published by wednesday 13 september 2017 british by birth · pdf filepublished by wednesday 13...

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British by birth

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Published by Wednesday 13 September 2017

Upgraded Jordanian Snake Head cupola provides full protection

page 15

More capable Wave Glider USV provides long-endurance surveillance

page 26DAY

2

Pride of place on Rheinmetall Defence’s Stand S7-110 is the Boxer (8x8) Multi-Role Armoured Vehicle (MRAV), which is one of the contenders for the UK Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) requirement.

For DSEI, Rheinmetall has

painted Boxer MRAV in the red, white and blue colours of the UK, as this was one of the countries originally involved countries originally involved in the programme, so Boxer is ‘British by Birth’.

The British Army is due to form two Strike Brigades,

with each of these having two battalions equipped with a yet to be selected MIV, plus one battalion of Ajax reconnaissance vehicles, artillery, engineer and logistic support elements.

continued on page 3

Day 2 p1.indd 1 12/09/2017 18:53

3official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei

DAVID DONALD

The UK Dragonfire team (Stand ND4 in the Naval Display area) has unveiled its laser weapon system demonstrator. It is being developed under a £30 million Dstl (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) contract that was awarded at the start of the year. Known as the Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) capability demonstrator programme, the UK Dragonfire effort brings together a team of Leonardo, QinetiQ, MBDA, Arke, BAE Systems, Marshall and GKN, with MBDA acting as overall programme co-ordinator.

Leonardo is supplying the beam director turret that incorporates advanced sensors and the laser effector, which is the primary responsibility of QinetiQ. MBDA is responsible for the command and control element, drawing on its experience with the Land/Sea Ceptor programmes.

Three principal modules make up the LDEW, comprising laser

effector, power and cooling, and command and control. The system has passed its preliminary design review and is proceeding towards a critical design review at the end of this year. Laboratory trials will begin next year, and field trials in 2019.

In 2020 the team hopes to put the LDEW system aboard a naval vessel, possibly a Royal Fleet Auxiliary, to help demonstrate to the UK defence community the benefits of a laser weapon. The system aims to offer highly accurate targeting, allowing it to hit specific parts of an aircraft, for example. Such accuracy gives greater flexibility in target engagement, potentially allowing an LDEW system to disrupt or dazzle the target, as well as to destroy it. The UK Dragonfire team suggests an operational system could be fielded in the early 2020s on a platform such as the Type 45 destroyer, providing an agile defensive capability in the VSHORAD sector.

continued from page 1MIV will be an 8x8 vehicle

with a high level of strategic and cross-country mobility and good protection. The armoured personnel carrier (APC) version is expected to be armed with a remote weapon station (RWS) with a .50 M2 HB machine gun (MG).

As many as 500 MIVs are expected to be required, with the competition now being run by the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation at Abbey Wood.

The original contract was for 272 Boxer MRAVs for the German Army and 200 for the Royal Netherlands Army, but more recently Germany has ordered an additional 131 Boxer MRAVs in the APC role, with the latest version being the Boxer A2. Lithuania has ordered 88 Boxers, with most of these being in the infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) configuration with a RWS armed with a 30mm cannon and 7.62mm co-axial MG.

There is a hot production line for the Boxer, which will remain fully operational for some years, so deliveries could be made to the UK at an early stage.

British by birthBoxer is a joint project

between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles with the company called ARTEC, with OCCAR having overall project responsibility. If Boxer was selected, then the UK would rejoin the programme and capitalise on its already considerable investment. ARTEC officials pointed out that the Boxer has already been put through the extensive Reliability Growth Trials (RGT) requirement by the UK.

Potential team members include BAE Systems, Thales, Raytheon and Pearson, with the last company now owning the former Vickers Defence Systems Newcastle-upon-Tyne facility, which built large numbers of armoured vehicles for the UK.

In addition to being used as an APC, Boxer is deployed as an ambulance, a cargo carrier, a command post, a driver training vehicle and an engineer vehicle, but because the rear mission module can be removed rapidly, it can be used for a much wider range of battlefield missions.

Fire-breathing dragon

Day 2 p3.indd 4 12/09/2017 18:23


CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

Making its first appearance at DSEI in the outside vehicle park is the new MBDA Land Ceptor surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, which is the replacement for the currently deployed Rapier Field Standard C (FSC) used by the Royal Artillery, which has an out-of-service date of 2020.

Land Ceptor uses the next-generation Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM), which is also used in the Royal Navy’s Sea Ceptor, which has recently completed a series of successful trials from the Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll. It has a maximum range of more than 25km and has been designed not only to engage aircraft in adverse weather conditions, but also cruise missiles and precision guided munitions.

The system is based on a Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles HX77 (8x8) cross-country truck, on the rear of which is a modular launcher that features a palletised loading module and a self-mounting/dismounting capability. The latter makes it easier to transport by road, rail or air and it can also be used for dismounted operations. A similar HX77 carries the

is being developed by MBDA (Stand S2-210) in Italy, which would have a range of more than 40km.

In April 2017, the UK MoD placed a contract with MBDA worth £323 million for CAMM for the British Army and Royal Navy. Six nations have already chosen CAMM to meet their future air defence requirements in the maritime and land domains.

Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group (Stand S3-310) has been awarded a £13.5

million contract by MBDA for the manufacture of CAMM canisters for the Sea Ceptor and Land Ceptor. Further options exist for future CAMM requirements, plus the potential for a canister to house the developmental CAMM extended-range missile. Marshall also supports the Land Ceptor programme through its design, manufacture and integration of subsystems equipment for the Land Ceptor Fire Unit Support Vehicle.

command and control system and its associated radar.

When travelling, the eight CAMM are in the horizontal position and are raised into the vertical for a soft launch. The supersonic missile has a launch weight of 99kg and a dedicated tracking radar is not required, because Land Ceptor uses data from the surveillance radar and then the CAMM’s own active radar seeker takes over until missile impact.

An extended-range CAMM

SAM system on display

Day 2 p5.indd 4 12/09/2017 17:53

official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei6

RICHARD SCOTT

Shipyards and design houses at DSEI 2017 are positioning themselves to compete for the Royal Navy’s (RN’s) Type 31e frigate programme.

An industry engagement briefing in London last Thursday − a day after the announcement of the new National Shipbuilding Strategy − revealed plans for the fast-track acquisition of a globally deployable vessel geared towards maritime security and defence engagement operations. A ceiling price of no more than £250 million has been set for each for the first batch of five frigates, which

A radical design for an autonomous naval vessel with a range of 3,500 nautical miles has been unveiled by Rolls-Royce at DSEI 2017.

Designed to perform a range of single-role missions − for example, patrol and surveillance, mine detection or fleet protection − the 60m long, 700-tonne displacement vessel is intended to be capable of operating beyond the horizon for more than 100 days at a time.

According to Benjamin Thorp, Rolls-Royce’s general manager, Naval Electrics, Automation and Control, the company is seeing interest from major navies in autonomous, rather than remote-controlled, ships.

‘‘Such ships offer a way to deliver increased operational capability, reduce the risk to crew and cut both operating and build costs,’’ he said. ‘‘Over the next 10 years or so, Rolls-Royce expects to see the introduction of medium sized unmanned platforms, particularly in leading navies, as the concept of mixed manned and unmanned fleets develops.’’

The initial design features a full electric propulsion system − featuring two Rolls-Royce MTU 4000 series gensets providing about 4MW electrical power to a 1.5MW propulsion

drive − which requires fewer auxiliary systems and offers better reliability levels than mechanical counterparts. An alternative to diesel engines could be small gas turbines, further improving the system’s reliability and reducing onboard maintenance.

Permanent magnet Azipull thrusters together with a bow-mounted tunnel thruster will make the vessel highly manoeuvrable. To reduce fuel consumption and extend operational range, an additional 3,000kWh of energy storage will facilitate efficient low-speed loiter operations; the vessel will also be fitted with photovoltaic panels to generate power when the vessel is on standby.

The absence of crew increases the need for very reliable power and propulsion systems. According to Rolls-Royce, its approach is to blend

advanced intelligent asset management and system redundancy in a cost-effective manner that avoids sacrificing the cost and volume savings achieved by removing the crew. A suite of autonomous support tools, such as energy management, equipment health monitoring and predictive and remote maintenance, will ensure the availability of unmanned vessels.

Many of the technologies needed to make autonomous ships a reality already exist. For example, Rolls-Royce has created what it believes to be the world’s first intelligent awareness system combining multiple sensors with artificial intelligence, to help commercial vessels operate more safely and efficiently. Significant analysis of potential cyber risks is also being undertaken to ensure end-to-end security.

Beyond the horizon

UK friga

Day 2 p6-7.indd 4 12/09/2017 17:00


will replace a similar number of general-purpose Type 23 frigates.

As part of a revamped surface fleet, the Type 31e will be tasked for routine security and presence missions. This will free up Type 45 destroyers and Type 26 frigates for task group operations or, in the case of Type 26, support of the strategic deterrent.

Addressing last week’s industry day, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sir Philip Jones said the RN must take ‘‘a hard-headed approach in setting our requirements to keep costs down, while maintaining a credible capability, and then having the discipline to stick to those requirements to allow the project to proceed at pace.

ship since the Second World War.’’

Formal Type 31e procurement activity will begin in the first quarter of 2018, with a competitive design phase commencing in the second quarter. Main gate approval is planned before the end of 2018, with the start of manufacture following in early 2019.

Outline requirements for the Type 31e frigate include a hangar and flight deck big enough for a helicopter and unmanned air vehicles, enough accommodation to support the standard ship’s company with mission specialists as required, and stowage for sea boats, disaster relief stores and other equipment. The ship will have a

crew of between 80-100. Type 31e is central to a new

warship acquisition model, which could see modular block construction activity shared across yards around the UK, with blocks then assembled at a central hub.

According to Tony Douglas, chief executive officer of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the programme and cost constraints attached to the programme will drive the change through the entire system. ‘‘The collective challenge for DE&S and industry is to deliver Type 31e in a different, more innovative way than has gone before,’’ he said. ‘‘I want this to be a transformation in the way we do business.’’

The design of the Type 31e general purpose frigate will be ‘‘UK-owned’’ and the procurement will be competitive between UK shipyards. However, international partners, provided they satisfy national security requirements, are being encouraged to work with UK shipyards and other providers to produce the best possible commercial solution.

gate is on the starting line

‘‘Adaptability is key; we need a design based on common standards, but which offers different customers the ability to specify different configurations and capabilities without the need for significant revisions,’’ he said.

The Type 31e design philosophy outlined is for a standard ‘core’ platform offered with a matrix of ‘adaptable’ options to meet potential export requirements. According to Jones, the first Type 31e must enter service in 2023 to maintain current force levels. “‘‘Clearly that’s a demanding timescale,’’ he said, ‘‘which means the development stage must be undertaken more quickly than for any comparable

BMT’s Venator-110 (above) and Babcock’s Arrowhead (below) are among the designs expected to be put forward for the Type 31e requirement

Day 2 p6-7.indd 5 12/09/2017 17:00

including the auxiliary power unit for some versions of the German Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2 main battle tank.

The General Dynamics Land Systems UK Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle is powered by a Steyr M160036-A six-cylinder turbocharged diesel developing 214hp. For this application it is coupled to a ZF 6HP28 six-speed automatic transmission.

Steyr engines are also installed in many other wheeled platforms, including the South African RG32M, Thales Australia Hawkei AMPV (above) and the Spanish Vamtac, as well as in upgraded Spartan and Scorpion tracked vehicles in Jordan.


