyBriggs joint venture had secured the new £240m MITER contract, which sees them maintain and manage the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) fleet of construction and materials handling equipment until 2030.
AmeyBriggs has appointed TVS Supply Chain Solutions (TVS SCS) to manage the end to end supply chain for parts and materiel used on the MITER contract. This will see TVS utilise its capabilities in
product data management, inventory management, purchasing, warehousing, distribution and repair loop management to supply the range of parts used on the MITER fleet.
The MITER fleet comprises the UK military’s construction, mechanical handling and protected plant equipment and includes bulldozers, cranes and forklifts; valuable assets utilised both in peacetime activities and military operations worldwide. In recent years the fleet has been used to help with recovery following the devastation caused by hurricanes in the Caribbean and during major flooding in the UK. Most recently, the MITER fleet has supported the military response to COVID 19 and the loading and off-loading of essential medical supplies.
MITER has brought three existing contracts – Defence Mechanical Handling Equipment, Protected Engineering Equipment and C-Vehicle capability, under one umbrella contract. Maintenance, management and support of this fleet will see savings over the next 10 years and sustain jobs in the UK.
Gary Clements, Managing Director, Briggs Defence said. “We are very pleased to have TVS SCS as one of our key partners on this contract. The savings that this contract will bring to the Ministry of Defence requires innovative thinking, efficient supply chains and effective collaboration between multiple partners. TVS SCS have demonstrated they have the experience and credentials to deliver to these exacting requirements”.
Irene Ainscough, Defence Director of TVS SCS said. “We are delighted to have been selected by AmeyBriggs and to be part of this innovative contract to deliver significant savings to UK MOD. Our scope of work enables us to utilise our core skills and experience in designing and delivering the optimum supply chain for AmeyBriggs, UK MoD and this fleet of equipment.”
10 Sep 21. Israeli, British firms to deliver unmanned vehicles for UK experimental program. Israel Aerospace Industries and U.K. firm Marlborough Communications Limited will deliver four Remote Platoon Vehicles to the British Defence Ministry as part of an experimental program for unmanned systems. The ministry’s Future Capability Group wants to identify future military requirements of unmanned ground vehicles, or UGV, through a series of trials.
Marlborough was previously awarded a contract to supply four Mission Adaptable Platform System unmanned ground vehicles to the Spiral 1 phase of the RPV Experimentation Program, according to a Sept. 1 statement from IAI. The latest RPV platforms, which are part of Spiral 2, will be designed and manufactured by Elta Systems.
Marlborough, a supplier of advanced telecommunications systems, said this is its first contract with IAI.
“Securing the Spiral 2 contract has been a collaborative team effort, and the first step toward exploring new opportunities within the U.K.,” said MCL Managing Director Shane Knight.
IAI says it has more than 15 years’ experience developing autonomous land systems. It recently demonstrated new developments in an autonomous ground combat vehicle for the Israel Defense Forces.
The RPVs being delivered to the British are equipped with target acquisition sensors, electronic countermeasures and weapons stations. They are designed to complement troops on the ground and enhance their force protection in battlefield conditions, IAI said in a statement.
”In addition to their intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, the RPVs can provide logistic support by carrying platoon equipment, supplying ammunition and extracting casualties. They can be operated in manual, remote or autonomous modes,” the company added.
Israel’s military already uses the Jaguar, a semiautonomous robotic system developed by the IDF and IAI. It is designed to substitute soldiers in border areas and is part of a wider IDF push into digitization and unmanned vehicles.
“The ‘Jaguar’ is currently being integrated into the Gaza Division in southern Israel in order to protect the Israeli-Gaza border. Equipped with dozens of sensors, an automated driving system, advanced fire capabilities, and a public address (PA) system, this robot makes the IDF a more efficient and technologically advanced military,” the IDF said in April. The system has a 7.62mm machine gun and runs on six wheels.
IAI’s Elta also makes the Rex, a four-wheeled UGV designed to support and augment ground forces. It can carry 350 kilograms. The photo IAI supplied with the announcement of the MCL contract shows a four-wheeled vehicle, but IAI did not specify the name of the vehicle or expand on more specifics about it.
IAI says it will showcase its ground robotics, such as its UGVs, at the upcoming arms trade show DSEI in London. “We see the European and British markets as a significant market and are happy to promote local technological and business collaborations. In a volatile, rapidly changing world, it is vital that we do all we can to assist with each other’s security, economic development and prosperity,” said Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI.
In the U.K., IAI also partners with Thales on the Sea Serpent anti-ship missile.
Previous UGVs in Israel, such as the Guardium by G-Nius, have struggled to find widespread use. However, Israel’s Carmel future combat vehicle program envisions optionally manned vehicles and vehicle motherships for UGVs. Israel’s Epsilor, which makes batteries, supplies the NATO-standard Combatt lithium-ion 6T batteries for the Jaguar. Epsilor says the British government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory tested the batteries during an evaluation for an upcoming armored vehicle program by the MoD. (Source: Defense News)
10 Sep 21. UK MoD Spares Framework Agreement Awardees Announced. The selection for the MoD Spares Framework Agreement worth £149m has been announced today. Sources close to BATTLESPACE suggest that the companies named below have been selected for the UK MoD Vehicle Support Capital Spares Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement Major Spares programme worth £149m a year – REFERENCE No. 700007835. The requirement is for the establishment of a Framework Agreement under which the Authority may procure Capital Spares in support of the DE&S Vehicle Support Team (VST) portfolio of wheeled and tracked platforms. Individual Call-Off contracts that may be placed under the Framework Agreement shall be subject to a competitive process between those Tenderers admitted to the Framework, noting that the Authority shall have no obligation to order or buy anything under this Framework Agreement. The anticipated date for the contract award decision is 30 June 2021. This is an indicative date and may change.
