U.S. Army Outlines Ground Combat Vehicles Priorities

By

-

Jan 10, 2010

bradley_a3_bcv — A BAE Systems photo showing the latest proposed configuration for the Bradley A3 Infantry Combat Vehicle. The new Ground Combat Vehicle is designed to replace the Bradley in service by 2017. However, many of these vehicles would be further enhanced to remain in service through the 2020s.

General Peter W. Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army describes the new Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) “the most important combat development and acquisition decisions we will make over the next seven years”. Indeed, the Army is taking this program seriously, and is doing its best to safely conduct it to successful completion. Top Army officials gathered in October and November 2009 have outlined the program to hundreds of experts from industry, research and development community to introduce the program set to dominate the market through this new decade.

Following the briefings the industry responded to the Army’s request for information, delivering over 150 ‘white papers’ that discuss the manufacturer’s views of the feasible approaches that could meet the Army’s requirements. The Army is expected to publish the Request for Proposal (RFP) in February and, based on industry responses, award two or three contracts for prototype development by late 2010.

This program is not going to be short, or cheap. After the demise of the Future Combat System’s (FCS) Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV shown in the drawing above), the Army is embarking on a program less ambitious, but also more connected to the new realities of modern military requirements. According to General Chiarelli, the focus is on improving warfighter survivability while maintaining decisive advantage over the adversaries, through the ‘superiority of the network’. To sustain this advantage over many years, the new vehicle should be based on ‘open architecture’, primarily in the use of electronic systems, enabling ‘plug and play’ enhancements and future growth.

Can GCV Benefit from MGV Legacy?

The Ground Combat Vehicle will differ from the MGV in many aspects. According to Col. Brian McVeigh, Product Manager for manned systems integration, the Army is still seeking a ‘balanced’ design but with an emphasis on system survivability for vehicle and crew (defined as ‘force protection’), mobility and versatility over its entire service life. McVeigh was the program manager of the MGV and, since the establishment of GCV program as a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) is heading the new vehicle program. McVeigh confirmed the new design could leverage part of over US$3 billion invested in the development of the FCS family of vehicles. In fact, over 40+ specific technologies were identified as mature enough for integration in the GCV and will become available to the industry.

Such derivatives could be address broader system architecture and design perspective, as well as software and hardware elements matured through testing and development. While the design and development is expected to be more linear and straightforward than the MGV, McVeigh expects some side tracks for evaluating specific technologies in parallel to the vehicle’s development. Some technologies could also be integrated as they mature, in future incremental updates, through the service life of the vehicle. These could include advanced propulsion technology, future networking solutions, situational awareness appliqué, turret and weapon systems and selection and integration of the future hit avoidance systems (HAS). Such active and passive protection measures will be integrated with the vehicle when they are ready.

Other important elements are transportability, safety and mobility – lessons learned from the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program. To avoid the pitfalls experienced with the MRAP, the GCV should be designed with manageable gross vehicle weight, and provide for adequate payload capacity in the near term and growth potential, and have automotive characteristics for on road and off-road mobility, stability, handling and safety. Cross-country mobility is expected to equal the Bradleys’ and is considered primarily to preclude being restricted to existing road networks, rather than sustaining maneuver warfare in open terrain.

mgv_crew_simulation — Army evaluation teams experience software applications simulating part of the crew station of the MGV. This computer-rich vehicle was designed around the core network-integrated system, in contrast, the GCV will be designed as a conventional armored vehicle. Photo: US Army

The Army is assessing the capability gap with its current and future vehicles to provide the baseline for revising its requirements for the future vehicles. The Army is expected to maintain enhanced versions of the M1A2 main battle tanks, the Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles, and some of the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV). The Army is considering different approaches to phase out the M-113 Armored Personnel Carriers, which could involve utilization of MRAPs as well as the introduction of utility versions of the new Joint tactical Light Vehicles (JLTV).

According to Col McVeigh, the army is seeking the replacement of the Bradley with the GCV, at a later phase; its capabilities could be expanded further, to other mission packages. This approach is less radical than the MGV ‘family of vehicle’, developed from the baseline as a ‘networked combat vehicle’ which could be operated by a crew of two. The GCV takes a step back into reality – being less complex it will be manned ‘traditionally’ by a crew of three, with space for additional nine infantrymen. It will be equipped with advanced vehicle electronics, but integrate the current generation of command, control and networking systems. These could be upgraded incrementally in the future to take advantage of next generation networking solutions as they become available.

