Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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12 Sep 23. Galvion’s ongoing NATO and European successes trigger expansion plans for a European Production Hub in Poland. Galvion, a world leader in innovative head protection systems and power and data management solutions, has announced the establishment of a European Production Hub in Poland. Driven by Galvion’s ongoing successes in NATO and the wider European regions, the new facility will be based in Gdansk is expected to be operational by Q1 of 2024.
Galvion’s Polish investment plan was announced at a lunchtime VIP briefing in Gdansk on Friday 8th September 2023. This announcement coincides with the DSEI exhibition taking place in London, 12-15 September, where Galvion are exhibiting at booth H4-711.
Following recent consecutive contract awards for key European nations, Galvion is expecting to have close to 1.5 million helmets in service across NATO and other European countries by 2025. Galvion’s new Gdansk facility will initially house helmet finishing and assembly capabilities, in addition to critical support, maintenance, refurbishment, upgrade and training operations. The Gdansk location was chosen following a comprehensive search and assessment period, and the functionality of the facility is expected to expand through 2026 and beyond in order to support Galvion’s full product and solutions portfolio. Galvion’s existing core facilities in Canada and the USA will continue to design, develop, manufacture and service domestic, regional, and key global programs, customers, production and support requirements.
Jonathan Blanshay, Executive Chairman of the Board at Galvion said: “Today’s announcement represents a bold but necessary next step forward for the company. It is indicative of our commitment to delivering value for our global partners and programs, with an emphasis on responsible regional operations, as well as diverse through-life management, service and support opportunities. Getting our best-in-class protective and performance-enhancing equipment out to those who need it is our priority. By expanding our footprint to the European continent, we will be able to sharpen the focus of our manufacturing and support facilities around the world to enhance delivery, responsiveness, and supportability for all of our customers.” He added, “We have been impressed by the Polish authorities’ receptiveness and assistance in our search, and we would specifically like to thank the office of the Marshal of Pomerania, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, the Pomeranian Development Agency, the Gdansk City Council and the Regional Development Agency, Invest in Pomerania, for their ongoing interest and support.”
12 Sep 23. Rheinmetall and UVision present Loitering Munition as a combat force multiplier for the tactical level – rapid strikes on demand. At DSEI 2023, Rheinmetall and its partner UVision Air Ltd. will present the Hero Loitering Munition family. Loitering Munition – remotely controlled airborne precision-strike munitions – combines the operational advantages of drones and guided missiles. The systems provides front-line forces with a combination of advanced intelligence gathering and target acquisition capabilities along with extended range firepower, which until now could only be achieved by complex coordination between several units and echelons. Hero Loitering Munitions are a family of operationally proven, widely used effectors which Rheinmetall fabricates and markets in Europe under a cooperation agreement with UVision Air Ltd. of Israel. In October 2021. Rheinmetall and UVision embarked on a strategic partnership aimed at addressing sharply increased demand for remotely controlled precision munitions. Hero precision munitions provide modern armed forces on today’s battlefieldswith the ultimate in operational flexibility. The weapon systems possess a unique, autonomous target engagement capability, including reconnaissance, monitoring and recognition. It locates, tracks and engages emerging enemy targets with low
signatures beyond the line of sight. Hero Loitering Munition systems circle over the target zone, locating and tracking the enemy and analyzing possible targets. They help to select high-value targets as well as suitable timing, direction and angle of attack before carrying out a highprecision strike. Thanks to its wide variety of warheads. Depending on the Loitering
Munition, different warheads are available and comprise of:
HEFRAG – High Explosive Fragmentation
HEAT – High Explosive Anti Tank with high performance shaped charge
HEDP – High Explosive Dual Purpose with shaped charge and fragmentation
Tandem- HEAT – Compact Tandem shaped charge to defeat even targets protected with explosive reactive armored
Hero Loitering Munition systems feature a high degree of commonality and can therefore be operated from the same operating and datalink terminal on the ground.
