PECOC Program Develops Better Battle Dress, Combat Gear for British Troops

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Jun 20, 2008

Personal Equipment and Common Operational Clothing (PECOC) is designed to replace the current Combat 95 clothing, load carriage and legacy items. PECOC wil develop and field a kit of combat gear, designed for the warfighters employing the FIST integrated soldier systems and FRES family of combat vehicles. The kit will consist of ballistic and sensory protection (hearing, eyes, gloves etc), load carriage, clothing, footwear, gloves and sleeping bags, all designed to match different operational environments and support extended deployment. PECOC is being designed with modular, upgradable and field customized design, enabling soldiers to optimize their equipment for the specific mission.

PECOC is scheduled to be ready for operational deployment by 2011. Suppliers and systems are currently down-selected for the initial prototype. The program will be broken into three developmental phases. The most critical element being the load carrying battle suite and protection gear. This system will consist of personally adjustable combat gear, appealing to be better accepted by the warfighter.
Modularity and weight distribution is a significant asset. For example, four elements weighing five kg each, are better than one item weighing 20 kg which has a more significant loading effect on the soldier.

Previous systems were not designed as modular, resulting in painful fielding and poor acceptance by the troops. For example, the Kestrel bullet proof vest developed to replace the older ECBA protection vest was designed for troops operating from vehicular platforms and armored vehicles. However, since troops took these superior protective vests on foot patrols, soldiers complained they were too heavy and uncomfortable and cumbersome, as the excessive armor coverage restricted movement in combat.

PECOC team is considering to retain the currently fielded Osprey advanced bulletproof vest, but introducing a thinner, curved- shaped strike panel, designed for close-fitting, to improve comfort without compromising on protection level. PECOC will have basic lightweight protection for all levels, with add-on heavy (AP plate) and blast protection upgrade.

The AFV crewman’s vest combines water carriage, body armor, load carriage and harness, all in one piece of equipment. In an attempt to overcome the weight problem, the suite is designed to allow soldiers, to flexibly configure the system to the load they carry and to the mission-type performed. For example, on dismounted operations, PECOC will comprise a load carriage system integrated with the assault vest and close-fitting fragmentation and bullet-proof plate. Soldiers will carry an operational day sack optimized for 48 hour mission, with body armor. Alternatively, on extended deployment, soldiers will remove the body armor, trading its weight for a 75-100 litre Bergen, optimized for heavy load carriage.

Defense Update report from Soldier Technology 2008 is focusing on these topics:

FIST Derivatives Rush to Afghanistan to Support British Army Troops
Israel’s Advanced Infantry System
Improving Urban Assault Capability
ELTA unveils unattended ground sensor network
Norway to Test NORMANS Integrated Soldier System Next Year
PECOC yields Better Battle Dress, Combat Gear for British Troops
More Firepower for the Marine Rifle Squad
Canada’s Integrated Soldier System Program
FELIN Enters Company Level Field Trials

Norway to Test NORMANS Integrated Soldier System in 09

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Jun 20, 2008

The Norwegian NORMANS system passed a significant milestone after the evaluation of prototype system during platoon level trials in 2006. Following positive responses received from the field, the Norwegian MOD decided to proceed with procurement of 416 systems for testing at a company level in 2009. According to Rune Lausund, NORMANS Programme Manager, the program will be integrating the MP7 assault rifle from Hekler Koch, fitted with an Aimpoint Compact M4 optical sight, a new protective vest, integrated wiring and load bearing system, and the QuietPro integrated remote control for the Harris RF7800-TR personal role radio, audio management system and hearing protection. NORMANS suites will utilize specific computing segments tailored for specific roles, riflemen and grenadiers will use location reporting devices, utilizing microcontroller, navigation system and miniature display providing basic communications and navigation. Commanders will receive a more advanced palmtop size (PDA) computer for better situational awareness, planning and reporting.

Defense Update report from Soldier Technology 2008 is focusing on these topics:

FIST Derivatives Rush to Afghanistan to Support British Army Troops
Israel’s Advanced Infantry System
Improving Urban Assault Capability
ELTA unveils unattended ground sensor network
Norway to Test NORMANS Integrated Soldier System Next Year
PECOC yields Better Battle Dress, Combat Gear for British Troops
More Firepower for the Marine Rifle Squad
Canada’s Integrated Soldier System Program
FELIN Enters Company Level Field Trials

ELTA Unveils Unattended Ground Sensor Network

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Jun 20, 2008

Elta’s new UGSN is a modular network of autonomous distributed sensors including seismic, acoustic, electro-optical sensors and miniature ground surveillance radars. Each sensor includes a sensitive microphone, for acoustic detection, a geophone picking up seismic vibration from nearby movement, a GPS receiver, communications transceiver a low-power controller and signal processor. The sensor can pick up moving heavy vehicles (such as tanks) from a distance of 500 meters and walking humans from 50 meters.

