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Insitu SCANEAGLE Launch & SKYHOOK Capture Photographic Recap
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IAV 2016: FFG Presents PMMC G5
FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH takes part in the International Armoured Vehicle Conference 2016 (IAV 2016) with a presentation of its PMMC G5. The presentation also provides information on FFG and FFG’s projects.
FFG has developed the PMMC G5 to meet the demands for today’s and future missions in any operational scenario. Its design as a multirole platform, suitable for any kind of equipment, offers a broad flexibility for the user and makes the G5 a perfect Armoured Combat Support Vehicle.
The integrated mine protection and a variable concept for ballistic protection guarantee maximum protection for operators and soldiers. The PMMC G5 provides flexible and ergonomic seats for up to 11 soldiers. Three different hatches, a huge ramp at the rear and an additional door in the ramp allow a quick and comfortable access to the vehicle. Due to the huge ramp, the disembarking of an infantry squad will take not more than 10 to 15 seconds.
The spacious, comfortable and flexible crew compartment allows a quick exchange of different mission modules to create new variants alwdcays based on the same platform. Thus, the PMMC G5 enables the customer to react to future scenarios with maximum flexibility.
The compact vehicle construction of the PMMC G5, equipped with state of the art video and battle management system, NGVA Standard and the possibility of integration of Vetronics, offers an unrivalled situational awareness that is crucial for missions in urban terrain. The driver benefits from a huge field of view through armour plated glass, with the same level of ballistic protection as the complete vehicle. As a result, the driver always has an excellent view of the environment and can operate the PMMC G5 safely under any condition.
Another advantage of the PMMC G5 is the track system, allowing excellent mobility in any kind of terrain even in areas where wheeled vehicles reach their limits, and perfect maneuverability in urban terrain, as the tracked suspension system allows smallest turning circles and pivot turns. This urban mobility and agility provides additional safety for operators and soldiers.
To convince with firepower any kind of Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) like the FLW 200 Plus or the DND Dual FEWAS can be integrated.
Propelled by a reliable and proven drive system kit and equipped with a rubber track system, the PMMC G5 can drive in any terrain, turn on spot and follow modern main battle tanks without any problems.
In addition, the design of the PMMC G5 results in very low Life Cycle Costs (LCC), so that the vehicle meets commercial demands by a maximum cost effectiveness.
The intelligent combination of these features make the PMMC G5 the perfect successor of any ageing APC, both on tracks and on wheels.
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| FFG's PMMC G5 Armoured Combat Support Vehicle |
FFG has developed the PMMC G5 to meet the demands for today’s and future missions in any operational scenario. Its design as a multirole platform, suitable for any kind of equipment, offers a broad flexibility for the user and makes the G5 a perfect Armoured Combat Support Vehicle.
The integrated mine protection and a variable concept for ballistic protection guarantee maximum protection for operators and soldiers. The PMMC G5 provides flexible and ergonomic seats for up to 11 soldiers. Three different hatches, a huge ramp at the rear and an additional door in the ramp allow a quick and comfortable access to the vehicle. Due to the huge ramp, the disembarking of an infantry squad will take not more than 10 to 15 seconds.
The spacious, comfortable and flexible crew compartment allows a quick exchange of different mission modules to create new variants alwdcays based on the same platform. Thus, the PMMC G5 enables the customer to react to future scenarios with maximum flexibility.
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| Spacious, comfortable, and flexible crew compartment of FFG's PMMC G5 |
The compact vehicle construction of the PMMC G5, equipped with state of the art video and battle management system, NGVA Standard and the possibility of integration of Vetronics, offers an unrivalled situational awareness that is crucial for missions in urban terrain. The driver benefits from a huge field of view through armour plated glass, with the same level of ballistic protection as the complete vehicle. As a result, the driver always has an excellent view of the environment and can operate the PMMC G5 safely under any condition.
Another advantage of the PMMC G5 is the track system, allowing excellent mobility in any kind of terrain even in areas where wheeled vehicles reach their limits, and perfect maneuverability in urban terrain, as the tracked suspension system allows smallest turning circles and pivot turns. This urban mobility and agility provides additional safety for operators and soldiers.
To convince with firepower any kind of Remote Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) like the FLW 200 Plus or the DND Dual FEWAS can be integrated.
Propelled by a reliable and proven drive system kit and equipped with a rubber track system, the PMMC G5 can drive in any terrain, turn on spot and follow modern main battle tanks without any problems.
In addition, the design of the PMMC G5 results in very low Life Cycle Costs (LCC), so that the vehicle meets commercial demands by a maximum cost effectiveness.
The intelligent combination of these features make the PMMC G5 the perfect successor of any ageing APC, both on tracks and on wheels.
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Eurofighter and NETMA Adopt EDA Initiative as Four Nations Sign ‘Mutual Recognition’ Process
Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH and NETMA, the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, have today signed an agreement to streamline the Type and Airworthiness Certification process and reduce the workload on nations and their military aviation authorities.
The agreement, signed by the General Manager of NETMA, Air Vice–Marshal Graham Farnell and the CEO of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug, Volker Paltzo, will allow the attribution of privileges to industry to carry out certification work previously done by the customer.
Signing of ‘Mutual Recognition’ certificates by the senior officials, Tte. Gen. Juan Manuel Garcia Montaño, Gen. Isp. Capo Francesco Langella, Maj.Gen. Dr. Ansgar Rieks, and Air Vice-Marshal Martin Clark, representing Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK respectively, will follow after the agreement to adopt the European Military Airworthiness Requirement 21 (EMAR21), recently approved by the European Defence Agency (EDA).
"The idea for adopting EMAR21 into the Eurofighter Programme came from the Ministerial Task Force for Eurofighter TYPHOON," Paltzo said. "It makes a great deal of sense on many levels. Qualification and Certification activity, by its very nature, takes time. Sharing and delegating a common standard of approval will bring new efficiencies into the Programme. This is a significant step forward for a Programme that is already delivering a world-class product."
"Participating Member States have agreed to introduce EMAR21 into national regulations and under that rule to share a common certification process that also includes a delegation capability to other partner nations and industry," Air Vice-Marshal Farnell explained. "What this initiative does, is to take a sensible look at where common standards can be mutually agreed, and then put in place the most efficient approval process possible to secure and maintain those standards. It is a powerful step forward for a Programme that is already providing the backbone of European airpower and one which is continuing to grow and develop."”
Prior to the signature of the Agreement, the Eurofighter Programme required a four-nation agreement concerning Type and Airworthiness Certification for any changes to the Weapon System, limitations to, or modification of, the Type Design – in a stepwise approach. In the future, under a phased programme based on using EMAR21 in national regulations, agreed areas of work will be carried out and certified by industry based on the privileges granted by the Nations. Further updates may possibly be introduced at a later stage which will allow the same principles to be applied to repair work.
The agreement, signed by the General Manager of NETMA, Air Vice–Marshal Graham Farnell and the CEO of Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug, Volker Paltzo, will allow the attribution of privileges to industry to carry out certification work previously done by the customer.
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| Eurofighter CEO - Volker Paltzo (left) and NETMA GM - AVM Graham Farnell. (Photos: Eurofighter) |
Signing of ‘Mutual Recognition’ certificates by the senior officials, Tte. Gen. Juan Manuel Garcia Montaño, Gen. Isp. Capo Francesco Langella, Maj.Gen. Dr. Ansgar Rieks, and Air Vice-Marshal Martin Clark, representing Spain, Italy, Germany, and the UK respectively, will follow after the agreement to adopt the European Military Airworthiness Requirement 21 (EMAR21), recently approved by the European Defence Agency (EDA).
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| Eurofighter's Four Partner Nations Sign Mutual Recognition Certificates - (L-R) Germany;Italy;Spain and the UK. |
"The idea for adopting EMAR21 into the Eurofighter Programme came from the Ministerial Task Force for Eurofighter TYPHOON," Paltzo said. "It makes a great deal of sense on many levels. Qualification and Certification activity, by its very nature, takes time. Sharing and delegating a common standard of approval will bring new efficiencies into the Programme. This is a significant step forward for a Programme that is already delivering a world-class product."
"Participating Member States have agreed to introduce EMAR21 into national regulations and under that rule to share a common certification process that also includes a delegation capability to other partner nations and industry," Air Vice-Marshal Farnell explained. "What this initiative does, is to take a sensible look at where common standards can be mutually agreed, and then put in place the most efficient approval process possible to secure and maintain those standards. It is a powerful step forward for a Programme that is already providing the backbone of European airpower and one which is continuing to grow and develop."”
Prior to the signature of the Agreement, the Eurofighter Programme required a four-nation agreement concerning Type and Airworthiness Certification for any changes to the Weapon System, limitations to, or modification of, the Type Design – in a stepwise approach. In the future, under a phased programme based on using EMAR21 in national regulations, agreed areas of work will be carried out and certified by industry based on the privileges granted by the Nations. Further updates may possibly be introduced at a later stage which will allow the same principles to be applied to repair work.
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A New European Military Order?
Europe’s current approach to fighting terrorism, after two deadly assaults carried out by Islamic militants in Paris last year, represents a shift from the austerity mantra that has dominated the region since the debt crisis in 2010. While countries are not abandoning their fiscal discipline, leaders are encouraging a more flexible approach to give them financial firepower to counter the growing threat.
France, Germany, the UK, and neighbouring countries sharply curbed military outlays while austerity was enforced. Since 2007, Western European military spending has slumped more than 13%, accelerating a decline that began earlier in the decade. As of last year, only four European member countries in NATO met the mandated military spending target of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Germany is hiring more police and intelligence officers, and in January, Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen proposed increasing military spending by €130 billion over 15 years. The government may also divert part of its €12.1 billion budget surplus to managing the wave of refugees flooding into the country. France is also expanding its military equipment arsenal, troops and police, as well as increasing surveillance and spending hundreds of millions of euros on new programmes to counter radicalisation among Muslim youth. In Belgium, where militants planned the Paris attacks after training in Syria, nearly half a billion euros will be spent jailing returning jihadists, reinforcing borders and keeping hundreds of troops on the streets, while the UK recently authorised £12 billion in new spending to purchase Boeing P8 MPAs, increase fighter squadron numbers, and create new strike brigades.
Total Western European military spending, led by France, Britain and Germany, is expected to jump by an extra €50 billion through 2019, to €215 billion. Europe’s security spending, though, will still pale in comparison to that of the US. Even so, the shift could prove a windfall for security, military and arms manufacturers.
France, Germany, and the UK are furthermore hiring thousands of new intelligence officers and upgrading surveillance equipment and software for monitoring communications, especially on the so-called darknet of encrypted networks that terrorists use to communicate and recruit. Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, who is now reversing years of military cutbacks, has authorised the UK’s creation of a new National Cyber Centre to track jihadists. At the same time, private corporations and big cities alike are ramping up surveillance spending.
The UK’s latest Security and Defence Strategic Review (SDSR) sees a total of £178 billion will be used to buy and maintain equipment for the UK Armed Forces over the next decade, which will include doubling of investment in equipment support for UK Special Forces and other specialist units. Highlights in the SDSR include plans to extend the number of expeditionary force elements from 30,000 to 50,000 personnel, comprising a land division, maritime task group and expeditionary air group. The so-called Joint Force 2025’s land division will include two armoured infantry brigades and two new “Strike Brigades,” each of which will comprise 5,000 personnel and equipped with a total of 600 AJAX armoured vehicles. An undisclosed number of infantry battalions will also provide specialist military assistance and counter-terrorism training capabilities to international partner nations.
The RAF will receive an additional two squadrons of TYPHOON aircraft as well as 24 F-35 LIGHTNING II aircraft instead of the eight originally planned. Additionally, the UK’s major capability gap of a maritime patrol aircraft will now be filled with the acquisition of nine P-8 surveillance aircraft, which will be tasked with protecting the country’s nuclear submarine fleet; anti-submarine warfare and maritime SAR.
The Royal Navy’s River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels will be replaced with a newly designed variant, while the MoD will procure an additional eight Type 26 frigates, due to enter service in the mid-2020s.
Finally, it was confirmed that the UK’s nuclear deterrent would be maintained with procurement of an additional 4 ballistic submarine as well as plans to procure PROTECTOR tactical UAVs and ZEPHYR high altitude long endurance UAVs.
Germany has been conducting a sustained drive to implement a more militarist foreign policy by sending troops to North Africa and Syria, while academics and media outlets carry out an ideological push to revive the plans for German domination of Europe and the world that had such disastrous consequences in the first half of the 20th century. Nevertheless, von der Leyen has pledged a greater role for Germany in international crisis fighting.
German forces are currently engaged in the international alliance against the so called Islamic State (IS), including by arming and training Kurdish forces in northern Iraq and flying reconnaissance missions over Syria with Panavia’s TORNADO jets.