U.S. Army Outlines Ground Combat Vehicles Priorities

International Armored Vehicles Event Gathers Momentum

By

admin

-

Jan 10, 2010

Total Mobility Vehicle is unveiling at the International Armored Vehicles a new family of vehicles designed for extreme off-road mobility. Known as the TMV 6x6M, the off-road utility vehicle is the first of a series of such vehicles, designed for military applications. A civil configuration is also in development.

Read the exhinbition coverage here.

The TMV 6x6M has an armour-clad, fully enclosed “bath tub” hull that houses all major components, offering significantly greater protection from mines and IEDs than conventional vehicles. Additional protection to the crew and passengers is provided by a composite cab and composite rear pod for troop carrying applications. the vehicle is designed to provide high levels of protection against ballistic threats.

Oshkosh Defence will showcase their vehicle armoring capabilities at International Armored Vehicles taking place on the 1st to the 5th February, at the ExCel Centre, London.

As calls across the globe for improved equipment to be provided to troops in Afghanistan, Oshkosh have received significant praise from the U.S Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, who claims that Oshkosh’s rapid build up of a new class of military vehicles designed for specifically for Afghanistan, is one of the most remarkable efforts in the defense industry since World War II.

Oshkosh will be exhibiting their new SandCat, the high-speed, highly-protected, highly-maneuverable vehicle that can be specifically configured to fulfill a variety of roles in any type of mission. The SandCat is tailored to meet operational environments, giving the perfect balance of mission performance, protection and payload to meet rigorous demands.

The exhibition, which is taken place alongside the main conference at International Armored Vehicles, is attracting a huge amount of interest from the AFV community, with over 50 exhibitors signed up already. Oshkosh will be joined by an array of vehicle manufacturers and major OEMs, vehicle system suppliers and service providers. Companies include Force Protection, Iveco, MDH Bioquell, Hutchison and Tyron.

At a time when military, political and industrial imperatives come to the fore, International Armoured Vehicles is an event that is pertinent to the AFV community.

To find out more about the conference and exhibition visit www.armoured-vehicles.co.uk for further details.

In addition to the recently confirmed SandCat, other vehicles to be displayed at the exhibition are TMV’s new 6x6M and IVECO’s LMV.

Over 90 companies have already registered as sponsors and exhibitors at the event, among the highlights already announced are :

RUAG will discuss armor protection capabilities developed to protect forces deployed in AFghanistan
RAFAEL will highlight the company’s Defensive Aid Suites
CST will introduce advanced surveillance means,improving survivability
DuPont will discuss how spall liner reduces fatalities in combat vehicles
NBC Filtration Solutions to be presented by Beth El Industries
Mine detection system from NIITEK and Rafael’s active protection system
Presentations showcasing in-theatre applications of new technologies including RUAG’s add-on armour and DuPont’s spall liners

Defense Update was selected as a Media Partner sponsoring the International Armored Vehicles event. Our review of the exhibition is available here

Eurosatory 2008 Land, Airland and Homeland Exhibition

By

admin

-

Jan 7, 2010

New: Eurosatory 2012 Preview

This year Eurosatory 2008 land, airland and homeland exhibition hosted some 1,210 exhibitors from 52 countries, 120 delegations of senior military and government executives from 80 countries, and record attendance of over 50,000 visitors from all over the world, the exhibition established itself at the premier place of the world’s land forces professional events.

Although topics covered at the show were wide and diversified, a common thread linking many displays, especially those of NATO member countries – was the preoccupation with force protection. Armored vehicles are becoming bigger, slower and less maneuverable, applied with tons of steel armor and composites protecting against roadside bombs RPGs and IEDs.

These attacks are launched sporadically but effectively by fearless insurgents, equipped with rudimentary, but highly effective weapons and natural fighting skills and stealth, blending effectively in desert, rural or urban terrain. In contrast, NATO forces are still employed with ‘high signature’ posture, surrounded by the heavy protected vehicles and body armor, troops are less likely to develop natural ‘warrior skills’, as they tend to relying more on synthetic video-game style sensor fusion, rather than human instincts, inevitably earned entirely by combat experience.

To fill this sensory gap armies seek the help of sophisticated sensors and electronic systems which, when sensibly employed, have the potential to earn significant advantage over an unsophisticated enemy.

