25 Aug 22. Hanwha unveils upgraded variant of K9 Thunder for Royal Artillery at DVD. For the first time in Europe, Hanwha Defense will be exhibiting the most up-to-date version of the K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) at DVD 2022, which will take place on 21st and 22ND September at UTAC Millbrook. During the biennial defence exhibition, the South Korean defence giant will demonstrate how the platform is the most credible solution for the UK Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) programme, offering a tried, tested and trusted solution.
For the MFP programme, Hanwha Defense has formed “Team Thunder,” a unique international partnership with defence manufacturers in the UK to develop and produce a local and advanced variant of the K9, the world’s most proven SPH in service with nine countries around the globe, including NATO members and UK allies.
Team Thunder currently includes Lockheed Martin UK, Leonardo, Pearson Engineering, Horstman Defence Systems, and Soucy Defense. The team is bidding to supply 116 self-propelled howitzers to the Royal Artillery as part of the Ministry of Defence’s MFP Programme.
Team Thunder will be focused on maximising the benefits of this partnership to the UK and is fully committed to creating hundreds of new highly-skilled jobs in the UK supply chain as well as local training programmes and veteran employment. Many of these jobs will be located in former industrial heartlands, with a significant proportion of jobs created in the North East of England as well as in Scotland.
09 Sep 22. Mobile Fires Programme laid out. During a briefing by Lockheed Martin UK this week, the speaker laid out the UK MoD and DE&S has now formulated the timetable for the Mobile Fires Requirement to buy a new fleet of 116 (max), either wheeled or tracked or mixed fleet of 532 calibre 155mm self-propelled howitzers. There have been 4 RFIs so far.
Initial Gate will be 4th Quarter 2022
PQQ issues Q1 2023 with a 90 day period followed by a 90 day selection process, where there will be a down select for two systems. The systems being offered are believed to be the Hanwha K9-A2 as chosen by Poland, the Rheinmetall RCH 155mm, the Nexter Caesar, BAE Systems Archer, the Rheinmetall MAN truck mounted system and the KMW truck mounted system.
The Assessment Phase will take place between 2024-25 with Production Award in 2026 with 2030 as an ISD. The possibility remains of a ‘winner takes all.’ Of either wheeled or tracked systems, but BATTLESPACE believes that there will be a mixed fleet. The rumours of an upgrade for the AS90 are believed to be unfounded given the inability to support the system. Lockheed Martin said that a new Team Thunder Teammate will be announced at DVD to add to the team which consists of Hanwha, Lockheed Martin UK, Pearson Engineering and Leonardo. Lockheed Martin UK will build the turrets at their Ampthill facility and also carry out all the required GVA qualification’s and radio fits. The nature of the ammunition remains a key part of Mobile Fires. The teams will offer their own solutions which will be subjected to side-by-side trials. The resupply vehicle will be chosen under a separate Requirement as will the Training package.
15 Sep 22. Chiltern Global has a full Ukraine uniform set up on their stand. They are the only company to offer this uniform in the UK at the present time. Chiltern Global has also been one of the key contributors of equipment for the government training effort working along side our partners within the UK. Stand No. C3-701
15 Sep 22. Sharkcage at DVD – C4-102. SHARKCAGE has focused solely on military logistic equipment for almost two decades. We have developed unique logistic solutions in conjunction with the US military to ensure warfighters are ready to deploy within hours.
SHARKCAGE has been working closely with the US Military and NATO forces since 1998. Through innovative product development, extensive testing, and customer feedback from military operations, we have created products that solve a broad spectrum of logistical challenges.
It is more important than ever before that warfighters have the ability to react quickly to crises and conflicts all over the world. Our storage products are developed to move seamlessly between storage, transport and operation, giving the customer the necessary flexibility to reduce load out times, transition rapidly, and increase material security. With SHARKCAGE storage products, the US Military is always ready to deploy.
Our main office is located in Spring Branch, Texas, with regional offices in Phoenix, Ft. Hood, Fayetteville, and Jacksonville. Our European office is located in Oslo, Norway with a field office in Riga, Latvia.
The SHARKCAGE team comprises veterans from multiple branches of the US Armed Forces. This ensures an extensive knowledge of all parts of the military logistical chain. We´re focused on finding the right solution for your logistical challenges.