Companies Selected
AME AUTO Ltd,
Carwood Motor Units Ltd,
GDUK,
Hobson Industries Ltd,
LEONARDO MW Ltd,
NP AEROSPACE Ltd,
Rheinmetall
Companies Not Selected
Aviation Spares And Repairs Ltd
Babcock Land Defence Ltd,
EXSEL Design & Integration Ltd,
SUPACAT Ltd
TVS
10 Sep 21. Ministers look for someone to blame over Ajax tank that makes soldiers sick. Ministers believe they have been “deceived” on the extent of the problems with the army’s Ajax light tank and are searching for those to blame, according to defence sources.
They think they were not told the full extent of the troubles with the £5.5 billion programme by the army or their officials out of concern that it would be scrapped in the integrated review.
A defence source said: “Ministers now know that they have been deceived on Ajax and they fully intend to identify those responsible.”
Jeremy Quin, the procurement minister, cast fresh doubt yesterday on the “troubled” programme. The tank is beset by noise and vibration problems that have caused sickness and injury.
He told MPs he hoped a long-term solution could be found for a programme he described as “incredibly important” for both the British Army and thousands of workers, including at General Dynamics, the contractor.
However, he acknowledged that he “cannot 100 per cent promise” a resolution and insisted that the government would “never accept” a vehicle that did not meet its testing requirements. Labour said Quin’s comments “put Ajax on an end-of-life watch”.
Quin told the Commons: “We’re committed to working with General Dynamics to achieve a resolution of these issues. I’ve said before I cannot 100 per cent promise to this House that we will find a resolution.”
Trials of the vehicle have resumed after being paused when some personnel complained of vibration injuries and hearing loss. MPs were told that 310 people needed urgent hearing assessments.
John Healey, the shadow defence secretary, said: “This is a programme that has cost £3.5bn to date, delivered just 14 vehicles and is set to be completed a decade late . . . Ajax is the biggest procurement failure since the Nimrod and this has happened entirely on this government’s watch. Ministers are failing British forces and they’re failing the British taxpayers.” (Source: The Times)
10 Sep 21. Patria showcasing 6×6 vehicle and other state-of-the-art products at DSEI. Patria attends the international defence exhibition DSEI on 14-17th September 2021 in London. Patria’s stand at Excel is H7 – 120. Patria showcases its 6×6 vehicle platform which has been chosen to the joint programme by Finland and Latvia. Patria’s service offering includes wide range of life cycle support services to both Land vehicle and Aviation fleets as manufacturer authorized service centres and branches. The wide product offering in Intelligence and Surveillance product portfolio will also be on display.
Patria 6×6 – affordable performance
Patria 6×6 is a versatile troop carrier providing users with a spacious interior, good visibility and easy operation. It provides high tactical mobility and agile off-road mobility with high degree of survivability. It can be adapted to various combat support roles by a specific version kit and it can be equipped with various weapon systems. Patria 6×6 is modular, high-performance but at the same time simple, robust and affordable to provide this tactical capability in larger fleet quantities.
Finland and Latvia have agreed on a joint programme for sustained army mobility enhancement to which Patria delivers 6×6 vehicle chassis platform. The vehicle deliveries will start already this year. The programme is also open for other countries by the mutual consent of Finland and Latvia.
Patria 6×6 HAPC (Heavy Armoured Personnel Carrier) variant is a combat ready, modular high-performance troop transporter for modern infantry capable of providing effective fire support. It is equipped with enhanced situational awareness and C3I systems. Optional protection level 4 against ballistic threats, mine protection and wide range of other modular options enable optimized fulfilment of customer needs and requirements.
The vehicle is equipped with Cockerill CLWS (Cockerill Light Weapon Station) which is a lightweight, modular, stabilized remote weapon system. CLWS offers significant firepower through a wide range of alternative weapons and calibres such as 25 mm, 30×113 mm, 12,7 mm, 7,62 mm coaxial machine gun, rockets, and anti-tank guided missiles. The turret has 140 rounds (25mm) of ammunition ready for firing and 200 rounds for the optional coaxial machine gun make it an ideal system for missions requiring high mobility.
Patria’s Partnership Concept and Surveillance product portfolio
Patria’s life cycle services are provided together with local partners ensuring local industrial development and customer in-country readiness requirements. Customer proximity and local service delivery are ensured by Patria’s proven Strategic Partnership Concept that can be adapted to each country’s defence forces local requirements. The concept enables a trusted and close cooperation between industry and defence in peace, crisis and ultimately also during war time. The concept is delivered to defence forces together with Patria’s local partners ensuring local industrial capability created for the long term and making sure all country specific readiness requirements are fulfilled.
Patria MUSCL is a passive radar system providing resilient, covert and easily deployable air surveillance in standalone mode as well as in networked mode using multiple MUSCL stations. The system provides affordable area and point surveillance for various applications such as military air surveillance, border control, critical infrastructure protection and drone detection.
