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DailyDaily

Merlin for the Marines

Organised by

Published by Thursday 14 September 2017

Fully amphibious Arma APC is seen for the first time in the UK

page 14

Flexible and adaptable Venator frigate targets UK and US requirements

page 30DAY

3Making its DSEI debut on the East Terrace is the Merlin Mk 4, the version of the Leonardo AW101 that is tailored for a life at sea with the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) that provides airborne assault capability for the Royal Marines.

Former RAF Merlins were reassigned to the CHF in 2014/15, and all 19 HC3s and six HC3As are being upgraded to HC4/4A standard as part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme.

Central to the Mk 4 upgrade is a ‘marinisation’ programme that fits folding main rotors and a folding tailboom so the helicopters can operate from Royal Navy carriers and assault ships. The helicopters have a revised undercarriage and fast-roping beam added, while in the full Mk 4 configuration the avionics and flight deck displays are upgraded to match those of the Navy’s HM2 anti-submarine version.

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Day 3 p1.indd 1 13/09/2017 15:34

3official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei

DAVID DONALD

Leonardo’s BriteCloud expendable RF decoy has undergone an extensive series of trials during which it showed significant promise.

In March this year the system was tested against what the company described as ‘‘a range of realistic ground-based threats’’ in a campaign undertaken in the USA by the RAF’s No. 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron. The platform was a Tornado GR.Mk 4.

More than 80 BriteClouds were launched during the trials,

and repeatedly broke the radar lock of the threat system. Currently, the data from the trials is being analysed by the RAF’s Air Warfare Centre and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and following due diligence Leonardo hopes the system can be cleared for service.

BriteCloud fires from a standard chaff/flare dispenser and incorporates a digital RF memory (DRFM) jammer that decoys radar-guided missiles away from the aircraft platform. The battery-powered system is far more effective at defeating

continued from page 1The flight deck has five

10x8in displays, touchscreen system control units and cursor controls for the tactical displays, and a General Dynamics UK tactical mission system is installed.

The first Mk 4 took to the air from Leonardo’s Yeovil plant on 24 October last year, and has been engaged on trials with the company since. Known as MSLP 1, the aircraft made its

first appearance at its future base at Yeovilton in July, and is now here at DSEI. Deliveries to the Royal Navy are due to begin in March, with the 25th aircraft scheduled to be handed over in 2020 to permit the re-equipment of the CHF’s 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons.

In the interim, Leonardo modified seven aircraft to an interim Mk 3i configuration to cover a capability gap. They retain the Mk 3’s avionics,

BriteCloud zeroes in on clearance

but have the folding rotors and tailboom, and other modifications. Initial operating capability with this version was achieved with 846 NAS in March 2016, coinciding with the 1 April retirement of the Sea King HC4 that had previously equipped the CHF’s ‘Junglie’ fleet. The seven Mk 3i helicopters will re-enter the upgrade line towards the end of the programme to bring them up to full Mk 4 standard.

In the meantime, Leonardo is progressing the Merlin

Crowsnest radar platform version towards its in-service date of 2020, and is due to deliver the first rescue-configured AW101 to Norway in the next few weeks. The company reports that the eight AW159 anti-submarine helicopters for the Republic of Korea Navy have been operational since July, and that an order for 12 more is likely. The company is also pitching its AW149 dual-use transport helicopter to the RAF as a Puma HC2 replacement.

Merlin for the Marines

radar-guided missiles than traditional chaff, and has the added advantage of not being susceptible to home-on-jam techniques that can target traditional internal electronic countermeasures.

Saab is offering the

BriteCloud as an option on all versions of the Gripen fighter, while it is proven on the Tornado. These employ the

initial BriteCloud 55 version of the decoy, which is fired from circular dispensers with

a 55mm diameter.In June, Leonardo unveiled

the BriteCloud 218, which has 2x1x8in dimensions to fit the rectangular-section dispensers used by aircraft such as the F-15 and F-16. The 218 version has been test-launched from an F-16 of the Royal Danish Air Force as part of final development work.

Day 3 p3.indd 4 13/09/2017 15:50


DAVID DONALD

Speaking at DSEI yesterday, the Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Michael Fallon, summarised the government’s changing approach to defence under the categories of choice, collaboration and competition. Noting that the geopolitical situation had worsened and that threats had increased since the last DSEI exhibition, he remarked that, ‘‘as danger proliferates, the stock of defence rises’’.

Outlining the government’s new look at national security, the defence minister characterised it as ensuring that the major Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2015 was being implemented effectively to meet changing needs. Highlighting the choices that the government has made to develop a stronger defence, Fallon referred to the decision to grow the defence budget by 0.5 per cent above inflation year on year. That has resulted

in a £36 billion spend in 2017. Big-ticket programmes such as the two aircraft carriers and ‘Dreadnought’ submarines are being implemented to ensure that the strategic nuclear and conventional deterrents will

intelligence as a means of performing tasks with greater safety and reliability is also an area for investment, although the minister reassured the audience that ‘‘software is not a substitute for soldiers, sailors and pilots’’.

One specific task that was highlighted as an area where increased automation is key, is mine and IED clearance, and to that end he announced a £55 million contract for new mine disposal robots from Harris Corporation. Another contract was announced for Leonardo to develop the Icarus technology demonstrator for

a vehicle active protection system. The Dragonfire laser weapon demonstrator was also mentioned, the minister noting that the technology would ‘‘appeal as much to the accountant as it would to the warrior’’.

Under the collaboration heading, Fallon said companies and agencies should continue to ‘‘work together across the defence enterprise’’. The aircraft carriers were cited as a good example, bringing together companies from across the UK into a single project. The F-35 fighter programme also underlined the value of how collaboration on an international scale could benefit UK industry.

Although the UK has been the world’s second-biggest defence exporter for more than 10 years, the minister underlined the need to maintain competition to drive down costs and retain a market position.

Referencing the UK’s post-Brexit stance to become more international, Fallon remarked, ’’It’s time to do more to compete for a bigger share of the international market. It’s time now to build in exportability [into defence products] from the off.’’

An example is the new Type 31e light frigate − with the ‘e’ standing for ‘export’ − of which five are to be delivered as Type 23 replacements from 2023. Setting a maximum price of £250 million, the vessels are expected to offer open architecture systems so that they can be tailored for export.

remain effective into the 2040s.Fallon also referred to an

increasing amount being spent on innovations, with

£800 million earmarked for investment in areas such as big data, which can be used to identify shortcomings and predict events with greater clarity than is currently possible. Harnessing artificial

Choices, collaboration and competition

It’s time to do more to compete for a bigger share of the international market‘‘ ’’

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official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei6

BETH STEVENSON

The UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has contracted Leonardo to explore the technology required for the integration of an active protection system (APS) capability for the British Army’s armoured vehicle fleet.

The £10 million Icarus technology demonstrator programme (TDP) will see Leonardo lead a team of UK companies in bringing together

the best technology to develop the APS, ahead of a potential introduction of the capability across the army’s vehicle fleet.

Under the proof-of-concept project, a modular, integrated protection system (MIPS) electronic architecture will be established, based upon open system architecture.

Leonardo will use its experience in developing a variety of protection systems to carry out the work, most notably counter-improvised

explosive device technology for the army, and integrated defensive aids systems for the UK’s rotorcraft fleet and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Other partners working on the project include BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin UK, Ultra Electronics, Frazer-Nash, the University of Brighton, Abstract Solutions, Roke Manor Research and SCISYS.

Under the TDP, the Leonardo team will demonstrate and evaluate an operational prototype against live fire weapon engagements, showcasing the ability to defeat missile threats within 100 milliseconds, which is half the time it takes a human to react to a visual cue, says Dstl.

The thinking behind the TDP stems from foresight that has concluded that a vehicle’s armour alone will not suffice against threats such as rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided weapons.

