Sponsored by Lincad
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14 Sept 18. Vitavox, the Elstree, Herts., GB based, division of Secomak Ltd., is exhibiting a comprehensive display of military communications systems. These include military-grade loudspeakers, microphones and other sound reproducing equipment at DVD 2018, held at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, UK, from September 19 – 20 on Stand C3-223. Products on display include the Outacom® Tactical Public Address System, development models of the Vitavic 400c Intercom System and the Secure Audio Integration System (SAIS).
“We offered an Outacom® PA System to the Armoured Trials and Development Unit at Bovington, who agreed to install it on their Panther Range vehicle on a ‘without prejudice basis’. That system was seen by key members of the MOD and crucially GDUK who were in the process of developing their bid for AJAX. Vitavox had been developing the concept of ‘Shout Before You Shoot’ for some time. We found traction in this concept at Abbey Wood and GDUK following several serious incidents in Iraq, with the photos of blazing soldiers in Warrior turrets splashed across the headlines. We were asked to demonstrate the system to GDUK, after which Outacom was written into the specification for AJAX and we secured the contract for all 589 systems, worth over £5m in 2017. Outacom was officially launched at DSEI in 2017. Having Outacom mandated as a ‘must have’ function on AJAX, Vitavox remains focussed on executing a ‘read-across’ strategy that will culminate in having Outacom available on all future and existing UK MOD vehicle platforms. We also won an order from UTACS for a bespoke Vitavic 400 solution, complete with aviation timestamping and recording function for the radio distribution, control and UAV monitoring system in the ground control station for the new Thales Watchkeeper X Export Variant. We are also developing a new secure system, SAIS (Secure Audio Integration System) for a customer. SAIS illustrates a ‘step change’ in Vitavox’s tactical audio design capabilities in that we are now involved in the development of a switching system containing routers to handle audio at a ‘secret’ level. This opens the door for Vitavox to become involved in providing audio solutions for more, high-level UK projects.” David Hebden, Head Of Business Development said.
Vitavox Outacom® Tactical Public Address System
Vitavox Outacom is a vehicle mounted tactical public address system for use on all tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles. Built to rigorous military standards, Outacom is robust, powerful and enables direct communication to distances of up to 300m.
Crucially, Outacom keeps personnel protected inside the AFV and away from possible danger. The system aids disperse crowds and clear areas whilst maintaining a full understanding of latent threat. Outacom is deployed on AJAX and its variants, integrating into the British Army’s leading-edge ISTAR platform. Fundamental to the flexibility of AJAX, the Outacom Tactical PA system works in partnership with other AJAX technologies; enabling warning, instruction and de-escalation of potential risk to civilians, personnel and equipment. Compatible with the Vitavic range of intercom systems, Outacom integrates and switches seamlessly using the Outacom Control Unit, which also ensures full communication traffic security.
Consisting of two Compact Broadcast Loudspeakers, the Outacom Control Unit and two Noise Cancelling Microphones and brackets; the system is blast proof, shockproof and weatherproof (IP67), enabling reliable service in critical situations.
Direct, command and control your vehicle’s locality, with the Outacom® Vehicle Mounted Tactical Public Address System.
Vitavic 400 Tactical Vehicle Intercom System
A truly Software Defined (SD) system, Vitavic 400 is a fully digital, military specification intercom designed with the end user in mind.
- Suitable for vehicles with up to 21 crew members and 6 combat net radios
- Operate with any encrypted peripherals and signals with no manufacturer input required
- Fully upgradeable and easily programmable via a standard laptop or fill gun, with no down time required
- Dismounted personnel stay connected via short range soldier radio or field telephone interface
- Rebroadcast from two to an expanded capability of six different combat radios.
- Full radio access
Vitavic 407 Tactical Loudspeaker
The robust and compact Vitavic 407 Loudspeaker is already standard equipment on the MOD’s Foxhound. The full solution can be integrated into new vehicles and via a vehicle upgrade programme for existing serving platforms.
Vitavox is the sponsor of the BATTLESPACE DVD Show Dailies.
28 Aug 18. UK Defence Minister praises rapidly-deployable military bridge manufacturer. UK Defence Minister Stuart Andrew today visited Stockport military bridge manufacturer WFEL to mark the completion of a multi-million-pound contract to supply the Australian Army with vital logistics equipment. The Defence Minister described WFEL, which has benefited from £600m-worth of export orders, as ‘a model for how companies across the UK can thrive on the global stage’. The Minister was accompanied by the Head of Australian Defence Staff London, Air Commodore Brian Edwards and both were given a demonstration of the complete build and launch of a DSB Dry Support Bridge, which can be deployed in under 90 minutes by a team of only 8 personnel and can support an MLC of 120 whilst spanning a 46 metre gap.