Perhaps this situation sounds familiar. Your unit has received a mission to deploy somewhere overseas, or you are already overseas and returning to your home station. You have packed all your equipment and are ready to go; then, you meet the customs inspection team, and they tell you that wood is not allowed. So, your unit quickly decides we will just take everything out of the wooden crates and floor load it into containers. This takes almost all day to accomplish but you are determined to make the mission work. Finally, you get everything onto the ship, and it is on the way. Fast forward to the destination, and it is time to unload. Perhaps you were allowed to keep the material in the wooden boxes but when you start pulling material out it is saturated with mold from the saltwater during transport and about 30% of it is damaged. Or, you had it floor loaded in a container and somehow everything you loaded is no longer in the container; somewhere or somehow items are missing. Sound familiar? We have all been there.
Traditionally, this organization has relied on large wooden crates for the storage of their tentage and accessories known as SL-3. Over time, the use of these wooden crates revealed recurring problems. These problems had a fiscal liability as well as a shipping and physical liability.
Fiscally, the organization had to spend approximately $120k annually to replace wooden crates; additionally, storing in the wooden crates prevented airflow which led to damage of the tentage stored in the form of mildew. This resulted in further liability for replacing the damaged material.
A shipping liability was identified regarding customs and agricultural clearance where many countries don’t allow wood products to be imported. This significantly reduced their readiness and ability to operate rapidly since they would often have to unpackage the material inside the wooden crates, discard the wood and simply stuff the containers with the material that was unloaded. This significantly impacted accountability, organization, security, and time. Property was even lost due to responding rapidly to the situation and ensuring the mission moved forward which led to FLPLs.
Other limitations of the wooden crates included loading and security. There was no way to lock the crates, so they are very easy to break into. When it comes to loading and unloading, the crates are only accessible from the top. Loading heavy equipment is physically demanding enough without the added challenge of lifting it 3-4 feet off the ground. This often requires more personnel for the tasks of loading and unloading content from wooden crates.
Ultimately, the organization felt it was wasting a lot of resources towards the management of material which is deemed mission critical. Here is some of the waste identified:
- • Several hours to do inventory due to a lack of visibility and accessibility
- • Equipment damage due to minimal air circulation inside the wooden crates
- • Several hours to unload content because wood was not allowed into a port
- • Discarding unallowed wood only to procure it again when they got back to home station
- • Equipment loss due to inability to lock the crates (SL-3 BII loss)
THE SOLUTION
SHARKCAGE proposed modifying one of our existing products to meet their requirements. The Tactical Basket family of products already has gridded sides which promote airflow, plated bottoms and tops to prevent snagging of material, accessibility from the front and top, and the ability to lock with a standard issue padlock. The reason for modification was transportability. This organization used low-cube 20’ containers to transport their material which meant we had to reduce the height of our existing basket to accommodate stacking two-high in a low-cube container. Obviously, when you reduce height, you lose some space, so we also increased the width of the existing cage to compensate. The result was a Tactical Basket L+.
However, just having a designed solution for their challenge we further provided two prototypes for them to evaluate and test to ensure it met their needs. After testing the prototypes, the organization determined it met all their requirements and moved forward with implementing the solution.
THE RESULTS
The unit has incorporated 100 Tactical Basket L+’s to their operations and have already experienced significant improvements.
- • Immediate reduction of $120K annually for replacing wooden crates
- • The ability to rapidly deploy these 100 Tactical Baskets without any shipping or import issues in the Pacific
- • Significant savings on time spent for inventory and accountability
- • Assumed reduction in FLPLs and replacement costs of damaged and lost equipment but they are unable to confirm since they deployed the solution almost immediately after implementing it
12 Sep 22. Hanwha Defense presents advanced defence systems at MSPO 2022 following the latest contract to supply K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers to Poland. The largest and most influential defence company in South Korea, Hanwha Defense showcases its sophisticated defence systems and technologies at the 30th edition of the MSPO International Defence and Security Technology fair, from September 6 to 9, in Kielce, Poland.
This year’s MSPO comes on the heels of the massive arms acquisition deals between Poland and South Korea, for which Hanwha Defense was contracted to supply hundreds of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs) and other equipment. Hanwha Defense signed the first phase of Executive Contract with Poland on August 26 to deliver a package of K9 artillery systems and ammunition between 2022 and 2026 as part of the Framework Agreement concluded in late July. During the arms trade show, Hanwha Defense will present a variety of its defence capabilities, including the package solution of the K9 SPH and K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle; the futuristic Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle; and the BIHO II modular short-range air defence system. In addition, Hanwha Corporation, a sister company of Hanwha Defense, will showcase its precision guided missiles and ammunition packages.