The UGS can be configured with high capacity power module for extended use (four weeks), or in a miniature casing, for short missions (7 days). Surveillance data is transmitted wirelessly, through self-forming network to the ground command and control center. The UGS can be located in any area for monitoring the area of interest for an extended period of time. The sensors can operate autonomously or in combination, optimizing area coverage, and facilitating target detection, classification. Add-on electro-optical sensors such as TED based passive, uncooled thermal sensors, can be added. While TEDs are maintained in power saving ‘sleep mode’, they automatically designated by the UGS to perform target recognition and identification.

Defense Update report from Soldier Technology 2008 is focusing on these topics:

Improving Urban Assault Capability

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Jun 20, 2008

matador_mp — The MATADOR unguided man-portable multi-purpose rocket system

While the first version of the IAS is focusing on the dismounted commander, as planned originally, forthcoming spirals are already implementing lessons learned during Lebanon (2006) and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Among the systems currently evaluated, are a number of lethality enhancement systems, primarily those designed for urban assault. Other systems are addressing threat detection and warning, including thermal sniper spotters, wearable sensors detecting gunfire, automatically locating such threats, and a new class of ‘through the wall sensing radars”.

The second spiral development of the IAS will incorporate lessons from recent combat operations, in Lebanon and the Gaza strip. Urban assault weapons considered for IAS include the Simon, a door breaching rifle grenade developed by RAFAEL. The Simon is fired from standard assault rifles, using live ammunition. A stand-alone follow-through ‘tandem’ assault munition is also produced by RAFAEL.

This weapon uses a precursor charge to open a path for a grenade-size warhead, that ‘follows through’ and detonates behind the wall. The warhead size is designed to maximize lethal effect within the room, while minimizing effect beyond the target. RAFAEL offers the follow-through charge as part of the Urban Star 6kg weapon, designed to neutralize room-sized targets, with minimal collateral damage beyond the room’s walls. Another shoulder-launched weapon, also designed by RAFAEL is the Matador WB which can operate as a follow-through charge, or wall-breaching weapon, opening a man-sized hole creating an assault path for the attacking troops.

This weapon can be used effectively from standoff range of up to 400 meters, fired from e,nclosed (FFE) or open terrain placements. An even larger weapon, dubbed ‘urban cannon’ is under development at IMI. It has a more powerful warhead, using dynamic follow-through charge, penetrating thicker walls and destroying a complete apartment in a building, without risking collateral damage beyond the target area. Several sensors are under development, optimized for operation in urban setting.
The Xaver 400 Through Wall Imaging radar is a hand-held, compact sensor providing real-time information behind a wall, indicating the number and location of people inside the room, at a distance of up to eight meters away. The 3kg unit uses ultra-wide-band signal processing to simultaneously track moving and static targets. The current system provides 2D imaging capability. Another new sensor, is a Short Wave Infra-Red (SWIR) based gunshot detection imaging sensor, utilizing patented Transient Event Detection (TED) to rapidly spot and locate gunfire signature in wide-field of view video taken by the SWIR camera. The resulting threat warning provides very high probability of detection with low false alarm rate, even under a complex operating environment encountered in urban warfare. The sensor can be worn by a soldier, and provide threat warning for the entire team.

Defense Update report from Soldier Technology 2008 is focusing on these topics:

Israel’s Advanced Infantry System

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Jun 20, 2008

As C4I Segment Matures, Research FocusShifts to Address Urban Recon & Lethality

With the first phase of IAS, which focused on C4I is nearing completion, the program office is focusing on the warfighter, says Ram Rotbart, (Maj.) deputy IAS PM at Mafat. Among the many types of hardware considering for the program, IAS project team is assessing several lethality systems addressing anti-material weapons, based on dynamic follow-through charges. Several systems are designed by Rafael, including the Urban STAR and Urban Cannon weapons, the later capable in destroying a whole apartment from a range of 300 meters, without risking collateral damage, or nearby operating friendly troops. For the sniper team, the IAS is considering integration of the Sniper Fire Control System (SFCS) designed to improve hit accuracy by 60%. The Second Lebanon War (2006) clearly proved the importance of firepower & support, made available to the infantry.