German lawmakers in December authorised the deployment of up to 1,200 personnel for the operation, which also includes an A310 aerial refuelling plane and the F122 AUGSBURG (BREMEN-class) frigate to help guard the French aircraft carrier CHARLES DE GAULLE in the Mediterranean.
Berlin also plans to send an additional 500 troops to Mali to relieve French forces in the west African country, where Germany is already part of an EU military training mission.
In November 2015, Germany also decided to increase to 980 its troop strength in Afghanistan to train and support national forces.
These engagements come as the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has been plagued by a series of equipment failures. To help the military cope, parliament has approved raising its budget from €33 billion in 2015 to €35 billion annually over four years, which still only equals 1.07% of GDP, far below the NATO-member goal of two percent.
On 27 January, von der Leyen presented a major defence equipment procurement and MRO package for the next 15 years to German parliament at €130 billion, an average yearly investment of some €8.6 billion up until 2030, compared with the current level of €4.7 billion; identifying about 1,500 individual measures the MoD wants to take by 2030.
This plan calls for an immediate increase of land systems numbers, including 320 LEOPARD 2 MBTs (from 225); 248 FENNEK reconnaissance vehicles (from 217; operational in Afghanistan; and beginning in May, also to be used in the Bundeswehr’s next combat mission in Mali); 402 BOXER 8x8 APCs (from 272) to 402; and 101 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers (from 89). Additionally, up to 192 MARDER IFVs could be retained in service, alongside the already planned 342 PUMA IFVs. The planned upgrade to the fleet of armoured vehicles is breath-taking. Von der Leyen aims to acquire a total of 1,300 BOXER and FOX heavy armoured transport vehicles, a number which could still go up. Included in this are close to 900 older FOX transport vehicles and the 402 aforementioned newer BOXERs.
Companies benefiting from this are mainly Kraus-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Rheinmetall, their joint ventures ARTEC and Projekt Systems and Management (PSM), and their sub-suppliers.
There is also talk of additional marine and transport helicopters and ships. 36 new NH90 NTH Sea LION marine helicopters (by NHIndustries/Airbus Helicopters) will be purchased, six more than previously planned. The plan also sees, for the first time, 59 new heavy lift helicopters to be purchased. In the running are Sikorsky’s CH-53K and Boeing’s CH-47F CHINOOK as potential successors to the Bundeswehr’s aging fleet of CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters. A selection should be made by the end of this year, according to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe).
A Military Aviation Strategy Paper (MASP) published by the German MoD mid-January stated that the conclusion of a contract is expected for 2018 and helicopter deliveries should start in 2022. According to the paper, the multirole helicopter should increase the air mobility of the ground forces and contribute to MEDEVAC, as well as support of SOF and to personnel recovery missions.
This MASP also highlights that a next-generation weapon system (NextGenWS), complementary to the Eurofighter TYPHOON, will be developed as successor to the TORNADO, which is specialised for ground attack. The NextGenWS might be unmanned, manned or optionally manned, the paper states. A more precise definition will be carried out after further analysis.
In order to preserve the warfare capabilities of the Luftwaffe, the NextGenWS should enter service no later than when the TORNADO is taken out of operations, which, according to current planning, will fly until the middle of the next decade. Sidenote: Mid-January, the Luftwaffe was hit with a software bug that causes its TORNADO's cockpit lighting to shine too bright, which is blinding pilots and preventing them from flying at night. Since the start of 2016, six TORNADOs have been used on reconnaissance missions to Syria in the fight against IS, just not at night after being hampered by a software update issue. Ever since the planes were upgraded to its new ASSTA-3 software, pilots have complained that at night the cockpit reflects so much bright light they cannot see, according to media sources. A spokesperson for the Luftwaffe revealed they are working on a timely solution. End Sidenote.
Also in planning is a so-called Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which the MASP describes as a system-of-systems, incorporating capabilities of existing aircraft, such as EUROFIGHTER, TORNADO, and the combat helicopter TIGER, but also future weapon systems, such as a MALE UAS and the NextGenWS.
The MoD intends to define conceptual ideas and operational requirements for an FCAS and a NextGenWS in 2016. These are to serve as a basis for multilateral cooperation and the examination of common requirements and technological feasibility.
According to the paper, the realisation of the NextGenWS and the FCAS has to be made with partner nations in a European context, because a purely national approach to develop weapon systems of this complexity is deemed impossible. The ministry wants to initiate a dialogue in Europe soon on common objectives, lines of development and options for action.
TYPHOON Tranche 1 aircraft are to be operated as long as economically viable to meet national and international commitments, with delivery of the later Tranche 2/3A aircraft to be complete in 2018. Spiral upgrades with air-surface armaments (including GBU-48 in the near term, a short-range ground-attack missile by 2020, a medium-range ground-attack missile from 2020, and new effectors for maritime anti-surface warfare [ASuW] and suppression-of-enemy-air defences [SEAD] roles from the 2025 time frame) and sensors (including an active electronically scanned array radar and enhanced targeting pod) are envisaged at this stage.
Other programmes and platforms referenced in the MASP include the Airbus Defence & Space (DS) A400M ATLAS; the Airbus DS A310 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT); the Lockheed Martin P-3 ORION; the Northrop Grumman MQ-4 TRITON; the European MALE UAV 2020; the tactical UAVs KZP and LUNA; naval vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs for K130 corvettes; stratospheric UAVs and/or satellites; Westland Sea LYNX; as well as the NATO-operated Boeing E-3 AWACS.
While the European MALE UAS project is still awaiting action (the Euro-MALE project is proving so slow to take off, various European countries are opting for interim solutions: Spain opted for four General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Block 5 REAPERs and two mobile ground control stations (GCS) valued at $176 million, and France ordered a third REAPER system comprising three Block 5 RPAs plus two GCS, for delivery in 2019), the Bundeswehr has recently favoured leasing three to five Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) HERON TPs in 2018, costing them about €580 million. The lease contract with IAI (Airbus D&S operates and supports the HERON 1 for the Bundeswehr, and is likely to expand this arrangement to include the HERON TP as well) will provide an interim solution until 2025, when a new European combat UAV is expected to enter service (a joint effort of Germany, France, Italy, and Spain). There are considerations of integrating the HERON TP with MBDA BRIMSTONE missiles, where parliament would decide on a case-by-case basis when and if the UAS can be armed.
The HERON TP will be used to support German forces operating with international contingencies overseas, in a similar manner the HERON I has already operated in Afghanistan. The leased UAS will initially be stationed in Israel for training and, potentially, in support of operational deployment, while operational control and simulator based training will be maintained in Germany.
According to anonymous political and industry sources, the PREDATOR RPA, which Germany was also going for (RUAG is teamed with GA-ASI to offer the PREDATOR B to Germany), would have cost the same to buy as the lease option Germany went for. Go figure.
An European Union (EU) maritime security strategy, adopted in 2014, calls for new responsibilities in the maritime domain – both regionally and globally. In doing so, major European countries are in the process of implementing new naval capabilities.
The German Navy – ranking fourth among the European fleets with respect to fleet warship tonnage – plays an important role within this scheme; but, there are additional investments needed to provide the fleet with new surface combatants, underwater warfare weapons and equipment, and aircraft. Presently, the German Navy’s main construction project is the four-ship Type F125 (BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG-class) frigate built by ARGE F125 consisting of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fr. Lürssen Werft. With a full displacement of 7,300t, the new ships provide staying power in littoral crisis zones with graduated lethality; equipped with Airbus DS’ newly-developed TRS-4D NR (Non Rotating) AESA radar, and delivery planned to be completed by 2019. However, the German Navy aborted its plans for two Joint Support Ships (JSS) last January, with Navy Command now considering cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Navy over their amphibious/strategic transport assets.
Berlin gave green light for the Navy’s next large procurement programme – initially four examples of the MKS 180 multirole combat ship costing €3.9 billion. Offering mission modularity at its best, the German Navy, “wants to have a large ship,” German Flotilla Adm. Karl-Wilhelm Ohlms said on 1 October 2015, capable of meeting all the requirements of 3D naval warfare completely. The ship’s displacement stood at 9,000t in mid-October 2015. A unique process in German Navy history, the MoD invited international bidders (DCNS, Damen Group, Navantia, and Fincantieri) for construction contracts. First delivery is expected to be in 2023. The two new surface ship classes will facilitate on the Navy’s Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP) for 2020 and beyond, according to which Germany’s naval forces are in transition, with the great bulk of major surface and underwater warfare assets being optimised for ‘open ocean’ or ‘blue water’ operations. Currently, some 50 percent of the fleet’s surface und underwater combatants are optimised for shallow-water operation.
The reason for this build-up of military power is not the allegedly desperate condition of the military, but rather the turn in German foreign policy proclaimed by President Joachim Gauck, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Von der Leyen herself more than two years ago at the 2014 Munich Security Conference. Germany was, “too big just to comment on foreign policy from the sidelines,” and would have to, “be prepared to intervene earlier, more decisively and more substantially in foreign and security policy,” they declared at the time.
Von der Leyen recently went as far as saying: “If we do not pay attention to Syria and Iraq, if we do not pay attention to Afghanistan and Africa … if we do not do our part there, then the problems will come to us and it will be even worse and that is exactly what we do not want. We want to take on our share of the responsibility and, for that, the troops must be well equipped.”
Amidst all this, there are urgent calls for the establishment of a European military organised independently of the NATO alliance.
Under provisions in the Lisbon Treaty adopted in 2009, EU member states agreed on potential cooperation with the establishment of a common security and defence policy. The treaty contained a mutual defence clause for the first time, which obligated member states to assist a state if it faced a major attack. This was the clause invoked by France in the wake of the 13 November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks to secure EU military assistance.
On 27 December 2015, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble told German media: “We will have to spend a lot more funds for joint European defence initiatives... [as] ultimately our aim must be a joint European army.” He cited the Middle East and Africa as key locations for military operations.
The promotion of a “European army” coupled with rhetorical pledges to be creating a united force to secure peace and stability, is seen as a necessary propaganda cover for a vast expansion of military budgets.
Moves towards a European military confirm that the period in which the unity of a capitalist Europe was hailed as the guarantor of peace, freedom and democracy is at an end.
France, Germany, the UK, and neighbouring countries sharply curbed military outlays while austerity was enforced. Since 2007, Western European military spending has slumped more than 13%, accelerating a decline that began earlier in the decade. As of last year, only four European member countries in NATO met the mandated military spending target of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP).
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| Security has been ramped up after the vicious attacks in Paris late last year, and mainland Europe sees increased heavy weapons in public life, a sight, e.g. Israel sadly is all too used to. |
Germany is hiring more police and intelligence officers, and in January, Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen proposed increasing military spending by €130 billion over 15 years. The government may also divert part of its €12.1 billion budget surplus to managing the wave of refugees flooding into the country. France is also expanding its military equipment arsenal, troops and police, as well as increasing surveillance and spending hundreds of millions of euros on new programmes to counter radicalisation among Muslim youth. In Belgium, where militants planned the Paris attacks after training in Syria, nearly half a billion euros will be spent jailing returning jihadists, reinforcing borders and keeping hundreds of troops on the streets, while the UK recently authorised £12 billion in new spending to purchase Boeing P8 MPAs, increase fighter squadron numbers, and create new strike brigades.
Total Western European military spending, led by France, Britain and Germany, is expected to jump by an extra €50 billion through 2019, to €215 billion. Europe’s security spending, though, will still pale in comparison to that of the US. Even so, the shift could prove a windfall for security, military and arms manufacturers.
France, Germany, and the UK are furthermore hiring thousands of new intelligence officers and upgrading surveillance equipment and software for monitoring communications, especially on the so-called darknet of encrypted networks that terrorists use to communicate and recruit. Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, who is now reversing years of military cutbacks, has authorised the UK’s creation of a new National Cyber Centre to track jihadists. At the same time, private corporations and big cities alike are ramping up surveillance spending.
The UK’s latest Security and Defence Strategic Review (SDSR) sees a total of £178 billion will be used to buy and maintain equipment for the UK Armed Forces over the next decade, which will include doubling of investment in equipment support for UK Special Forces and other specialist units. Highlights in the SDSR include plans to extend the number of expeditionary force elements from 30,000 to 50,000 personnel, comprising a land division, maritime task group and expeditionary air group. The so-called Joint Force 2025’s land division will include two armoured infantry brigades and two new “Strike Brigades,” each of which will comprise 5,000 personnel and equipped with a total of 600 AJAX armoured vehicles. An undisclosed number of infantry battalions will also provide specialist military assistance and counter-terrorism training capabilities to international partner nations.