07 Sep 23. Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Expands Use of Elbit Systems’ DIRCM to VIP Aircraft. Elbit Systems Ltd. has delivered a self-protection suite to the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) Gulfstream G-650ER VIP Aircraft. The delivery was carried out within a year of signing and after comprehensive flight acceptance tests. The flight acceptance tests included the examination of the system over a number of flights, all of which were successful and to the full satisfaction of the customer. The aircraft was equipped with an advanced protective suite that includes Elbit Systems’ Direct Infra-Red Counter Measures (DIRCM) and Infra-Red-based Passive Airborne Warning System (IR MWS), a configuration with an EASA supplemental type certificate (STC). This project joins many across the world, including NATO’s MRTT A330 refueling fleet project-of which the Netherlands is a member- that has a similar protection system installed.
Ziv Ashkenazi, VP Business Development and Marketing, Airborne Systems at Elbit Systems: “This plane joins a large fleet of aircraft around the world that are equipped with our advanced and proven self-protection suite. The quality and reliability of our systems have been proven once again in the acceptance trials as well as in the quick completion of the project for our important Dutch customer.”
Netherlands Material IT Command Project Leader: “Based on our experiences with the MMF MRTT-fleet, we were convinced that this self-protection system would fulfill our requirements. We are very satisfied with the support, flexibility and performance provided to our G650ER project.”
07 Sep 23. Survitec has unveiled a new range of drysuits with unique features designed to meet the rigorous demands of special forces operations, specialist military units, general and tri-forces operating globally. Seamlessly tailored to meet these specific operations, the SeaRescue range, developed by world-leading suit manufacturer and Survitec brand Hansen Protection, has a seat seam-free design protecting and reinforcing the fabric’s interior and exterior to minimise wear and tear.
Scott Tonks, Product Category Manager, Survitec, said: “During maritime interdiction and other related operations, the operator will spend a lot of time sitting in a boat, often in rough, demanding weather, putting excessive stress on the seat of the suit. Through our unique design, precision cutting and tailoring of the fabric, we can eliminate the seam on the seat of the suit, significantly improving comfort, reducing wear and tear, and ultimately leading to longer operational life and a reduced through-life cost for our customers.
The ‘telescopic’ waistband is also unique to the new Survitec military dry suits. “Because these suits get shared among groups of people, they cannot be tailored to every individual sizing need,” said Tonks.
“To address this, we have incorporated a ‘telescopic torso,’ which allows the suit to extend up and down to fit a gamut of body shapes and sizes. Having excess material in the waist means there is greater freedom of movement. For example, the wearer can reach more dynamically with their arms and upper torso.
Zips can be either in the front or the rear, depending on the user’s preference. For example, it is crucial to prevent pressure points where close-fitting body armour will be worn over the suit. The design concept extends the life of the garment and significantly improves operator effectivity.
Survitec has already taken approximately 1,000 orders for the new range of drysuits from existing European military customers.
“Designed by military professionals for military professionals. The hands-on experience of veteran military personnel employed by Survitec means these products are based on user input and the real-life experiences of our development team.”
This includes tailoring and sizing to improve freedom of movement and reduce excess material, reinforcement patches, expandable thigh pockets, and highly breathable fire-retardant material meeting the fire requirement EN 469:2020.
“Whether our customers operate in highly elite special forces groups or search and rescue operations, we have a suit designed and developed for their specific needs. Whilst safety is paramount to all we do, their chosen suit must be operationally effective, comfortable, and competitively priced, which will be the key purchasing drivers for our customers.”
“We already have a dry and immersion suit range in the commercial marine space for shipping and offshore platforms. We’ve been able to adapt this technology to meet the specific needs of the military with its wide range of anticipated uses and operations in mind.
“We also worked with our Crewsaver colleagues to ensure this suit range is compatible with the complementary MarOps lifejackets launched in March 2023,” concluded Tonks.