While APS technology already exists, there is no one solution that can defeat all threats − current systems either tackle early threats by trying to decoy, or engage later on with a kinetic effect − so the TDP is looking to explore a single solution that is suited to all scenarios.

DAVID DONALD

From its Broughton facility in north Wales, Raytheon UK (Stand S9-110) is responsible for looking after the Shadow and Sentinel aircraft fleets of the Royal Air Force. Tasked with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), the two types are currently heavily involved in operations, which makes undertaking scheduled maintenance more difficult to accomplish without reducing operational capability. That challenge has become more crucial for the Sentinel fleet since one of the five aircraft was withdrawn on

Single protection solution sought Support

fleet

Ajax is a candidate for the new APS

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budgetary grounds in March.To offset this apparent

shortfall, Raytheon UK has streamlined its maintenance processes so that ‘downtime’ is considerably reduced. For instance, the 10-year ‘HC’ check for the Sentinel, which requires a complete strip-down, took a year for the first aircraft to go through the process. By the third machine, that period had been reduced to six months.

Raytheon has had an integrated support solution in place for the Sentinel since last October to maintain the aircraft through to its out-of-service date in 2021. That includes addressing

obsolescence issues and to implement system upgrades. The aircraft’s AESA dual-band SAR/GMTI radar will be improved, with either an upgrade or a replacement being studied. Mission software and satellite communications are also being improved.

Sentinel continues to deliver unrivalled high-altitude wide-area intelligence, the need for which has not diminished, and will require some replacement if the aircraft is retired in 2021 as planned.

Based on the Beechcraft King Air, the Shadow system is also supported under a contract that extends to 2019. Raytheon is

Airbus Defence and Space has selected Coventry-headquartered Nasmyth Group to provide the Spacecraft Transporter Container for the new generation of satellites based on Eurostar Neo, one of two satellite product lines being developed by the European Space Agency under its NEOSAT programme.

Among the aims of NEOSAT is to support Airbus in creating a commercially attractive platform for the mid-range and high-end telecommunications sector. The programme will also build a supply chain in Europe.

For its part, Nasmyth (Stand S2-372) will build the Spacecraft Transport Container that is used to transport the satellites by road, rail, sea or air, as applicable. The container incorporates a cleanroom to avoid contamination of the satellite while it is in transit.

Nasmyth is also providing two removable Turnaround Trolleys, which allow the spacecraft to be rotated through 360° and can provide powered movement in horizontal and vertical planes. Delivery to Airbus Defence and Space is due in March 2019.

Satellite transporterrting the ISR

leading a programme to deliver a long-term support solution that will run from then until a planned retirement in 2030.

In the next few weeks, elements of the programme, such as Part 145 maintenance and Part M airworthiness elements, will be put out to competition. The Shadow has been brought into the core from urgent operational requirement status, and it will be receiving spiral upgrades as a result.

Under the 2015 defence review, the Shadow fleet was authorised to grow from five to eight, and the additional three aircraft have been bought and are undergoing modification.

The RAF and Raytheon are now studying what a ‘Mk 2’ Shadow might be. Although there are no specifics, the aircraft will likely become fully networked and more software-controlled, introducing an ‘app-based’ approach to different mission requirements.

To provide this support for the ISR fleet, Raytheon UK has moved into a second hangar at Hawarden airfield in Wales, and is increasing the special-mission aircraft workforce. By the end of this year, it will have increased from 160 to 200, and then to 230 by next April.

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CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

Nexter (Stand S9-260) is continuing to invest in its VBCI (8x8) armoured vehicle to meet potential export customers’ requirements, including the UK Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme.

The Nexter Roanne facility has now delivered 630 VBCI to the French Army in two versions: infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) (520) and command post (110).

The IFV has a one-person turret armed with a stabilised 25mm cannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, which can also be laid onto the target by the commander, who is seated in the hull on the left side to the rear of the driver.

The command post vehicle has a roof-mounted remote weapon station (RWS) armed with a stabilised .50 machine gun.

The VBCI has seen extensive operational use by the French Army in Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Lebanon and Mali, and in the latter case it deployed some 2,500km without the use of heavy equipment transporters.

To meet different user requirements, the VBCI can be fitted with various weapon systems, up to a 120mm low-recoil gun.

The VBCI shown at DSEI has the Kongsberg Protector RWS armed with a stabilised .50 machine gun and a Javelin anti-tank guided missile mounted externally.

The commander (right), gunner (left) and driver are all provided with flat-panel displays from the UK and a boiling vessel is fitted as

standard in the rear troop compartment.

The vehicle also has a raised roof line for greater internal volume, emergency lighting, the latest blast-attenuating seats and revised stowage in either side of the hull.

The all-welded aluminium hull can be fitted with various appliqué passive armour solutions, plus rocket-propelled grenade net-type protection systems, which were fitted to some French vehicles for deployment to Afghanistan.

The most recent development for the export market is fitting the latest Nexter Systems T40 two-person turret armed with a CTA International 40mm Case Telescoped Armament System (CTAS) cannon and a roof-mounted RWS with a 12.7mm machine gun.

While the last production VBCI was handed to the French Army several years ago, the production line has been used to upgrade 95 vehicles in two batches (48 plus 47), with the last of these recently handed over. There is potential for future French army upgrades for additional VBCI.

Nexter stresses that the production line and the supply base are still in existence and production would recommence when additional orders are placed.

Standard VBCI have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of approximately 29 tonnes, but the latest export version has a GVW of up 32 tonnes, upgraded suspension and a more powerful Volvo engine developing 600hp, coupled to an automatic transmission. This has been fully qualified by the French Army.

VBCI targets new markets

The VBCI at DSEI is fitted with a Kongsberg RWS armed with a .50 M2 machine gun and Javelin anti-tank guided missile mounted externally

Day 3 p8.indd 4 13/09/2017 16:00


DAVID DONALD

UTC Aerospace Systems’ Plymouth-based Atlantic Inertial Systems facility has developed two new members of its family of MEMS-based inertial measurement units with increased performance. This has led to systems that are accurate over greater ranges and longer endurances than previously, and brings the new MEMS-based Titan into the realm of performance offered by much larger fibre-optic gyro (FOG) units.

Having produced the world’s first inertial measurement units based on MEMS (micro

electromechanical systems) technology for military use, UTC Aerospace Systems (UTAS, Stand S5-165) has now delivered more than 130,000 for use in missile and weapon navigation and for

platform stabilisation and navigation. The company produces the SilMU02 used in a range of weapon systems, including Excalibur guided artillery round and laser-guided rockets. Using the same form

factor as SilMU02, UTAS has developed LITIS, with a new high-performance three-axis gyro that improves system performance and reduces system ’walk’, making it more applicable to platforms and weapons that have longer fly-out times or greater ranges, where accuracy ‘creep’ becomes more critical.

Dubbed a ‘near-tactical grade’ system, LITIS will be ready for production next year. Titan is following behind, a tactical-grade IMU. Also retaining the SilMU02 form, it has both the new gyro from LITIS and a new three-axis accelerometer to increase performance further.

MEMS Titan challenges FOG

Day 3 p10.indd 4 13/09/2017 16:16

Displays for harsh habitatsSpeciality manufacturer Esterline (Stand S3-320) is releasing a new version of its Thin eXtreme display series, the TX series/2, in two sizes. These are the TX-126/2 with a 10in diagonal 4:3 aspect ratio and the TX-340, a 15in diagonal 16:9 aspect ratio, both ready for full HD sensors interface and display.

The new products are designed for harsh ground vehicle and helicopter environments, and feature high brightness, touchscreens, GVA/NGVA keypad layout and multiple video format interfaces.

13

Hensoldt’s acquisition of UK-based surveillance and security radar systems group Kelvin Hughes will spur the company’s accelerated growth in the security market, according to Celia Pelaz, Hensoldt’s head of strategic business development.

