show daily 2
DESCRIPTION
about EADS expoTRANSCRIPT
By Richard Scott
MBDA is completing
final preparations
aboard the guided
weapons trials barge
Longbow ahead of a
campaign of test firings for
the UK Royal Navy’s next-
generation Principal Anti-Air
Missile System (Sampson)
— PAAMS(S) — air defence
weapon system.
PAAMS(S) will equip the
RN’s six new Type 45 air
defence destroyers, the first
of which, Daring, completed
initial sea trials in August.
Designed to provide local
and fleet area defence to
ships in consort, and self-
defence for the Type 45
itself, PAAMS(S) shares many
common subsystems with
the Franco-Italian PAAMS(E),
including the Aster 15 and
Aster 30 active homing
missiles and the SYLVER A50
vertical launcher module.
However, the PAAMS(S)
variant specific to the RN
differs in that it features the
BAE Systems Insyte Sampson
E/F-band multifunction radar
(rather than the EMPAR radar
used in the PAAMS(E) system)
and a UK command and
control subsystem.
Longbow will be towed
from Portsmouth Naval Base
to the Mediterranean this
autumn. On arrival, final
preparations will be made to
the barge and the PAAMS(S)
system in readiness for a
firing campaign starting in
early 2008 at the Centre
d’Essais de Lancement des
Missiles test range.
MBDA UK managing
director Steve Wadey said:
“We are approaching the
PAAMS(S) firing campaign
with maximum confidence.
A great deal of progress has
already been made with
all the system elements
of PAAMS. Test firings
have taken place with
PAAMS using the EMPAR
radar and these of course
have provided invaluable
information to support the
PAAMS(S) integration.
“In addition, all the
de-risking that has been
taking place at the PAAMS
Integration Facility at our
Bristol site and other test
facilities means we are
now able to move rapidly
forward.”
Show Daily
Boxer takes aim at British Army p4
Published by Jane’s www.janes.com
2Wednesday, 12
September 2007
Visit the official online show daily at
dsei.janes.com
PAAMS(S) fired up
MALE capability from Super Ranger p9
Quality weapons from Low Country p22
official online show daily 1 dsei.janes.com
By Richard Scott
Raytheon Missile
Systems (Stand 1355)
has begun engineering
development activities and
proof-of-concept testing
intended to yield a next-
generation Phalanx close-in
weapon system using a
high energy laser, company
officials have told the DSEi
Show Daily.
The new system would
see a laser augment or
replace the M61A1 20mm
Gatling gun used by the
current Phalanx system —
deployed by more than 20
navies worldwide — and
its land-based counterpart
Centurion. The latter
system, optimised to defend
against rockets, artillery and
mortars, has been rushed
into service to provide
indirect fire defence for US
and UK forces in Iraq.
Kevin Peppe, Raytheon’s
Phalanx programme director,
said: “The Centurion system
has provided a near-term
C-RAM (Counter-Rocket,
Artillery and Mortars)
solution for our deployed
forces. But we know that
our customers would like a
larger defended footprint
beyond the
kinematics
of a gun-
based system.
“A missile is too
expensive, so we are looking
instead at a solution based
on the adaptation of a
robust but relatively low-
power, low beam-quality
commercial laser.”
According to Peppe, such
a solution would offer a
faster time to intercept,
and an effective range
about three times that of
the existing M61A1 gun. “It
would also have significantly
lower life-cycle costs,” he
added.
A proof-of-concept
experiment was performed
in 2006 in conjunction with
Sandia Labs in New Mexico.
“By using clever optics to
focus the laser beam at
range, we demonstrated
that we could achieve
sufficient energy on target
to deflagrate a 60mm
mortar round,”
Peppe said.
Raytheon is
confident that the
technology is now
mature enough to
allow a
laser-based Centurion to
be fielded in the C-RAM
application by 2010.
According to Peppe, similar
technology could also be
applied to the shipborne
Phalanx system.
“The maritime
atmosphere presents some
challenges because of the
increased moisture in the
atmosphere,” he explained.
“But, with the development
of higher power industrial
lasers proceeding apace,
we are confident that
we could keep a beam of
sufficient energy on an
incoming anti-ship missile
long enough to rupture the
airframe. It would also have
applications against UAVs
and swarms of fast attack
craft.”
Raytheon eyes defence at the speed of light
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
test flights and has been
included in proposals to
two potential customers for
a turnkey border security
system, for which Harris
International Government
Systems is the prime.
The electric-powered
Dragonfly DP-6 Whisper
can be launched from
unprepared sites carrying
field-changeable payloads
and hover silently for more
than 24 hours when tethered
100ft above ground.
2
frames until it detects
movement within its field of
view. A low light level imager
and IR camera will identify
vehicles at 400m or intruders
on foot at 200m.
Making its debut here is a
tandem-rotor UAV produced
by Dragonfly Pictures headed
by Michael Piasecki, whose
father Frank pioneered this
concept in rotary-winged
aircraft. Introduced in August
last year, the Dragonfly has
amassed some 50 hours of
By Brian M Walters
The Harris Corporation
has mounted an
imaginatively
designed Stand (923) that
highlights its ability to offer
a comprehensive turnkey
border security system.
Many components of
the system are on display,
including an example of the
type of containers that can
be tailored to function as
border posts or a regional
HQ. Dubbed the Harris
Border Security Shelter, this
is a key part of the system
that links information and
comms technologies used
to detect illegal border
crossings or other threats.
The shelter is a rugged,
self-contained command
centre that combines
communications, command
and control and sensor
systems under a single roof,
tied together with either
the Harris Falcon II tactical
radio network or an existing
networking infrastructure.
The Border Security Shelter
provides an IP-data backbone
for receiving, synthesising
and redistributing secure
transmissions.
Elsewhere on the stand are
examples of sensors that can
be integrated as part of the
total border security system.
These include the Falcon
Watch remote imager. Once
cued, the imager processes
One-stop package secures borders
BAE Systems Integrated
System Technologies
(Insyte) has been
contracted by South
Korea’s LIG Nex1 to provide
technical consultancy and
co-operation in support
of the 3D shipborne
surveillance radar in
development to equip the
Republic of Korea Navy’s
next-generation FFX frigate.
The development
programme, led by South
Korea’s Agency for Defense
Development (ADD) as
system design authority,
is one of a number of FFX
development strands. LIG
Nex1 is the industry lead.
Dr Kim Jeong Ryul, chief
of the radar system team in
ADD, said: “The consultancy
support being provided
by BAE Systems Insyte is
allowing the team of ADD
and LIG Nex1 to carefully
manage the risk in this radar
development programme to
ensure we deliver a class-
leading radar on time and to
budget.”
Supporting FFX frigate radar
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
By Christopher F Foss
The UK MoD recently
took delivery of the
first batch of 161 MAN
ERF cross-country trucks
under a GBP1.3bn contract
awarded in March 2005
following an international
competition.
Under current contracts
a total of 7,216 trucks and
69 trailers will be supplied;
this includes an additional
order placed last year
before quantity production
commenced. According to
MAN ERF, the programme is
on time and within budget
and being shown at DSEi this
year is an HX (4x4) cargo
truck with appliqué armour
and a 7,000-litre Unit
Support Tanker (6x6).
For the UK contract,
chassis and forward control
cab are supplied from
the MAN production line
in Vienna, Austria, and
sent to the UK, where the
chassis is integrated with
the specific-to-role body.
Marshall Specialist Vehicles
of Cambridge is fitting the
complex load bed, while
Fluid Transfer International
of Nailsworth is integrating
the 7,000-litre fuel tank
and associated pumping
equipment. The 8x8 recovery
vehicles will have equipment
supplied and fitted by EKA
of the UK. The completed
vehicle is then sent to a MAN
ERF facility at Ashchurch for
its pre-delivery inspection
prior to being supplied to the
UK MoD, with between six
and eight vehicles expected
to be delivered a day when
production is in full swing.
Most of the vehicles being
supplied by MAN ERF will
go to the British Army, with
some going to the Royal
Marines and Royal Air Force.
The first 161 vehicles are
being used for training at
UK bases and first vehicles
will be deployed overseas
next year. Current deliveries
are in 4x4 and 6x6 versions;
8x8 vehicles will follow. It is
expected that 700 vehicles
of all types will be delivered
by the end of 2007, with
final deliveries due in 2013.
All the vehicles are right-
hand drive and standard
equipment includes full
air conditioning. The
vehicles will be fitted to
take the General Dynamics
UK Bowman digital
communications system.