To be introduced at the DSEI 2023 event held in London, the new range includes three options: SeaRescue Tactical (which includes lightweight alternatives) is designed for special forces and covert missions. SeaRescue III represents a versatile tactical suit built for challenging and rugged terrains, while SeaRescue Responder is tailored for enhanced mobility in dangerous aquatic environments.
Visit Survitec during DSEI at Hall 6, Stand 120, between 12-15th September 2023.
07 Sep 23. Knights Armament KS-1 Selected for UK Special Operations Brigade (ASOB). British troops will soon be more lethal on the battlefield, as a new £90m contract delivers modern, high precision rifles, the Knights Armament KS-1.
The new advanced rifle.
- New rifle provides UK troops with an improved lethal capability on the battlefield.
- Rifle more discreet through sight and hearing signature reduction.
- Up to 10,000 weapons could be procured over the next 10 years.
British troops will soon be more lethal on the battlefield, as a new £90m contract delivers modern, high precision rifles.
The Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) system – known as the L403A1 and procured by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) under Project HUNTER – is made up of a new assault rifle fitted with a muzzle signature reduction system and an improved optical sighting system.
The AIW is a modern rifle using the latest in design technology and manufacturing methods, to produce an exceptionally reliable and accurate weapon. The magnified optic means the user is able to engage threats from greater distances; whilst the signature reduction system works to mask the AIW from detection from sight and hearing.
Supplementing the current in-service L85A3, the AIW system has been secured under a £90m contract with Macclesfield-based company Edgar Brothers, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy by helping sustain approximately 50 jobs at the family-owned company.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “This is another example of how we are committed to investing in the most advanced battlefield equipment to back our troops on the battlefield. This advanced rifle’s ability to help soldiers maintain the stealth edge not only protects them but delivers war-fighting advantage over our adversaries.”
An initial £15m order of 1,620 AIW systems has been placed, with options to procure up to 10,000 systems – totalling £90m – under the contract over the next decade. The systems will initially be fielded to the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) who operate in complex, high threat environments.
DE&S Dismounted Close Combat Portfolio Leader, Colonel Paul Cummings, said: “Project Hunter has been a fabulous example of close collaboration with the user community and strong engagement with industry to deliver game-changing capability at pace. This is another example of the enormous commitment of the men and women in DCC to deliver battle-winning capability into the hands of the user and I’m enormously proud of what they have achieved. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Edgar Brothers as we move into the production phase.”
The L403A1 is a high performing modern development of the ArmaLite Rifle (AR), which pushes the boundaries of modern performance. As an AR system, it shares much in common with the rifle systems used by many of the UK’s allies. Given their specialist role, and the critical task of working with and alongside many of the UK’s allies, the platform will enable ASOB to share skills and drills in an efficient manner.
Lt Col Gareth Davies, SO1 SoldierWorks, Military Capability Delivery, Army Headquarters, said: “Project HUNTER has successfully delivered a new weapon option for UK Defence. At the current time this is being procured for the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB). It offers a marked increase in lethality, and the system includes one of most capable day sights currently available. Importantly the weapon system will be further enhanced by our newest generation of night optics, with which the ASOB are already equipped.”
As a key component of the ASOB, the Ranger Regiment will receive the AIW later this year. Made up of four battalions, the Rangers deployed to over 60 countries in their first 12 months of operation, following their formation as part Future Soldier under the Defence Command Paper 2021.
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT
Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) is a sole proprietorship, producing rifles (including the M110), suppressors, weapon accessories, and night vision scopes. Since the 1970’s, this veteran-owned small business performs the majority of R&D and production efforts within the boundaries of the KAC facility in order to provide the best control of product quality and required delivery schedules.
Among its more than 300 employees, KAC boasts an experienced engineering staff, well-equipped for research in all aspects of small arms and advanced electro-optic technology.The KAC facility is located on the site of a former Tomahawk missile factory.
The site features numerous test cells, ranges, and explosive storage areas which provide the opportunity for unique business opportunities.