“Following the back-to-back framework and executive contracts with Poland, the MSPO 2022 will be the venue for us to show and prove our determination and capability to cooperate with the Polish Government and local industry by presenting a wide range of advanced defence solutions meeting the requirements of the Polish Armed Forces,” said Billy Lee Boo-hwan, Executive Vice President of Overseas Business Division, Hanwha Defense. “We’re fully committed to establishing stronger partnerships with the Government of Poland and industry stakeholders in the spirit of cooperation and trust.”
The Hanwha-Warsaw partnership has grown with the successful implementation of the AHS Krab project under a 2014 contract. Under the Krab programme, Hanwha supplied the K9 chassis to Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) to build 120 Krab SPHs for the Polish Army. In a move to expand its footprint in Poland and other European nations, Hanwha Defense plans to open a Polish business office by the end of 2022.
“I’m very proud that the partnership between Hanwha Defense and Poland have grown to enter a new phase of expanded cooperation based on the latest Framework Agreement and Executive Contract,” said Mr. Son Jaeil, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense. “Poland will be a hub base for Hanwha’s global expansion, especially in Europe. To that end, we are dedicated to work together with the Government of Poland with full partnership and trust.” Over 1,700 K9 units are currently in service with seven countries, including four NATO members (Turkey, Poland, Norway and Estonia), while Australia and Egypt have ordered hundreds of K9s to enter service in the coming years. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
05 Sep 22. Saab’s MSHORAD System Successfully Demonstrated with Live Firing. Saab has conducted the first Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) live system firing for an audience of various national delegations. In a series of firings, the system identified, tracked and engaged several targets.
The firings took place during August 30 in Karlskoga, Sweden. Potential customers from 15 nations attended the live firing. A total of five successful firings were performed from the RBS 70 NG Mobile Firing Unit on the MARS-S330 vehicle against a variety of targets, including a drone and an elevated helicopter airframe. During one firing scenario the vehicle mounted sight was taken off and reconfigured as a man portable firing unit. A night firing was also conducted against a towed target.
“These successful firings proves that we have a fully operable mobile air defence solution. These firings highlights the value of a single supplier being able to deliver everything from radar to the firing unit, including a GBAD C2 solution. The combination of our Giraffe 1X radar and the RBS 70 NG Mobile Firing Unit is the perfect match for a solution with first-class range, altitude coverage and detection,” says Stefan Öberg, head of Saab’s business unit Missile Systems.
MSHORAD is Saab’s response to the new battlefield era, with evolved airborne threats such as the advent of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and other advanced airborne weapons. MSHORAD is a vehicle-integrated solution that can identify, counter and neutralise air threats quickly, effectively and decisively. The system consists of the Mobile Radar Unit, based on the Giraffe 1X radar, the Mobile Firing Unit, based on the RBS 70 NG, all connected with Saab’s GBAD C2. (Source: ASD Network)
31 Aug 22. UK seeks new RCVs for explosive ordnance disposal. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking to procure 50 medium-sized remote-controlled vehicles (RCVs) as part of project Dartrose. A total of GBP25m (USD29m) is available for the procurement, which includes 10-year through-life maintenance, the MoD announced on 25 August. The contract is expected to start on 25 March 2024. The MoD had not responded to questions at the time of publication. In October 2020 a request for information (RFI) was issued for project Dartrose to inform the potential acquisition and support of ‘Remote Controlled Explosive Ordnance Disposal Vehicles’. The Remote Controlled Vehicles Delivery Team (SAM RCV DT) will be responsible for the acquisition, the RFI added.
The team stipulated a requirement for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) RCVs that weigh approximately 60–140 kg, with only minor modifications expected. The provision of ‘Train the Trainer’ maintenance is also required. Deliveries were scheduled to run from 30 September 2021 to 29 September 2026, the RFI noted. (Source: Janes)
09 Sep 22. Lockheed Martin UK offers up Ampthill site for UK M270 MLRS upgrade. Lockheed Martin UK (LMUK) is exploring options to upgrade the British Army’s M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) in the UK, company officials told Janes .
Eve Holding, head of Strategy and Business Development at LMUK, informed Janes at a company briefing on 7 September that LMUK had proposed to upgrade the British Army’s M270 MLRS at their Ampthill site in the UK, to accelerate the modernisation of the vehicles.
Following an agreement with the US Department of Defense (DoD), the UK launched a project to upgrade its M270 MLRS in April 2021. The project includes the installation of improved armoured cabs on 44 launcher vehicles in addition to the modernisation of the automotive and launch mechanism components, scheduled to be installed at the US Army’s Red River Depot in Texas and Lockheed Martin’s facility in Camden, Arkansas. (Source: Janes)
12 Sep 22. MSPO 2022: New Polish ERA system unveiled. The Polish Military Institute for Armament Technologies (WITU) unveiled a new explosive reactive armour (ERA) system at the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO 2022 held in Kielce from 6 to 9 September.
