Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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31 Aug 23. Galvion Teams with NP Aerospace and Establishes UK Helmet Production Hub. Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of military head protection systems and intelligent power and data management solutions, is pleased to announce that it has established a strategic partnership with the UK-based global Defence composites company, NP Aerospace. The relationship is announced as the first batch of NP produced product is accepted and ready to deliver, and marks NP Aerospace becoming a key helmet production partner. NP Aerospace is manufacturing Galvion’s proprietary helmet designs to stringent production specifications and delivering to Galvion’s local UK and continental European customer base.
This new long-term, mutually exclusive partnership will initially focus on the delivery of Galvion’s Cobra® Plus helmets into the UK MoD’s VIRTUS programme. Since contract award in 2015, Galvion has produced and delivered over 200,000 helmet systems to the UK’s VIRTUS programme. NP Aerospace, already a long-standing and trusted supplier of the UK MoD, brings decades of advanced composite material and armour system manufacturing expertise to the venture, ensuring a continuity of production excellence for Galvion’s customers.
With validations, compliance assurance, tools, and technology transfer complete, NP Aerospace has concluded the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) phase and will deliver the first production batch, marking the transition to full operating capability of the new production facility. The on-shore UK production collaboration will shorten supply chains, improve responsiveness, and provide a platform for future support and sustainment, enhancing the UK’s VIRTUS programme customer journey. In addition, this move to regionalization fully aligns with the UK customer’s Land Industrial Strategy (LIS) and places Galvion in a strong position to continue to export to and support yet more European and wider regional customers.
James Kempston, CEO at NP Aerospace said: “NP Aerospace has a strong capability in delivering high volume military helmet programmes. We have delivered 625,000 helmets to UK MoD since the mid-1990s, and we are a long-term trusted supplier on multiple UK DE&S equipment programmes. We are honoured to be partnering with Galvion to continue the legacy of excellence with the UK-manufactured VIRTUS Cobra Plus Helmet and look forward to the opportunities that this relationship presents for the future.”
Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Galvion said: “We are firmly committed to providing best-in-class product and service to our global customer network. The UK’s MoD is an exceedingly high priority for Galvion, and we believe this new alliance represents a win-win for all parties. I’d like to thank all partners involved for working together to benefit our joint customer”. He added: “With everything going on in the world today, regional partnering and collaboration is part of a wider strategic initiative to establish onshore and localized production to enhance delivery, flexibility, responsiveness, and supportability for our customers around the world.”
31 Aug 23. Rheinmetall and WilNor Governmental Services, together with experienced Norwegian and German companies, will collaborate to remove unexploded ordnance in German waters.
By combining maritime and technical expertise, the partners will answer the request for quote issued by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, for ordnance removal.
With reference to an earlier statement by German Naval Yards, Rheinmetall bring together partners to answer the request for quote (RFQ) issued by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). Complimenting experience and infrastructure make for a strong constellation between Rheinmetall, WilNor Governmental Services, and an extended group of companies. Together, the constellation brings extensive experience and technology to remove unexploded ordnance safely and responsibly.
Rheinmetall has extensive and long-standing expertise in this domain, having planned and implemented concepts and facilities for ammunition disposal for many years.¬
WilNor Governmental Services, a subsidiary company of the Wilhelmsen group, brings the logistics and maritime operations element. The Wilhelmsen group, based in Norway, is the world’s largest maritime network, with activities concentrated on providing products and services to the maritime industry, offshore logistics and technology, renewable energy, ship management, and complex logistical solutions for operating under difficult offshore conditions.
The partners plan to jointly develop and operate an innovative offshore platform for ammunition disposal. Contaminated sites will be cleaned up in a safe and responsible manner, with ammunition disposal taking place offshore at the innovative offshore platform, minimising the danger to marine life and the natural environment.