Major Rotbart explained that, at its current phase the program is designed to improve command, control and communications at the infantry battalion, primarily improving the dismounted commander’s situational awareness and command and control, at all tactical levels. However, implementing lessons learned during the 2nd Lebanon war with Hezbollah in 2006 and the ongoing combat engagements in Gaza, the IDF is accelerating the second ‘spiral’, which focuses on increasing the efficiency and lethality of infantry tactical units, by empowering the individual soldier as well as the combat team.
This initial phase of the IAS program is scheduled to enter a full-scale field evaluation this year. A preliminary system was tested in 2005 at battalion-level exercise, which led to a decision to enter a 24 month, full-scale development of an integrated soldier system, designed specifically for the tactical infantry leaderhip. The system is developed by Elbit Systems, integrating various subsystems from several (mostly domestic) manufacturers. Different IAS system variants are developed for specific applications, including team leaders (NCOs) and junior officers (platoon commanders), forward observers, special operations operators, snipers, grenadiers and riflemen. The program is scheduled to enter testing, at company level in October 2008 and is expected to undergo field evaluation at battalion level, by March 2009, followed by production decision, by summer 2009. Following more testing the system is expected to become mature for operational deployment, by 2010.

During the past year (since Defense Update last reported on the system), few changes have emerged, primarily with the refinement and evolution of the system’s computer (Personal Digital Unit – PDU) which evolved into a smaller, more energy-efficient unit. The new PDU will run on rechargable Li-Ion batteries betweenfour to 14 hours, depending on the usage and mission profile. The PDU is uniquely designed with a power graphic processor to support extensive 2D/3D graphic rendering and video handling capabilities. In its current form, the PDU weighs 0.7 kg and is powered by a 500 MIPS RISC Au 1550 processor running Windows CE or Linux operating systems. It supports two local area networks (LAN), five USB ports, a serial (RS232) port, analog video and audio with integral Voice over IP (VOI) codec, and Fiber LAN docking interface. The PDU supports a tactical hand-held tactical display or helmet mounted eyepiece or an 8″ flat-panel LCD display used for planning and debriefing.

An innovative element in the Israeli Advanced Infantry Soldier assembly is the Soldier Navigation System, also under development by Elbit. This device augments standard satellite based GPS navigation systems, providing the dismounted soldier with an uninterrupted location and navigation solution. This device is designed for operation indoor and outdoor, and is particularly effective when operated in multi-level urban, wooded area and subterranean environment, operating effectively under different conditions, including walking, running, crawling, jumping or firing. The system’s hardware design has been completed and the project team is now developing sophisticated algorithms to refine and improve the system’s accuracy and predictability. Weighing only 150 grams this cigarette pack sized system uses different sensors, including MEMS based accelerometers, MEMS gyros, magnetometer triad and altimeter to augment a GPS system. The sensors are programmed to detect and classify steps, estimate direction, and stride by movement type and platform, and calculate a position at an accuracy of 1-2% of the distance traveled offering one degree directional accuracy when walking, it will be able to effectively operate for up to three hours without position update.

Read more about the next phase of IAS, addressing enhancement in
urban operations and assault.

Defense Update report from Soldier Technology 2008 is focusing on these topics:

FIST Derivatives Rush to Afghanistan to Support British Army Troops

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Jun 20, 2008

Britain’s FIST program encountered some delays last year, as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) addressed urgent operational requirement (UOR) from deployed Army units, to improve communications and situational awareness at infantry squad and platoon level, engaged in combat operations in Afghanistan. Colonel Peter Rafferty MBE, Individual Capability Group Leader FIST, briefed on some of the UORs currently underway. As FIST systems are still immature for operational use, the program office utilizes some elements used in the evaluation process, although they were not considered for the program itself. Therefore, Rafferty cautions, the devices currently being operated in Afghanistan are not representative of full FIST quality and cannot therefore be regarded as ‘spin-off’ from the future program, but only as stop-gap applications, improving existing equipment.

The systems being delivered as part of the program, include an improved version of the Selex personal role radio (PRR). As part of the Enhanced Low-Latency Situational Awareness (ELSA) UOR program, the new radios provide encrypted voice and data transfer capability. For situational awareness and force tracking, leaders are equipped with the Miltrak system produced by Thales. This cellphone-size unit indicates the relative location of each team member, presented on a digital map. Automatic warning can be issued for team members that have not reported their last location. In addition, enhancements are provided to squads and platoons, as part of the Integrated Sights and Target Acquisition system (SISTA). This upgrade includes the delivery of optical (ACOG) weapon sights, thermal binoculars, and laser rangefinder. With the delivery of SISTA, combat units received more thermal imaging systems, since these devices are performing better under the starless dark nights in the Afghan mountains and desert, where light ‘pollution’ is almost non existent. British forces have reported, that most nights in Afghanistan, particularly those in the isolated mountain ranges of Helmand, are too dark for I2 to operate effectively, therefore requiring the operation of thermal imaging equipment.