Some will be fitted with
4
UK receives first new MAN ERF trucks
By Christopher F Foss
The ARTEC Boxer
(8x8) Multi-Role
Armoured Vehicle
(MRAV) is one of the three
vehicles currently being
put through a series of
trials at the Armoured Trials
and Development Unit
at Bovington in southern
England, to meet the British
Army requirement for a
Utility Vehicle (UV) member
of the Future Rapid Effect
System (FRES).
Last December the
company was awarded a
Boxer takes aim
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
a rear-mounted hydraulic
winch or a mechanical
handing crane. Apart from
the first batch, all vehicles
will be fitted for but not
with an Adaptive Protection
Kit (APK). Under current
plans, 1,098 APK will be
supplied by the company
and these and run-flat tyres
will be held in depots and
issued to units when they are
deployed.
The new MAN ERF fleet
for the UK consists of two
ranges: the HX Medium
Mobility (MM) and the SX
Improved Medium Mobility
(IMM). The MM consists of
4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles,
while the IMM consists of
6x6 and 8x8 vehicles only.
5
production contract for the
Boxer from the German
Army (272 units) and the
Royal Netherlands Army
(200 units). ARTEC expects
to deliver the first Boxer
vehicles to the German Army
on schedule in mid-2009,
with deliveries to the Royal
Netherlands Army in 2011.
The three German Army
versions of Boxer will be
armoured personnel carrier
(APC) (135), command
post (CP) (65) and heavy
armoured ambulance (72).
The Royal Netherlands
Army will have five versions
including command post
(55), ambulance (58), cargo
(27), cargo/command and
control (19) and engineer
group vehicle (41).
A total of 12 prototypes of
Boxer and their associated
mission modules have been
built and very soon the
Reliability Growth Trial (RFT)
will be completed, which
covers 60,000km of extensive
road and cross-country
trials. Troop trials will be
completed by early 2008.
ARTEC has confirmed to
the Show Daily that it would
be in a position to meet
the demanding delivery
schedule of 2012 for the
British Army if Boxer was
selected to meet the UV
requirement. First UK Boxer
vehicles would come from
the German/Netherlands
production lines with the
major part of the purchase
of about 2,000 units being
manufactured in the UK
through a technology
transfer package.
ARTEC has already
had discussions with UK
contractors (including BAE
Systems Land Systems and
ABRO) for local production
of Boxer. While the Boxer
chassis would be the same
as that ordered by Germany
and the Netherlands, the
removable rear mission
module would be developed
to meet specific UK
operational requirements.
The UK already has
extensive knowledge of the
Boxer, as it was originally
developed to meet the
requirements of the British
Army. The UK pulled out
of the Boxer programme in
2002 after an expenditure
of some GBP57m. Since
then the FRES situation
has changed and the
requirement for the FRES UV
to be fully air-transportable
in a Lockheed C-130
Hercules has been dropped
and the protection level has
been raised.
Gross vehicle weight
of Boxer depends on the
version and its appliqué
armour package. It is now
about 30 tonnes, but its
current design allows it to
grow to 36 tonnes without
any additional modification
to the drive line. As
currently configured, Boxer
is air-transportable in the
A400M transport aircraft.
Boxer has a maximum
road speed of 100km/h
and an operational range
of 1,000km. In its troop-
carrying configuration it has
a crew of two and can carry
10 fully equipped troops.
Boxer has a very high
level of protection against
small arms fire, medium
calibre weapons and anti-
tank mines. A top attack
protection package has
already been developed
and this will be installed
on RNLA vehicles. Further
protection packages have
been developed, including
belly protection against EFP
attack and side protection
against rocket propelled
grenade attack. Studies
are also being carried out
on a number of specialised
variants such as mortar
carrier and missile platform.
ARTEC is a joint venture
company formed by Dutch
company Stork (50 per
cent) and Krauss-Maffei
Wegmann (36 per cent) and
Rheinmetall Landsysteme
(14 per cent) of Germany.
official online show daily 6 dsei.janes.com
Odin speeds into army serviceBy Christopher F Foss
AEI Land Systems (Stand
485) is showing its Odin
turret system that has
been designed, developed
and placed in production in
less than six months.
It is being supplied to the
British Army under an Urgent
Operational Requirement
(UOR) for installation on an
undisclosed batch of Spartan
armoured personnel carriers.
Odin has been designed to
be rapidly integrated onto
existing tracked and wheeled
armoured fighting vehicles
and can be armed with a
7.62mm or 12.7mm machine
gun. The baseline Odin
turret provides protection
against 7.62mm armour-
piercing attack and weighs
only 600kg. Periscopes give
observation to the front and
sides of the turret and the
weapon sighting system is
mounted externally on the
right side. This consists of a
dual field-of-view thermal
camera, a colour zoom
camera and an eyesafe laser
rangefinder. There is also a
reversionary sight.
While the baseline Odin
turret has manual elevation
and traverse, options include
powered weapon elevation
and turret traverse, higher
levels of armour protection
and a white light searchlight
that moves in elevation with
the main armament.
AEI Land Systems is also
supplying a batch of its new
Sentinel vision cupolas that
are to be installed on some
of the British Army FV432
Mk 3 Bulldog (uparmoured)
APCs. Sentinel provides full
ballistic protection for the
commander, while retaining
observation through a full
360°. Its low profile allows
it to be installed on vehicles
without interfering with
other vehicle systems.
Depending on the vehicle
application, it can also be
fitted with ballistic shields
and weapon mounts to form
part of a protected weapon
system for the vehicle
commander/gunner.
official online show daily 8 dsei.janes.com
Turkey selects Ultra for torpedo defenceBy Richard Scott
Ultra Electronics’ Sonar
and Communication
Systems business
has won a EUR3 million
contract to supply its Sea
Sentor surface ship torpedo
defence (SSTD) system for
the Turkish Navy’s MILGEM
corvette programme.
The deal marks the
first international sales
success for Sea Sentor, an
export adaptation of the
Sonar 2170 SSTD system
previously supplied by Ultra
to the UK Royal Navy (RN).
Under contract to Havelsan
(contracting agent on behalf
of the MILGEM consortium),
Ultra will initially supply a
single Sea Sentor shipset,
plus support, to equip the
lead MILGEM corvette. There
are prospects for follow-on
orders, with Turkey planning
to acquire a class of up to 12
MILGEM ships. Sea Sentor has
previously been evaluated by
the US Navy, being fitted to
the experimental high-speed
vessel Sea Fighter for an
extended trials period.
Uplifting technology from
Sonar 2170, Sea Sentor is
a reactive soft-kill torpedo
defence system designed
to detect, classify and
locate torpedoes, formulate
tactical advice to the
command, and enable the
deployment of expendable
acoustic countermeasures.
Its key components comprise
a passive towed receive
array streamed from a stern
winch; a flexible towed body
acoustic countermeasure
device deployed from
the same winch; decoy
launchers; and expendable
acoustic devices designed to
decoy the inbound torpedo.
Inboard equipment includes
a processing cabinet, a
control unit, and operator
and bridge displays.
According to Ultra, the Sea
Sentor variant to be supplied
to the MILGEM programme
will be adapted to allow
remote operation of the stern
winch from the bridge. It
will also feature extra sonar
displays, and an interface to
allow the acoustic decoys to
be programmed while in the
launcher.
The RN, which declared an
initial operating capability
with Sonar 2170 in October
2004, has received 16 SSTD
shipsets. These are being
rotated in the fleet as
operations demand.
official online show daily dsei.janes.com9
By Brian M Walters
From lead-free small-
arms ammunition to
light armour protection
against shaped ordnance,
Ruag is promoting a wide
variety of products on Stand
1391. But the company is
also featuring the Super
Ranger, claimed to be the
first UAV to be built in
accordance with the new
international UAV Systems
Airworthiness Requirements.
The Super Ranger has
been developed following
market research showing
that some tactical systems
operators wanted a Medium
Altitude Long Endurance
(MALE) UAV capability, but
at a lower cost than models
currently available. So the
Super Ranger is intended to
help reduce lifecycle costs
dramatically, while providing
nearly all the features of a
MALE UAV system.
Ruag claims that its new
UAV can provide 70 per cent
of a MALE capability. The
Super Ranger has a 500kg
maximum take-off weight
and can carry a payload
of up to 150kg. Moreover,
in order to meet ‘stealth’
requirements, the new UAV
will be hard to detect on
radar screens, while a very
low noise four-cylinder,
four-stroke engine with
fuel injection makes it
difficult to be heard above
battlefield sounds.
A proven fully automated
take-off and landing system
allows missions to be
initiated even under zero
visibility conditions such as
fog, rain or snowfall, while
an advanced landing system
enables the Super Ranger to
alight on concrete runways
using its retractable landing
gear and fully automated
brakes. Alternatively, by
deploying an integrated skid
system, the UAV can land on
unprepared surfaces.