Future ocean plans
Plans for future offshore wind turbine parks in the same waters, demands a safe seabed. Enabling that reality requires responsible and safe removal of millions of tons of unexploded ordnance first. “We want to assure a cleaner and healthier marine environment. Unexploded ordnance and substances can be unstable and dangerous, and we will avoid the risk of transporting these. It is therefore important that we can safely and responsibly recover unexploded ordnance and render it harmless on the spot. We also aim to minimise the impact on the underwater world and its inhabitants, and prevent future hazards,” says Dr. Deniz Akitürk, managing director of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH. “Time is of the essence because the condition of the ammunition is deteriorating. Effects on the environment are already visible.”
The constellation of companies is ready to build a reliable unexploded ordnance value chain and look for quick implementation to start surveys and preparations early in 2024. Once all preparation and necessary regulatory processes are completed, the constellation is ready to construct the innovative offshore platform.
The constellation companies are able to expand from pilot to a full-scale industrial level value chain that can handle more efficient multiple platforms in several operational areas simultaneously.
31 Aug 23. FN Herstal launches a new versatile weapon mount.
for land and sea platforms. FN Herstal is pleased to announce that its new Multi Weapon Mount has been fully MIL-STD certified and is ready for service. It joins a wide range of high-performance products in FN Herstal’s Air, Land and Sea Weapon Systems catalogue. The FN® MWM will be shown for the first time at DSEI 2023 in London in two weeks’ time.
Mission success and survivability often depend on the ability to rapidly adapt to the battlefield.
The FN® MWM is a new weapon mount for ground and naval platforms. The weapon interface can be adapted in minutes to take different calibre weapons:
– 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 Cal) heavy machine guns (FN® M2HB-QCB)
– 7.62x51mm NATO medium machine guns (FN MAG® 58M/infantry, FN® M240 D, H and L)
– 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (MK19 AGL).
A tested and certified multi-calibre weapon system designed by a long-proven weapon system supplier
The FN® MWM, which was developed, tested and qualified in a collaborative project between FN Herstal and FNH UK, includes a hydraulic buffer system that ensures optimal weapon performance in all conditions and at all firing angles, while minimizing the effects of recoil on the platform and to the user.
The weapon mount is fully mechanical, so it is not dependent on electrical power from the carrier. It has a range of options that includes weapon specific adaptors (for FN MAG®, FN® M240 and MK19), ballistic protection, links and cases collector and a shoulder bar.
The FN® MWM is qualified for use on wheeled or tracked vehicles, the naval variant – FN® Sea MWM – has been tested and qualified for use in extreme maritime environments.
Trouble-free integration (standard or customer specific platform connections) and fully reliable operation with FN Herstal’s renowned range of machine guns, which are in service worldwide, is guaranteed with FN mounts such as the FN® MWM.
Be ready for anything with this modular and highly adaptable multi-weapon mount – the only weapon mount certified by FN Herstal for use with FN Herstal machine guns.
Configuration specifications
Further information on FN® integrated weapon systems solutions for air, land and sea applications in general, and the FN® MWM Multi Weapon Mount System in particular, can be obtained from the FN Herstal booth, Hall 4, booth 098 in the Belgian pavilion at DSEI exhibition in London, from 12 to 15 September 2023.
25 Aug 23. Saab Showcases Missile System on Oshkosh Vehicle at DSEI. Saab will showcase a missile system on an Oshkosh vehicle at the DSEI exhibition.
The purpose is to demonstrate the possibility to integrate the missile-equipped RBS 70 NG Mobile Firing Unit (MFU) with Saab’s ultra-rugged tactical electronics, low-latency video distribution system and the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Come to Saab’s stand H7-210 at DSEI to learn more.
The aim is to address the growing requirements for mobile air defence and strengthen land users’ capabilities to meet these current and future challenges. Saab’s industry-leading MFU uses the RBS 70 NG missile system with its unjammable laser guided missiles, which provide threats with little forewarning and even less means for countermeasures.
The fully integrated multispectral Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System conceals the vehicle while also allowing the JLTV’s rapid deployment against air-based targets when needed.
“We are now offering the most modern mobile air defence solution, which is a perfect match with our existing multispectral camouflage capabilities on the JLTV vehicle. We are ready to support Oshkosh’s current customers as well as offering this to new users,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
The Saab-provided tactical electronics and low-latency video distribution system aid the crew through increased situational awareness of the battlefield.