Peripheral and panoramic vision systems enable troops inside armored vehicles to look ‘through’ the armor, effectively monitoring their surroundings to detect suspicious hostile activities, automatically slaving remote controlled weapon to challenge potential threats. Similarly, relying on early warning, Forward Operating Bases (FOB) are surrounded by ground bound elevated sensors, aerostat-borne and mast- mounted, their peripheral area scattered with unattended ground sensors, while mini-UAVs swarm the sky to protect the forces in those hostile land.

Advanced imagery and electronic sensors operating with intelligence reconnaissance and surveillance (ISR) systems enable those forces to gain technological superiority, fight back and regain some of the agility and surprise normally lost on routine patrols. With effective ISR forces are capable of outmaneuver and outperform their enemies, by shortening the ‘kill chain’ between the detection of hostile elements and their elimination by precision guided weapon. New targeting equipment associated with ground and airborne elements enable joint forces to focus precision effects from different platforms, including airborne, artillery, tanks and mortars, to defeat enemy targets and repel hostile attacks from standoff range, before the enemy have time to take cover or regroup.

The devastating experience suffered by the Israeli Army in Lebanon two years ago, accelerated the development of active defense systems (ADS), for heavy as well as medium and light vehicles. ADS are becoming a standard with the IDF latest MBTs and AIFVs, as well as part of the basic protection suite of modern families of vehicles, such as the British FRES and U.S. Army FCS. At Eurosatory, some ADS developers presented new designs adapted for light APCs and even light utility vehicles. However, given their ‘violent effect’ of such engagement, some experts doubt the applicability of blast, high explosive based and other close-in ADS for light vehicles, suggesting that the residual level of kinetic energy maintained by the intercepted munition (such as RPG) is enough to kill such soft target regardless of the condition of the intercepted warhead.

Integrated Soldier Systems being developed by many of the modern armies represent a departure of this defensive, passive trend, aiming at regaining the initiative by employing flexible teams of ‘network enabled warfighters’ overwhelming an opponent by firepower, maneuver and surprise. While defense manufacturers are prepared to offer such systems, the infantry users are less confident in the usability of overly sophisticated systems in actual combat. This hesitation led to the realization and fielding of less sophisticated systems by the British, German, French and U.S. forces, in support of ongoing operational deployment in recent months. Currently supported applications range from situational awareness, dismounted C4ISR, sniper detection, reporting and operations of unmanned sensors in exceptionally high threat situations such subterranean surveillance. As systems are matured and gain user confidence, soldier systems are expected to expand to a wider use with infantry units worldwide.

The following topics are included in our Eurosatory 2008 focus:

Despite Massive Acquisition, More Armored Vehicles Are Needed to Protect Brits in Afghanistan

By

admin

-

Jan 5, 2010

Afghanistan is taking a heavy toll on the military resources of U.S. and NATO allies sharing the ISAF missions in that country. According to a recent report published by the Times of England, despite the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD) investment of over two billion US$ acquiring hundreds of protected vehicles in the past two years, about half of the armored vehicles used by the British Army in Afghanistan are ‘unfit for operational use’. The report refers to all the armored vehicles used by the Brits, from the lightly protected British built Land Rover based Snatch patrol vehicles to the massive U.S. built, Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) – the Mastiff and Ridgeback, based on the U.S. built Cougar.

A Snatch and Jackal entering Sangin, leading the Combat Logistic Patrol (CLP). Photo: MOD

The MOD acquired hundreds of Mastiff and Ridgback vehicles since 2007, the Urgent Operation Requirements (UOR). According to the report, the MOD ordered 350 Cougar-based MRAP Mastiff vehicles since 2007, of which 271 have been delivered, but after a mere six months, less than half remained operational. Combat damage, primarily by insurgent roadside improvised explosive devices (RSIED), and operational wear caused by the harsh environment, topography and climate of Afghanistan, caused premature wear, and required major repairs and refurbishment. The British forces in Afghanistan have also received 118 lighter Ridgeback vehicles. These vehicles are better designed for the Afghan theater, demonstrated slightly improved performance, with 61% being operational available. It should be mentioned that some of the Mastiffs were transferred to Afghanistan in June 2009 after extensive use in Iraq, as the British forces pullout out from Basra. Currently deployed in AFghanistan is the improved Mastiff 2 – the vehicles, have been given a number of upgrades, including: improved axles and suspension to cope with the difficult terrain; better thermal imaging for the drivers; explosive attenuating seats to provide better protection to the soldier on impact; improved armor and greater crew capacity.