36kW electrical power output.In addition to the design,

development and production of engines for land platforms, Steyr Motors has also developed a series of four-cylinder common rail marine engines, and is also developing six-cylinder monobloc common rail engines for land, sea and industrial applications. These are expected to be launched in 2018.

The company’s diesel engines are already used in

a number of vehicle

applications,

Steyr Motors of Austria (Stand S9-163) is showing for the first time the latest additions to its expanding range of high-performance diesel engines, which are stated to be a unique combination of reliable monobloc design and efficient common rail technology.

The new M14 CR four-cylinder diesel is being marketed in three different models to cover output requirements ranging from 85kW to 120kW. The other is the M12 CR REX (right), which is stated to be a very compact and flexible two-cylinder engine with a

Diesel family grows

A communications upgrade to the Royal Australian Air Force’s Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS) that provides the system with voice communication services for two separate security domains from a consolidated controller position has entered service.

Lockheed Martin Australia was contracted in 2014 to deliver the TADRS communications upgrade, and then subcontracted Frequentis (Stand S3-270) to supply the end-to-end IP-based secure voice communication system, dubbed iSecCOM. TADRS includes seven of these systems.

The Frequentis Secure Audio Switch is the element responsible for separating classified and unclassified domains, and has achieved international Common Criteria EAL4+ certification with the Australian Signals Directorate

The iSecCOM system has the smallest and lightest footprint available in the mission-critical market, according to Frequentis, making it particularly suitable for deployable and mobile defence systems.

Voice comms upgrade

Day 2 p8.indd 4 12/09/2017 17:34

different way of operating.’’As part of this evolving

approach, Blue Bear has since the start of this year been working on a design concept for a modular UAS able to be rapidly reconfigured to meet different mission requirements.

‘‘We’ve concentrated on the sort of vehicle that could form part of a swarm of 20 or 30 UAVs,’’ said Patel. ‘‘What we’ve engineered and prototyped is a system that can be rapidly tailored for the mission in hand, with separate plug-in modules in the belly, tail, nose and detachable wings.

‘‘In each payload module you


RICHARD SCOTT

UK unmanned autonomous systems house Blue Bear Systems Research (Stand N2-277) is showcasing an innovative modular unmanned aerial system (UAS).

According to Dr Yoge Patel, Blue Bear’s CEO, there is increasing interest in the use of unmanned and autonomous systems to deliver ‘fractionalised’ capability. ‘‘Rather than use one big unmanned aerial vehicle [UAV], you use a swarm of several smaller UAVs to execute the task,’’ she explained. ‘‘It’s a

accommodate a device − a flight controller, battery, sensors, and so on. It’s a flexible and quickly assembled vehicle system that uses fluted plastic materials and simple flat-pack assembly. Laser cutting and 3D printing enable cost-effective manufacture appropriate to volumes.’’

Blue Bear has recently secured multiple contracts from the MoD’s ‘last mile’ defence and security ‘Accelerator’ competition. This effort, focusing on the challenging ‘last mile’ resupply in the land environment, seeks to develop

Innovative modular UAS concept and demonstrate the use of

autonomous systems to deliver mission-critical supplies from

the forward-most location (such as a physical base or a logistics/infantry vehicle) to

personnel engaged in combat operations.

‘‘We have won three ‘last mile’ contracts,’’ said Patel. ‘‘The first is looking at tasking of UAVs from soldier-worn smart vests. The second is looking at unmanned traffic management.

‘‘The third is looking at a ‘fractionalised’ system to perform the ‘last mile’ resupply. What we are looking at is breaking up the bulk pallet so that cargo can be delivered to the front line in a more agile manner.’’

Rolls-Royce (Stand S6-210) is premiering the new Equipment Health Monitoring (EHM) function available with the MTU Callosum Ship Automation System.

According to the company, the latest EHM extension provides a real-time picture of the status of the vessel and its propulsion

system. Callosum employs the latest analysis techniques and machine learning based on digital measurement data to prevent faults and match maintenance to actual equipment condition. As a result, maintenance needs and life-cycle costs are minimised while availability and planning

reliability for operational forces are increased. Visitors to the Rolls-Royce stand will be able to view a simulation of the EHM extension for Callosum that today already meets the requirements modern naval forces can expect to encounter in the future.

The stand also features models of the new MTU 16V 8000 engine and the advanced

diesel genset for submarines based on the company’s Series 4000 units. Available from 2018, MTU’s 16-cylinder Series 8000 engine delivers up to 8,000kW at 1,150rpm and is characterised by its low total cost of ownership, high power density and its environmentally friendly credentials.

The MTU brand is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

Health check for ships

Day 2 p10.indd 4 12/09/2017 16:58

13

RICHARD SCOTT

Final testing is planned to complete next month for a new defensive aids system to equip Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) NH90 helicopters.

Terma (Stand S5-375) was contracted in 2014 to integrate its Modular Aircraft Survivability Equipment (MASE) pod onto RNLAF NH90 helicopters to address platform self-protection requirements identified by the company in a 2012 study. This work had identified a number of solutions centered around a missile warning system, Terma’s Advanced Countermeasures Dispenser System (ACMDS), and the company’s ALQ-213 electronic warfare (EW) controller.

The MASE installation adopted for the RNLAF NH90 fleet embodies the ALQ-213 EW controller in the cockpit, plus two self-protection pods − fitted either side of the fuselage on a dedicated carrier bracket − hosting the Hensoldt AN/AAR-60 MILDS-F Missile Warning System and

the ACMDS (updated with the latest generation Terma digital sequencer switch). The basic design of the pod installation allows for the introduction of new sensors (for example, laser or radar warning systems) and/or effectors (such as Directed Infrared Countermeasures).

As part of the RNLAF requirement, the MASE installation has been designed to withstand the harsh salt-laden conditions to which helicopters are exposed when operating in a maritime environment. In addition, the installation design has been engineered to ensure it is practical to handle and operate from a helicopter deck on a frigate; for example, easy access to, and installation of, the pod even in rough weather conditions.

MASE trials on the NH90 began earlier this year. The RNLAF, Terma and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre will complete final ground trials by the end of September 2017, and flight testing is scheduled to start in October 2017.

Aircraft survivability

Day 2 p13.indd 4 12/09/2017 13:25


CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

The Jordanian King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) (Stand N9-310) is once again attending DSEI and has brought some of its latest developments to show potential customers.

These include a scale model of the latest Al-Jawad Mk IV (4x4) armoured vehicle from Jordan Light Vehicle Manufacturing and, at the larger end of the portfolio, the Al-Wahsh (4x4), which is available in several versions, including armoured personnel carrier, internal security vehicle, missile launching and, more

PromineDAVID DONALD

Chess Dynamics (Stand S8-140) has launched a reconnaissance and surveillance system that can be fitted easily and quickly to tactical vehicles. The Hawkeye Vehicle System comprises a sensor group mounted on a 4m mast that can be raised while the vehicle itself remains hull-down in cover.

The company has devised an easy-to-use operator interface with a touchscreen, icon-based display with a gamepad-style controller.

The system can be set up to observe specific target areas automatically, alerting the operator if activity is detected.

Target-tracking and image stabilisation are included to further reduce the burden on the operator.

Hawkeye sensors comprise a

Gen4 cooled thermal imager and a Chess Dynamics Long Range Piranha day/low-light camera. They are complemented by a laser rangefinder with a 20km capability.

Optional equipment comprises a laser target-marker, laser designator and near-infrared pointer. The system has a geo-reference capability to provide accurate target location, which can feed data into a wider targeting system if the vehicle is connected into a battlefield C4I network.

Hawkeye VS seen installed on a Jackal reconnaissance vehicle. The mast can extend to a height of 4m above the vehicle

Quick-fit reconnaissance

Day 2 p14-15.indd 4 12/09/2017 13:57

recently, a flatbed rear platform on which is mounted a 105mm artillery system that fires over the rear arc.

KADDB is also showing an upgraded Snake Head Mk IIIA cupola, which has been designed to be installed on

nent portfolio new-build and upgraded tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles to provide the gunner with full protection from all arms fire and shell splinters.

The cupola has manual traverse and elevation for the .50 M2 HM machine gun and this version is fitted with a new front shield that moves up and down so providing full protection to the area around the gun barrel.

First Armour is presenting the latest innovation for the boltless airbag cushion helmet system. This new system has been successfully tested for less than 8mm trauma, which according to the company is considered among the best results in this field.

official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei 15

SAM J BASCH

Driving in unfamiliar terrain when visibility is degraded could be dangerous. UK-based RFEL (Stand S4-150) is exhibiting and demonstrating its innovative Trailblazer HD-SDI and generic vehicle architecture compliant military driver vision aid at DSEI this week.

Trailblazer extends the field of view beyond the normal spectrum, even in adverse weather and low-light conditions. When the field of view is limited and threats are unknown, total command of the road ahead and complete situational awareness are essential for success. Trailblazer’s dual-

channel daylight and infrared video sensors, along with RFEL’s sophisticated image processing technology, provide the driver, crew and commander with views from ahead and behind when primary vision is restricted, such as in armoured vehicles with hatches down.

According to Wayne Cranwell, RFEL’s video processing business development lead, Trailblazer meets the exacting requirements of military usage and sets a new standard for vehicle vision enhancement.

‘‘Its use is not restricted to just military applications, though,’’ said Cranwell. ‘‘We can provide Trailblazer to companies addressing commercial applications in security, maritime situation awareness, platform autonomy and robotics, and for industrial systems.’’

Trailblazer incorporates RFEL’s multiresolution,

advanced Digital Video Fusion technique, which is superior to common blending, averaging and overlay approaches typically taken to make use of thermal scene data within an otherwise obscured, daylight field of view.

RFEL’s algorithm intelligently generates a composite output video stream on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This means there is no loss of higher resolution features from any one sensor and no reduction in colour content due to bland and uniform thermal regions.

This is further enhanced by preprocessing techniques such as contrast enhancement and, optionally, high-frequency digital stabilisation and/or customisable pseudo-colour highlighting.

Keen vision

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helping the three companies to decide which one will take the lead as prime contractor for the programme. This is likely to be Leonardo, however, given its experience as a service provider and in supplying avionics, EW systems and radar for fighter

aircraft in the UK. Stewart noted that the company had been

looking at ASDOT as an opportunity

for a

number of years, and has been talking to the Inzpire/Discovery Air Defence team for some time. He also added that discussions have been held regarding the potential to participate in other

BETH STEVENSON

Leonardo (Stand S5-110, static SG14) has joined the Inzpire/Discovery Air Defence team to pitch an aggressor trainer for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Air Support to Defence Operational Training (ASDOT) programme.

Announcing the Leonardo participation in the programme at DSEI, the

team is now preparing for the release of a prequalification questionnaire (PQQ) from the MoD later in September, which will provide more information on what the specific requirements are likely to be.

Discovery Air Defence

has access to a number of different aircraft types, but it is as of yet undecided which one will be selected for the team’s ASDOT pitch. It could range from Leonardo’s own M-346 (pictured) to third-party examples such as the Saab Gripen or Lockheed Martin F-16.

‘‘At the moment we’re staying quite agnostic

on that,’’ said Stewart Miller, senior vice-president of Support and Service Solutions UK at Leonardo, adding that the PQQ will help to determine which aircraft to pitch, as well as

Teamwork for trainersimilar aggressor trainer requirements elsewhere in the world.

ASDOT is expected to result in a selection by 2019. Other companies pitching for it include Textron AirLand/ATAC/Qinetiq/Thales and CAE/Draken/Babcock teams, although a July announcement that Draken was teaming with Cobham for the requirement has raised questions surrounding the current position of the latter.