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| The UK continues to advance its Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) programme, in 2015 pledging a £390 million support contract in July for the General Dynamics (GD) AJAX (formerly SCOUT) Specialist Vehicles (SV) fleet, following a £3.5 billion deal announced ahead of the 2014 NATO Summit in Wales to buy 589 of the vehicles. The contract will run until 2024. Thales secured the contract to supply sighting systems and ancillary equipment for the SV production phase – consisting of a primary sight, local situational awareness (LSA) camera system and smoke dispenser, while RheinmetallDefence received the contract to manufacture its turret structures, alongside Lockheed Martin UK, Curtiss-Wright is adding its turret drive servo system (TDSS), and CTA International 40mm Case Telescoped Armament System (CTAS) cannons will provide advanced firepower and an airburst ammunition capability. (Photo: DPM) |
The RAF will receive an additional two squadrons of TYPHOON aircraft as well as 24 F-35 LIGHTNING II aircraft instead of the eight originally planned. Additionally, the UK’s major capability gap of a maritime patrol aircraft will now be filled with the acquisition of nine P-8 surveillance aircraft, which will be tasked with protecting the country’s nuclear submarine fleet; anti-submarine warfare and maritime SAR.
The Royal Navy’s River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels will be replaced with a newly designed variant, while the MoD will procure an additional eight Type 26 frigates, due to enter service in the mid-2020s.
Finally, it was confirmed that the UK’s nuclear deterrent would be maintained with procurement of an additional 4 ballistic submarine as well as plans to procure PROTECTOR tactical UAVs and ZEPHYR high altitude long endurance UAVs.
Germany has been conducting a sustained drive to implement a more militarist foreign policy by sending troops to North Africa and Syria, while academics and media outlets carry out an ideological push to revive the plans for German domination of Europe and the world that had such disastrous consequences in the first half of the 20th century. Nevertheless, von der Leyen has pledged a greater role for Germany in international crisis fighting.
German forces are currently engaged in the international alliance against the so called Islamic State (IS), including by arming and training Kurdish forces in northern Iraq and flying reconnaissance missions over Syria with Panavia’s TORNADO jets.
German lawmakers in December authorised the deployment of up to 1,200 personnel for the operation, which also includes an A310 aerial refuelling plane and the F122 AUGSBURG (BREMEN-class) frigate to help guard the French aircraft carrier CHARLES DE GAULLE in the Mediterranean.
Berlin also plans to send an additional 500 troops to Mali to relieve French forces in the west African country, where Germany is already part of an EU military training mission.
In November 2015, Germany also decided to increase to 980 its troop strength in Afghanistan to train and support national forces.
These engagements come as the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has been plagued by a series of equipment failures. To help the military cope, parliament has approved raising its budget from €33 billion in 2015 to €35 billion annually over four years, which still only equals 1.07% of GDP, far below the NATO-member goal of two percent.
On 27 January, von der Leyen presented a major defence equipment procurement and MRO package for the next 15 years to German parliament at €130 billion, an average yearly investment of some €8.6 billion up until 2030, compared with the current level of €4.7 billion; identifying about 1,500 individual measures the MoD wants to take by 2030.
This plan calls for an immediate increase of land systems numbers, including 320 LEOPARD 2 MBTs (from 225); 248 FENNEK reconnaissance vehicles (from 217; operational in Afghanistan; and beginning in May, also to be used in the Bundeswehr’s next combat mission in Mali); 402 BOXER 8x8 APCs (from 272) to 402; and 101 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers (from 89). Additionally, up to 192 MARDER IFVs could be retained in service, alongside the already planned 342 PUMA IFVs. The planned upgrade to the fleet of armoured vehicles is breath-taking. Von der Leyen aims to acquire a total of 1,300 BOXER and FOX heavy armoured transport vehicles, a number which could still go up. Included in this are close to 900 older FOX transport vehicles and the 402 aforementioned newer BOXERs.
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| Germany plans to increase its heavy land systems numbers, including 320 LEOPARD 2 MBTs (from 225). (Photo: Bundeswehr) |
Companies benefiting from this are mainly Kraus-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), Rheinmetall, their joint ventures ARTEC and Projekt Systems and Management (PSM), and their sub-suppliers.
There is also talk of additional marine and transport helicopters and ships. 36 new NH90 NTH Sea LION marine helicopters (by NHIndustries/Airbus Helicopters) will be purchased, six more than previously planned. The plan also sees, for the first time, 59 new heavy lift helicopters to be purchased. In the running are Sikorsky’s CH-53K and Boeing’s CH-47F CHINOOK as potential successors to the Bundeswehr’s aging fleet of CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters. A selection should be made by the end of this year, according to the German Air Force (Luftwaffe).
A Military Aviation Strategy Paper (MASP) published by the German MoD mid-January stated that the conclusion of a contract is expected for 2018 and helicopter deliveries should start in 2022. According to the paper, the multirole helicopter should increase the air mobility of the ground forces and contribute to MEDEVAC, as well as support of SOF and to personnel recovery missions.
This MASP also highlights that a next-generation weapon system (NextGenWS), complementary to the Eurofighter TYPHOON, will be developed as successor to the TORNADO, which is specialised for ground attack. The NextGenWS might be unmanned, manned or optionally manned, the paper states. A more precise definition will be carried out after further analysis.
In order to preserve the warfare capabilities of the Luftwaffe, the NextGenWS should enter service no later than when the TORNADO is taken out of operations, which, according to current planning, will fly until the middle of the next decade. Sidenote: Mid-January, the Luftwaffe was hit with a software bug that causes its TORNADO's cockpit lighting to shine too bright, which is blinding pilots and preventing them from flying at night. Since the start of 2016, six TORNADOs have been used on reconnaissance missions to Syria in the fight against IS, just not at night after being hampered by a software update issue. Ever since the planes were upgraded to its new ASSTA-3 software, pilots have complained that at night the cockpit reflects so much bright light they cannot see, according to media sources. A spokesperson for the Luftwaffe revealed they are working on a timely solution. End Sidenote.
Also in planning is a so-called Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which the MASP describes as a system-of-systems, incorporating capabilities of existing aircraft, such as EUROFIGHTER, TORNADO, and the combat helicopter TIGER, but also future weapon systems, such as a MALE UAS and the NextGenWS.
The MoD intends to define conceptual ideas and operational requirements for an FCAS and a NextGenWS in 2016. These are to serve as a basis for multilateral cooperation and the examination of common requirements and technological feasibility.
According to the paper, the realisation of the NextGenWS and the FCAS has to be made with partner nations in a European context, because a purely national approach to develop weapon systems of this complexity is deemed impossible. The ministry wants to initiate a dialogue in Europe soon on common objectives, lines of development and options for action.
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| In German planning sees a so-called Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which is described as a system-of-systems, incorporating capabilities of existing aircraft, such as Eurofighter TYPHOON (shown), TORNADO, and the combat helicopter TIGER, but also future weapon systems, such as a MALE UAS and the NextGenWS. (Photo: Eurofighter) |
TYPHOON Tranche 1 aircraft are to be operated as long as economically viable to meet national and international commitments, with delivery of the later Tranche 2/3A aircraft to be complete in 2018. Spiral upgrades with air-surface armaments (including GBU-48 in the near term, a short-range ground-attack missile by 2020, a medium-range ground-attack missile from 2020, and new effectors for maritime anti-surface warfare [ASuW] and suppression-of-enemy-air defences [SEAD] roles from the 2025 time frame) and sensors (including an active electronically scanned array radar and enhanced targeting pod) are envisaged at this stage.
Other programmes and platforms referenced in the MASP include the Airbus Defence & Space (DS) A400M ATLAS; the Airbus DS A310 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT); the Lockheed Martin P-3 ORION; the Northrop Grumman MQ-4 TRITON; the European MALE UAV 2020; the tactical UAVs KZP and LUNA; naval vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs for K130 corvettes; stratospheric UAVs and/or satellites; Westland Sea LYNX; as well as the NATO-operated Boeing E-3 AWACS.
While the European MALE UAS project is still awaiting action (the Euro-MALE project is proving so slow to take off, various European countries are opting for interim solutions: Spain opted for four General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Block 5 REAPERs and two mobile ground control stations (GCS) valued at $176 million, and France ordered a third REAPER system comprising three Block 5 RPAs plus two GCS, for delivery in 2019), the Bundeswehr has recently favoured leasing three to five Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) HERON TPs in 2018, costing them about €580 million. The lease contract with IAI (Airbus D&S operates and supports the HERON 1 for the Bundeswehr, and is likely to expand this arrangement to include the HERON TP as well) will provide an interim solution until 2025, when a new European combat UAV is expected to enter service (a joint effort of Germany, France, Italy, and Spain). There are considerations of integrating the HERON TP with MBDA BRIMSTONE missiles, where parliament would decide on a case-by-case basis when and if the UAS can be armed.
The HERON TP will be used to support German forces operating with international contingencies overseas, in a similar manner the HERON I has already operated in Afghanistan. The leased UAS will initially be stationed in Israel for training and, potentially, in support of operational deployment, while operational control and simulator based training will be maintained in Germany.
According to anonymous political and industry sources, the PREDATOR RPA, which Germany was also going for (RUAG is teamed with GA-ASI to offer the PREDATOR B to Germany), would have cost the same to buy as the lease option Germany went for. Go figure.
An European Union (EU) maritime security strategy, adopted in 2014, calls for new responsibilities in the maritime domain – both regionally and globally. In doing so, major European countries are in the process of implementing new naval capabilities.
The German Navy – ranking fourth among the European fleets with respect to fleet warship tonnage – plays an important role within this scheme; but, there are additional investments needed to provide the fleet with new surface combatants, underwater warfare weapons and equipment, and aircraft. Presently, the German Navy’s main construction project is the four-ship Type F125 (BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG-class) frigate built by ARGE F125 consisting of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fr. Lürssen Werft. With a full displacement of 7,300t, the new ships provide staying power in littoral crisis zones with graduated lethality; equipped with Airbus DS’ newly-developed TRS-4D NR (Non Rotating) AESA radar, and delivery planned to be completed by 2019. However, the German Navy aborted its plans for two Joint Support Ships (JSS) last January, with Navy Command now considering cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Navy over their amphibious/strategic transport assets.
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| Type F125 frigate BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG (F 222) during outfitting, to the left her sister ship NORDRHEIN-WESTFALEN (F 223). (Photo via NAVAL FORCES) |
Berlin gave green light for the Navy’s next large procurement programme – initially four examples of the MKS 180 multirole combat ship costing €3.9 billion. Offering mission modularity at its best, the German Navy, “wants to have a large ship,” German Flotilla Adm. Karl-Wilhelm Ohlms said on 1 October 2015, capable of meeting all the requirements of 3D naval warfare completely. The ship’s displacement stood at 9,000t in mid-October 2015. A unique process in German Navy history, the MoD invited international bidders (DCNS, Damen Group, Navantia, and Fincantieri) for construction contracts. First delivery is expected to be in 2023. The two new surface ship classes will facilitate on the Navy’s Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP) for 2020 and beyond, according to which Germany’s naval forces are in transition, with the great bulk of major surface and underwater warfare assets being optimised for ‘open ocean’ or ‘blue water’ operations. Currently, some 50 percent of the fleet’s surface und underwater combatants are optimised for shallow-water operation.
The reason for this build-up of military power is not the allegedly desperate condition of the military, but rather the turn in German foreign policy proclaimed by President Joachim Gauck, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Von der Leyen herself more than two years ago at the 2014 Munich Security Conference. Germany was, “too big just to comment on foreign policy from the sidelines,” and would have to, “be prepared to intervene earlier, more decisively and more substantially in foreign and security policy,” they declared at the time.
Von der Leyen recently went as far as saying: “If we do not pay attention to Syria and Iraq, if we do not pay attention to Afghanistan and Africa … if we do not do our part there, then the problems will come to us and it will be even worse and that is exactly what we do not want. We want to take on our share of the responsibility and, for that, the troops must be well equipped.”
Amidst all this, there are urgent calls for the establishment of a European military organised independently of the NATO alliance.
Under provisions in the Lisbon Treaty adopted in 2009, EU member states agreed on potential cooperation with the establishment of a common security and defence policy. The treaty contained a mutual defence clause for the first time, which obligated member states to assist a state if it faced a major attack. This was the clause invoked by France in the wake of the 13 November 2015 Paris terrorist attacks to secure EU military assistance.
On 27 December 2015, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble told German media: “We will have to spend a lot more funds for joint European defence initiatives... [as] ultimately our aim must be a joint European army.” He cited the Middle East and Africa as key locations for military operations.
The promotion of a “European army” coupled with rhetorical pledges to be creating a united force to secure peace and stability, is seen as a necessary propaganda cover for a vast expansion of military budgets.
Moves towards a European military confirm that the period in which the unity of a capitalist Europe was hailed as the guarantor of peace, freedom and democracy is at an end.
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TAI Sets Sights on Cooperation Opportunities in the Polish KRUK Programme
On 3 February, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), held a workshop in Radom with 15 Turkish-Polish defence industry companies, discussing a possible Polish-Turkish cooperation in the KRUK Combat Helicopter Procurement Programme of the Polish Armament Inspectorate.