Troops prep the Viking ahead of Phase three of Operation Panchai Palang in Helmand, AFghanistan. Photo: MOD

Being the only platforms capable of providing effective, protective mobility, MRAP vehicles were over-tasked with tactical patrols, convoy escort and logistical support. As more MRAP vehicles are being delivered, and new tactical support vehicles introduced in theater, the situation should improve. Among the tactical support vehicles soon to arrive in Afghanistan are the Wolfhound – MRAP based tactical support vehicle and the all-terrain Coyote. MOD is also sending the Husky, a highly protected tactical utility vehicle.

In the second half of 2009 the British forces were continuously engaged in combat around the Helmand and Kandahar area of southern Afghanistan, actions that have caused significant combat losses. British casualties soared to 76 killed and 379 wounded in action, during the past six months. According to the report, the extensive activity took its toll in material as well, particularly the heavy Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Mastiff, which was not designed for the rough terrain and off-road conditions of Afghanistan. While armor protection could not eliminate combat losses, lacking of such protection casualty level could be much higher.

Ridgeback MRAP vehicles operated by the Queen's Company, The Grenadier Guards near Shawqat, Helmand, Afghanistan. Photo: UK MOD

Overall, lack of armor protection was evident with the land forces since the beginning of Operation Herrick (Afghanistan) and TELIC (Iraq). Except for the heavily armored Challenger II Main Battle Tank, the British forces were equipped with light armored vehicles designed for NATO missions in Central Europe, rather than threats evolving in the Middle East. Despite this deficiency, being openly discussed for years, the MOD continued to equip the Army and Royal Marines with a ‘patchwork’ of add-on armor and procurement of off-the-shelf vehicles under UOR, while failing to clearly define and pursue an armored vehicle strategy and procurement program. In the past decade the Future Rapid Effects Systems (FRES) family of vehicles withered entirely, emerging by late 2009 as a ‘UOR style’ replacement of obsolete scout vehicles.

panther_afghanistan — The new Panther escorts the Combat Logistic Patrol (CLP) through the street's of Sangin. Photo: MOD

The U.K. is not alone in this problem, with the U.S. is experiencing the same challenge of rapid procurement of less than optimal vehicles, in an effort to improve the protection of warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet, lacking the numbers of their U.S. counterparts, British equipment is being over-used to their limits and beyond, and lack a robust, post-action reconditioning program (RESET) that could have maintained combat vehicles at a better operational condition.

MOD has also met significant criticism for not adequately protecting the light forces, dispatching units riding unprotected or in lightly armored patrol vehicles (Land Rover Snatch) in Iraq and Afghanistan. Originally, the highly mobile Snatch was designed for security operations in Northern Ireland. It is also being used for special operations. However, when used for security and patrol missions in high-threat areas they are extremely vulnerable to small arms ambushes and IEDs. To improve the protection for patrols, MoD took two measures, – the deployment of the partly armored all-terrain Jackal and the replacement of the Land Rovers with the Snatch Vixen, a heavier, better protected Land-Rover based vehicle. Field commanders in Afghanistan are in disagreement about balancing protection with other tactical attributes. While armor provides better protection, it comes with a price tag – reduced mobility, limited situational awareness and denying effective communications with the local population, thus losing the psychological advantage of ‘winning the hearts and minds’ of the locals.

Responding the increase in threat-level and demonstrated vulnerability of the Snatch, unprotected Land Rovers were restricted to in-base duties. A near term replacement was provided with the Snatch Vixen, of which 150-200 vehicles were delivered. Additional 400 vehicles designated Light Protected Patrol Vehicles (LPPV) are currently being considered to replace the 358 operational Snatch Land Rovers currently in theater.

convoy_herrick — As the sun rises over an Afghan mountain range the Comabt Logistic Patrol (CLP) continues on it's vital re-supply to troops in Sangin. Five mile long convoy fights it’s way to Sangin. Eight kilometers in length and with more than one hundred UK, US and Afghan National Army (ANA) vehicles, the convoy to re-supply coalition bases in northern Helmand was one of the biggest to ever leave Camp Bastion. The 116 vehicle convoy had a dangerous 70km journey ahead of it to bases in the Sangin Valley via the outskirts of Geresk and then off-road through open desert. Combat Logistical Patrols such as this supply all of the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and Patrol Bases across the province with everything from medical supplies, food, water, ammunition and morale boosting mail. Photo: MOD.

