Eurosatory 2010

[buglerbilly]

This premier show is due to happen again in approx 10 weeks, I'll use this thread as a general catch-all for all News items related to it...........new vehicles etc will be posted in their relevant news thread sections variously on this forum..............



Eurosatory 2010 Preview

World's Defense Industries Set Course toward paris26 march, 2010: The world's premier land warfare event, Eurosatory 2010 will take place near Paris from 14 to 18 June 2010. Highlighting all aspects of air-land warfare, security and force protection, Eurosatory provides the hub of defense industries presenting hardware and services for the military, defense ministries and primes.

The bi-annual event attracts tens of thousands of visitors, from five continents, assembling here to learn about the latest trends in defense and security. The last event, held in 2008 attracted over 52,000 visitors (about half of them came from abroad). 117 official delegations from 75 countries attended the show. The event hosted 1,210 exhibitors, with over 800 were international, from 52 countries.

The global economic crisis and industries conglomeration has made its mark on the defense market. As of March 2010 the exhibitor's list includes 710 international and 335 domestic companies, commercial and government. In total, more than 1,070 exhibitors are planning to participate, representing about 10% drop from the 2008 all-time peak. The organizers expect the list to increase as the deadline draws to a close.

In total, 335 French defense companies and organizations are expected to participate (not including media and event organizers). The three leading NATO members will lead the international participation, with Germany (112 trade exhibitors), the USA (111) and the UK (71). Israel will be the largest non-NATO exhibitor, with 52 companies exhibiting; the Israeli national pavilion is expected to be the largest pavilion ever established at an international defense show, hosting 23 exhibitors. Other large national exhibits will highlight Italy, the Czech Republic (33), Spain (21), Netherlands (20) and Belgium (19). Three European nonaligned countries will muster one of the largest segments at the show - 77 exhibits, including Austria (29), Sweden (25) and Switzerland (23), underlining the significance of arms industries among their economies. The organizers also expect a large Russian exhibit, to be managed by state operated defense export monopoly Rosoboronexport. Smaller participation is expected by developing countries from the Balkans, including Slovenia, Croatia and Bulgaria, even Serbia will send one exhibitor. Four will come from Greece and nine from Turkey.

In addition to the large exhibition hall and large outdoor exhibit hosting over 1,500 defense systems on static display, the adjacent 50,000 M2 proving grounds and obstacle course, is where these systems will be demonstrating in live action - combat vehicles, combat support and combat service support equipment negotiating obstacles under simulated live conditions. Adjacent group displays will also highlight specific themes covering command posts, medical facilities, field deployed, maintenance and field repair shops.

This year's exhibition highlights several 'technology clusters', covering unmanned systems, associated with conferences organized by the Unmanned Vehicles Systems International association and operational medicine, associated with the international conference on operational medicine, organized by the French armed forces. The unmanned systems group display was first launched in 2008 and is expected to be even bigger this year, featuring live demonstrations of robotic vehicles performing certain tasks such as manipulation, indoor exploration, surveillance, checkpoint activities and even indoor flight by mini and micro rotary-wing drones.



Another focus area will be Training and Simulation (T&S), which was a real success in 2008, when the cluster concept was launched. In the current fragile economy situation, Armed Forces tend to reduce their training budgets and turn to the so effective but less expensive solutions of training through simulation. Two years ago more than 140 exhibiting companies, among the most important of the sector, where present at the exhibition, addressing specific interests stated by visitors and delegations. This year the T&S cluster will include specific features as conferences and workshops dedicated to the field.


One of the new technology clusters planned for Eurosatory 2010 is the 'Soldier Systems', highlighting personal equipment, electronic systems and wearable hardware designed for 'the warfighter as a system'. GICAT/Eurosatory Courtesy photo.


The unmanned systems group display was first launched in 2008 and is expected to be even bigger this year, featuring live demonstrations of robotic vehicles performing certain tasks such as manipulation, indoor exploration, surveillance, checkpoint activities and even indoor flight by mini and micro rotary-wing drones. Photo: GICAT/Eurosatory Courtesy photo.

This year soldier systems and night vision exhibits will also be formed in clusters, as well as Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) and homeland defense and security, addressing requirements for dual capabilities of military equipment, stemming from an actual security and defense continuum. Embedded electronics and 'industrial subcontracting' will also be highlighted in clusters. Eurosatory will provide a 'business week' for many executives from mid-size companies, gaining access to world markets, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), who will benefit from the Eurosatory One-to-one Business Meetings. This new concept generated some 4,900 business meetings in 2008.

Defense Update will keep updating you on the upcoming event, as well as during the exhibition. We'll also publish a comprehensive summary of the show, highlighting new products, programs trends. We invite you to subscribe to our free news service, updating you daily or weekly email updates, providing current news, including the upcoming Eurosatory reports. Exhibitors and visitors interested in sponsoring our service are invited to contact our sales department for details on our sponsorship packages.

[buglerbilly]

GDELS presents the latest models of the PIRANHA family and EAGLE at EUROSATORY 2010


PIRANHA 3 wheeled armoured infantry fighting vehicle.

14:03 GMT, May 26, 2010 VIENNA | General Dynamics European Land System will present the next generation of the PIRANHA armoured wheeled combat vehicles and the EAGLE light tactical vehicle with a Remote Control Weapon (RCW) station during the EUROSATORY exhibition in Paris from 14-18 June 2010.

General Dynamics European Land Systems will be located at Stand P-108, Hall 5.

Display Highlights

PIRANHA 5 - Unveiling of the latest member of the PIRANHA Family

The launch of the latest member of the PIRANHA family of armoured wheeled vehicles, PIRANHA 5, will be celebrated during the official unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010. This advanced new vehicle will raise the benchmark in the areas of survivability, mobility and firepower, marking unprecedented progress in the development of armoured wheeled vehicles. Presentation and unveil ceremony of the vehicle on Tuesday, June 15th (12:45 hours).

New EAGLE

To meet the increasing demand in protection and payload, General Dynamics European Land Systems has developed the new EAGLE vehicle. Due to its higher payload capacity, it can either carry more equipment or heavier protection solutions, depending on the customer’s requirements. The vehicle will be shown with the LEMUR Remote Control Weapon Station, armed with a .50 cal. machine gun, type GAU 19/A, as well as with the RUAG adaptive, very lightweight SidePRO-LASSO RPG mitigation system. This highly mobile vehicle, with a crew of 4 - 5 soldiers, offers outstanding protection against ballistic, mine and improvised explosive device (IED) threats. Interchangeable automotive parts and components with DURO armoured or soft-skinned vehicles provide a cost-effective logistics commonality.

Further details will be released on a press conference on Monday, June 14th (14:00 hours).

I presume this is the one favourite to be presented for our requirements in Australia?

ASCOD OWS - Multiple mission roles with excellent mobility, protection and combat ability

Based on the IFV version, the ASCOD OWS is the lightest variant of the ASCOD family, designed to mount lighter 20-30 mm commercial Remote Weapon Stations (RWS). In this case, the display vehicle will be fitted with an ELBIT UT-30 station. The ASCOD OWS is an optimal choice for multiple mission roles offering an excellent combination of mobility, protection and combat ability. The ASCOD, designed and produced by General Dynamics European Land Systems-SBS and General Dynamics European Land Systems-Steyr, is in service with the Spanish and Austrian armies and recently has been selected by the UK FRES SV program.

REBS on MAN protected truck – Mobility makes the difference

Mobility and flexibility are essential to survival in today’s combat operations. The REBS (Rapidly Emplaced Bridge System), developed by General Dynamics European Land Systems-Germany, delivers both. REBS provides tactical bridging capability for MLC50 wheeled and tracked vehicles for unprepared gaps up to 13 m; it has proven its superior performance and reliability in theatre already. At EUROSATORY, the REBS will be presented on a MAN SX45 protected truck.

PIRANHA 3 – Wheeled Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle

As the most widely sold and used vehicle worldwide in its category, the battle-proven PIRANHA 3 vehicle has been re-engineered to improve protection, payload and growth potential. Equipped with the OTO MELARA HITFIST 30 mm OWS, the vehicle will be displayed in an Infantry Fighting Configuration, demonstrating the merits of an OWS and the relevant space savings in the crew compartment. The complete system will be exhibited with an adhesive digital pattern camouflage.

PANDUR 6x6 – Wheeled Armoured Command Post Vehicle

The PANDUR family of wheeled armored vehicles in 6x6 and 8x8 configurations is serving customers around the world as a common platform for various mission roles. The PANDUR on display will be equipped with the ELBIT stabilized overhead remote controlled weapon station .50 cal.

[Cortez]

That is actually a pic of the PIRANHA Evolution on the FRES UV Trials of Truth at Bovington in 2007. I wonder how many from the UK MoD will be wondering what could have been after the launch of PIRANHA 5.

[buglerbilly]

Mercedes-Benz at EUROSATORY 2010

(Source: Mercedes-Benz; issued May 31, 2010)


Actros 4151 AK Recovery.

- Four Mercedes-Benz world premieres at EUROSATORY: Protected Actros 4151 AK Recovery heavy-duty transport vehicle, the new FGA 14.5 chassis as a platform for protected vehicle bodies, and two light patrol vehicles (LAPV 6.X and LAPV 7.X)
- Maximum protection, reliability, and quality: Full range of Mercedes-Benz trucks for military applications.


STUTTGART/ PARIS --- Mercedes-Benz will present 11 vehicles from its range of products with payloads between 0.5 and 110 tons for military customers at Stand B310 in the German Pavilion at EUROSATORY 2010 (June 14 to 18, 2010).

Four Mercedes-Benz world premieres at EUROSATORY 2010

Mercedes-Benz will be celebrating four world debuts at EUROSATORY 2010. The all-wheel-drive Actros 4151 AK 8x8 Recovery is in a protection class that has never been offered before. The new recovery vehicle provides Level 4 ballistic protection and Level 4b mine protection according to STANAG 4569. The systems of the armored Actros 4151 AK 8x8 have been further optimized on the basis of many years of experience.

Another new development is the FGA 14.5 chassis, which is the latest and most high-performance platform for protected command and special-purpose vehicles. The FGA 14.5 special chassis from Mercedes-Benz provides manufacturers of military and civilian vehicles with a reconfigured platform based on that of the proven Unimog concept. The Mercedes-Benz FGA 12.5 special chassis has been successfully used as a platform for the KMW Dingo 2 for years in a wide variety of military missions. The experience gained during these missions as well as changed deployment scenarios with regard to payload, mobility, and reliability provided the basis for developing the FGA 14.5 special chassis.

The third innovation - the LAPV 6.X concept vehicle - will augment the very mobile LAPV 5.4 light armored patrol vehicles from the G-Class. Series production of these vehicles for the German military will commence at the time EUROSATORY is held. The LAPV 6.X concept vehicle will improve on the LAPV 5.4 modular in the areas of protection (Level 3), offroad capability, and, above all, agility. In doing so, it will make maximum use of the G-Class modular system.

The fourth world-class innovation is the 7.X concept vehicle, which combines the properties of two different Mercedes-Benz model series. As is the case with the two lighter LAPVs, the vehicle's engine/transmission and cockpit are taken from the G-Class, while the frame and the axles are from the Unimog range. Because the larger vehicle, the LAPV 7.X, uses components from the Unimog modular system, it opens up an entirely new dimension of all-terrain capability for a patrol vehicle.

Also on show will be an Actros and a Zetros from the test series for the Australian military's Overlander project. A German army version of the all-wheel-drive Atego 1018 4x4 will also be on display as a representative of the vast array of Mercedes-Benz trucks in military use.

The long-nose Zetros truck will be represented at the Mercedes-Benz stand in two versions: as an unprotected three-axle flatbed truck with special military equipment and as an armored test vehicle for the Australian Overlander project.

As an expression of the brand's high mobility transport expertise for the roughest terrain, the Mercedes-Benz stand will also feature two Unimog U 5000 vehicles. A veritable legend that is unparalleled in its range of applications is the all-terrain Unimog U 5000 series for difficult operations in areas without roads or tracks. The Unimog is the most capable all-terrain vehicle in the world.

These vehicles embody like no others the traditional Mercedes-Benz brand attributes of robustness, reliability, economy, and safety, and they underscore the brand's heritage and its many years of expertise in building trucks.

Today's military missions require commercial vehicles that feature customized solutions for fulfilling a wide range of different tasks. As the world's largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with payloads between 0.5 and 110 tons, Mercedes-Benz offers the most extensive range of vehicles for meeting many different logistical and tactical requirements. Mercedes-Benz has a comprehensive range of all-wheel-drive vehicles that extends from SUVs, vans, and partially militarized versions of the Atego, Axor, and Actros trucks to the all-terrain Unimog and Zetros vehicles and the Actros heavy-duty tractor unit.

Mercedes-Benz' commercial vehicles for military mobility are supported by a unique service program called Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) which provides the vehicles with a standardized maintenance concept. Mercedes-Benz supports its military customers by sending its service representatives all the way to the scene of operations. In combination with the use of parts and components from the series-produced versions of the vehicles, this results in a high level of fleet availability as well as low lifecycle costs and therefore an optimized total cost of ownership.

The brand maintains almost 5,000 service centers in 160 countries worldwide to ensure fast delivery of spare parts and workshop support.

The uniform service philosophy for all production series builds on this concept and guarantees maximum standardization, which ensures the highest level of operating security despite a minimum of training.

An overview of the vehicles on show:

--Actros 4151 AK 8x8 Recovery
--Actros 4151 A 8x8 Overlander
--Zetros 1833 A 4x4 Overlander
--Zetros 2743 A 6x6
--Atego 1018 4x4 BWFPS
--U 5000 BWFPS
--U 5000 GLF
--FGA Chassis 14.5
--APV 7.X Concept
--LAPV 6.X Concept
-LAPV 5.4

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Israel Aerospace Industries to Present New Technologies and Products at Eurosatory 2010

(Source: Israel Aerospace Industries; issued June 2, 2010)

BEN GURION INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Israel --- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will present its advanced products and unique solutions to the challenges of the modern battlefield at the Eurosatory 2010 international ground show, opening in Paris, June 14th-18th, 2010.

On the occasion of the show's opening, President and CEO of IAI Itzhak Nissan said: "Our exhibit at the show reflects IAI's innovative technologies and products, which are designed to meet our customers' needs in a variety of ground warfare scenarios."

Yair Ramati, Corporate VP of Marketing at IAI, said: "In the last decade, land warfare has been presented with great technological challenges. IAI has identified a number of areas within the field of land warfare in which it could make significant contributions, utilizing knowledge and technologies accumulated in the last years, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering systems and precision munitions, and in their interconnection."

Brigadier General (Ret.) Shmuel Yachin, the former head of military research and development in the Israel Ministry of Defense, will lead IAI’s initiative to strengthen its dominance in land systems. Yachin will coordinate research and development efforts in land systems, and will work with the Israel Defense Forces and potential local and international customers on land-related programs.

"IAI," said Yachin, "has proven technological and operational systems capabilities. IAI offers its customers a wide range of products, including unmanned aerial vehicles, command and control systems, radars, electronic surveillance systems, attack systems, electro-optic observation systems, ground robotics, and more."

At Eurosatory this year, an innovative IAI concept will be presented, combining all scenario aspects, including target detection and acquisition systems, weapon related command and control systems, unmanned platforms, as well as precise weapons and rapid and effective attack cycles.

In addition, a number of IAI's innovative products will also be unveiled at the show, including:

-- In the field of command and control systems – Fire Lord deals with the sensor-to-shooter cycle in perimeter security and maneuvering scenarios. The system establishes network connectivity between sensors and launchers, thus enabling the commander to view target detections from his sub-units, manage a Common Operational Picture (COP), and allocate the optimal launcher to the target through the network. The leading operational principles are distributed fire and centralized command.

-- In the field of unmanned platforms – ETOP (Electric Tethered Observation Platform) is an unmanned hovering craft which can take off, hover in one place, and land without any additional landing and recovery systems.

-- In the field of precision weapons – Strikes is a guided long range 122 mm rocket enabling precision attack.

-- GTADS – an electro-optic system with a laser designator, boasting rapid deployment in the battlefield and ease of use.

Manufacturers from 73 countries worldwide will display their products at Eurosatory in a 120,000 square meter exhibition hall. Eurosatory is considered the most important land exhibition in the world, and it attracts decision makers and other leaders from the fields of politics and defense, as well as high-ranking ground forces officials and defense industry representatives seeking cooperative endeavors. The show's organizers expect an attendance of 50,000 visitors at Eurosatory.

-ends-

[Gubler, A.]

BAE To Unveil CV90 Armadillo at Eurosatory

By TIM MAHON

Published: 3 Jun 2010 12:19
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4654809&c=EUR&s=LAN


Britain's BAE Systems will reveal the new Armadillo concept of its CV90 armored combat vehicle family at the Eurosatory 2010 trade show outside Paris.

A glimpse of the CV90 Armadillo, which BAE Systems will unveil later this month at Eurosatory 2010. (BAE SYSTEMS) The latest iteration in a vehicle line that has won more than 1,100 orders, CV90 Armadillo is intended to bring a high level of flexibility in payload and battlefield utility to a new range of vehicles using common CV90 components, according to the company.

"This is a concept of a flexible family of vehicles of modular type built around the CV90 platform," said Hakan Karlsson, vice president of marketing communications for BAE Global Combat Systems in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden.