A partnership between Saab and Oshkosh Defense was announced in June 2022, focused on the fully integrated solution of Saab’s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) onto the JLTV.
Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. (Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/saab)
21 Aug 23. BeaverFit sees international demand for its revolutionary high-security containerised Armouries. BeaverFit Special Operations Equipment (SOE), continues to see global demand for its custom made high-security, ballistic and blast resistant armouries.
Flexible, versatile and instantly reconfigurable, BeaverFit’s modular secure armouries recently achieved three nominations at the 2023 Fire and Security Matters Awards. The awards promoted the importance of innovation whilst underlining the highest standards of excellence. BeaverFit’s Armouries have been highlighted due to their deployable and highly portable configuration, as well as being Government approved facilities, manufactured to minimise threats and maximise protection.
Reinforced with specialist secure doors, CCTV, and alarms, BeaverFit’s containerised Armouries are custom fabricated and portable secure units, that can be used as an internal armoury or ammunition storage facility.
Designed to meet strict security standards and regulations, the Armouries provide a high level of security and protection for firearms and other weapons. They contain reconfigurable, internal racking, which is suitable for a range of different sized weapons, as the holsters can be altered to suit specific requirements.
The containerised Armouries are incredibly flexible and easy to transport. They can be easily deployed, to where they are most needed, to accommodate modern warfare agile requirements supporting international militaries. With climate control and solar panels, all weaponry is kept in an optimum environment for storage.
Discreet in design, the self-contained and sustainable Armouries are more cost-effective than traditional infrastructures. The container solutions limit construction costs and reduce the need for anchors or groundworks due to the semi-permanent location, meaning that less off-site work is needed, reducing travel and air pollution.
Tom Beaver, Managing Director of BeaverFit,says: “Our innovative custom Armouries for weapons and tactical equipment are bespoke manufactured to suit our customers specific high-level security and operational requirements. Government approved and easily relocatable, our containerised Armouries have become increasingly popular solutions and favoured over traditional infrastructures due to their easy installation and portability.”
The BeaverFit team will be showcasing their modular containerised Armouries and special operations equipment at London’s DSEI exhibition next month on Stand H1285.
BeaverFit is a market leader in the supply of innovative and highly secure modular solutions. Their commitment to sustainable working practice, personable client facing processes and the manufacturing of industry leading facilities make them a trusted and reliable supplier to the global security and defence industries.
15 Aug 23. UK AS90 turret trainer hits 100,000 firings milestone.
The UK’s fleet of AS90 15mm self-propelled howitzers is being phased out, with nearly half gifted to Ukraine for combat operations against Russia.
The British Army’s AS90 turret training system has reached a significant landmark having recently reached 100,000 simulated firings since its introduction into the UK Armed Forces in 2005, reportedly saving around £230m ($293m) according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Procured and support by UK Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the AS90 turret training system is used to develop operational practices and skillsets of the commander, gunner, and loader of the 155mm self-propelled howitzer, which has been in British Army service since 1992.
Based at Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire, crews can use the trainer to practise routine firing drills and turret operating procedures without the expense of live firing, providing a significantly reduced training cost.
Based on a real AS90 turret, the trainer uses an electro-mechanical system to replicate a complete firing cycle. This includes the weight and size of the artillery rounds and the noise and turret movement on firing.
According to the MoD, the AS90 turret training system has also been used to train Ukrainian soldiers as part of the wider package to equip them with the skills to fire AS90 guns gifted to them by the UK.
As part of DE&S’ wider support of Ukraine against Russia’s 2022 large-scale invasion, 32 AS90 platforms have been provided to Ukrainian forces, 20 of which were battle ready plus 12 to be used for spares and replenishment.
The turret trainers were developed and manufactured by Van Halteren Technologies (VHT). The company has also delivered more than 100 systems for other guns such as the M101, M119, M198 and FH70.
UK AS90: out with the old
The provision by the UK of 32 AS90 155 self-propelled howitzers represented a significant proportion of the country’s existing fleet of around 80 platforms. Although increasingly outgunned by more modern counterparts, the AS90 is still considered to be a viable fire support platform on the battlefield.
