Sponsored by Meggitt Training Systems
https://meggitttrainingsystems.com/
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30 Apr 19. Meggitt Training Systems to showcase military virtual training and live-fire products at Warrior Expo West. Meggitt Training Systems will highlight its range of virtual and live-fire, small-arms training systems for military applications at Warrior Expo West 2019. The event will be held May 14-15, 2019 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, Calif.
“Meggitt helps the military train for new threats to U.S. and allied security through continuous investments in our industry-leading range of virtual, live-fire and integrated solutions,” said Andrea Czop, vice president of strategy, sales and marketing for Meggitt Training Systems. “Warrior Expo West attendees are invited to see and learn how the portable FATS® 100P, as well live-fire SHOTT™ House and RoadRange™ products can help armed forces make a seamless and cost-effective transition from the simulator to the firing range.”
The FATS 100P simulator features advanced functionality for both instructor and trainee, delivering weapon handling and shot placement analytics, marksmanship automatic coaching tools, video-based judgmental training for escalation and de-escalation, and enhanced graphic capabilities, all in a compact package. Portable and light, the FATS 100P comes in two rugged hand-carry cases the size of a large range bag that allow easy transportation, set-up and operation by one person, enabling the use of one system by multiple military units to maximize resources. Up to six weapon simulators, including Meggitt’s patented BlueFire® wireless weapons, can be run simultaneously and only FATS systems incorporate ballistics data from the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center.
SHOTT House stands for Shoot House Optimized for Tactical Training and provides warfighters the opportunity to practice securing a structure using live weapons, ideal for military operations in an urban terrain or counter-terror activities. RoadRange is a ballistically secure mobile trailer, fully equipped to produce a three-position, state-of-the-art, live-fire range for training anywhere. Both the SHOTT House and RoadRange can be equipped with a FATS virtual training system to provide a comprehensive solution for marksmanship, sustainment and judgmental training, including force escalation and de-escalation.
To see a demonstration and speak with a company representative during Warrior Expo West, visit booth #824. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
02 May 19. UAE, Algeria Interested in Russian Target Drones. Representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Algeria have shown interest in the advanced target drones E17M made by the Russian company ENICS. They are capable of flying longer, higher and faster than the previous versions, according to the company’s deputy director Sergey Pobezhimov.
The trials held in Q1 2019 have confirmed the improvement in performance of the target drone. The new version can stay in the air for 1 hour, while the earlier one flew only 40 minutes. The ceiling has grown from 3,000 to 4,000 meters as well.
The target drone can be powered not only by a pulse-jet engine, but by a turbojet one. Max speed with the first engine type is 400 kph, with the second one is up to 500 kph.
According to the company managers, using of one or another type of engine depends on the needs of a certain client. Some of them are foreign ones.
“Indeed, foreign customers took interest in our target drone. Example, those from the Arab Emirates and Algeria”, shared Sergey Pobezhimov.
Head editor at Arms Exports magazine, Andrey Frolov, explained that the interest from these Arabic countries was natural, as Russia had already established cooperation both with Algeria and the UAE.
“We do have military and technical contacts with these countries. Sure, in these terms Algeria precedes the Emirates [as of purchase volume – editor’s remark], however, the UAE often act as a launch customer of new and expensive weapons. So, both countries are potentially exciting clients. In the case of Algeria, the interest in the Russian target drones is quite obvious, while it is hardly understood for the Emirates. Perhaps, they need these systems to train crews of Pantsir air defense systems”, supposed the expert.Another specialist in unmanned aerial systems, Denis Fedutinov, outlined the current trends in the target drones industry.
“Basic trends in the target drones development depend on their core mission: simulation of the wide range of various aircraft for minimization of corresponding costs. This task can be resolved by single- or multiple-use short-life air drones properly equipped to simulate different targets. This helps to make these devices more versatile under the current aircraft performance characteristics”, commented the expert.
The new target drone E17M debuted at Army-2018 forum.
While some countries are oriented at procurement of new systems in Russia, another ones update the air training fleet by own efforts. In March, the US Navy reported on assignment of the initial combat readiness status to the new subsonic air target BQM-177A. It is supposed to replace BQM-74E used in the US Navy since 1968. (Source: UAS VISION/Mil.Today)
01 May 19. AERALIS, the British company currently developing a new generation of fighter jet pilot training aircraft and flying training system, is looking to offer a new leasing model that promises to significantly reduce costs for their potential customers. Adopting a unique modular concept built around a robust common core fuselage, the AERALIS suite of jet trainers will have 85% commonality of parts allowing for significant cost savings over purchasing more traditional aircraft. With the leasing arrangements that AERALIS is developing, the customer will not be burdened by huge capital purchasing costs but will have the ability to flex their flying training system as their requirements change over time.