MALE capability from Super Ranger
With an endurance of up to 20 hours, the new Super Ranger
UAV can carry as many as four payloads simultaneously
IN BRIEF
Remote fault diagnostic first
Göpel Electronic (Stand
302) has added a tool
suite to its System Cascon
software platform.
Respected as an innovative
integrated JTAG/Boundary
Scan development
environment for more
than 10 years, the system
now features some 35
tools for automatic test
programme generation,
and pin-fault-diagnostic
for analysis, visualisation
and debugging of data
as well as for import and
export of test vectors.
The new tools enable
the export of test vectors
to be processed in third-
party environments and
a subsequent remote
diagnosis of faults by
independent diagnostic
servers. In addition to
various vector formats,
the new solution supports
a flexible crosslink ability
of the entire process chain
up to online operations.
However, the quality
of the Automatic Pin
Fault Diagnostic and the
graphical fault visualisation
in layout/schematic
remains unaffected.
Göpel claims to be the
first to provide a solution
for the remote fault
diagnostic, which is in
open format and can be
configured for individual
target applications.
Integrated in System
Cascon version 4.4, it is
based on a special vector
interface for the export
and import of test patterns
in various formats.
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 10
General Sir Mike
Jackson and Nick
Chaffey of PA
Consulting Group today
opened the DSEi Global
Defence Conference by
looking at the challenges
now facing defence and
how both industry and
government must “rise to
the challenge”.
Given that the next
decade will be dominated
by the need to realign the
UK’s strategic aspirations
and balance rapidly
evolving strategic priorities
with declining defence
resources, the public
and political appetite
for further military
enhancements, versus
investment in domestic
security, health and
education will be key.
An early review seems
inevitable to ensure
enduring improvements in
affordable and sustainable
defence capabilities, but,
nearly 10 years since the
‘Strategic Defence Review’,
a dynamic decision-making
framework to balance
these investments remains
elusive.
Day one of the
Conference will explore
the need to achieve a
level of responsiveness
and agility better aligned
with emerging operational
needs. This requires
decisive leadership,
coupled with acquisition
processes that are
sufficiently flexible
to manage adaptive
delivery. The acquisition
challenges are not
unique to the UK and
the perspective of our
international counterparts
will shed light on some
of the reform and
reinvigoration their
processes have undergone
to enable the provision of
the right solutions at the
right time.
The Defence Industrial
Strategy (DIS) sets the
challenge for industry and
the MoD to work more
closely in future, and day
two of the Conference
seeks to explore the need
for intelligent partnering
and performance based
contracting.
The need for mature
partnering relationships,
characterised by an
understanding of each
others’ motivations and
cultures, a willingness to
work jointly to achieve
win-win solutions is also
apparent in the second
stream of day two, which
considers the need for
operational networking
from the tactical to
strategic level.
Rising to the Challenge
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
off-the-shelf Kongsberg
HUGIN 1000 AUV as a
vehicle baseline, BMT has
developed a concept design
for CMH facility suitable for
installation on the casing
of conventional submarines
of approximately 2,400
tons displacement or more.
According to Macdonald,
analyses “have considered
relevant issues of stability,
safety, speed, signature,
manoeuvre and control,
trim and compensation, and
power management”.
He added: “We have also
examined arrangement
modifications and structural
aspects, factors leading us
to look at an engineering
solution adopting a common
bedplate design.”
BMT has also looked at
an alternative ‘clean sheet’
hangar design concept,
which attempts to reconcile
future submarine and AUV
design aspects to achieve
better platform and system
integration. The concept
explored is based on an
advanced ‘through sail’
design, which would exploit
the flexibility offered by
non-hull penetrating masts
to incorporate a hangar
within its volume.
12
imposes on the form and
size of the vehicle, had led
BMT to look instead at an
alternative solution based
on a ‘wet’ Casing Mounted
Hangar (CMH).
“We believe there is a
jigsaw puzzle to complete
here,” said Macdonald.
“AUVs clearly offer a useful
capability for ISR and rapid
environmental assessment.
Conventional submarines
offer stealth and access
to the littorals. What we
have asked is whether it
is possible to engineer
a solution from today’s
components to realise [this]
new capability.”
The concept of operations
underpinning BMT’s
analyses foresees an
AUV being deployed into
non-permissive waters
to perform its ISR task
(gathering information of
tactical use on areas such
as harbour installations,
minefields and ship
movements). Having
maximised time on task,
it would then recover to
the host submarine to
dock, recharge, download
collected data, and redeploy
in support of further tasking.
Using the commercial
By Richard Scott
UK naval design and
systems engineering
group BMT Defence
Services (Stand 296) has
completed initial feasibility
study work aimed at
conceptualising a deck
hangar facility designed
to support the launch and
recovery of autonomous
underwater vehicles
(AUVs) from conventional
submarines.
According to Muir
Macdonald, director of future
platforms and systems for
BMT Defence Services, AUVs
are increasingly recognised as
an important force multiplier
for submarines, offering a
capability to extend their
reach into the littoral
battlespace and undertake
tasks such as covert
intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance (ISR).
However, he points out that
the complexities associated
with AUV launch and
recovery from a torpedo
tube, and the tyranny this
BMT looks to extend submarine reach
Making its debut at
DSEi on the Avon
Rubber Stand 1833
is the ST53 multirole RPE
system, a new tactical
concept for protection of
military firefighters and
CBRN units.
ST53 has been developed
by Avon Protection Systems
to fulfil the emerging
demand for self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA)
to meet a broad range of
extreme threats. It combines
its FM53 mask with the
latest technology derived
from its CE-compliant
Atlantair range, which gives
high-level protection and
independence from the
atmosphere. This means the
operator can enter a hot
zone using SCBA (positive
pressure) and switch to filter
mode (negative pressure)
for extended protection
once the atmosphere is
less lethal. Protection is
not compromised during
transition between modes.
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 14
Protected in hot zones
On Stand 2090 XP
Power is highlighting
availability of its
new 500W active filter unit
for use in harsh electrical
environments. Designated
the DSF500, this is designed
to protect DC-DC converters
from the surges, spikes and
ripples typically found on
the electrical system of any
military platform, such as an
aircraft or vehicle.
The filter meets MIL-STD
1275A-D, without the need
to incorporate additional
components and platform-
mounted systems can utilise
standard industrial DC-DC
converters without the risk
of failure or damage due to
supply transients and noise.
Input voltage is within the
range 10–34V DC, while
output voltage is tracked and
clamped to below 36V DC.
The DSF500’s low-loss,
MOSFET-based protection
circuit ensures the unit
provides continuous reverse
voltage protection. Moreover,
attached systems are
protected from incorrect,
potentially damaging,
electrical supply connections.
Should the demand exceed
28A, a warning signal is given
that can be used to disable
the DSF500 or turn off the
attached devices to reduce
the current. Measuring 57.90
x 57.90 x 16.45mm, the unit
is believed to be the smallest
active filter available that
meets MIL-STD 1275A-D and
can deliver 28A.
Filter prevents spikes
official online show daily 15 dsei.janes.com
‘Next gen’ MG to replace M2?By Brian M Walters
‘PEO Soldier’ is the US
Army organisation
that develops,
procures, fields and sustains
virtually everything a soldier
wears or carries, and visitors
to Stand 1106A may learn
about a .50 calibre machine
gun that could provide a
welcome improvement in
infantry weaponry. Dubbed
the XM312 .50 Advanced
Crew Served Weapon (ACSW),
the new machine gun is being
considered as a replacement
for the ubiquitous M2.
One-third of the weight of
the M2, the XM312 has less
recoil and provides soldiers
with the punch of a 12.7mm
gun in the footprint of a
7.62mm weapon system. The
new weapon is capable of
firing all current .50 calibre
ammunition in the US Army
inventory, including the
standard M33 ball, the M8
armour-piercing incendiary,
the M903 saboted light
armour penetrator and the
Mk211 multi-purpose round
that penetrates, fragments
and starts fires.
The XM312 has 70 per cent
less recoil than the M2, which
enables firers to place an eye
on the weapon magnification
sight, something that is
unthinkable and potentially
painful with the older
weapon. The lower recoil
also means less dispersion of
rounds and better accuracy,
making for more economic
use of rounds and reducing
the logistical burden.
Should the XM312 be
deployed, all vehicles that
mount the M2 will be able
to accommodate the new
systems, and tests have
already been successfully
conducted with the weapon
on the Stryker combat
vehicle.