In addition, a further 64 artillery guns have been granted to Ukraine, comprised of 28 M109 155mm self-propelled guns, and 36 L119 105mm guns and ammunition.
The gifting of the 32 AS90s to Ukraine served to expedite the UK’s initial plans to replace its long-range fire support capability through the Mobile Fires Platform by 2030. An interim solution was announced in March this year with the acquisition of 14 Archer 155mm artillery systems from Sweden and is expected to be fully operational by April 2024.
The wheeled Archer 6×6 is equipped with an automated, self-propelled 155mm main gun designed for rapid deployment, with a firing range of 50km using extended range ammunition – doubling the AS90’s 25km range.
In 2022 the UK also initiated attempts to double the size of its M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) fleet, which stands at around 40 vehicles, with efforts also including the apparent consideration of platforms in museums or acting as gate guards. The UK had early on the Ukraine war donated a total of six M270 MLRS to Kyiv, across two delivery batches.
The British Army will also spend £250m to upgrade the M270 fleet to keep the system in service until 2050. Upgrades will see 44 launchers get a new armoured cab and upgraded automotive and launch mechanism components. (Source: army-technology.com)
08 Aug 23. Advanced Armor Research Group, LLC (AARG) Shows Advanced Armor Solutions at DSEI. AARG, the US based armor specialist is displaying its range of advanced armor solutions at DSEI 2023 being held at Excel, London, from September 12 -15.
Why you care -AARG has tackled and solved some of the more persistent long-term issues in the armor industry. Improved thermal performance helps with a broader operational profile. Superior multi hit performance equals improved survivability and longer reaction windows. Reduced back-face deflection results in improved stability and improvements in life cycle cost helps with affordability. Look forward to discussing your specific challenges. We will see you at DSEI in September.
Tailored to your needs – AARG has scaled up and tested structurally engineered armor solutions for STANAG 4569 Levels 2,3,4, and 5 using this improved resin system. AARG utilizes a proprietary integration method to bolt anti-ballistic panels to structural frames to maximize the panel structural integrity additionally supporting multi-hit performance during testing.
46 C ambient can heat your vehicle skin to 74 C -Structural composite armor systems degrade in high temperature environments due to the physical properties of resin systems used for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. These resin systems have thermal glass transition temperatures that are too low, leading to mechanical failure, decrease in anti-ballistic performance, and reduced life cycle when operating temperatures meet and exceed 74ºC. To address the elevated temperature issues, Advanced Armor Research Group (AARG) has teamed with a leading chemical manufacturer to introduce an advanced resin with improved toughness and thermal performance to our structurally engineered composite armor systems.
The resin system has been engineered to improve damage tolerance and multi-hit performance of structural composite armor systems in the hottest environments. When cured, the resin system has a thermal glass transition temperature which is much higher than currently available resin systems used for anti-ballistic composite armor.
Back face deflection is a critical structural element of B-Kit armor systems. Minimum deflection as provided by the AARG engineered armor systems allows these systems to be installed either directly or with minimal spacing from the vehicle hull. Which facilitates improved stability for the vehicle. We can mount within an inch of the vehicle skin. The further removed from the skin of the vehicle the more issues with rollover, overall width, and excessive demands on the CG of the vehicle.
The Advanced Armor Research Group is a privately held American company that provides optimized engineered armor solutions for military vehicles and a range of other platforms and applications requiring reduced weight solutions. AARG has tackled and solved some of the long-term challenges in the armor industry. Specifically, high temperature, improved multi-hit, back face deflection, and improved life cycle costs.
AARG is at Stand No H8-410
Contact: Bob Cowen: or Doug Davis:
28 Jul 23. LM to Scale Its Highest Powered Laser to 500 Kilowatts Power Level.
- The 500 kW-class laser to support military platforms as part of phase two of the Department of Defense’s HELSI effort
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will scale its laser technology to a new benchmark: a 500 kW-class laser, the most powerful laser Lockheed Martin has produced, topping its 300 kW-class laser power level developed under a contract from the Department of Defense’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering, OUSD (R&E). The 500 kW-class laser, developed under a new contract just awarded by OUSD (R&E), is the second phase of the High Energy Laser Scaling Initiative (HELSI).