The bridges will be used in combat situations providing rapidly-deployable temporary infrastructure ensuring vital equipment and soldiers can navigate their way through the most challenging terrain. The military bridges can also be used in times of crisis during natural disasters maintaining essential lifelines to those who need it the most.
Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said: “WFEL is leading the way across the world when it comes to making military bridges which help troops defeat our enemies and provide essential aid to people in disaster zones. Not only does this company bring hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds of investment to the UK, but it helps flourish relations with some of our closest allies. As they finish an order for Australia, kick one off for America and look towards more opportunities to build British bridges, they are a model for how companies across the country can thrive on the global stage and play a key role in the defence of our nation.”
Work continues at WFEL following the completion of this Australian order as the company has now turned its focus to new orders for the US Army, building upon the 116 military bridges that the company has already built for US forces.
WFEL’s contribution to UK defence can be traced back as far as 1915. The company has been designing and producing bridges for the UK military since the 1970s, and the relationship remains to this day – the British Army has over 50 sets in service. They have been proven in the field in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There are also potential UK opportunities in the pipeline for WFEL, with the company currently bidding to update and replace some of the MOD’s military bridging systems and it could become part of the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme’s supply chain, which would support the current 227-strong local workforce.
Ian Anderton, Chief Executive of WFEL, said: “As the leading tactical military bridge maker globally, WFEL continues to work to provide solutions for customers like the Australian Defence Force. Our long-standing relationship with the ADF first began over 30 years ago, when they chose our Medium Girder Bridges. We have been delighted to continue to support them again today, not only with the supply of further MGBs but also with a significant capability enhancement with the latest mechanised Dry Support Bridges.
“The adoption of the DSB not only provides the ADF’s Manoeuvre Commanders with the ability to cross significant wet or dry gaps quickly and efficiently, it allows a level of inter-operability with an ever-growing user base. We have worked collaboratively with the Commonwealth’s Managing Contractor to reduce risk for this contract and are pleased to be providing an off-the-shelf solution to the ADF’s wide-gap tactical bridging requirements.”
Head of Australian Defence Staff London, Air Commodore Brian Edwards said: “The Australian-UK bilateral defence relationship has been forged over many years and is incredibly strong and enduring. In recent times, we have seen an increased emphasis in opportunities for collaboration from a defence industry standpoint. This project introduces into service the latest addition to the Australian Army’s suite of combat bridging. It will ensure that the Australian Defence Force has an enhanced gap crossing capability which will enable land forces, both mounted and dismounted, to cross wet and dry gaps in support of operations.”
28 Aug 18. After security clearance hiccup, Czech Republic selects a contractor for armored vehicle deal. The Czech Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to supply 62 Titus six-wheel drive armored vehicles, jointly developed by France’s Nexter Group and Czech vehicle-maker Tatra Trucks, to local defense company Eldis Pardubice.
“Acquiring the Titus vehicle has been one of the military’s priorities for several years. Soldiers need this technology, and it is my objective to complete this project successfully and quickly,” said Czech Defence Minister Lubomir Metnar, as reported by local broadcaster Ceska televize.
The ministry decided to change the contractor from Tatra Export to Eldis Pardubice after the former company failed to obtain a relevant security clearance, including a license from Nexter Systems. Deliveries of the vehicles are scheduled for the years 2020-2025, according to the minister. The contract is estimated to be worth about 6.7bn koruna (U.S. $303.1m). Both Tatra Export and Eldis Pardubice are part of the country’s defense industry giant Czechoslovak Group. The Titus is mounted on a chassis made by Tatra Trucks. Czechoslovak Group reported sales of more than 24bn koruna for 2017. The holding is operated by a workforce of about 8,000, according to data from Czechoslovak Group. (Source: Defense News)
28 Aug 18. Element Materials Technology (Element) will be bringing its team of experts to the leading defense land vehicle exhibition, DVD2018. The Element team will be on hand at the exhibition, which will be held in Millbrook, Bedfordshire on 19 and 20 September, to talk about its specialist services for the military and how the recent acquisition of vohtec Qualitätssicherung GmbH (vohtec) in Germany, has significantly strengthened its European transportation footprint. With current UK laboratories in Malvern, Warwick and Wimborne providing test services to defense vehicle prime contractors and sub-system manufacturers across the spectrum of the MoD’s military vehicles (new and retrofitted), the business is now one of the most well equipped and advanced testing providers in Europe and the world.
Rick Sluiters, EVP Aerospace, comments: “With the need to maintain consistently advanced levels of equipment, ready and able to perform to a high standard, testing is a vital part of manufacturing for the armed forces. Add to that increased scrutiny of budgets and the inevitable need for high security, having a testing service that is efficient, good value and accredited, is also important. Working as trusted partners with significant UKAS accreditations and security at the heart of our operations, we bring a value proposition to our work. Within the sector we focus particularly on minimizing risk and product improvement, as well as time and money saving.” As a supplier to the defense industries, Element provides test services which replicate the electromagnetic, climatic and mechanical conditions encountered in the defense environment in order to qualify the survivability, reliability and interference-free functionality of defense equipment before entering into service. Element will exhibit at stand D141.