The Italian air force uses

the M-346 − dubbed T-346A in

Italian service − for aggressor training. Based with the 61st Air Wing at Grosseto air base, the aircraft is used as an aggressor against the Eurofighter Typhoons that base their training at the site.

Day 2 p16.indd 4 12/09/2017 13:47


SHAUN CONNORS

Oshkosh Defense (Stand N4-165) is showing a four-door Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) sporting a British Army paint scheme and equipped with a Harris VRC 110 radio system, a Kongsberg Protector Lite remote weapon station (RWS) with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, and AmSafe Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) nets.

It was first disclosed in June 2016 that the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) was in talks regarding the potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) acquisition

of JLTV from the USA. The MoD confirmed that interest was being shown in acquiring the JLTV to meet the Package 1 requirement of the Multi-Role Vehicle-Protected (MRV-P) programme. In January 2017, it was confirmed that negotiations for an FMS acquisition of JLTV had commenced.

On 10 July 2017, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced that the US state department had approved a possible FMS valued at $1.035 billion to the UK for 2,747 JLTVs plus options that include armour B-kits. Any sale

must still be ratified by the US Congress.

Jane’s sources suggest the UK’s current JLTV requirement is closer to 747 − the quoted 2,747 figure an aspirational total requested at this stage to simplify any additional acquisitions in the future.

Oshkosh was awarded the JLTV contract on 25 August 2015. The award includes a base contract and eight option years covering three years of low-rate initial production (LRIP) and five years of full-rate production (FRP). The initial JLTV contract award has a potential value

of $6.749 billion and calls for a maximum of 16,901 JLTVs. The sixth and most recent JLTV delivery order under this contract was announced by Oshkosh on 1 September 2017, this for 611 JLTVs and bringing order totals to date to 2,756.

Overall JLTV requirements remain fixed at 5,500 for the US Marines and 49,099 for the Army, however in June 2017 it was disclosed that the Marines wished to adjust its acquisition objective for JLTV by 65 per cent to up to 9,091 vehicles, hoping to acquire these as quickly as funding permits. Additionally, the US Air Force requested 140 JLTVs in FY18, and while released documents show no further procurement planned for the period FY19-22, the service is known to have a desire to replace its entire fleet of 3,270 HMMWVs with JLTVs.

JLTV order totals could also increase further following confirmation in May 2017 that the JLTV-RV (JLTV − Reconnaissance Vehicle) is to be incorporated into the current JLTV Technical Data Package (TDP) and will be a kit option on the next JLTV contract. The JLTV-RV is currently designated as the interim solution for the Army’s Light Reconnaissance Vehicle (LRV) requirement.

Transatlantic trade

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21

DAVID DONALD

Elbit Systems of Israel (Stand S2-320) has been awarded a $93 million contract to upgrade the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fleet of an unnamed air force in the Asia-Pacific region.

Scheduled to run for three years, the modernisation programme includes installation of advanced cockpit systems, such as a new head-up display, colour screens and Elbit’s DASH IV helmet-mounted display system. The upgrade also covers new weapon delivery and navigation systems, and a new radar.

Elbit has been involved in

New life for the Tiger

official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei

several F-5 upgrade projects in the past, including in Brazil. The resulting F-5EM/FM features a host of new systems from across Israeli industry, such

as the Litening targeting pod, Derby radar-guided missile and Python IV imaging infrared missile from Rafael, and Elbit’s DASH IV helmet display. The

Brazilian aircraft were fitted with Leonardo Grifo F radar. Elbit also led the modernisation of the Royal Thai Air Force’s Tiger II fleet to F-5T Super Tigris standard, similar to the F-5EM/FM but with the EL/M-2032 radar from IAI Elta. Elbit was also involved in the modernisation of Singapore’s F-5E/Fs to F-5S/T standard, including the installation of Grifo F radar.

In the Asia-Pacific region F-5Es also remain in the inventories of Indonesia (believed to be in storage pending replacement), South Korea and Taiwan. Earlier this year an uncorroborated Russian media report suggested Vietnam may be considering the revival of some of its retired F-5Es.

Day 2 p21.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:45

The first high-altitude, long-endurance UAV rolled out of the company’s Palmdale, California, facility in June 2015, and delivery to the UAV’s base at Sigonella air base in Sicily was originally expected some 12 months later. However, implementation of the ground infrastructure became the priority, and subsequently Northrop concentrated on


BETH STEVENSON

Northrop Grumman (Stand S5-310) is preparing to deliver the first RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV-based Alliance Ground Surveillance system to NATO by the end of 2017, which will be followed in quick succession by the other four examples.

manufacturing the five airframes − all of which are now built − while the basing was further developed.

Andrew Tyler, chief executive of Northrop Grumman Europe, said that all five are completely developed and flight trials are underway.

‘‘We’re looking at the whole capability, not just

Sharp-eyed Hawk the aeroplanes,’’ Tyler said. He added that ‘‘introducing the capability into the NATO communications network is not a small undertaking’’, and achieving the military type certification for AGS has taken longer than originally anticipated.

NATO AGS will be unique in that it will have both mobile and fixed infrastructure – provided by Airbus Defence & Space and Leonardo − which will lead to the alliance proving new concepts of operations for the type, Tyler added.

The ferry flights will take place one at a time, but will happen in quick succession.

‘‘Northrop Grumman intends to complete delivery in 2018 in support of the NATO AGS initial operational capability in December 2018,’’ said Tyler.

DAVID DONALD

Kelvin Hughes has launched its latest Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), which has been designed for installation in commercial ships and naval/coastguard vessels. Based on either 22in or 26in widescreen LED displays with

Smart display for the paperless bridgeintegrated processor and 64-bit operation, the new ECDIS can be installed as a standalone system or as part of a multifunction ‘paperless’ bridge display with multiple operator stations. It is being shown on the Kelvin Hughes stand (S4-110) as part of an interactive tactical navigation system.

In the latter application each station can be used to view the chart in its latest form, complete with user-defined routes and graphics. Having multiple displays eliminates the single point of failure because each position can act as a back-up display. The ECDIS uses the latest International

Hydrographic Office presentation library, version 4.

A host of new features are introduced by the new ECDIS, such as a look-ahead function, anchor watch, and warning of anchor dragging. The system has various viewing options, and can support overlays such as Admiralty information, radar target and automatic identification system.

Day 2 p22.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:46


RICHARD SCOTT

Systematic (Stand S5-160) is taking advantage of the presence of the Irish Naval Service offshore patrol vessel LE Samuel Beckett at DSEI to show the capabilities of its SitaWare Maritime solution.

SitaWare Maritime is a scalable and comprehensive command, control, communications, computers and intelligence system designed to provide situational awareness and information sharing to support the generation of a Recognised Maritime Picture in real time. Scalable to meet

diverse requirements − from small patrol vessels up to multinational headquarters −

the system offers interfaces to multiple military information standards, and facilitates

plug-and-play communication and co-ordination with other systems in the land, air and maritime domains.

The presentation of the maritime situation, through an uncluttered interface, gives the SitaWare Maritime user the advantage of being able to assimilate information quickly, allowing rapid decision-making. Furthermore, with the same system available both afloat and ashore, commanders can be confident they are sharing the same picture.

Defence Forces Ireland was the first to use SitaWare Maritime in conjunction with Systematic’s SitaWare suite for its land force and air wing.

Intelligent command and control

Day 2 p24.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:47

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


A full production standard Sea Eagle FCRO (Fire Control Radar Optical) naval radar/electro-optical fire control system is being exhibited by Chess Dynamics here at DSEI on Stand S8-140.

Successfully trialled earlier this year, FCRO is the newest member of the company’s Sea Eagle family. The system combines Weibel’s advanced

FMCW Doppler radar with Chess’ proven EO fire control capability to provide 24-hour, all-weather precision long-range tracking and accurate gunfire control in surface, air and shore engagements.

During the tracking trials of its development system, Chess was able to optimise target discrimination of the radar and harmonise the control of these with operation of the overall fire control system. The trials campaign also included following outbound small calibre

rounds during air tracking trials against a target drone where the system was able to record the path of the outbound round while maintaining track of the drone; this feature enables the system to track the closest point of approach for automated spotting corrections for surface and air engagements.

The company has conducted the trials

The Boeing Company’s Liquid Robotics (Stand S9-174), a leader in long-duration unmanned surface vehicles, has announced the next generation of its Wave Glider, with advancements to the platform’s operational range, and performance for missions in high sea states (6 and greater) and high latitudes, including the Arctic (latitude of 78.76N0) and the Southern Ocean (64.8S).

Changes also include expanded sensor payloads and increased energy and storage capacity required for long-duration maritime surveillance,

environmental monitoring and observation missions in locations too remote or dangerous for manned systems. An anti-biofouling copper coating improves

system performance and simplifies maintenance.

Roger Hine, chief technology officer and co-founder of Liquid Robotics, said: ‘‘With our next-generation Wave

Skimming the waves

programme concurrently with development of the production platform. Designed specifically for naval applications, the system will be fully compliant to NATO and international environmental and EMC

standards.Chess will

be conducting live firing trials in 2018 using small and

medium calibre guns, and performing sea trials on an offshore patrol vessel.

Glider, we’ve applied learning from approximately 100 years of cumulative water time to enhance an already well-proven design. The result is that our Wave Gliders are better prepared than ever before to tackle the dull and dangerous missions.’’

For existing customers, an upgrade kit has been developed to expand the capabilities of their existing Wave Glider to match those of the new platform. All sensor integration validated on the current platform is compatible with the new system without new certification.

General availability for this new version is October 2017.

Sea Eagle spotted

Day 2 p26-27.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:48


SC Group company Supacat (Stand S9-360) has unveiled the high performance SC12 RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) at DSEI, where its capabilities are being demonstrated on the River Thames throughout the show.

An established prime contractor to the UK MoD, Supacat has teamed with Norwegian boat builder, Goldfish Boat, to offer into the UK market the 12m SC12 and a 9m variant, SC9, which are developments of craft already proven and in service with NATO Forces. Supacat will provide the UK-based engineering support, project management and through-life support functions for SC12 and SC9, marking a further

expansion by the company into the maritime defence sector.

Supacat draws on the marine capabilities of its parent SC Group’s sister businesses, marine engineer Proteum and specialist engineer SC Innovation, which is responsible for the SMV24 multirole support vessel. Goldfish RIBs are renowned for their high

speed, agility and durability to meet demanding military applications. The innovative hull design and power integration of SC12 and SC9 create a responsive, manoeuvrable and powerful platform, achieving speeds in excess of 50kts.

The fully integrated C4ISR system enables rapid decision making and response times,

providing the user with tactical options through configurable, easily accessible and shareable C4ISR feeds. Its human-machine interface and power delivery ensure intuitive and precise boat handling in the most difficult conditions.

Goldfish Boat’s RIBs have proven aerial dispatch and air delivery, capable of being deployed by CH-47, A400M and C-17 aircraft. The platform is adaptable and can be reconfigured for mission-specific requirements.

Deck space can also be reconfigured with the position of equipment and personnel optimised for each mission. The design has provision for future growth.

Responsive, agile and powerful

DSEI Day 2 p26-27.indd 5 12/09/2017 08:36


Countering the unmanned

BETH STEVENSON

AUDS (Stand S2-336) has adapted its counter-UAV system to a vehicle-mounted configuration, which can be used to neutralise unwanted systems attacking a temporary base, mobile force, convoy or national infrastructure site.