An ideal armored combat vehicle, Karlsson said, offers a balance between high mobility, high payload and extremely high protection; should have a practical and effective interface for digitally equipped soldiers and the digital battlespace; should be reliable and affordable; and above all, offer a low logistics footprint. This has been the ethos behind the development of the Armadillo build standard, Karlsson told journalists May 27 in a London briefing.

BAE has analyzed the degree of commonality between variants in existing CV90 vehicles, and overlaid on this the benefits of a modular approach to future variants based on the Armadillo standard. Based on cost, engineering effort expended and the number of major common components, the company believes it can achieve between 65 percent and 88 percent commonality for turreted, personnel carrier and specialist engineering vehicles.

The real payoff for the Armadillo comes in its available payload of 16 metric tons, according to Karlsson. In its armored personnel carrier form, the CV90 Armadillo will weigh in at 26 metric tons, leaving 9 metric tons of payload availability, which can be traded off against higher levels of protection.

The standard level of protection is already high. "Resistance to mines in the 8-10 kilogram area is already considered pretty good - we have achieved protection well in excess of the 10 kilogram bracket; we are setting new standards with the Armadillo program," Karlsson said.

Armor protection also is high, at "well above Level 5," and the entire vehicle architecture has been built with ease of interoperability with tomorrow's digital soldier in mind.

Equipped with a Saab LEDS150 hard-kill self-protection system, a BAE Lemur remote weapon station, and external fire suppression equipment to deal with urban warfare attacks from Molotov cocktails and the like, the Armadillo family will include ambulance, mortar, personnel carrier, command-and-control, logistics support and recovery variants, depending on customer demand.

Future development may well examine other variants, such as a vehicle-launched bridge, with a continued focus on improving the payload/protection balance, according to Karlsson.

Questioned on the degree to which the design had taken into account the development of soldier modernization programs, Karlsson responded that there are several challenges that need to be balanced.

"We need to provide adequate power and cooling, ensure we can cope with handling and sharing tactical information with the crew, and also maintain a useful level of useable payload and space," he said.

[buglerbilly]

Interesting to see it kitted out with an Active Defence System...............sort of reminds me of one or two Israeli systems, the vehicle that is.............

[buglerbilly]

Hawkei Takes Centre Stage at Eurosatory

(Source: Thales; issued June 7, 2010)

Thales Australia’s next generation Hawkei Australian Light Protected Vehicle is taking centre stage at next week’s Eurosatory exhibition in Paris.

The Hawkei is a key feature on Thales’s stand, part of a display highlighting the company’s ability to provide mission critical systems and equipment to support troops on operations, and to deliver Urgent Operational Requirements.

Equipped with SOTASIP and other innovative technologies, the Hawkei will demonstrate its next generation open architecture and systems integration capabilities, as well as its ability to accommodate the future system demands of adaptive campaigning.

Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia’s CEO, said putting the Hawkei on the global stage was a response to the interest the vehicle had received since its Australian launch late last year.

"The Hawkei is a very capable vehicle with substantial growth potential that has attracted the attention of potential customers from around the world. While designed first and foremost for an Australian program, the Hawkei’s weight, flexibility and ability to be integrated with a wide range of systems make it a viable candidate for many armed forces’ future light protected vehicle requirements."

"It also offers impressive survivability, with the highest levels of protection of any vehicle in its weight class."

With the combat-proven Bushmaster also on display, Thales Australia’s protected mobility vehicles encompass a significant array of capabilities that provide troops with high levels of protection and mobility – a vital advantage in today’s increasingly hostile operational environments.

Eurosatory 2010, taking place June 14-18, is one of the world’s largest defence industry events, connecting exhibitors with visitors from around the world. The previous event in 2008 attracted 1,210 exhibitors from 52 countries, and was visited by more than 52,000 people from 131 countries, including 117 official delegations and 4,500 armed forces representatives from 86 countries.

The Hawkei is Thales Australia’s proposed solution to the Australian Department of Defence’s LAND 121 Phase 4 program to acquire 1,300 new light protected vehicles to replace the current Land Rover fleet.

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2009, the company generated revenues of 12.9 billion euros (equivalent of AUD 22.7 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements.

Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and services. Employing around 3,500 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of more than AUD1 billion in 2009.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

IBD's 4th Generation of Armor Technologies and their Applications on Modern Platforms presented at Eurosatory 2010



18:18 GMT, June 8, 2010 IBD is going to present new armor technologies based on new materials. The new armor technologies provide significantly higher ballistic performance at reduced weight: Nano-ceramics, Nanometric steels, Advanced transparent armor, and Advanced liners

With the new technologies weight reductions of 30% are possible while maintaining or even improving the protection level.

Please visit us at our Booth No. F570 in Hall 6 (German Pavilion)

Applications of the new technologies are shown at our booth and on several platforms exhibited by our customers at Eurosatory 2010:

LMV Future
• Nano-Ceramics for ballistic protection levels up to STANAG Level 4
• Mine-Protection levels
- underbelly up to STANAG Level 2b / 3b
- under wheel up to STANAG Level 3a / 4a
• Advanced transparent armor for protection levels up to STANAG Level 3+
• Active Defense System

Medium Protected Vehicle (MPV) / Iveco
• New nanometric steel technologies for ballistic protection at low weight and low cost
• Advanced composite IED protection

Leopard 2 A4 Evolution
• Multi-Purpose Protection Kit
- against large caliber KE- and shaped charge ammunition,
- heavy mines and IEDs/EFPs, bomblets,
- higher protection at significantly reduced weight.

AMV
• Synergistic modular spherical protection concept with high level ballistic, mine, IED/EFP and shaped charge protection.

VAB
• High level ballistic, mine, and IED protection kit

Sherpa APC22
• High level ballistic protection kit

Tank Container
• High level ballistic protection kit
- The protection for the tank container is an example for a complete protection
- Concept for equipment installed in military camps in theatre.

[buglerbilly]

Hatehof to Announce Launch of NBC Division at Eurosatory


Hatehof's Girit decontamination vehicle.

The company will be presenting its new, comprehensive solution, providing the range of requisites to cope with NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) incidents

09:06 GMT, June 9, 2010 Israel | Hatehof, a research, development, and production stalwart of armored vehicles for combat and terror threats, announces its new NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) division at this year’s Eurosatory. Following extensive research and development efforts, the company’s new array of NBC vehicles and their accessories complement, now offers a comprehensive solution capable of handling an unconventional incident. The range of systems can be seen at Hatehof booth located Outdoors PE 6B stand F201.

“Hatehof can now provide an effective response to new and emerging threats from weapons of mass destruction,” says Shimon Shacham, Hatehof’s CEO. He goes on to explain, “The proven Girit decontamination vehicle, in use by the IDF, has been around for years. Now, following an exhaustive development process, we boast a range of definitive and complete solutions to counter NBC threats. We’ve been studying the NBC field for some time and our resulting philosophy is a tripartite answer to unconventional incidents. Three types of fully encased vehicles, command and control, chemical reconnaissance, and decontamination offer customization benefits that only the vehicle’s designer can claim.”

With the command and control vehicle, a team is dispatched to an incident’s location to manage the scene. Hatehof’s Wolf type vehicle incorporates a hermetically sealed hyperbaric chamber with systems for incident location designation and advanced communications, to name a few. The chemical recon vehicle is responsible for detecting and identifying chemical contamination sources. A Sniffer type vehicle based on the Wolf provides maximum protection for the crew. It is armored, has a cased and sealed hyperbaric chamber container, and off-road capability. This configuration offers air and ground sampling equipment with a sterile cell for the samples, advanced communications, systems for imaging and data transmission to the command and control team, and a host of accessories for crew protection.

The decontamination configuration will be presented at Hatehof’s booth onboard a Girit type vehicle. It functions, however, as an independent container that can be installed onboard a flatbed truck in emergencies. This type of deployment frees the trucks to function as intended at all other times. The container configuration offers the added advantage of operating as a stand alone unit, independent of a vehicle altogether, when decontaminating a stationary source. Hatehof’s decontamination unit includes a water tank, a specialized elevator for loading decontamination materials, a purpose built system for mixing water and decontamination chemicals, and a decontamination hoses system up to heights of 50 meters. Additional benefits offered by the system include decontamination in high elevations, along traffic arteries, and for population decontamination.

[buglerbilly]

IAI to Present TopGun, a Course Correction Fuze, at Eurosatory

(Source: Israel Aerospace Industries; issued June 8, 2010)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will unveil a series of effective and affordable weapon systems at this year's Eurosatory Symposium & Exhibition in Paris, June 14th-18th, 2010 (Booth E-700). These systems share the common vision of affordability and precision, transforming "statistical" artillery into precision weapons. IAI's vision of future weapon systems stresses the ability to create highly precise systems that enable the support fire elements to do their jobs faster, more accurately and with much less collateral damage.

One of the IAI's new weapon systems is TopGun– a GPS/INS course correction fuze for 155 mm artillery projectiles.

TopGun converts a standard 155 mm artillery round into a precision-guided projectile, without significantly altering firing routines, using GPS and guided by 4 fins fitted to the fuze. The accuracy of projectiles equipped with TopGun, which is mounted on the artillery round, is 20 m CEP (Circular Error Probable), regardless of range – unlike any other round.

TopGun is very cost-effective, significantly decreasing the amount of ammunition needed to successfully strike the target. As a result, TopGun helps to minimize the supply budget, and allows artillery units to complete more missions with greater effectiveness.

Uri Sinai, General Manager of IAI's MLM Division, noted: "Using our extensive experience in developing missile systems, we took this technological challenge upon ourselves. The relatively small size of the fuze required developing cutting-edge miniaturization and ruggedizing technologies, in order to withstand the extreme conditions of artillery fire, including acceleration and spin of artillery rounds. IAI has once again proven its ability to meet the needs of the IDF and supply first-class weaponry."

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

"Sentinel" Radar to be Unveiled at Eurosatory 2010

(Source: RADA Electronic Industries Ltd.; issued June 9, 2010)

NETANYA, Israel --- Israel-based defense electronics system house RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. is unveiling its new line of products at Eurosatory 2010: Radar Sensors for Force Protection Systems. "Sentinel is the first product of a new line announced by RADA at Eurosatory," said Zvika Alon, Chief Executive Officer of RADA. "It is the first result of our strategic decision to enhance our product portfolio with solutions specialized for land systems."

"The first application of RADA's radar technology is the Sentinel Radar for Active Protection Systems for Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV), which was developed in a record time and has already demonstrated excellent performance through rugged, live fire field tests conducted by Israel Military Industries (IMI)," said Alon.

"We are excited to work with IMI on this important system, providing this life-saving technology and positioning RADA's systems at the first line of force protection solutions," Alon added. The Sentinel will debut at the Eurosatory 2010 defense exposition in Paris, France, as part of IMI's Active Protection System display (displayed at the Israel Pavilion, Stand C-701).

Sentinel is a compact and lightweight, yet armored, pulse-Doppler radar that operates in the "S" band, detecting and tracking incoming threats (missiles, rockets, projectiles). The static radar "stares" over a sector of 2100, enabling two identical and interchangeable units to cover a complete sphere around the protected vehicle. This digital radar is easily programmable and configurable, interfacing with its peripherals via standard Ethernet links.

RADA's new radar technology is applicable to a wide variety of force protection systems and solutions, whether stationary or mobile, for Defense and Homeland Security applications.

RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. is an Israel-based defense electronics contractor. The Company specializes in the development, production and sales of Data Recording and Management Systems (Digital Video & Data recorders, Ground Debriefing Stations, Head-Up Display Cameras), Inertial Navigation Systems for air and land applications, Avionics Solutions (Aircraft Upgrades, Avionics for UAVs, Stores Management Systems, Mission & Interface Computers) and Radar Sensors for Force Protection Systems.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Ocelot Aims for World Markets at Eurosatory 2010



09:30 GMT, June 11, 2010 Following a contract from the UK MOD for the supply of two vehicles for test purposes, Ocelot, the advanced new light protected patrol vehicle, will be the focus of the Force Protection display at Eurosatory (Stand K441).

An all-new concept, Ocelot has been developed by Force Protection Europe Ltd and Ricardo plc to provide levels of survivability comparable with the Cougar family of vehicles, together with exceptional cross country mobility, flexibility and value for money. Accordingly, Ocelot is equally effective in a range of diverse environments, including mountains, deserts and urban areas.

Ocelot can be maintained and repaired quickly out in the field to ensure maximum availability, while its unique modular design enables the vehicle to be reconfigured in theatre within two hours to meet a variety of different roles, such as patrol, fire support and protected logistics.

Ocelot’s capabilities have been proven by a sustained programme of blast, ballistic, automotive and manoeuvrability tests conducted since the summer of 2009. The vehicle is supported by a strong supply chain that includes QinetiQ, Sula Systems and Thales.

Eurosatory 2010 takes place at Parc des Expositions, Paris, from June 14 – 18.

[buglerbilly]

New Generation of Protected Patrol Vehicle launched into Europe



12:14 GMT, June 11, 2010 Today’s battlefield is indeed hybrid and extremely hostile terrain with the predominant threat coming from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), proxy bombs, suicide bombers explosively forged projectiles and land mines. Universal Engineering has developed the RANGER family of armoured vehicles to overmatch this series of threats without compromising mobility or payload. The highly protected vehicle has been designed from first principles with crew survivability to the fore and the monocoque troop survival capsule is at the very heart of the machine.

RANGER project director John Scott said: ‘RANGER represents the next generation of protection, mobility and mission functionality. A complete family of vehicles including 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 variants is available to ensure a broad spectrum of roles from troop carrier to ambulance and from patrol/reconnaissance to EOD support: RANGER is the solution to overmatching both today’s and tomorrow’s threats.’

Amazingly, Scott delivered the prototype vehicle in exactly one year since the decision to commit private venture investment was taken by Universal Engineering’s owners. Since then 2 more preproduction vehicles have been built – a further 6x6 and a new 8x8. These 2 vehicles incorporate significant modifications and improvements instigated as the result of informed feedback and potential user suggestions harvested over the past 12 months of demonstrations and trials.

‘The key to achieving this feat has been the close working relationship established with our partners in the supply chain.’ Scott said. ‘Creation UK, our design house, and HR4 Limited (ILS provider) have been involved since day one. We have also enjoyed outstanding advice and backup from MAN who provide the 540 horse power engine, ZF and Webster Drives who make the gearbox and drive train respectively, and Horstman Defence, the manufacturer of the vehicle’s suspension system. Ranger will now enter a period of intensive testing to demonstrate and prove the vehicle’s inherent reliability, maintainability and support solutions’.

Universal have recently also teamed up with SELEX Galileo who will provide the mission systems for the Ranger vehicle. SELEX Galileo will integrate a range of critical systems onto the Ranger, further boosting the vehicle’s already very high crew protection capabilities. These include the Company’s local situational awareness system, remote weapon station and driver’s night vision system. Together, the systems provide a 24 hour situational awareness capability with the ability to respond to threats while remaining under armour. For each specific vehicle programme, SELEX Galileo will also integrate third party and GFE mission equipment as necessary to meet the individual customer requirements.

RANGER will be seen for the first time on continental Europe at the Eurosatory Exhibition from 14 to 18 June and will also be centre-stage on the Universal Engineering stand at Defence Vehicle Dynamics exhibition on 23 and 24 June 2010.

[buglerbilly]

Oshkosh Defense to Showcase Vehicle Offerings for Wide Range of International Needs at Eurosatory 2010


Oshkosh Defense SandCat.

SandCat Mine-Resistant Light Patrol Vehicle to Be Unveiled

12:41 GMT, June 11, 2010 OSHKOSH, Wis. | Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), designs, produces and supports a diverse line of international vehicles that are available to governments worldwide, and will showcase a sampling of these vehicles at Eurosatory 2010. Oshkosh will be unveiling the SandCat Mine-Protected Light Patrol Vehicle (M-LPV) as well as exhibiting its MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV), Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) 8x8 Load Handling System (LHS) and a variant of its Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) at the event, which will take place June 14-18 in Paris, France. Oshkosh is exhibiting at booth #G441 in Hall 6.

“We pursue programs around the world, and international militaries continue to show interest in our advanced vehicle platforms that meet varying payload, protection and performance requirements,” said Ron Ziebell, Oshkosh Corporation vice president and general manager, Defense International Programs. “We look forward to meeting with current and potential global customers at Eurosatory to see how we can best meet their needs, from vehicle design and production to the complete spectrum of sustainment support.”

The SandCat M-LPV is a light patrol vehicle designed to protect users from mine attacks and improvised explosive devices (IED), as well as standard ammunition threats and armor-piercing bullets, while offering superior off-road performance. The M-LPV can cover the needs of a wide range of security forces conducting various operations over the distances and terrain required by a light protected patrol vehicle's mission profile.

Improved performance is achieved by utilizing advanced composite ceramic armor materials and a blast-management system for the protective cabin, while optimizing the cabin's overall size and structure, with a growth capability against new and emerging threats. The vehicle seats four and has an option for two more. To date, SandCat vehicles have been sold to Sweden, Bulgaria, Canada and Israel.

The M-ATV provides MRAP-level protection capabilities and delivers enhanced mobility. The vehicle is built around a proven chassis and uses the Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspension system to achieve a 70 percent off-road profile capability. This enhanced mobility allows the vehicle to overcome rocky, rutted terrain or deteriorating road networks in places like Afghanistan. To date, Oshkosh has received orders for 8,079 M-ATVs.