A total of five firing ranges for small arms, from short function testing ranges to the 1,000 meter range, are used in the development and product qualification of small arms systems. Both indoor and outdoor ranges facilitate testing during rare cases of inclement weather.
KAC also maintains an anechoic test cell used in the study of acoustic signatures of weapon systems.
KS-1 Spec
Barrel: 13.7″ (34.8cm) 1:7 Twist
Caliber: 5.56mm
Weight: 6.88 lbs (3.12kg)
Length: 32.2″ (81.8cm) to 34.2″ (86.9cm)
Armourer’s Bench said that the requirement called for a ‘Rifle System’ which comprises the weapon and a ‘Signature Reduction System’ [suppressor] and an ‘Optic System’. The rifle itself had to be ‘gas operated with a rotating, locking bolt’ and was to specifically have “a standard configuration, not bullpup, with the magwell in-front of the trigger housing.”
The UK launched Project Hunter to select a new Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) to replace the SA80/L85 series of rifles and Colt Canada L119s in service with the Rangers and elements of the Royal Marines Commandos. After two years of competition the UK MoD has announced that Knight’s KS-1 has been selected as the L403A1, beating off reported competition from Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer, Daniel Defense and Glock.
Other weapons believed to have been evaluated include the HK416A5, the SIG Sauer SPEAR-LT, the Daniel Defense M4 and Glock’s GR-115F. Other companies believed to have submitted rifles include Colt Canada, Lantac, Haenel and Steyr amongst others.
The new rifles will supplement the L85A2 and L85A3 which currently equip the majority of the UK armed forces. The rifles will be procured via UK-based company Edgar Brothers and the £90m ($110m) contract will see up to 10,000 new rifles delivered over the next decade. An initial £15 m order for 1,620 AIW systems has been placed with the British Army fielding them with the Army Special Operations Brigade, with the brigade expected to receive the first rifles by the end of 2023. The Royal Marines’ ‘strike companies’ and Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron will also be among the first to receive the L403A1. The ‘Alternative Individual Weapon’ essentially fulfils the same role every AR-pattern rifle in UK service has since the 1960s.
BATTLESPACE Comment: Although not specifically named this rifle is likely the Knights Armament KS-1 (see above) which the Editor fired at this year’s Close Combat Symposium (CCS). This choice indicates that the British Army will stay with the .556 calibre as made by BAE Systems at Radway Green and not go .665 as chosen by the US Army. Other contenders were Sig Sauer, FN, Steyr and LMT. One stipulation was UK support which Edgar Brothers will supply. FN in particular offered to manufacture the rifles in the UK.
06 Sep 23. Lockheed-RTX joint venture enters weapon system MoU in Poland. Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) said on Wednesday that the Javelin Joint Venture, its partnership with RTX (RTX.N), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to production of the Javelin anti-tank weapon system in Poland. The MoU, with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, will explore the establishment of a final assembly facility and component production capabilities in Poland, the companies said. Though European demand for U.S. weaponry is soaring, shopping lists are focused on cheaper, less-sophisticated items such as shoulder-fired missiles, artillery, and drones, rather than big-ticket items like jets and tanks.
To date, the Lockheed-RTX joint venture has produced more than 50,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units.
(Source: Google/Reuters)
05 Sep 23. RAFAEL Showcasing TROPHY APS as System is Set to Spearhead Challenger 3’s Defence. RAFAEL, a global leader in advanced defence technologies, proudly announces its achievement in securing a £20 m contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the cutting-edge TROPHY Active Protection System (APS). This milestone marks a significant stride towards enhancing the defensive capabilities of the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and highlights RAFAEL’s participation in DSEI 2023.
Through rigorous evaluation, the UK MOD recognised the TROPHY APS as an indispensable addition to safeguard the Challenger 3 MBTs and their esteemed crew members against modern battlefield threats. The TROPHY APS boasts a proven track record of success, having been operational and combat-proven in various scenarios worldwide.