FIST is being integrated into Britain’s future weapon systems programs under the Integrated Soldier System Strategy (IS3). Over the past two years, the program went through the FIST assessment phase, under which, different systems were tested and evaluated, matching expectations for performance and services with currently available technology. Some of the lessons learned from these tests were already implemented. As FIST enters it’s next phase, procurement will continue in three increments, each to include an assessment, development, testing and deployment phase.

FIST systems will not be limited to the warfighters alone, but extend (in a basic configuration) to combat support and service- support elements, which must be networked and connected into the system, to be included in the overall situational picture, effectively link to combat formations and eliminate the risk of fratricide (in an all-connected combat environment, a non-networked element becomes a critical liability and the weakest point, most susceptible to fratricide).

Defense Update report from Soldier Technology 2008 is focusing on these topics:

FIST Derivatives Rush to Afghanistan to Support British Army Troops
Israel’s Advanced Infantry System
Improving Urban Assault Capability
ELTA unveils unattended ground sensor network
Norway to Test NORMANS Integrated Soldier System Next Year
PECOC yields Better Battle Dress, Combat Gear for British Troops
More Firepower for the Marine Rifle Squad
Canada’s Integrated Soldier System Program
FELIN Enters Company Level Field Trials

GAO Sustains Boeing Claims on Unfair US Air Force Tanker Selection

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Jun 19, 2008

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended the Pentagon re-run the competition offering aerial refueling tankers to the U.S. Air Force. Northrop Grumman won the bid to sell the Air Force 179 European designed (domestic U.S. built) EADS Airbus A330 transport jets for $35 billion. The losing bidder, Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) protested the decision. GAO sustained Boeing’s protest adding the Air Force made “a number of significant errors that could have affected the outcome of what was a close competition”. The Air Force “conducted misleading and unequal discussions with Boeing” by telling the company it had fully satisfied a key performance criteria, then later determining that Boeing had only partially met the objective, the GAO said.

US Air Force Selects KC-45A as KC-135 Replacement

Feb 29, 2008: The U.S. Air Force announced the selection of Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) to build its next-generation air-refueling tanker aircraft. The estimated $35 billion program calls for the production up to 179 new KC-45A tankers, to be built over the next decade. The KC-45A is based on the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) system, built by Airbus, a division of the European aerospace giant EADS. Northrop Grumman teamed with EADS to introduce the MRTT as a competitor to the US built KC767 proposed by Boeing. Northrop Grumman stressed that although the A330 is a European aircraft, the KC-45A will essentially be a US built aircraft – as it is supported by 230 domestic suppliers contributing about 60% of the platform’s content. Furthermore, the program will support more than 25,000 jobs in the USA. According to Northrop Grumman the manufacturing and support infrastructure for the KC-45A will create a new ‘aerospace manufacturing corridor’ in the Southeastern USA, creating 2,500 new jobs in and around Mobile Alabama, where the new aircraft will be assembled.

More than a KC-135 Replacement

According to the US Air Force the KC-45A will introduce a significant increase in performance, compared to the current KC-135. Furthermore, as a secondary role, it will be able to fly passengers, cargo, casualties and fuel over long distances. The aircraft will therefore expand the U.S. air force’s flexibility to support operations in distant theaters. Its mission endurance and range could be further extended by aerial refueling from other tanker (current KC-135s partially support such capability today). The KC-45A will have the capability to carry an air refueling pod on each wing. It will be equipped to support US Air Force aircraft, as well as US Navy, Marines and aircraft operated by allied air forces. Since different refueling systems (boom and probe) are employed by the Air Force and Navy aircraft, the current KC-135s must be set up for each specific task before takeoff (only 20 of the KC-135s are geared for this capability today). The KC-45A will be equipped for both systems on every flight and also will have connections for wing pods. When wing pods are installed, it will be able to refuel two probe-equipped aircraft, such as those flown by Navy and many allied aircrews, at the same time. In this configuration it will cut almost in half the amount of time it takes a four-ship formation to cycle across the tanker. The new tanker will also be able to download fuel to storage bladders on the ground, supporting ground vehicles, reducing some of the burden and vulnerability from ground bound supply convoys. To improve its survivability to guided surface-to-air missiles, the aircraft will be equipped with defensive therefore expanding its capability to operating from or within dangerous environments that current tanker aircrews usually avoid.