Sagem

By

admin

-

Jan 1, 2010

Sagem, a high-tech company in the Safran group, is a leading provider of electronic and optronic systems, including avionics, electronics and safety-critical software for both civil and military markets. Sagem is the European leading supplier of inertial navigation systems (INS) used in air, land and naval applications. It is also a leading supplier of helicopter flight controls, optronics and tactical UAV systems.

Embraer Defense & Security

By

admin

-

Jan 1, 2010

Embraer Defense and Security is the new subsidiary established by Embraer to focus on defense and security markets worldwide. Embraer currently operates with more than 30 defense forces worldwide, supporting trainers, special mission aircraft and light transport planes with larget military transports coming along soon (KC-390). The company also modifies commercial platforms for military missions, such as the ERJ-145 modified into an aerial early warning & control platform for the Indian Air Force.

In recent years, Embraer has also expanded its activities in the defense sector beyond aircraft and airborne systems, offering integrated solutions for training, Communication, Computer, Command, Control and Intelligence (C4I).

Airbus Military

By

admin

-

Jan 1, 2010

Airbus, the manufacturer of the Airbus line of transport aircraft. Airbus Military is the division responsible for military, maritime surveillance and humanitarian support platforms ranging from 3 to 37 tonnes of payload.

The company is the development authority within Airbus, responsible for the A400M program, as well as for the military tanker transport (MRTT) derivative of the A330.Other military transport manufactured by the group in Spain include CN-212, 235 and 295 medium transport planes. In total more than 1,000 military aircraft were sold by Airbus Military and are operating with 130 customers worldwide.

EADS

By

admin

-

Jan 1, 2010

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. The Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter is the largest European aerospace consortium. In 2009 the group employed a workforce of 119,000 personnel generating turnover of € 42.8 billion. Airbus, the manufacturer of the Airbus line of transport aircraft. Its defense oriented products include military derivatives of the Airbus A300 and A330, the A400 military transport and CN-212, 235 and 295 medium transport planes. Eurocopter is EADS’ helicopter manufacturing subsidiary, providing a wide range of military and civil helicopters. Among the military models are Fennec, EC-635, EC-645, Panther, Cougar, NH-90 and Tiger, Astrium is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services.

Cassidian (EADS)

By

admin

-

Jan 1, 2010

Cassidian, an EADS Company, is the defense and security division of the European aerospace consortium EADS. Cassidian provides lead system integration and value-added products and services to military and government customers worldwide. Its portfolio ranges from air systems including aircraft and unmanned aerial systems, land, naval and joint systems, through intelligence and surveillance to cyber security and secure communications as well as test systems, missiles, services and support solutions.

Diehl BGT Defence

By

admin

-

Jan 1, 2010

Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG is the largest company within the Diehl Defence Corporate Division. Diehl Aerospace is one of the largest German corporations with international orientation. The company is structured into five divisions, including metal, controls, defense, aerosystems and metering.

The company’s capabilities are associated with missile and precision engagement systems for land, air and naval weapons, reconnaissance, surveillance and warning systems, self-protection and training systems. Certain solutions offered by the company include air/air and surface/air missiles, guided projectiles for artillery and rockets.

New applications pursued by the company include unmanned systems (land, air and sea), intelligent sensors for reconnaissance and monitors and active protection systems.

Carl Zeiss Optronics

By

admin

-

Jan 1, 2010

Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH the Defense & Security Division of Carl Zeiss AG. The division specializes in optronic equipment for land, sea, air and space applications. Among the systems provided by the company are laser rangefinders, cameras, thermal imagers and various image processing systems. Applications include aerial recce systems and cameras, stabilized EO payloads for helicopters and unmanned systems, head tracking systems. Naval systems from Zeiss include stabilized platforms, and optronic mast systems for submarines. For land applications Zeiss offers hand-held systems, driver vision systems, mobile or stationary, mast-mounted surveillance and observation systems, stabilized periscopes, binoculars and spotting scopes.

The company is based in Germany and operates subsidiaries in the U.S, and South Africa.

Kongsberg Defense Systems

By

admin

-

Jan 1, 2010

Kongsberg Defense Systems, based in Norway, is a subsidiary of the Kongsberg Group operating in defence, aerospace, oil and gas and merchant marine industry. In 2009, Kongsberg had a turnover of NOK 13.8 billion, and the Group had 5,423 employees in more than 25 countries.