The weight savings,
reduced recoil and increased
accuracy of the XM312 could
suit it for applications that
would be unthinkable for an
M2, such as in light aircraft,
small watercraft and places
previously the domain
of only light to medium
machine guns.
official online show daily 16 dsei.janes.com
By Christopher F Foss
The German Army
(Heer) is becoming
increasingly involved
in out-of-area operations
and has now fielded
a complete family of
unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV) to provide all
units with an enhanced
reconnaissance capability.
The smallest of these is
the Mikado mini-UAV, which
is deployed by German
Army infantry at the section
level to give a real-time
surveillance capability,
especially in urban
operations. The German
Army has procured an initial
batch of 30 Mikado systems,
which have been developed
by German company
AirRobot.
Mikado has a
maximum range of
500m and can operate
in wind speeds up
to 4m/s. It has a
payload of 200g and a
maximum endurance
of about 20 minutes.
The mini-UAV can be
fitted with a variety
of sensors that can
be rapidly changed in the
field, including daylight
colour video camera, dawn/
low light black and white
camera, still camera and an
infrared camera.
Mikado is controlled from
a small handset, with images
being transmitted to
the operator’s special
glasses or to a video
display. It is powered
by four electronically
operated rotors with
electronic flight
stabilisation control
and has virtually no
audible signature. It takes
off and lands vertically and
if radio communication is
lost or the batteries are
running low, it will land
autonomously.
Other UAVs deployed by
the German Army include
the Kzo (maximum range
70km), Luna (maximum
range 65km) and the Aladin
(maximum range 5km). The
Kzo is the most sophisticated
and transmits data in real
time to enable high-value
targets to be engaged by
artillery assets.
German Army brings Mikado to London
By Richard Scott
The four companies
bidding to supply a
new maritime Medium
Range Radar (MRR) for the
Royal Navy’s surface fleet
are all
pressing
the
merits of
their rival
solutions
at DSEi
in the
run-up to a
source selection
decision expected
early in 2008.
BAE Systems Insyte (Stand
573), Elta Systems, Lockheed
Martin UK (Stand 1455), and
Thales Naval UK (Stand 855)
submitted their bids for the
MRR requirement to the UK’s
Defence Equipment
and Support
Organisation
in early
July. The
requirement
is for up to
20 systems,
to enter
service from 2011,
to fit to 13 Type
23 frigates, three
major amphibious
ships (the
helicopter carrier
Ocean and the assault ships
Albion and Bulwark), the
two new aircraft carriers
Queen Elizabeth and Prince
of Wales and two shore
facilities.
Designed to replace
the capability provided
by the Type 996 E/F-band
surveillance and target
indication radar currently
fitted aboard most major
RN surface ships, the MRR
requirement has generated
the largest and most hotly
contested maritime radar
competition in the world.
BAE Systems Insyte has
teamed with QinetiQ and
Roke Manor Research to bid
ARTISAN 3D, a new E/F-band
multibeam system drawing
in large part on technology
derived from the Sampson
multifunction radar, the
Commander ground-based
air defence radar family,
and the UK’s ARTIST
(Advanced Radar Technology
Integrated System Testbed)
technology demonstrator
programme. It also
incorporates RF over optics
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 18
MRR contenders line up
EADS TRS-3D/24 radar
technology developed by
BAE Systems’ own Advanced
Technology Centre.
Elta, meanwhile,
has teamed with Ultra
Electronics in proposing its
EL/M-2238 Surveillance and
Threat Alert Radar (STAR)
for the MRR programme.
Claimed by Elta to be the
only fully proven, in-service
E/F-band radar on offer,
STAR is a fully coherent
pulse-Doppler multibeam
and multimode radar already
in service with the navies
of India, Singapore and
Venezuela.
Like Elta, Lockheed Martin
UK is championing a bid
based on current technology.
Its proposal, tendered in
conjunction with EADS
Defence Electronics, is the
G-band TRS-3D/24 radar,
a further evolution of the
TRS-3D/16 product (some
50 examples of which have
been sold to eight navies
over the past 15 years).
Accordingly, Lockheed Martin
claims that the existing
and proven pedigree of the
TRS-3D product line offers
the RN an evolutionary,
rather than revolutionary,
path to a new MRR, with
attendant benefits of low
cost and low risk.
Thales Naval UK is
bidding the SMART-S Mk
2 E/F-band multibeam
radar developed by
Thales Nederland
and already sold to
Denmark, Oman and
Venezuela. According to
Thales, the underlying open
architecture of SMART-S
Mk 2 promotes low cost of
ownership and incremental
capability insertion through
life. Furthermore, the
use of multiple solid
state transmitter modules
(integrated in the antenna
so avoiding the requirement
for a separate transmitter
cabinet and waveguide)
ensures robust performance,
high availability and graceful
degradation in the event
of failures.
dsei.janes.com19official online show daily
Thales SMART-S Mk 2 radar
official online show daily 20 dsei.janes.com
Australian gun mounts gain ordersBy Brian M Walters
On Stand 1228,
Australian specialist
gun mount company
W&E Platt is seeking to
penetrate new markets,
having recently won
contracts to supply heavy
and light machine gun
mounts to the UK Ministry
of Defence for urgent
operational requirements in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
The newly formed Platt
Mounts Europe’s first major
UK assignment is to fit
Platt’s protected MR555
.50 calibre machine gun
mounts to Royal Marines
Viking APCs in-theatre in
Afghanistan, as well as
to British Army Bulldog
APCs serving in Iraq. Platt
Mounts Europe has another
order for 20 protected
MR555 mounts to be fitted
to Vikings currently being
manufactured by BAE
Hägglunds in Sweden.
The MR555 is a combat-
proven ring-mount, which
the company first developed
for the Australian Army. It
has seen extensive service in
Iraq and Afghanistan fitted
to the Australian SAS six-
wheel drive Land Rovers.
Later, Platt secured a major
contract in 2005 to supply
the MR555 mount to the
South African-developed
RG-31 mine-protected
vehicle, now in service with
the US Army in Iraq.
These robust products have
been extensively tested in
combat and the company’s
innovative ‘swing mount’, in
use with US, Australian, New
Zealand, German and Italian
forces, is now being fitted to
UK Pinzgauer vehicles. The
swing mount can be bolted or
clamped on to any vehicle,
allowing a standing or seated
operator to easily traverse
through 270°. Recent orders
include 1,396 swing mounts
for US Army Strykers.
By Brian M Walters
FN Herstal is a long
established and widely
respected source of
weapons of many kinds
including two of very
different kinds featured
on Stand 1135. One, the
M3M pintle mount, is
very much in demand to
add firepower to tactical
helicopters operating in Iraq
and Afghanistan, while the
other, the FN303 Less Lethal
Launcher, can now fire two
new projectiles.
The company’s pintle
weapon systems are
equipped with a 0.50 Cal
or 7.72mm machine gun
and can be door, ramp, or
window-mounted. They are
completely mechanical and
do not require any external
energy, ensuring the weapon
can still be fired even if the
aircraft faces problems.
The M3M .50 Cal machine
gun Medium Ramp Pintle
optimised for helicopters
has an effective range of
2,500m, a 1,100rpm rate
of fire and features link
ejection through a flexible
chute to prevent potentially
dangerous dispersion. The
azimuth firing angle range is
172° symmetrical with the
helicopter firing line, while
the depression firing angle
ranges from +0° to –70.°
These extremes emphasise
the flexibility conferred on
gunners tasked with crewing
helicopters.
The FN303 is a complete
contrast and has been in
production since early 2000
to allow neutralisation and
seizure of suspects with
maximum effectiveness and
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 22
High-class weapons from Low
The FN303 Less Lethal Launcher enables
military and security personnel
to engage in sensitive
missions without
causing casualties
dsei.janes.com23official online show daily
Countryminimum risk to the firer.
The two additions to the
range of projectiles
that can be fired by
the FN303 include the
PAVA (Pelargonic Acid
Vanillyamide), a powder
pepper projectile that can
be used when an enclosed
room needs to be saturated
with pepper to enable
officers to neutralise
suspect more easily.
The other new round is an
inert powder projectile that
allows users to train with
powder projectiles without
suffering from pepper
effects. Both of the new
rounds have similar impact
effect to the other FN303
projectiles.
The vastly increased use of
helicopters for escort and
combat roles has obliged
increased use of pintle-
mounted machine guns
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
day and night, all-weather
operations.
Precisely designed to cope
with shipdeck operations
and hangar limitations on
frigates, the naval version
also features automatic
foldable main and tail rotors.
As well as offering a uniquely
spacious cabin, the NH90 has
two large sliding doors to
ease access and egress. This
can be complemented by
an optional rear ramp, but
a high-cabin version is also
available and this has been
selected and delivered to
the Swedish Armed Forces.
This variant allows operators
and passengers to stand up
in the cabin.