Patria ARIS and Patria ARIS-E are remotely operable ELINT systems for interception, recording and analysis of modern and increasingly complex signal environment.
Patria CRAWLR is a cyber intelligence software product providing targeted and discrete information gathering from a wide range of sources, including websites, social media and the dark web.
Patria CANDL provides a single data link solution for communications requiring high reliability, such as UAS payload data and C2. It enables air-to-air and air-to-ground Ad Hoc Networking as well as relaying for BLOS capability, thus enabling capabilities such as MUMT – Manned Unmanned Teaming – and LVC – Live Virtual Constructive – training.
Patria SONAC DTS is an ASW Sonar system offering both active and passive modes of operation with two separate wet-end sub-systems, VDS and TAS, which can be used simultaneously.
Patria SONAC ACS acoustic mine sweep is specially designed for sweeping influence mines with advanced acoustic triggering. Its compact, lightweight size is designed for use with unmanned craft.
10 Sep 21. A £3.5bn fiasco: Armoured vehicle that left 310 soldiers injured faces the axe after causing hearing loss and joint pains.
• Defence minister Jeremy Quin said he cannot promise the Ajax will ever be used
• 310 soldiers have been urged to seek medical attention after testing the vehicle
• The injuries were caused by the noise of its engine and vibrations
MoD’s losing battle
2011: MoD signs Ajax deal with General Dynamics
2014: Production agreed with 230 companies and 4,100 workers
2016: Design overhauled amid fears Ajax will be obsolete
2017: Testing crews report vehicles are noisy and dangerous
2018: General Dynamics reports £89.1million profit
2021: Trials are paused and hundreds of troops advised to seek medical help
The injuries were caused by the noise of its engine and vibrations.
Ajax also struggled to fire accurately on the move and to reverse over obstacles – although there has been progress in these areas according to defence officials.
Trials of the vehicle, which were paused earlier this year because of the injuries, have resumed with UK manufacturers General Dynamics providing test drivers. It has already cost the Ministry of Defence well over £3billion in down payments.
Mr Quin told the House of Commons: ‘I cannot promise 100 per cent we will find a resolution to these issues, but we are determined to work through with General Dynamics.
‘We will not accept an initial operating capability until we have a clear resolution to the issues on noise and vibration.
‘We need a vehicle that works and which is fit for purpose and that is what we’re determined to deliver.
‘I have previously described Ajax as a troubled programme. It is. But that does not mean that the problems are irresolvable.’
Conservative former defence minister Mark Francois said the Ajax programme showed that MoD procurement was ‘completely broken’.
He described the vehicle as a ‘steaming heap of institutional incompetence’.
Ajax is the biggest project for General Dynamics and the UK is its largest client.
The contract was signed in 2011 and the deal was weighted so the firm received more than half the value of the contract before the vehicles entered service.
To date 26 of a scheduled 589 have been delivered.
General Dynamics produced prototypes in 2016 but the Army sought changes, fearing Ajax could quickly become obsolete.
The agreement was revised to incorporate the latest equipment – a decision that sources described as one of ‘the most cardinal of sins in procurement’.(Source: Daily Mail)
09 Sep 21. Ajax: Trials For Army’s Armoured Vehicle Programme Resume. More than 300 former and serving personnel involved in the Ajax programme have been contacted for an urgent hearing assessment.
Trials for the Ajax armoured vehicle programme have resumed, following a second pause due to noise concerns.
Tests of the Ajax were first paused “as a precautionary measure” between November 2020 and March 2021.
The programme was most recently halted in June but Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin has now said testing, which is taking place at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedford, can start again.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has contacted more than 300 personnel and veterans involved in the delivery of the vehicle type, instructing them to have their hearing assessed following noise exposure.
of problems facing the system developers at General Dynamics will emerge from the latest trials, Mr Quin told the House of Commons.
Results will not be available this month, he added.
Earlier this week, Mr Quin wrote in an update to Parliament that a small number of veterans potentially exposed to damaging noise were still being traced.
The minister reiterated a “firm” price agreement with General Dynamics of £5.5bn for the delivery of the seven Ajax variants, and said a report into the Ajax programme will now be published for transparency purposes.
No declaration of operational capability will be made until a long-term fix is identified, Mr Quin said.
The number of people impacted by the noise of the fully-digitised vehicle is yet to be revealed.
Opposing parties have criticised the timing of Mr Quin’s original written update, which was mostly repeated during his address to the Commons.
The progress report on the already delayed vehicle was released late on Monday night, as much of the UK defence community continued to deal with the crisis in Afghanistan.
“I have previously described Ajax as a troubled programme. It is. But that does not mean that the problems are irresolvable,” Mr Quin concluded.
Ajax forms part of UK ambitions for a future-proofed defence for the years to come – with several systems being introduced, cancelled or upgraded.
The Integrated Review and the more detailed Defence Command Paper both serve as service playbooks – outlining where a £16.5bn increase in defence spending over the next four years could be used. (Source: forces.net)
06 Sep 21. ‘Not possible’ to determine when Ajax will enter service. The Ministry of Defence have confirmed that “all testing and training on Ajax vehicles remains paused” adding “we will not accept a vehicle that is not fit for purpose”.
Additionally, the statement below states “it is not possible to determine a realistic timescale for the introduction of Ajax vehicles into operational service”.
The following statement is from Jeremy Quin, the Minister for Defence Procurement.
“I wish to provide a further update to Parliament on the Ajax equipment project being delivered as part of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.