This phase of HELSI aims to increase the laser’s power level while achieving excellent beam quality and optimizing efficiency, size, weight, and volume for the continuous-wave high energy laser sources. Proving this capability will reduce risk for the Department of Defense acquisition and fielding of high-powered laser weapon systems for all six military branches.
“OUSD (R&E) has invested to mature high energy lasers in support of America’s warfighters. At the same time, Lockheed Martin has invested in our production infrastructure in anticipation of the Department of Defense’s demand for laser weapons that have additional layers of protection with deep magazines, low cost per engagement, high speed of light delivery and high precision response reducing logistics requirements,” said Rick Cordaro, vice president of Mission Systems & Weapons at Lockheed Martin. “The 500-kW laser will incorporate our successes from the 300-kW system and lessons learned from legacy programs to further prove the capability to defend against a range of threats.”
Lockheed Martin is a proven weapon system integrator and has invested in demonstrating the maturity of its directed energy technology and increasing its production capacity to build laser weapon systems at scale. This OUSD (R&E) HELSI milestone exemplifies Lockheed Martin’s commitment to develop advanced technologies that provide speed and agility to Joint All-Domain Operations.
The Details
The 500 kW-class laser will be tactically configured, utilize Lockheed Martin’s proven spectral beam combined architecture to support military platforms, and incorporate Department of Defense Modular Open System Approach standards to ensure the systems interoperability and multi-mission integration.
Lockheed Martin applies more than 40 years of experience in the research, design, development, and capture of electromagnetic energy to elevate its power for innovative 21st Century Security solutions. (Source: ASD Network)
01 Aug 23. VINCORION Provides Power for Switzerland’s new Patriot Missile Defense System by Raytheon. Switzerland has ordered five Patriot™ air and missile defense systems from U.S. manufacturer Raytheon as the Swiss air defense solution under the “Air 2030” program. The power supply for the systems is being provided by the technology company VINCORION, based in Wedel near Hamburg, Germany.
VINCORION is proud to provide the power supply for one of the world’s best air defense systems, as it has again been proven in the Ukraine recently. “This provides the Patriot system with a stable, reliable and battle proven power supply for the radar and fire units”, Stefan Stenzel, CEO of VINCORION, affirms.
Self-Sufficient Radar Operation
The order includes “EPP radarV” (“Electric Power Plants”) units that supply power to the radar system and 15-kilowatt power generators that will be supplied for the Patriot launcher. The order further includes frequency converters rated at 150 kilowatts and converters rated at two times 15 kilowatts each. This allows to power the Patriot System without any CO2 emissions directly from the public grid. In this configuration, the generators remain as back-up power source. “Security and military superiority depend on reliable radar operation that is self-sufficient at all times,” emphasizes Stefan Stenzel. VINCORION manufactures the power supply for Patriot at its site in Altenstadt, Bavaria.
In June of 2021, the Swiss Government announced its intent to purchase the proven Patriot™ system for its ground-based air defence, selected as the preferred solution after evaluation as part of the competitive BODLUV GR Air2030 tender.
Modernizing the Patriot system’s energy supply
Patriot is an air and missile defense system consisting of radars, command and control, and interceptor missiles. It can detect, identify, and engage cruise missiles, drones, advanced fighter aircraft and other airborne threats.
VINCORION is consistently working on modernizing the energy supply. To this end, the company is developing new hybrid solutions. These can reduce fuel consumption and thus lead to lower operating costs. This is because lower emissions mean lower consumption of resources – and help reduce the number of personnel who have to be deployed for refueling operations, for example. However, there are no compromises in terms of performance.
The Patriot system is the basis for an integrated air and missile defense system for 18 nations. In Europe, the system’s customers include Germany, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Romania. VINCORION has been a supplier to Patriot for 30 years.