With long experience in merging and integrating the capabilities of local and global companies, TAI is now exploring the opportunity to cooperate with Polish companies with exclusive qualifications in order to bring the already proven capabilities of the T129 ATAK Multi-Role Combat Helicopter to new heights, through the KRUK programme.
As indicated and underlined repeatedly by TAI- and several other Turkish company representatives from the outset of the KRUK programme, TAI is ready to fine-tune the combat proven T129 platform to satisfy the specific requirements of the Polish end-user, through integrating Polish suppliers into its supply chain.
TAI has accumulated a vast level of experience in working on advanced defence projects with global players. So, from the very beginning of involvement in Poland, TAI ensures that cooperation with the PGZ Group into KRUK and other common projects with a focus on maximising benefits for the Polish defence industry.
TAI is a global player in defence and aerospace industries through its capabilities in design, development, modernisation, manufacturing, integration, and life cycle support of integrated aerospace systems, from fixed and rotary wing air platforms to UAS, and space systems. The widespread product and activity range of TAI is an indication that this newly blossoming cooperation between the two countries will not be limited to the KRUK programme.
PGZ is pursuing a strategy to develop the highest capabilities of the Polish Defence Industry as well as its competitiveness on global markets. Through the passion and vision to become a leading manufacturer of high-technology equipment, PGZ is proved to be a strong business partner in Poland by forming a base for key competencies across the group’s 60+ companies and its 17.500 workforce.
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| With long experience in merging and integrating the capabilities of local and global companies, TAI is now exploring the opportunity to cooperate with Polish companies with exclusive qualifications in order to bring the already proven capabilities of the T129 ATAK Multi-Role Combat Helicopter to new heights, through the KRUK programme. |
As indicated and underlined repeatedly by TAI- and several other Turkish company representatives from the outset of the KRUK programme, TAI is ready to fine-tune the combat proven T129 platform to satisfy the specific requirements of the Polish end-user, through integrating Polish suppliers into its supply chain.
TAI has accumulated a vast level of experience in working on advanced defence projects with global players. So, from the very beginning of involvement in Poland, TAI ensures that cooperation with the PGZ Group into KRUK and other common projects with a focus on maximising benefits for the Polish defence industry.
TAI is a global player in defence and aerospace industries through its capabilities in design, development, modernisation, manufacturing, integration, and life cycle support of integrated aerospace systems, from fixed and rotary wing air platforms to UAS, and space systems. The widespread product and activity range of TAI is an indication that this newly blossoming cooperation between the two countries will not be limited to the KRUK programme.
PGZ is pursuing a strategy to develop the highest capabilities of the Polish Defence Industry as well as its competitiveness on global markets. Through the passion and vision to become a leading manufacturer of high-technology equipment, PGZ is proved to be a strong business partner in Poland by forming a base for key competencies across the group’s 60+ companies and its 17.500 workforce.
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CONTROP'S 90 SHAPO Systems to be Deployed on NATO Multi-Mission Patrol Vehicles
CONTROP Precision Technologies, a global leader in EO/IR defense and homeland security solutions, has been chosen to supply 90 advanced SHAPO systems for an unspecified NATO Army's patrol vehicles during the course of 2016.
SHAPO is an ultra-lightweight gyro-stabilised EO/IR Day/Night Observation system especially designed for flexible EO payload deployment on multi-mission patrol vehicles. According to CONTROP, the high performance low weight system delivers the benefits of a built-in thermal imaging camera with a continuous zoom lens, advanced image enhancement, automatic target tracker, picture-in-picture and more, all offered in one compact integrated package.
"That SHAPO has been chosen by a leading NATO army is a validation of the system's superior performance,"Johnny Carni, CONTROP's VP Marketing, explained. "SHAPO won this highly competitive tender thanks to our in-house developed technologies that deliver outstanding operational capabilities relative to its low cost. The system maintains low SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) and superb gyro-stabilisation, which are crucial factors when dealing with patrol vehicles on rough terrain since the vehicles are typically overloaded with various sensors and other systems. These features make the SHAPO payload the most cost effective option when compared to other similar systems on the market. We are also in the final stages of evaluation of this system with remote control guns, and we hope to announce the signing of similar contracts in the near future."
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| SHAPO offers a wide range of communication interfaces to host platform (including RS-422 and optional ARINC 429 and MIL-STD-1553), its operating control unit has been specially ruggedised to survive the harshest environmental conditions, and its advanced ergonomics provide maximum comfort for extended use. (Photo: Controp) |
SHAPO is an ultra-lightweight gyro-stabilised EO/IR Day/Night Observation system especially designed for flexible EO payload deployment on multi-mission patrol vehicles. According to CONTROP, the high performance low weight system delivers the benefits of a built-in thermal imaging camera with a continuous zoom lens, advanced image enhancement, automatic target tracker, picture-in-picture and more, all offered in one compact integrated package.
"That SHAPO has been chosen by a leading NATO army is a validation of the system's superior performance,"Johnny Carni, CONTROP's VP Marketing, explained. "SHAPO won this highly competitive tender thanks to our in-house developed technologies that deliver outstanding operational capabilities relative to its low cost. The system maintains low SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) and superb gyro-stabilisation, which are crucial factors when dealing with patrol vehicles on rough terrain since the vehicles are typically overloaded with various sensors and other systems. These features make the SHAPO payload the most cost effective option when compared to other similar systems on the market. We are also in the final stages of evaluation of this system with remote control guns, and we hope to announce the signing of similar contracts in the near future."
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Elbit Systems Introduces SEAGULL Multi-Mission USV for Maritime Warfare Missions
Drawing on its know-how, derived from generations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) design, development, and operation, and its naval capabilities, Elbit Systems’ newest offering in the unmanned platform field is SEAGULL, an organic, modular, highly autonomous, multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV).
SEAGULL is a 12m USV with replaceable mission modules, with two vessels capable of being operated and controlled in concert using a single Mission Control System (MCS), from manned ships or from the shore. According to Elbit Systems, the system provides unmanned end-to-end mine hunting operation taking the man out of the mine field. It provides mission planning, and on-line operation in known and unknown areas, including area survey, search, detection, classification, identification, neutralization and verification. It is equipped to search the entire water volume and operate underwater vehicles to identify and neutralise mines.
SEAGULL, according to the company, changes the dynamics of anti-submarine operations by creating a threat to submarines using a cost-effective and available asset, replacing and augmenting manned assets with minimal threat from submarines. It empowers a surface vessel or naval base commander with off-board, available and rapidly deployable Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities to protect critical sea areas and high-value assets from submarine as well as sea mine threats.
Incorporating Elbit Systems' extensive experience in UAS, SEAGULL features a robust, highly-autonomous and safe sailing capability as well as modular mission payload suites, selected to match a variety of required missions including EW, surface force protection, hydrographical missions in addition to the core MCM and ASW missions. The sailing suite includes a patented Autonomous Navigation System (ANS), with obstacle avoidance, which considers the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea.
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Network ready and long enduring, SEAGULL features inherent C4I capabilities for enhanced situation awareness and can remain at sea for over 96 hours. The Seagull multi-mission USV system offers navies a true force-multiplier in reducing risk, cost and manpower requirements in performing missions which have only been performed to date by costly manned assets.
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| Elbit Systems' SEAGULL Muli-Mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). (Photos: Elbit Systems) |
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| Elbit Systems' SEAGULL Muli-Mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). |
SEAGULL is a 12m USV with replaceable mission modules, with two vessels capable of being operated and controlled in concert using a single Mission Control System (MCS), from manned ships or from the shore. According to Elbit Systems, the system provides unmanned end-to-end mine hunting operation taking the man out of the mine field. It provides mission planning, and on-line operation in known and unknown areas, including area survey, search, detection, classification, identification, neutralization and verification. It is equipped to search the entire water volume and operate underwater vehicles to identify and neutralise mines.
SEAGULL, according to the company, changes the dynamics of anti-submarine operations by creating a threat to submarines using a cost-effective and available asset, replacing and augmenting manned assets with minimal threat from submarines. It empowers a surface vessel or naval base commander with off-board, available and rapidly deployable Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities to protect critical sea areas and high-value assets from submarine as well as sea mine threats.
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| Elbit Systems' SEAGULL Muli-Mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Sonar. |
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| Elbit Systems' SEAGULL Muli-Mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Sonar. |
Incorporating Elbit Systems' extensive experience in UAS, SEAGULL features a robust, highly-autonomous and safe sailing capability as well as modular mission payload suites, selected to match a variety of required missions including EW, surface force protection, hydrographical missions in addition to the core MCM and ASW missions. The sailing suite includes a patented Autonomous Navigation System (ANS), with obstacle avoidance, which considers the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea.
Network ready and long enduring, SEAGULL features inherent C4I capabilities for enhanced situation awareness and can remain at sea for over 96 hours. The Seagull multi-mission USV system offers navies a true force-multiplier in reducing risk, cost and manpower requirements in performing missions which have only been performed to date by costly manned assets.
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| Elbit Systems' SEAGULL Muli-Mission Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). |
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CAMCOPTER S-100 Successfully Flies Detect and Avoid System
Schiebel and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the Netherlands Coast Guard (NLCG), and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) conducted a series of successful flights with a newly developed airborne Detect and Avoid System (DAAS) at the airport of Den Helder in December 2015. This AIRICA project (ATM Innovative RPAS Integration for Coastguard Applications) marks a major step forward in the process of safe integration of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) into all classes of airspace.
During a special demonstration held at De Kooy Airfield in Den Helder, Schiebel provided its unmanned helicopter, the CAMCOPTER S-100, onto which the NLR developed AirScout DAAS was installed. The NLCG provided a RUAG Dornier Do-228 as “intruder” and the RNLAF contributed with an ALOUETTE helicopter as “intruder,” and provided Air Traffic Control services.
Several scenarios were successfully executed where the CAMCOPTER S-100 “unexpectedly” encountered an intruder aircraft. The system then determined in real time the corrective action to ensure the necessary separation from the intruder aircraft.
The AIRICA project is funded through the European SESAR programme (part of the Single European Sky initiative) and the key focus – integration of an RPAS into the airspace for NLCG´s applications – was effectively demonstrated during the flights.
"In the future we hope to use unmanned systems for our search and rescue operations,"Edwin van der Pol, Head of Operations Kustwacht (NLCG), said. "These trials are important to achieve regulations for bringing RPAS into non-segregated airspace.”
"This demonstration is another positive step towards unmanned air systems gaining access to a broader range of airspace,"Chris Day, Head of Capability Engineering at Schiebel, boasted.
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| CAMCOPTER S-100 during AIRICA project trials. (Photo: Schiebel) |
During a special demonstration held at De Kooy Airfield in Den Helder, Schiebel provided its unmanned helicopter, the CAMCOPTER S-100, onto which the NLR developed AirScout DAAS was installed. The NLCG provided a RUAG Dornier Do-228 as “intruder” and the RNLAF contributed with an ALOUETTE helicopter as “intruder,” and provided Air Traffic Control services.
Several scenarios were successfully executed where the CAMCOPTER S-100 “unexpectedly” encountered an intruder aircraft. The system then determined in real time the corrective action to ensure the necessary separation from the intruder aircraft.
The AIRICA project is funded through the European SESAR programme (part of the Single European Sky initiative) and the key focus – integration of an RPAS into the airspace for NLCG´s applications – was effectively demonstrated during the flights.
"In the future we hope to use unmanned systems for our search and rescue operations,"Edwin van der Pol, Head of Operations Kustwacht (NLCG), said. "These trials are important to achieve regulations for bringing RPAS into non-segregated airspace.”
"This demonstration is another positive step towards unmanned air systems gaining access to a broader range of airspace,"Chris Day, Head of Capability Engineering at Schiebel, boasted.
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Elbit Systems Introduces SKYLARK 3 Mini-UAS
Elbit Systems has developed the SKYLARK 3, a new autonomous mini-Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), best suited for brigades and divisions in “beyond the next hill” reconnaissance, counterinsurgency, and force protection missions, as well as for use in a range of civil applications, such as border and coastal security and anti-terror operations. The new system has already been selected by an undisclosed customer.
Leveraging the proven technology and operational experience of the SKYLARK family of mini-UAS, SKYLARK 3 offers a wide range of system enhancements, including a significantly larger range (more than 100km), flight endurance (up to six hours) and payload capacity (up to 10kg).
The aerial vehicle incorporates an electric motor that reduces sound signature and enables operating over long distances and at high altitudes, has a 4.8m wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 45 kilogrammes. It has a service ceiling of 15,000 feet.