ECI Partners reached agreement with Hensoldt in June this year for the sale of Kelvin Hughes. The acquisition is set to be completed by the end of this month.

‘‘Kelvin Hughes will help us strengthen our naval and coastal

Acquisition strengthens security market growth

official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei

portfolio, and also our security solutions business line,’’ said Pelaz, adding that the acquisition ‘‘allows us to accelerate our pursuit of the security market’’.

Kelvin Hughes chief executive Russell Gould said: ‘‘We are aiming to contribute to many areas of growth. Kelvin Hughes has a long legacy, and is known for its innovative products and solutions. About 95 per cent of our business in an average year is export. That complements Hensoldt’s strategy.

‘‘Furthermore, we have a products and solutions

portfolio that fits in neatly with Hensoldt’s own portfolio.’’

Hensoldt has appointed Gould to run the company’s newly formed security solutions business line. While Kelvin Hughes will be fully integrated into the Hensoldt group, the Kelvin Hughes brand is expected to live on, given its strong recognition in the marketplace.

Pelaz said Hensoldt wants to double its annual turnover from €1 billion to €2 billion over the next five years. ‘‘We see about half of that growth coming out of acquisitions,’’ she said.

Day 3 p13.indd 4 13/09/2017 14:11

New kid on the block?Is it new? The concept is certainly not new as insurgents on many continents have used the method of a heavy gun on a flatbed. Using the same concept but with the application of existing equipment configured and redeployed to fill a capability gap, AM General (Stand N5-152) is about to put into production a solution for the strike force and infantry, which the company says will be a welcome addition.

It is called the HMMWV Hawkeye, which may initially be confusing until it is explained that is not a UAV, nor is its heritage Australian. It is the Hawkeye Howitzer M20 cannon produced by Mandus Group, which has been mounted on a Humvee using only four bolts. The UK representative Andrew Gillespie said: ‘‘The need for agility and speed to ‘shoot and scoot’ is an absolute must. Placing a 105mm howitzer on a Humvee or any four-wheeled drive platform does have its problems particularly with recoil, which typically meant that the 105mm howitzer traditionally was a towed gun.

‘‘AM General has overcome this issue with 70 per cent of the energy expelled forward, and 30 per cent of the recoil is used to reload. The solution has many advantages. The platform is transportable by most, if not all, air transporters, including C-27, C-130, A400 and Chinook − albeit underslung.

‘‘The logistic footprint of the vehicle is low, as are the life-cycle costs. Simplicity of design and use of existing equipment already available, maintenance and crew training is minimal making the solution a winner for a gap that needs to be filled.’’


CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

Being shown for the first time in the UK on Stand N6-158 is the latest Turkish Otokar Arma (8x8) armoured personnel carrier (APC) fitted with its own Ucok remote weapon station (RWS). This has been developed by Otokar using internal research and development funding; the launch customer is Bahrain.

Arma is a complete family of wheeled APCs and variants manufactured in 8x8 and 6x6 configurations, which share many subsystems to reduce through-life costs.

Both configurations are powered by a Cummins diesel engine developing 450hp

coupled to a fully automatic transmission. The vehicles are fully amphibious with little preparation, being propelled in the water by two propellers at a speed of up to 8km/h.

The Ucok RWS can be armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL). The RWS has a dual-axis independently driven sight that

features a thermal camera and a charge-coupled device camera, and allows the aiming sight to stay on the target even when the platform is moving.

Arma (8x8) can be fitted with a wide range of weapon stations including the CMI Defence 105mm turret, which in addition to firing conventional natures of ammunition can fire a 105mm laser-guided projectile out to a range of 5,000m.

To meet the specific operational requirements of the United Arab Emirates, further development of the Arma in the 8x8 configuration has resulted in the Rabdan, which has a gross vehicle weight of 28 tonnes but is still fully amphibious. This was first shown early in 2017 and the UAE has ordered 400 vehicles.

First presentation in the UK

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HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIESSPECIAL & NAVALSHIPBUILDING DIVISIONhttp://www.hhi.co.krTel. 82 2 746 7650 Fax. 82 2 746 8772E-mail. [email protected]

DAVID DONALD

Thales Australia (Stand S6-110) has launched a new variant of its 5.56mm F90 rifle. The original F90 has been in service with the Australian Defence Force since late 2015, and the company has delivered around 15,000 of the 30,000 on order. The weapon has performed very well in operations, and is now being offered in an improved and NATO-compatible form for armies in Europe. For instance, Thales has answered an RFI from Germany.

Whereas ADF weapons use an AUG magazine, inherited from the weapon’s derivation as a major upgrade of the F88 Austeyr rifle, there are a number of nations who have

interoperability in the NATO context. Thales has also taken the opportunity to enhance the weapon, notably to cater for ambidextrous operations. There is a forward magazine release on both left and right sides, complemented by a rear magazine release, while a bolt release catch is also included on

Extreme Team has designed and introduced a lightweight shock-proof backpack to house Blackned’s deployable network infrastructure. The portable LTE-based network can connect some 400 personnel, primarily

first responders during emergencies where there is no existing coverage or in the case that it has been lost.

Because it is deployed in extreme conditions, it is essential that the housing

shown interest in a version that can accept NATO magazines as standard for the M4 and M16 weapons.

The resultant F90 MBR (modular bullpup rifle) has a new butt stock that can accept the M4/16 magazine, which holds 30 rounds. The upgrade provides considerable

Backpack for extreme conditionsbackpack offers physical and environmental protection for the equipment, according to Extreme Team.

The two companies have previously worked together on a deployable network programme

for the German armed forces, and the new backpack was leveraged off this work.

The rugged backpack is being shown by Extreme Cases on Stand N8-172.

Blackned is a high-tech IT and consulting company based in southern Germany.

Weapon gets NATO compatibilityboth sides. Another important change is that the gas block is compliant with US ‘over the beach’ requirements, and the

gun is able to be fired right after being immersed in water.

F90 MBR comes with three interchangeable barrel lengths of 14-, 16- and 20in. The barrels are synchronised with the individual gun stock and zeroed with the sight system. This allows the barrel to be changed and the gun ready for firing with optimum performance. There are three Picatinny rails for mounting accessories and an underslung grenade launcher, and Thales is prototyping a slip-on rail extension system. In operation the existing F90 has proved accurate to around 600m when fitted with the 20in barrel and a forward grip.

Day 3 p16.indd 4 13/09/2017 14:34


BETH STEVENSON

Saab (Stand N2-230) is hoping that the British Army will once again incorporate the Carl-Gustaf man-portable weapon into its inventory, following a hiatus in operations since the 1990s.

The Dynamics division of the company carried out a demonstration of the anti-tank weapon to the UK in 2016, and Görgen Johansson, head of the business division, said he hopes that the new M4 configuration will appeal to the country’s forces.

‘‘We clearly are world-leading in shoulder-launched weapons,’’ Johansson said. ‘‘The UK is one of the most important markets for us. We have been there a long time and it is an attractive market.’’

The demonstration saw Saab personnel act as infantry patrol carrying the M4, and employed a range of types of ammunition, showing how dismounted soldiers can eliminate different targets using the weapon.

US Special Operations Command uses the Carl-Gustaf, which given the shared

approach to operations with the UK, may appeal to the latter to acquire the weapon once again.

Additionally, the company announced at the show that it had signed a framework contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency to support future orders of ammunition for Oslo’s M2 and M3 versions of the Carl-Gustaf. It covers orders and delivery of live and training rounds, during the period of 2017-22.

An initial order worth some SEK68 million (£6.4 million) was placed at the same time, and deliveries of this order will take place between 2017 and 2018.

Furthermore, here at DSEI, Saab will be demonstrating the

‘Carl-Gustaf Experience’, which will offer the opportunity for attendees to wear HTC Vive VR goggles to test out using the munition.