24
flexibility in operations,
while emphasis has been
placed on features such as
safety, reliability, availability,
maintainability, testability
and supportability.
The diamond shape of the
all-composite, corrosion-free
airframe combines optimal
aerodynamics with low
detectability, and its man-
machine interface reduces
pilot and crew workload.
The NH90’s handling
qualities are enhanced
by a fly-by-wire control
system, making it the first
production helicopter in
the world to feature this
advanced technology. The
helicopter is qualified for
By Brian M Walters
The NH90 tactical
transport and naval
helicopter, which
has 495 firm orders to
date, is highlighted on the
Eurocopter Stand 1177. It
is the biggest helicopter
programme ever launched
in Europe and poised to
become the benchmark for
this class.
Countries that have
ordered the NH90 include
Australia, Belgium, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece,
Italy, the Netherlands, New
Zealand, Norway, Oman,
Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
The helicopter is seen as
a strong contender for the
UK’s programme to replace
its ageing Puma fleet.
The NH90 has been
designed from the outset
as a multirole weapons
system, with the tactical
transport and naval variants
sharing a common basic
modular design. Dedicated,
specialised mission
equipment packages make
provision for maximum
Europe’s biggest ever helicopter programme
The DSEi Show Daily is written and produced on site at
ExCeL by the Jane’s Information Group Show Daily team
on behalf of Reed Exhibitions. Editions are published on
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Editor: Günter
Endres; Deputy Editor: Christopher F Foss; Production
Editor: Lynn Wright; Deputy Production Editor: Nicola
Wells; Chief Correspondent: Brian M Walters; Chief Naval
Correspondent: Richard Scott; Photographer: Patrick
Allen; Publisher: Simon Kay. Printed and distributed by
Communisis. The Show Daily team can be found between
S3 and S4 in the South Hall. Telephone: 020 7069 6118.
This NH90 for Sweden is the first
aircraft assembled in Finland
official online show daily 25 dsei.janes.com
By Brian M Walters
Two very different
new products have
been launched on the
Qioptiq Stand 1206, where
the DAGIR is the latest
addition to the company’s
portfolio of surveillance
equipment. By contrast,
the SVIPIR-2+ also launched
at the show is a battlefield
product for dismounted
personnel.
The SVIPIR-2+ is part of a
family of new compact and
lightweight thermal sights
utilising the latest low-
power uncooled TI camera
technology. The sight has
been designed specifically
to provide surveillance
and target engagement
capability to snipers who
want to retain the capability
of their existing optical
day sight.
The low profile and
low centre of mass of the
SVIPIR-2+ provide minimal
impact on a weapon’s profile
and balance, so it can be
easily integrated with a wide
range of sniper rifles and
day scopes. Consequently
it is a low risk solution to
enhance the capability of
the sniper system.
Low-power uncooled
IR camera technology is
a feature of the DAGIR,
which being of modular
construction, enables users
to add a number of optional
items including: colour
day camera, GPS, digital
magnetic compass or laser
range finder. Qioptiq is
promoting the DAGIR for
a variety of applications,
including border and coastal
surveillance, internal
security, infrastructure and
force protection, counter-
terrorism, marine and land
platforms.
DAGIR’s flexible design
allows an IR detector
configuration of up to
640x480 resolution, with
various optional detector
solutions available.
The company claims DAGIR
to be ‘future proof’ as a
built-in growth path provides
users with opportunities to
upgrade performance or
configuration without having
to replace entire cameras.
New aids to night vision
Above: Tailored to their needs, snipers will welcome the
surveillance and engagement capabilities of the new SVIPIR-2+
Right: The DAGIR thermal imaging surveillance camera is suitable
for a variety of applications
official online show daily dsei.janes.com26
By Richard Scott
Sweden’s Defence
Materiel Administration
(FMV) has accepted
the last of three Griffon
8100TD hovercraft built by
Griffon Hovercraft Ltd (GHL)
for the Swedish Amphibious
Battalion.
Hull number 088
— assigned the Swedish
designation 304 — was
signed over to FMV at GHL’s
Southampton facility on 5
July. It was subsequently
shipped from the UK to
Sweden in mid-August,
where it will join the two
Griffon 8100TD craft already
operating from the Swedish
Amphibious Battalion’s base
at Berga, Muskö.
The 8100TD design — an
enlarged and re-engined
derivative of the existing
Griffon 8000TD hovercraft —
was ordered into production
by the FMV in July 2005
following an international
competition. The contract
award to GHL is thought to
have been worth slightly less
than SEK70m (£5.1m).
According to the
company, the 8100TD has
been designed to meet
the Swedish Amphibious
Battalion’s requirement to
carry a variety of military
payloads over water, ice
and tundra. These include:
a tracked all-terrain
vehicle (such as a Bv206)
plus its crew; an ISO 20-
size logistics container; or
seating for up to 50 fully
equipped troops.
A hydraulic bow ramp is
fitted to enable vehicles
to embark and exit the
craft (lightweight roof
panels are removed to
allow high headroom
vehicles or containers to
be accommodated). The
wheelhouse, offset to
port, incorporates Dynema
ballistic protection,
bulletproof glass, NBC
protection and a mounting
plate for a roof-mounted
remote weapon station.
Powered by two Iveco
Vector 20 1,000hp water-
cooled diesel engines,
each driving one Hoffmann
controllable pitch propeller
and two Air Vehicles’
lift fans, the 8100TD has
demonstrated speeds of
more than 50kt (in light
condition) during trials.
Maximum payload (at 40kt)
is just under 11 tonnes.
As well as being the
largest hovercraft produced
by GHL to date, the Griffon
8100TD is also the first type
produced by the company
to incorporate an integrated
‘glass’ cockpit combining
navigation and conning
functions. Developed in
conjunction with Marine
Electronic Systems, the
triple-redundant bridge
system features three flat-
panel displays showing radar,
navigation and conning
information.
Based in Southampton,
GHL claims to offer the
largest range of hovercraft
available in the world today.
Other recent orders include
the sale of two Griffon
470SAR vehicles to the
South Korean Coast Guard,
and the supply of a single
1000TD to the Estonian
Border Guard.
Rohde & Schwarz UK
Ltd (Stand 1194) has
won a contract from
VT Shipbuilding to upgrade
the communications system
aboard the Royal Navy’s
(RN’s) new Falkland Islands
Patrol Vessel, HMS Clyde.
Built in Portsmouth by
VT Shipbuilding, Clyde
deployed to the South
Atlantic in August. The ship
is being operated by the RN
under a five-year leasing
contract, with VT Naval
Support extending through
to 2012.
The contract award
to Rohde & Schwarz UK
Ltd involves an upgrade
to Clyde’s existing High
Frequency (HF) subsystem
on board to cater for
additional data services,
such as Automatic Link
Establishment and Automatic
Repeat Request protocols,
as detailed in STANAG 5066.
The upgrade is required
to be compliant with the
Defence High Frequency
Communications Service
Network (DHFCS).
STANAG 5066 is a NATO-
wide communications
protocol that enables
all NATO vessels to
communicate efficiently
and securely with each
other over HF links. The
upgrade is required to be
compliant with the DHFCS
Network, an initiative
introduced by the Defence
Communications Services
Agency to streamline the
HF communications assets
belonging to all three UK
armed forces.
Sweden accepts latest Griffon 8100TD hovercraft
Rohde & Schwarz wins HF upgrade
The last of three Griffon 8100TD hovercraft built by Griffon
Hovercraft for the Swedish Amphibious Battalion seen during
trials in Southampton Water
official online show daily 31 dsei.janes.com
By Brian M Walters
Pakistan’s Integrated
Defence Systems
(IDS) is involved in
R&D, manufacturing and
international marketing of a
wide range of conventional
weapons, as well as
modern defence products.
Indeed, despite being a
comparatively novice
player in defence markets,
IDS has achieved significant
export sales.
In particular, IDS has
rapidly established itself
as a major manufacturer
of air-delivered weapons,
competing with leading arms
manufacturers of the world
that are sources of similar
products. This results from
intense R&D conducted over
several years into developing
a series of high-quality
bombs.
Similar in design and
capabilities to the US-made
‘Rockeye’ bomb, the Hijara
bomb is designed to destroy
armoured vehicles, but can
also be used effectively
against soft targets such as
uncovered aircraft bunkers,
large infantry/armoured
formations and columns of
vehicles.
The IDS cluster effect
munition (CEM) is an all-
purpose air delivered
weapon that combines light
anti-armour capabilities
with anti-personnel and
incendiary effects. A total of
247 triple-effect bomblets
are loaded into each
dispenser, enabling a single
payload to play an effective
part in halting an advancing
armoured column, thus
bringing an invasion force to
a standstill.