RAFAEL, in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, successfully completed the 2nd phase of integrating the TROPHY Active Protective System (APS) on the Challenger 3 (CR3). A series of live fire tests, conducted towards the end of 2022, demonstrated the system’s effectiveness as it intercepted well over 90% of threats targeting the CR3 representative tank fitted with TROPHY APS.
Dr. Ran Gozali, Executive Vice President, GM Land & Naval Division at Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, “we are encouraged by the latest tests, praising TROPHY’s effectiveness and RAFAEL’s proficiency in integrating the system on yet another platform. The collaboration with the UK MOD is set to continue, propelling further successes in the future, as the project heads towards its third and final phase of integration, instilling greater confidence in TROPHY’s ability to ensure fortified defence for the UK and its troops.”
05 Sep 23. Kappa Electronics will be presenting the RIB 4D, the world’s most advanced inspection system for high-caliber gun barrels. Our customers use RIB 4D to ensure safety and firing accuracy of their weaponry, designed e.g. for Leopard 2, PHz2000, K9 (diameters 120 – 155 mm). With fresh major contracts in hand, we’re expanding series production. Ready to ramp up!
At our booth, you can also explore our cutting-edge “Armor Eye” Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE) and Situational Awareness Systems (SAS) for Defense Ground / Military Vehicles, fully qualified MOTS / COTS. This year, we’re proud to highlight our real-time image fusion technology. By fusing images from LWIR and VIS camera sensors, we provide the best driver vision under all lighting conditions, day and night.
We look forward to connecting and sharing insights with you at DSEI. Hope to see you in London!
05 Sep 23. ISTEC is exhibiting at DSEI held for the 12th time, at the ExCel Exhibition Centre, located in London’s Docklands, between 12th – 15th September. The London DSEI exhibition is arguably the world’s premier defence exhibition and continued attendance as exhibitors, underlines ISTEC’s ongoing commitment to supporting UK Armed Forces and the UK Defence Community, across Land, Sea and Air domains.
As global interest grows in the ISTEC range of Land, Sea and Air products, so too does the portfolio. ISTEC has continued to invest in new products with diversification the key to future growth. A small selection of these products will be on view at DSEI on the ISTEC Stand Ref: H2-702.
All the products on display at the exhibition are also covered in the special DSEI edition of the ISTEC brochure which can be downloaded via the website along with previous issues which can be found in the Brochure Archive section of the website.
Our new DSEI brochure is available for download here https://www.istec.co.uk/london-dsei-september-2023-new-brochure-release/
01 Sep 23. Lockheed Martin’s Extended-Range Rocket Excels in Long Range Flight.
- ER GMLRS demonstrates range and reliability in successful system qualification test
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully demonstrated its next-generation Extended-Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) in a flight test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, firing the round from the U.S. Army’s HIMARS® launcher.
“This test demonstrates nearly double the range, while maintaining the precision GMLRS is known for,” said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Lockheed Martin is committed to advancing this critical capability on a rapid timeline for our Army customer, and this test moves ER GMLRS one step closer to fielding.”
ER GMLRS met success criteria in the first 150-kilometer test for flight trajectory, extended range and accuracy from launch to impact. The product also successfully integrated with HIMARS and achieved overall missile performance.
Prior to launch, the rocket pod underwent Stockpile to Target Sequence (STS) testing. This effort simulates cumulative effects ER GMLRS will meet in the field between factory and launch for the life of the system and demonstrates durability of the missile and launch pod container.
Lockheed Martin has produced more than 60,000 GMLRS rounds and is under annual contract to continue production of GMLRS unitary and alternative-warhead rockets including integrated logistics support for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and international customers. The systems are produced at the company’s Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas
(Source: ASD Network)
01 Sep 23. USAF, RTX Complete First Flight Test of AIM-120C-8. The U.S. Air Force and Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, successfully completed the first flight test of the AIM-120C-8 – the latest international variant of AMRAAM® developed under the Form, Fit, Function (F3R) refresh. The AIM-120C-8 was fired from an F-15C Eagle and downed the aerial target, meeting all primary objectives for the flight test.