The Pangolin ERA system is designed to increase the protection of armoured vehicles against shaped charge warheads, explosively formed projectiles, and kinetic energy projectiles.
The ERA tiles come in two versions: A smaller 4 kg variant for light applications with 750 g of explosives and a larger 5.8 kg tile for heavy applications with 1,500 g of explosives. The tile dimensions are 150×150 cm, with a depth of 92 cm or 52 cm to accommodate more or less explosive material. The method of construction is understood to be a typical ERA layout of explosive material sandwiched by two steel plates.
The dimensions of the tiles showcased at MSPO 2022 match ERAWA ERA tile dimensions used on Polish PT-91 main battle tanks, facilitating the replacement of the older ERAWA system without modifications. A WITU representative told Janes. (Source: Janes)
13 Sep 22. Kraken Technology Group (KTG) today announced it has partnered with Dillon Aero around the integration of its M134D Miniguns on the K50 KRAKEN maritime gunship. Currently employed by all branches of the U.S. military and in more than 30 countries, Dillon’s M134D Minigun is one of the most reliable weapons in the world given its capacity, simplicity in loading and ease of maintenance. Designed for speed and accuracy, the M134D is a true force multiplier and ideal for the operational requirements of the K50 KRAKEN which includes close proximity maritime engagement.
Dillon’s M134D will combine with systems from recently announced partners Thales and MSI-DS, to ensure all K50 KRAKEN effectors are fully systems-integrated, CMS-led and precisely-aimed for maximum operational efficacy in its maritime precision engagement role.
Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, commented:
“The iconic M134D Minigun has been linked to maritime platforms but never a boat like the K50 KRAKEN. Its legendary firepower is a key ingredient in this definitive maritime precision engagement platform, and our technical collaboration with Dillon Aero will be another critical addition to the focussed effectiveness of the KRAKEN gunship.”
Randy Nance, International Business Development Manager at Dillon Aero, added: “The Dillon Aero team are pleased to be partnering with Kraken, and to be bringing the M134D’s fire power and ability to suppress close range targets to such a game-changing vessel. We’ve not seen anything like the K50 before, and setting new benchmarks in fire-power for ultra-high-performance boats is something we’re excited being a part of.”
08 Sep 22. PGZ and Hanwha Defense to cooperate on K9 howitzer, IFV, and MLRS projects. The companies will work jointly on the production, servicing, and future manufacturing of the howitzers. Poland’s Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU ) with South Korean enterprise Hanwha Defense to cooperate on K9 self-propelled howitzer development. The MOU was signed during the International Defense Industry Exhibition MSPO in Kielce. The deal specifies the role of the companies in the manufacturing, maintenance, support services, and life-cycle costs of the K9 howitzers.
The latest deal follows Poland’s plan to procure 672 K9 self-propelled howitzers to replace the S21 ‘Goździk’ howitzers.
These howitzers will be produced, serviced, and repaired within PGZ.
As part of the MOU , both PGZ and Hanwha Defense will jointly focus on the project related to the procurement of the howitzers.
The cooperation also seeks to modernise the K9 howitzers to K9PL standard and hold joint research and development (R&D) on a new field artillery system.
The companies will expand their partnership in R&D, manufacturing, overhaul, and modernisation of related solutions for Polish, South Korean, and third party projects.
The MOU also provides a scope for future collaborations between PGZ and Hanwha Defense in the fields of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).
PGZ Management Board president Sebastian Chwałek said: “The Polish defence industry has over a decade of fruitful cooperation with Hanwha Defense. The most recognisable effect of this cooperation are the KRAB howitzers, [a] not-so-distant relative of the K9 SPH.
“Today’s agreement is the next stage of this cooperation, which will translate into the development of both our economies and an increase in the potential of armed forces of our countries.”
In September 2021, PGZ and Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne jointly secured a long-term contract to overhaul Poland’s BWP-1 IFVs. (Source: army-technology.com)
29 Aug 22. Hanwha Defense Signs 2.4bn Contract to Supply K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers to Poland. Hanwha Defense signed an execution contract on August 26 to supply K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs) to Poland.
Valued some $2.4bn, the contract is the first phase of the framework agreement, signed in late July, as part of the efforts to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces.