1. Health and Safety
Extensive work has been undertaken on the Health and Safety aspects of the Noise and Vibration concerns raised on Ajax. The Report is being undertaken independently of the Ajax Delivery Team by the MOD’s Director of Health and Safety.
While the Report has not yet been concluded it is apparent that vibration concerns were raised before Ajax Trials commenced at the Armoured Trials and Development Unit in November 2019. In December 2018, an Army Safety Notice introduced restrictions on use in relation to vibration and identified that, in the longer term, a design upgrade was needed to reduce vibration. I will publish the Health & Safety report once it is finalised, which will contain a full timeline in relation to Health and Safety issues. Key themes likely to emerge from the Report will include:
The importance of having a culture that gives safety equal status alongside cost and schedule. The overlapping of Demonstration and Manufacturing phases added complexity, technical risk and safety risk into the programme. The value of having strong risk governance for complex projects that promotes access to expert technical advice on safety issues. Independent certification and assurance of land environment capability should be adopted and modelled on best practice elsewhere in Defence.
Following the Report’s conclusion, we will consider what further investigations are required to see if poor decision making, failures in leadership or systemic organisational issues contributed to the current situation not simply in relation to Health and Safety but more broadly as necessary.
2. Update on Personnel
Initially 121 personnel were identified as requiring urgent hearing assessments as a result of recent noise exposure on Ajax. Subsequently, the MOD broadened the scope of those who should be tested to all those who had been exposed to noise on Ajax. To date, a further 189 individuals have been identified that should be offered an assessment, giving a total number of 310 personnel. Of these 304 have been contacted successfully; the remaining 6 are UK service personnel who have recently left service and are in the process of being traced.
The health of our service personnel is our top priority. 248 personnel, including 113 from the original cohort of 121, have now been assessed. The Army continues to identify and monitor the hearing of all personnel exposed to noise on Ajax, with additional testing put in place where required. The Army is also in the process of identifying any health effects in those potentially exposed to vibration. Veterans who have been exposed to noise or vibration on this project will be supported throughout and will have access to the same assessments as those still serving. I will update the House on the number of personnel affected by noise and vibration in due course, including if any trends become apparent once the data has been analysed.
3. Technical Issues
At present all dynamic testing and training on MOD’s Ajax vehicles remains paused. A Safety Assurance Panel for Ajax, comprising Duty Holders from MOD, General Dynamics, Millbrook and independent advisers, has been established to assure that independent testing can recommence safely at Millbrook Proving Ground. Subject to the Panel’s final endorsement and General Dynamics own safety approvals, Millbrook trials are expected to resume imminently, initially deploying General Dynamics crew in MOD owned vehicles, with real time monitoring of vibration and in-ear noise.
The independent trials at Millbrook are essential to provide the evidence to support fundamental root cause analysis and to enable the safe resumption of wider trials and training activity. The focus for the MOD and General Dynamics remains on identifying the root causes of the noise and vibration issues to develop long-term solutions to ensure Ajax meets the Army’s need.
I have made clear that no declaration of Initial Operating Capability will be made until solutions have been determined for the long-term resolution of the noise and vibration concerns. Work continues on both with General Dynamics heavily committed to delivering a safe resolution.
Over the summer, work has been conducted to examine design modifications to reduce the impact of vibration. A design modification to reduce the risk of noise through the communication system is in development and is currently being tested. These may represent part of the overall solution but considerable work needs to be undertaken before any such assurances can be given.
Until a suitable suite of design modifications has been identified, tested and demonstrated, it is not possible to determine a realistic timescale for the introduction of Ajax vehicles into operational service with the Army. We will not accept a vehicle that is not fit for purpose.
As is often the case with defence procurement process, there have been a number of Limitations of Use (“LOUs”) placed on Ajax vehicles during the early phase of use. LOUs restricting speed and the maximum height for reversing over steps have now been removed and work continues on removing other LOUs.
Ajax is an important capability for the Army and we are committed to working with General Dynamics for its delivery. We have a robust, firm price contract with General Dynamics under which they are required to provide the vehicles as set out in the contract for the agreed price of £5.5bn.
To assist in the delivery of Ajax we have identified the need for a full time, dedicated Senior Responsible Owner who will preferably be able to see the project through to completion, or indeed advise if the project is incapable of being delivered. A short-list of candidates is currently under consideration. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority are also providing MOD with expert support to establish a recovery plan for the programme.”
We recently reported that the Ministry of Defence have confirmed that “there may be a requirement for Warrior to be used in some reconnaissance roles” until the troubled Ajax armoured vehicle is brought into service. (Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
06 Sep 21. Replacing Ajax with Warrior – A short-term fix for a long-term problem. In the latest ongoing saga regarding the British Army’s plagued Ajax armoured vehicle draws yet more parliamentary scrutiny, it appears as though further delays will likely lead to the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to be used to cover these capability gaps.
As Warrior is both an ageing platform in its current guise (due to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) scrapping the Capability Sustainment Programme this year) and an infantry fighting vehicle, not a purposefully designed recognisance vehicle, this will in fact leave a significant capability gap for the British Army’s armoured reconnaissance regiments.