The MTVR 8x8 LHS has a payload capacity of up to 16.5 tons and, like all MTVR variants, uses the TAK-4 system to deliver exceptional off-road mobility for extensive cross-country operations. Oshkosh has produced more than 10,000 MTVRs, several of which have exceeded 70,000 operational miles on the challenging Afghanistan terrain, with readiness rates greater than 92 percent. The vehicle also is available in cargo truck, dump truck, tractor and wrecker (recovery) variants.

Oshkosh’s FMTV is a series of 17 models and 23 variants for the U.S. Army. The company has received orders for more than 5,000 trucks and trailers to date. Variants include cargo, tractor, van, wrecker, tanker and dump truck, with payloads ranging from 2.5 tons to 10 tons. FMTV trucks feature a common, armor-ready cab and share a parts commonality of more than 80 percent for simplified maintenance and reduced supply-chain costs.

[buglerbilly]

New pics of the Armadillo based on the CV90..............

[buglerbilly]

In addition to the previous Mercedes announcement for the show here's a pic of the.............

7.X concept vehicle
The fourth world-class innovation is the 7.X concept vehicle, which combines the properties of two different Mercedes-Benz model series. As is the case with the two lighter LAPVs, the vehicle’s engine/transmission and cockpit are taken from the G-Class, while the frame and the axles are from the Unimog range. Because the larger vehicle, the LAPV 7.X, uses components from the Unimog modular system, it opens up an entirely new dimension of all-terrain capability for a patrol vehicle.


7.X concept vehicle

[buglerbilly]

AMPV KMW Light protected vehicle

[buglerbilly]

Wednesday, 09 June 2010, 11:25AM

Otokar launches Arma 6x6 armoured vehicle at Eurosatory 2010.



Otokar, the leader armoured tactical vehicle designer and manufacturer of Turkish Defence Industry, unviels its new ARMA 6x6 tactical wheeled armoured vehicle at Eurosatory. Otokar also displays its worldwide known armoured vehicle “COBRA” and its mine protected armoured “KAYA” vehicle at the show in Paris, France, between 14th and 18th June 2010.

ARMA Otokar wheeled armoured vehicle
The ARMA is the latest product of Otokar’s design and development studies and a proof of Otokar’s ability to leverage its engineering, manufacturing and expertise across a large portfolio of armoured tactical vehicles. ARMA is a new product family within the Otokar’s the tactical wheeled armoured vehicle range with modular multi-wheel configuration. ARMA vehicle platform with superior tactical and technical features will be an outstanding and cost effective product among competitive products. Thanks to the high level of ballistic and mine protection as well as, the outstanding design allowing the integration of various types of weapon stations and mission equipments, ARMA will be an adaptable platform for evolving mission needs in a modern battlefield.




ARMA Otokar wheeled armoured vehicle

Cobra
Otokar’s worldwide known armoured vehicle COBRA is exhibited with remote controlled weapon station at Eurosatory. The demand to Otokar’s 4x4 COBRA had increased in recent years. The COBRA is in duty in various countries including the European countries. The 4x4 COBRA armoured vehicle provides superior mobility, a high level of protection, adaptability to various missions and a low logistic footprint.


Cobra Otokar wheeled armoured vehicle personnel carrier

KAYA
Otokar showcases KAYA mine Resistant Troop Carrier at Eurosatory 2010. Kaya is designed to provide not only superior mine and ballistic protection but also high levels of cross country capability. KAYA provides mine and ballistic protection for the troops on all terrain conditions, while offering high mobility, ease of handling and outstanding crew comfort. Otokar’s know-how and experience in mine protected vehicles gained with the COBRA, played an important role in the design and development process of the KAYA. In order to provide excellent cross country capabilities, the KAYA was developed on the Daimler Chrysler Unimog 5000 running chassis. Armored Cab and Crew Compartment are designed as two separate units to utilize and maintain the Unimog 5000’s ultimate cross country capability. KAYA 4x4 mine resistant vehicle with its flexible body configuration can easily be configured for different missions along with varying user needs.


Kaya Otokar mine protected wheeled armoured vehicle

[buglerbilly]

Israel Shows Off Capstone 2020 Components

By bradp | June 13th, 2010

By BARBARA OPALL-ROME – Several new capabilities, many of them already approved or likely candidates under Israel’s new Capstone 2020 plan, will be displayed this week in Paris at Eurosatory 2010.


IAI’s Electric Tethered Observation Platform

They include:

•Continued production of Merkava Mk4 tanks, along with Namer heavy armored vehicles, the former, with the Trophy, active protection system by Rafael and the latter planned for the IMI-developed Iron Fist APS.

•Enchanted Spear, or Accular, and its Pounder multiple rocket launcher, both developed by IMI. The twin-barrel Pounder houses 22 Enchanted Spear rockets, each of which can put a 35-pound warhead within 10 meters of a target out to 40 kilometers. Peretz said that the Pounder can be adapted to fire the firm’s Delilah land-based cruise missile, trajectory control system rockets, Grad-type rockets and even the firm’s 150-kilometer Extra missile.

•Cardom 120-millimeter autonomous recoil mortar systems and Atmos 155-millimeter truck-mounted self-propelled guns, both by Soltam Systems.

•IAI’s Electric Tethered Observation Platform, an unmanned craft that takes off, hovers and lands.

•IAI-developed laser homing-satellite guided, ground-launched Nimrod-3s. Each rocket packs a 50-kilogram warhead for surgical strikes beyond 50 kilometers. Smaller versions of the Nimrod are also strong candidates for accelerated procurement here for tactical operations in urban areas, sources here say.

[buglerbilly]

All vehicle info and images will be shown here.........Aviation will go in the relevant Army or UAV threads elsewhere as will all Troop-specific items such as FRELIN etc..............

French Bridging System on Armoured Renault truck................



Renault Sherpa Special Forces version..............

[buglerbilly]

HDT from the USA are there with some of their light Multi-fuel vehicles that can run on pretty much everything that burns..........


Military Vehicles

HDT offers a host of gasoline and heavy‐fuel powered military motorcycles and LTATVs designed to handle everything from base to battlefield.

Our premier military motorcycles and LTATVs utilize HDT’s patent pending

MAC‐CiTM Advanced Multifuel Technology are the only ultra‐light ground vehicles currently available that meet the U.S. Department of Defense Single Battlefield Fuel Directive 4140.25.

Unlike all other single fuel vehicles which operate on diesel or gasoline, only HDT offers LTATVs and military motorcycles that are capable of operating on JP8, JP5, JP4, Diesel, Biodiesel, Aviation Kerosene, AVTUR, JET‐A1 and other military heavy‐fuel variants with zero change to the engine itself.

Compared to conventional diesel engines, HDT engines with patent pending MAC‐CiTM Advanced Multifuel Technology have up to twice the power to displacement ratios of the competition.





Pretty pics time..............







NOT sure the market needs another "light" vehicle or motorbike albeit the multifuel apsect is interesting.........perhaps the civvie market will support it?

[buglerbilly]

MPCV, Developed by MBDA, Proves Capability Against Saturating Air Attack

(Source: MBDA; issued June 14, 2010)



At the Eurosatory show, MBDA unveiled the Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle, a variant of the Sherpa 3A armed with Mistral 2 short-range air-defense missiles and designed to engage saturating air attacks. (DGA photo)On 7th June 2010, a successful test firing proved the capability of MBDA’s MPCV system (Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle) to carry out a salvo firing to counter a saturating air attack, the most demanding of air attack scenarios.

To put MPCV through its paces, a test firing scenario was configured to evaluate the capabilities of the system to engage and intercept two different targets approaching simultaneously from different directions, simulating a saturating attack carried out by enemy aircraft. The test took place in the presence of a delegation with representatives from South America, the Middle East and Europe at the French DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) Biscarosse test range in South West France.

Two Mistral 2 missiles were launched against two Banshee targets flying at low altitude. During the firing the targets were successfully detected, and tracked by the MPCV’s infrared fire control. They were then destroyed by the Mistral 2 missiles.

The first intercept took place at a range of 4,100 meters, the second at 2,500 meters. Following the test firing, MBDA’s test team was able to confirm that the MPCV system operated nominally and that both Mistral 2 missile engagement sequences were successfully carried out. With this proof of the system’s salvo firing capability, final MPCV validation in its air defence version is now complete.

Initial MPCV development is based on a turret manufactured by Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH Germany on the Sherpa 3A all-terrain armoured vehicle manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense as well as VHF PR4G-F@stnet communications by Thales Communications. In parallel to these developments, MBDA is actively working on adapting the MPCV to meet the specific needs of several export customers.

With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, MBDA has an annual turnover of EUR 2.6 billion and an order book of EUR 12 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems.

MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.

MBDA is jointly held by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%). (ends)

MBDA Reveals A New Family of Ground Combat Missiles

(Source: MBDA; issued June 14, 2010)

---High versatility
-- Designed for interoperability with the French Army’s FELIN and SCORPION systems
-- Standardised sub-assemblies for optimised cost and lead time management

At Eurosatory, MBDA is presenting its medium- and long-range ground combat missiles solution aimed at meeting the current and future needs of the French Army.

This global response starts with MMP (Missile Moyenne Portée) which could be available from the second half of this decade. Portable, easy and rapid to deploy and operate, MMP can be fired from within confined spaces. It is capable of defeating all stationary or moving targets from bunkers to tanks equipped with the latest explosive reactive armour (ERA) at ranges up to 4 km.

Thanks to its Sagem (Groupe SAFRAN)-developed dual mode seeker (optical and infrared), MMP offers the possibility of engaging targets in a “fire-and-forget” mode allowing the operator to take cover without waiting for the missile to reach its goal.

A fibre-optic data link allows for Man-In-The-Loop operation during the missile’s entire flight up to impact in order to limit the risk of collateral damage and in order to redesignate the target to the seeker. Combined with a navigation function integrated within the missile, this data link gives MMP a true NLOS (Non Line Of Sight) capability as well.

This solution has been conceived to integrate perfectly within an operational and logistics environment as defined by programmes such as FELIN and SCORPION.

The MMP missile is the first member of a new family of surface combat missiles featuring the same airframe diameter. It will also share most of its sub-assemblies, especially with the 8 km range MLP (Missile Longue Portée).

From the onset, MMP will fully benefit from the advances made by MBDA within its GMA (Generic Missile Architecture) strategy which involves new missile concepts drawing on a reserve of common sub-assemblies. Systematically employed today by MBDA, this GMA policy results in significant risk reduction regarding a product’s development and its associated sub-assemblies as well as a reduction in wider logistics costs for the customer.

With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, MBDA has an annual turnover of EUR 2.6 billion and an order book of EUR 12 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems.

MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.

MBDA is jointly held by BAE Systems (37.5%), EADS (37.5%) and Finmeccanica (25%).

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Patria Presents a Unique Combination of Patria AMV and the New Kongsberg PROTECTOR at Eurosatory 2010

(Source: Patria; issued June 11, 2010)

Images to follow later............

At the Eurosatory 2010 Patria presents the Patria AMV 8x8 Armoured Wheeled Vehicle together with the new Kongsberg PROTECTOR Medium Calibre Remote Weapon Station (MC RWS) together with the Kongsberg PROTECTOR Lite in a “Hunter-Killer” role.

In its “Nordic IFV –concept” Patria is combining the most modern combat proven armoured wheeled vehicle the Patria AMV 8x8 with a unique combination of the new Kongsberg PROTECTOR Medium Calibre Remote Weapon Station (MC RWS) with a Kongsberg PROTECTOR Lite in a “Hunter-Killer” role.

The concept also features Kongsberg Blue Force PROTECTOR, a near real-time battle management system distributing information on own and friendly positions in a network to reduce the risk for Blue-on-Blue incidents, as well as the Rheinmetall Defence Situational Awareness System (SAS) that provides 360° degree view. Together, with its main protection partner, IBD Deisenroth & Åkers Krutbruk Patria presents the next generation survivability concept applied on the Patria AMV, Armoured Modular Vehicle.

Being fully NATO compatible, Patria AMV fulfils the toughest procurement requirements of modern defence forces, such as increased mobility, effective protection, versatile adaptability and ability to use air transports. Patria AMV is a European solution with outstanding test results from all over the world and with well over 1300 vehicles contracted from the Finnish, Polish, Slovenian, Croatian, South African and United Arab Emirates’ Defence Forces.

Also, Patria is confident to succeed in the new tender process in Sweden as Patria AMV is considered to be a high quality vehicle proven in the international crisis management operations.

Patria is a defence, security and aerospace group with international operations delivering its customers competitive solutions based on own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria is owned by the State of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Soltam Upgrades the CARDOM 120mm Mortar System to Answer Urgent Fire Support Needs in Theater

(Source: Soltam; issued June 14, 2010)

CARDOM 120mm mortar chosen by US army as a theater Forward Operating Bases (FOB) force protection system.

YOKNEAM, Israel --- Soltam Systems, manufacturer of Artillery Systems, Mortars, Ammunition and peripheral equipment, has upgraded its battle proven CARDOM recoil mortar system to respond to an urgent operational requirement from theater for a rapid and accurate fire support capability.

Forces in Afghanistan require the ability to deliver immediate and highly accurate indirect fire with existing ammunition so as to preclude casualties in the civilian population and fratricide.

Soltam, delivering a complete fire support solution to “keep up with the forces”, has modified the CARDOM to carry an integrated Fire Control System that provides rapid firing solutions, and 360° electric controlled auto-laying capability. The new system can be mounted on a ground mount for stationary base protection or can be mounted on 4X4 light vehicles for greater mobility.

The new system design allows for easy integration onto different platforms allowing armies to use existing inventories, thus providing a rapid reliable solution and reducing costs.

"Cardom is a dramatic change in operational concept, providing an organic capability for lower-echelon tactical forces without having to ask for fire support," said Soltam President David Marciano, a former director of the Israeli Ground Forces Materiel Command.

The US, Portugal, NATO, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) already benefit from the mortar system’s proven precision and reliability.

Soltam Systems, a world leader in defence and a pioneer in mortar systems, serves armed and special forces in more than 60 countries. Meeting NATO standards, Soltam is used and trusted by the United States Army, NATO countries and the IDF. Soltam is part of Mikal, a privately owned, Israel-based defense group comprised of companies specializing in the development and production of military combat systems.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Navistar Defense and Tatra Unveil Two Tactical Vehicles at Eurosatory

(Source: Navistar; issued June 14, 2010)

PARIS --- Navistar Defense, LLC and Tatra, a.s., today unveiled the ATX6 universal container carrier and the ATX8 troop carrier at the Eurosatory Exposition in Paris, France. The team’s tactical vehicles utilize proven Navistar and Tatra technology.

The vehicles on display include Navistar engines and other components in addition to Tatra’s proven backbone-tube chassis design and independent suspension system. Tatra’s chassis concept uses swinging half-axles for world class tactical vehicle mobility and added resistance against chassis wear and tear.

“The Navistar-Tatra alliance positions this team well to compete for new vehicle programs with U.S. and Allied Forces,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “Both our companies have extensive histories when it comes to vehicle design, production and support and we are proud to display our combined expertise in tactical vehicle technology at this year’s Eurosatory Exposition.”

Under the strategic alliance formed in October 2009, Navistar and Tatra branded trucks will be marketed under Navistar Defense in all North American markets, which includes sales to the United States military and foreign military sales financed by the United States government. Tatra will also source parts and components through Navistar’s global parts and support network for Tatra trucks delivered in markets outside of North America.

“Our technical and business teams have put their shoulders to the wheel to develop these vehicles in a matter of a few months,” said Ronald Adams, board of director’s chairman and CEO, Tatra. “It is gratifying to have the first two products ready for customers’ review at Eurosatory. These are truly exceptional tactical vehicles that will be offered through the combined Navistar and Tatra distribution channels.”

Navistar and Tatra have also agreed to market and sell Navistar-Tatra trucks in their respective existing markets around the world. Navistar will manufacture vehicles.

Navistar International Corporation is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International brand commercial and military trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, Monaco RV brands of recreational vehicles, and Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans.

Tatra, a.s., located in the Czech Republic, is a long-time manufacturer of heavy-duty, all-wheel-drive, off-road trucks and chassis-cabs. Tatra’s products range from 5-ton payload 4x4’s up to 39-ton payload 12x12’s utilizing Tatra’s unique chassis technology. Tatra also manufactures a line of air-cooled diesel engines, transmissions and portal axles. The company’s integrated line of commercial and military products are distributed globally through Tatra dealers and other affiliated companies.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

BAE Launches RG41 Wheeled Combat Vehicle

By bradp | June 14th, 2010

By TIM MAHON – In a bid to capture a slice of the 8×8 wheeled combat vehicle market, BAE Systems has unveiled its RG41 vehicle at Eurosatory.


BAE's new RG41 mine-protected troop carrier

Developed by the former OMC business in South Africa, BAE Systems’ RG41 was designed to better withstand landmines than existing vehicles. Its modular design is meant to be repairable in the field, provide excellent mobility and a comfortable ride, and carry up to 11 tons.

To keep the price down, the RG41 uses many COTS components.

“The vehicle has been designed to cost, in order to win the economic war,” said James Caldwell, director of European campaigns for BAE Global Tactical Systems.

The design is also free of any potential ITAR restraints.