The consortium behind thesystem − comprising BlighterSurveillance Systems, ChessDynamics and Enterprise ControlSystems − introduced theAUDS in 2015, and it has nowrolled out this new modificationto allow it to be mounted onmilitary trucks and commercialvehicles, for example a convertedMercedes-Benz Sprinter van.The Ku-band radar-basedsystem can also be integratedonto a semi-portable container.

This adds to the threeconfigurations already available: a rooftop installation, a field-mastsystem for forward operatingbases or temporary camps, and

a fixed system for borders andcritical infrastructure sites.

Additionally, modifications have been made to aid the system in countering UAV

swarm attacks, carrying out some 2,000 sorties of this type against in excess of 60 types of fixed- and rotary-wing systems.

The consortium noted that ithas recognised that co-ordinated swarm attacks are on the rise,particularly in the military sector,so it decided to begin work onthe algorithms and techniquesrequired to improve the system’scapability to defeat them.

The multi-band radio frequency inhibitor found within the AUDS aids in allowing the system to simultaneously target multiple threat bands to defeat command and control (C2) links deployed on UAVs, the consortium said. It noted that these C2 links are constantly evolving, but this RF inhibition system is flexible and can counter these changes.

Day 2 p28.indd 4 12/09/2017 08:38


An innovative device developed by UK-based Bodytrak (Stand N8-373) offers real-time

Easat Radar Systems Ltd (Stand S9-478) has recently completed the design and build of a Transportable MSSR Mode-S radar system, which will support safe and efficient airspace operations, for a major European Air Navigation Service provider.

The self-contained system will provide highly accurate air traffic surveillance, while minimising adverse impacts on airport operations, as legacy systems are decommissioned or repaired. The mobile solution can also be used as a gap filler or back-up system in emergency situations.

The Easat solution was selected due to its highly reliable system architecture,

Track their wellbeing

which can easily be configured upon reaching a new operational site. This, combined with a compact footprint and energy efficiency, allows the inclusion of various communication equipment plus two or more controller working positions to run a fully functional air traffic management (ATM) system. It

can operate in standalone mode, linked into a fixed-site radar and AFTN/ATC network, or be fully autonomous via the remote control management system.

Easat’s system is contained within an integrated ISO 40ft trailer, towed by a standard civilian tractor unit. It features Easat’s proven M10S Mode-S MSSR radar system, connected to a secondary surveillance radar antenna, which is elevated using a hydraulic scissor lift. This feeds information to the local maintenance positions and transmits target data via RF, optical and wired links. All power generation, hydraulics and cooling systems are mounted within the trailer to minimise the footprint.

Mobile ATM

IEE (Stand S9-231), a trusted provider of enhanced displays for military and industrial applications for more than 70 years, is showcasing its portfolio of military-grade smart and flat panel displays at DSEI.

Designed to address a variety of applications across land, maritime and airborne platform markets, IEE’s focus on open architecture and open standard

video and data interfaces across its product range is targeted at customer needs for modular and cost-effective solutions.

A highlight of IEE’s ground vehicle displays is the 12.1in Control Display Unit, which utilises networked open architecture standards to achieve interoperability and optimisation of size, weight, power and cost.

For the airborne market, IEE is displaying a new square aspect ratio display 3 ATI Line Replaceable Unit to address the need for instrumentation and CRT replacement. The 3 ATI is available in a variety of I/O

configurations, including Ethernet, RS-232/422, 1553, ARINC 429 and ARINC 818.

IEE is exhibiting in conjunction with Solid State Supplies/Ginsbury

Electronics.

RICHARD SCOTT

UK-based electronic warfare specialist ESROE − a small spin-out business from the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory − is showcasing its compact, low-cost radar band electronic support measures (ESM) system on Ploughshare Innovations’ Stand N5-470.

Claimed to be the world’s smallest fully automatic radar electronic surveillance equipment, the new system − known as Micro ESM − is so

ESM in the Smart and rugged

Day 2 p30-31.indd 4 12/09/2017 08:44


monitoring of vital body functions, with the potential to reduce heat-related injury,

detect illness and improve recovery time, both during training and on the battlefield, writes Sam J Basch.

As its name suggests, the Bodytrak is a multi-parameter in-ear body monitoring platform that accurately, and in real time, tracks core body temperature (CBT) and heart rate (HR). It also continually monitors heart rate variability, oxygen uptake, speed and distance. Bodytrak fits securely and comfortably on the ear − the only unobtrusive part of the body from which a combination of CBT and HR can be measured accurately,

together, and more reliably than wrist-based devices. Data and alerts can be uploaded wirelessly to a cloud-based platform, or viewed in real time on a smartphone, tablet, smart watch or digital radio.

The device was developed in response to the deaths of three British SAS recruits during a training exercise in 2013. Since its launch in 2017, it has received a positive response from academia and industry, resulting in significant funding from the public and private sectors, including corporate investors.

r

he palm of your handsmall that it can be carried in the hand, or mounted on very light unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As well as operating in standalone mode, Micro ESM is sufficiently low cost to allow for the deployment of multiple networked systems to create an intelligent array along a border, coastline, or conflict zone.

ESM systems are designed to detect and identify radar signals. However, because of their size, cost and complexity, their deployment has historically been limited to

large, high-value platforms such as warships or fighter aircraft. Micro ESM has been developed to break this dominance, opening up ESM to use by civilian agencies, and potentially changing the way that ESM contributes to the situational awareness of military personnel in hostile environments.

ESROE’s generic Micro ESM family has been designed to run on Android and Windows smartphone/tablet platforms. Covering the 2-18GHz portion of the radar spectrum, system

solutions perform measurement on every pulse and are capable of detecting and measuring continuous wave (CW) signal types. The measurements performed include radio frequency, and direction finding using amplitude comparison.

Key to the performance of Micro ESM is ESROE’s Glamdring embedded de-interleaving and identification software. A waveform-based processing algorithm specifically developed for scaled, low-cost ESM systems, Glamdring has now been further evolved to incorporate track management functionality.

Bodytrak chief executive Leon Marsh said: ‘‘Our focus is to ensure Bodytrak integrates with the existing military technology ecosystem, because integration with operational headgear and ear-based digital radio systems is key to ensuring adoption and ease of use. We’re working hard with partners and the defence community to ensure Bodytrak works effectively as part of the existing framework.’’ He said Bodytrak is now being field trialled by a number of defence organisations, both in the UK and internationally, as well as the UK emergency services.

Day 2 p30-31.indd 5 12/09/2017 08:44

a year now, and the idea is to come up with a product for very high-end platforms like Skeldar.’’

The Skeldar V-200 − the largest of the company’s rotary-wing offerings − is the main system being offered


BETH STEVENSON

UMS Skeldar (Saab Stand N2-230) has signed a leasing agreement with JetLease that will see its rotary-wing UAV family offered to users on a short- to long-term temporary basis. JetLease will then lease them on to government entities such as coast guards and border control agencies that do not necessarily want the aircraft for a long period of time, or are not ready to acquire it outright.

‘‘We are very excited to announce that UMS is now working with JetLease,’’ David Willems, head of business development for the company, told the DSEI Daily. ‘‘We have been working on this for almost

through the leasing agreement, but there is a chance that customers will also be interested in the company’s smaller R-350 UAV.

Willems noted that customers will primarily be interested in leasing high-value

UAV on demand assets on par with manned aircraft, hence why Skeldar will be the most appealing. UMS Skeldar anticipates lease agreements of between 12 and 60 months.

‘‘They [JetLease] will broker our aircraft with the different institutions they usually work with for manned aircraft to be able to provide our customers with short- to long-term finance for acquiring the assets for a limited period of time,’’ he added.

Willems said UMS Skeldar has received interest from a number of potential operators that may want to acquire the UAV, particularly in Asia and Europe, and it is putting plans in place to ensure that manufacturing will meet the demand of the leasing.

Israel Aerospace Industries (Stand S7-341) has developed a maritime variant of its ubiquitous Harop loitering munition. It has been configured to include a maritime launcher, and has an adapted communication antenna to support operations in this domain.

The maritime Harop builds on the electro-optical/infrared-guided baseline system, which is designed to locate, track and eliminate static and mobile targets. The system can be used alongside smaller offshore patrol vessels up to naval frigates.

‘‘The maritime Harop is an operational weapon system that provides navies with unique response and at good cost-benefit ratio,’’ said Boaz Levi, executive vice-president and general manager of IAI’s Systems, Missiles & Space Group.

‘‘When used on marine platforms, it provides an excellent operational alternative to sea-sea missiles, as well as a range of additional uses, such as intelligence gathering and allowing the operator to choose the precise timing of the attack,’’ he added.

Maritime munition

DSEI Day 2 p32.indd 4 12/09/2017 08:46

to enhance the utility of SPYNEL-X and SPYNEL-S. The first is a visible channel option, based on an HD camera with a continuous optical zoom, which allows the operator to zoom in on a contact of interest during the identification phase.

The second new feature is an eyesafe laser rangefinder, which

provides precise ranging of detected threats on land, at sea or in the air, regardless of their size.

HGH Infrared Systems sees the V-LRF package improving SPYNEL

detection and tracking performance against

small targets, notably drones and micro-drones.


HGH Infrared Systems (Stand N7-353) is showcasing the latest V-LRF (visible channel/laser range finder) enhancement option for its SPYNEL-X and SPYNEL-S infrared surveillance systems at DSEI 2017.

SPYNEL-X is a high-definition infrared search and track system, while SPYNEL-S is a 360° panoramic detection system. Both are based on cooled midwave infrared sensor technology.

With the V-LRF option, HGH Infrared Systems has now introduced two advanced features

Enhanced surveillance

SAM J BASCH

Live video communication, localisation and data transmission at all times are capabilities now available from Austria-based Spintower (Stand S8-272) with its innovative Darvin device.

The highly encrypted and man-portable communication system can be attached to a vehicle or transformed back into a portable on-man system with a single click.

As a temporary stationary system, Darvin can provide

See it live

standalone surveillance/reconnaissance, or integrated into communication infrastructure, after which it can be disassembled in

less than a minute.

While broadcasting live from the scene to the command centre or a tablet, whether 50m or 10,000km away, the integrated GPS provides exact location details and movements in real time. Darvin offers more than 20 functions in a device weighing less than 1kg.

DSEI Day 2 p34.indd 4 12/09/2017 08:50

35

BETH STEVENSON

Ahead of a planned delivery to the first RQ-21 Blackjack export customer later this month, Insitu (Stand S9-115) is holding a conference at DSEI to promote the benefits of the UAV to potential export nations.

Winning hand

The first export example to be delivered to the Canadian Army has rolled off the production line, and is expected to be shipped in the coming weeks, Insitu said. Canada ordered one system − five air vehicles, two ground control stations, one pneumatic launcher and

one Skyhook recovery system − in 2016, making it the first foreign military sale customer for the type. The US Navy and US Marine Corps also operate the Blackjack, the latter having deployed it with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2016.

Now the company is looking to promote the UAV further, and is holding a special conference today alongside Col John Neville, programme manager for the US Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems programme office (PMA-263). Target customers will include NATO, the Five Eyes, Brazil, India, Japan and the GCC, all of which will be informed of the successes of the Blackjack programme, including its support during the anti-Islamic State Operation Inherent Resolve effort in the Middle East.

DAVID DONALD

Since the system was launched in 2013, Spectra Group (UK) Ltd (Stand S7-355) has sold around 2,000 units of its SlingShot radio range-extension system to special forces and armies around the world. The company has just extended its sales partnership with Airbus to offer SlingShot as part of the Airbus communications portfolio. In the meantime, Spectra has been refining and improving the system.