The new Air Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) developed for the A330 shown during a test flight on an A310. The boom was recently tested for the first time offloading fuel to an F-16. Photo: EADS. According to Air Force Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command based at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., if the program will progress on track the first test aircraft should be flying by 2010. Air Mobility Command provides the U.S. military with passenger, cargo, tanker and other aircraft support.

The Air Force should receive the first group of operational KC-45A aircraft around 2013. The Air Force is awarding Northrop Grumman an initial $1.5 billion contract for the design and development of the KC-45 system, and the delivery of four KC-45 test aircraft. This contract also includes five production options targeted for 64 aircraft at $10.6 billion. 128 Future orders are expected to bring the total program value up to $35 billion.

Boeing Files a Protest Calling for GAO Review of the Air Force’s Decision

As part of the selection process, the air force compared two proposals, provided by Boeing and Northrop Grumman. The evaluation compared the two platforms along nine key performance parameters and five evaluation factors: mission capability, proposal risk, past performance, cost/price and an integrated fleet air refueling assessment performance in a simulated war scenario. Next week the Air Force is planning to debrief both bidders about the process and how each proposal fared in the evaluation.

The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) complained about the delay and filed a request to receive an immediate debriefing. According to Mark McGraw, vice president – 767 tanker programs, their proposal should have been lower than the competitor, “Based on values disclosed in the Air Force press conference and press release, the Boeing bid, comprising development and all production airplane costs, would appear to be less than the competitor” he said. Boeing viewed the tanker competition as ‘must win’ top priority program. “We bid aggressively with specific focus on providing operational tanker capability at low risk and the lowest total life cycle cost,” said McGraw. Boeing hints that there may have been factors beyond those stated in the RFP, or weighted differently than originally planned, during the evaluation and decision process. “It’s important for us to understand how the Air Force reached their conclusion” said McGraw.

Following a debriefing on the decision by the Air Force on March 7, 2008 Boeing officials spent three days reviewing the Air Force case for its tanker award. A rigorous analysis of the Air Force evaluation that resulted in the Northrop/EADS contract led Boeing to the conclusion that a protest was necessary. Based on the review Boeing announced it plans to file a protest asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the Air Forces’ decision. “Based upon what we have seen, we continue to believe we submitted the most capable, lowest risk, lowest Most Probable Life Cycle Cost airplane as measured against the Air Force’s Request for Proposal,” Jim McNerney, Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to the GAO’s review of the decision.”

Following the certification of the Japanese KC-767 tanker, Boeing delivered two KC-767 aerial refuelling aircraft to the Itochu Corp. for Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Japan has ordered four convertible freighter 767s, providing flexibility in carrying cargo or passengers while maintaining its primary role as an aerial refueling tanker. It features Boeing’s advanced aerial refueling boom and Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO II) system. Boeing is scheduled to deliver the remaining two refueling aircraft in 2009 and 2010. Italy has also fur KC-767 on order. The first is scheduled for delivery this year.

Boeing recently delivered the first two KC-767 tankers to Japan. Photo: Boeing

Renault Unveil a new Line of Armored Vehicles

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Jun 17, 2008

Renault AMC 6×6 vehicle is a 20 ton class multi-purpose armored vehicle designed as a troop and weapon carrier (mortar, gun), support and reconnaissance vehicle. At a combat gross weight of 18 – 23 tons, the AMC can carry net payload of 6.5 to 10.5 tons, depending on configuration. The vehicle is powered by a 370 hp engine which can be uprated up to 460 hp diesel (Euro 4/5 standard) coupled to an automatic transmission. Utillizing an overhead gun position, the fighting compartment is fully available for seating accommodation and combat load for eight soldiers. Modular protection levels can be applied on the basic hull which provides basic ballistic and mine protection. Additional armor can improve the protection from anti-tank weapons, IEDs, RPGs and EFP.

With massive US deployment of heavily armored Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan, MRAP is becoming a popular class of armored vehicle, attracting new designs from many automotive systems designers worldwide.

A new design shown here for the first time is the Renault MRAP, ranging a number of vehicles in the 15 /22 ton class. The Renault MRAP is powered by the 320 hp Euro 4/5 engine, traveling on road at a maximum speed of 90 km/h. The vehicle is designed with a V shaped hull, has an integral high level of protection against ballistic, mines and IEDs. The vehicle is coming in 10 and 12 seat configurations.