Powered by a Deutz V6 diesel with a ZF SHP902 transmission, the RG41 offers many angles of approach and departure, allowing it to drive around mines in rough terrain. Its suspension has a double-wishbone configuration with a hydro-pneumatic strut and hydraulic shock absorbers to reduce troop stress and fatigue.

Gross vehicle weight depends on the exact configuration. With a full complement of troops (eight soldiers plus three crew), their supplies and onboard weapons, the vehicle weighs in at some 24 tons, rising to 30 tons with role-specific enhancements such as additional armor.

A full-length semi-V shaped hull and a modular protection system, make it “relatively easy to manage fast, in-field repair at the second level,” Caldwell said.

Optional extras for the baseline vehicle include a variety of conventional or remote turreted weapon systems, defensive aids, a C4I suite for 360-degree video vision, additional armor and increased engine power.

The company plans various variants, including a section combat vehicle, a command vehicle, an ambulance and engineering and recovery models.

RG41 is aimed at militaries seeking “an infantry combat vehicle that is well-protected, multi-role and low-cost,” Caldwell said.

The U.S. Army and Marine Corps have bought more than 1,800 RG31 Mine Protected Vehicles, predecessors to the RG41.



Bigger, better images.................










General information
At the defense exhibition Eurosatory 2010, Benoni-based BAE Systems South Africa unveiled a new 8x8 wheeled armoured combat vehicle, the RG41. The RG41 is designed to offer an affordable and highly mobile combat vehicle for modern warfare. RG41 is a new generation combat vehicle, that meets demanding mobility, protection and firepower requirements, with the emphasis on combat power. The RG41 project started in 2008 “to meet the ever-increasing demand for mine protected vehicles in the modern combat environment. The company, in product notes, say the 8x8 is a development of previous Land Systems OMC prototypes and “benefits from many years of development experience.” Officials add designers had no specific customer in mind for the company-funded development. A launch customer is still being sought. “The design uses RG series technology which has been combat proven around the world in numerous different environments.” The RG41 has a high payload capacity, a classleading turning circle, good power-to-weight ratio and a unique hull design. RG41 is designed as an affordable and highlymobile, wheeled combat vehicle, suitable for modern warfare.

Variants:
RG41 variants include an infantry section vehicle, a command vehicle, an ambulance, recovery vehicle and engineer vehicle.

Technical data

Armament
The RG41 can be equipped with a number of conventional or overhead turrets as well as defensive aids suites. A 25mm Alliant Techsystems M242 Bushmaster can be fitted to the section vehicle and the commander is served with 360 degree video vision system.

Protection
Protection levels of RG41 depend on the user requirement, but is field upgradeable. A full-length semi v-shaped hull is standard, however. An engine bay and crew compartment fire suppression system is also aboard. The RG41 boasts 14.9 cubic metres of usable cabin space. The section vehicle allows for a gunner and section commander in the turret and seven troops in a hull compartment. The driver is located “very far forward for excellent vision with a space for a vehicle commander behind the driver to take control when the section leader and section debus. A larger section can be carried if the vehicle is fitted with a remote weapon system (remotely controlled overhead weapon station).

Propulsion
The RG41 is equipped with 8x8 wheeled chassis. The RG41 is motorized with a Deutz engine engine model 2015TCD V6 coupled to a transmission ZF5HP902 5 speed with integral 2 speed drop-down. The RG41 can run at a maximum speed of 100 km/hr. The RG41 uses an independent suspension “offering excellent ride comfort” in the form of a double wishbone system with hydraulic shock absorbers. The 16.00R20 Michelin XZL tyres reduces ground pressure and provides excellent off-road speed and obstacle

Accessories
The RG41 is fitted with 11 seats, each with safety belt four point harness. The wheel heads feature an integrated central tyre inflation system. Run-flat inserts give 100km range at 50 km/h.

[buglerbilly]

‘Don’t Call Them Robots’ – Lockheed Preps Autonomous Vehicles

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 14th, 2010

By BRADLEY PENISTON – A robot, as Morri Leland sees it, is more or less a remote-controlled vehicle with some ability to, say, avoid obstacles or even follow waypoints. But Lockheed Martin’s unmanned Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) cargo vehicle is far smarter than that, says Leland, an international business development director for the company.’


This half-scale prototype of the SMSS unmanned cargo vehicle has apparently not received the "not a robot" memo.

“You can tell it to go back to base, pick up its load, and come back out here when you’re ready,” Leland said after a June 14 land vehicles briefing at Eurosatory. “You can tell it to follow a route, a man, or execute an entire mission autonomously.”

An SMSS ordered to “return to base” will use its GPS and sensors to try following waypoints and known routes, and if neither of those are working out, will navigate its own path home, he said.

The six-wheeled, roughly 2.5-ton vehicle is designed to carry 1,200 pounds farther than 200 miles, a Lockheed fact sheet said.

Lockheed has been showing prototypes of the SMSS since at least 2006, but it’s now apparently ready for prime time. Leland said the SMSS has been put through its paces for both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps at a Georgia testing facility, and has been certified to operate within 10 feet of troops.

There is no government contract yet — Lockheed developed the SMSS on its own dime — but Leland is expecting one soon enough to deploy four of the unmanned cargo carriers with U.S. troops this year. He declined to specify which of the U.S. services was expected to buy the vehicles.

Based on this of course..............Supacat ATMP

[buglerbilly]

Germany’s KMW and Rheinmetall Present AMPV Prototype


The AMPV 2 has been designed for high mobility in rough terrain.

New Armoured Multi Purpose Vehicle at Eurosatory 2010

06:24 GMT, June 14, 2010 defpro.com | The German-based companies Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall have placed on display before the international audience gathering at Eurosatory 2010 one of the four prototypes of their newly developed family of armoured multipurpose vehicles (AMPV) in the 5.3 to 9.3-ton class. The vehicle, which has not been only developed for the Bundeswehr’s GFF/GTF project, having requested protected C4I and mission-specific vehicles as well as protected transport capacity, is designed taking into account the operational experiences made by the German armed forces in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

High levels of tactical, operational and strategic mobility compelling combat effectiveness and maximum survivability are key requirements imposed on modern military vehicles today – whether they are designed primarily for combat, command and control, mission-specific roles or transport. In contemporary conflicts where the threat is often asymmetric yet deadly, protecting troops deployed in harm’s way from hostile fire, IED attacks, CBRN agents as well as extreme climate conditions has become a top priority for commanders worldwide: around the clock and in every branch of every service. According to KMW the AMPV has been built to perfectly cope with these demanding scenarios.

The vehicle on display at Eurosatory 2010 is an AMPV 2, of which four prototypes are currently undergoing company trials. The vehicle is slightly over five metres long, two metres wide and two metres high. Empty, it weighs 7.3 tons and can carry a two-ton payload. The highly protected vehicle cell consists of a self-supporting steel hull with composite armour. Spall liners, reinforced flooring and cellular design offer protection against mines and IEDs, while add-on armour modules provide extra ballistic protection.

As the manufacturer claims, a key characteristic of the vehicle is its high mobility which contributes to a vehicle’s overall battlefield survivability. Fitted with a robust chassis featuring independent wheel suspension, the vehicle is well suited for modern combat scenarios such as in Afghanistan. Additionally, automatic transmission, permanent all-wheel drive, automatic differential locking management and combat wheels with a central tyre inflation system combine to assure mobility even in this challenging terrain.

A second, considerably more compact vehicle, the AMPV 1, is currently in conceptual study. The highly manoeuvrable liaison vehicle of this class will have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 7.5 tons. A future version is planed with a GVW of 5.3 tons, thus able to be airlifted inside a CH-53 transport helicopter. Both versions are, however, under development.

Both vehicles, the much larger AMPV 2 as well as the highly manoeuvrable AMPV 1, include different configurations – such as the patrol version – that will be available with an unprotected load space and the mission module carriers with a safety cell extending all the way to the rear of the vehicle. According to KMW, all vehicle configurations can be fitted by request with additional weapons, such as a remote control weapons station.
One of the main advances of this family of vehicles will be that all members of the AMPV largely consist of identical components, especially the logistically relevant parts of the vehicle. This will help to facilitate the operating of the vehicle as well as logistical support and training, alsop minimising life-cycle costs.

A full-scale production of the AMPV 2 is planned for the end of 2011. The prototype can be viewed during the week of Eurosatory 2010 at the KMW booth.

----
By Luca Bonsignore, Publisher

[buglerbilly]

Hatehof Unveils Zibar Ultra-High Mobility Special Operations Vehicle at Eurosatory


With multiple configurations and remote weapons systems operation, this new addition to the company’s armored vehicle line boast new capabilities levels

There are more details in an earlier post..............

06:53 GMT, June 14, 2010 Israel | Hatehof, a world leader in research, development and production of protected vehicles against conventional and unconventional threats, will introduce its new Zibar extreme mobility multipurpose combat vehicle at this year’s Eurosatory. Intended primarily for use by special operations forces, law enforcement, reconnaissance and logistics units and as a platform for antitank missiles, Zibar enables remote operation of weapons systems, carries up to five soldiers and offers impressive off-road performance. The Zibar vehicle can be seen at Hatehof’s booth F201-PE6B located outside.

“This vehicle was created to meet the needs of Special Forces worldwide,” says Shimon Shacham, Hatehof’s CEO. “This new vehicle offers a winning combination of maneuverability and mobility resulting in new levels of operational effectiveness.” Shacham goes on to explain, “Our designs are based on modern and highly efficient engines and fully independent suspension, utilizing proven, high quality automotive components. These proven pieces combine to offer superior performance parameters, extremely high mobility and easily customized configurations, optimized for each customer without compromising quality standards, accessory levels and interior comfort.”

With a gross vehicle weight of four tons, the Zibar has a 1.6 ton payload capacity. While it’s fully air conditioned interior is designed for efficient operation in high desert temperatures, the vehicle boasts extreme off-road mobility with its customized engine mated to a four-by-four, automatic gearbox and a heavy duty transfer case. Off-road racing-derived design and automotive components enable Zibar to negotiate steep dunes and rocks. The vehicle boasts a 90 degree approach angle and an 80 degree departure angle, as well as a 37 centimeter under axel ground clearance. The vehicle is able to climb 0.75 meter high steps, cross 0.8 wide ditches and handle 60% side slopes. Additionally, it is designed to move through thick jungle vegetation, deep mud, and water up to 0.8 meter depth. Zibar has a seven second 0 to 100 km/hr acceleration capability, a 180 km/hr top speed, fully combat loaded, and it can travel over 700 kilometers on a single tank of fuel.

[buglerbilly]

2 Vehicle Makers Adopt RUAG’s Anti-RPG ‘Fence’

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 14th, 2010

By ANDREW CHUTER – A Swiss-developed armor system that resembles a wire fence has been adopted by two of Europe’s leading military vehicle producers to fend off rocket-propelled grenades.


GD European Land Systems is offering RUAG's SidePro armor on a new version of its Eagle vehicle. / Defense News photo by Bradley Peniston

A new variant of General Dynamics European Land Systems Eagle and the VBCI armored vehicle being made by Franc’s Nexter will both be available with slightly different versions of RUAG’s new SidePRO protection system, the Swiss company announced in Paris.

SidePRO, which offers protection from RPGs and shaped ordnance, already fitted aboard Danish military M113 armored personnel carriers deployed to Afghanistan.

The steel mesh system is said to weigh less than half as much as the conventional anti-RPG systems such as slat and bar armor. And compared with reactive protection systems, RUAG says, the SidePRO-RPG system being offered on the VBCI is 80 percent lighter and offers at least the same coverage, if not more.

The deformation-resistant mesh used by RUAG is produced by fellow Swiss company Geobrugg, better known for nets designed to stop avalanches and rock falls.

General Dynamics is using the SidePRO-LASSO version of the armored protection system as it takes the wraps off a new Eagle variant that can carry more payload than the existing vehicle.

LASSO is aimed at light- to medium-weight vehicles; the SidePRO-RPG, for medium and heavy machines.

The VBCI is already in production for the French Army and being offered on the export market.

[buglerbilly]

For Sale: Israel’s Merkava Mk4

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 14th, 2010

I always thought both Taiwan and Singapore as potential Users but the reality is neither is likely to be so for different political reasons.............who else could afford Merkava's is very much open to question, that is afford AND be acceptable to Israel as a buyer.............

By ANDREW CHUTER – The Merkava Mk4 main battle tank finally took a bow on the international stage this week as Israel used Eurosatory to launch a marketing effort to interest potential buyers in the iconic weapon.


At 10 a.m. on the show's opening day, the iconic tank had already drawn a crowd. / Defense News photo by Bradley Peniston

An earlier version of the tank has been shown overseas, but this is the first time the Mk4, equipped with top technology items like the Trophy active protection system, has been on view in outside Israel, according to Brig. Gen. Yaron Livnat, the tank program manager at Israel’s Ministry of Defence.

The armored giant dominated a large Israeli presence here, which included a number of the systems suppliers on Merkava.

Previously, Israel’s policy has been to sell battle-proven systems to upgrade other manufacturer’s tanks rather than sell the Merkava itself. That’s now changed as the Israelis move to protect their industrial capabilities base in the sector by moving into the export market for the platform itself.

Merkava Mk4s continue to roll off the MoD production in Israel but Livnat acknowledges that with local requirements limited by budgets rather than operational needs, the industry would benefit from the work and revenue an export drive could bring.


Israel's Merkava Mk4 tank / Defense News photo by Bradley Peniston

Livnat said the export version of the Merkava would be available with a systems suite customized to meet particular needs as well as meet Israeli sensitivities to technology transfer.

[buglerbilly]

Gallery shots of various vehicles from Army Recognition................

BAE Armadillo based on the CV90.........



GD's ASCOD, the winner over the CV90 of the UK's recent programme born from the disaster of FRES..........



The so-called Version 5 of the GD/MOWAG EAGLE 1V

[buglerbilly]

NEXTER's CAESAR 155mm cannon truck-mounted...............



ARAVIS armoured vehicle/personnel carrier..............



PANHARD PVP, long-time admirer of French programmes to armour all liaison vehicles BUT not sure how long this vehicle would last in an IED-rich environment such as Afghanistan?



PANHARD VBL, another member of the light armour family..............

[Deks]

For Sale: Israel’s Merkava Mk4

They've well and truely missed the boat on this one haven't they? Many nations have either upgraded or re-equipped tanks over the last 5 or so years.

I'm not sure who their market is, I can't think of anywhere that they'd sell to that actually has the cash.. unless India makes a drastic u-turn from buying T-90s !

[buglerbilly]

Info on the new EAGLE IV variant..........

GD Offers New Eagle Variant

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

By ANDREW CHUTER – With a short-listing for Australia’s Land 121 Phase 4 armored vehicle program newly under its belt, General Dynamics has arrived at Eurosatory to give a public airing to its new-generation version of the Eagle light tactical vehicle.


General Dynamics European Land Systems is offering an new variant of the Eagle armored vehicle. / Defense News photo by Bradley Peniston

The machine is one of a number now becoming available as developers like General Dynamics European Land Systems and others use new technology to provide customers with light tactical vehicles offering high survivability, good mobility and a reasonable payload.

General Dynamics said the new Eagle provides protection against improvised explosive devices and ballistic protection previously provided by vehicles up to twice its 10,000-kilogram gross vehicle weight.

Eagle bristles with changes compared with the earlier version, which is due to go out of production next year.

The changes include a new, more powerful engine with higher torque; alterations to the cab, suspension, and driveline; and larger tires.

Protection improvements include energy-absorbing seating and new armor and protection, including the RUAG-supplied LASSO systems to fend off rocket-propelled grenades.

Ben Hudson, the director of wheeled vehicle programs at General Dynamics in Europe, said the new Eagle was giving MRAP-class mine protection in a much lighter machine.

He said the company would not give details of protection standards, “but I am very excited by the performance, particularly against IEDs.”

The new Eagle provides a payload of 3,000 kilograms and can accommodate between four and six crew.

As part of a family of vehicles, General Dynamics is offering a utility version that can carry NATO pallets, and a 6×6 variant.

Hudson said he saw considerable market opportunity for the new Eagle, including sales opportunities in Germany, Norway and Spain.

General Dynamics did register an interest in competing for the British light protected patrol vehicle program but eventually opted not to bid.

The British requirement for a 7.5-ton vehicle with a width no more than two meters would have restricted the Eagle’s capabilities to bid in the bigger market that Hudson believes exists in the size class above the light protected patrol vehicle.

Force Protection Europe with the Ocelot and Supacat with the rival SPV400 are scheduled to lodge their bids with the MoD today. A decision on a winner to deliver a first batch of 200 vehicles starting next year is due this summer.

[buglerbilly]

BAE Joins Iveco to Pursue USMC Medium-Weight Effort

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

By BRADLEY PENISTON – Iveco Defence Vehicles and BAE Systems are teaming up to pursue the U.S. Marine Corps personnel carrier contract with a vehicle based on Iveco’s amphibious SUPERAV 8×8.

Iveco declared its intention to enter the SUPERAV in the MPC contest last year; BAE adds U.S. market savvy and U.S. production facilities.


Iveco's SUPERAV has eight wheels but just one differential. / Iveco photo

The vehicles would be manufactured largely in the United States, likely in former United Defense plants, said Ann Hoholick, BAE’s vice-president and general manager for U.S. combat systems. Iveco will make some components in its Italian facilities, she told reporters June 15.