“AMRAAM is a combat-proven missile trusted by more than 40 international partners for both air-to-air and surface-to-air missions,” said Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power at Raytheon, an RTX business. “With the advancements from F3R, which updates both the missile’s hardware and allows for future Agile software upgrades, we are maximizing the capabilities of this munition for allies around the world.”
Under the F3R program, engineers used model-based systems engineering initiatives and other digital technologies to upgrade multiple circuit cards and advanced processors in the guidance section of the missile and to re-host legacy software in the AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs.
This AIM-120C-8 flight test follows the completion of flight testing of the AIM-120D-3. Flight testing on the AIM-120D-3 was completed in just 11 months after the initial flight test and concluded with showcasing the success of the missile in a highly contested environment.
Recently, the U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a $1.15 bn AMRAAM contract to produce AIM-120D-3 and C-8 missiles for 19 countries.
(Source: ASD Network)
01 Sep 23. UK MoD seeking info on Type 31 frigate naval gun ammunition.
The five-ship Type 31 general purpose frigate class will uniquely feature a combination of a single 57mm main gun and two 40mm secondary Bofors.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RfI) into the operational and training ammunition compatible with the BAE Systems 57mm naval weapon system and 40mm Bofors gun, which will be installed on the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates.
Not since classes such as the initial Leander light frigate of the 1960s and 1970s has a Royal Navy warship been so gun centric, with the single 57mm main gun and two 40mm secondaries offering the Type 31 platform considerable kinetic effect at short ranges. The combination has likely been chosen with an eye on threats such as swarming crewed or uncrewed small boats and aerial threats.
Published on 31 August, the RfI is intended to “alert the market of an early engagement opportunity” relating to Type 31 57mm and 40mm operational and training naval ammunition”, according to the MoD notice.
The intention is to “grow the understanding of the medium calibre naval ammunition market, its readiness, supply chain resilience and competitiveness including key players”, gather knowledge of alternative options from potential bidders, and “understand the operational performance” of alternative ammunition.
A short deadline, which is due on 15 September, is the cut-off for industry expressions of interest.
Type 31 naval gun selection: the data
The BAE Systems Mk 110 57mm naval gun systems is relatively common across vessels operated by the US Navy (USN) and US Coast Guard, having been selected for use on the upcoming Constellation-class frigates being built for the USN, and currently fitted to the Freedom– and Independence-class Littoral Combat Ships. The 57mm main gun is also fitted to the 4,500 tonne Legend-class cutters operated by the US Coast Guard.
According to BAE Systems the Mk 110 is capable of automatic salvo fire at a rate of up to 220 round per minute and can feature a selectable fuze for each round as required, depending on desired effect.
Mk 110 57mm naval gun
Rate of fire: 220 rounds/min
Ammunition capacity: 120 rounds
Maximum range: >9nm
Loading time: 3-5 minutes
Elevation: −10° to +77°
Weight: 14,960lbs/6,800kg
Information courtesy of BAE Systems
The 40mm Bofors meanwhile can utilise the 3P all-target ammunition, programmed for optimised effect against targets, including airburst patterns for new threats “that were previously impossible to engage”, according to manufacturer BAE Systems.
Bofors 40mm naval gun
Rate of fire: 300 rounds/min
Ammunition capacity: 100 rounds
Maximum range: 12.5km
Muzzle velocity: 1012 m/s (3P)
Elevation: −20° to +80°
Weight: 2,300kg
Information courtesy of BAE Systems
The 40mm Bofors meanwhile can utilise the 3P all-target ammunition, programmed for optimised effect against targets, including airburst patterns for new threats “that were previously impossible to engage”, according to manufacturer BAE Systems.
Bofors 40mm naval gun
Rate of fire
300 rounds/min
Ammunition capacity
100 rounds
Maximum range
12.5km
Muzzle velocity
1012 m/s (3P)
Elevation
−20° to +80°
Weight
2,300kg
Information courtesy of BAE Systems
However, the issuance of the RfI by the UK MoD indicates that it is exploring what alternative ammunition options might exist for the Type 31 frigates, which are not due to enter service for several years.