Under the latest contract, Hanwha Defense will supply a package of K9 SPHs and 155mm artillery ammunition, along with training and logistics support, between 2022 and 2026, with a follow-up execution contract expected to be sealed as early as by the end of this year.
The contract is the largest in the history of K9 SPH’s global exports, as nine countries _ South Korea, Turkey, Poland, India, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Australia and Egypt _ have ordered the K9 since 2001.
A signing ceremony was held at a military base in the northern Poland town of Morag, attended by distinguished guests including Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak; Eom Dong-hwan, Minister of South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration; Yoo Dong-joon, head of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense’s Office of Military Force and Resources Management; Son Jaeil, CEO and President of Hanwha Defense; and Sebastian Chwalek, Chairman of the Polish defense group, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ).
“Today’s signing of the Execution Contract with Poland is a significant milestone in advancing the long-standing partnership between Hanwha Defense and Poland,” said Son Jaeil, CEO and President of Hanwha Defense. “Hanwha Defense will be the most reliable partner for Poland and is fully committed to contributing to Poland’s military modernization and the growth of the local defence industry.”
The bilateral partnership has grown with the successful AHS Krab SPH development project under which Hanwha Defense supplied the K9 chassis to help the local industry manufacture the Krab self-propelled gun for the Polish military. The success of the Krab programme has proved that defence collaboration between Hahwha Defense and Poland works very effectively.
Hanwha Defense will open a Polish business office by the year’s end in an effort to expand its footprint in the European market, as well as solidify the partnership further with Warsaw.
“Poland will be a hub base for Hanwha’ global expansion, especially in Europe,” said Lee Boo-hwan, Executive Vice President of Hanwha Defense’s Overseas Business Division. “Our goal is to establish stronger partnerships with NATO members and local businesses in Europe based on trust and cooperation.”
Hanwha Defense has already signed contracts with four NATO member countries Turkey, Poland, Norway and Estonia to supply the K9 artillery systems and is set to bid for the UK Mobile Fires Platform programme.
Developed by the South Korean state-funded Agency for Defense Development and Hanwha Defense in 1998, the K9 Thunder is by far the most technologically proven SPH solution with the market share of 52 percent in the global SPH market. Over 1,700 K9 units are currently in service with seven countries. Australia, Egypt and Poland are to operate hundreds of more K9s in coming years, so that K9’s market share is likely to increase to a greater extent. (Source: ASD Network)
BATTLESPACE Comment: A Hanwha spokesman told BATTLESPACE that Poland will actually get K9A1 artillery delivered this year. The guns will be upgraded from A1 to A2 in-country and the number increased by a quantity of new build K9A2s to be built jointly by Korean and Polish industry. That would be a good route for the UK to follow. It would overcome the current massive shortfall of effective 155mm guns in the Royal Artillery, it would meet CGS’ objective of speeding up the delivery of planned new equipment as stated in Op. Mobilise and it would deliver a sovereign defence manufacturing capability to the UK through Team Thunder, which is already in place.
05 Sep 22. Poland to order 48 Krab howitzers for nearly $800m. Poland will order 48 more AHS Krab self-propelled howitzers and 36 accompanying vehicles from local arms producer Huta Stalowa Wola for 3.8bn zlotys ($797m), National Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Monday.
“This is a second contract, the first was concluded in 2016, and is still being implemented … the contract value is 3.8 bn zlotys,” Blaszczak said.
In 2016, the Polish military ordered 96 self-propelled howitzers from Huta Stalowa Wola to be delivered by 2024.
The AHS Krab has a maximum firing range of 40 kilometres.
Russia’s invasion on Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “special military operation” has raised security fears among many former eastern bloc countries, and NATO member Poland has vowed to boost defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product and more than double the size of its army to deter any attacks. At the end of May, Polish radio said Poland had given Ukraine 18 AHS Krab self-propelled howitzers. ($1 = 4.7691 zlotys) (Source: Google/Reuters)
25 Aug 22. ‘Vampire’ to transform Ukraine pickups into deadly missile launchers. The U.S. is sending Ukraine “Vampire” kits that transform pickup trucks and other non-tactical vehicles into highly portable missile launchers. As part of a $3bn package for Ukraine that the Pentagon announced Wednesday, the Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment system is a portable kit that can be installed on most vehicles with a cargo bed for launching the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System or other laser-guided munitions.
The L3Harris-made weapon ― a small, four-barreled rocket launcher and sensor ball ― can be mounted in two hours and operated by a single person, the company said. It can be equipped with missiles to hit ground or air targets including unmanned aircraft systems.