Iveco began developing the 24-ton SUPERAV in 2007 with the aim of creating an amphibious vehicle every bit as survivable as its land counterpart, said Michele Antonucci, Iveco’s director of armored vehicles. The hull is a new design; among other features, all mechanical components are inside the protected skin. The vehicle uses Iveco’s H-shaped drivetrain, which mechanically links all four wheels on a side, allowing the use of one differential and independent hydraulic suspension.

The SUPERAV can carry 13 passengers and their gear to land, then shoulder an additional 4.5 tons of payload once it hits the beach.

“We think it has technically an edge over its competitors,” Antonucci said.

BAE will build a prototype MPC in its Santa Clara, Calif., prototyping plant and begin putting it through its paces for the Marines by year’s end. Hoholick said BAE expects the Marine Corps to issue a request for proposals next year, but added that the program’s timeline is still in flux.

The Marines are looking for about 580 medium-weight vehicles to fit a role between the heavy Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle or other light protected vehicle.

BAE and Iveco forged their partnership to tackle the MPC program “and beyond,” Antonucci said

[buglerbilly]

GD Unveils Piranha 5

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

General Dynamics European Land Systems took the wraps off its second new vehicle of this year’s Eurosatory June 15: the Piranha Class 5, the latest and most heavily protected of the line.


A crowd gathered around GD's new Piranha 5 at its June 15 unveiling. / Defense News photo by Bradley Peniston

The vehicle weighs 30 tons — 17 tons empty with a 13-ton payload.

The Piranha 5 joins GD’s other new vehicle, a new Eagle variant unveiled June 14, on display.

[buglerbilly]

More details on BAE's offerings............

New BAE Systems CV90 Variant Improves Protection and Flexibility

(Source: BAE Systems; issued June 14, 2010)


BAE says its new CV90 Armadillo family, unveiled at Eurosatory this week, combines a high level of protection with modular design and excellent mobility. The armored personnel carried variant is seen above. (BAE photo)

PARIS --- BAE Systems has unveiled a new build standard of its highly-regarded CV90 tracked armoured vehicle – named Armadillo. The armoured personnel carrier variant is displayed for the first time at this week’s Eurosatory exhibition in Paris.

The CV90 Armadillo family of vehicles combines extremely high levels of protection with excellent mobility. The flexible modular design involves a rear roof section which can be unbolted to allow simple changeover between different mission fits. This ensures up to 80-per-cent commonality between variants and easy re-roleing of the base chassis.

BAE Systems Global Combat Systems business development director Tommy Gustafsson-Rask explains: “Recent conflicts have shown the need for higher levels of protection and a high degree of flexibility to meet new threats and rapidly changing operational environments - and CV90 Armadillo offers unparalleled protection. By removing the turret we have a vehicle with a combat weight of 27 tonnes with an additional eight tonnes available for equipment or extra armour.“

CV90 Armadillo has horizontal ballistic protection well above the NATO STANAG 4569 Level 5 standard and can withstand a mine blast of significantly above 10kg. It also features the Saab LEDS-150 hard kill device and an external fire suppression system.

All variants have space for a crew of three – commander, driver and gunner. The armoured personnel carrier variant also carries eight dismounts. Other variants include command and control, medevac, mortar carrier and engineer vehicle.

Armadillo retains CV90’s excellent reliability and its modular design improves its logistics footprint still further. Future development for the build standard will include new variants, such as a bridgelayer and additional enhanced protection.

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

(ends)

BAE Systems Unveils Brand-New 8x8 Combat Vehicle at Eurosatory

(Source: BAE Systems; issued June 14, 2010)

PARIS --- BAE Systems is launching its latest 8x8 addition to the battle-proven RG range of vehicles at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris. The new vehicle, known as the RG41, is displayed for the first time at Eurosatory.

The RG41 Wheeled Armoured Combat Vehicle features a unique modular mine protected design and integrated independent suspension and driveline. The vehicle is a cost effective and highly versatile, wheeled combat vehicle suitable for multiple theatres. With a semi-V shaped hull, high payload capacity, class leading turning circle and excellent power-to-weight ratio, the RG41 meets demanding mobility and protection requirements.

The vehicle's unique design means it is easy to maintain and repair in the field. The lower hull structure of the RG41 consists of five modular units joined together and bolted under the top structure of the vehicle. Any damaged modules can be removed and replaced individually with pre-fabricated replacement sections. This task can be completed by second line maintenance in an operational theatre, saving time and money.

“RG41 offers exceptional protection, capability and flexibility. Current conflicts require maintenance and repairs be done in the field and the RG41’s unique design allows operators to achieve their missions while maximizing vehicle operational readiness. RG41 represents the ultimate synthesis of combat power and affordability, ideal for conventional and unconventional units,” said Dennis Morris, President of BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems.

The RG41 can carry light and medium turrets and direct and indirect-fire weapons. Its design enables easy development for different variants. It can be configured as a command vehicle, section combat vehicle, ambulance, engineering vehicle or customised for various other customer missions.

RG41 basic information:

--Wheels: 8x8
--Length: 7.78m
--Width: 2.28m
--Height: 2.3m
--Gross mass: 30,000kg
--Payload: 11,000kg
--Accommodation: Driver + 10 crew

The RG41 is one of a family of 8x8 vehicles which BAE Systems is involved in designing and developing. Each addresses different operational requirements, price and performance levels across the customer base.

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Navistar Defense and Tatra Unveil Two Tactical Vehicles at Eurosatory

Tatra’s Proven Backbone-tube Chassis Complements Navistar Capabilities



PARIS, France (June 14, 2010) - Navistar Defense, LLC and Tatra, a.s., today unveiled the ATX6 universal container carrier and the ATX8 troop carrier at the Eurosatory Exposition in Paris, France. The team’s tactical vehicles utilize proven Navistar and Tatra technology.

The vehicles on display include Navistar engines and other components in addition to Tatra’s proven backbone-tube chassis design and independent suspension system. Tatra’s chassis concept uses swinging half-axles for world class tactical vehicle mobility and added resistance against chassis wear and tear.

“The Navistar-Tatra alliance positions this team well to compete for new vehicle programs with U.S. and Allied Forces,” said Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense. “Both our companies have extensive histories when it comes to vehicle design, production and support and we are proud to display our combined expertise in tactical vehicle technology at this year’s Eurosatory Exposition.”

Under the strategic alliance formed in October 2009, Navistar and Tatra branded trucks will be marketed under Navistar Defense in all North American markets, which includes sales to the United States military and foreign military sales financed by the United States government. Tatra will also source parts and components through Navistar’s global parts and support network for Tatra trucks delivered in markets outside of North America.

“Our technical and business teams have put their shoulders to the wheel to develop these vehicles in a matter of a few months,” said Ronald Adams, board of director’s chairman and CEO, Tatra. “It is gratifying to have the first two products ready for customers’ review at Eurosatory. These are truly exceptional tactical vehicles that will be offered through the combined Navistar and Tatra distribution channels.”

Navistar and Tatra have also agreed to market and sell Navistar-Tatra trucks in their respective existing markets around the world. Navistar will manufacture vehicles.

[buglerbilly]

World Premiere: Protection at its Very Best: the Actros 8x8 with STANAG Levels 4/4b Plus A Unique Performance Package

(Source: Mercedes-Benz Military Vehicles; issued June 14, 2010)

Maximum safety, extreme performance and uncompromising reliability are of decisive importance to armed forces operating in the field. Mercedes-Benz sets new standards now with the all-wheel-drive Actros 8x8 equipped with a highly-protected, armoured cab:

-- Best protection worldwide: Level 4/4b as defined by STANAG 4569 + IEDs, AEP Vol. II, EFP-capable (Explosive Formed Projectiles)
-- Up to 80 t Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-- 36 t perm. rear axle weight at full towing speed of 80 km/h
-- 13 t lifting capacity with 2.80 m rear axle
-- 375 kW (510 hp) power output
-- Meets the highest emission standards: Euro 5

As the world‘s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has been setting standards in the key topics of reliability, robustness, and protection for decades. A complete range of armoured vehicles and innovative mobility concepts ensure that the logistic and tactical requirements of modern armies can be fully met.

The Actros 8x8 exemplifies this, whether recovery vehicle, hook lift and special container or as a truck tractor. Built on the basis of proven vehicles from the standard series production line, Actros offers the very latest drive technology, easy-to-operate controls, high comfort levels – plus the reliable backup of a worldwide service network.

-ends-

Image here............

http://www.deagel.com/library/Mercedes-Actros-4151-AK-armored-truck_m02010061500064.aspx

[buglerbilly]

Hawkei Makes European Debut

(Source: Thales; issued June 14, 2010)

Thales is pleased to announce the European debut of its Hawkei Protected Light Mobility Vehicle on display as the centrepiece of the Thales stand at the Eurosatory 2010 exhibition in Paris France.

It also offers impressive survivability, with the highest levels of protection of any vehicle in its weight class.

The Hawkei, developed by Thales in Australia, is a highly mobile, 7-tonne light protected vehicle that can carry up to six soldiers and incorporates high levels of blast, ballistic and fragmentation protection in response to the growing operational threat posed by mines, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Providing a tactical advantage, the Hawkei’s unique open architecture enables full integration with a wide range of sensors, weapons, additional armour, C4I and new electronic systems.

The Hawkei’s groundbreaking scalable ballistic protection technology system is designed to be easily removed for air transportation and then refitted by a two-person crew in less than 30 minutes without using specialised equipment.

Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia’s CEO, said: “The Hawkei is a very capable vehicle with substantial growth potential that has attracted the attention of potential customers from around the world. The Hawkei’s light weight, flexibility and ability to be integrated with a wide range of systems make it an excellent candidate for many armed forces’ light protected vehicle requirements today and into the future.”

“It also offers impressive survivability, with the highest levels of protection of any vehicle in its weight class.”

“Hawkei is a next generation solution underpinned by battle proven experience from Bushmaster. We are confident the Hawkei will establish the new benchmark in Light Protected Vehicles rendering obsolete the technology used in the competing vehicles. “

The Hawkei follows on from the highly successful Thales Bushmaster vehicle, and is backed by the combined expertise of Thales and world class partners Boeing Defence Australia, PAC Group and Plasan – Thales’s exclusive partner for Australia’s LAND 121 Phase 4 program and the leading provider of combat-proven armour solutions.

Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2009, the company generated revenues of 12.9 billion euros with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.

Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and services. Employing around 3,500 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of more than AUD1 billion in 2009.

-ends-

Images are here...........

http://www.deagel.com/library/Hawkei_m02010061500101.aspx

http://www.deagel.com/library/Hawkei-tactical-vehicle_m02010061500100.aspx

[buglerbilly]

Ocelot Aims for World Markets at Eurosatory

(Source: Force Protection, Inc.; issued June 11, 2010)

Following a contract from the UK MOD for the supply of two vehicles for test purposes, Ocelot, the advanced new light protected patrol vehicle, will be the focus of the Force Protection display at Eurosatory (Stand K441).

An all-new concept, Ocelot has been developed by Force Protection Europe Ltd and Ricardo plc to provide levels of survivability comparable with the Cougar family of vehicles, together with exceptional cross country mobility, flexibility and value for money. Accordingly, Ocelot is equally effective in a range of diverse environments, including mountains, deserts and urban areas.

Ocelot can be maintained and repaired quickly out in the field to ensure maximum availability, while its unique modular design enables the vehicle to be reconfigured in theatre within two hours to meet a variety of different roles, such as patrol, fire support and protected logistics.

Ocelot's capabilities have been proven by a sustained programme of blast, ballistic, automotive and manoeuvrability tests conducted since the summer of 2009. The vehicle is supported by a strong supply chain that includes QinetiQ, Sula Systems and Thales.

Force Protection Europe Ltd's Managing Director, David Hind, said: 'Ever since we launched Ocelot at last year's DSEi (Defence Systems & Equipment International) the vehicle has been attracting serious interest from around the world resulting in being down-selected for two key programmes, including Australia's Land 121 Phase 4 project. We firmly believe that Ocelot has defined the future for light protected patrol vehicles.'

Graeme Rumbol, Ricardo plc global vehicle product group director added: 'Ocelot has proven itself though the extensive programme of development testing carried out since the first prototype was unveiled less than a year ago. It is a uniquely adaptable and innovative defence vehicle platform with unparalleled potential across a range of roles. We are extremely pleased to be working with Force Protection Europe to develop further opportunities for this truly class-leading vehicle on a global basis.'

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

A bit more on the new OTOKAR vehicle...........

Otokar Launches Arma 6x6 Armoured Vehicle at Eurosatory 2010



18:47 GMT, June 14, 2010 Otokar, the leader armoured tactical vehicle designer and manufacturer of Turkish Defence Industry, unviels its new ARMA 6x6 tactical wheeled armoured vehicle at Eurosatory. Otokar also displays its worldwide known armoured vehicle "COBRA" and its mine protected armoured "KAYA" vehicle at the show in Paris, France, between 14th and 18th June.

The ARMA is the latest product of Otokar's design and development studies and a proof of Otokar's ability to leverage its engineering, manufacturing and expertise across a large portfolio of armoured tactical vehicles. ARMA is a new product family within the Otokar's the tactical wheeled armoured vehicle range with modular multi-wheel configuration. ARMA vehicle platform with superior tactical and technical features will be an outstanding and cost effective product among competitive products. Thanks to the high level of ballistic and mine protection as well as, the outstanding design allowing the integration of various types of weapon stations and mission equipments, ARMA will be an adaptable platform for evolving mission needs in a modern battlefield.

The 6.4 m long, 2.7 m wide and 2.2 m high ARMA has an 18,500 kg combat weight and a payload of 4,500 kg and carries a driver, commander and eight dismounts in its fully NBC protected hull. The vehicle is C-130 air transportable in standard configuration.

ARMA's front two axles are steerable enabling it to make a turning radius of 7.85 m and the vehicle rides on independent hydropneumatic suspension, offering respectable off-road mobility and comfort. Tyre run flat capability and Central inflation system is supplied as standard. It can negotiate a 45-degree approach and departure angles leading onto 60 per cent inclines and 30 per cent side-slopes. It can also cross 1.2 m wide trenches and climb over 60 cm obstacles.

A 450 hp water-cooled turbo diesel capable of running on F-34 or F-54 fuel drives the wheels through an automatic gearbox and single-speed transfer box, giving it a top speed of 105 km/h and a power/weight ratio of 24.3 hp/tonne.

This also powers the onboard 24 V DC electrical system, which incorporates two maintenance-free 125 Ah batteries and a 3.3 kW converter.

The engine is located at the right front of the vehicle, allowing a comparably high internal volume to be efficiently and ergonomically used. With this internal layout, all the personnel especially the commander can keep eye contact continuously among each other.

ARMA can be driven in 6x6 or 6x4 modes depending upon the terrain conditions. The vehicle is amphibious and driven by 2 hyraulically driven propellors in water allowing a high seagoing performance with a pivot turn capability. ARMA's ballistic and anti-mine protection is provided by high hardness monocoque steel hull and all personnel is seated on anti- mine seats .

ARMA vehicle's development started in 2007 as a company funded development project for home and export markets. Development studies from concept design till the end of test phases including qualification and validation processes, detailed design, computer aided engineering studies, are performed by Otokar.

ARMA 6x6 is ready for full scale production and the family will be complemented by an 8x8 version late in 2010.

4x4 ARMOURED VEHICLES

The vehicles on display at Otokar booth, Hall 6, G351, highlight Otokar's expertise and capability in armoured vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing. Otokar's products are widely known with their effectiveness through better mobility, higher protection as well as being affordable and capable solutions to meet the demands of modern warfare.

Other highlights of Otokar's presence at Eurosatory 2010 include:

COBRA : Otokar's worldwide known armoured vehicle COBRA is exhibited with remote controlled weapon station at Eurosatory. The demand to Otokar's 4x4 COBRA had increased in recent years. The COBRA is in duty in various countries including the European countries. The 4x4 COBRA armoured vehicle provides superior mobility, a high level of protection, adaptability to various missions and a low logistic footprint.

KAYA: Otokar showcases KAYA mine Resistant Troop Carrier at Eurosatory 2010. Kaya is designed to provide not only superior mine and ballistic protection but also high levels of cross country capability. KAYA provides mine and ballistic protection for the troops on all terrain conditions, while offering high mobility, ease of handling and outstanding crew comfort. Otokar's know-how and experience in mine protected vehicles gained with the COBRA, played an important role in the design and development process of the KAYA. In order to provide excellent cross country capabilities, the KAYA was developed on the Daimler Chrysler Unimog 5000 running chassis. Armored Cab and Crew Compartment are designed as two separate units to utilize and maintain the Unimog 5000's ultimate cross country capability. KAYA 4x4 mine resistant vehicle with its flexible body configuration can easily be configured for different missions along with varying user needs.

[buglerbilly]

Will Australia Buy JLTV? It May Turn on Jobs

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

By KATE BRANNEN – The creation of local jobs may determine whether Australia buys the U.S. Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, according to the U.S. Army’s top exports coordinator.


A Lockheed Martin JLTV prototype (Defense News photo by Colin Kelly)

“There is, I think, a groundswell of debate about the potential impact upon jobs in Australia if they go with a U.S. solution,” said Keith Webster, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for defense exports and cooperation.

The JLTV program, a joint effort between the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, is partially funded by Australia, which has not yet determined whether it will purchase production models of the vehicle, which are likely to be built in the United States.