Initially chosen over the BAE CV90 in 2010 for the contract to replace the ageing CVR(T), Ajax was to be an unparalleled 4th generation ISTAR asset that could track its enemy’s digital and electronic footprints – in effect, a computer on wheels. Ajax’s development, however, has been fraught with issues. Stemming from a simultaneous design and manufacture process the project is now four years behind schedule, and is set to run over its £5.5 billion budget. In turn the delays leave current frontline units dangerously ill-protected in their 1970s CVR(T)s, or now as it appears, the replacement to Warrior – a vehicle designed to rapidly transport infantry into the heart of battle.
Since June, the Ajax programme has remained paused, as the trials conducted by the Royal Armoured Corps have been suspended for the second time since 2020 due to repeated reports of service personnel testing Ajax receiving vibration and hearing injuries. Health and safety mitigations have since been put in place; they include restricting the vehicles top speed to 20mph, reversing over a height no greater than 20cm and restricting crew’s time inside the vehicle to 90 minutes. Despite these mitigations, at least 112 service personnel have been adversely affected by crewing the vehicle. Since the second suspension in trials, the Minister for Defence Procurement, MP Jeremy Quin, has ordered an independent investigation into the injuries continuing to be caused by the mechanical faults of the vehicles. That investigation is set to conclude shortly; the preliminary prognosis not good, as Jeremy Quin announced to Parliament on Monday that Warrior may be required to plug the gap due to the ongoing delays.
‘Ajax’.
With Ajax now facing serious prolonged fiscal and technical issues, the MoD has to consider an off the shelf alternative that can fill the role of Ajax, should the project be scrapped. These options include the previously declined CV90, the already-cancelled Warrior CSP, and the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV).
The CV90 is a tried and tested platform that is used by many other western militaries, including Norway, who use an existing recce variant. Not only does this platform benefit from multi-national development, but it has also proven itself capable of exercising regularly in the freezing temperatures of Scandinavia as well as seeing combat in the heat of Afghanistan.
Scrapped in this spring’s defence review for costings, the WCSP saw the revival and digitisation of the Warrior IFV. Although the project faced many delays and went over budget, most issues stemmed from the MoD, not the platform or supplier. With 759 Warriors already in operation by the MoD it is a relatively quick and painless transition. However, parts such as the hulls will require refabricating in the not too distant future, incurring additional cost to the upgrade due to their age.
As for the Boxer CRV, this platform is currently employed in the Australian Army. Though it has a smaller main armament (30mm cannon) it has 4th generation ISTAR capabilities and excellent survivability features. As Boxer is already a part of the redesigned Brigade Combat Teams, integrating the CRV variant would theoretically standardise the spare parts required. One of the only drawbacks is that the British Army is only receiving one Boxer vehicle per week for its existing order. If the Boxer CRV was chosen and produced domestically, the production capacity would have to be expanded, yet this would still be cheaper than establishing a manufacturing base for an entirely new platform.
Ultimately, once the ongoing Ajax investigation led by Jeremy Quin is concluded, then the MoD must make a decision and stick to it. Lurching from suspended trails, to medical reviews for injured soldiers, to plugging ageing and soon-to-be mothballed platforms to fill the continued delays, is to go from a failed procurement policy to a failed defence capability policy. The Warrior, in its current IFV role, is unsuitable for the role envisaged for Ajax. As a short-term fix, to cover the lack of capability in aging CVR(T) and delayed Ajax, is one thing. To not announce a fresh policy or direction regarding the platform for this specific capability is operational negligence, and will ultimately weaken the combat effectiveness of the British Army. (Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
06 Sep 21. Rafael to showcase its AI-enhanced NGCV-S at DSEI 2021. The recently unveiled SEA BREAKER maritime system also to be displayed for the first time at any global defense expo. From September 14- 17, 2021, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will be participating in the DSEI Exhibition in London. For over 70 years, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has been a global pioneer in the field of defense research and development. Known for its wide array of groundbreaking, combat proven technologies, Rafael has transformed the approach to the modern battlefield. With dozens of multi-purpose, multi-platform solutions for air, land, sea, cyber or space applications, Rafael solutions are currently deployed by dozens of militaries and security forces around the world.
During DSEI, Rafael will showcase several of its world class ground, aerial, and naval solutions including:
Next Generation Combat Vehicle Suite (NGCV-S): NGCV-S transforms any combat vehicle into a connected, well protected, optionally manned, lethal defense system. An array of sensors and cameras provide full situational awareness, automatic target recognition allow for threat detection and identification, and a complete video management system allows crew members to remain fully protection inside a closed-hatch cabin. DSEI marks the first showcase of this suite with its enhanced artificial intelligence architecture.
SEA BREAKER: Unveiled in June 2021, Rafael’s SEA BREAKER is a 5th generation long-range autonomous precision guided missile system enabling significant attack performance against a variety of high-value maritime and land targets. By employing Rafael’s legacy of high-end precision guided munitions, SEA BREAKER serves as a pinpoint, surgical force multiplier both on land and at sea. DSEI is the first time the system is being displayed at a global defense exhibition or outside Israel.
DRONE DOME: an end-to-end, combat proven counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) providing all-weather, 360-degree rapid defense against hostile drones. DRONE DOME detects even small targets at distances over 3.5 km, intercepts and neutralizes with soft and hard kill measures, while inflicting minimal damage to the surrounding environment yet maximum safety to friendly aircraft.
SPIKE Missile Family: This family of 5th generation, multi-purpose, EO-guided missile systems providing pinpoint accuracy on land, at sea, and in the air. It can upgrade helicopters into powerful force multipliers, enabling ultra-long standoff ranges and enhanced lethality in a lightweight package and extended mission endurance.