The AERALIS trainer aircraft will offer a significant return on investment (ROI) due to a fuselage that can be easily re-roled and which is built to outlast traditional airframe structures. When combined with the flexibility that the AERALIS training concept will provide, the cost reductions in training the fighter pilots of tomorrow become even greater.
Tim Davies, AERALIS Strategy Director, commented: “Buying trainer aircraft outright is a major investment for any air force and much of that investment is wasted when the planes are standing idle because the training needs have changed. With our innovative leasing plans, AERALIS is changing all that. The AERALIS/Lessor/Lessee relationship means that the end user will be able to adapt their trainer fleet to meet both current and future training requirements.”
AERALIS also aims to deliver shorter overall pilot training times by exposing students earlier to more complex mission management training due to configurable cockpits and a fully tailorable flying training system.
01 May 19. Cubic appoint new additions to Defense leadership team. Cubic Corporation has announced the appointment of three new leaders to its Cubic Global Defense business division. Three new faces will join Cubic’s executive team: Mark Schmaltz, vice president and general manager of synthetic/digital solutions; Michael Maughan, vice president of business development and strategy; and Kenneth Lowe, vice president of financial operations and controller.
A release from the company said that “all three executives will play key roles in Cubic’s transformation journey as it focuses on growth, digital product innovation and new recurring revenue streams”.
“Cubic Global Defense has a rich history of developing cutting-edge solutions for the US military and our allied nations and we continuously look for new innovative ways to strengthen our business,” said Mike Knowles, president, Cubic Global Defense.
“I am very pleased to welcome Mark, Mike and Ken to our team during this significant time as we continue to accelerate our growth and meet our strategic vision.”
Cubic also announced that the company is introducing a new synthetic/digital solutions business line, to compliment its existing air and ground training solutions line.
The new line consists of maritime, virtual, immersive and game-based technologies, and will focus on “Cubic’s simulation and digital transformation initiatives and is comprised of Cubic’s Orlando, Austin and Denmark studios”.
Schmaltz is a business/program management executive with experience delivering major revenue growth and robust business wins. Prior to Cubic, he worked for Rockwell Collins for over 30 years, where he was responsible for significantly increasing revenue streams in the company’s defence, commercial and training markets globally. He will take on the role of vice president and general manager of synthetic/digital solutions, overseeing Cubic’s Orlando, Austin and Denmark studios.
Maughan is a business development executive with a background in corporate, engineering, government and military. He was previously the senior director of advanced programs and strategic development for General Atomics. As vice president of business development and strategy, Maughan will be responsible for the global business development efforts across the CGD business, including the implementation and execution of business strategies that align with Cubic’s corporate long-term strategy.
Lowe is a finance executive who previously served as the vice president of finance for L3 Technologies’ Electron Devices Division. Lowe will be responsible for the general and cost accounting activities for CGD in his new role as vice president of financial operations and controller. He will drive the financial planning process, including the analysis of return on investments and will execute measures to increase profit and cash flow. (Source: Defence Connect)
30 Apr 19. Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) won a contract valued at up to $159m to support large-scale, live training exercises at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center located in Hohenfels, Germany, and virtually connected to forces across Europe.
“Raytheon’s technology-enabled training means that location is no longer a restriction to multinational forces training together,” said Bob Williams, vice president of Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. “Data from allied units, located in their home countries, is sent back to Germany allowing leaders to track training from anywhere.”
Raytheon developed the Mobile Instrumentation System technology that enables the distributed training. On the ground at JMRC, Raytheon provides a range of services including training area instrumentation, after action reviews and battlefield effects to increase training realism.
30 Apr 19. US carrier strike groups demonstrate long-range strike capabilities. The US Navy’s Abraham Lincoln (ABE) and John C Stennis (JCS) carrier strike groups (CSG) have taken part in an exercise to demonstrate long-range targeted strike capabilities in Romania.
US Air Force 603rd Air Operations Centers also took part in the demonstration, which was performed in coordination with the Romanian Air Force.
The CSGs jointly executed the strike by establishing critical channels for joint and partner-nation communication and logistics coordination.
As part of the demo, the combined force performed defensive manoeuvres, aerial refuelling, and diplomatic relationship building.
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 executive officer commodore Brian Broadwater said: “This is a proof of concept mission in which we are executing combined strike force operations with joint as well as coalition partners.
“The goal of this exercise is to streamline the pre-planning process, the mission planning process and the execution process if we’re ever asked to execute sustained, continued operations with these countries.”