To support interoperability, SKYLARK 3 uses the same advanced technologies and know-how found in other Elbit Systems’ UAS. In addition, through a shared Ground Control Station (GCS), two SKYLARK 3 vehicles can be assigned to the same mission simultaneously, meaning a consistent target acquisition is maintained from two aspects. This also offers ground forces the ability to significantly extend the flight endurance of their mission by UAS hot-swap.
"SKYLARK 3, the latest addition to our family of ultra-lightweight UAS, delivers brigade-level and division-level units, an ideal solution for carrying out complex ISTAR missions in a truly organic network-centric manner,"Elad Aharonson, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division, commented. "Its easy launch, autonomous maneuverability and control, coupled with its cutting-edge payload technology, provide ground force commanders unrivaled situational awareness and enhanced force protection capabilities, ultimately allowing them to make faster, smarter and more cost-effective decisions."
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| Launched via a pneumatic launcher, mounted either on the ground or on a vehicle, Elbit Systems' SKYLARK 3 offers upgrades such as improved payloads with better target detection, classification and surveillance capabilities. These deliver Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) video and photographic imaging in both day and night operations and in adverse field conditions. (Photo: Elbit System) |
Leveraging the proven technology and operational experience of the SKYLARK family of mini-UAS, SKYLARK 3 offers a wide range of system enhancements, including a significantly larger range (more than 100km), flight endurance (up to six hours) and payload capacity (up to 10kg).
The aerial vehicle incorporates an electric motor that reduces sound signature and enables operating over long distances and at high altitudes, has a 4.8m wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of 45 kilogrammes. It has a service ceiling of 15,000 feet.
To support interoperability, SKYLARK 3 uses the same advanced technologies and know-how found in other Elbit Systems’ UAS. In addition, through a shared Ground Control Station (GCS), two SKYLARK 3 vehicles can be assigned to the same mission simultaneously, meaning a consistent target acquisition is maintained from two aspects. This also offers ground forces the ability to significantly extend the flight endurance of their mission by UAS hot-swap.
"SKYLARK 3, the latest addition to our family of ultra-lightweight UAS, delivers brigade-level and division-level units, an ideal solution for carrying out complex ISTAR missions in a truly organic network-centric manner,"Elad Aharonson, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR Division, commented. "Its easy launch, autonomous maneuverability and control, coupled with its cutting-edge payload technology, provide ground force commanders unrivaled situational awareness and enhanced force protection capabilities, ultimately allowing them to make faster, smarter and more cost-effective decisions."
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| Designed for brigade-level and division-level units, Elbit Systems' SKYLARK 3 mini-UAS delivers ground commanders organic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities – both easily and affordable. (Photo: Elbit Systems) |
SKYLARK 3 will make its first appearance at the Elbit Systems’ booth (N65) at the Singapore Airshow 2016, set to take place 16-21 February 2016.
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Saab SRSS is a True Swing-Role, Multi-Purpose System Working Across Air, Land and Sea
During a press and analyst meeting, where Saab's CEO Håkan Buskhe and CFO Magnus Örnberg presented the 2015 year-end results, Bushke said that the UAE's new Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS) will be offered into the Asia-Pacific region, as well.
Saab is responding to the challenge of carrying out air, ground, and maritime radar surveillance in a single platform. The Swedish defence manufacturer’s new SRSS airborne swing role surveillance system draws on previous generations of the company’s heritage ERIEYE system and also on Saab's wider development work across the entire spectrum of radar technology.
Saab has recently unveiled a new family of surface-based AESA radars and a new fighter AESA, all with new technologies. The SRSS is the latest chapter in the story of Saab sensor system development, but it is more than an evolutionary product – it is a leap ahead because of what it brings to the air surveillance market and to customers' national capabilities.
Saab's SRSS is well-named because it is a true swing-role, multi-purpose system than can work across the air, land and maritime domains with multiple sensors in a single mission. The current ERIEYE system already has an excellent reputation for long-range and high performance in complex environments, against both air and sea targets. ERIEYE specialises in detecting and tracking the most difficult target sets: In the air this includes all high-and-fast and low-and-slow targets, stealthy targets, cruise missiles, unmanned air vehicles, etc.
Indeed, Saab, in another interview, further declared that at sea the ERIEYE can operate out over the blue water ocean and in the most difficult littoral waters, while tracking targets as small as a jet ski.
As significant, the SRSS adds a third dimension to this level of capability - something that is unique - an overland mode to detect and track moving targets across a wide area and over many different types of terrain.
At Dubai Airshow 2015, the UAE Armed Forces said publically they would acquire two SRSS aircraft along with upgrades to its existing ERIEYE aircraft (Saab 340 platform) under the terms of a November 2015 contract. Deliveries will be made according to the customer's schedule.
The current SRSS configuration was developed in close coordination with the UAE customer to meet customer requirements. According to Saab the Bombardier GLOBAL 6000 is a high performance platform which, when coupled with Saab's overarching system know-how will meet the requirements of many other nations, too.
The Bombardier GLOBAL 6000’s details provide some intriguing insights into what is clearly becoming an evolving “mid-size” but capable surveillance aircraft market space. A side-by-side comparison using content on the Bombardier and US Navy websites available this 8 January indicated, in part, at maximum takeoff weight of 99,500lbs has a range of 6,000nm and maximum operating ceiling of 51,000 feet. Similarly, a P-8 POSEIDON at 188,200lbs. has a range of 1,200nm (with four hours on station) and maximum operating ceiling of 41,000 feet.
Unlike its competitors in this market, Saab is both an aircraft company, a radar manufacturer, and a complex system integrator – allowing it to be best-placed to develop and deliver whatever a customer needs. Saab is the SRSS prime contractor and has full responsibility for the system design, development, integration, and delivery.
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| SAAB's new SRSS combines AEW&C with MULTI-INT capability, and the UAE’s new aircraft will not only feature the dorsal plank antenna configuration that is found on current ERIEYE-configured aircraft, but also a wide range of other sensors including a dorsal mounted maritime-patrol surface-contact radar, an EO/IR sensor and ESM equipment. (Photo: Saab) |
Saab is responding to the challenge of carrying out air, ground, and maritime radar surveillance in a single platform. The Swedish defence manufacturer’s new SRSS airborne swing role surveillance system draws on previous generations of the company’s heritage ERIEYE system and also on Saab's wider development work across the entire spectrum of radar technology.
Saab has recently unveiled a new family of surface-based AESA radars and a new fighter AESA, all with new technologies. The SRSS is the latest chapter in the story of Saab sensor system development, but it is more than an evolutionary product – it is a leap ahead because of what it brings to the air surveillance market and to customers' national capabilities.
Saab's SRSS is well-named because it is a true swing-role, multi-purpose system than can work across the air, land and maritime domains with multiple sensors in a single mission. The current ERIEYE system already has an excellent reputation for long-range and high performance in complex environments, against both air and sea targets. ERIEYE specialises in detecting and tracking the most difficult target sets: In the air this includes all high-and-fast and low-and-slow targets, stealthy targets, cruise missiles, unmanned air vehicles, etc.
Indeed, Saab, in another interview, further declared that at sea the ERIEYE can operate out over the blue water ocean and in the most difficult littoral waters, while tracking targets as small as a jet ski.
As significant, the SRSS adds a third dimension to this level of capability - something that is unique - an overland mode to detect and track moving targets across a wide area and over many different types of terrain.
At Dubai Airshow 2015, the UAE Armed Forces said publically they would acquire two SRSS aircraft along with upgrades to its existing ERIEYE aircraft (Saab 340 platform) under the terms of a November 2015 contract. Deliveries will be made according to the customer's schedule.
The current SRSS configuration was developed in close coordination with the UAE customer to meet customer requirements. According to Saab the Bombardier GLOBAL 6000 is a high performance platform which, when coupled with Saab's overarching system know-how will meet the requirements of many other nations, too.
The Bombardier GLOBAL 6000’s details provide some intriguing insights into what is clearly becoming an evolving “mid-size” but capable surveillance aircraft market space. A side-by-side comparison using content on the Bombardier and US Navy websites available this 8 January indicated, in part, at maximum takeoff weight of 99,500lbs has a range of 6,000nm and maximum operating ceiling of 51,000 feet. Similarly, a P-8 POSEIDON at 188,200lbs. has a range of 1,200nm (with four hours on station) and maximum operating ceiling of 41,000 feet.
Unlike its competitors in this market, Saab is both an aircraft company, a radar manufacturer, and a complex system integrator – allowing it to be best-placed to develop and deliver whatever a customer needs. Saab is the SRSS prime contractor and has full responsibility for the system design, development, integration, and delivery.
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Rheinmetall to Supply 338 TGS-MIL & TGM MIL Vehicles to Latin America
An undisclosed Latin American customer placed a major order with Rheinmetall today for 338 logistic vehicles (92 TGS-MIL and 216 TGM MIL vehicles to the army + 30 TGS-MIL to the navy), worth over €53 million with an option for 337 more vehicles. The order also includes support services.
The TGM and TGS model series are based on the globally proven MAN Trucknology generation. The versatile TGM-MIL and TGS-MIL vehicles can operate in all climatic zones at temperatures ranging from -32°C to +49°C. As NATO mobility class ‘C’ logistic vehicles, they combine excellent off-road performance. Tried and tested, their engines can run not only on diesel but also a variety of other battlefield fuels, such as aviation turbine fuel (F-34).
Their heavy carrying capacity enables a wide array of different build-ons. Most of these are commercial off the shelf systems, and thus safe and easy to operate. Possible configurations include hook-lift/interchangeable pallet carriers, cargo vehicles, dump trucks, mobile cranes, fire-fighting vehicles, tankers for fuel or water, troop carriers maintenance vehicles and recovery systems. All of these configurations have proven highly effective in all climatic zones. The current order consists of vehicles configured as troop carrier/cargo trucks as well as water and fuel tankers and mobile repair shops. They are therefore extremely well equipped to serve in a disaster relief role in response to the El Niño phenomenon, meeting the full range of requirements for dual use vehicles.
Last but not least, TGM and TGS vehicles are economical to operate. Today the armed forces of over fifty nations armed forces place their trust in these trucks, more than 80,000 of which are in service worldwide.
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| The militarised TGS is a heavy-duty truck with a gross weight of 41 tonnes. Its MAN D2676 common rail diesel engine performs up to 397kW (540hp) and 2,500Nm. The TGS-Mil is based on MAN’s Trucknology Generation, heavily reengineered to meet the needs of the military. |
The TGM and TGS model series are based on the globally proven MAN Trucknology generation. The versatile TGM-MIL and TGS-MIL vehicles can operate in all climatic zones at temperatures ranging from -32°C to +49°C. As NATO mobility class ‘C’ logistic vehicles, they combine excellent off-road performance. Tried and tested, their engines can run not only on diesel but also a variety of other battlefield fuels, such as aviation turbine fuel (F-34).
Their heavy carrying capacity enables a wide array of different build-ons. Most of these are commercial off the shelf systems, and thus safe and easy to operate. Possible configurations include hook-lift/interchangeable pallet carriers, cargo vehicles, dump trucks, mobile cranes, fire-fighting vehicles, tankers for fuel or water, troop carriers maintenance vehicles and recovery systems. All of these configurations have proven highly effective in all climatic zones. The current order consists of vehicles configured as troop carrier/cargo trucks as well as water and fuel tankers and mobile repair shops. They are therefore extremely well equipped to serve in a disaster relief role in response to the El Niño phenomenon, meeting the full range of requirements for dual use vehicles.
Last but not least, TGM and TGS vehicles are economical to operate. Today the armed forces of over fifty nations armed forces place their trust in these trucks, more than 80,000 of which are in service worldwide.
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| TGM MIL 4x4 |
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| TGS-MIL 6x6 |
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Saab: "We Are the Only Ones Building a Brand-New Submarine"
During a press and analyst meeting, where Saab CEO Håkan Buskhe and CFO Magnus Örnberg present the 2015 year-end results, Bushke sees a need of 50 submarines around the world, which include opportunities in Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, Canada, and more, which he would not comment on. Saab is working hard on on these, according to the CEO, as, "we are the only ones building a brand-new submarine," he said.
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At year-end, the order backlog amounted to SEK113,834 million, which is more than four times annual sales. During 2015, Saab received several large orders, including GRIPEN for Brazil, the submarine A26 for Sweden, and an airborne surveillance system for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Cash flow was positively impacted by milestone payments related to GRIPEN for Brazil and the submarine A26 for Sweden.
In 2015, Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the construction of two new Type A26 submarines (total order value of SEK7.6 billion), with a very solid proposal from the customer (Swedish Navy). During the press conference, Buskhe said deliveries of the A26 next generation submarines are expected 2022-24, and that they currently are in full production.