Plugged into a launcher, it will be possible to simulate firing the shoulder-launched weapon. The Carl-Gustaf M4 is also on display on the company’s stand.

Appealing for reconsideration

Day 3 p18.indd 4 13/09/2017 14:35

19

Torpedo launchers for frigates

official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei

RICHARD SCOTT

SEA, part of Cohort plc (Stand S6-240), has won a contract from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to supply torpedo launcher systems for two new frigates being built for the Philippines Navy.

This latest order follows on from previous contracts to supply torpedo launcher

systems to the navies of Malaysia and Thailand.

Under its scope of supply to HHI, SEA will supply two launcher shipsets, each comprising port

and starboard triple tubes on a rotating base, capable of firing a NATO standard 324mm

lightweight torpedo. The tubes themselves

are manufactured from composite materials for extended equipment life and low signature; modern

electronics provide for ease of combat system integration, and allow for reversionary use in a standalone mode.

The equipment will be manufactured at SEA’s facilities at Barnstaple, north Devon. Delivery of the first system to HHI is scheduled for late 2018.

In addition to equipment supply, SEA will be providing a range of installation and support services to ensure successful acceptance and through-life support.

SAM J BASCH

UK specialist rifle maker Rangemaster (Stand N6-376) is introducing its latest Ultra series of tactical rifles, which comprise the .308 (pictured), .338 and 50-cal Browning machine gun (BMG).

According to Michael Markham, chief executive of Rangemaster Precision Arms, this range of tactical rifles takes the precision and accuracy of its products to a new level.

Among the features of the Ultra chassis system is a left closing stock incorporating the company’s new patent pending toughened steel hinge

mechanism, which leaves the bolt able to be operated at all times.

This rifle, specifically designed for counter-terror operations in urban and jungle environments, can be folded to be carried in a motorcycle pannier to be

Give it your best shot infiltrated discreetly into the target area.

Rangemaster also announced the expansion of its barrel manufacturing capability, with the recent acquisition of state-of-the-art machinery from the USA and Germany. This will allow the company to produce barrels to match or better the

high standards of well-known brands

from those countries. ‘‘We have also taken delivery of our own nitriding furnace, which will enable us to provide rock hard finishes to our existing RPA components,’’ said Markham.

Day 3 p19.indd 4 13/09/2017 11:11


CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

Swiss company Curtiss-Wright, Defense Solutions Division (Stand S9-440) is emphasising its Turret Drive Servo System (TDSS) technology capability. This is an innovative and upgradable turret aiming and stabilisation system, which delivers scalable functionality and power adaptability to ground vehicle designers as well as turret contractors.

TDSS components have a number of key elements including rotary gear drives, linear gear drives, motor

controllers, gyroscopes, hand controllers and system software.

The company is currently offering three different turret

Adaptable turret solution

configurations: mechanical, electrical and fully stabilised, to meet all potential user requirements, with typical

applications being one or two-person turrets.

The basic configuration is mechanical and the commander and/or gunner is provided

with hand controllers to mechanically move the turret in traverse and the weapon in elevation and depression.

The second TDSS version is electrical, in

which a servo drive provides basic electro-mechanical

aiming of the turret and gun, with hand controls provided for manual back-up in case of power supply.

This system configuration includes rotary and/or linear

Day 3 p20-21.indd 4 13/09/2017 11:14


No gap too wideBAE Systems Land (UK) has announced at DSEI that it has teamed with General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) for part of the UK MoD Project Tyro, which is the replacement for the current BR90 bridging system deployed by the Royal Engineers.

The new Modular Bridging System (MBS) bridge panels will be manufactured by GDELS in Germany and shipped to BAE Systems for assembly and testing.

According to BAE Systems, the new bridges, designed to carry heavy vehicles over long spans, are in the final stages of test and evaluation. The MBS

is fully compatible with the British Army’s existing bridging vehicles, which include the Unipower (8x8) platform.

If BAE Systems wins Project Tyro, these vehicles would be upgraded and rebuilt at its Telford facility.

The MBS will provide the Royal Engineers with unrestricted gap-crossing capability for both close support

(assault) and general support (tactical) bridging roles. It has been designed to carry the latest generation of tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles across wet and dry gaps exceeding 60m, and will be compatible with the Royal Engineers’ Titan armoured vehicle launched bridge, which can lay a bridge in under two minutes with the crew under full armour protection.

Also competing for Project Tyro is Williams Fairey Engineering Limite (now owned by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann of Germany) with a down select and winner due to be announced in 2018.

drives, motor controllers and optionally hand controllers.

Stabilised is the third configuration and this configuration adds gyroscopes for stabilised turret control for greater accuracy, especially when engaging moving targets while the platform is also moving.

In addition to being a leading provider of TDSS, the company can also supply ammunition-handling systems, missile launcher motion control and remote weapon station components.

Curtiss-Wright has recently ramped up its production capability and put in lean manufacturing principles. This not only improves control over development activities but also reduces development time.

Day 3 p20-21.indd 5 13/09/2017 11:14


DAVID DONALD

Last Thursday Airbus Defence and Space performed the first flight of an A330 MRTT

BETH STEVENSON

MBDA has contracted Harris Corporation (Stand N5-120) to provide the pneumatic carriage

and release system for its new Spear air-to-surface missile. Harris was contracted for the Spear work in the first quarter of FY18 and announced the award during DSEI. The contract award follows the completion of a concept assessment phase, and provides an option for the upcoming demonstration phase contract.

Spear is due to be integrated onto the UK’s Lockheed Martin F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, and Harris will provide four internal bay-compatible Scorpion lightweight ejection rack units

(ERU) for each of the fighters’ weapon bays. Harris’ ERUs have a high degree of weapon departure control, it says, and will be manufactured in Brighton, UK.

Spear will replace MBDA’s Brimstone 2, and will also be rolled out to the Royal Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoon. It proved the ability to do so when it was launched from the aircraft during trials in 2016.

Harris said the contracted work will also facilitate integration of the weapon onto UAVs in the future.

Spear is ready for release

Phénix r

Leonardo Helicopters (Stand S5-110, Static SG14) is hoping to be contracted to develop a new-build unmanned rotorcraft as a follow-on to phase two of the capability concept demonstration (CCD) that it is carrying out for the Royal Navy.

Subject to an award from the UK Ministry of Defence − something the company is hoping to receive by the end of 2018 − Leonardo will look to develop a larger helicopter than the SW-4 Solo currently being

RICHARD SCOTT

Inzpire (Stand S9-244) is showing for the first time at DSEI a fully functional example of its Targeted Fidelity Simulator (TFS), which it describes as ‘‘an innovative solution to modern flying training needs’’.

Leveraging its experience in the delivery of live and synthetic training, Inzpire has developed TFS as an alternative to full-motion simulators. The company argues that while the latter cost less than live

Future-proused for the rotary-wing UAS CCD, which is likely to be in the 1-2 tonne weight range.

Speaking at DSEI, John Ponsonby, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said that should a follow-on development phase begin, the aircraft will be a solely unmanned vehicle, unlike Solo, which is an optionally piloted vehicle.

‘‘An optionally piloted vehicle is a perfectly feasible thing to use today, but it doesn’t take

you to that next level,’’ said Ponsonby.

The increased weight will allow it to carry more payload, including the possibility of weapons, but it is as yet undecided if it will be a single- or twin-engine design.

The current CCD is expected to complete in mid-2018, and will result in the takeoff and landing of a UAV from a Type 23 frigate. However, this sea trial will utilise Leonardo’s SD-150 Hero rotary-wing UAV and not the Solo.

Unmanned successor for Solo

Day 3 p22-23.indd 4 13/09/2017 11:26


(multirole tanker transport) for the French Air Force. France’s defence procurement agency, the Direction Générale de l’Armement, has nine on

contract and expects to order another three. The type will be called Phénix in Armée de l’Air service.