“The Vampire system itself is a counter-UAS system, ” said Colin Kahl, undersecretary of defense for policy, said at a press briefing Wednesday. “It is a kinetic system that uses small missiles essentially to shoot UAVs out of the sky.”
While the Vampire system isn’t advertised as a counter-drone weapon on L3Harris’ website, Ukraine has used similar munition-style weapons to take down drones throughout its conflict with Russia.
As the Russia conflict crosses the six-month mark, the most recent aid package is aimed at providing sustainable and affordable options to Ukraine. Alongside the Vampire, the Pentagon is also sending Puma drones and a host of ammunition.
“Our VAMPIRE system will provide the Ukrainian people with even more robust capabilities as they continue to defend their country and democracy in Europe,” Melbourne, Fla.-based L3Harris said in a statement to C4ISRNET. “We will continue to offer our steadfast support of their mission.”
Drone warfare has been heavily utilized by both sides in the six-month-old conflict, with many being sourced from countries outside the war.
Kyiv has drawn support from the U.S. and the United Kingdom, both of whom pledged new drones and counter-drone technology to the conflict on Wednesday, Ukraine’s Independence Day. Russia, meanwhile, has looked to Iran to sustain its supply of drones, according to U.S. officials.
The Vampire is part of a larger package in aid to Ukraine, bringing the total amount supplied to the country during the Russia-Ukraine conflict to more than $13.5bn since the start of the Biden administration.
The Biden administration selected the Vampire — a low-cost and easy-to-assemble weapon compared to other counter-drone measures, such as electronic warfare technologies — for a package advertised as providing supplies for Ukraine’s long-term needs.
“We’re trying to be very deliberate about what systems we think makes the most sense for Ukraine to have in that context, and it also matters very much: Can they sustain it? Can they afford it? Because of course billions of dollars of international assistance may not be something 10 years from now or 20 years from now,” Kahl said.
When the Pentagon did not disclose which “Vampire” system they were sending to Ukraine, it fueled to speculation on social media on as to what weapon the Ukrainians were set to receive. L3Harris confirmed evening that the system in question was the rocket equipment.
The rocket launcher isn’t the first weapon nicknamed after the creature of the night to enter the conflict.
Footage published by the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on July 11, shows Ukraine using the Czech Republic’s RM-70 VAMPIR 122mm Multiple Launch Rocket Systems.
The Czech system, which is designed by Excalibur Army, looks similar to the L3Harris’ weapon, with a rocket-launching system as the main feature. Unlike the L3Harris system, the MLRS Vampire uses a large military vehicle rather than a simple pickup truck as its launching platform.
“Ukrainian MLRS Vampire aren’t afraid of sunlight,” the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense said in a Tweet accompanying the video. “They are not afraid of anybody; they’re just doing their job.” (Source: Defense News)
09 Aug 22. Boeing, Nammo successfully test Ramjet air-breathing, longer-distance artillery. The recent test verified the projectile’s flight stability and propulsion system. Next up: guided flight.
Boeing and Norwegian defense company Nammo successfully tested their air-breathing artillery projectile during a recent test in the Nordic nation, the companies announced today, the latest development in the US Army’s effort to develop longer range artillery for future conflicts.
The Ramjet 155 projectile is part of the Army’s XM1155 program, an effort under the service’s Extended Range Artillery Munition Suite Technology effort that’s exploring advanced technology to extend the reach and effectiveness of artillery rounds.
“We believe the Boeing Ramjet 155, with continued technology maturation and testing, can help the U.S. Army meet its long-range precision fires modernization priorities,” said Steve Nordlund, Boeing Phantom Works vice president and general manager, said in a statement. “This successful test is evidence that we are making great progress.”
According to Dan Palmeter, business development lead for Boeing Phantom Works, the June 28 test successfully verified that the ramjet projectile could stay stable in flight and that the ramjet engine was able to ignite to sufficiently propel it.
“The biggest challenge we’ve had with it is to get it stable, get it flying, get good thrust [and] get good motor burn,” Palmeter told Breaking Defense in an interview at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Ala.
Boeing describes the Ramjet 155 projectile as a “hybrid” between guided artillery and a missile. The successful test of the ramjet projectile is an important step forward, Palmeter said, because now Nammo and Boeing can focus on other capabilities, such as range.
“Once you have the propulsion and the stability figured out, then comes the range, the guidance and the rest of the system,” Palmeter said.
According to a Boeing fact sheet, the ramjet technology aims to extend the Army’s 155m howitzer’s range to more than 70 kilometers, up from 40 kilometers.