VINCORION receives supplier award from Raytheon
The technology company VINCORION has also won the “Raytheon Technologies Premier Award 2022″.
Once again, the award recognizes VINCORION’s achievements in the area of ” Collaboration & Customer Service”. The award is presented by Raytheon on an annual basis in four categories: ‘Cost Competitiveness’, ‘Business Management’, ‘Technology & Innovation’ and ‘Collaboration & Customer Service’. Out of the 7,000 suppliers working with Raytheon, 41 winners were recognized.
VINCORION’s energy-related developments are tailored on the products of Raytheon, where they contribute to the systems’ reliability and performance. “We are honored to receive this prestigious award. We thank Raytheon for recognizing the outstanding efforts of our teams,” responded VINCORION’s CEO Dr. Stefan Stenzel. “We value our partnership and will continue to meet our customers’ needs by providing superior service, innovating and collaborating. We look forward to continuing to succeed in the years to come.”
Raytheon Technologies has recognized Vincorion Power Systems GmbH with the Premier Award for performance in 2022 and overall excellence in Collaboration & Customer Service. The Premier Award is an annual recognition platform under the Raytheon Technologies Performance+ Program to recognize suppliers with superior performance and that have provided exceptional value to Raytheon Technologies in one of the four key categories: Cost Competitiveness, Technology & Innovation, Business Management, and Collaboration & Customer Service.
About VINCORION
VINCORION is a technology company that specializes in innovative power systems for safety-critical applications, including generators, electric motors, and drives, gensets, power electronics, and hybrid power systems. As a partner to the civil aviation, security and defense, VINCORION develops and manufactures solutions tailored to its customers’ specific requirements on the basis of an in-depth dialog. A high-performance customer support team provides assistance and service to users of the company’s own products and those from third parties throughout the entire product life cycle. With approximately 700 employees at sites in Germany, and the United States, VINCORION generated revenues of approximately 122,8m euros in 2021.
09 Aug 23. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) advanced its ability to operationalize the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) ecosystem by combining advanced autonomy and government-provided human-machine interface (HMI) hardware. A GA-ASI-owned Avenger® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) was paired with “digital twin” aircraft to autonomously conduct Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) multi-objective collaborative combat missions.
The flights, which took place on July 13, 2023, from GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, Calif., demonstrate the company’s commitment to maturing its UCAV ecosystem for Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP). The ecosystem’s goal is to rapidly integrate best-of-breed capabilities in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), mission-relevant interfaces, and other capabilities from third-party providers at the speed of relevance for 21st century conflicts.
The team demonstrated Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) using the U.S. Air Force’s Project FoX system, which included a touchscreen tablet for fighter cockpits. The tablet provided control and monitoring of advanced autonomy while it conducted a multi-objective combat mission consisting of LVC entities. Mission autonomy capabilities focused on optimized search and signature management. Search optimization autonomy behaviors were provided by Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI). These skills were integrated into and orchestrated by government-furnished equipment (GFE) autonomy core architecture enhanced by GA-ASI. The flexibility of the GFE autonomy core software stack enabled rapid, seamless integration of one of SSCI’s multi-UAS behaviors. Autonomous trajectories were calculated by SSCI algorithms and subsequently communicated to GA-ASI’s autonomy core for translation to vehicle routes. SSCI provided an array of behaviors using its Collaborative Mission Autonomy suite where the software adapts to mission contingencies such as system failures, connectivity dropout, and combat losses to ensure successful tactical execution.
“The concepts demonstrated by these flights set the standard for operationally relevant mission systems capabilities on UCAV platforms,” said GA-ASI Senior Director of Advanced Programs Michael Atwood. “Our integration of the emerging FoX system accelerates speed to ramp for emerging collaborative air-to-air capabilities. The combination of airborne high-performance computing, sensor fusion, human-machine teaming, and AI pilots making decisions at the speed of relevance shows how quickly GA-ASI’s capabilities are maturing as we move to operationalize autonomy for UCAVs.”