IDS also specialises in
re-lifing missile systems
of various types by
upgrading or replacing
such subsystems as rocket
motors, propellants,
fuzes, electronics, guidance
and control systems,
warhead, batteries and
pyrotechnics.
A line of UAVs that are
comparable in performance
to those currently available
from advanced countries
is manufactured by IDS,
including the Huma 1,
which can provide real-
time telemetry in all
weather conditions over
ranges in excess of 100km.
Launched by a booster and
recovered by parachute,
the Huma 1 is capable of
hassle-free, surveillance
operations.
Asian source for weaponsThe Huma 1 UAV can be rocket-launched from forward areas
By Brian M Walters
Manufactured in
New Zealand and
promoted by its
European company on
Stand 1912, Tait Radio
Communications has
supplied a wide range
of military organisations
around the world. Making
its debut at the show,
Tait is publicising some
considerable enhancements
to its range.
Notable among these is
the reliable and robust P25
range, which comprises
hand-portable and mobile
radios as well as base
stations and associated
infrastructure, all of which
feature secure end-to-
end encryption. This
means transmissions are
never ‘in clear’, thereby
rendering interception
and decoding more
difficult.
The P25 digital
range has the
benefit of being
backwards
compatible
with analogue
systems, which is often
relevant to operators of
large radio fleets, where
budgetary and operational
issues can mean that
phased transition to a new
technology is preferable.
Of particular use in
military applications is the
extensive coverage offered
by Tait’s P25 technology,
with the result that teams
deployed in the field can
benefit from
radio coverage over a wide
area and the audio quality
remains high, right up to the
limit of coverage.
In addition to the P25
range, Tait is showing its
analogue PMR solutions,
which are highly regarded
for being rugged,
reliable and robust.
Consequently
Tait’s solutions are
utilised by military
organisations
across the world,
to meet a range
of radio communications
requirements.
Tait’s TN1100 single-site
trunked radio system, which
has proved particularly
useful in providing radio
coverage on military bases,
is also featured on the
stand.
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 32
Rugged and reliable communications
By Brian M Walters
Formed last year
as a wholly owned
subsidiary of Giat, the
Nexter group comprises
Munitions, Electronics and
Mechanics companies under
a Systems ‘umbrella’. This
extensive background has
positioned Nexter to become
a major supplier to military
and indeed civil markets.
The variety and extent of
Nexter’s activities will be
evident to visitors to Stand
1525, where the company’s
Generic Virtual Training
(GVT) system is one of the
major topics. Supporting
systems and equipment
deployed in more than 100
countries, Nexter is well
aware of the need to help
users to keep costs as low as
possible and provide through
life capability management
(TLCM). It sees training to
be key to the achievement
of this aim.
GVT is described by the
company as a high-tech
training concept, developed
in recognition of the
increasing complexity of
modern defence equipment
that without adequate
training can be dangerous
to those operating them.
Moreover, costly accidents to
equipment can result from
use by those inadequately
trained.
Building on proven
successes in developing
computer-generation
training, Nexter has
expended significant
time and funds to R&D,
while also working with
leading universities to
make GVT something new
and distinctive. So the
new system facilitates
the acquisition of both
knowledge and expertise
in basic training, operation
and maintenance training
and fault identification
and diagnostic training.
Expertise in these training
categories explains why
Nexter is also promoting
the use of GVT in the civil
sector.
Nexter has learnt from
the advanced training
programmes developed to
maintain and deploy the
Leclerc MBT in operational
condition. Moreover, under
a contract signed last
year, Nexter is to supply a
Leclerc Diagnostic Simulator
(LDS), to the French Army
Weapons School, together
with an initial application
of GVT.
Covering more than
50 scenarios, the SDL
will enable Leclerc
maintenance personnel
to obtain advanced
training in diagnostics
and troubleshooting.
Furthermore, it will
eliminate all hazards
and costs relating to the
utilisation of a real MBT
for this type of training.
SDL with GVT will create
an interactive class with 10
trainees linked to a single
instructor.
33
Training can reduce costs
By Brian M Walters
Demand for batteries is
growing for defence
applications, which
require high voltage and
high power rates for short
periods, ranging from
fractions of a second to
several hours. This poses
a challenge to design
engineers, who must
consider extremely long shelf
life, rapid activation, size/
volume/weight limitations,
capacity and energy density
requirements, as well as the
ability to test the battery to
ensure system readiness.
Traditionally, reserve
batteries were preferred
for single-use military
applications because, in
most cases, the electrolyte
is either stored separately
from the rest of the battery,
or pyrotechnic devices
are used to activate the
battery, allowing it to
remain inert until use.
This results in a trade-off
between long shelf life
and the inability to test
the battery for system
readiness. However, an off-
the-shelf high-power primary
lithium alternative has
been developed by Tadiran
Batteries (Stand 129),
employing the hybrid layer
capacitor technology found
in its PulsesPlus batteries, in
widespread commercial use.
Designated the TLM-1550/
HP, this AA-size cylindrical
cell features an open circuit
voltage of 4.0V, 2Wh total
energy and the capacity to
handle 15A current pulses
and 5A maximum continuous
current at 3.2V. A smaller,
27mm version delivers 1Wh
total energy, and a 20mm
version delivers 0.5Wh.
TLM primary batteries
offer a temperature range
from -40°C to +80°C and up
to 20 years of storage life.
They can be routinely tested
to ensure system readiness.
By combining small cells into
various shapes and sizes,
battery packs can be made
using off-the-shelf products,
leading to faster design
times and less expense.
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 34
Lithium batteries ready for action
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
guided missiles, hand guns,
timing mechanisms, aircraft
systems, electronics and
communications equipment.
The benefits of investment
castings are promoted with
no less enthusiasm by PIC,
36
irons, Invar and Kovar. The
MIM process is said to be
ideal for small components,
where weight-saving designs
often result in complex-
shaped parts. MIM parts
have been supplied for
By Brian M Walters
The benefits of
using investment or
injection moulding
in the manufacture of
complex shapes for defence
equipment, are highlighted
on Stand 851 by Metal
Injection Moulding (MIM) and
Precision Investment Castings
(PIC). These companies can
produce parts not normally
economically possible by
other manufacturing methods.
For example, the use of
metal injection techniques
allows the same types of
parts typically made in
plastics, to be produced in
low alloy, stainless or tool
steels, as well as magnetic
Cutting production costs
Dassault Systèmes
has announced the
availability of a new
Simulia direct coupling
interface, which allows third-
party physics codes developed
by partners or customers to
communicate directly with its
Abaqus FEA software for high-
performance multiphysics
simulation. Abaqus Version 6.7
is the latest finite element
analysis software suite.
The company claims that
with this release, Simulia
is providing the industry’s
only unified simulation
environment for general-
purpose structural integrity,
power train durability, noise
and vibration behaviour,
crashworthiness, occupant
safety, and tyre-roadway
interaction. In addition,
the software’s distributed
memory parallel direct
solver technology leverages
the latest advances in high-
performance computing
to deliver significant
performance improvements
in clustered environments.
Dassault Systèmes
considers that providing an
open platform and complete
multiphysics solutions are
critical aspects of its Simulia
strategy and represent a
collaborative effort that has
been under development for
more than a year.
With more than 100 major
improvements, Abaqus
Version 6.7 sets the industry
standard for realistic
simulation.
Simulation simplifies vehicle design
which asserts that the more
complex the shape, the
more economic the process
becomes in comparison
with other metal production
techniques. The company
claims to have a lot to offer
to designers, production
engineers and procurement
managers looking for design
flexibility and economic
production of metal parts.
PIC offers complex-shaped
parts produced with close
tolerances, fine detail and
a smooth surface, saving
production costs by reducing
machining to a minimum.
Castings are made in sizes
from 5mm to 600mm in
a wide range of metals
including aluminium, low
alloy steels, stainless and
tool steels, brass, bronze
and zinc.
By Brian M Walters
The constant demand
for ever more compact
and lightweight
equipment poses challenges
to manufacturers of
connectors that must play
their part in achieving these
aims. Glenair manages to do
just that, as is evident from
the new products shown on
Stand 2259.
Examples include
smaller and lighter Micro-D
packages, such as a range of
GMSM single-row connectors
for applications where space
and weight are limited.
These single-row Micro-Ds
are configured to provide a
lower profile connector that
occupies less board space.
To meet growing demand
for carrying higher currents
through small connector
packages, Glenair has
developed the GMPM Combo
Power Micro-D range. These
offer No24 standard twist
pin contacts combined
with No16 power contact
to enable data and higher
power signals through the
same connector.