SlingShot was developed to provide forces with an on-the-move beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications capability. The system allows existing tactical radios to be connected into commercial L-band satellite

communications networks, increasing their reach to a global scale. The SlingShot is small and lightweight, and can be used by dismounted soldiers, in vehicles, and in aircraft and helicopters. Spectra claims that, compared with other BLOS systems, SlingShot is cheaper, offers more channel availability, and requires minimal training.

Spectra has recently introduced new power options for SlingShot that increase its flexibility and make setting it up even easier. A universal power supply unit has been developed that provides connectivity with a range of power sources, while an AA battery cassette is now available for the SlingShot Manpack system (pictured).

Another new option is the SlingShot Satellite Emulator

(SSE). This is an L-band satellite emulator that allows the SlingShot to be tested without requiring a live satellite connection. The SSE behaves in the same fashion as a satellite, and can be used for training without the expense of a live connection, and without disturbance to operational networks. The emulator can be programmed to represent perfect connections, or with added noise to emulate edge-of-beam operations, increasing the system’s training and testing value.

Satcoms on the move

official online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei

Day 2 p35.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:52


Innovative solutions to protect soldiers and civilian operators against CBRN threats are being launched by UK-based Survitec Group (Stand S5-170) this week.

The new Survitec Operational Network of Integrated CBRN Systems (SONICS) Bio Skin and Bio Shell protective suits, designed in conjunction with Gore, are a total solution to ensure maximum readiness for civil, military and government organisations. The suits retain their performance and integrity, even when exposed to sea water, petroleum, oils or lubricants, and protect against toxic industrial chemicals, non-traditional agents and blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and Ebola.

Designed to be worn discreetly beneath any outer

technology along with the same protective properties applied to Bio Skin and is less than half the weight of traditional carbon-based suits.

Both suits use Gore’s Chempak selectively permeable membrane, which allows high levels of moisture vapour (perspiration) permeability while significantly restricting the ingress of a broad range of hazardous substances.

Paul Parry, Survitec’s CBRN business manager, said: ‘‘The tangible impact of this innovation to the CBRN protection market alone compared with current solutions is incredibly significant, with up to 50 per cent weight and bulk savings in some cases.’’

The company is also showing its new SONICS MilPod, a

Evolving CBRN protectionspecialist man-portable stretcher for extraction and treatment of a casualty in a CBRN environment, which boasts more than 20 design improvements over current legacy products from other suppliers. ‘‘Survitec isn’t interested in simply participating in this market, we want to help evolve it,’’ he said.

Survitec is also introducing at DSEI a pre-hospital care system delivered through its Survitec Med division, to reduce preventable battlefield deaths.

Survitec SONICS MilPod

Survitec SONICS Bio Shell

garment, the Bio Skin suit is a lightweight and breathable stretch fabric offering exceptional mobility, comfort and a new level of CBRN protection. Bio Shell utilises the Gore CPCSU-2 Flex Fit

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.

Day 2 p36-37.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:50


SAM J BASCH

A multishot less-lethal grenade launcher with significantly improved punch over a single-shot weapon is being introduced by South Africa’s Rippel Effect Systems (Stand N3-110).

‘‘With decades of experience in bringing 40mm multishot grenade launchers to the market and a client base in 33 countries, we decided to market a dedicated less-lethal multishot grenade launcher,’’ explained the company’s Octavia Motsepe.

Rippel Effect is internationally renowned for pioneering the 40mm extended-range grenade launcher concept for shoulder-fired weapons, which is also on display. Its XRGL40 is now operational in 13 countries,

including two NATO nations. ‘‘There is no doubt our

launcher addresses most, if not all, the problems experienced with less-lethal multishot launchers on the market,’’ said Dawid Fourie, marketing executive. ‘‘In the development process, we worked very closely with two of the world’s foremost manufacturers of less-lethal products, US-based

ALS and Condor in Brazil, in addition to drawing on the experience of SWAT officers and specialised police units.’’

Weighing only 3.75kg, the compact and lightweight RLL37/38 fires like a revolver, with the cylinder advancing mechanically every time the trigger is pulled. It does not require gas or a pump action to advance the cylinder, which

can be rotated backwards and forwards without opening the launcher. This allows the operator to skip rounds or select rounds backwards.

The butt-stock is offset at an angle to fire the launcher effortlessly, even when the operator wears a full gas mask or riot control helmet. Rippel developed 37/38mm and 40mm versions, because both types of ammunition are widely used.

The RLL37/38 is in production and in service. ‘‘A focused effort has resulted in sales to three countries in the past 12 months,’’ revealed Fourie. “The RLL37/38 and RLL40 are designed to enhance the operational capability of the modern SWAT or special police units, and can be used in a tactical, as well as crowd control role,’’ he added.

Tfwm

Give them a real punch

Day 2 p36-37.indd 5 12/09/2017 10:50


RICHARD SCOTT

Building on its long record of warship construction for the Indian Navy, Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) (Stand N6-110) is now looking to grow its international business after capturing a first export order from the Mauritius Coast Guard. The company sees the main potential in Asia-Pacific, Africa and South America.

Since delivering INS Ajay in 1961, GRSE has completed more than 90 ships for the Indian

Indian initiativeNavy and Indian Coast Guard. These include frigates, anti-submarine warfare corvettes, missile corvettes, tankers, landing ships, fast attack craft, survey vessels and offshore patrol vessels.

GRSE’s facilities are spread across seven units over an area of 176 acres, and the shipyard has recently completed a modernisation project introducing facilities to enable more efficient modular build. This has created a state-of-the-art shipbuilding plant comprising a 10,000-ton dry dock, a 4,500-ton inclined berth, and a large module hall with sliding roof for consolidation

of mega-hull blocks. All three major facilities are co-located and covered by a 250-ton capacity Goliath crane (main picture).

In addition, GRSE has become the first Indian shipyard to integrate a carbon composite superstructure with a steel hull, resulting in greater ship stability and a reduction in weight.

The investment in upgraded facilities has paved the way for GRSE to execute the construction of three Project 17A stealth frigates to a tight schedule.

In addition, following the delivery of the first

two Project 28 Kamorta-class ASW corvettes to the Indian Navy, GRSE has now successfully completed contractor’s sea trials and a final machinery trial for the third ship of the class.

Day 2 p38-39.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:55


Artist’s impression of Project 17A stealth frigate

DSEI 2017 sees Thales celebrating 100 years of supplying submarine periscopes and above-water visual systems to the Royal Navy (RN).

In December 1915, the Admiralty approached Glasgow-based Barr & Stroud, now part of Thales, to investigate the feasibility of integrating an optical rangefinder into a periscope. As the UK’s leading supplier of military rangefinders, the company rose to the challenge and within seven months had built a fully functioning mock-up. That led to its first contract for a quantity of six FY1 periscopes being placed on 15 September 1916.

Barr & Stroud officially

delivered its first submarine periscope to the navy in August 1917.

The post-war era, and the advent of the Cold War, saw the submarine periscopes increasingly optimised for surveillance and intelligence gathering. However, the opto-mechanical technology used in these systems was not so very different from that used in the preceding 50 years, although basic night vision and electronic warfare sensors were introduced.

With the advent of the electronic age, during the late 1970s Thales introduced thermal imaging sensors and laser rangefinders to RN periscopes in 1978 and

1979 respectively. The use of electronics in periscope design architecture facilitated a transition to limited remote control, followed by full remote control systems such as those introduced to service on the Royal Australian Navy Collins-class boats in the 1990s.

These developments allowed Thales to assemble the fundamental building blocks required for the next generation of non-penetrating optronic mast visual systems. Today the RN’s latest Astute-class submarines are each equipped with two Thales CM10 optronic masts, and work is currently underway to develop a next-generation Low Profile Variant optronics mast.

A century of submarine optronics

Day 2 p38-39.indd 5 12/09/2017 10:56


SAM J BASCH

For military and security users, a dual LED white-infrared strobe certainly has numerous operational applications. USA-based Tektite Industries (Stand N5-285) this week announced its first-ever such improved LED: the Tektite Strobe 200.

As a leader in LED flashlights, strobes and other portable lighting technologies, Tektite Industries developed the Strobe 200 (pictured) as the brightest, most visible, rugged and shock-resistant strobe available on the market today. Highly durable and with a

lamp-life of 10,000+ hours, the modules will seldom, if ever, need to be replaced, according to Tektite. These LED strobes do not utilise the fragile glass

strobe tubes used in Xenon strobes,

while the battery

housing is crafted from the same durable ABS and LEXAN as Tektite’s other military-grade products.

It has an initial flash rate of 120 flashes per minute

Leading light

DAVID DONALD

Blighter Surveillance Systems (Stand S4-154) has introduced a new version of its B400 series

(2Hz), twice as many as the company’s previous Xenon strobes. Made waterproof with double O-ring seals, the Strobe 200 is dive-rated to 150m.

Tektite is also showing the Tekna Wilderness Edge survival knife kit, already in use by some militaries. ‘‘The Wilderness Edge includes everything you need to catch and prepare food, start a fire, find your way, see in the dark and signal for help,’’ the company stated. The 32-piece multifunction system includes

a 10.5in knife with a ripsaw top; a knife sharpener; an LED Splash-Lite submersible flashlight; a sheath that

converts to a fishing pole with reel, hooks, swivels, fly and weights; a snare; and a magnesium fire starter stick.

Ground surveiat low costat low cost

Day 2 p40-41.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:57

Medical devicesUK-based Prometheus Medical (Stand N3-197) is showing some of its latest and innovative medical supplies and equipment.

Its Russell Chest Seal hydrogel-based dressing has been proven in military operations. The Russell PneumoFix, a sterile decompression device with a low-pressure one-way valve, allows air and fluid out but nothing in, while its graduated marking and an X-ray detectable catheter enable depth recording and accurate localisation at hospital.

The Tactical Pelvic Splint is specifically designed for military pre-hospital use.


Doppler ground surveillance radar.

The latest variant retains the capabilities of the existing B400 series, but has been

re-engineered using innovative processing and control software to reduce its cost. The company claims it offers the lowest price per square kilometre of coverage of any ground radar, and a price that is also lower than CCTV and thermal imaging systems.

The Blighter B400 uses a passive electronically scanned array (PESA) antenna that scans small and slow-moving targets in cluttered environments. This is possible thanks to the radar’s coactive frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) Doppler fast-scan processing. The antenna produces a wide beam that typically covers a 90° sector, and multiple units can be installed to increase coverage in increments of 90°. The system is intended for critical infrastructure protection

applications, and B400s are in use at several major international airports. The system can detect a human at a range of 4km.

Offering all the benefits of using an electronically scanned array, such as high performance, low manning levels, zero maintenance requirements and low false-alarm rates, the B400 is also supported by the company’s BlighterView HMI 2 software, which has been optimised for perimeter security. It can be used to control multiple sensors, including radars and electro-optical devices, with slew-to-cue capability for rapid detection and identification of intruders. The software can be used to create alert and exclusion zones.

veillance

Day 2 p40-41.indd 5 12/09/2017 10:57


is then handed over to the gunner, who carries out the engagement.

HIT has upgraded large numbers of Chinese-developed Type 59 MBTs to the latest Al-Zarrar standard, which includes replacement of the original 100mm gun by a 125mm smoothbore gun, coupled to new computerised FCS, plus additional armour

CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) (Stand N9-458) is the main centre of excellence for the design, development and production of tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) in Pakistan and is now offering these for the export market.