Webster said international cooperation becomes increasingly important when defense budgets shrink. But in the current economic climate, each country’s desire to keep jobs at home can hinder consensus on development programs, he said.

“It’s always a challenge, but I think it’s even more so now,” said Webster. “I think it’s going to be incumbent upon U.S. industry and its international partners to look at how they’re going to address the jobs issue.”

Webster said Pentagon leaders are increasingly looking to develop and purchase systems cooperatively with international partners.

“When DoD budgets are flush, interest in international is at an all-time low,” he said. “As DoD budgets begin to become conservative, internationalists become more important.”

This is partly because international buyers can keep production lines open that the United States cannot afford.

“It’s important to understand not only what our partners seek for solutions and capabilities, but to also understand as internationalists what is going on domestically, in our own DoD environment,” said Webster.

[buglerbilly]

GD Rolls Out Piranha 5 Once Slated for Britain

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

By ANDREW CHUTER – The vehicle the British Ministry of Defence selected for its Future Rapid Effects System utility requirement but decided not to order was rolled out anyway by General Dynamics at Eurosatory June 15.


Stripped of its shroud, the Piranha 5 takes pride of place in GD's display area. (Defense News photo by Bradley Peniston)

Using its own cash, General Dynamics European Land Systems has developed a vehicle that — with the exception of the Kongsberg 30mm remote-controlled turret — is almost identical to the Piranha 5 machine the company planned to develop for the British.

Covered in a white shroud that had been hiding the Piranha 5 since the show opened the previous day, the machine must have looked like a ghost that had come back to haunt the MoD officials who were briefed on the project’s progress by company executives ahead of the launch.

Word is the British are showing renewed interest in the vehicle but have no funds at the moment to turn that interest into action.

When the shroud was finally removed with a fanfare normally reserved for the rollout of the company’s Gulfstream business jets, it revealed a 30-ton-gross-weight vehicle bristling with new features and greater weight than with older versions of the Piranha family.

Company officials said the machine has class-leading protection against conventional and asymmetric threats; new height-adjusting semi-automatic hydro-pneumatic suspension, giving what they calld extraordinary levels of cross-country mobility; and a 4-axle steering system that allows the Piranha 5 to turn in a 15-meter circle.

The machine unveiled at Eurosatory was an infantry fighting vehicle variant, but General Dynamics officials said Piranha 5 could be designed for command-and-control, 120mm direct fire, and other roles.

Aside from the new Kongsberg turret, the machine sported a Saab LEDS active protection system and Javelin missiles.

In 2008, the MoD picked Piranha 5 to equip British Army medium-weight formations with an 8×8 utility vehicle; it would have been a multi-billion pound deal had it gone ahead.

But the two sides failed to agree on terms, and the deal foundered in late 2008. Instead, the MoD opted to focus on Force Protection Mastiff vehicles for Afghanistan rather than push ahead with a long-term solution.

Now, General Dynamics executives said they are looking to markets like Australia and Spain for a potential first sale of the Piranha 5.

The vehicle will be ready for operations in 2012, the original date set for delivery by the British.

Some MoD experts, along with their industrial advisers Atkins, reckoned FRES UV couldn’t be fielded before 2017.

For the moment, the British priority is to purchase the tracked specialist vehicle element of the Future Rapid Effects System.

General Dynamics’ ASCOD SV machine has been selected for that requirement, but the deal has yet to be signed.

Along with most other defense programs, the specialist vehicle requirement is likely to have got caught up in the British strategic defense and security review now underway.

[buglerbilly]

Singapore Seeks Arctic Sales for Bronco

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

By ANDREW CHUTER – Singapore’s ST Kinetics, headquartered just below the Equator, is targeting countries on the Arctic Circle for its Bronco all-terrain tracked vehicle. Potential markets include Sweden, the home of rival BvS10 built by BAE Systems.


Bronco All Terrain Tracked Carrier (ST Engineering photo)

ST Kinetics chief marketing officer Patrick Choy said Swedish officials have already spoken to his company about the capabilities of their machine.

The Singaporean executive said that while the Swedes were only looking at what was on the market, ST Kinetics were open to bidding, subject to the requirement.

The Bronco may have been built in the tropical heat of Singapore but Choy reckons the vehicle’s all-terrain capabilities would be well-suited for countries such as Canada, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, which will increasingly need to police the Arctic region as the ice cap melts.

ST Kinetics emphasized its links with the Nordic region at Eurosatory, announcing a sale of 40mm ammunition to the Finnish Army for automatic grenade launchers. This is a repeat order from the Finns, who have been customers since 2000.

Requirements in the Arctic rim for an all-terrain armored vehicle would pitch the Bronco into a head-to-head fight with the smaller-payload BvS10.

Upgraded versions of the vehicles have already clashed in the U.K. and France over the last couple of years. ST Kinetics won with the Warthog in Britain, but lost to the Viking II in France.

The Singaporeans’ suffered a series of problems with the Warthog after it vehicle arrived in the U.K. for testing. The armor had to be increased, requiring changes to the suspension and driveline to compensate for the weight.

Choy said eight or nine hulls have been blown up to test the revised protection requirements. The protection tests have now been completed and final reliability testing is now being undertaken ahead of expected deployment to Afghanistan later this year.

Choy said the upgrade has taken a lot of pain, effort and money to achieve but the work was essential to reciprocate the trust the British had put in ST Kinetics by giving them the order in the first place.

ST Kinetics used Eurosatory to promote a new heavily armed version of the all-terain machine known as the Bronco Fire Support Vehicle.

The concept vehicle was fitted with a remote-control weapon station on the front cabin sporting a 40mm grenade launcher and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, while the rear cabin is armed with the company’s 50 RCWS mounting the .50-cal. CIS 50 gun.

Choy said the company did engineering studies to prove the concept, and is now looking to gauge global interest in a machine that can provide considerable fire support virtually anywhere on the battlefield.

He said one idea was decoupling the rear cabin to use it as a fire support platform with its own electrical power.

[buglerbilly]

Shhh…Nexter’s Secret XP2 Vehicle

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

By PIERRE TRAN – Nexter Systems, the land systems specialist, has built on its own funds a demonstrator armored vehicle, dubbed XP2, which is one of the best-kept secrets at the Eurosatory show.

France's Nexter is keeping its latest armored vehicle under close wraps.

Only selected individuals are allowed into the room to see the vehicle, which is safely behind closed doors at the company’s extensive exhibition stand in the outdoor display area at the show.

The XP2, or experimental vehicle, is a concept worked up by Nexter to prepare the company’s bid in the expected competition for the véhicule blindé multi role (VBMR), which will replace the véhicule avant blindé (VAB) troop carrier.

The XP2 is a high-technology six-wheeled vehicle with two steering axles to improve mobility. The vehicle offers a significant but undisclosed level of protection against blast, IEDs, mines and shrapnel. There is also protection against Molotov cocktails on the vehicle skin.

A Kongsberg remote weapon station provides firepower and there is hatch space to man two side machine guns. The armored back panel has windows and can also be folded flat for all-round operation of the side machine guns.

Among the high-tech functions are external cameras to provide situational awareness and extensive vehicle electronics which hooks up the eight infantry soldiers to the information systems network. The seats are suspended to protect against blast, with four-point harnesses for the passengers. 
Nexter has three main concepts for the VBMR as part of its development for the requirement. None of them is publicly displayed at the show.

The requirement for an expected 2,300 VBMR units is part of the Scorpion Army modernization program, seen as a priority as the venerable VAB is wearing out fast under the tough conditions in Afghanistan.

[buglerbilly]

U.S. Army Rethinks Precision Fires, Shifts Spending

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

By KATE BRANNEN – Until now, the U.S. Army has planned its precision-fires purchases to handle major combat. Now, it’s looking at what counterinsurgency and stability operations may require.


The U.S. Army will put more money toward the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Missile gun, seen here firng flares during a January test at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. (USAF photo)

“We are finishing up a study to relook at what that set of requirements should be and rewrite the requirements” for an infantry brigade combat team, said Lt. Gen. Michael Vane, director of the Army’s Capabilities Integration Center.

Vane said early findings of the study, which began last year, contributed to the recent cancellation of the Non-Line of Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS).

The Army expects to finish the study this fall.

The service will likely put more research money toward developing systems that can help forces “avoid collateral damage,” said Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, program executive officer for missiles and space.

The Army will also spend more in the Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) system and other unit protection capabilities instead of NLOS-LS, said Dellarocco.

“In most of our analysis for Future Combat Systems since 2003, we thought that major combat operations was the most challenging thing,” said Vane. “We thought that anything less than high end warfare, including counterinsurgency and stability operations, would be easier.”

He said those ideas are now being challenged. An infantry brigade combat team’s need for precision munitions in the future is still being determined.

Vane said the Army last assessed the NLOS-LS box missile launcher a couple of years ago, and that assessment was mostly focused on major combat operations.

At the time, “that solution was a cost-effective solution with the set of munitions planned then with that higher end scenario,” he said. “As things have changed over time and the cost of the munition went up, other munitions now almost give me the same capability at a little lower price.”

While NLOS-LS has been canceled, a precision fires capability is still critical in counterinsurgency operations where inadvertently killing civilians can have strategic consequences. In major combat operations the Army was fighting a large force, not hunting an individual truck or person like it is today in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Vane.

Urban settings were also less of a factor when planning for higher end warfare, he said.

“Range of all your direct and indirect fire systems now have a need to be some level of precision,” said Vane.
However, too much precision can be expensive as well.

“That’s what these studies are trying to sort out for us,” he said.

[buglerbilly]

MBDA to France: Buy Our New, and French, Missiles

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 15th, 2010

By PIERRE TRAN – MBDA unveiled its proposed missile moyenne portée (MMP) medium-range anti-tank weapon and the MLP long-range version at the Eurosatory trade show, in a bid to retain French mastery of ground combat missiles.


Artist's conception of MBDA's proposed missile moyenne portée (MMP) medium-range anti-tank weapon (MBDA illustration)

The two missiles carry the company’s hopes of winning French Army orders for 3,000 new-generation missiles under the MMP project name, planned in 2015 to replace the current Milan weapon.

MBDA is offering the 4-kilometer MMP to the French Army as a domestic alternative to either the Javelin from a Lockheed Martin-Raytheon joint venture or Rafael’s Spike.

The MMP weapons are designed to meet the main requirement of fire-and-forget mode, and also offer man-in-the-loop capability, said MBDA military adviser Philippe Gouyon.

But industry executives worry that impending French defense budget cuts will delay MMP procurement; there has been a noticeable lack of official interest in the project.

Specifications for the MMP weapon are eagerly awaited. They are expected to yield directions on the government’s industrial strategy; namely, whether the authorities want an MBDA missile or a foreign weapon.

MBDA’s MMP features a new dual-mode seeker from the Safran group’s Sagem that combines an optical TV camera and uncooled infrared sensors, he said. The uncooled IR detector simplifies logistical support.

An inertial navigation feature allows coordinates to be entered into the missile from the launcher or a Felin handheld radio to guide the weapon in the direction of the target before the seeker locks on for the terminal attack phase. A fiber-optic link keeps a man in the loop. The missile carries a dual-charge for countering reactive protection and penetrating 10mm of vehicle armor, and can also be used against infrastructure targets.

The 8-kilometer MLP long-range version, which shares 60 percent of its parts with this short-range MMP, can be mounted on helicopters and vehicles.

But even as MBDA readies its own anti-tank missile, the firm is in talks with Rafael as a potential partner to propose the Spike. The Israeli company is prepared to offer technology transfer and allow modification of the weapon under French industrial leadership, a Rafael executive said.

The Javelin joint venture has a memorandum of understanding with Thales.

At Eurosatory, Rafael displayed, for the first time in Europe, a non-line-of-sight version of the Spike with a range of 25 km. The weapon is designed to arm vehicles and helicopters.

- Ends -

Sagem Chosen As MBDA Partner on Medium-Range Missile

(Source: Sagem; issued June 15, 2010)

Through a partnership with missile manufacturer MBDA, Sagem (Safran group) will be in charge of the development and production of the firing post and infrared seeker on the Medium-Range Missile (MMP).

This system is being offered within the scope of the planned replacement of France’s Milan antitank missiles towards 2015. The overall contract would cover 500 systems and 3,000 missiles, as well as significant potential for export contracts.

The MMP launch unit reflects Sagem’s combined expertise in cooled, long-range infrared imagers, laser rangefinding and image and signal processing. In particular, it will call on a third-generation Matis thermal imager integrating the latest IR detector technologies developed by Sofradir. [Sofradir is a jointly owned company of Sagem (40%), Thales (40%) and Areva (20%), specialized in high-performance infrared detectors.]

MBDA and Sagem have chosen bi-mode technology for the seeker, with a daytime video channel and a non-cooled infrared channel, including inertial guidance capability to support fire and forget mode, as well as beyond visual range firing capability. Featuring very high reliability and easy maintenance, this solution offers unrivaled capabilities for this type of application.

Used in conjunction with the FELIN soldier modernization system, the MMP is designed for easy integration in the digital battlespace and in future Scorpion network architectures. It can be vehicle-mounted or used in dismounted operations. Furthermore, the launch unit benefits from work on the FELIN system, taking advantage of certain components developed for this advanced infantry equipment suite, including batteries, man-machine interface, communications module, etc. This also means that the MMP will enjoy the same logistics support structure.

Sagem’s proven expertise, combined with its latest developments in thermal imagers, sights and seekers, will reduce technical risks and help meet all performance, delivery time and cost requirements. Sagem will develop the sight and seeker in its R&D center in Argenteuil, and produce them at its plant in Poitiers.

Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, holds world or European leadership positions in optronics, avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the No. 1 company in Europe and No. 3 worldwide for inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also the world leader in helicopter flight controls and the European leader in optronics and tactical UAV systems. Operating across the globe through the Safran group, Sagem and its subsidiaries employ 6,700 people in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. Sagem is the commercial name of the company Sagem Défense Sécurité.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Gallery shots part 2.........

AMPV from Rheinmetall............



DRACO Self Propelled AA Gun.................



Italin Upgraded DARDO IFV..........big side armour package on there!



Iveco's MPV, another in a long line of APC's/MRAP-style vehicles popular now...........



The new RG41 from BAE, details earlier in this thread.............

[buglerbilly]

This is one of the weirdest and most archaic looking vehicles to appear at the show albeit in a mock-up form.............




It's the new Panhard Sphinx, a prototype for the French Army (EBRC project, Armoured vehicle for reconnaissance and combat in english) in replacement of the ERC 90 Sagaie and AMX-10 RCR.

It's like every lesson of armouring for the modern environment and IED-rich threat has been forgotten by Panhard...........

[buglerbilly]

Another shot of the Upgraded Dardo..............boy oh boy that is wide side armour! :speechless

[buglerbilly]

Front shot of the SPAAG...............

[buglerbilly]

Interesting looking SANDCAT.................

[buglerbilly]

More pics from DEAGEL here............

http://www.deagel.com/collection/Eurosatory-2010_6.aspx

..............couple of nice shots of HAWKEI five rows down from the top...................

[buglerbilly]

BOXER with a remote-controlled turret..............JEEZUS that vehicle is HIGH!!!!

http://www.deagel.com/library/Boxer-ICV-equipped-with-remote-controlled-turret_m02010061500032.aspx

Front shot..........

http://www.deagel.com/library/Boxer-IFV-equipped-with-remote-controlled-turret_m02010061500033.aspx

[Raven22]

Having that turret on the Boxer is ridiculous. I understand the desire to not have the turret penetrate into the hull, but you at least want to be able to drive under bridges and powerlines. Why not have the .50 cal coax to the main, instead of stuck on top adding another half metre of height.?

[buglerbilly]

Iveco, KMV Near 50-Ambulance Order from Italy

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 16th, 2010

By BRADLEY PENISTON – Iveco and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann designed their VTMM armored vehicle to carry engineers into danger, but it appears the first production units will bring wounded to safety.


Iveco displayed the VTMM 6x6 outside its chalet. (Defense News photo by Bradley Peniston)

The firms are in final negotiations with Italy, which is seeking 50 armored ambulances, Iveco general manager Pietro Borgo told reporters June 16.

A contract is expected soon.

"It's practically there," said Flavio Marchesoni, Iveco's sales and marketing director.

Ultimately, the companies hope to persuade Italy to buy many more of the 18-ton, six-wheeled vehicles, which are to be offered in several other variants, including explosive ordnance disposal, command post, electronic warfare, cargo, psychological warfare, and more.

"The aspiration is to make the European MRAP," Marchesoni said.

The VTMM is based on KMW's GFF4 vehicle, a prototype of which is in the last weeks of testing by the German procurement agency, KMV CEO Frank Haun said.

Prepped for combat and fully loaded with up to four tons of people and gear, the VTMM tips the scales at 25 tons. The cabin has 17 cubic meters of space; the engine, 400 horsepower.

At the request of the Italian Army, the ambulance version has a higher roof, allowing a doctor to stand up in the cabin while operating on a patient. Production is to start next year.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

You've Never Seen Anything Like It (2010)

Posted by Bill Sweetman at 6/16/2010 8:30 AM CDT

From the front, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann's Fennek 2 looks like many 4 x 4 armored vehicles, with big protected radiator grills for the engine. From the back it also looks normal, with big protected radiator grills...

Wait, what?