Recognising that standard
Micro-D connectors have
small flanges that are
too narrow for a gasket
to successfully seal to a
panel or bulkhead, Glenair
has developed the GMDE
Environmental Micro-D
connectors. These have a
wider flange incorporating
an environmental O-ring to
give a robust seal between
the connector and panel.
Going even lower in the
size scale, Glenair has
introduced the Series 89
Nanominiature ultra high-
density connectors, which
have a contact spacing of
0.025in and offer significant
weight and size savings.
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 39
Lighter is better
The range of GMSM single-row Micro-D connectors are among the
new products announced by Glenair
official online show daily dsei.janes.com40
Airborne Systems has
developed a family of
precision cargo aerial
delivery systems in support
of a US Army programme,
known as JPADS (Joint
Precision Aerial Delivery
Systems). Said to be the
only source for a common
guidance platform for all
types, Airborne Systems
is a global company that
combines leading parachute
brands including GQ
Parachutes, Irvin Aerospace,
Para-Flite and Aircraft
Materials (AML).
The company makes
innovative use of GPS to
‘steer’ cargo to the target
location and has developed
a series of precision delivery
systems for use with varying
weights and sizes of cargo
load. Information on how
to steer cargo parachutes
is available on Stand 176 in
the UK Pavilion.
The system can be
controlled from the ground
or from the air and used
to deliver personnel or
supplies to remote regions
such as the mountains of
Afghanistan, or to bring
humanitarian relief to
dangerous situations such as
in crisis-torn Darfur.
A commonality feature
ensures optimal system
performance and minimises
user-training requirements.
This ‘family’ approach
ensures that the user
interface on the autonomous
guidance units and the
mission planner are identical
for MicroFly (100-500 lb),
FireFly (700-2,200 lb),
DragonFly (5,000-10,000
lb) and MegaFly (20,000-
30,000 lb), the world’s
largest and strongest ram-air
parachute.
GPS used to ‘steer’ cargo parachutes
The FireFly system has been
selected by the US Army for
the 2,000 lb load category of
the JPADS requirement and will
begin urgent fielding in 2008
By Brian M Walters
Ricardo has unveiled an
advanced military
hybrid vehicle,
which is featured for
the first time on
Stand 578 in the UK
Pavilion. Developed
in partnership with
L-3 Communications and
Magnet Motors, the hybrid
system incorporated in
the demonstrator provides
significant practical and
operational advantages in
defence roles.
Independent electric hub
motors provide improved
traction control and
stability, survivability and
increased ground clearance,
resulting in enhanced
vehicle mobility. Moreover,
using energy stored in the
onboard batteries gives
the option of
a quiet mode
for stealth
operations.
The hybrid
system
delivers
significant
improvements
in fuel economy, vehicle
capability, maintainability
and whole life costs. It
can also provide practical
advantages in avoiding
the need for trailer-
based generators for
communications and so on,
since the onboard generator,
capable of delivering more
than 100kW of electrical
power, can be used to
provide auxiliary power
requirements.
Vectoring
technology
has been
developed
by Ricardo
Torque to
improve
military vehicle safety.
Already well-proven in
automotive applications, the
technology can substantially
improve the steering
response and stability of
military vehicles in slippery
and difficult terrain, while
improving safety and
enhancing dynamics.
Ricardo has developed
a unique differential unit
incorporating its Torque
Vectoring module, which can
be used as a replacement for
the conventional differential.
This unit can be used to
direct drive torque between
100 per cent left, centre
or 100 per cent right wheel
bias. Coupled to a Ricardo
vehicle control system, the
fast-acting device can be
used to enhance stability
by countering a steering
manoeuvre if rollover is
imminent.
A variant of the Torque
Vectoring system can give
multiwheeled vehicles the
capability to ‘spin on the
spot’ and ‘spin on the move’,
similar to tracked vehicles,
and a yaw rate control gives
an improved turning circle.
These capabilities bring
significant manoeuvrability
enhancements to large 6x6,
8x8 or even 10x10 wheeled
vehicles beyond the addition
of steered axles.
Hybrid systems technology vehicle debuts at show
By Brian M Walters
Despite the evident
effectiveness of
terrorist and other
attacks against buildings,
it has been shown that
protective systems can
absorb blast, while blast film
supplemented by a cable
system has the capability
necessary to retain glass and
prevent injury. Promoting
its expertise and a proven
capability in the provision
of such protective systems,
DynaSystems is ready to
advise visitors to Stand 2183.
The company claims
DynaBlok to be the most
effective solution to the
current threats, as it will
protect against HE Blast,
penetration of .05 Cal AP
ammunition, 155mm artillery
direct attack and RPG7 direct
or mortar attack. The system
comprises two sheets of
lightweight protective panels
with a reinforced concrete
core and is described as a
‘soft hardening’ system.
Where weight is an issue, the
DynaShield polymer armour
system can be sprayed onto
the receiver surface to which
it bonds and then built up
in layers to the required
thickness.
DynaBlok can be applied
to new buildings, including
perimeter walls and guard
towers, or retrofitted to
reinforce existing structures.
It has been subjected
to extensive technical,
practical explosive and
ballistic tests undertaken by
authorities in the UK, US,
the Netherlands and Israel.
DynaShield has been
shown to significantly
reduce the blast and
ballistic threat to buildings
and other equipment by
absorbing, dissipating and
reflecting blast energy.
While increasing bending
strength, it also reduces the
velocity of projectiles, can
capture fragments and seal
entry holes.
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 41
Protecting against blasts
This before and after sequence shows that the wall on the left
survived an explosion, which destroyed the right-hand wall
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
By Brian M Walters
Pro Beam is the name
given by France-
based global company
Radiall to an addition to
its range of connectors
for harsh environment
applications and shown
for the first time on Stand
2266. This is a multichannel
connector based on
expanded beam technology
whereby optical inserts are
optimised according to the
wavelength used, to provide
high-precision alignment
for low-loss repeatable
performance.
Pro Beam is a connector
based on a unique
modular design, but is
compatible with single and
multimode fibres, robust
and ergonomic. It has
low sensitivity to thermal
fluctuations and interface
contamination, along with
high impact and vibration
resistance.
Radiall’s range includes
rugged connectors of
hermaphroditic construction
with a blind mating
system, easy to clean
and particularly intended
for ground applications.
The new connector is
said to be suitable for all
avionics, field-deployable
communications, marine
ship-to-shore applications,
and security systems.
Indeed, Pro Beam is suitable
for any other application
in harsh environments
requiring strength, low-loss
repeatable performance,
with multiple coupling/
decouplings, blindmate
situations and high vibration
resistance.
42
Beam connector optimised for harsh environments
Pro Beam technology can be used in multicontact connectors
ARINC 600, MIL DTL 38999, EPX B, allowing signals to be mixed
(optical, coax, power)
By Brian M Walters
From Australia, Codan
is showing its range of
radio equipment on
Stand 1255, including the
2110M manpack transceiver
designed to provide
sophisticated remote
area communications.
This features frequency
hopping and optional
voice encryption, while
interoperability with
other military transceivers
is achieved through
advanced FED-STD-1045
or MIL-STD-188-141B ALE,
enhanced by the company’s
automatic link management
technology.
The 2110M features
Codan’s battery
management system, said
to ensure the lowest power
consumption of any manpack
radio, enabling users to
operate continuously for
several days on a single
battery charge.
The radio can be supplied
with a range of portable
antennas, backpacks,
mounting kits, batteries,
solar panels, hand-crank
generators and chargers for
ease of use in the field.
Codan’s NGT MR
transceiver meets HF secure
communications needs
with frequency hopping as
standard and optional voice
encryption. Interoperability
with other military
transceivers is provided
through FED-STD-ALE or
optional MIL-STD-188-141B
ALE.
Available as a base station
or mobile transceiver,
the NGT MR is designed
for quick deployment,
and is highly configurable
to suit various military
applications. Codan’s
3112M High Speed HF data
modem provides
an error-free data
rate of up to 9600bps
uncompressed and
reliability for mission-
critical operations in
remote areas where little
or no telecommunications
infrastructure exists.
The company’s 9350M
antenna is a key item in
Codan’s product range and
is claimed to be one of the
most reliable HF mobile
antennas on the market.
It features fast, optimum
tuning with a high radiation
efficiency to ensure the best
possible communications
in the most extreme
conditions.
Reliable communications for remote area operations
Microwave
International is a
first-time exhibitor
and shares Stand 232 with
its partner IMC Microwave
Industries of Israel, which
manufactures video
receiving and transmitting
ground stations for the
control, tracking and
monitoring of UAVs.