The signature management skill, based on deep reinforcement learning, was developed by GA-ASI. Skill development leveraged GA-ASI’s novel Reinforcement Learning (RL) architecture that was designed using agile software methodology and industry-standard tools such as Docker and Kubernetes. Commanded using the FoX tablet, the RL agent navigated to an operator-identified target while minimizing the radar cross section (RCS). This MUM-T, facilitated via open mission system (OMS) messages and alignment to the newest government architectures, demonstrated real-time operator tasking and supervision of an autonomous platform as it conducted its mission.
The team used a government-furnished autonomy core engine and the government-standard OMS messaging protocol to enable communication between the RL agents and the LVC system. Utilizing government standards such as OMS will make rapid integration of autonomy for UCAVs possible. In addition, GA-ASI used a General Dynamics EMC2 to run the autonomy architecture. EMC2 is an open architecture Multi-Function Processor with multi-level security infrastructure to run the autonomy architecture, demonstrating the ability to bring high-performance computing resources to UCAVs to perform quickly tailorable mission sets depending on the operational environment.
GA-ASI is demonstrating its commitment to maturing an autonomy infrastructure to enable rapid integration and validation of third-party tactical software applications from an App Store and maintaining safety of flight. This is another in an ongoing series of autonomous flights performed by GA-ASI using internal research and development funding to prove out important AI/ML concepts for UAS.
11 Jul 23. BAE Systems has secured new orders for the supply of munitions to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). The orders, worth £280m, with the option to increase to more than £400m, will create more than 200 new jobs in the North of England and South Wales, boosting the Company’s 1,200-strong UK munitions workforce.
Current conflicts and tensions across the globe have highlighted the importance of sovereign manufacturing capabilities and the enduring partnership between BAE Systems and the UK Armed Forces.
Building on the existing £2.4bn 15-year partnering agreement, the new orders will significantly increase the production of vital defence stocks such as 155mm artillery shells, 30mm medium calibre rounds and 5.56mm ammunition. These are core products which the British Army relies on to deliver maximum effectiveness on the battlefield.
Key investments are already underway to enable the increased manufacturing rate, including:
- An additional 155mm machining line in Washington, Tyne & Wear
- A new explosive filling facility at Glascoed, South Wales
- Re-instatement of the 30mm medium calibre manufacturing capability, at Washington and Glascoed
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive at BAE Systems, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our role in delivering equipment to protect our armed forces and as the UK Ministry of Defence’s long-term strategic partner for munitions supply, we’re actively mobilising our operations in support of our NATO allies.
“This multi-million pound investment will enable us to significantly ramp up production and sustain vital sovereign capability to deliver cutting-edge munitions, whilst creating and sustaining highly-skilled jobs across the UK.”
Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence, said: “The production of 155mm shells is a demonstration of our commitment to invest in our Armed Forces and sovereign manufacturing capabilities.
“This is good news for the Army and British jobs, creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs in the North of England and Wales, and ensuring our military can deliver maximum effect on the battlefield.
Munitions
The current 15-year contract, between BAE Systems and the UK MOD, called the ‘Next Generation Munitions Solution’ (NGMS), came into effect in January 2023. It succeeded the previous ‘Munitions Acquisition, the Supply Solution’ (MASS) contract.
The Munitions business within BAE Systems, employs 1,260 people who are involved in either munitions manufacturing or test and evaluation at five sites across the UK: Glascoed in Monmouthshire; Radway Green in Cheshire; Washington in Tyne & Wear; Bishopton near Glasgow; and Ridsdale in Northumberland.