TROPHY APS: As the world’s only operational, combat-proven active protection system for armored fighting vehicles, TROPHY APS detects, classifies, and engages incoming threats and delivers unmatched survivability and maneuverability for all vehicle classes.
BNET SDR: an advanced, tactical Broadband IP Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) Software Defined Radio (SDR) providing reliable high-speed, low-delay connectivity for broadband data, voice and video on-the-move for ground and airborne platforms, HQs, and dismounted soldiers. The modular, multi-band, multi-channel, net-centric system enables unprecedented data rates and user numbers, enabling all land, sea, and air units to participate in a single, seamless, scalable network.
FIRE WEAVER: a networked system connecting all battlefield elements in real time, instantly selecting the most relevant shooter for every acquired target. Simultaneously handling multiple targets using AI and data fusion, it enables warfighters to receive and share battlefield data via augmented reality icons on their weapon sights, creating a common situational awareness picture for all participants.
04 Sep 21. Agile, compact and full of power, the MRZR Alpha is the newest light tactical vehicle from Polaris Government and Defense, the largest ultralight tactical vehicle provider for the US military, and a division of global powersports leader Polaris Inc. The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ 11th military vehicle produced in 12 years and it 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.
Developed for US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the MRZR Alpha supports requirements for a longer life-cycle while increasing performance and payload and maintaining internal air transportability. The MRZR Alpha is currently under General Services Administration (GSA) contract through the Light Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (LTATV) programme, which has a value of up to $109 million and was awarded on May 29, 2020.
“By following the demanding requirements and feedback from US Special Operations Forces, we’ve created the highest performing MRZR yet – and in the process, established an all-new breed of vehicle that is still internally transportable via V-22 in a more capable package to ensure mission success,” said Nick Francis, director, Polaris Defense. “The MRZR Alpha is powerful and flexible enough for expanded missions, provides more durability to meet an extended life-cycle and is agile in off-road environments to best support operators, yet compact and lightweight for tactical air transport.”
The MRZR’s light weight and off-road capabilities make it ideal for transport via helicopter and operation in terrain that would otherwise be traversed on foot. Since their introduction, MRZRs have been outfitted with counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), direct-fire weapons, high-energy laser systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, tactical aviation ground refuelling systems, expeditionary command and control systems, autonomy packages, litters for casualty evacuation and communication equipment. First introduced in 2012, Polaris has continued to enhance the MRZR platform to meet the mission demands of the US military, and over 40 allied forces worldwide – and the MRZR Alpha ups the ante once again.
Beyond infantry support, the MRZR Alpha’s enhanced system design and payload capacity expand its possible mission roles to include indirect fire weapons, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) systems, network-on-the-move, logistics and missile launch. The MRZR Alpha retains a 1500 lb 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 now a mission kit provides ROPS for two additional rear-facing seats.
A new chassis provides a larger and more durable foundation for the latest MRZR, which is powered by a high-performance 8-speed automotive transmission and a powerful, yet quiet, 4-stroke, 118 hp turbo-diesel engine. 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 manoeuvrability 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.
The payload for the MRZR Alpha two and four-seat variants increases to 1400 and 2000 lbs, respectively, and the range at gross-vehicle weight (GVW) increases to 225 miles for expanded mission flexibility. It is heavy-fuel compatible – including DF1, DF2, JP8 and F24 – and can achieve a top speed of over 60 mph to support convoy operations. An expanded off-road profile is made possible with 12 inches of ground clearance at full GVW, high clearance dual A-arm front and rear suspension with payload leveling, and 32-inch, 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.
Like all Polaris military platforms, the new MRZR Alpha continues a legacy 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. 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.
Polaris will support the MRZR Alpha worldwide as a global company with over 3,500 dealers and products sold to 120 countries. Polaris has been supplying traditional technical and parts manuals along with in-person training to the military for years – and leveraging corporate resources, Polaris can also offer new training opportunities to the military. Best-in-class online training videos, app-based technologies and computer aided modeling within electronic technical manuals are currently offered to Polaris’ dealers and can be easily adapted to train today’s military technician.
Dedicated Military Field Service Representatives (FSRs) have been teaching operator and maintainer training courses for more than 12 years to the US and its allies. Polaris also provides world-class parts distribution – an established inventory management system allows for proactive management of parts inventory, minimizes lead time for parts and reduces the logistics for supply chain planning and management.
Throughout the 1980s and 90s, the United States military’s rising demand for Polaris off-road vehicles led to Polaris being the first ATV OEM to produce militarized vehicles for US Special Operations Forces and the United States Army. To better serve its military customers, Polaris established Polaris Defense in 2005. Today, Polaris offers full programme management and logistics support to manage traditional programmes of record for domestic and international customers. Polaris designs, engineers and produces its MV850 ATV, MRZR and DAGOR military vehicles in the US. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
10 Sep 21. Digital Concepts Engineering (DCE) has three UGVs on stands at DSEI:
1. A collaboration between Ford Motor Company (H4-405), Ricardo, us (DCE), TP Group and Domo Tactical Communications. This is an optionally manned/autonomous Ford Ranger aimed at long-range re-supply and SF operators.
2. A demonstration of a DCE X3 ISTAR UGV integrated with CGI’s OpenLand 360 Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) Command and Control interface. This shows how, in future, a UGV could be seamlessly integrated as part of a fighting force and operated by the crew of an IFV etc.