Type 31 progress amid dispute and design changes
The first two ships in class, HMS Venturer and HMS Active, are currently in manufacture at Babcock’s Rosyth shipyard, with much of the hull and superstructure of the former completed. The class is also undergoing a slight design change to accommodate the integration of the Lockheed Martin Mk 41 vertical launch system, which could remove the initially planned Sea Ceptor ‘mushroom farm’ air defence system, mounted amidships.
In April this year Babcock began a dispute resolution process (DRP) with the UK MoD to determine liability for increased costs being sustained on the Type 31 frigate programme, with up to £100m ($126.7m) in additional funds needed.
Providing a 2023 financial year and Type 31 programme update on 20 April, Babcock said it recognised over £600m in revenue on the Type 31 programme, which remained on schedule and due to conclude in 2028. However, the programme’s production plan was described as “demanding”, given the impact felt by UK industry during the Covid-19 pandemic, and had seen an increase in actual and projected costs.
Continuing, Babcock said that despite having been in dialogue with the MoD as to who is responsible for the additional costs under the contract, it had been “unable to reach agreement” and as such, has seen a DRP commence. A DRP could result in arbitration to determine who should bear the increased costs of the programme.
The original contact was signed in November 2019 to deliver five Inspiration-class Type 31 general purpose frigates, at an average production cost of £250m per vessel.
The Type 31 class was born from the realisation by the UK MoD that it could not afford to acquire 13 Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates from UK defence prime BAE Systems, instead constraining that programme to eight hulls. A stop-start competition to determine an alternative five-ship frigate requirement was won by Babcock using its Arrowhead 140 design, heavily derived from the Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
04 Sep 23. Avon Protection and OPEC CBRNe announce partnership. The agreement will see the companies partner on the development of CBRN protective suit technologies . Avon Protection, a renowned leader in innovative personal protective equipment, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with OPEC CBRNe, a designer and manufacturer of chemical, biological and antiviral suit systems. This collaboration aims to revolutionise CBRN protective suit technologies, catering to international military, special forces and first responder markets.
The partnership will combine Avon Protection’s deep expertise in CBRN, market-leading materials innovation and ensemble integration expertise with OPEC CBRNe’s proven track record in developing high comfort, high protection chemical, biological and antiviral suit systems.
Together the companies will advance materials technology and design methods to develop suit products that not only elevate safety levels but also enhance user comfort, with an emphasis on integration with currently deployed CBRN masks, boots and gloves, and ballistic head protection systems.
“There are very limited options for users in the CBRN field to obtain protective suits as part of a wider integrated ensemble; as a result the protection level at the points at which different garments meet – for example the wrist or ankle – are weaker,” Justin Hine, Director of Strategy & Capability, Avon Protection, said. “By challenging traditional development and production methods, we are looking at designs that work in harmony with existing masks, boots and gloves products giving operators a higher degree of protection, confidence and wearability in the field.”
Avon Protection’s extensive range of CBRN respiratory technologies include Air Purifying Respirators (APRs), escape devices, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and protective boots and gloves, delivering protection to over 3.5 m users worldwide.
Steve Elwell, President, Avon Protection said: “Avon Protection’s focus on whole system integration across CBRN masks, boots and gloves will be expanded to include protective suits under this partnership, with a focus on how to improve the wearer’s comfort and safety. By leveraging the world’s leading protective clothing specialist technologies and furthering our own materials development, we will offer users a single, integrated line of equipment within the Avon Protection range they know and trust. Through our partnership with Avon Protection, we aim to further enhance the integration and tailoring of our protective garments, to help maximise performance. The resulting complete ensembles, constructed using cutting edge components following rigorous design and testing, will deliver sophisticated levels of system integration between CBRN ensemble components and ballistic protection equipment,” said Geoff Rowland, General Manager, OPEC CBRNe.
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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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