On design the company said in earlier interviews: “Saab will deliver world-class submarines to Sweden. Our ability to work closely with customers, to meet their needs with modern manufacturing and products, is one of Saab’s greatest skills. Saab is also exploring export opportunities to provide complete submarine systems to a select number of countries, plus subsystems across the wider market. The A26 will be a unique and high-tech submarine with proven modular design, which gives the platform a high level of availability at a low life-cycle cost. The submarine will have long-endurance submerged performance and excellent manoeuvrability in all waters. Safety is paramount and A26 will be highly survivable thanks to modern underwater stealth technology and a unique heritage of shock resistant design. It is a privilege to lead this development.”
The submarines will be powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion machinery and equipped with the Kockums Stirling AIP (air-independent propulsion) system. The Stirling system will make the Type A26 very stealthy and difficult to detect. The submarines will be designed and constructed at Saab’s facilities in Malmö, Karlskrona, Järfälla and Linköping, Sweden.
At year-end, the order backlog amounted to SEK113,834 million, which is more than four times annual sales. During 2015, Saab received several large orders, including GRIPEN for Brazil, the submarine A26 for Sweden, and an airborne surveillance system for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Cash flow was positively impacted by milestone payments related to GRIPEN for Brazil and the submarine A26 for Sweden.
In 2015, Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the construction of two new Type A26 submarines (total order value of SEK7.6 billion), with a very solid proposal from the customer (Swedish Navy). During the press conference, Buskhe said deliveries of the A26 next generation submarines are expected 2022-24, and that they currently are in full production.
On design the company said in earlier interviews: “Saab will deliver world-class submarines to Sweden. Our ability to work closely with customers, to meet their needs with modern manufacturing and products, is one of Saab’s greatest skills. Saab is also exploring export opportunities to provide complete submarine systems to a select number of countries, plus subsystems across the wider market. The A26 will be a unique and high-tech submarine with proven modular design, which gives the platform a high level of availability at a low life-cycle cost. The submarine will have long-endurance submerged performance and excellent manoeuvrability in all waters. Safety is paramount and A26 will be highly survivable thanks to modern underwater stealth technology and a unique heritage of shock resistant design. It is a privilege to lead this development.”
The submarines will be powered by conventional diesel-electric propulsion machinery and equipped with the Kockums Stirling AIP (air-independent propulsion) system. The Stirling system will make the Type A26 very stealthy and difficult to detect. The submarines will be designed and constructed at Saab’s facilities in Malmö, Karlskrona, Järfälla and Linköping, Sweden.
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Successful Missile Trials for Eurofighter TYPHOON Continue
The STORM SHADOW deep strike missile and METEOR Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile, both produced by MBDA, again have been successfully released from the Eurofighter TYPHOON as part of the Phase 2 Enhancement (P2E) programme, introducing new long-range attack capabilities to the aircraft.
The release of the STORM SHADOW missile has been carried out in the UK MoD’s Hebrides range in Scotland from the Italian Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) 2, following a successful trial of STORM SHADOW in November 2015. Also at the Hebrides range, another METEOR missile has been fired from UK TYPHOON aircraft IPA6. This firing followed trials held in late 2015, during which TYPHOON aircraft conducted guided METEOR firings against real air targets.
“STORM SHADOW adds attack stand-off capability to TYPHOON which now really accomplishes every possible role in the combat scenario. The aircraft retains excellent performance in an incredible low pilot workload cockpit environment, essential for a single seat multirole aircraft,” Enrico Scarabotto, the Italian Chief Test pilot who flew the IPA2, said, while Steve Greenbank, Director of Aircraft Programmes for Military Air & Information, BAE Systems, commented on the METEOR trials: “These latest METEOR firing trials are another step forward in the integration of the missile onto the TYPHOON aircraft, demonstrating they can operate safely, accurately and effectively.”
In addition to METEOR and STORM SHADOW, the integration of MBDA’s BRIMSTONE will be part of the Phase 3 Enhancements (P3E) programme.
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| Eurofighter TYPHOON IPA6 (left) and IPA2 (right) on the UK MoD’s Hebrides range in Scotland - respectively armed with METEOR air-to-air missile and STORM SHADOW air-to-surface missile. (Photos: Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug) |
The release of the STORM SHADOW missile has been carried out in the UK MoD’s Hebrides range in Scotland from the Italian Instrumented Production Aircraft (IPA) 2, following a successful trial of STORM SHADOW in November 2015. Also at the Hebrides range, another METEOR missile has been fired from UK TYPHOON aircraft IPA6. This firing followed trials held in late 2015, during which TYPHOON aircraft conducted guided METEOR firings against real air targets.
“STORM SHADOW adds attack stand-off capability to TYPHOON which now really accomplishes every possible role in the combat scenario. The aircraft retains excellent performance in an incredible low pilot workload cockpit environment, essential for a single seat multirole aircraft,” Enrico Scarabotto, the Italian Chief Test pilot who flew the IPA2, said, while Steve Greenbank, Director of Aircraft Programmes for Military Air & Information, BAE Systems, commented on the METEOR trials: “These latest METEOR firing trials are another step forward in the integration of the missile onto the TYPHOON aircraft, demonstrating they can operate safely, accurately and effectively.”
In addition to METEOR and STORM SHADOW, the integration of MBDA’s BRIMSTONE will be part of the Phase 3 Enhancements (P3E) programme.
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| Eurofighter TYPHOON IPA2 with STORM SHADOW air-to-surface missile. |
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| Eurofighter TYPHOON IPA6 with METEOR air-to-air missiles. |
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The German Army's Guidelines for the Near Future
According to the German Army Concepts and Capabilities Development Centre (ACCDC), a paradigm change is foreseen in the future capabilities of the German Land Forces. ACCDC Chief of Staff Brig.Gen. Bernhard Liechtenauer presented the German Army's guidelines for the near future during International Armoured Vehicles 2016 (IAV 2016), 26 January, in London, UK.
These include the identification of legacy systems as dual capability systems; the adjustment of legacy systems; closing gaps for the probable mission; phasing-out of no longer suitable legacy systems; air mobility and air manoeuver capability; multinationality and interoperability; and aircraft systems capability.
Projects in the Army ISR domain include acoustic sensors (pictured was Microflown AVISA's Acoustic Vector Sensor [AVS] technology) and laser, SIGINT, and hyperspectral sensors; as well as the HUSAR medium range UAS, shown as a fixed wing artist conception. Projects in the effects domain presented were high energy lasers, where several German companies have been making strides (MBDA and Rheinmetall).
An interesting feature was the presentation of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) as a project in the effects domain. After more than half of a century, the LEOPARD 2 MBT in service is to be replaced from 2030 on by the MGCS, which is supposed to ensure duel capability, momentum capability and assertiveness capability including: Superior protection, reconnaissance (quick reaction), superior effectiveness, and tactical manoeuvrability.
According to the presentation, by 2025 the LEOPARD 2AX should have phased out(or modernised) the 2A7, which again should be technology-wise passed by the MGCS by 2035 the latest. This sees Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW - in its future position with Nexter), as the original LEOPARD maker, and Rheinmetall as possible contractors.
Projects in the support domain see protected transporter capabilities, as well as new AEVs, pictured being Rheinmetall's KODIAK.
These include the identification of legacy systems as dual capability systems; the adjustment of legacy systems; closing gaps for the probable mission; phasing-out of no longer suitable legacy systems; air mobility and air manoeuver capability; multinationality and interoperability; and aircraft systems capability.
Projects in the Army ISR domain include acoustic sensors (pictured was Microflown AVISA's Acoustic Vector Sensor [AVS] technology) and laser, SIGINT, and hyperspectral sensors; as well as the HUSAR medium range UAS, shown as a fixed wing artist conception. Projects in the effects domain presented were high energy lasers, where several German companies have been making strides (MBDA and Rheinmetall).
An interesting feature was the presentation of the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) as a project in the effects domain. After more than half of a century, the LEOPARD 2 MBT in service is to be replaced from 2030 on by the MGCS, which is supposed to ensure duel capability, momentum capability and assertiveness capability including: Superior protection, reconnaissance (quick reaction), superior effectiveness, and tactical manoeuvrability.
According to the presentation, by 2025 the LEOPARD 2AX should have phased out(or modernised) the 2A7, which again should be technology-wise passed by the MGCS by 2035 the latest. This sees Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW - in its future position with Nexter), as the original LEOPARD maker, and Rheinmetall as possible contractors.
Projects in the support domain see protected transporter capabilities, as well as new AEVs, pictured being Rheinmetall's KODIAK.
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CAE’s new Brunei MPTC Awaits Black Hawk Simulator
Canadian training and simulator specialist CAE is readying its new Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, for the arrival of the Series 3000 Level D S-70i Black Hawk simulator during the summer. It will be installed by late October 2016 and will then be used to train pilots who operate the Royal Brunei Air Force’s (RBAirF) 12 recently acquired S-70i Black Hawks.
CAE’s MPTC was completed in September 2014 and was the result of a single joint venture agreement between CAE and the Brunei government’s Ministry of Finance of which the shareholding is split CAE (60%) and MoF (40%). CAE is providing Foreign Direct Investment (DFI) of over USD $100 million, over 70% of which has now been spent with the rest coming over the next six to seven years. In addition to aviation training, it also covers emergency management planning and healthcare training, both throughout the use of specialised simulators.
When Brunei Shell was looking for an alternative solution to travelling to North America for its S-92 training, CAE recognised the opportunity to establish its MPTC explained Kevin Speed, director of the Brunei centre, at a recent demonstration of the centre’s capabilities.
Basing the Series 300 S-70i simulator in Brunei is a calculated move by CAE, as it will join two other simulators already installed at the site when it arrives in June. The first two simulators already on site are the CAE 3000 Series S-92 and the Pilatus PC-7 simulators. The S-92 is housed in a 10 foot dome and delivered on the initial agreement to provide simulator training to for pilots operating offshore operations on behalf of Brunei Shell Petroleum and is now used by pilots from Bristow Helicopters Australia. Other customers include CHC Helicopter Australia, the Australian Aviation Authority and helicopter pilots from China Southern Helicopters.
The S-92 simulator gained its EASA certification in May 2014 and by the end of that year it had also been certified by the Brunei DCA, by CASA and also the CAAC. There is also plenty of potential international business that CAE would like to capture. “Government to government relations between Brunei and countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has 20 S-92s with no simulator,” said Speed. The Royal Thai Air Force also operates its S-92s in the VVIP/medevac role and has shown interest in the MPTC facility.
The second simulator, not housed in a dome, is the PC-7 Flight Training Device (FTD) simulator which is used to train the RBAF’s ab initio pilots. The PC-7 FTD passed the MINDEF acceptance in May 2014 and was operational by November 2014. The RBAirF currently owns four Pilatus PC-7 Mark II training aircraft which it received in 1997 and are flown by the Third Squadron.
In addition to currency and advanced pilot training, one of the PC-7 simulator’s main benefits has been its ability to allow the training staff to screen potential pilots recommended by the RBAirF for their aptitude towards flying before they begin the first stages of ab initio training. Captain Phillip Hird, a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot on loan to the BuAF who is an experienced Short Tucano instructor and ex-VC10 pilot in the UK, said that within the first two weeks in the simulator those who will not be suitable for further flying duties stand out. “They complete four types of exercise to test for aptitude. Before pilots progressed through to their first solo flight before they were finally assessed. This method reduces wastage in time and cost,” said Hird.
The PC-7 simulator has allowed the RBAirF to condense the training course and reduce live flying considerably. Hird expained that the original training course comprised around 85 live sorties with 70 in the cockpit procedural trainer, that was now reduced to 60 sorties of around one and a half hours in length in the simulator with 42 live sorties. This represents a reduction from 130 hours to 90 hours for each student over the length of their training period.
Another factor in proving the value of the simulator is the fact that there is only one runway in the capital which the BRAirF shares with commercial flights going into the international airport. On occasions, student pilots were having to extend their training flights while waiting for a commercial jet to land. This could lead to undue pressure being placed on them, particularly if bad weather was close by.
The PC-7 is also equipped with cameras and recording equipment so that students who complete their simulator flights can immediately go to the debriefing room and have their flight analysed and their mistakes explained. Speed said that they were able to review these flights later too, so they could learn not to make the same mistakes. In total a full training sortie in the simulator would comprise an hour’s briefing, a two hour flight and a further hour in debrief.
The RBAirF’s acquisition of the new S-70is in 2013 at Brunei’s BRIDEX conference directly led to the replacement of their old Black Hawk S-70A helicopters which were acquired in 1997. The Black Hawk squadron is operationally tasked to deliver troop lift, casualty/medical evacuation, fire fighting, VVIP lift, search and rescue as well as to supply a special forces aviation capability.
As well as training new S-70i pilots, CAE’s S-70i simulator (housed in 12 foot dome) will also be used for mission training including the use of night vision goggles, formation flying, winching/stretcher lift, mountain flying, shipboard and oil rig landings, over water flights and other special force missions. One particular feature will be the chin window in the simulator which is a separate feature and not columnated like the rest of the visual display.