Renault also unveiled a heavily armored version of the Sherpa 3A HI (High Intensity) 4×4 vehicle designed for reconnaissance and liaison missions. Based on the Sherpa 3 platform, the armored HI version can carry a useful mission payload of 1.5 tons, at a gross vehicle weight of 10.5 tons. It is powered by a Renault 215 hp Euro 4/5 engine and automatic transmission, accelerating this armored beast to a maximum road speed of 120 km/h. At Eurosatory Renault demonstrated the vehicle with remotely controlled overhead weapon station, further enhancing crew protection.

Hatehof Unveils the Xtream High Mobility Armored Vehicle

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Jun 17, 2008

Hatehof, a specialist vehicle designer and manufacturer from Israel is introducing a range of highly protected vehicles at Eurosatory. The company is already producing the latest wheeled armored vehicle operated by the Israel Defense Forces – the 8.6 ton Wolf, under cooperation with Rafael. The heavy version of the Xtream is powered by a Cummins ISBE 275 turbo diesel engine coupled to an Allison 3000 automatic transmission and Axeltech transfer case. high mobility all terrain vehicle, capable of fording 1.1 meters of water, negotiating 36° side slopes and 60% gradient.

It is designed to carry 8 soldiers. It comes in a 9 or 16 ton configurations, the heavier is protected to STANAG 3, 4 and anti-RPG protection levels. Xtream is equipped with front and rear steering, offering a turning radius of only 6.4 meters, uncommon for vehicles of this weight class. The vehicle weighs 11,300 kg designed to provide protection level of STANAG 3. Adding 2.5 tons more, the Xtream can be protected with reactive tiles, against RPGs, and still carry over two tons of useful payload. Xtream is provided in medium and ‘light’, air mobile and semi-amphibious vehicles. The lighter version weighs 9200 kg (GVW), and carries a payload of 2,750 kg. Its protection level is lower, but mobility is improved, particularly turning radius (5.1 meters with front and aft steering activated) and 38° side slope negotiation capability. It is powered by a Cummins 6.7 liter diesel coupled to a 6 gear automatic transmission and Magna power train.

The new vehicle family was designed to meet specific requirements for highly protected high mobility vehicle. The heaviest design is the Navigator, a highly protected troop transporter capable of carrying a complete marine squad (up to 15 combatants in rows or 12 soldiers seated face to face, plus a crew of three seated in front), offering high off-road mobility and urban maneuverability. At a gross vehicle weight of 16 tons, Navigator is designed to carry up to four tons. The vehicle is powered by Cummins 275 or 350 engines. A highly protected mid-size vehicle from Hatechof is the Typhoon 4×4 vehicle, a 14 ton 13 man troop carrier designed with a modular armor to meet different threat levels. The vehicle is designed with V shaped hull. It uses a Steyr Austria WD 615.56 engine.

Revival for SEP?

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Jun 17, 2008

BAE Systems Hägglunds AB of Sweden brought the 8×8 SEP armored vehicle to Eurosatory despite the recent setback suffered at home, as a major procurement program of SEP vehicles was cancelled by the Swedish Ministry of Defense, after realizing the British MOD is going for the Piranha V alternative the Swedish MOD realized the program will be too expensive to go it alone. However, Hägglunds is hopeful the program could be resurrected, following a request for information released recently by the Swedish MOD, seeking information on similar vehicles offering flexible mission configuration, high level of protection, high reliability and affordable effective life cycle cost.

“SEP is answering all these requirements” Håkan Karlsson, the company’s V.P. Marketing told Defense Update. At Eurosatory Hägglunds is highlighting its high level of protection based on passive armor and the advanced armor concept based on IBD’s active protection system. A video shown at their stand depicts the activation of the vehicle’s protection module defeating an RPG few meters from the vehicle. Another prospect is also looming in the USA, with the US Marine Corps Medium Personnel Carrier (MPC) program to enter an open competition next year. Lockheed Martin has already teamed with Patria, to offer the AMV for this program. In comparison, BAE Systems is well positioned in the USA to pursue such program by itself. According to Karlsson, the SEP was evaluated and tested by the Marines earlier this year.