This first aircraft for France is the second A330 MRTT to be completed to a new baseline standard, with structural modifications and some aerodynamic refinements that reduce fuel burn by one per cent. The aircraft also has upgraded avionics and military systems.

The A330 was delivered in ‘green’ condition from the airliner production line at

x rises

Toulouse and modified for the MRTT role at Airbus Defence and Space’s Getafe plant near Madrid. The French aircraft are outfitted with both the Airbus refuelling boom system and underwing hose/drogue units. The cabin can be configured for up to 272 passengers or for medical evacuation. The first delivery is due next year to begin the replacement of France’s ageing Boeing C-135 tanker fleet.

France is one of eight customers to have selected the A330 MRTT, and Airbus

training, they are nonetheless inflexible, expensive to acquire and support, occupy significant space and infrastructure, and suffer risk of obsolescence.

In contrast, the TFS can be installed in smaller spaces, and is low maintenance and fully customisable. This means each customer’s requirements can be met, whether that be for the aircraft type, weapons systems, or the type of flying training required (from basic through to operational).

Furthermore, the system uses cutting-edge image and

scenario generation software, which is easy to upgrade. This ensures the system is future-proofed as new technology becomes available.

The TFS is designed from the outset to be scalable and networked, allowing for team and collective training to be conducted across multiple local simulators or distributed across other sites. Inzpire has already integrated land systems with the TFS, enabling collective training with land forces.

‘‘The defence industry has a history of providing

solutions which don’t meet the customer’s requirements, are over budget and are invariably delivered late,’’ said Jonny Priest, Inzpire’s head of helicopter

has delivered 28 of the 51 aircraft currently on order. The most recent order for two has come from the Multi-national MRTT Fleet (MMF), a European Defence Agency initiative that initially comprised Luxembourg and the Netherlands. These aircraft are due for delivery to Eindhoven air base in 2020 to replace the Dutch KDC-10 tanker/transports. Germany and Norway joined the MMF in June this year, and an order for a further five (plus four options) is expected. The RAF operates the type as the Voyager.

roofed simulator

services. ‘‘TFS provides them with a customisable simulator solution that ensures the training they receive is relevant to their needs.’’

Day 3 p22-23.indd 5 13/09/2017 11:26


New propellant systems

Alongside its range of imaging solutions for the defence and security market, Dutch company Xenics (Stand N2-302) is showcasing the Bobcat-320-Gated, the latest in its cost sensitive SWIR InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) camera series. It is a gated imaging version for use in applications where very short exposure times are required.

The Bobcat-320-Gated features trigger-in and jitter-free trigger-out for synchronisation, with a distinctive feature being the programmable trigger-out delay between the internally generated trigger-out pulse and

For safety and security

CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

EURENCO (Stand N7-330) has released details of two new propellant systems, which have been developed by internal research and development funding since 2015 as part of its Total Ammunition Large Calibre (TALC) propellant project.

The first of these is the NK1404, which is the company’s propellant for 155mm modular

systems installed in many of the more recent 155mm self-propelled artillery systems.

For 120mm armoured piercing fin stabilised discarding sabot tank ammunition, EURENCO has developed the GB19T propellant, which completed its second series of firing tests in June 2016 in Bourges, France. This temperature-stable propellant will also soon be qualified and,

waves at high temperature were observed. According to EURENCO, another series of tests is due to be carried out late in 2017, which will lead to final qualification.

MCS are now rapidly replacing conventional 155mm artillery bag charges, because these are more suitable for use in the automatic ammunition handling

charge systems (MCS) used by towed and self-propelled systems. Each MCS contains 2.5kg of NK1404 propellant and so far, more than 500 of these have been fired at the Bofors test range in Sweden at all temperatures and ranges, with good test results claimed. In particular, neither residue at low temperature and no pressure

the start of the exposure.Integration of the Xenics

infrared camera cores is done by its customers into various sights, imaging cameras, PTZ systems, pods or gimbals for

use in safety and security applications. These include perimeter protection, search and rescue, border surveillance, traffic monitoring, pilot or driver assistance, target acquisition and identification, and public safety.

The company states that visitors to the exhibition will see a full line-up of its OEM camera modules for the spectral ranges of SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR.

A vertically integrated manufacturer with advanced production facilities and in-house know-how on detector systems and software development, Xenics delivers optimised custom designs.

Rally for HeroesRally for Heroes is a biennial charity road trip across Europe, involving more than 100 people and 60 vehicles. The team aims to drive five miles for every fallen hero in Afghanistan, with the goal of raising more than £100,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces’ charity. Combat operations are now over in Afghanistan, but tragically, 456 men and women lost their lives in the conflict and 615 sustained life-changing injuries. Rally for Heroes is seeking corporate support to help sustain SSAFA’s efforts to support service personnel.

Day 3 p24-25.indd 4 13/09/2017 11:41

DSEI Daily editorialThe DSEI Daily is a production by Jane’s. Four editions are written and produced on site; material for inclusion can be delivered by hand to office S3 off the main boulevard.

Publisher: Raf Kotowicz; Show Daily Manager: Lynne Raishbrook; Editor: Günter Endres; Deputy Editor: Christopher F Foss; Reporters: David Donald, Richard Scott, Sam J Basch and Beth Stevenson; Production Editor: Lynn Newton; Deputy Production Editor: Nicola Keeler; Photographer: Patrick Allen; Online Editor: James Macinnes; Operations Manager: Simon Kay.

Printing and distribution by MM Print Services Ltd.

IRNV Group’s Nocturna (Stand N6-381), is highlighting at DSEI its range of innovative handheld infrared night-vision cameras. These include the Spotter, which has a 20x optical zoom and 25° field of view, enabling the user to zoom in and identify objects at distances of up to 500m.

Government and civilian search and rescue organisations will find these products useful in situations where the early detection of people lost or injured in low-visibility conditions is critical.

Light up the dark

official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei 25

like the NK1404, has been developed by EURENCO in Karlskoga, Sweden.

In addition, a new REACH-compatible 120mm combustible cartridge case (CCS) has been developed in parallel by the EURENCO research and development teams in Bergerac, France.

All natures of 120mm ammunition fired by the Rheinmetall (Leopard 2) and

Nexter (Leclerc) main battle tanks use ammunition with a semi-combustible cartridge case, and all that remains after firing is a stub cartridge case.

The ammunition fired by the Nexter 120mm smoothbore gun installed on the Leclerc MBT has to be barcoded, because the vehicle is fitted with a bustle-mounted automatic loader.

SAM J BASCH

Development of India’s Akash air defence weapon system (AWS) is progressing well. The system is on display at Bharat Electronics in the Indian Pavilion (Stand N6-110).

Akash is a mobile all-weather, area air defence weapon system, with all components, including launchers, mounted on a vehicle, trailer or static platform to defend vulnerable areas and points against medium-range targets penetrating from low to high altitudes.

A three-dimensional central acquisition radar (3D CAR)

undertakes surveillance, while the combat control centre (CCC), which is a C4I system, controls the entire operation in group mode.

The high manoeuvrability of the Akash missile with solid fuel integral ramjet rocket propulsion effectively engages high-performance air targets, such as tactical strike aircraft, bombers, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, UAVs

and armed helicopters.Visitors to the stand can

also see India’s weapon-locating radar (WLR), which is designed primarily to locate hostile guns, mortars and rockets in real time at ranges of more than 40km distant.

An important feature of the radar is the ability to locate enemy weapons from first round and transmit the data to counter-fire elements for retaliatory engagement.

In a secondary role, the WLR can track and observe the fall of shot from the user’s own weapons to enable fire correction. The system is mounted on a vehicle to operate in all terrain and weather conditions.

Hit them first

Day 3 p24-25.indd 5 13/09/2017 11:41


RICHARD SCOTT

Swedish defence and security company Saab (Stand N2-230) has been contracted by the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to supply its Trackfire remote weapon station (RWS) for Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) assault craft.