The US Navy noted that carrier strike force operations are intended to increase the collective capability of US 6th Fleet to conduct multilateral, realistic training events.
Meanwhile, the long-range strike training is conducted to demonstrate the flexibility, agility, and effectiveness of CSGs and showcase cooperation among allies.
Part of the JCS CSG, CAW 9 assistant operations officer lieutenant commander Kevin Guldner said: “Training events like this combined strike force long-range strike demonstrate the US Navy’s ability to work with Nato allies and regional partners to rapidly amass dynamically deployed naval power.
“Uniform training and standardisation across the US naval aviation community allows an ease of transition in working with different carrier and air wing teams, however, it’s the fleet level support and commitment of allied and partner nations that gives us the real ability to help provide security and stability to the region.”
Personnel from several organisations, including the US Navy and Air Force, as well as the Romanian Air Force took part in the exercise.
The exercise represents the first time the two US CSGs have worked in coordination in the Mediterranean Sea since 2016.
The two CSGs will continue to perform operations to improve interoperability and engagement with allies and partners, as well as demonstrate the combat power and flexibility of naval forces. (Source: naval-technology.com)
29 Apr 19. BAE Systems withdraws from Canadian military. aircrew training competition. BAE Systems is no longer in the running to bid on a new program to provide Canada with military aircrew training services. BAE Systems was on the list of qualified suppliers for the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program when it was established in December 2018. But on April 2, BAE Systems informed Canada of its decision to officially withdraw from the solicitation process, Public Services and Procurement Canada announced Monday. “BAE Systems is therefore no longer a qualified supplier in the competitive process and will not be invited to submit a proposal to Canada for the FAcT program,” Procurement Canada noted in a statement.
The Royal Canadian Air Force has a need for ongoing pilot training, as well as training for air combat systems officers and airborne electronic sensor operators and the FAcT program will provide that training, according to the Department of National Defence.
BAE Systems has not yet provided comment on its reasons for withdrawing from the competition.
Here is the list of qualified suppliers (in alphabetical order) that the federal government originally published:
- Airbus Defence and Space
- Babcock Canada Inc.
- Leonardo Canada
- Lockheed Martin Canada Inc.
- SkyAlyne Canada Limited Partnership (Source: News Now/https://ottawacitizen.com)
30 Apr 19. US Navy’s High-Speed, Mission-Focused Surface Combatant Completes Advanced Training. For the first time in the littoral combat ship’s class history, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) conducted Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operation (AOR). The training, which concluded April 22, provided the crew of the Independence-class USS Montgomery (LCS 8) advanced level training to increase their tactical proficiency, lethality, and interoperability.
“SWATT is the culmination of a phased training approach which prepares our ships and our Sailors to win the fight,” said Capt. Matthew McGonigle, commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE. “The Montgomery crew demonstrated that they are ready, capable and committed to meet the mission the Navy and our nation requires of them.”
Montgomery conducted several training exercises during the multi-day training event, including anti-submarine, surface, and air warfare. Complex live-fire events included torpedo countermeasure exercises and gunnery exercises.
“The Montgomery Blue team honed their skills during the complex exercise and without a doubt, their watchstander proficiency was enhanced,” said Cmdr. Edward A. Rosso, Montgomery’s commanding officer. “The SWMDC Warfare Tactics Instructors provided excellent training, and we are more ready than ever to answer our nation’s call.”
SMWDC-based mentors, warfare tactics instructors (WTIs), and technical community experts planned the events, briefed shipboard teams, and embarked to train and mentor watch teams throughout the duration of the advanced tactical training. Training evolutions used a formalized plan, brief, execute, debrief (PBED) process.
LCS vessels are high-speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatants designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. As part of the surface fleet, LCS has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats independently or within a network of surface combatants. Paired with advanced sonar and mine hunting capabilities, LCS provides a major contribution, as well as a more diverse set of options to commanders, across the spectrum of operations. (Source: ASD Network/US Navy)
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Meggitt Training Systems, makers of FATS® and Caswell technologies, a division of Meggitt PLC, is the leading supplier of integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training systems. Meggitt Training Systems continues to grow its capabilities based on the legacy of these two industry leaders.
Over 13,600 Meggitt live-fire ranges and 5,100 virtual systems are fielded internationally, providing judgmental, situational awareness and marksmanship training to the armed forces, law enforcement and security organizations. Meggitt Training Systems employs more than 400 people at its headquarters in Atlanta and at facilities in Orlando, Canada, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, UAE, Australia and Singapore. It can deploy service personnel anywhere in the world for instructor training, system installation and maintenance. Learn more at https://meggitttrainingsystems.com/.
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