NEWS FROM IDEX
19 Feb 09. Alliant Techsystems exhibited for the first time as an exhibitor at IDEX. ATK’s featured innovative technologies such as the Precision Guidance Kit (PGK), and Palletized Autonomous Weapon
System (PAWS). PGK turns artillery shells into precision weapons at minimal cost, while PAWS integrates ATK’s family of 25mm and 30mm chain gun systems with advanced ammunition capabilities into an affordable, integrated remote weapon station that can be installed on a variety of platforms without special interface. A variant of PAWS, the Viper, was also on display. Viper is an affordable “plug and play” weapon station that offers economy and agility to meet the security needs of U.S. and international customers. ATK also featured the newest addition to the U.S. missile inventory, the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). Developed cooperatively by ATK, the U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force, AARGM was recently approved for initial production by the U.S. Department of Defense and is expected to reach the fleet next year as the military’s newest multi-role tactical missile. The booth also featured ATK’s family of 120mm tank ammunition. ATK and its industry teammate provide the world’s most advanced, combat proven and cost effective tank ammunition. This ammunition has been designed and demonstrated in several main battle tanks to include the M1 and Leopard 2. Additionally, ATK also had on view its advanced Insensitive Munitions technologies for both warheads and rocket motors, designed to satisfy emerging requirements for the next generation of international weapon systems. Increasingly, ATK is partnering with international companies in co-production agreements, to develop new solutions for emerging customer needs. ATK is meeting emerging requirements through the assembly and rapid delivery of innovative and reliable solutions to customers as diverse as the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and the Iraqi Air Force.
24 February, 2009. A modular ballistic protection system designed to protect upper deck gunners and sentries on board warships was launched by Rheinmetall Chempro (part of Rheinmetall Defence, Hall 9, Stand B10).
Known as the Mobile Marine Shield (MMS), the system comprises a series of interlinking lightweight panels providing protection against calibres up to 12.7mm heavy machine gun fire. Rheinmetall Chempro believes the growing asymmetric threat, not to mention increasingly well-armed pirates, has placed a renewed emphasis on ballistic protection for warships. Drawing on its prior experience in delivering high-performance add-on armour for military vehicles, the company believes that naval personnel deserve a commensurate level of protection. (Source: Jane’s)
Feb 09. Haenel launched the RS 8 rifle system dedicated to the needs of special units and snipers. A member of the Suhl Arms Alliance based in a traditional gun-manufacturing town, Haenel has been producing precision weapons since 1840. Ergonomically, the RS 8 is based on a tool-less adjustment concept in which changes in length and height can be made quickly, while the robust glassfibre-reinforced PVC parts give a comfortable feel, even in cold and wet conditions. A picatinny rail milled into the system permits the highest precision connected with a low line-of-sight. Three years in development, the RS 8 makes no provision for compromise and is far from being merely a version of a hunting rifle. In fact, the gun results from people of special knowledge and experience coming together to provide the best solutions and functionality in a single product. The RS 8 is produced in Basic, Compact and Subsonic versions, each of .308 calibre, but with barrel lengths varying from 350mm through 510mm to 600/630mm. Each is fitted with a 10-round magazine. (Source: Jane’s)
24 Feb 09. Finnish information technology group EB unveiled a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system designed to provide military users with robust, ruggedised and