The Trackfire RWS will equip the new Combat Boat 90 (CB90 HSM) on order for the Amphibious Corps. Dockstavarvet is under contract from FMV to build 18 CB90 HSM boats with delivery running from 2018 to early 2020.

Strengthened to perform beachings at high speed, the new 15m welded aluminium

craft will be based on the existing CB90 design but will be fitted with larger engines and modern electronics, plus the Trackfire RWS.

Saab’s contract includes batch deliveries of an undisclosed number of Trackfire systems, with options for additional quantities, including

integration and in-service support. The first batch will be delivered between the third quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2019.

Trackfire on the move

Day 3 p26.indd 4 13/09/2017 11:17


BETH STEVENSON

Systematic (Stand S5-160) has announced at DSEI that its SitaWare Frontline software has been rolled out onto Denmark’s CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.

Installed and deployed on 13 CV90s operated by the Danish army, the tactical overview software aids soldiers in gaining situational awareness by providing an overview of areas occupied by friendly and hostile forces.

Part of the Royal Danish Army’s tactical communications network, Frontline is a tablet-based capability, so each soldier

can add their own observations to the operational picture, which will then become visible to other members in the unit.

The company says the application helps reduce the risk of friendly fire by aiding

personnel in working together to share information.

In addition to monitoring enemy forces, friendly force tracking is also a feature of the software, providing a real-time update on where individuals are.

Plans, diagrams and other information can also be shared, and personnel can upload pictures, write text to explain information further, or draw routes when they see something untoward.

The Danish Royal Life Guards’ 1st Armoured Infantry Corps of the 1st Battalion will be the first to deploy Frontline, after which it is expected to be rolled out to other Danish vehicles, including tanks and the newer General Dynamics Land Systems Europe Piranha 5 armoured personnel carriers.

In addition to Denmark, the CV90 has also been selected by Finland, Lithuania, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden, the latter of which was the launch customer for the infantry fighting vehicle.

Frontline knowledge

Day 3 p27.indd 4 13/09/2017 14:28


CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

France’s CNIM Group (Stand N7-450) has expanded the capability of its Motorised

Cook Defence Systems (Stand S3-210), part of the William Cook Group, has won investment from one of the members of the consortium bidding for the British Army’s future requirement for a Mechanised Infantry Fighting Vehicle (MIV) for use by the two new Strike Brigades.

One of the contenders for the MIV is the ARTEC Boxer (8x8) Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV) already deployed by Germany and the Netherlands and to enter service with Lithuania in the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) configuration.

The ARTEC consortium includes Rheinmetall Defence and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and the latter has invested in tooling at William Cook’s Sheffield and Leeds facilities in order to strengthen its supply chain in advance of a potential

Floating Bridge (MFB), which in French Army service is called the Pont Flottant Modele F1 (PFM Mle F1). The enhancement of the MFB was prompted by

feedback for the system used by the French Army, as well as potential customers.

The MFB has been upgraded to allow it to take Military Load

Class 80 (MLC 80) tracked and wheeled vehicles, which is of key importance as many of the latest generation tanks and self-propelled artillery systems are much heavier than previous systems.

The original 75hp engines have been replaced by more powerful 90hp engines, manoeuvrability in the water has been improved, as has assembly time, and the crew has been cut from three to one.

A key feature of the MFB is that it can be used as a ferry or units can be coupled together to cross wet gaps. A typical MLC 40 ferry would consist of two sections plus two access ramps, while a 100m bridge would have nine sections plus two access ramps and would take less that 30 minutes to assemble.

order by the UK. The investment in tooling would enable high strength steel castings to be supplied for the Boxer MRAV.

William Cook, managing director of Cook Defence Systems said: ‘‘‘The Boxer proposal for the MIV programme supports British manufacturing and will help boost British export potential.’’

Cook Defence Systems supplies tracks for the British Army and many overseas users and was selected to supply the tracks for the General Dynamics Land Systems UK Ajax family of tracked vehicles, which will soon enter service with the British Army.

Investing in the future

Floating Bridge gets stronger

Day 3 p28-29.indd 4 13/09/2017 14:45


The French Army uses the Renault TRM 10 0000 (6x6) tractor truck towing trailers to transport and launch the MFB but it also has a batch of Scania trucks fitted with protected cabs. Key elements of the MFB are the tractors, which tow the trailers with associated launcher, the motorised sections, and the access ramps for which there are two versions, long and short.

The system is currently deployed by a number of countries including France, Italy, Malaysia and Switzerland, with over 5,000m of bridging already supplied. In addition to being used for military applications, the MFB is also useful in disaster situations where bridges have been washed away.

BETH STEVENSON

Systel (Stand N4-282) is offering its EB7100 multi-sensor fighting vehicle system, which is certified to operate in a variety of environments. It is fully sealed and rugged, meaning it can be deployed in extreme environments when embedded into the operator’s chosen platform.

EB7100 has ultra-dense I/O embedded capabilities, with an Intel Xeon-D 12 Core CPU, and is a single line-replaceable unit (LRU). This feature eliminates the need to integrate multiple systems, so

reduces the size, weight and power constraints of having to incorporate multiple elements of a system into a vehicle, as well as reducing the cabling and storage requirements.

The unit effectively offers the user a multi-capable embedded computer, supplying a single

point for all sensor input, real-time sensor pre-processing, motion target processing, mission software management, storage of all sensor and post-processing data, plus network distribution.

In addition to vehicles, it is also suited to counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), Systel says. The EB7100 provides features

necessary for C-UAS applications, including efficient sensor capture and encode, I/O and board

scalability, parallel CPU and GPU high performance, high

bandwidth Ethernet, and four terabytes of secure, removable storage, all in a single LRU.

Multi-sensor system

Day 3 p28-29.indd 5 13/09/2017 14:45


RICHARD SCOTT

BMT Defence Services (Stand S3-360) is highlighting the flexibility of its Venator frigate design at DSEI, with different variants being scoped for the UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) Type 31e programme and the US Navy’s nascent FFG(X) requirement.

Venator has been conceived by BMT as a flexible and adaptable ‘parent’ design achieving the optimum balance between capability, survivability and cost. Since its inception in 2012, the concept has been matured through tank testing, and increasing engagement with shipbuilders and systems suppliers. Further hydrodynamic

BAE Systems (Stand S3-110) has unveiled the latest iteration of its widely sold NAUTIS 5 mine countermeasures (MCM) command and control system at DSEI 2017.

Known as NAUTIS 5, it incorporates a number of new and improved features including a new open architecture to enable improved integration of autonomous and offboard systems; a new and improved human computer interface; and embedded onboard training.

Variants of NAUTIS are currently installed on board more than 65 ships from seven navies worldwide. The Royal Navy’s (RN’s) seven Sandown-class mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) are fitted with the NAUTIS 3 version, while the eight Hunt-class MCMVs are configured with NAUTIS 4.

According to Richard Williams, BAE Systems Naval Ships’ Combat Systems Director, NAUTIS 5 represents the result of a long-term investment and vision for MCM and autonomy mission systems. ‘‘We have worked closely with our customers and equipment providers to understand operational needs and how to address them. As a result, we

have developed a world-class system that keeps BAE Systems at the forefront of MCM.’’

The autonomous system capabilities embedded in NAUTIS 5 draw on knowledge accrued by BAE Systems from a number of autonomous systems projects and programmes, including the RN’s ‘Unmanned Warrior 2016’ exercise and Dstl’s Maritime Autonomous Platform Exploitation (MAPLE) research programme.

NAUTIS 5 uses commercial, off-the-shelf hardware based on Shared Infrastructure technology− an innovative hardware solution that hosts software from multiple combat system technology providers on a single system. For MCM ships using existing versions of NAUTIS, BAE Systems has developed a simple upgrade that can be installed in short maintenance periods without the need to change onboard consoles.