Employment opportunities resulting from these contracts include:
- 65 production operatives at Radway Green, Cheshire
- 101 production operatives at Washington, Tyne & Wear
- 45 production operatives at Glascoed, South Wales
BATTLESPACE Comment: The re-instatement of the 30mm Rarden line makes interesting reading. Does this signal that Scimitar and Warrior are going to be extended? Lithuania is the only other user of 30mm ammunition for its Scimitars outside UK. The next issues will be new artillery and tank barrels for the M777 and Challenger 2 tanks in Ukraine. But, the UK no longer has barrel making capability. Look for the UK persuading India to supply 155mm M777 ammunition for Ukraine. Sources also suggest that a number of the earlier Ajax vehicles may be sent to Ukraine, leaving 147 remaining ‘UK hull’ supplied vehicles. Does this open the door for a buy of Redback from Hanwha, tracked Boxer or Lynx from Rheinmetall
05 May 23. MBDA: successful qualification firing of MAADS system with CAMM-ER missile. MBDA has recently performed a successful qualification firing of the new Medium Advanced Air Defence System (MAADS), a new generation medium-range missile defence system developed by MBDA using the CAMM-ER missile. The Italian Air Force will operate MAADS, replacing the SPADA system as their Short Range Air Defence (SHORAD) capability, and acquiring new capacity at medium range.
The trial was a major milestone, for the first time the Detection Centre module (BMC4I Sirius with an evolved software) was tested and qualified, integrated with the CAMM-ER missile. The test used a target drone simulating an attack by an enemy aircraft on the launcher, confirming the defence capabilities and performance of both the missile and the entire system in an integrated mode.
MBDA is the design authority of the entire system, made up of the Detection Centre module – which includes MBDA’s Battle Management Command, Control, Communication, Computer & Intelligence (BMC4i) and Leonardo’s Kronos Land radar – the Launcher and the MBDA’s CAMM-ER missile.
During the test, the Detection Centre became aware of the target drone, in attack mode, and proceeded to identify and classify it, recognizing the type of threat, then evaluated the type of defence to deploy and commanding a successful launch of CAMM-ER to neutralise the threat. The trial also verified the correct functioning of the two-way datalink between CAMM-ER and MAADS.
The success of this qualification is the result of the joint work of the integrated Italian and British teams of MBDA, together with the qualified support of SEGREDIFESA (Segretariato Generale della Difesa e Direzione Nazionale degli Armamenti).
CAMM-ER is the extended-range missile of the new generation CAMM family of air defence missiles developed by the United Kingdom and Italy. It will replace Aspide in the air defence systems of the Italian Air Force and the Italian Army. CAMM-ER is also integrated into Albatros NG naval system, already sold abroad, to optimise the Naval Based Air Defence (NBAD) capabilities of fleets.
CAMM-ER and CAMM are equipped with an advanced active seeker and a “cold launch” system (Soft Vertical Launch). CAMM-ER has a different aerodynamic profile and features a larger motor – designed by AVIO – to provide an extended range.
16 Aug 23. Elbit Systems announced today that its partner in the Australian Land 400 Phase 3 project (the “Project”), Hanwha Defense Australia (“Hanwha”), has reported that it was downselected by the Australian Government, as the preferred tenderer for the Project, with final Government approval to be sought at the conclusion of contract negotiations. Hanwha further reported that Elbit Systems is a key partner to Hanwa to deliver the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) under the Project. The Redback integrates the Redback Turret which is based on the latest generation of Elbit Systems’ 30 mm manned turret with the
COAPS gunner sight, additional electro-optic systems, Iron Fist active protection system, Elbit Systems’ Iron-Vision advanced situational awareness head mounted display system and Elbit Systems’ ELAWS laser warning system. The anticipated contract between Hanwha and Elbit Systems is also contingent upon completion of negotiations between both parties and the Company expects the contract to be in an amount that is material to the Company.
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About Galvion:
Galvion designs, develops, and delivers mission critical head, face, and torso protective solutions as well as intelligent power and data management systems for the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. Founded in 2002 as Revision Military, a foundational belief in calculated investment and capability expansion led to a strategic refocus, resulting in the divestiture of the protective eyewear business, along with the Revision name, in 2019. Rebranded as Galvion, the company’s products and technology continue to evolve beyond purely passive protection, focusing instead on active systems that enhance performance and survivability, with an eye to the ever-changing demands of the modern battlefield. Through advanced design, keen end-user insight and intelligent integration, Galvion engineers uniquely customized solutions that go beyond what was once thought possible.
Privately owned with ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, Montreal in Canada and Bristol in the UK, Galvion’s team of 400+ employees work proactively to solve the problems left unsolved by others.
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