KMW has brought a full-up prototype of the unique twin-engine Fennek 2 to Eurosatory, having exhibited a technology demonstrator in the US and elsewhere in 2008, and the vehicle is on offer to a customer that the company does not identify. The prototype on show here is a fighting vehicle with a five-person crew and KMW's FLW 200 overhead weapon system.

There are a number of advantages to the Fennek 2 approach, KMW argues, that offset the cost of a second engine. One of the most important is scalability and modular design. The Fennek 2 drivetrain components can support a weight range from 9 to 25 tonnes, including a 6 x 6, three-engined version. It's also possible to configure the vehicle with armored cabs or "mission modules" of different lengths, without changing the drivetrain.

The design also eliminates a basic mine-protection challenge - the location of the driveshaft. In a conventional all-wheel-drive design the driveshaft is either inside the protected cell, consuming space, or outside it, presenting a shrapnel hazard.

In a theater like Afghanistan, where forces are spread thinly over a wide area, recovering an immobilized vehicle is difficult and slow, and the vehicle is vulnerable. With two engines, the Fennek 2 can keep moving after hits that would disable a conventional vehicle.

KMW also argues that the use of common powerpacks over a wide range of vehicles simplifies logistics and training and offsets some of the costs associated with two engines.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Light Multi-purpose Vehicles: Compromising Protection, Payload and Cost

Posted by Christina Mackenzie at 6/16/2010 10:42 AM CDT

“Light multi-purpose vehicles: compromising protection, payload and cost?” Discuss. This is high school exam time in France and this would make a good question for technology students. But in fact it was the theme of the second Eurosatory conference and was being discussed by a panel of two industrialists and two military staff.

Squadron leader Anne Bardy, 'mobility' programme officer at the French army's technical section, stressed that although light multi-purpose vehicles should not be designed for combat but for liaison, they should be protected to at least STANAG level 2 for rifle fire, mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). And she added that the vehicles should be mission-adaptable to cope with attacks from rocket propelled grenades and stones, for example. “But in case they get caught in an ambush they should have a 7.62mm machine gun for self-protection and be fitted with a remote control machine gun turret,” Bardy explained.

The French army intends to use these vehicles mostly on roads and tracks, but still wants a “selective ability to cross-country,” she said, adding that it should also have an engine not only compatible with low level qualities of fuel but which consumes low quantities of it. And it should be air transportable

The challenge for industry is to develop such a vehicle while simultaneously keeping costs down.

Michel Galand, vice-president commercial for Panhard General Défense and Jens Wachsman, executive manager at Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, gave their views of how their companies are going about this.

Panhard already has two vehicles which could meet the requirement: the VBL (véhicule blindé léger) and the PVP (petit véhicule protégé). Galand noted that the former is “efficient but expensive” while the latter, which he described as a “shoebox: easy to load, very versatile and adaptable” is built using as much off-the-shelf equipment as possible. The PVP at 5.355-tons is heavier than the 4.1-ton VBL. It is also more powerful (160hp against the VBL's 129 hp) and can go faster (120 kph against 110 kph).

Wachsman explained that because there “are plenty of vehicles in the 4x4 market ... we decided it was time to take a bigger step forward and set out to create a vehicle which gives very high off-road mobility and high protection.” The result is the AMPV (armored multi-purpose vehicle) which has technology borrowed both from the Leopard tank and from the company's 8-wheeled Boxer armored vehicle. Without revealing specific details about the AMPV, Wachsman said it had STANAG level 3 protection from machine-guns, mines, IEDs, small arms, artillery fragments and NBC (nuclear biological and chemical threats). The AMPV, a joint venture between Rheinmetall Defence and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, is designed around an armored steel monocoque for the crew with lightweight structures in the front and rear to allow for greater protection, and therefore weight, around the crew. “Until someone wins the Nobel Prize for developing weightless armor this equation -- weight = protection -- will not go away,” he quipped.

Colonel Michael Venhaus, branch chief, requirement, planning and in-service support for the joint support service of the German armed forces, noted that in lessons learned from the use of small vehicles in Afghanistan “we have noted there is a tendency to use them as fighting vehicles,” although they were not originally designed as such. The problem is that soldiers in the field “adapt” the vehicles “so that when there is a rotation and another squadron arrives from Germany where they were trained on the original design of the vehicle, they don't recognise them!” There have been strict instructions issued to “maintain” the original technical specifications of the vehicles.

[buglerbilly]

Recce Mission to Renault’s ‘Black Room’

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 16th, 2010

By PIERRE TRAN – Renault Trucks Defense, the French vehicle maker, has a “black room” at the Eurosatory exhibition to show selected guests its design and concept work for the French Army’s two major fleet replacement programs: the Véhicule Blindé Multi-Role (VBMR) troop carrier and Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance et Combat (EBRC) infantry fighting vehicle.


An early concept for Renault's AMC fighting vehicle. (Renault illustration)

Anyone privileged to have access to the locked upstairs room will see scale models of the Armored Multirole Carrier (AMC) and Armored Multirole Carrier 40 (AMC 40), and the four video screens laying out the company’s philosophy behind its secret designs.

The big ideas underpinning the concept vehicles are: protection of troops and crew, technical support, simulator training in the vehicles in the field and online assistance.

RTD has drawn heavily on its background in making and supporting trucks to marry commercial-off-the-shelf technology and combat functions. Use of commercial, open architecture standards in the vehicle electronics allows upgrades as a hedge against obsolescence.

The price target of the EBRC is 1 million euros ($1.2 million), said RTD strategy director Nicolas de la Rue. That price objective is at the center of an equilateral triangle with each side marked mobility, payload and protection, he said.

The AMC 40 and AMC vehicles share a chassis and subassemblies, to keep costs low. The common parts could be at least 80 percent, and if the specifications do not call for a “Ferrari fighting vehicle,” the level of commonality could be as high as 90 percent.

The AMC 40 fighting is designed to carry a 40mm or 30 mm gun, and would weigh around 2.5 to three tons. That is relatively light for a turret with such firepower.

The AMC troop carrier carries a remote weapons station. Both vehicles would offer NATO Level 4 protection, with possibility to 5, and protect crew and troops against ballistic threats, mines, IEDs, RPG, blast and shrapnel.

One of the protective features of the AMC 40 turret is that the two crew members have direct vision through periscopes located between the body and turret, and are protected by the armor of the vehicle body.

Under the French Army’s Scorpion modernization program, around 2,000 VBRM units will replace the VAB carrier, and some 300 EBRC will succeed the AMX 10 RC and Sagaie light tanks. The former is seen as the priority, but with impending budget cuts, industry executives are worried the replacement programs will be delayed and production rates slowed down.

[buglerbilly]

This vehicle was shown as a prototype or mock-up at Eurosatory 2008...............

http://www.deagel.com/library/Renault-AMC-6x6-medium-armored-vehicle-side-view_m02008062000212.aspx

http://www.deagel.com/library/Renault-AMC-6x6-medium-armored-vehicle_m02008062000210.aspx

http://www.deagel.com/library/Renault-AMC-6x6-medium-armored-vehicle-rear-view_m02008062000213.aspx

http://www.deagel.com/library/Renault-AMC-6x6-medium-armored-vehicles-Elbit-Systems-weapon-station_m02008062000211.aspx

[buglerbilly]

More on the new OTOKAR vehicle.................see also earlier comments in this thread

Otokar Offers New 6×6 for Turkish Contest

Posted by Bradley Peniston | June 16th, 2010

By ANDREW CHUTER – Otokar is responding to a Turkish Army requirement for a new family of 6×6 armored vehicles with a machine making its debut at Eurosatory.


Otokar's new ARMA 6x6 armored vehicle (Otokar photo)

The wheeled ARMA vehicle is in a three-way fight with rival machines from FNSS Defense Systems and Hema Defense for a Turkish government order for around 600 vehicles.

Selection of the winning machine is expected around the end of the year with a number of vehicle types including reconnaissance, armored personnel carrier and recovery vehicle being acquired in several batches.

At 6.4 meters long, 2.7 meters wide and 2.2 meters high, the ARMA has an 18,500-kilogram combat weight with a payload of 4,500 kilos.

Sporting two propellers, the ARMA is a good amphibious performer, company officials said.

An Otokar statement said the vehicle will offer good protection from mines and blasts for the crew of two and up to eight soldiers.

Other features of the machine include two front axles that are steerable to give a turning circle of under eight meters and an independent hydropneumatic suspension giving what the company said was “respectable off-road mobility and comfort.”

Okotar started developing the vehicle in 2007, using its own funds, and the company said it is now ready for full production.

An 8×8 version is in development with trials of a test vehicle expected to get underway around the end of the year.

A Turkish Army requirement for an 8×8 is expected to emerge at some stage.

[buglerbilly]

Pic Update Part 3...................

French ARAVIS MRAP-style vehicle, procured in small numbers by the French. Interesting to see two side doors on this vehicle..........





Nexter's VBCI with RCWS and bar armour.................



Navistar's Tatra truck...........



The French CAESAR truck-mounted 155mm cannon on two different trucks, the Renault unit for the French Army and a Mercedes UNIMOG presumably for the Sauds............





More to follow...............

[McDethWivFries]

Having that turret on the Boxer is ridiculous. I understand the desire to not have the turret penetrate into the hull, but you at least want to be able to drive under bridges and powerlines. Why not have the .50 cal coax to the main, instead of stuck on top adding another half metre of height.?

what i dont get is how they fit 19 people into it and why it needs a crew of 11!?!

[buglerbilly]

Thales HAWKEI vehicle shots, all from Thales themselves...............

Interior...........



Rear "boot" open.............



Frontal shot showing the weird Windscreens.................





Coming out of its shipping container, good shot of the front suspension...............



Doors open, interior shot..........

[Raven22]

I was actually at the Thales factory in Bendigo today and keen to see the Hawkei, of course I picked a time when the vehicle is out of the country.

Had a good look at the copperhead and twin cab bushie though. The twin cab looks awesome.

[buglerbilly]

Various YouTube videos: -

SPIKE NLOS............



SPIKE NLOS Part 2..........



OCELOT Long Range Patrol Vahicle................



PIRANHA 5 unveiling, ferkin rock music, swirling lights and smoke...........the cover comes off and then everyone has to stand around for 10 minutes wating for the smoke to dissipate so you can see the damn thing! Ridiculous..............:violent



It's NOT a small vehicle..............

Turret shots...............



PIRANHA 5 Interior shots...........



Leopard 2A7 and AMPV............



BAE's RG41..........

[Gubler, A.]

Having that turret on the Boxer is ridiculous. I understand the desire to not have the turret penetrate into the hull, but you at least want to be able to drive under bridges and powerlines. Why not have the .50 cal coax to the main, instead of stuck on top adding another half metre of height.?

Looks like a quick engineering fix to provide a representative vehicle. Turret from the Puam stuck right ontop a Boxer. The Puma turret is designed to penetrate somewhat the roof of the Puma and is 'embedded' in the roof. But with a quick fix jiob they seem to have stuck a box to the roof of the Boxer and embedded the Puma turret into it. That being said even if they could spend some more time engineering it a turreted Boxer would still be extremely high. Looking at the neat remote Kongsberg turret on the P5 which is also extremely high so the lowerable remote turret of the Rafael Samson starts to make more sense. You're never going to need it to fit into a Hercules but for low bridges, slack slung power lines and the like could be handy on these big and high 30 tonne 8x8s.

[Gubler, A.]

what i dont get is how they fit 19 people into it and why it needs a crew of 11!?!

LOL. 11, 8 and x. So its either 11+8= x (x=19) or 8+x=11 (x=3)...

[buglerbilly]

More on EAGLE IV.............

General Dynamics European Land Systems Presents the Next-Generation EAGLE Light Tactical Vehicle

(Source: General Dynamics European Land Systems; issued JUne 14, 2010)

VIENNA – General Dynamics European Land Systems will display the next generation EAGLE light tactical vehicle during the EUROSATORY show in Paris from 14-18 June 2010. The new generation EAGLE will display advanced survivability and payload capacity while retaining its characteristic size and mobility advantages. It also provides greater levels of lethality with a Bofors Lemur remote weapon station.

The new EAGLE addresses the demands of today, while providing for growth and flexibility to meet future threats.

Next-Generation EAGLE

Today’s combat operations demand higher levels of survivability and capacity then previously provided by light tactical vehicles. Armies had to use overweight vehicles in the 12-20,000 kg weight class, resulting in significant compromises in mobility and tactical flexibility.

General Dynamics European Land Systems is leading the response to new requirements for a lighterweight tactical vehicle with increased protection and capacity and lower logistical costs with the launch of the next-generation EAGLE at the EUROSATORY on 14 June at the GDELS booth.

This next-generation EAGLE retains the key features of the existing in-service EAGLE that has made it the preferred light tactical vehicle of Europe’s most demanding customers. These features include low signature and mass, high reliability in all environments and outstanding off-road. The new EAGLE retains its capability to be air transportable via helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook.

Next-Generation EAGLE - The New Survivability Standard:

The new EAGLE sets a new survivability standard for the light tactical vehicle class and provides proven mine, improvised explosive device (IED) and ballistic protection previously only provided by vehicles up to twice its weight. The survivability systems of the new EAGLE are modular and completely integrated with the new high survivability cabin. These kits allow the tactical commander to adapt the vehicle to new threats in theatre, thus securing the utility of the EAGLE across the complete spectrum of combat operations. The new EAGLE is being launched with validated survivability kits meeting a range of threats.

It includes a system developed specifically to cope with the most aggressive IEDs that this class of vehicle commonly faces in today’s hostile environments. The vehicle will be shown with the RUAG LASSO RPG mitigation system integrated to demonstrate one of the many survivability enhancement kits that General Dynamics European Land Systems and its partners have developed for the vehicle. In addition to these modular systems, substantial advances have been made in crew ergonomics, energy-absorbing seating and occupant-restraint systems that will further improve the survivability of the new EAGLE when facing the threats of today and tomorrow.

Next-Generation EAGLE – Capacity and Flexibility for the Future:

Network-centric operations, integrated force-protection countermeasures and the need for remote weapon stations with greater levels of lethality has seen the demand for payload and internal volume in the light protected vehicle category increase in recent years. The new EAGLE addresses these requirements and provides over 3,000 kg payload, an internal protected volume of more than 6 m3 and a flexible rear load space that ensures the vehicle can meet today’s demands while providing growth and flexibility for tomorrow.

The new EAGLE has a flexible internal seating arrangement that can accommodate four, five or six crew while retaining space for a comprehensive communications and electronic architecture system inside the vehicle. In addition, the new EAGLE can be provided in a utility variant capable of carrying NATO pallets or a system of standardised modules that allow the vehicle to be quickly adapted at unit level to fulfil a range of battlefield logistic roles.

Next-Generation EAGLE – Unrivalled Mobility and Proven Reliability:

The advances in survivability and capacity provided by the new EAGLE have been accomplished without compromising the combat proven mobility and reliability of the vehicle or increasing the vehicle dimensions. EAGLE has now seen extensive operational service in the demanding Afghan theatre where it has shown that it is capable of accessing terrain that no other wheeled vehicle can while demonstrating outstanding reliability and availability in all conditions.

The vehicle’s class-leading offroad mobility comes from its combination of extraordinary wheel travel and ground clearance provided by the unique de-dion suspension system in combination with the self-locking drive train and central tire-inflation system. The new EAGLE improves in several key mobility areas including the ability to fit a wider 365/80R20 tire that decreases ground pressure and a new higher torque Cummins engine that further enhances the vehicle’s unique mobility. The new EAGLE also retains extensive commonality with existing EAGLE and DURO fleets, which substantially reduces the logistics burden and cost of ownership to existing customers.

General Dynamics European Land Systems, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is a business unit of General Dynamics and conducts its business through four European operating units located in Spain, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With more than 3,200 highly skilled technical employees, GDELS companies design, manufacture and deliver land combat systems to global customers, including wheeled, tracked and amphibious vehicles, armaments and munitions.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Launch of the New VAB Mark II and Presents the Development of Its SHERPA Range at Eurosatory 2010 (Stand D390 – Outdoor)

(Source: Renault Trucks Defense; issued June 12, 2010)



Renault Trucks Defense presents at Eurosatory its most recent addition to the armoured range: the VAB Mark II with its protection Level 4.

It also promotes the developments of its Sherpa range. The new Kerax 8x8 Heavy Duty will also be exhibited.

Renault Trucks Defense, a division of Renault Trucks has developed for 5 years a complete product range of new military vehicles to meet the specific needs of the French and overseas markets.

The Acmat company, specialized in the light tactical vehicles (VLRA and ALTV), became a 100% subsidiary of Renault Trucks in 2006.

Renault Trucks Defense designs, produces and markets a complete range of tactical and logistic vehicles, armoured wheeled vehicles, high mobility solutions, complete systems, specific adaptations, upgrading kits to improve fleet performances.

-ends-

Technical data here for VAB II...........

http://www.renault-trucks-defense.com/range/vab-mark-ii-4x46x6.html

[buglerbilly]

Moved into the UAV thread, more relevant there..............

[buglerbilly]

DINGO for A Safe Recovery

(Source: Krauss Maffei Wegmann; issued June 17, 2010)

Image here..........

http://www.deagel.com/library/Dingo-2-battlefield-recovery_m02010061500034.aspx

The multitudinous and extremely variable DINGO 2 family from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) has welcomed a new arrival. The company presented the armoured DINGO 2 recovery vehicle at the EUROSATORY trade fair in Paris. This vehicle combines high performance capability with speed. With a hydraulic 10-ton recovery winch – the DINGO 2 is suitable for any incapacitated vehicle up to the weight class of the DINGO 2 during towing operation.