It will also be available to squadron pilots for their twice yearly visit in order to maintain their currency in instrument flying, NVG currency, in-flight emergencies, confined area landings and Crew Resource Management (CRM) training.
The C3000 Series can support many different cockpits. While the S-92 and the S-70i will be the main cockpits in residence from the end of 2016, a whole range of additional cockpits can be brought in to provide the facility with impressive scalability. Additional potential cockpits could include the AW101, AW109/139/169/189, CH-47 Chinook, Mi-17, Ch-53G and NH-90 among others. Any new cockpit would naturally be customer driven.
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| The Sultan of Brunei inspects one of four Sikorsky S-70i BLACK HAWK helicopter during the Brunei International Defence Exhibition (December 2013). The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) has received 12 Polish made S-70i helicopters. Simulator training will start later this year. (Photo: Sikorsky). |
CAE’s MPTC was completed in September 2014 and was the result of a single joint venture agreement between CAE and the Brunei government’s Ministry of Finance of which the shareholding is split CAE (60%) and MoF (40%). CAE is providing Foreign Direct Investment (DFI) of over USD $100 million, over 70% of which has now been spent with the rest coming over the next six to seven years. In addition to aviation training, it also covers emergency management planning and healthcare training, both throughout the use of specialised simulators.
When Brunei Shell was looking for an alternative solution to travelling to North America for its S-92 training, CAE recognised the opportunity to establish its MPTC explained Kevin Speed, director of the Brunei centre, at a recent demonstration of the centre’s capabilities.
Basing the Series 300 S-70i simulator in Brunei is a calculated move by CAE, as it will join two other simulators already installed at the site when it arrives in June. The first two simulators already on site are the CAE 3000 Series S-92 and the Pilatus PC-7 simulators. The S-92 is housed in a 10 foot dome and delivered on the initial agreement to provide simulator training to for pilots operating offshore operations on behalf of Brunei Shell Petroleum and is now used by pilots from Bristow Helicopters Australia. Other customers include CHC Helicopter Australia, the Australian Aviation Authority and helicopter pilots from China Southern Helicopters.
The S-92 simulator gained its EASA certification in May 2014 and by the end of that year it had also been certified by the Brunei DCA, by CASA and also the CAAC. There is also plenty of potential international business that CAE would like to capture. “Government to government relations between Brunei and countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has 20 S-92s with no simulator,” said Speed. The Royal Thai Air Force also operates its S-92s in the VVIP/medevac role and has shown interest in the MPTC facility.
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| Add caption |
The second simulator, not housed in a dome, is the PC-7 Flight Training Device (FTD) simulator which is used to train the RBAF’s ab initio pilots. The PC-7 FTD passed the MINDEF acceptance in May 2014 and was operational by November 2014. The RBAirF currently owns four Pilatus PC-7 Mark II training aircraft which it received in 1997 and are flown by the Third Squadron.
In addition to currency and advanced pilot training, one of the PC-7 simulator’s main benefits has been its ability to allow the training staff to screen potential pilots recommended by the RBAirF for their aptitude towards flying before they begin the first stages of ab initio training. Captain Phillip Hird, a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot on loan to the BuAF who is an experienced Short Tucano instructor and ex-VC10 pilot in the UK, said that within the first two weeks in the simulator those who will not be suitable for further flying duties stand out. “They complete four types of exercise to test for aptitude. Before pilots progressed through to their first solo flight before they were finally assessed. This method reduces wastage in time and cost,” said Hird.
The PC-7 simulator has allowed the RBAirF to condense the training course and reduce live flying considerably. Hird expained that the original training course comprised around 85 live sorties with 70 in the cockpit procedural trainer, that was now reduced to 60 sorties of around one and a half hours in length in the simulator with 42 live sorties. This represents a reduction from 130 hours to 90 hours for each student over the length of their training period.
Another factor in proving the value of the simulator is the fact that there is only one runway in the capital which the BRAirF shares with commercial flights going into the international airport. On occasions, student pilots were having to extend their training flights while waiting for a commercial jet to land. This could lead to undue pressure being placed on them, particularly if bad weather was close by.
The PC-7 is also equipped with cameras and recording equipment so that students who complete their simulator flights can immediately go to the debriefing room and have their flight analysed and their mistakes explained. Speed said that they were able to review these flights later too, so they could learn not to make the same mistakes. In total a full training sortie in the simulator would comprise an hour’s briefing, a two hour flight and a further hour in debrief.
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| In the final phase of testing, the new Series 3000 S-70i simulator going through its the remainder if its test programme in Montrael, Canada before being shipped to Brunei this summer. |
The RBAirF’s acquisition of the new S-70is in 2013 at Brunei’s BRIDEX conference directly led to the replacement of their old Black Hawk S-70A helicopters which were acquired in 1997. The Black Hawk squadron is operationally tasked to deliver troop lift, casualty/medical evacuation, fire fighting, VVIP lift, search and rescue as well as to supply a special forces aviation capability.
As well as training new S-70i pilots, CAE’s S-70i simulator (housed in 12 foot dome) will also be used for mission training including the use of night vision goggles, formation flying, winching/stretcher lift, mountain flying, shipboard and oil rig landings, over water flights and other special force missions. One particular feature will be the chin window in the simulator which is a separate feature and not columnated like the rest of the visual display.
It will also be available to squadron pilots for their twice yearly visit in order to maintain their currency in instrument flying, NVG currency, in-flight emergencies, confined area landings and Crew Resource Management (CRM) training.
The C3000 Series can support many different cockpits. While the S-92 and the S-70i will be the main cockpits in residence from the end of 2016, a whole range of additional cockpits can be brought in to provide the facility with impressive scalability. Additional potential cockpits could include the AW101, AW109/139/169/189, CH-47 Chinook, Mi-17, Ch-53G and NH-90 among others. Any new cockpit would naturally be customer driven.
Andrew Drwiega
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Singapore Airshow 2016: ST Engineering Displays ‘Smart’ Technology for Air, Land and Sea
“How do we achieve overmatch in combat power; you need to utilise everything at your disposal to win,” said Patrick Choy, ST Electronics executive vice president at a media briefing ahead of the Singapore Airshow. ST Engineering is the largest exhibitor with over 100 products shown, many of which it claims to be innovative and based on ‘smart’ technology.
“It is our uniqueness that is important,” said Choy. “ We are not a big company by international standard but we do a lot of things in commercial business and defence.”
Choy said that the company, which will celebrate its 50th Anniversary next year, is exhibiting a wide range of military and some civil ‘innovative solutions’ during the show. These are divided into a number of specific areas: aviation, smart combat and smart city.
One of the main developments being shown was a future soldier concept. A soldier will showcase ST Kinetics Personal Lightweight Armour Technology (PLATE) together with Personal Reinforced Outer Tactical Equipment Carrier (PROTEC). This provides an infantryman with body enhanced protection through the use of vacuum consolidation to strengthen the composite armour plates. PROTEC is a load bearing combat vest that is also provides the soldier with a cooling capability. This is all topped off by augmented reality glasses called Shielded Advanced Eyewear System (SHADES). These provide images containing navigation, identification and communication informa-tion as well as ballistic tracking.
If that were not enough, the soldier is also armed with ST Kinetics’ Bullpup Multirole Combat Rifle (BMCR) which is a wireless, digitised rifle which was unveiled at the last Singapore airshow in 2014.
Within the aviation sector it is showing a number of unmanned aerial vehicles including an Un-manned Hybrid Vehicle that the company states can be launched into the air then dive underwater. The stand also has a mock-up of a digital glass cockpit for a Lockheed Martin C-130 that the com-pany designed for the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
The unmanned theme is widespread on the ST Electronics stand, with a live demonstration area addressing the theme of disaster relief. The demonstration combines the capabilities of tri-rotor U-STAR-Y UAV to provide situational awareness and located casualties combined with the ground searching capability of a unmanned ground vehicle.
“Simulators will be big business going forward and most countries show that they want to make more use of simulation,” said Choy.
ST Electronics is known for aviation MRO, Satcom (it has just launched a satellite), and ammuni-tion (it even has a camera round mounted in a 40mm shell which can be shot into the air to provide immediate, local situational awareness). ST Marine also builds ships and in January completed delivery of the last of four Al-Ofouq class Patrol Vessels (PVs) to the Royal Oman Navy; the largest defence export contract in ST Engineering’s history.
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| Patrick Choy, ST Electronics executive vice president, displaying T Kinetics Personal Lightweight Armour Technology (PLATE) together with Personal Reinforced Outer Tactical Equipment Carrier (PROTEC). This is all topped off by augmented reality glasses called Shielded Advanced Eyewear System (SHADES). These provide images containing navigation, identification and communication informa-tion as well as ballistic tracking. If that were not enough, the soldier is also armed with ST Kinetics’ Bullpup Multirole Combat Rifle (BMCR) which is a wireless, digitised rifle. |
“It is our uniqueness that is important,” said Choy. “ We are not a big company by international standard but we do a lot of things in commercial business and defence.”
Choy said that the company, which will celebrate its 50th Anniversary next year, is exhibiting a wide range of military and some civil ‘innovative solutions’ during the show. These are divided into a number of specific areas: aviation, smart combat and smart city.
One of the main developments being shown was a future soldier concept. A soldier will showcase ST Kinetics Personal Lightweight Armour Technology (PLATE) together with Personal Reinforced Outer Tactical Equipment Carrier (PROTEC). This provides an infantryman with body enhanced protection through the use of vacuum consolidation to strengthen the composite armour plates. PROTEC is a load bearing combat vest that is also provides the soldier with a cooling capability. This is all topped off by augmented reality glasses called Shielded Advanced Eyewear System (SHADES). These provide images containing navigation, identification and communication informa-tion as well as ballistic tracking.
If that were not enough, the soldier is also armed with ST Kinetics’ Bullpup Multirole Combat Rifle (BMCR) which is a wireless, digitised rifle which was unveiled at the last Singapore airshow in 2014.
Within the aviation sector it is showing a number of unmanned aerial vehicles including an Un-manned Hybrid Vehicle that the company states can be launched into the air then dive underwater. The stand also has a mock-up of a digital glass cockpit for a Lockheed Martin C-130 that the com-pany designed for the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
The unmanned theme is widespread on the ST Electronics stand, with a live demonstration area addressing the theme of disaster relief. The demonstration combines the capabilities of tri-rotor U-STAR-Y UAV to provide situational awareness and located casualties combined with the ground searching capability of a unmanned ground vehicle.
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| T Electronics tri-rotor U-STAR-Y UAV |
“Simulators will be big business going forward and most countries show that they want to make more use of simulation,” said Choy.
ST Electronics is known for aviation MRO, Satcom (it has just launched a satellite), and ammuni-tion (it even has a camera round mounted in a 40mm shell which can be shot into the air to provide immediate, local situational awareness). ST Marine also builds ships and in January completed delivery of the last of four Al-Ofouq class Patrol Vessels (PVs) to the Royal Oman Navy; the largest defence export contract in ST Engineering’s history.
Andrew Drwiega
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Singapore Airshow 2016: UMS Skeldar Announces SE Asia as Priority Market
UMS Skeldar, the newly formed joint business between Saab and UMS Aero Group launches its combined unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) expertise at Singapore Airshow, as the springboard for its ambition to become the number one choice in the global mid-range UAV market.
Backed by a highly active research and development (R&D) programme, UMS Skeldar brings together four platforms including the SKELDAR V-200 to create, according to the company, Europe’s most versatile UAV for the global military, defence and civil security sectors. The company showcases the new line-up, its platforms, and solutions alongside CWT at stand number D87.
In conjunction with its regional partner CWT, one of South East Asia’s largest logistics businesses, and on the back of contracts agreed with governments in Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the company has declared Asia-Pacific and Mideast as priority regions for growth. “The strategic importance of the region to us made Singapore a natural choice for the world launch platform of our unrivalled line-up of platforms, systems and managed services. South East Asia will be pivotal and our relationship with CWT as our exclusive strategic partner plays a crucial role in the development of our market share,” Jacob Baumann, CEO of UMS Skeldar, explained.
“The formation of UMS Skeldar through Saab and UMS Aero has truly propelled the business into a global and expanding market. With a strong customer base and pipeline of strong prospective contracts, we’re looking forward to the Singapore Airshow to be able display our total solutions packages,” David Willems, aviation business specialist and Head of Marketing and Sales, said.
UMS Skeldar brings together four igh endurance vertical take-off (VTOL) and fixed wing UAV platforms:
The V-200 is a rotary winged medium-range UAV that can be operated from a tailored control station. Equipped with multiple capabilities including surveillance and 3D mapping, the aircraft gives edge in any environment – day or night. The system can hover for hours while providing real-time information to a control station or to a remote video terminal. Launched from historically difficult locations such as the deck of a ship, a travelling convoy or other small stationery areas, SKELDAR V-200 is designed to provide real-time intelligence and surveillance as a force multiplier for land, civil security and maritime applications. The compact solution is fully autonomous, controlled by high-level-commands such as “Point and Fly” and “Point and Look”.