The DSEI Daily understands that a variant of NAUTIS 5 is likely to be offered by BAE Systems for the UK’s Oceanographic Reconnaissance Combat Architecture (ORCA) programme, which is intended to replace the legacy NAUTIS systems in RN service.

tank testing of the Venator hullform begins at the Haslar test facility later this month.

System counters mines

Shield against rogue dronesThe threat posed by weaponised commercial drones is very real. Allen-Vanguard (Stand S3-251), a world leader in electronics countermeasures against radio-controlled IEDs, has unveiled the ANCILE electronic shield to defeat this threat.

ANCILE prevents the intended drone mission by using Allen-Vanguard’s battle-proven RF inhibition technology to disrupt a wide range of command and control protocols. It can assure total enforcement of a no-fly zone.

The system is effective against multiple, simultaneous drone threats, including swarms, and can be used standalone.

Day 3 p30-31.indd 4 13/09/2017 14:30


BMT has been working since late 2015 to develop a Venator-110 design solution to

meet the UK’s emerging General Purpose Frigate requirement, latterly designated Type 31e.

Charting twin courses for Venator

The competitive phase for the fast-track Type 31e programme will kick off in early 2018; the RN is initially looking to buy five ships, at a not to exceed price of £250 million per unit, for introduction from 2023.

BMT argues that Venator offers the RN a highly credible choice − from perspectives of both capability and survivability − because it has been designed from the outset as a cost-effective warship, as opposed to a scaled up offshore patrol vessel or corvette. The company also points out that Venator has also been designed for modular block construction, allowing for multi-site build strategies for both UK and export customers.

More recently, BMT has responded − through its US-based sister company BMT

Designers & Planners − to the US Navy’s recently issued FFG(X) request for information (RFI). To meet the US Navy’s more demanding multi-mission specification, the company has tailored the parent design to produce a 120m Venator variant able to accommodate the additional equipment fit and crew specified in the RFI.

Power and propulsion has also been modified to meet the FFG(X) requirement. While the baseline Venator uses a combined diesel and diesel machinery arrangement, the increased speed requirement laid out for FFG(X) has seen BMT design an alternative combined diesel electric and gas propulsion package incorporating a single Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine.

Day 3 p30-31.indd 5 13/09/2017 14:30

33

Blackjack heads northofficial online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei

BETH STEVENSON

A US Marine Corps unit is planning to deploy its Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack to Norway in 2018 in support of the Trident Juncture exercise, which according to present planning will be the first European deployment of the type. Based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina, VMU-2 is the first East Coast USMC unit to operate the Blackjack, and has received all six of its RQ-21 systems.

The unit is also the entry level training element for all USMC Blackjack, and work is currently underway to train personnel to carry out the two main missions the service uses the UAV for, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and close air support (CAS).

It is now planning to deploy the system to Norway for testing around September 2018, which will include participation in the NATO exercise in October and November of that year. It is likely that most of this will be land-based operations, but there might be some sea-based

element as part of Trident Juncture if the USMC decides to send vessels.

“‘‘This environment is very challenging, so if we can fly there we can fly anywhere,’’ Lt Col Brad Green, commanding officer of VMU-2, told Jane’s show daily.

Green explained that manned-unmanned teaming is very much part of the mission the USMC is using the Blackjack for, and it is integrated into CAS operations to provide information to joint terminal attack controllers. ‘‘We help to

find the targets and provide the cueing for that,’’ Green said. ‘‘We do manned-unmanned teaming as regularly as we do ISR.’’

Meanwhile, Insitu (Stand S9-115) has announced that it has reached one million flight hours with its fleet of UAVs, with a Blackjack carrying out the milestone flight on 26 July 2017. The company is also targeting an expected requirement from India to provide a tactical UAV to the navy, and Insitu is preparing to transfer some manufacturing in-country.

‘‘We’re prepared to be able to manufacture some of the systems in India to support the navy customer,’’ Ryan Hartman, president and CEO said.

The requirements are not yet ironed out - there have been several requests for proposals issued to date - so it is unclear if the company’s ScanEagle or Blackjack will be offered.

While there are no partners in India in place at present, Insitu’s parent company Boeing has deals in place with Tata, so that could be an avenue the UAV manufacturer leverages off.

Day 3 p33.indd 4 13/09/2017 14:58


Driving UAVs out of the skyBETH STEVENSON

Bulgarian company Optix (Stand N8-300) is presenting a counter-UAV system concept that can disrupt the navigation of an unmanned aircraft, forcing it to land or return to base.

Using a combination of a radio frequency detection system, and a jammer dubbed the Optix Anti-Drone Man

Pack system, the fielded system is effective against a range of small UAVs, is easy to use and maintain, and is flexible when deployed, the company says.

The jammer can carry out directional and omnidirectional jamming, and disrupts the remote control, telemetry, video link and GPS/GLNOSS transmission. It can operate from 1,500-2,000m directionally and 500-800m omnidirectionally. It can be

deployed at a fixed location with an external power source and a bigger antenna to protect a critical

infrastructure, or alternatively as a mobile unit on vehicle.

Additionally, the company is showcasing a range of cooled and uncooled thermal vision cameras, as well as

colour cameras with standard and HD resolution. The Optix HeatseekIR cooled thermal camera is a mid-wave 640x512 pixel camera, which provides high-resolution in all climate conditions, according to the company.

The Goliath series, meanwhile, is a long-range uncooled thermal imaging camera that is suitable for integration into security and observation systems, and can provide 24-hour surveillance in pitch-black conditions and severe weather. It can detect a human target at 4,764m, and recognise them from 1,588m, Optix says.

Day 3 p34.indd 4 13/09/2017 14:48


RICHARD SCOTT

Elbit Systems UK and Lockheed Martin UK have signed a strategic teaming agreement to partner in pursuit of the UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) forthcoming Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP).

To be delivered in increments, MEWP will provide significantly upgraded electronic warfare (EW) capability to the RN. It is expected to extend to the wider fleet, including submarines, in due course.

Elbit Systems has more than three decades of experience in the design and development of high-performance naval EW systems. Lockheed Martin has

a track record of developing and integrating complex maritime systems into the US Navy, the RN and a wide variety of international naval vessels.

Martin Fausset of Elbit Systems UK Ltd said: ‘‘We are delighted to be working with Lockheed Martin to offer an innovative and comprehensive proposal to meet the Royal Navy’s future requirements. Using our complementary skills and experience we believe we are a strong team able to propose a highly attractive solution to meet the programme’s needs.’’“

Paul Livingston, vice president of Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems,

Joining forces for MEWPsaid: ‘‘By working together, both companies can use their extensive experience in maritime technology and systems integration to provide a highly capable, proven and value for money solution to address the immediate and evolving need for an upgraded maritime electronic warfare capability for the RN.’’

Elbit is an international high-tech company engaged in a wide range of defence, homeland security and commercial programmes. Lockheed Martin UK is the UK-based arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation, a major global security and aerospace company.

IN BRIEFEmail deliveriesUS-based HAL Communications (Stand N7-160) is showcasing a pre-production model of its MB5100/2K HF radio mailbox, the first high frequency radio mail system to provide fully synchronised IMAP (internet message access protocol) email delivery over HF radio links. Its development is based on the premise that there is an increasing demand for users to communicate from wherever they are, including isolated locations connected only by HF radio.

Day 3 p35.indd 4 13/09/2017 17:07


IN BRIEFA very cool boxThe UK’s Stream Defence (Stand N9-478) has a solution to carry blood and plasma on the battlefield. Its rugged M12DCE can be used as a standard cool box or as a blood and plasma fridge. The unit will maintain temperature for up to 48 hours on one charge.