Its latest product is the Al-Khalid main battle tank (MBT), which has a crew of three. It is armed with a stabilised 125mm smoothbore gun fed by an automatic loader that first loads the 125mm projectile and then the charge system.

The gun is coupled to a

computerised fire control system (FCS), with the latest version having a hunter/killer capability in which the target is first detected by the commander and, if hostile,

Versatile vehicles from Pakistanprotection and mobility enhancements.

HIT also overhauls and upgrades the still widely deployed M113 armoured personnel carrier (APC) and variants. Further development of the M113 has resulted in the HIT Saad, which has a modified rear troop compartment with firing ports to allow the dismounts to fire their weapons from within the vehicle. HIT has also started production of the Dragoon (4x4) APC, which can be fitted with a variety of weapons to meet users’ operational requirements.

At the lower end of the scale, the Pakistani company has moved into the internal security (IS) vehicle market, and has developed and placed in production the Protector IS vehicle with B6 level ballistic protection and the Mohafiz IS vehicle with B6/B7 level ballistic protection.

HIT has upgraded the Saad APC, a further

development of the M113

SAM J BASCH

Building on its 30-year legacy of developing secure communications and connectivity solutions, Finland-based Bittium (Stand N3-157) is launching its Tough Comnode terminal at DSEI this week.

For mobile troops on the battlefield, the device has the significant benefit of functioning as, for example, a voice-over internet protocol (VoIP), an IP router and a symmetrical high-speed digital subscriber line repeater. It also provides session initiation protocol server functionalities of

the tactical voice network for commercial VoIP terminals and enables the use of legacy combat net radios as part of the IP-based tactical communication system.

‘‘The versatile Bittium Tough Comnode terminal enables wireless and wired data transfer for mobile troops,’’ said Jari Sankala, senior vice-president of Bittium’s defence and security

division. ‘‘With this new device, we expanded our

tactical communications terminal offering and thus

can cover the needs of the entire battlefield even better.’’

Get the troops talking

Day 2 p42.indd 4 12/09/2017 10:59

The right linkMiniature electrical connectors and cable harnesses are essential to OEMs in all areas of the military, hence US-based Omnetics Connector Corp (Stand S2-100) is represented in all sectors at DSEI.

Besides its full line of ruggedised miniature connectors and cable harnesses focused on Micro-D, Nano-D and circular connectors, it promotes hybrid Micro-D and Nano-D connectors utilising both power and signal contacts.

Omnetics connectors can be found in applications including phased array radar and covert surveillance.

43

BETH STEVENSON

Helmet cameras of US company Mohoc (Stand N5-402) have had a recent spate of success, having been selected by various military and law enforcement agencies for use in operational and training scenarios. These include customers in the Asia-Pacific, South America and GCC regions, all of which have seen the benefits of operating what the company claims to be the first cameras ruggedised for military use. These add to NATO nations that are already operating the cameras.

Mohoc added that unlike sport action cameras, the

Secure, snag-free fitofficial online DSEI daily janes.com/dsei

systems have a unique, low-profile form factor, which complements the shape of the helmet for a secure, snag-free fit. Additionally, they have easy-to-use controls, and in terms of durability are fully

ruggedised to an IP68 rating, are waterproof down to 10m, and are drop-proof to 2m. The cameras record 1080p HD video and 12MP photos, and can be acquired in visible light or infrared configurations.

Available accessories include a replacement door that enables the camera to essentially be hardwired for continuous power supply and video streaming, and a K9 harness that provides dog handlers the ability to see exactly what the canine detects. An iOS and Android app, meanwhile, provides streaming, playback and recording control of the camera.

Day 2 p43.indd 4 12/09/2017 14:20


CHRISTOPHER F FOSS

The latest BAE Systems Hägglunds CV9030 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) for the Norwegian Army are fitted with Soucy Defense (Stand N4-152) composite rubber tracks (CRT) rather than convention steel tracks. CRT offer a number of important advantages: they are lighter, generate less noise and vibration, and have less rolling resistance, which means greater fuel efficiency.

Trials have shown that a noise reduction of up to 13.5dB can be achieved, while a reduction in vibration of up to

A smooth andFrance’s ECA Group (Stand N7-312) has completed the development of an integrated unmanned mine countermeasures solution for an unnamed Southeast Asian navy. Sea acceptance tests are due to be undertaken this month, customer maintenance and operational training having been conducted in May at ECA’s facilities in the south of France. Two complete systems are being delivered this year, to enter service in 2018.

ECA’s system is based on an unmanned surface vessel (USV) that is controlled remotely from a command centre. The USV is equipped with two types of unmanned underwater

vessels (UUVs) that are launched autonomously by an automated launch and recovery system. The K-STER I provides an inspection function and is equipped with a dual-frequency sonar to permit long-range target detection and accurate approach, and a colour video camera and searchlight. It has an endurance of two hours and an operational range of 2,000m.

When a mine is located, a K-STER C expendable mine disposal UUV is launched. It has a shaped-charge warhead in a tilting head that can be aimed at the target mine.

Automated mine warfare

70 per cent can be achieved by fitting CRT.

Soucy Defense CRT are standard equipment on BAE Systems Hägglunds BvS10 and Singapore Technologies Kinetics Bronco all-terrain vehicles.

A number of countries have also fitted their fleets of BAE Systems M113 series armoured personnel carriers and variants with Soucy Defense CRT, including Canada and Denmark, are seeing extensive service in Afghanistan.

The Royal Netherlands Army is to replace the steel tracks on its fleet of CV9035 IFV with Soucy’s composite rubber tracks.

Day 2 p44-45.indd 4 12/09/2017 14:24

Sentry for smart commsAustralia-based Codan Radio Communications (Stand N7-384) offers an innovative comms solution with its Sentry-H with 150W RF power, which integrates easily into both military base and mobile platforms. It has now been optimised with an ergonomic smart handset featuring an icon-driven, colour, high-resolution, multiple-language interface. Using second-generation digital voice and frequency hopping, it is interoperable with the Codan Patrol 211M manpack.

Updated to include channel-based secure interoperability for voice communication and 3G automatic link establishment capabilities, Sentry-H can be used with Codan’s Sprint software. This software allows for secure, high-performance HF radio messaging and provides a gateway to support SMS messaging and internet email. SprintChat supports text chat, file and email transfer between radios in a network without the need for a server station. SprintNet includes all these capabilities, while allowing the radio also to be used as a cellular (for SMS) and internet email gateway.

For almost 60 years, Codan Radio has been at the forefront of developing communications solutions for defence, security, humanitarian, peacekeeping and commercial applications.


nd quiet ride

Many armoured fighting vehicles have also been fitted for trials purposes, including Alvis Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles and Spartan armoured personnel carriers.

Soucy Defense has a Leopard

1 MBT platform

as a demonstrator

and this has proved that vehicles with a combat weight approaching 45 tonnes can be successfully fitted with the composite rubber tracks.

Soucy Defense CRT installed on a CV9030 infantry fighting vehicle

Day 2 p44-45.indd 5 12/09/2017 14:24


All-seeing bird

Small and lightweight unmanned air systems (UAS) afford significant operational advantages. UK-based Swarm Systems Ltd (SSL, Stand N3-597) will this week announce the entry of its Owl 4 UAS into the sub-250g sector.

The Owl 4 is designed to be carried in the pouches of the operator’s combat vest and is configured for the ‘flying binoculars’ mission enabling the operator to see ‘around the corner’ and ‘over the hill’, according to the company.

The Owl 4 is considered to be the lightest available in its class and comprises the air vehicle and a chest-mounted

ground control system (GCS). Deployed in 30 seconds, the air vehicle has the camera stability of a quad-rotor, with both its electro-optic and infrared cameras on a stabilised gimbal.

Classed as a nano-UAS

or ‘soldier-borne sensor’ in the sub-250g category, it is recognised by the aviation authorities in the USA, the European Union, China and others as intrinsically safe to operate. Therefore, dismounted

soldiers can operate the Owl 4 immediately, without waiting for airspace clearance and losing operational tempo.

SSL has thoroughly trialled the Owl 4 air vehicle, including 1,000 impact tests, and has also partnered with Juggernaut Defense of Scottsdale, Arizona, to use custom variants of its Juggernaut.Case products to protect the air vehicle and GCS.

The company has export permission for 34 countries and expects to receive permission for an additional 100 countries. ‘‘Our target is to achieve export sales of Owl 4 in 20 countries by the end of 2018,’’ said Jonathan Selbie, director of SSL.

DAVID DONALD

California-based technical and industrial innovations company IXI Technology is displaying its compact, hand-held Drone Killer counter-UAS system at DSEI (Stand N5-250).

Drone Killer has been created to disable UAVs that could be used by criminal, terrorist or regular enemy forces for observation or attack purposes. It uses radio frequency (RF) power to disrupt the UAV’s command and control link and/or GPS guidance, forcing it to land immediately or return to its launch point.

Whereas existing counter-UAS systems are typically fixed to provide protection around critical infrastructure and strategic locations, Drone Killer is packaged into a bullpup rifle-type design that weighs less than 6kg and is 55cm long. Effective ‘take-down’ range is a function of visibility, and is typically around 400m. The

installed RF sensor has a range against C2 and data signals of around 2 miles, providing a basic signal classification into UAS, ground station or unknown categories. The system employs a Li-ion battery that can be recharged from a variety of sources, including a standard 12V vehicle power point. It gives six hours of sensor-mode operation and 45 minutes of continuous jamming effect. This endurance can be put to use to enable IED or CBRN teams to investigate a downed UAV.

As it can easily be carried by a single person, Drone Killer can be used in a greatly expanded

number of applications. In military use, the system can be deployed by mobile teams in the field, and for the protection of the smaller and more remote forward outposts and checkpoints that do not have fixed counter-UAS protection. By deploying Drone Killer with lead and rear units, the system can also provide convoy protection, while it can be used as a gap-filler in fixed ‘electronic fence’ installations.

Drone Killer also has security force and first-responder applications, and could be used for VIP and event protection, and in an anti-terrorism role.

Killing drones by handBeat the heatUK-based Equivital (Stand S3-357) is launching the latest version of its wearable technology to end avoidable heat stress injuries and fatalities. The Black Ghost system provides information to commanders and medics about a soldier’s temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, position and activity.

The application also now includes a Heat Strain Index (HSI), the ultimate tool in estimating current heat strain and predicting an impending heat-related injury. Equivital chief executive Anmol Sood said: ‘‘Heat stress can impair a person’s cognitive function and this is dangerous for those operating in extreme and unpredictable environments.’’

The system is also able to predict 15 minutes into the future the heat risk if an individual were to continue in the same environment at the same activity level.

Day 2 p46-47.indd 4 12/09/2017 14:25


An innovative and versatile

rifle stock developed by BCB International (Stand

N5-200) allows the operator to comfortably discharge a firearm

while wearing a ballistic helmet with the visor fully lowered.

The FRAMM is an adjustable and foldable stock which, according to Ben Simmons, international sales officer,

offers a nine-position setting to conform to various ballistic visor shapes and is compatible with most in-service firearms.

‘‘It is good news for soldiers and security professionals, as its rubberised non-slip stock pad maximises comfort and firing stability to fit all mission requirements,’’ he stated.

SAM J BASCH

Among an array of high-performance electro-optical devices by Canada-based Newcon Optik (Stand N4-156) at DSEI this week is the new Spotter range of combined spotting scope/laser rangefinder systems.

The first of their kind, Spotter LRF and Spotter LRF Pro combine 15-45x optics and a long-distance laser rangefinder into a single MIL-SPEC package. ‘‘Our users always demand equipment that is multifunctional yet compact, cost-efficient and reliable,’’ said executive VP and chief operating officer Alex Rudiy.