According to Mark Altobelli, director of Boeing Phantom Works, that the ramjet projectile survived the cannon launch was a victory in itself, as that has presented a challenge in the past. The companies said they have now completed over 450 tests of the artillery.
“In terms of packaging, think of it almost like a philharmonic orchestra,” Palmeter said. “Everything has to be working in concert.”
With the flight stability and propulsion performance verified in the recent test, the team will now work toward guided flights, which Altobelli called the “next big milestone.” Those flights will occur in 2023 and 2024, he said.
The Army awarded Boeing and Nammo a contract in July 2019 to develop the Ramjet 155 projectile and was subsequently awarded a phase two technology development contract in May 2021, according to Boeing.
“We have great confidence in the ramjet concept,” Nammo Chief Executive Officer Morten Brandtzæg said in a statement. “The test — with all aspects from cannon firing, to the projectile body, fins, and trajectory all functioning perfectly — represents a real technological breakthrough in artillery, and a major success for Boeing, Nammo, and the U.S. Army.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense)
23 Aug 22. Live firing exercise tests latest soldier systems. Experts from Dstl have been working with soldiers on a live fire exercise to ensure they are equipped with the most effective kit possible. Using a specially designed obstacle course, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) team conducted a pilot study to assess the effects of the SA-80 L85A2 versus the L85A3 rifle with 6 soldiers from 5th Battalion, The Rifles.
The Soldier Weapon and Equipment Assessment Tool (SWEAT) tests the impact of soldier equipment on firing accuracy, consistency, speed and mobility.
These tests were executed as part of NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO) Research Task Group SAS-145. This research is overseen by STO’s System Analysis and Studies (SAS) Panel, NATO’s Expert Panel for Analytical Advice, which promotes the exchange of trial data and enhance interoperability within the Alliance.
Jon from Dstl said: “The idea behind the SWEAT course is that anyone can measure the effects of future soldier capability, such as a new weapons system, new boots, a new helmet or new body armour, and assess the effect that will provide upon the individual’s lethality. This course for the UK, in the future, will be used to measure the effects of new capabilities for soldiers. The final objective of the trial is for it to be used and developed by NATO nations to develop their own courses that are similar enough to allow interoperability between nations.”
The 2-day exercise took place on Salisbury Plain using a UK SA-80 L85 A2 and updated A3 variants of the individual weapon.
Participants ran the course twice to compare results.
The course consisted of 14 firing points and 36 actions, requiring soldiers to engage targets ranging from 25m to 400m from a variety of firing positions.
Elizabeth, of the US Army, observing on behalf of NATO, said: “It’s doing something novel and innovative. Taking different components that have been separated, so lethality, survivability and mobility – bringing them into a course that comprehensively tests soldier systems. It’s a much better evaluation than has existed before.”
Find out more about Dstl’s areas of work and how we support the MOD and wider government with cutting- edge science and technology.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
17 Jul 22. Hobson Industries Armouring Division, (Stand OR-35) Launches the THEMIS Armour System©. Hobson Industries Armouring is a Division of Hobson Industries, the Lincolnshire, UK based lightweight armour specialists, announce the launch of THEMIS, a lightweight armour system developed directly for use on lightweight 4×4 vehicles.
THEMIS Characteristics for a lightweight and a highly mobile blast and ballistically capable vehicle complete with through life support are:
- The appliqué armour system addresses many of the problems associated with current
hard armour systems. THEMIS at 50m² on new vehicles is the lightest Stanag 1 and PAS300 tested and certified blast and ballistic system in service and is well within the GVW.
- The ballistic glass system is also unique being of cassette design and although it forms part of the armour system, damaged transparent armour can be replaced in the field in minutes.
- The blast protection system is also a Hobson innovation and captures event projectiles and absorbs and deflects the blast shock wave. It is well in excess of Stanag 1 and PAS300 requirements.
- There is no welding requirement on the vehicle. The THEMIS armour system© is fully repairable either through RTA or enemy action.
- The THEMIS family is fully through life supportable for an expected 8 – 10-year service life and is upgradable at half-life within its pod structure capability to meet new threats.
- The appliqué armour for post fit has a simple attachment system and is on the principle that the vehicle is fitted for but not with a THEMIS appliqué system to achieve vehicle ballistic upgrade.
- A gun mount THEMIS protection shroud is in development and this will be shown on Hobsons’ stand at the DVD event.
- A new pod system with lightweight structural and ballistic integrity is also in development with outstanding results, the goal being full AP integrity. The INEOS Automotive Grenadier with its 4-tonne armour ready chassis is one of the vehicles of choice for the future.