3. On the stand of Domo Tactical Communications (radios) (H2-806) DCE has their X4 amphibious UGV, developed for unmanned survey of wet gap crossing points.
31 Aug 21. Milrem Robotics to Provide Engineering Expertise for the Upgrade of Estonian CV90’s. The European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics will support the upgrade of the Estonian Defence Forces CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles with engineering expertise as part of a consortium led by Go Craft and Scania Estonia.
In June 2021 the Estonian Centre of Defence Investment awarded Go Craft and Scania Estonia a 29,3 MEUR contract for upgrading 37 CV90 vehicles procured from Norway in 2016.
Over the next two years, the companies with the support of Milrem Robotics will refurbish all 37 CV90’s and convert 31 into different types of supporting vehicles, including fire support, engineering, and anti-tank roles, specifically based on the need of the Estonian Defence Forces 1st Infantry Brigade Scouts Battalion.
Milrem Robotics provides expertise in engineering, manage prototyping of the end products, prepares operator and maintenance-oriented documents as well as conducts operator and maintenance-oriented training.
“Milrem Robotics has developed extensive engineering competence over the last 8 years. We have a strong team in the Nordic countries with competence not only in autonomous navigation, but as well in hybrid drive, electrical and mechanical engineering, and systems integration. The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is proof of these competences. This CV90 project is a good example that we can work with more traditional and manned vehicles as well,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.
“Entrusting Go Craft with this technically extremely demanding work is a great recognition of our work so far and we take the responsibility seriously. As the technical task and work effort in the given time frame is ambitious, we have supplemented our team and chosen sub-contractors to support our mission. Milrem Robotics was the best choice to lead the mechanical engineering process to make the final design with the needed and chosen components according to all military standards and as ergonomic and user friendly,” said Tormis Saar, Head of Military Field in Go Craft.
“The CV90 support vehicles rebuild programme is the most complicated engineering project entrusted to the Estonian defence industry. This fact illustrates the maturity of our industry to handle large scale and complex defence projects. Milrem Robotics can definitely be considered as a flagship of those industrial capabilities and we are waiting forward to cooperating with them during the design phase of the project,” said Ivar Janson, Strategic Category Manager for Armoured Vehicles at the ECDI.
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.
Milrem Robotics is the leader of a consortium that was awarded 30,6 MEUR from the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS). During the project, titled iMUGS, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem for aerial and ground platforms, command, control and communication equipment, sensors, payloads, and algorithms. (Source: ASD Network)
27 Aug 21. Patria and CSM sign MoU for 8×8 armoured vehicle project. The cooperation is expected to offer practical training opportunities for secondary and university-level students. Finnish firm Patria and Slovakia engineering firm CSM Industry have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the eight-wheeled armoured vehicle project. The partnership covers the delivery and sale of 8×8 armoured vehicles.
According to Patria, the production capabilities of the Slovakian firm meet the defence industry requirements and will support the project.
Patria Land business unit president Jussi Järvinen said: “We would like to contribute to the development of the engineering and defence industry in Slovakia, which has a long tradition in this country.
“It is also important to look for common opportunities and contribute to the development of this segment in Slovakia with our experience and innovations. By developing the manufacturing network in Slovakia for the 8×8 vehicle project, Patria will create new jobs in the Slovak industry.”
The cooperation between Patria and CSM is expected to result in the creation of new employment openings in the future.
It will also benefit the secondary and university-level students by providing opportunities for practical training.
CSM Industry CEO Tomáš Maroš said: “CSM has represented the traditional Slovak engineering industry since 1967, and the partnership with Patria brings a combination of traditional values and new technology advancement from Finland.
“We are happy to start a new journey together, which means new opportunities for the region with high unemployment and skill development for future generations.”
In January, Patria finalised the fire-on-the-move capability for the land-based variant of Patria Nemo, a single-barrelled remote-controlled mortar turret system. (Source: army-technology.com)
30 Aug 21. Joint 6×6 programme proceeds – Patria provides 6×6 armoured vehicles for Finland and Latvia. Finland and Latvia together with Patria have signed a Frame Agreement for a production phase management of the joint 6×6 armoured vehicle system. Within this agreement the parties involved can exercise joint procurement management, achieving technical and economic benefits from the overall procurement scope of the programme.
At the same time, Latvia and Patria signed a supply contract comprising over 200 pieces 6×6 armoured personnel carriers developed under the joint development programme, also including their support and training systems. The vehicle deliveries will take place between 2021 and 2029.
Finland and Patria in turn signed a Letter of Intent on the forthcoming serial order of Finland.
The joint programme is open to other countries with the mutual consent of the participating countries. In general, this common vehicle system will improve the mobility, cost-effectiveness, interoperability, and security of supply of armies in the participating countries.
“The serial production start of 6×6 vehicles is a significant milestone for us, and we at Patria are proud of providing our expertise in the joint programme, which offers a very cost-effective solution for the participating countries. We believe that this will certainly be of interest also to other countries which are keen on enhancing their army mobility”, states Esa Rautalinko, President and CEO of Patria.
“Patria 6×6 vehicle is our latest product combining excellent off-road mobility and ease of use. Long life cycle and efficient maintainability make it very cost-efficient to operate. It adapts to several mission needs and provides high versatility to match future needs. We think that Patria 6×6 is simply the best of the market for this purpose. We at Patria have potential for creating production and maintenance capacity building up the security of supply capability”, says Jussi Järvinen, President of Patria’s Land business unit.