Also at the stand is the newly released LRB 6K, a sleek, compact and high-performance 7x42 laser rangefinder with a 6,000m (NATO target) measuring range, a built-in digital magnetic compass, an inclinometer, and a GPS receiver. It can be operated remotely, have its stored data exported and communicate with external GPS systems and ballistic computers. In combination, these features make the LRB 6K an indispensable tool for military, Special Forces, and other professional operators.

Last year, Newcon Optik introduced the Seeker M and Seeker S mountable laser rangefinders designed to boresight with practically any optical system. Given their versatility, this series is becoming a favourite for long-range engagements.

Spot the difference

Newcon Optik’s LRB 6K

Hold it steady

Day 2 p46-47.indd 5 12/09/2017 14:26


IN BRIEFSafe subsea liftingUnderwater lifting operations, referred to as subsea, are both routine and potentially dangerous. Germany-based RUD Group (Stand S3-302) has been providing innovative rigging for more than 100 years. The task of lowering equipment and tools to the seabed and then lifting them to the surface upon completion of the job, requires rigging equipment, such as slings, hooks and attachments in the form of shackles and eyebolts. RUD is showing subsea lifting devices that have been designed to avoid the potentially lethal risks of snagging and unintentional release of rigging from hooks (shedding). One example of RUD’s safe subsea lifting equipment is the new Rov hook with a patented mechanism that prevents snagging and shedding.

Advanced sightingOpgal Optronic Industries (Stand N8-155) offers a range of innovative thermal imaging solutions, custom-made subsystems, thermal cores and open frame cameras, as well as combat-proven technology suites for airborne, naval and ground applications. Among these is a 360° situational awareness kit, comprising six dual-sensor (day colour and night thermal) cameras that, strategically placed on any armoured vehicle, create a 360° field of view for unlimited local situational awareness.

Australia-based Praesidium Global (Stand S10-210) has unveiled its Pathfinder UGV at DSEI. According to the company, it is the world’s first air-deployable unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) solution.

Pathfinder carries two UGVs housed in a deployment kennel that is inserted into the operational area by means of a GPS-guided precision delivery parachute. Once Pathfinder reaches its target area, the vehicles are deployed and controlled from an orbiting aircraft as they confirm conditions on the ground.

‘‘Pathfinder is effectively a Mars Rover unit for airborne and special forces,’’ the company said. ‘‘It enables a team in an aircraft to answer questions about an objective that can’t be

Hit the ground running

adaptable platform system), which is currently contracted to the Australian Defence Force. MAPS is a medium-sized semi-autonomous UGV capable of supporting various missions.

determined from overhead ISR assets. Once the team is on the ground, they can control the UGV from the kennel to scout ahead of them, or provide over-watch.’’

Praesidium Global is also showing its larger multirole stable mate, MAPS (mission

BETH STEVENSON

US company goTenna (Stand N5-197) is displaying its latest mesh-networking tactical radio, ahead of planned deliveries to end users in the fourth quarter of 2017. The third product released by the company, the goTenna Pro has been adopted by special operations forces (SOF) units, and works in conjunction with a complementary application that can be used on smartphones, or with a number of other applications built onto the radio’s open software development kit. This allows users to send and receive

situational awareness data over large distances and different terrains without requiring a central control unit, and the smartphone integration means that training is minimal.

“Before the goTenna Pro, this kind of high-

performance mesh-

capable radio system would cost tens of thousands of dollars per unit and be extremely bulky − representing an insurmountable barrier to acquisition for almost all except the most well-funded military operators,’’ the company said.

‘‘With goTenna Pro, however, this paradigm has fundamentally shifted, and for the first time, the most

powerful type of off-grid tactical communications can be had for only $499 per unit.’’

It added that the radio is 40 times cheaper, 12 times smaller, 10 times lighter and 30 times more energy efficient than comparable mesh networking tactical radio systems.

Compared with the company’s other products, the ruggedised goTenna Pro software-defined and tunable VHF/UHF radio has upgraded 5W variable output power, and

operates at 142-175MHz and 445-480MHz. It has increased sensitivity, an SMA antenna connector for easy operation with legacy antennas, and a battery life of some 60 hours.

In addition to SOF personnel, the radio is also well suited for use by fire and police units, as well as conventional military forces.

Situational awareness anywhere

Day 2 p48-49.indd 4 12/09/2017 14:28


Get connectedODU of Germany (Stand S6-434) is showing its latest developments at DSEI this week. Its involvement with the Bowman programme, together with work on several Future Soldier programmes, led to the introduction of its Advanced Military Connector series of miniature push-pull connectors. ODU supplied more than 100,000 helmet connectors for Bowman without a single reported in-service failure. Its aim is to connect all interfaces around the soldier so that system engineers and soldiers benefit from one connector family meeting all their specific requirements.

Adimec Advanced Image Systems of the Netherlands (Stand N9-110) is displaying a number of its camera systems designed for the security market, including the TMX series of rugged full-HD and 4K resolution systems that are used to provide daylight full-motion video in airborne payloads and long-range observation systems.

One example is the TMX55 global shutter CMOS 4K camera, which provides imaging from low to high light level; scenes with ‘‘optimal contrast reproduction and excellent colour processing’’, according to the company. ‘‘All of the TMX cameras are designed for operational use

in environmentally challenged systems with focus on small size, low weight and low power.’’

At full resolution of 4096 x 2160, the TMX55 maintains a frame rate of 30fps at a maximum of one frame latency with the CoaXPress interface, Adimec noted. ‘‘In the TMX cameras, the implementations of colour processing, auto exposure control, automatic white balance and auto contrast enhancement secure reliable true scene observation under ever-changing outdoor conditions,’’ the company said.

True scene observation Other cameras in the range include the TMX50 and the

TMX52, the former of which provides 2464 x 2056 resolution at 40fps with the 2/3in IMX250 image sensor, and the latter offering 2064 x 1544 resolution at 60fps

with the 1/1.8in IMX252 image sensor. Interface options for these include CoaXPress, Camera Link and 3G-SDI.

The company claims that its Adaptive Resolution feature eliminates concerns with the smaller pixel size of CMOS image sensors and the need to change optics, and involves interpolation algorithms in the camera adapting CMOS pixels to provide equivalent or better image quality as CCD at the same field of view.

Day 2 p48-49.indd 5 12/09/2017 14:32

Crossing the RubiconToday, a team of 18 Ministry of Defence civilian and military staff will arrive at DSEI after cycling three days, and climbing in excess of 10,300ft over 225 miles from MoD Abbey Wood, Bristol, to London’s ExCeL.

The teams are expected to arrive between 12.00 and 13.00, after cycling a very indirect route, taking in the Royal School of Artillery on Salisbury Plain, Army Headquarters in Andover, the Royal School of Military Engineering at Gibraltar Barracks, Minley, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, before the final leg across London to DSEI. On arrival, they will meet with their support drivers, pack up their bikes, change clothes and go straight into the event to do their usual jobs: managing defence procurement and engaging with industry.

As well as promoting fitness, cohesion and morale, the teams plan to raise awareness of Team Rubicon, a charity uniting the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams in the UK and abroad.

The MoD team, alongside members of the charity, will be talking to exhibitors to understand the latest technologies and products that could assist future disaster relief efforts and looking for organisations that could support the charity.

To find out more, visit www.teamrubiconuk.org.


Uaviator portfolio that has flown, but the company has a larger aircraft under study. The Hammerhead has an internal bay measuring 30 x 20 x 50cm, and in ‘clean’ form has a very low radar signature. As well as the VTOL lift pods, Hammerhead can also carry extra fuel or even weapons under the wings.

DAVID DONALD

Making its DSEI debut, Hungarian UAV specialist Uaviator (Stand S6-370) is showing a range of its unmanned air vehicles, from the smaller Blacktip Reef to the 7m wingspan Hammerhead. All are based on an all-wing configuration, to which can be added self-powered pods with electrically driven propellers to give a vertical takeoff and hover capability.

Creating a fixed-wing UAV with VTOL and hovering capabilities has opened up a host of opportunities. Uaviator has tested its air vehicles on a cable tether, with power for the electric motors being provided from a ground power source. This was initially trialled as a means of extending range by allowing the vehicle to get aloft and up to a certain speed before disconnecting from the power

supply, thereby starting its mission with a full fuel/charge. Subsequently this launch technique has evolved into an operational concept, with the UAV being able to hover on a tether to provide a fixed-point surveillance capability.

The Hammerhead is currently the largest air vehicle in the

Unmanned innovationsUaviator continues to explore

further concepts, one of which is drone capture. The company aims to use the unique flying characteristics of its VTOL aircraft as the basis for a vehicle that can capture small quadcopter-style drones. Under the concept the UAV would fire projectiles by a high-power electric or rocket motor, the projectile then ejecting a large net to capture and disable the target.

Based at Tököl airport near Budapest, Uaviator has access to a sizeable flight test area, and routinely tests its new concepts in hardware form. The company began as a personal venture in 2003 and has grown significantly in capability through hardware-led trials. It has been flying the Hammerhead since 2014.

Following the June announcement that it had been selected to provide joint radio systems for 50 of the German armed forces’ command and control vehicles, Rohde & Schwarz (Stand S2-268) is promoting its communications and intelligence systems.

The SVFuA system provided to Germany is the first element of the MoTaKo modernisation project, which will digitise mobile tactical communications for the German forces. Under this effort Rohde & Schwarz integrated diverse existing waveforms into the radios − based on the internationally established

German tactical radiossoftware communications architecture − for the first time.

The company developed the R&S HDR (high data rate), jam-resistant series of waveforms that can provide simultaneous voice and data communications. Combined with its software-defined radios, R&S can provide mobile tactical communications for land, air and naval platforms.

The company is also displaying its R&S NAVICS, which takes commercially available IT technology and integrates it into internal

and external naval communications. The Royal Navy uses the system

on its Type 26 Global Combat Ships.

Day 2 p50.indd 4 12/09/2017 14:39


Saab (Stand N2-230) has introduced a 120mm mortar round that contains a mix of shapes, materials and fragmentation sizes. The Thor ammunition is being manufactured by Saab Bofors Dynamics Switzerland (SBDS), and is on display at the show.

Building on the experience with the 60mm MAPAM round, Saab says the 120mm Thor is ‘‘pushing the boundaries even further’’, providing more than twice the effect of a conventional 120mm mortar round.

The company says traditional airburst mortar rounds fitted with a proximity fuse disperse fragments in a number of directions, which results in some 50 per cent of fragments scattering upwards, thereby decreasing the effectiveness.

enhance lethality of the round. It weighs some 15kg and is 770mm in length.

Sweden has ordered the 120mm BAE Systems Bofors mortar system for integration onto its CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, although it is yet to select the ammunition for the weapon.

Switzerland, meanwhile, is trialling the RUAG Cobra 120mm muzzle-loaded mortar integrated into a Piranha armoured personnel carrier chassis.

Thor is claimed to reduce this fragment loss by some 20 per cent, which means it is an effective alternative to heavy 155mm artillery, giving operators the option to hit the same targets without having to call on heavier support, Christopher Leitner, head of marketing and sales at SBDS, said.

According to Saab, the ammunition has a range of some 8,500m, and has increased safety due to its insensitive munition, while the cylindrical central body will

New mortar mixes it up

Day 2 p51.indd 4 12/09/2017 17:54


BETH STEVENSON

Heason Technology (Stand S3-102) is showcasing its newest motion control systems, including a production example of a new pan and tilt positioner that is custom-designed for secure communications.