“Time is of the essence when recovering vehicles that have been involved in accidents, and particularly when rescuing the crew in time of crisis and conflict”, says Frank Haun, chairman of the KMW board of directors in Paris. “This is why the DINGO 2 recovery vehicle is designed to be able to respond immediately”. Unlike conventional recovery vehicles, the new development can follow patrol and convoy vehicles in deployment areas because of its size and its outstanding mobility.

For the first time, this extremely mobile recovery version of the DINGO 2 has three axles (6x6) but is still based on a UNIMOG chassis, like the entire DINGO 2 family, making operation, maintenance and training easier. The new vehicle weighs 17.5 tons and can therefore be transported by air without problems. Like all of the DINGO 2 vehicles that are already in the field, the 3-man crew can rely on the high level of protection that is provided and also keep a close eye on the situation using the extended rear-view camera system.

Like its sister versions, this new development is also intended to be the vehicle with the best protection in its class for patrols, ambulance operations, reconnaissance, transport, ABC reconnaissance missions, battle damage repair and maintenance. The vehicle can also be equipped with the standardized KMW FLW 100 (remote-controlled light weapon station).

KMW has developed the concept of a modular all-round protection transport vehicle for various tactical deployment variants over the last few years. The DINGO 2 recovery is a further addition to this successful family of vehicles. Over 700 DINGOs in various are currently in use with five European nations.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Smaller, Simpler Vehicles Also Have Market

Posted by Kate Brannen | June 18th, 2010

By KATE BRANNEN — Paris — Many of the vehicles on display here at the Parc des Expositions are heavily armored fighting vehicles outfitted with the latest and greatest in communications, network and protection technology.

However, there is a thriving market for vehicles that offer little to none of these frills. Simpler, cheaper and less protected, vehicles aimed at customers in Africa and the Middle East are also on exhibit.

One example is the newly named Black Scorpion vehicle, developed by the Carat Security Group, a Belgian company. It is an open-bed armored personnel carrier based on the Toyota HZJ79 chassis. The open-bed configuration was specifically asked for by African countries, said a representative from the company.

Outfitted with running boards and weapon mounts in the rear, the open-bed vehicle gives everyone inside situational awareness and reduces the vehicle’s technical complexity, said the rep.

Weighing roughly 5 tons, it is designed to protect against grenades but does not offer mine protection. It doesn’t offer air conditioning or powered windows, but it is an affordable option for African customers who are looking to buy more vehicles with the same money that might buy one or two MRAPs, said the company rep.

“So many of the larger competitors are trying to give them solutions that just aren’t right,” said the Carat official.

Because the vehicle is based on a Toyota truck, it is easy to maintain and can be serviced anywhere you can buy a Toyota, he said.

The company already sells closed-bed configurations of the same vehicle and just signed a contract with Mexico.

“It’s a good niche market for us,” he said.

[buglerbilly]

DINGO 2 Recovery Vehicle, a series of shots from the show (by XAV.........)...........







This shot by Theirry LaSchapelle............

[buglerbilly]

Makes you wonder what you could do with an Extended Cab Bushmater...............

[Gubler, A.]

Makes you wonder what you could do with an Extended Cab Bushmater...............

The utility dual cab may have a bit more under armour crew space than is needed for a recovery/fitter Bushmaster. You could fit seven people in there which is great for towing an M777A2 but a bit more than the Bluebells need. The utility single cab however has a lot of potential for several specialised and protected modules to replace the flat tray. With over 4m of length and just under 2.5m of width there is plenty of potential from such modules for providing specialised capability (20m3 volume with 2m head room). With L121 MHC likely to order 630 Bushmaster utility single cabs this year and L121 LLC another 350 utility dual cabs once they get past the Phase 5 G-Wagens the modular potential for these vehicles is huge.

On another forum I’ve been talking with some medics about the inadequacies of the Bushmaster ambulance. Because it uses the standard Bushmaster IMV rear door you can’t climb in carrying a stretcher like you can in the ramp access M113 and ASLAV ambulances. So ADI aka Thales Oz designed a nifty looking extendable arm that you load the stretcher on outside the vehicle and it retracts the stretcher inside. Of course it doesn’t work as good as it looks and is much harder and takes much longer to operate than just walking straight in. Also the shape of the monocoque hull of the Bushmaster IMV limits useable volume for width and length for vehicles like an ambulance so you can only fit in a single stretcher. A significant waste of utility for a 15 tonne vehicle which should be able to accommodate 2-4 stretchers.

The South Africans developed the specialized Mfezi Ambulance that is similar in size and protection to a Bushmaster but could be easily loaded with stretchers and accommodate up to four of them (with wounded on them of course). The secret to its success was the high height (3m) so to lift the medical space above the wheels to allow full width for use and the full width rear door (in two parts) and automatically lowering ramp/stairs. A Bushmaster utility single cab ambulance module could be fitted with a similar rear door and/or ramp/stairs to provide the stretcher bearers the ability to climb straight in.

Mfezi:

Door:

Mfezi Fact File: http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=766

[Gubler, A.]

Makes you wonder what you could do with an Extended Cab Bushmater...............

See that Spike NLOS missile system mounted on an Oshkosk SandCat at Eurosatory? Well a Bushmaster utility dual cab would enable you to fit all the electronics inside the armoured cab as well as three system operators (and a driver) with the sensor ball and datalink antenna extendable through roof hatches. The flat bed of the dual cab would fit 30 ready to fire Spike NLOS missiles or three times the total unit of fire of the SandCat of which only four are ready to fire. So would make for a pretty lethal precision fires/anti-armour vehicle.

[Raven22]

On another forum I’ve been talking with some medics about the inadequacies of the Bushmaster ambulance. Because it uses the standard Bushmaster IMV rear door you can’t climb in carrying a stretcher like you can in the ramp access M113 and ASLAV ambulances. So ADI aka Thales Oz designed a nifty looking extendable arm that you load the stretcher on outside the vehicle and it retracts the stretcher inside. Of course it doesn’t work as good as it looks and is much harder and takes much longer to operate than just walking straight in. Also the shape of the monocoque hull of the Bushmaster IMV limits useable volume for width and length for vehicles like an ambulance so you can only fit in a single stretcher. A significant waste of utility for a 15 tonne vehicle which should be able to accommodate 2-4 stretchers.

The new bushie ambulance is slightly different from the old one. It has a wider rear door that is hinged on the other side, and does away with the retractible arm thingie. Still no ramp at the rear though, so you have to lift the stretcher up to a dude waiting inside, which would be lots of fun while wearing body armour etc. The seats on the right hand side fold down so you can put a second stretcher on that side as well, which gives it about the same capacity as an ASLAV or M113 ambulance. There are still lots of stupid features on the vehicle though that will never be used. For instance, they've put a long locker on the roof of the vehicle for storing stretchers, which means that to get a stretcher down a soldier has to stand on the rear step and expose himself to he world, while trying to reef a stretcher long ways out of a narrow bin with both arms over his head. What's wrong with simply stapping the stretchers to the side of the vehicle at chest level like on every other armoured vehicle ever made?

Personally I'm interested in that the copper head and twin cab variants have a new Cummins engine, instead of the Caterpiller. I have no idea why they've done that because the Caterpiller engine is great, with huge amounts of torque. The stowage point for the spare wheel is criminally stupid as well.

[Gubler, A.]

, which gives it about the same capacity as an ASLAV or M113 ambulance. There are still lots of stupid features on the vehicle though that will never be used.

Progress? Convert those still inadequate PMV-M Ambulances to troop carriers and develop an accessible, four stretcher capacity, protected module for the utility.


, Personally I'm interested in that the copper head and twin cab variants have a new Cummins engine, instead of the Caterpiller. I have no idea why they've done that because the Caterpiller engine is great, with huge amounts of torque. The stowage point for the spare wheel is criminally stupid as well.

The single and dual cabs have a different engine bay arrangement because the shorter cab means the air outflow thing behind the co-driver position is not available. So maybe they needed to fit the smaller engine to free up volume to compensate? I don’t know where else they could have put the spare wheel while keeping the cupula but maybe the problem with its position could be alleviated by developing a ballistic box to put it in rather than just bolt it to the outside.

All of these problems are caused by an attempt to minimise change to the monocoque of the standard Bushmaster when developing variants. Which has a lot more to do with certification rather than engineering. If we lived in a world with leadership rather than bureaucracy we could have developed a high roof (3m) Bushmaster for supporting roles like ambulance, under armour mortar carrier, C2, etc and a slightly longer wheelbase Bushmaster for the single and dual cabs to keep the high power and common CAT donk. But nope so we have that wonderful solution of bastardisation!

[buglerbilly]

See that Spike NLOS missile system mounted on an Oshkosk SandCat at Eurosatory? Well a Bushmaster utility dual cab would enable you to fit all the electronics inside the armoured cab as well as three system operators (and a driver) with the sensor ball and datalink antenna extendable through roof hatches. The flat bed of the dual cab would fit 30 ready to fire Spike NLOS missiles or three times the total unit of fire of the SandCat of which only four are ready to fire. So would make for a pretty lethal precision fires/anti-armour vehicle.

Now that is a very interesting thought..............

[Raven22]

Progress? Convert those still inadequate PMV-M Ambulances to troop carriers and develop an accessible, four stretcher capacity, protected module for the utility.

I'd suggest that making an ambo module for the copperhead would be a worse solution than than the current system. You'd lose all the benefits of having the ambulance part integral to the vehicle (being able to talk to the driver, having access to water, air, radios, air con etc) and would make it even higher off the ground making it even harder to get patients in. Having a higher hull for the current ambo might be a good idea, although stacking patients in the back doesn't happen much these days anyway, as it is impossible to work on the patients and it justs turns into a meat wagon. The problem of access with a stretcher is hard to solve, as any step system needs to be able to fold up so it doesn't get torn off the hull whenever the vehicle departs a decline (like the current one does now). The step system on the model you've shown would last about ten minutes before it was torn off.

The problem of course is that getting an ideal ambo for the medics would mean a less than ideal vehicle for everything else. Working out the best compromise is hard.


The single and dual cabs have a different engine bay arrangement because the shorter cab means the air outflow thing behind the co-driver position is not available. So maybe they needed to fit the smaller engine to free up volume to compensate?

Nah they're using the Cummins engine since it is simply a better engine - its smaller, more efficient yet still puts out the same numbers as the Caterpiller. From what I've heard any future orders of the regular cab Bushie will use this engine too. Everything of consequence for the power pack is below the level of the tray, so the loss of the cabin isn't an issue. The fact that it is small is a good thing though - it allows for a 30L auxillary tank rather than the too-small 19L jobbie. I do like the Cat engine though.


I don’t know where else they could have put the spare wheel while keeping the cupula but maybe the problem with its position could be alleviated by developing a ballistic box to put it in rather than just bolt it to the outside.

The general positon of the wheel is fine (it can't go anywhere else anyway - you can't put a 224kg wheel on the roof), its just that it is too low. The bottom of the wheel is below the level of the base plate, meaning the first thing to hit an obstacle is going to be the wheel, meaning the bracket is going to get bent, meaning the wheel is going to be next to impossible to get off, and actually impossible to get on. If they simply modified the stowage lockers above it and mounted it higher, the problem would solve itself.

[buglerbilly]

Cummins engines are also being used in the latest version of EAGLE IV and VAB Mark 2 to mention a few..............

[buglerbilly]

Panhard's new armoured car design, SPHYNX...........the gun is a 40mm CTA cannon..........weird design, like a throwback. I really couldn't see it lastng long in an IED-rich area....................

[buglerbilly]

Amongst the vehicles BAE had listed for Eurosatory 2010 was the ALLIGATOR 6x6 aka SEP (or is it son-of-SEP?)..................I don't think it appeared there, or at least I haven't seen an image of it at the show.......?

[Chauvel]

Thanks Bug

A very interesting vehicle.

If you or anyone else on the board is interested in some high res photos of the Armadillo they are to be found int the downloads section of the BAE
website but hidden within the CV90-35 folder. God knows why.

Can't do anything my self as i face 4 days on dial-up speeds thanks to my kids having soaked up 25 GB in 25 days.

Cheers

Chauvel

[Riđđu]

Amongst the vehicles BAE had listed for Eurosatory 2010 was the ALLIGATOR 6x6 aka SEP (or is it son-of-SEP?)

Me thinks the ALLIGATOR is the stripped-down version of SEP because the original was too expensive for Sweden. Apparently they dumped things like variable suspension, electric power train and "pivotsväng" (anybody know what´s that in English?)..

[Raven22]

Pivot steering?

[buglerbilly]

Me thinks the ALLIGATOR is the stripped-down version of SEP because the original was too expensive for Sweden. Apparently they dumped things like variable suspension, electric power train and "pivotsväng" (anybody know what´s that in English?)..

Getting more confused here as the BAE file images for SEP 6x6 include the above images and yes there are differences between 6x6 and 8x8...............Armadillo must just be a re-badge?

[Gubler, A.]

Apparently they dumped things like variable suspension, electric power train and "pivotsväng" (anybody know what´s that in English?)..

They still have the two sponson mounted engines and while it is more than possible to run a drive train down to the wheels (M59 APC) it doesn’t look as if there has been any change to the configuration to fit something like this in.


Pivot steering?

Pivotsväng is “fact-rotate” in Swedish… the meaning of which is not alluded to in any Abba songs so I'm stumped. It looks like having steering arms mounted above the axle. That could be part of the suspension but there is also that thing below the axle…

[buglerbilly]

The BAE video here tells me it's a re-badged SEP...............

http://www.baesystems.com/Sites/ProductLaunches2010/Video/Alligator8x8/index.htm

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Live from Paris ... Sort of

Posted by Bettina Chavanne at 6/21/2010 8:36 AM CDT

I shot some film last week at Eurosatory. Here's a video of some of the demos that were run on the outdoor track:



I'll post a bunch more videos later...............

[buglerbilly]

Videos from Eurosatory 2010...............Most are from Deagle.com

Bushmaster vids parts 1, 2 & 3...........







American HDT Diesel motorbikes and LTATV............



LMV light armored tactical vehicle being attacked by a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) and protected by AMAP-ADS at Eurosatory 2010 live demonstration





Sherpa Light FS Heavy at Eurosatory 2010 live demonstration

[Gubler, A.]

Getting more confused here as the BAE file images for SEP 6x6 include the above images and yes there are differences between 6x6 and 8x8...............Armadillo must just be a re-badge?

Agree, with the Swedish FMV pulling out of the SEP program there is no need to call it that. Alligator is a pretty reasonable name for it.

Pivotsväng (fact-rotate) is likely to refer to the modular MRIK concept with the SEP/Alligator. Like the Boxer the back section is removable enabling a single fleet of vehicle systems to support multiple vehicle roles.

[Gubler, A.]

The stowage point for the spare wheel is criminally stupid as well.

Don’t give up the truck! By coincidence I may have stumbled across the solution to this problem: the Berliet GBC 6x6 truck. The position of the Bushmaster Utility spare wheel is constrained by the width and ground clearance of the vehicle. If it is mounted higher to clear the bottom exposure it will then hang out over the width of the vehicle. There just is not the space for it.



However when reading a book about the Selous Scouts last night they had a picture of a Berliet GBC 6x6 truck (now called Renault GBC-180) they captured from the insurgents in Mozambique. It had the same spare wheel configuration as the Buhsmaster Utility including the overhang into the ground clearance area. Berliet’s solution to the problem is a kind of roll bar/bull bar – “grounding bar” that bolts on to the rim of the spare wheel. This bar covers the exposed part of the tire that would overwise hit the ground when the vehicle grounds protecting the wheel from damage.


Grounding Bar

GBC truck

[Raven22]

I don't think a bash plate is the best solution. It would still reduce the ground clearance of the vehicle and would need to be pretty hefty to stop the bracket being bent (its not the wheel that needs protecting, its the bracket). There's a similar problem on the ASLAV gun cars - the spare wheel bracket on the back is always being grounded out when departing a decline, with the result being the wheel can often not be taken off the bracket.

As I said, just raise the wheel higher up the hull. It may stick an inch or two outside the width of the vehicle, but that is far better compromise. You have mirrors sticking out a foot anyway, so its not like an inch will make a huge difference.

[buglerbilly]

Agree, with the Swedish FMV pulling out of the SEP program there is no need to call it that. Alligator is a pretty reasonable name for it.

Pivotsväng (fact-rotate) is likely to refer to the modular MRIK concept with the SEP/Alligator. Like the Boxer the back section is removable enabling a single fleet of vehicle systems to support multiple vehicle roles.

I added the BAE Alligator videos for the 6x6 and the 8x8....................see above post 93.............they clearly show this the 6x6x video in particular

[Riđđu]

Agree, with the Swedish FMV pulling out of the SEP program there is no need to call it that. Alligator is a pretty reasonable name for it.

Pivotsväng (fact-rotate) is likely to refer to the modular MRIK concept with the SEP/Alligator. Like the Boxer the back section is removable enabling a single fleet of vehicle systems to support multiple vehicle roles.

Nope, pivotsvägn refers to the wheeled vehicle´s ability to turn on the spot like tanks.. But basically it seems that they are only re-branding their products.