The Patria 6×6 vehicle combines all the proven features of Patria XA and AMV vehicles. It is simplified, reliable and designed to meet the highest requirements of customers. Its capable off-road mobility is guaranteed by an efficient power unit and the independent suspension familiar from Patria AMV vehicle. Due to the spacious interior and well-defined functions, the vehicle is easy to operate and to train.
02 Sep 21. BAE Systems Offers Advanced, Combat-Proven CV90 to Czech Army in Partnership with VOP. BAE Systems has confirmed its bid submission to provide the combat-proven CV90 to the Czech Ministry of Defence for the BMP II Replacement Program. In partnership with state-owned defense integrator VOP CZ s.p., the team’s offer will ensure the production and delivery of the CV90 MkIV Infantry Fighting Vehicle on schedule and to budget, as well as support the sovereignty of the Czech Army and Czech industry in the service and future development of the vehicle.
BAE Systems Hägglunds, the manufacturer of the CV90, has delivered multiple CV90 export programs to European customers. The team’s highly successful and proven industrial cooperation approach is closely aligned to the Czech Republic’s industrial aspirations, including the co-development and delivery of tracked combat vehicles with VOP CZ s.p.. BAE Systems also has arrangements with more than 30 state- and privately-owned companies, as well as ongoing and planned future collaboration with Czech Academia including the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU).
“We are confident that the advanced capabilities of the offered CV90 MkIV is the best choice for the Czech Army, to protect its soldiers and secure the future of its nation’s defense forces as well its defense industry,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. ”BAE Systems’ successful industrial cooperation goes beyond the mechanical assembly of the vehicle or the creation of new factories. Our offering is based on Czech defense industries playing a high-value and strategic role in the development, production, training, and support of the vehicle and all its variants.”
The CV90 MkIV offer also includes the most recent turret configuration designed to provide increased capabilities through the integration of the latest generation of sensors and active survivability systems, added weapon capabilities, and enhanced crew and squad ergonomics. Built on combat-proven experience and data analysis from the CV90’s seven existing users, the improved CV90 MkIV turret also reduces cognitive load on crews through greater use of A.I. to meet the growing needs of the modern battlefield.
“We believe our strategic relationship with VOP CZ s.p., combined with the modern, combat-proven CV90 MkIV, is the right formula for a successful program in the Czech Republic,” concluded Gustafsson-Rask.
The CV90 is in operation with seven nations: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. With close to 1,300 CV90s of numerous variants in service, the vehicle has a combat-proven track record and is designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
31 Aug 21. Allison Transmission Expands eGen Power e-Axle Portfolio to Address Wide Range of Vehicle Applications and Markets. Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional, electric hybrid and fully electric vehicle propulsion solutions, announces the addition of its eGen Power 100S and 130D e-Axles to its fully electric portfolio of propulsion solutions at ACT Expo in Long Beach, Cal.
“We believe there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to electrification and a variety of products are needed to address the wide range of applications and market segments Allison serves,” said John Coll, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service for Allison Transmission. “Thus we are currently and will continue to expand our family of electric axles.”
Allison first launched its eGen Power 100D in 2020 and has since spent time stringently validating and where necessary refining the e-Axle with most of the major OEMs in North America. This e-Axle features two electric motors, each capable of generating greater than 200 kilowatts of continuous power, with peak combined power of 648 kilowatts.
The eGen Power 100D also integrates a two-speed gearbox within the central housing, enabling the high torque required to get heavy loads moving, while also offering the benefit of superior efficiency at cruise speed. The eGen Power 100D is capable of supporting up to a 10.4 tonne or 23,000 pound gross axle weight rating and also includes differential lock functionality.
Additionally, Allison has expanded its dual motor offerings to include the eGen Power 130D, a variant of the 100D, specifically designed for the European and Asia Pacific markets, where many commercial vehicles require a heavier 13 tonne gross axle weight rating. The eGen Power 130D maintains the same core components, performance, and differentiated value as the eGen Power 100D, including the power ratings previously mentioned for the 100D, but with increased axle weight rating capability.
In further expanding the eGen Power product portfolio, Allison also announces the first single motor variant in the eGen Power series of e-Axles, the eGen Power 100S. Leveraging core components from the eGen Power 100D such as the motor, inverter and shifting mechanism, the 100S offers exceptional performance characteristics in both 4×2 and 6×4 configurations. The 100S uses a single motor to generate 212 kilowatts of continuous power, with a peak power of 324 kilowatts, and 23,500 newton meters of torque at the wheels. The 100S offers a 10.4 tonne gross axle weight rating and features a two-speed parallel axis gear architecture, efficiently meeting application launch and highway cruise demands, while maximizing energy recovery through 100% regenerative braking capability. The 100S expands the eGen Power addressable market to include school bus, medium duty, and heavy duty tractor and straight truck 6×2 and 6×4 applications, including refuse.
Like the 100D and 130D dual motor e-Axles, the 100S is a platform architecture upon which further variants will be developed, is simple to install and easily integrates into existing truck chassis. The eGen Power e-Axle family are designed to be 100% maintenance-free for the life of the vehicle, significantly reducing downtime and enhancing eGen Power’s total cost of ownership advantage. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
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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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