23 Aug 18. New additions to DVD2018 reflect its Innovation theme. Jointly sponsored by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and the Army Headquarters, DVD will hold its 13th show on 19 and 20 September at Millbrook, bringing together industry and defence in the Land Equipment sector. Reflecting the theme of Innovation, there will be a number of new additions to this year’s show, including an opportunity for industry experts to participate in speaker sessions; close links with the ‘Year of Engineering’ and a number of engineering graduates in attendance at the event; and the Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) will display some of the UK Armed Forces military equipment, which is available for sale.
DVD2018 believes that providing the opportunity for industry to participate in speaker sessions will encourage debate on the challenges our armed forces face and consider innovative solutions for implementation across a number of key areas. The MOD has invited industry to challenge its preconceptions by discussing alternative solutions and clearly evidencing how the solution could be delivered to support training, force preparation and/or can be deployed in a mobile operational environment. Topics up for discussion will include:
- Reducing Logistic Need (RLN).
- DEEP operations.
- Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems.
- Year of Engineering and STEM development.
2018 marks the ‘Year of Engineering’ and DVD is the ideal platform to recognise the Army’s commitment to encouraging more young people into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and related careers within the Army. DVD2018 will welcome a number of engineering undergraduates, who will have the unique opportunity to access the end-users of equipment, those who make decisions on acquisition and industry, all in one event.
Army Engineering Champion, Major General Mark Gaunt explains: “This year’s DVD theme is all about innovation. How can the Army be more creative with what we currently have and the means by which we support it? What new and emerging technologies are out there that the Army should be looking to exploit? Our discussions at the show therefore need to be about good ideas, problem solving, thinking differently, being creative and challenging norms, both today and in the future.
“It is my hope that exhibitors and visitors alike will seize the opportunity to talk to each other about how engineering careers are future-facing, offering young people variety, creativity and excitement, and to forge some new ideas about how we can continue STEM development in 2019.
“With UK and international companies represented, absolutely cutting-edge technology on display and the opportunity to see some remarkable pieces of equipment in action, I can think of no better showcase for the Year of Engineering than DVD2018.”
As well as new equipment and technology, engineering students, visitors and exhibitors alike will have the opportunity to view equipment, which has recently been withdrawn from the frontline, including CVR(T), Warthog, MAN SV and many more.
Clive Walker, head of Defence Equipment Sales Authority, said: “The Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) is delighted to be part of DVD 2018. DESA works closely with the British Army, Industry and our DE&S colleagues to ensure that we offer exciting opportunities to Foreign Governments and customers to purchase equipment that has been used effectively by the UK Armed Forces globally on operations.”
Another new addition to DVD2018 will be the attendance of recently appointed Minister for Defence Procurement, Stuart Andrew MP, who will present on the first day of the show, along with a number of high profile defence personnel.
There will be a wide range of equipment on display from industry and the military, with more than 250 companies expected to exhibit at DVD2018. Displays will include mobile vehicle demonstrations, equipment suppliers, spares provisioners and service providers. Visitors will experience a full agenda over the two days. They will have the opportunity to interact with defence industry exhibitors, showcasing the equipment, innovative technology and support solutions that might meet the future Land Equipment requirements.
For those involved in Land Equipment for Army Headquarters, DE&S and Front Line Commands DVD2018 provides an ideal opportunity to identify innovation, develop ideas and generate a greater understanding of technologies, capabilities and requirements.
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About Lincad
Lincad is a leading expert in the design and manufacture of batteries, chargers and associated products for a range of applications across a number of different sectors. With a heritage spanning more than three decades in the defence and security sectors, Lincad has particular expertise in the development of reliable, ruggedised products with high environmental, thermal and electromagnetic performance. With a dedicated team of engineers and production staff, all product is designed and manufactured in-house at Lincad’s facility in Ash Vale, Surrey. Lincad is ISO 9001 and TickITplus accredited and works closely with its customers to satisfy their power management requirements.
Lincad is also a member of the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR), the accreditation system for the aerospace, defence and security sectors, and is certified with Cyber Essentials, the government-backed, industry supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common cyber attacks. The majority of Lincad’s products contain high energy density lithium-ion technology, but the most suitable technology for each customer requirement is employed, based on Lincad’s extensive knowledge of available electrochemistries. Lincad offers full life cycle product support services that include repairs and upgrades from point of introduction into service, through to disposal at the end of a product’s life. From product inception, through to delivery and in-service product support, Lincad offers the high quality service that customers expect from a recognised British supplier.
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