As a multi-skilled enterprise with all the capabilities necessary to manage and deliver total UAV programmes, UMS Skeldar is equipped to provide solutions including R&D, design, manufacture, testing, training, maintenance, and finance to a wide variety of sectors globally. Alongside design and production, UMS Skeldar develops its own avionic solutions which serve to fly various types of UAVs simultaneously on the same Ground Control Station (GCS). The company can provide customers with qualified ISR instructors for training of vehicles or to interpret sensor information alongside a RPAS capability requirement. All of the systems provided by UMS Skeldar utilise exclusive design and build avionics, software and carry an authentic intellectual property rights (IP).
With managed serviced contracts and order books in South East Asia and Middle East markets, the company is well placed to develop its profile and presence, supported by expert personnel under the direction of CEO Baumann, former two star general (Maj.Gen.) in the Swiss Armed Forces. The strategic partner line up of UMS Skeldar includes civil and military aviation specialists from a range of countries such as CWT, Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments Company (ADASI), and Elektronik-System-Gesellschaft (ESG).
Backed by a highly active research and development (R&D) programme, UMS Skeldar brings together four platforms including the SKELDAR V-200 to create, according to the company, Europe’s most versatile UAV for the global military, defence and civil security sectors. The company showcases the new line-up, its platforms, and solutions alongside CWT at stand number D87.
In conjunction with its regional partner CWT, one of South East Asia’s largest logistics businesses, and on the back of contracts agreed with governments in Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the company has declared Asia-Pacific and Mideast as priority regions for growth. “The strategic importance of the region to us made Singapore a natural choice for the world launch platform of our unrivalled line-up of platforms, systems and managed services. South East Asia will be pivotal and our relationship with CWT as our exclusive strategic partner plays a crucial role in the development of our market share,” Jacob Baumann, CEO of UMS Skeldar, explained.
“The formation of UMS Skeldar through Saab and UMS Aero has truly propelled the business into a global and expanding market. With a strong customer base and pipeline of strong prospective contracts, we’re looking forward to the Singapore Airshow to be able display our total solutions packages,” David Willems, aviation business specialist and Head of Marketing and Sales, said.
UMS Skeldar brings together four igh endurance vertical take-off (VTOL) and fixed wing UAV platforms:
- UMS F330 - designed as a high-performance fixed wing ITAR-free unmanned aircraft
- UMS F720 - a highly versatile and widely capable fixed wing Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). Its innovative, flexible and modular design enables the F-720 to carry multiple payloads at the same time, making it one of the most capable systems in its class.
- UMS R350 - this ITAR-free tactical helicopter icontains a jet-turbine engine propulsion system.
- SKELDAR V-200 – an innovative UAV using the technology of Saab, ideal for civil security and military operations.
The V-200 is a rotary winged medium-range UAV that can be operated from a tailored control station. Equipped with multiple capabilities including surveillance and 3D mapping, the aircraft gives edge in any environment – day or night. The system can hover for hours while providing real-time information to a control station or to a remote video terminal. Launched from historically difficult locations such as the deck of a ship, a travelling convoy or other small stationery areas, SKELDAR V-200 is designed to provide real-time intelligence and surveillance as a force multiplier for land, civil security and maritime applications. The compact solution is fully autonomous, controlled by high-level-commands such as “Point and Fly” and “Point and Look”.
As a multi-skilled enterprise with all the capabilities necessary to manage and deliver total UAV programmes, UMS Skeldar is equipped to provide solutions including R&D, design, manufacture, testing, training, maintenance, and finance to a wide variety of sectors globally. Alongside design and production, UMS Skeldar develops its own avionic solutions which serve to fly various types of UAVs simultaneously on the same Ground Control Station (GCS). The company can provide customers with qualified ISR instructors for training of vehicles or to interpret sensor information alongside a RPAS capability requirement. All of the systems provided by UMS Skeldar utilise exclusive design and build avionics, software and carry an authentic intellectual property rights (IP).
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Singapore Airshow 2016: Cobham Introduces 1.45kg one-unit AVIATOR UAV 200 Inmarsat UAV satcom solution
Cobham SATCOM has developed one of the world’s smallest and lightest Inmarsat UAV satcom solutions – the 1.45kg AVIATOR UAV 200. Redefining UAV satcom connectivity by integrating all components into one compact lightweight unit, the new system delivers Inmarsat Class 4 SwiftBroadband services in a low-SWAP package which is, according to COBHAM, 76% lighter than existing comparable products on the market.
The AVIATOR UAV 200 has been introduced by Cobham to significantly enhance a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’s (TUAV) performance, range and payload capability by enabling operators to take advantage of the higher speed connectivity from today’s satellite networks.
“We are very pleased to introduce this revolutionary new solution for tactical UAVs, as it will provide these widely-used aircraft with a number of benefits for the first time and open up important opportunities within different applications in the field,” Kim Gram, vice president of Cobham SATCOM’s aeronautical business unit, said. “Until now, the size, weight and power requirements of Inmarsat satcom hardware were too restrictive for smaller UAVs which depend upon lightweight components to maximise range, endurance and operational use. AVIATOR UAV 200 matches the connectivity and performance of larger, class-leading satcom systems, but in a far smaller, lighter and less power-demanding package.”
Mounted within the airframe and measuring 24cm x 16cm x 6cm, the Cobham AVIATOR UAV 200 delivers up to 200 kbps data and full, real-time control of data channels.
The AVIATOR UAV 200 has been introduced by Cobham to significantly enhance a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’s (TUAV) performance, range and payload capability by enabling operators to take advantage of the higher speed connectivity from today’s satellite networks.
“We are very pleased to introduce this revolutionary new solution for tactical UAVs, as it will provide these widely-used aircraft with a number of benefits for the first time and open up important opportunities within different applications in the field,” Kim Gram, vice president of Cobham SATCOM’s aeronautical business unit, said. “Until now, the size, weight and power requirements of Inmarsat satcom hardware were too restrictive for smaller UAVs which depend upon lightweight components to maximise range, endurance and operational use. AVIATOR UAV 200 matches the connectivity and performance of larger, class-leading satcom systems, but in a far smaller, lighter and less power-demanding package.”
Mounted within the airframe and measuring 24cm x 16cm x 6cm, the Cobham AVIATOR UAV 200 delivers up to 200 kbps data and full, real-time control of data channels.
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Singapore Airshow 2016: RUAG Delivers 10 MISSIM Testing Units to Bundeswehr
RUAG has delivered ten MISSIM testing units to the German procurement agency BAAINBw as part of an agreement for self-protection systems. The system is delivered by RUAG Aviation’s competence centre and is, according to its developers, well suited for the operations carried out by the German Armed Forces’ (Bundeswehr) TORNADO fleet. As a 4-in-1 self-protection testing solution it provides simulation of radar, laser, missile, and Hostile Fire Indication (HFI) threats for a vast array of electronic warfare systems. RUAG Aviation will also be providing full life cycle support for MISSIM, including training, maintenance, performance analysis, calibration ,and recalibration.
“A key advantage of the solution is that it can also be easily aligned with even older systems and sensors,” Daniel Sulzer, Team Leader Marketing, Sales & Product Management Aviation Products at RUAG Aviation, stated. “The testing unit can be made combat-ready in no time at all, thus making it particularly suitable for deployment in demanding and fast-changing circumstances.”
RUAG at Singapore Airshow 2016 can be found at Stand number CD17
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| RUAG’s MISSIM is a 4-in-1 testing solution for self-protection systems that simulates 4 different signatures. MISSIM can be used within a distance from 1 m (3 ft.) up to 20 m (66 ft.) from the self-protection system's sensors. (Photo: RUAG) |
“A key advantage of the solution is that it can also be easily aligned with even older systems and sensors,” Daniel Sulzer, Team Leader Marketing, Sales & Product Management Aviation Products at RUAG Aviation, stated. “The testing unit can be made combat-ready in no time at all, thus making it particularly suitable for deployment in demanding and fast-changing circumstances.”
RUAG at Singapore Airshow 2016 can be found at Stand number CD17
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Singapore Airshow 2016: CONTROP Exhibits Automatic Bird & Wildlife Detection and Tracking System and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Detection Systems
At Singapore Airshow 2016, CONTROP Precision Technologies (Stand Q-56), a world leader in Electro Optics and Infrared (EO/IR) technology for surveillance, defence and homeland security solutions, announces that it has entered the field of aviation safety. The threats of bird strikes and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) are continual threats that endanger commercial, civilian and military aircraft safety. Authorities worldwide have been hunting for truly effective solutions to these potentially deadly and often costly problems.
Developed by the EO/IR experts at CONTROP and their partners at Pharovision, experts in wildlife management solutions for aviation, the INTERCEPTOR automatic detection and tracking system will help prevent collisions between aircraft and individual birds or flocks of birds or other wildlife, be they in the sky, on the ground, or near the runway. The INTERCEPTOR provides automated scanning and real-time warnings without the need for user interaction. After having been evaluated by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at New York’s La Guardia Airport, the INTERCEPTOR is currently deployed by the FAA at Whidbey Island, Washington, USA for further evaluation.
The SENTINEL FOD detection system provides continuous scanning of runway, taxiway and other tarmac surfaces to detect the presence of FOD. The integrated and comprehensive system is capable of simultaneously scanning for debris on all tarmac surfaces with the vicinity and between aircraft movements. The system is capable of automatically scanning for other types of targets as well.
The SENTINEL system has been proven in many of the most challenging airfield environments and exceeds all requirements of the FAA Advisory Circular for FOD Detection Systems.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Pharovision on a solution to this widespread problem,” Johnny Carni, CONTROP's VP for Marketing & Sales, told MT. “In tests at LGA, our system has shown that it outperforms both human observation and traditional radars, being able to pick up and identify small and very low or very high flying objects such as birds – with accurate detection of single birds at distances of up to 5km (3mi).”
Adapted from CONTROP's globally deployed and proven automatic intruder detection systems, the INTERCEPTOR and SENTINEL systems integrate a Thermal Imaging Camera with advanced Electro-Optics, a Day Camera and a Laser Range Finder. The combination of the continuous zoom lens of the IR camera and the full-color live video cameras, allows the INTERCEPTOR and the SENTINEL to automatically perform wide area surveillance, providing highly accurate real-time day and night detection and tracking.
With positive results to tests so far, the spokesmen for the two companies expressed confidence that the INTERCEPTOR and the SENTINEL are perfect solutions for safer take-off and landing, and they are hopeful that these state-of-the-art systems will be deployed by many airports, airfields and airbases around the world.
Developed by the EO/IR experts at CONTROP and their partners at Pharovision, experts in wildlife management solutions for aviation, the INTERCEPTOR automatic detection and tracking system will help prevent collisions between aircraft and individual birds or flocks of birds or other wildlife, be they in the sky, on the ground, or near the runway. The INTERCEPTOR provides automated scanning and real-time warnings without the need for user interaction. After having been evaluated by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at New York’s La Guardia Airport, the INTERCEPTOR is currently deployed by the FAA at Whidbey Island, Washington, USA for further evaluation.
The SENTINEL FOD detection system provides continuous scanning of runway, taxiway and other tarmac surfaces to detect the presence of FOD. The integrated and comprehensive system is capable of simultaneously scanning for debris on all tarmac surfaces with the vicinity and between aircraft movements. The system is capable of automatically scanning for other types of targets as well.
The SENTINEL system has been proven in many of the most challenging airfield environments and exceeds all requirements of the FAA Advisory Circular for FOD Detection Systems.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Pharovision on a solution to this widespread problem,” Johnny Carni, CONTROP's VP for Marketing & Sales, told MT. “In tests at LGA, our system has shown that it outperforms both human observation and traditional radars, being able to pick up and identify small and very low or very high flying objects such as birds – with accurate detection of single birds at distances of up to 5km (3mi).”
Adapted from CONTROP's globally deployed and proven automatic intruder detection systems, the INTERCEPTOR and SENTINEL systems integrate a Thermal Imaging Camera with advanced Electro-Optics, a Day Camera and a Laser Range Finder. The combination of the continuous zoom lens of the IR camera and the full-color live video cameras, allows the INTERCEPTOR and the SENTINEL to automatically perform wide area surveillance, providing highly accurate real-time day and night detection and tracking.
With positive results to tests so far, the spokesmen for the two companies expressed confidence that the INTERCEPTOR and the SENTINEL are perfect solutions for safer take-off and landing, and they are hopeful that these state-of-the-art systems will be deployed by many airports, airfields and airbases around the world.
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| Controp INTERCEPTOR |
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| Controp SENTINEL |
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