Two expended cases of the advanced armor , each had an explosive charge creating a blast that killed the incoming RPG without activating its warhead and without creating an associated fragments and debries. Photo: Tamir Eshel

Renault Unveil a new Line of Armored Vehicles

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Jun 17, 2008

Renault AMC 6×6 vehicle is a 20 ton class multi-purpose armored vehicle designed as a troop and weapon carrier (mortar, gun), support and reconnaissance vehicle. At a combat gross weight of 18 – 23 tons, the AMC can carry net payload of 6.5 to 10.5 tons, depending on configuration. The vehicle is powered by a 370 hp engine which can be uprated up to 460 hp diesel (Euro 4/5 standard) coupled to an automatic transmission. Utillizing an overhead gun position, the fighting compartment is fully available for seating accommodation and combat load for eight soldiers. Modular protection levels can be applied on the basic hull which provides basic ballistic and mine protection. Additional armor can improve the protection from anti-tank weapons, IEDs, RPGs and EFP.

With massive US deployment of heavily armored Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan, MRAP is becoming a popular class of armored vehicle, attracting new designs from many automotive systems designers worldwide.

A new design shown here for the first time is the Renault MRAP, ranging a number of vehicles in the 15 /22 ton class. The Renault MRAP is powered by the 320 hp Euro 4/5 engine, traveling on road at a maximum speed of 90 km/h. The vehicle is designed with a V shaped hull, has an integral high level of protection against ballistic, mines and IEDs. The vehicle is coming in 10 and 12 seat configurations.

Renault also unveiled a heavily armored version of the Sherpa 3A HI (High Intensity) 4×4 vehicle designed for reconnaissance and liaison missions. Based on the Sherpa 3 platform, the armored HI version can carry a useful mission payload of 1.5 tons, at a gross vehicle weight of 10.5 tons. It is powered by a Renault 215 hp Euro 4/5 engine and automatic transmission, accelerating this armored beast to a maximum road speed of 120 km/h. At Eurosatory Renault demonstrated the vehicle with remotely controlled overhead weapon station, further enhancing crew protection.

Sherpa 3A HI Photo: Tamir Eshel

KMW Unveils Enhanced Fennek Recce Vehicle Platform

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Jun 17, 2008

At Eurosatory 2008 KMW unveiled the GP-F2T prototype, carrying the Fennek platform into a modular, scalable design. GP-F2T is a generic, flexible platform which could be tailored to different missions. Accommodating a wider variety of mission payloads, the GP-F2T can be designed with a larger crew and payload compartment, and elevating mast. It is fitted with two engines (fore and aft location) separately powering the front and rear axels, offering dual redundant propulsion and automotive system and better maneuverability and cross-country mobility. The dual engine configuration provides engine output of over 20 kW per ton vehicle weight allowing the vehicle to negotiate 60% forward slopes and up to 30 percent side slopes, traveling over 1,000 km range. This air-transportable vehicle is designed to be self sufficient on an independent mission for up to five days.

KMW, Rhenmetall Defence to Launch New Armored Vehicle Families at Eurosatory

Rafael Expands Air and Missile Defense Family of Weapons

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Jun 15, 2008

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is promoting a range of state-of-the-art air & missiles defense systems under development at its missiles & Net Centric Warfare (NCW) division. The company is currently working on four major programs, addressing low-level, short and medium range air defense systems and counter rocket, artillery and missiles (C-RAM) systems and two parallel programs offering medium and extended range, anti-aircraft and missile intercepting capabilities. India has become one of the key markets for Israel’s air defense systems. India selected the Spyder short range air defense system, utilizing ground launched versions of Python 5 and Derby – two of the latest versions of Rafael’s air/air missiles.

The company is developing two missile/rocket interceptors, the multi-stage Stunner, a high performance missile interceptor, designed to intercept medium range missiles and rockets, at ranges of 70 – 200 km, and the Tamir, a low-cost rocket interceptor, developed to counter ballistic threats such as short range rockets, mortars and artillery. Critical elements of both missiles were already tested, with first demonstrations of a full intercept planned later this year, anticipation for fielding within 24 months.

The design of the Tamir interceptor follows a unique ‘design to cost’ approach, targeting low cost of ownership and cost per kill, by offering robust, field deployable system based on commercial off the shelf elements, and mission accomplishment by providing redundancy, high availability and mutual coverage of a defended footprint. While the interceptor is equipped with a sophisticated seeker and warhead, and is autonomously seeking its target, the ‘brain’ of the system is centralized in the command, control and battle management centers offering maximum utilization of available assets.