- THEMIS has been tested against M193, SS109, M855, M80 Ball, 7.62 x 51 L40A1, 7.62 x 39 API, 7.62 x 54R Iron Core and a range .308 and .223 rounds. None penetrated the THEMIS armour system.
- The enhanced STORM chassis was to play a significant role for the future of Land Rover armoured vehicles in military service having been taken up by the Ministry of Defence when upgrading the SNATCH 2. These are now being re-purposed with further upgrades for an alternative use using the THEMIS armour system© as full Stanag 1 armour protected vehicles.
- The THEMIS armour system© is being fitted on to a Land Rover WMIK platform which forms the basis of Hobsons’ Gunship with the resultant weight saving making the traditional WMIK platform a high mobility vehicle as it was originally intended.
The weight reduction using THEMIS armour system© gives the opportunity for an electric drive train for covert and stealth operations. The electrification of the Land Rover WMIK is currently under development by Hobsons with its drive train partner.
- A new gun system is being integrated and remains well within the gross vehicle weight.
The re-purposed and upgraded and ballistically protected CAV 100 SNATCH and Land Rover WMIK Gunship platforms fitted with the THEMIS armour system© will be on display on Hobson Industries stand OR-35 on the Off Road Centre at the MoD DVD Exhibition being held at Millbrook Proving Ground on the 21st and 22nd September 2022.
Peter Hobson, Managing Director of Hobson Industries said, “Protection of light 4×4 vehicles on the battlefield has often been hampered by payload issues, thus armour and protection is limited to providing a vehicle with the protection and mobility within these parameters. Wars and conflicts show that cunning adversaries use overmatch techniques to defeat these protection systems to destroy these vehicles and their occupants on the battlefield. The harrowing photographs of soldiers and their vehicles being decimated by IEDS in Iraq and Afghanistan created a rush by the Allied Forces to produce a range of light vehicles with adequate protection for their occupants. The development of the THEMIS Armour System© can be traced back to the Northern Ireland conflict of the early 1990s.”
The THEMIS Armour System©
The base point for THEMIS is the SNATCH VIXEN CAV 100 S2 glass pod (or similar product), protected with a much-reduced thickness of high hardness steel. Previously the .556 and M193 rounds traditionally took more than 8mm of high hardness armoured steel to achieve. Peter’s knowledge of the physics associated with the ballistic event and the broad understanding of the properties of ballistic materials set about finding a lightweight ballistic protection system. This has been achieved at Stanag Level 1+ at around 50kg m² with the THEMIS armoured pod system and is probably lightest armoured lightweight vehicle in use at this time. The system can also be fitted as an appliqué system for upgrades to current in-service vehicles.
The THEMIS development caught the eye of a UK Government customer and Hobsons was tasked to supply a test vehicle for evaluation. The vehicle was independently ballistically and blast tested to PAS300 methodologies. Vehicle handling characteristics have also been independently validated and certified to PAS301.
“The THEMIS system is a quantum leap in ballistic event management with appliqué armour at around 20.kg² on a CAV100 SNATCH pod upgrade and as a full ballistic solution to Stanag Level 1+ at around 50kg² for new vehicles. The THEMIS armour system© is a result of a combination and understanding of ballistics, physics and knowledge of materials in integration and this opens up areas of ballistic management protection solutions to both new vehicle design and post design for existing in-service light armour protected vehicles.” Peter Hobson continued.
Hobson Industries Limited OR-35
Tel: +44 (0)1507 343 401
Email:
Website: hobsonindustries.co.uk
HOBSON INDUSTRIES are specialists in legacy through life
support to Government and Military Land Rover Defender
vehicle fleet users worldwide. Extensive engineering
facilities provide Manufacturing, Restoration, Armouring,
Equipment Integration, New and Asset Managed Parts to OE
or OEM specification. Display includes Gun Truck armoured
with the Hobson’s THEMIS lightweight armour system© to
Stanag Level 1+. A multi role point of engagement attack
vehicle fitted with a FNH Multi Weapon Mount M2 Heavy
Machine Gun and a GPMG with a crew deployable antiarmour
capability. Wolf Defender 110 fully reconditioned
and fitted out as a Command Vehicle complete with Clark
Mast, air conditioning and 12v, 24v and 230v connections.
Snatch Vixen repurposed and fully reconditioned and
armoured with the Hobson’s THEMIS lightweight armour
system© to Stanag Level 1+. Land Rover Series IIA – an
undisputed 1960s classic icon redefined into a beautiful zero
emissions vehicle suitable for the 21st century.