The positioner could also be adapted for positioning for other roles, such as range and target tracking, according to the company, and the azimuth/

IN BRIEFKeep the wheels turningDutch company Van Halteren (Stand N9-110) is showing roadwheels, military simulation systems and naval equipment. Partnered with OEMs, Van Halteren has designed, tested and delivered roadwheels for several newly introduced tracked vehicles. Its current delivery programme includes roadwheels for self-propelled howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks and recovery vehicles. The company’s howitzer crew trainers (HCTs) are used in many countries worldwide. The use of HCT results in reduced training time, yet increases skills levels for individuals and crews, at considerably lower costs than live fire training. Van Halteren’s special products division offers a new range of chilled water units for harsh marine environments.

Moisture controlledUK company Baltimore Innovations (Stand N8-291) has launched SuperDrySim software to help customers with their packaging needs by means of SuperDryPak-DS military grade moisture-control packaging. According to the company, SuperDrySim is the world’s first 3D modelling software for moisture control, and is suited to defence, medical and electronics applications. It is designed to reduce time spent assessing products’ shelf life using old-fashioned and time-consuming stability trials.

elevation positioner was developed for a UK security and military communication system integrator.

Heason added that the 270Nm peak-torque capacity assembly, housed in a robust IP67-rated cast aluminium enclosure for harsh environment installation, will suit both fixed and mobile use.

Distribution partner of Heason, Nanomotion, is also displaying its direct-drive

piezo-ceramic motor technology, which is built into positioning stages and has the ability to be used for target acquisition or in aperture control devices in military systems.

Elmo Motion Control,

Motion control covered

Keep the tyre onSAM J BASCH

When a rubber tyre deflates, the driver could lose control of the vehicle. Tyron Runflat (Stand N9-300) has developed the Tyron Rubber Beadlock System (RBS) to firmly push the bead of the tyre against the wheel

flanges so the tyre does not slip and result in the vehicle losing traction.

‘‘The Tyron RBS we’re introducing was designed

following customer requests for a solution to keep tyres in place,’’ said Richard Glazebrook,

chief executive of Tyron Runflat.

Tyron over-manufactured the RBS to overcome the tyre and wheel manufacturing tolerances and also to allow for different makes of tyres.

During installation, the rubber of the RBS will guarantee that the tyre beads are firmly secured against the flanges of the wheel to ensure beadlock. This also prevents foreign objects such as sand, water and dirt from getting inside the tyre.

‘‘As rubber is a pliable material, fitting the Tyron RBS can be done easily by a fitter with only the tools needed to fit a tyre,’’ Glazebrook added.

Power upUSA-based Protonex (Stand N4-221) is showing its PTX line of rugged, intelligent, lightweight power management solutions, which includes the SPM-622 squad power manager that dramatically reduces the number and variety of batteries needed by today’s warfighter.

This power manager has recently achieved ‘Safe-To-Fly’ certification by the United States Air Force for C-130H Hercules and C-130J Super Hercules. The certification means troops can plug their power managers into the aircraft’s power outlets while in flight, without any danger of interference with the aircraft’s systems. Said Ray Summers,

director of military sales at Protonex: ‘‘The application of our power management solutions to the needs of EOD, medical, directed fires, unmanned systems, and SOF communications teams in the US has also spread to international Allied unit test and evaluation programmes.’’

Also on display is the ABC-812 adaptive battery.

Day 2 p52-53.indd 4 12/09/2017 17:06


meanwhile, has its ultra-compact servo drives on the stand, while Spinea’s high precision, zero-backlash

reduction gear units are also on display, as are the Zettlex Inc inductive sensor technology, Thomson linear actuators and precision mechanics, and Servotecnica slip ring assemblies

and rotary joints.

Save on weightResearch done by UK-based Phoenix Dynamics (Stand S2-124) into lightweight harnessing materials showed they can save 30 per cent or more on typical wiring harness designs compared with traditional technology. Such weight reduction has advantages throughout the value chain, from improved fuel efficiency and vehicle mobility to higher payload capacity and a positive environmental impact through lower carbon emissions.

The company’s lightweight harness products at DSEI reveal the new technology options with alternative connectors, back-shells and caps made from composite thermoplastic materials. Thin-walled alternatives to tubing and heat-shrink products also offer weight savings, while high-strength insulated wires allow for the use of thinner wires due to their increased current carrying capacity.

Phoenix Dynamics has also developed lightweight harnesses for non-vehicle applications.

RICHARD SCOTT

Cox Powertrain (Stand S10-360) is exhibiting a full-size model of its CXO300 high-power, low-weight 300hp diesel outboard engine.

Now in its pre-production gamma phase after an intense development programme, the CXO300 is set for a 2018 launch following a series of trials and an extensive demonstration programme. This first showing of a full-size replica of the CXO300 will enable visitors to see how much the ground-breaking engine design and layout has evolved since the previous DSEI in 2015.

Backed by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), the original concept of the CXO300 is based on a supercharged, two-stroke diesel engine. NATO’s single fuel policy, which aims to completely eliminate the use of gasoline by militaries, means that a viable high-powered diesel outboard engine such as the CXO300 will be of specific interest to navies, coast guards and other

governmental organisations around the world for use on

their fast response vessels.

Light in weight, the CXO300 offers the flexibility and convenience of a

high-powered gasoline outboard engine with

the diesel economy and reliability of an inboard.

The engine topology provides power-to-weight ratio comparable with

high-performance gasoline engines, while delivering diesel fuel consumption and a package volume around half that of a state-of-the-art diesel engine. Crucially for military applications, it also offers much longer service intervals for heavy use −vital when lives are on the line.

Cox Powertrain has disclosed that it is working with Xenta Systems and Murphy by Enovation Controls on the CXO300. Italian controls specialist Xenta Systems has been chosen to supply the engine controls system, which incorporates the joystick, and the throttle for the CXO300; Murphy by Enovation Controls will supply its new PowerView 1200 display screen offering full-featured engine diagnostics on a powerful display screen.

High-power outboard engine

Quick stockMilectria (Stand N3-430) has launched Military Quick Stock (MQS), a new updated service through which military specified special cables and harness components could be acquired.

The company undertakes to ship materials in stock within 24 hours.

Milectria can provide a material kit for customers to perform the assembly themselves, or ready electrically tested cable harness can be delivered to the customer.

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BETH STEVENSON

WEW (Stand S4-257) has introduced a new self-contained fuel storage and dispensing (FSD) system that provides operational remote refuelling of land vehicles.

Described as a ‘‘drop and go’’ mobile filling station, WEW says the system has been delivered to a Middle Eastern military customer, for which it acts as a standalone fuel station for a variety of vehicles.

WEW works with customers to develop the systems, which store and dispense up to 46,000 litres of diesel or petrol to the vehicles from a self-bunded stainless steel tank.

Based on standard ISO container form factors and powered by an integrated

heavy-duty generator or external power supply, the systems are fitted with high-capacity loading/discharging pumps, twin dispensers, water storage and a fully air-conditioned crew

Remote refuelling

area, WEW says. The FSD can resist sand

and water accumulation and is transportable by road and sea, requiring minimal ground preparation when it arrives at

the deployment site. Developmental FSDs include

designs to refuel rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, plus bulk water storage, purification and distribution.

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This evening, ADS will host its reception at CentrEd from 17.00 to 19.00, offering a great opportunity to network regarding today’s events and plan the coming days for DSEI. Contact ADS for further information regarding access to the ADS Reception.

The US Navy League Reception will be held on the East Terrace at DSEI from 17.00 to 19.00. Tickets are limited; for more information please head to the US lounge in Hall N5.

Events today

The Right Honourable Sir Michael Fallon KCB PC MP, Secretary of State for Defence, gives his keynote speech in the East Theatre at 9.30.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC − Chief of the Air Staff, gives his keynote at 11.00 in the West Theatre.

General Sir Nicholas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen, Chief of the General Staff, gives a keynote in the West Theatre at 12.30.

The Right Honourable Ben Wallace MP, Minister of State for Security, will deliver his keynote speech at 14.00 in the East Theatre.

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].

This year DSEI has 41 international pavilions − representing the most innovative and well supported companies that represent their nation. As some of the largest exhibits at DSEI, they help represent the fundamental imperativeness of government and industry working together to create the right condition.

International pavilions: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,

Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Serbia,

Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, UK, Ukraine, USA and Wales.

International pavilions

Today’s DSEI highlights

Today’s Waterborne Demonstrations will take place at 12.00 and 15.30 and include the following:

BAE Systems and ASV Global will showcase a 9.5m Pacific-class unmanned surface vessel equipped for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance missionsBAE Systems will also showcase the Pacific 24 RIB from HMS ArgyllCopenhagen Group has an 11m Nunya high-speed interceptor with Sea Protector

remote overhead weapon stationDrumgrange will showcase its acoustic hailing deviceJFD will have an eight-man SEAL delivery vehicle operating surfaced, semi-submerged and submergedPalfinger Marine has an 11m Semi Rigid Boat from SupacatProteum has a Boomranger 6.6m RIB with OXE diesel 200HP outboard engine, once again from SupacatSupacat has a Goldfish 12m RIB capable of 62ktSurvitec Group demonstrates

its 7.8m Semi Rigid Boat including safety, casualty recovery and other equipmentSystematic Software Engineering showcases a command, control communication and information system for Operation MARCAPVersadock/TPA Pontoons demonstrate the use of their flexible, military pontoon systemGermandrones brings its Songbird VTOL UAVPASS-Medientechnik uses its LSA2011/VOC-COM SoundSystem

Entry to the Docks is located by the west exit of ExCeL.

On the water

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DSEI is proud to welcome the following ships to ExCeL:

LE Samuel Beckett − Offshore Patrol Vessel, Irish Naval Service HMS Argyll − Type 23 Duke-class frigate, Royal NavyHMS Cattistock (M31) − Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel, Royal NavyHMS Mersey − River-class offshore patrol vessel, Royal Navy

HMS Puncher − Archer-class patrol vessel, Royal NavyHMS Trumpeter − Archer-class patrol vessel, Royal NavyBNS Pollux − Belgian Navy vessel

Visitors wishing to embark any vessel should register in advance at the Ship Visits Office, which is located on the main Boulevard in the Concierge opposite entrances N7 and S7.

Wednesday 13 September10.00-10.20: citizenAID demo10.30-10.50: DMS demo13.00-13.20: citizenAID demo13.30-13.50: DMS demo

Thursday 14 September10.00-10.20: citizenAID demo10.30-10.50: DMS demo13.00-13.20: citizenAID demo13.30-13.50: DMS demo

Friday 15 September11.30-11.50: citizenAID demo12.00-12.20: DMS demo13.00-13.20: citizenAID demo13.30-13.50: DMS demo

HMS Argyll

HMS Trumpeter

The exit to the Docks is located close to the Naval Theatre in the Naval Zone. Book early to avoid disappointment.

HMS CattistockBNS Pollux

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.

The waterborne demonstrations will also continue tomorrow at the same times all the way through to Thursday.

As always at DSEI our seminars, Keynotes and content allows visitors and exhibitors alike to hear from the leading members of the defence and security industry, as well as spend time building essential relationships.

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

LE Samuel Beckett

What’s on tomorrow

Ships at DSEI

HMS MerseyHMS Puncher

MEDICAL DEMONSTRATIONSDefence Medical Services (DMS) is running demonstrations on the key themes, including on its pioneering app, citizenAID, which is designed to help soldiers and civilians deal with injuries following acts of violence, while waiting for emergency services.

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