Vehicle intercomSweden-based Invisio Communications (Stand N3-360) has a new product category. Its vehicle intercom system, shown at DSEI this week, will be commercially available in late 2018.

SAM J BASCH

Protecting troops and other military assets has taken many forms over the ages. Now, UK-based J&S Franklin (Stand N9-184) offers a modern

Solid

Multiple radio and other communications systems in a congested environment cause radio frequency (RF) interference, which can dramatically reduce optimal communications. UK-based Cobham (Stand S6-150) this week announced its new integrated communications environment (ICE) product range as a solution.

The ICE 7201 interference cancellation system not only restores radio performance and operational range, but it also facilitates enhanced frequency planning for operations. This enables closer separation between channels, resulting in

a significantly greater number of useable radio channels for a given spectrum allocation.

Cobham also launched its GD2049 high-performance multi-port V/UHF antenna, which allows for a reduction in the overall antenna count on land platforms by introducing two VHF ports with high port-to-port isolation.

Said David Bulley, VP and general manager of Cobham Antenna Systems: ‘‘Cobham’s new ICE products allow users to streamline their communications systems without affecting performance or range, which makes a critical difference during operations.’’

Stop interfering

Day 3 p36-37.indd 4 13/09/2017 17:30


solution that is both simple yet highly effective. It is launching its DefenCell Arch at DSEI this week, a new lightweight modular infrastructure protection system, which combines the proven modular

Arch construction products with the DefenCell MAC and Barrier earth- and sand-filled barriers.

The adjustable legs and modular load-bearing roof panels make the DefenCell Arch ideal for overhead protection and bunkers, but can also be used for applications such as water towers and elevated hangars.

All the system components are manportable, quick and simple to install and logistically advantageous.

Offering a wide range of military and civil equipment to the British Ministry of Defence and many overseas governments, international relief agencies and the United Nations, J&S Franklin is exhibiting many of these products here this week.

id barrier As winner of a tender for optronic upgrades at the Canjeurs combined forces shooting training range (CETIA), French company Bertin Technologies (Stand N7-450) was given the green light by the French Ministry of Defence to install its PeriSight (pictured) and FusionSight.

‘‘The tender was for fixed equipment on the control tower of the shooting ranges and for nomadic equipment for master gunners,’’ said Damien Diaz, operations manager of Bertin’s Systems and Instrumentation business unit. ‘‘Our PeriSight and FusionSight products are perfectly suited, because they help ensure the security of critical state sites and the protection of people and property, day and

night, regardless of weather conditions.’’

PeriSight is a fixed 360° vision system, while FusionSight is a night-vision monocular with smart digital/thermal fusion. The latter is the first handheld optronic device to offer smart fusion of thermal and visible colour images, allowing users to benefit from increased day and night vision, with the ability to save images in digital format.

CETIA is where combined forces shooting training takes place, for which the observation and surveillance system is a key element of Canjeurs’ CETIA, where soldiers are confronted with multiple combat scenarios over a 20km course. Some 75,000 shells, 1,000 missiles and 1.6 million projectiles are fired there each year.

Having sight of the shooting

Say after meUK group The Big Word (Stand N9-502) has just been awarded a new contract to provide interpreting services to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Ukraine.

In response to Operation Unifier, a requirement by the Ukrainian government for military training for its

forces, 200 CAF members were deployed there. This necessitated the provision of linguists until March 2019.

Formed in 2012, The Big Word’s defence division provides highly trained and security cleared expert linguists for sensitive and difficult assignments in conflict zones worldwide.

Day 3 p36-37.indd 5 13/09/2017 17:30


Lieutenant General Frank Leidenberger, Commander − DEU Elements Multinational Corps/Basic Army Organisation at 10.00 in the East Theatre.

Harriett Baldwin MP, Minister for Defence Procurement

in the West Theatre at 11.00.

Medical Engagement Zone Demonstrations from both CitizenAID and Defence Medical Services (DMS).

FN HERSTAL (Stand N2-333) provides military, law enforcement and special units around the globe with a complete range of state-of-the-art, ground-breaking

CitizenAID Demonstration (Stand N3-590)CitizenAID is a philanthropic initiative with a core focus being the empowerment of the public through the necessary skills and knowledge to save lives in the event of a terror attack, all the more pertinent in recent years. Having released an app, pocket guide and accredited

its demonstrations will provide a perfect opportunity to understand the extraordinary work it is doing but also to see the

principles of spreading this knowledge.

There will be a demonstration at 10.00 and

another at 13.00.

Photography ExhibitionDSEI will once again proudly host a unique photography exhibition at DSEI 2017, with the auction proceeds going to SSAFA, our supporting charity. The exhibition will host the best of the British Army’s photography, alongside global photography from Defence Photography Limited.

To see these unique, dynamic and artistic perspectives of defence by some of the best defence and security photographers from around the world, visit the North or South Halls.

DSEI 2017 is proud to once again support SSAFA − where all the money raised by the photographic auction will be donated to help support our forces and their families.

Please send your auction bids to [email protected].

Medical Engagement Zone Demonstrations

training course, among other material recently,

solutions developed around small-calibre firearms and ammunition.

The FN HERSTAL portfolio includes portable firearms, less lethal systems, integrated weapon systems for air, land and sea applications,

remote weapon stations and associated products and services.

FN HERSTAL is the parent company of three fully owned entities: FN America in the USA, FNH UK in the UK and Noptel in Finland.

FN HERSTAL

Today’s DSEI highlights

Defence Medical Services (DMS) Demonstration (Stand N3-180)DMS will be focusing on Simulation, Defence Engagement and Research &

Exploitation, which will be showcased through practical and interactive

demonstrations. DMS provides

advanced pre-hospital emergency care (PHEC) to the highest standard, and is world leading in its capabilities. The training and high standards are paramount to these very capabilities.

With two daily demonstrations at 10.30 and 13.30, DMS is offering the opportunity for visitors to learn more about its practices and showcase its work.

Day 3 p39, 42.indd 4 13/09/2017 15:58

The Right Honourable Tobias Ellwood MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence People & Veterans, gives his keynote speech at 11.00 in the East Theatre.

Lieutenant General Richard Nugee CVO CBE, Chief of Defence People, gives his keynote address in the West Theatre at 12.30.

The waterborne demonstrations continue at 10.30 and 14.00.

As always at DSEI our seminars, keynotes and content allow visitors and exhibitors to hear from leading members of the industry, as well as spend time building essential relationships.


FOLLOW US ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST UPDATES ON DSEI 2017 #DSEI

What’s on tomorrow

HIPPO Multipower (Stand N8-398)The Lightweight Tactical Mobility Platform, HIPPO-X (right) is an 8x8 all-terrain vehicle designed for amphibious, airmobile and cross-country mobility.

Land Zone Static DisplayNIMR (Stand N10-110)AJBAN 440A (main picture) has the latest technologies in ballistic and blast protection, designed for the most rigorous use in the harshest environments.HAFEET ambulance (inset) is a 6x6 armoured ambulance designed to be highly configurable to provide trauma medical care on the battlefield.

Penman (Stand N9-475)The METRAS 4x4 Protected Command and Control Vehicle (right) is an agile, class-leading protected platform configurable for both tactical and support mission roles.

The METRAS 6x6 Protected Recovery Vehicle (lower right) provides extensive mobility, payload and protection combined with a narrow width, which makes it ideal for intimate recovery.

FAUN Trackway (Stand S4-140)Heavy Ground Mobility Systems (HGMS) (above) transports, stores, deploys and recovers up to 100m of M150 Trackway for improved mobility, immediate access, route clearance and beach landings.

This evening, from 19.00, BAE Systems will host a reception on HMS Mersey, one of the seven visiting ships to DSEI 2017.

BAE Systems is located on Stand S3-110, ND3, where you can go for further information on tonight’s event.

Evening reception

Day 3 p39, 42.indd 5 13/09/2017 15:59

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