Stunner, developed under a joint U.S. – Israeli program led by Rafael, partnering with Raytheon, uses a multi-pulse rocket motor, agile steering systems and combined dual seeker, providing high sensitivity under all weather conditions and immunity to deception and countermeasures. The missile uses an effective ‘hit-to-kill’ mechanism combining maneuverability to optimize the performance of the dual-band terminal seeker, thus reducing system’s cost. Using a ‘fire and forget’ operating concept, Stunners will be able to engage targets along threat trajectories, requiring minimal cueing from sensor resources, ensuring high rate of fire, even during saturation attacks. Further optimizing the Stunner system’s performance, the missile’s in-flight update will provide real-time retargeting. These elements are particularly important to provide Stunner with clear overmatch on any threat, specifically in complex, hit-to-kill endgame.

The missile will utilize a booster designed by ATK, a multi-mode seeker and multi-pulse rocket motor, developed by RAFAEL. The system could rely on the IAI/Elta Green Pine missile warning radar or the company’s new Multi-Mission Radar (MMR), which is also considered for the short-range rocket defense system, also developed by Rafael. The missiles could be used as ‘stand alone’ systems, using canister, rail launchers or rely on Patriot units, using common container/launchers and battle management systems. By integrating with existing air defenses, Stunner will be able to dramatically improve the survivability of air and missile defense systems, protecting strategic facilities from attacks by short or medium range ballistic missiles and minimize collateral damage from debris. In addition to the development of the Stunner, Rafael is also a subcontractor for IAI for the development of the missile interceptor of the Barak 8 system.

Rafael is also a subcontractor for IAI for the development of the Barak 8 missile.
“We see a growing demand for air defense systems in many of the world’s markets” Rafael’s VP Marketing, Lova Drori told Show News. “The requirements are also changing, from static defense to the protection of large, strategic regions; air defense is evolving from anti-aircraft requirement to a more universal protection from ‘anything coming from the air’, addressing missiles, guided weapons and unmanned vehicles of different types.” Rafael is well positioned to address this change, with a wide range of in-house technologies, including rocket propulsion, warheads, navigation and homing techniques, sensors and electronics.

Elta Shows Ultra-fast EO Gunshot Detectors, Unattended Ground Sensors

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Jun 15, 2008

IAI/Elta is showing a new range of unattended ground sensors and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) based sensors based on the EL/L-8293 Transient Event Detection (TED) developed by a new subsidiary called OptigO and the EL/I-6001UGSN is a modular network of autonomous distributed sensors including seismic, acoustic, electro-optical sensors and miniature ground surveillance radars.

The new network is part of Israel Aerospace Industries’ product offering for the evolving requirements for improving forward operating bases, force protection, and border security. Among these are security systems based a range of autonomous, unmanned ground vehicles, systems developed under collaboration with Elbit Systems, at the G-NIUS Unmanned Ground Vehicles company.

IAI/Elta is showing a new range of unattended ground sensors and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) based sensors based on the EL/L-8293 Transient Event Detection (TED) developed by a new subsidiary called OptigO. TED operates as a persistent, day and night, multi-wave Infra-Red electro-optical(E/O) surveillance system designed to effectively detect IR transients over a wide field of view. The new device is capable of automatically detecting enemy gunshot by azimuth and elevation, covering a large area within a wide field of regard (FOR), enabling fast and effective response toward the gunshot source. TED is confugured as a lightweigt soldier portable or vehicle mounted device, It can operate effectively in open areas, urban areas, quiet or noisy environments, stationary or on-the-move. TED can also be associated as part of the EL/I-6001 Unattended Ground Sensors Network (USGN) developed by Elta Systems.

Elta’s new UGSN is a modular network of autonomous distributed sensors including seismic, acoustic, electro-optical sensors and miniature ground surveillance radars. Each sensor includes a sensitive microphone, for acoustic detection, a geophone picking up seismic vibration from nearby movement, a GPS receiver, communications transceiver and low-power controller and signal processor.

The sensor can pick up moving heavy vehicles (such as tanks) from a distance of 500 meters and walking humans from 50 meters. The UGS can be configured with high capacity power module for extended use (four weeks), or in a miniature casing, for short missions (7 days). Surveillance data is transmitted wirelessly, through self-forming network to te ground command and control center. The UGS can be located in any area for monitoring the area of interest for an extended period of time. The sensors can operate autonomously or in combination, optimizing area coverage, and facilitating target detection, classification. Add-on electro-optical sensors such as TED based passive, uncooled thermal sensors, can be added. While TEDs are maintained in power saving ‘sleep mode’, they automatically designated by the UGS to perform target recognition and identification.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

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