Few countries know more
about UAV technology than
Israel and the IMC ground
station comprises video and
telemetry transceivers, a
directional or omnidirectional
antenna, system controller,
digital compass, antenna
rotator and mounting tripod.
This system (without the
need for a tripod) can be
mounted to a vehicle, with
the omnidirectional antenna
providing a range of 7km,
or if a planar directional
antenna is used, this is
extended to 50km. Control is
via Ethernet RS-232 or RS-422
serial datalink to a remote
PC or laptop with embedded
software.
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 45
Compact and robust transceivers
Building on the success
of its GPS L1 repeater
kit, Rojone is exhibiting
L1-L2 repeater systems for
the first time. Featured
on Stand 1255 in the Team
Australia section, the
systems were developed
in conjunction with the
Defence Department and
are designed to provide
adequate GPS coverage of
both bands for aircraft.
Rojone’s repeater systems
are available for fixed
installation in hangars,
shelters or other internal
buildings, or they can be
mounted and stored in a
waterproof Mil-Spec case
with IP65 rating, as fully
self-contained emergency
field-deployable kits.
Supplied complete with
antennas, the emergency
field-deployable kit has
been in operation since 2006
at Australia’s Williamtown
and Tindal air force bases,
providing coverage up
to 15m at the maximum
radiation direction.
Weighing only 38kg, the
portable GPS repeater
system is powered by
batteries or 240V AC and
easily set up in less than 20
minutes. Its features include:
High sensitivity receiver
antenna, to track satellites
with 5° elevation or above;
high-performance main RF
amplifier with high rejection
filters for both L1 and L2;
high efficiency TX antenna
with more than 100dB RF
blocking to VHF and UHF
radios and GSM mobile phone
signals, plus well controlled
radiation pattern to minimise
the interference to the GPS
receivers outside the shelter.
The system also features
a self-protection function
to prevent damage caused
by short circuit of the
antennas and connections,
an auto power supply control
function to select the
power supply automatically
when the unit is switched
on, and an auto isolation
detection circuit to speed up
installation.
Compact and robust video and telemetry transceivers are
produced for fixed or mobile ground stations
First time for Aussie repeater systems
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
able to shoot video with
POV.1, review their work
seconds later on the
colour LCD and within
minutes make it available
online via their PC.
The system uses an
advanced CMOS video
sensor with a
global electronic
shutter, which
offers the improved
light handling
capabilities of a
higher, broader,
dynamic range
and also demands
less power.
Consequently the
POV.1 can record
hours of video on
four AA batteries.
46
wearable video
technology.
The system weighs
less than 500g and the
recorder is smaller
than most TV remote
controls. After initial
setup, users will be
By Brian M Walters
Already sold in
hundreds to the
US armed forces,
V.I.O.’s new helmet camera
is featured on Stand
909A. Shown mounted on
a soldier’s helmet, the
POV.1 is dust, shock and
waterproof, unaffected by
driving rain or immersion
in water up to 1m deep.
Soldiers deployed to the
Gulf region have found its
high-performance durability
and ability to withstand
extreme temperatures
very useful.
The POV.1 is making
its debut here and will
showcase the benefits
of seamlessly integrating
camera, microphone, and
recorder in single-handed
operation with a wireless
remote control. V.I.O.
developed the helmet
camera to answer military
demands for rugged,
Capturing video on the front line
SAI Global is launching
Logicom 3.0, its
comprehensive parts
and logistics database. This
is intended to transform
the way that engineers
and contractors negotiate
the technical minefield of
US Government Federal
Logistics Information System
(FLIS) data, Naval Allowance
Parts List/Approved
Equipage List (APL/AEL),
and procurement history.
SAI Global claims Logicom
offers superior functionality
and a comprehensive range
of searchable data elements,
combining faster, broader
and more interlinked search
technology than rival
systems. This allows users
to work more efficiently,
which visitors may see for
themselves on Stand 2458.
The Logicom database
contains more than 150
million parts and is promoted
as a one-stop solution for
supply chain management,
engineering and contracting.
Users can cross-reference
between government
databases such as FLIS, APL/
AEL, military specifications,
procurement history and
vendor catalogues.
Logicom 3.0 also
offers features claimed
to be unheard of among
competitors, including:
Performance Dashboard, a
management tool allowing
administrators to view
a graphical analysis of
their organisation’s usage
patterns; and Notepad, a
virtual memo pad.
Logicom aids tracking of FLIS parts and logistics data
official online show daily dsei.janes.com
By Brian M Walters
Collinson is showcasing
its BestHall wide span
buildings on Stand
292 in the UK pavilion. The
company’s structures are
used worldwide as aircraft
hangars, vehicle stores,
covered dry dock facilities,
warehouses and sports/
training halls.
Comprising a steel frame
and a heavy-duty PVC-coated
polyester covering, the
buildings can be constructed
from 12m up to 100m
clear span and any length.
Natural daylight through
the translucent fabric
provides a pleasant working
environment, while reducing
energy required for lighting.
The BestHall buildings are
sturdy structures, anchored
to the ground, and built
to withstand extremes
of climate, from -30ºC
to +70ºC. Although often
constructed as affordable
permanent facilities, the
structures can be erected
quickly on minimum
foundations in days and
relocated as necessary, thus
helping to cut project costs.
The PVC-coated polyester
cover is resistant to
chemicals and therefore
ideal when de-icing or
decontaminating aircraft
and vehicles. The buildings
are fire retardant and
fully compliant with fire
regulations.
48
BestHall buildings can be
erected with a clear span up
to 100m
Sturdy structures can withstand extreme climates
By Brian M Walters
Long before the
electronic age, cable
harnesses were a
feature of many defence
products, from armoured
vehicles, to ground radars
and combat aircraft. But
identifying the function
of each and every cable
can be a long and tedious
task, especially if difficult
conditions have caused
identification marks or
colours to fade. This is a
problem addressed by the
Siegrist-Orel company,
which is exhibiting its high-
performance cable markers
on Stand 1981.
This is not exactly rocket
science, some visitors may
say, until faced with a
situation in which positive
identification is essential
or even vital but well nigh
impossible.
So close examination will
show that Siegrist-Orel’s
cable marking products
not only identify but
also protect cables and
consequently are approved
to stringent defence industry
standards.
The marking systems
are designed to withstand
extreme temperatures,
humidity and exposure to
fuels and chemicals. This is
achieved by employing the
company’s unique method of
ink transfer, which locks the
ink within the sub-surface
of the sleeve material. The
integrated ink is then sealed
in with a protective layer,
so none of the ID mark is
exposed to the elements or
subject to degradation.
Siegrist-Orel’s high-
performance markers are
available in a range of
sleeving materials, including
silicone, neoprene, PVC
nitrile and PTFE, as well
as other heat-shrinkable
materials to suit end user
situations.
What IS that cable?!
Radar design expertise promoted
Plextek, an electronics
design consultancy,
highlights its expertise
in the field of military radar
module design on Stand
498. The company offers
radar design in technologies
including frequency
modulated continuous wave,
pulse Doppler, phased array,
avionics and monopulse
radar systems. Its expertise
includes radar subsystem
design and the design and
development of complete
radar systems.
The company’s skills cover
microwave and mm-wave
engineering, full-custom
GaAs MMIC design, signal
processing algorithm
development, design of
electronic equipment for
defence applications and
design for manufacture.
Plextek has undertaken
numerous projects on behalf
of its defence clients,
including design and supply
of flight qualified frequency
synthesiser subsystems for
avionics radar, architecture
development of wide band
gain/phase control modules
for active phased array
radars, real-time signal
processing for a monopulse
application and development
of microwave subsystems for
transmit/receive functions.
official online show daily dsei.janes.com50
Planning for battlefield
scenarios can be made
easier by the use of an
aid produced by California-
based Solid Terrain Modeling
(STM), employing technology
that is claimed to be
unique. Shown for the first
time at an international
defence exhibition, the
STM technology utilises
digital photographic and
surveillance data to produce
highly accurate and realistic
solid, three-dimensional
geographic models.
STM’s products are in use
with defence and other
government agencies in the
US, but the company is using
DSEi to tackle world markets
where an ability to replicate
actual landscapes would be
valued.
Uni-Move gets throughBy Brian M Walters
Described as a
revolutionary new
traction chain,
the Uni-Move has been
introduced by Pewag to
meet demands for improved
traction for military off-
road vehicles. Displayed on
Stand 1873, Uni-Move has
been tested by numerous
European military units
and it is now in serial
production.
The trials have proved
that Uni-Move does indeed
provide better traction,
with the added benefit of
lower weight and 20 per
cent greater durability
than comparable products.
Pewag has achieved these
advances by applying several
innovations. For example,
durability is enhanced by
the chain links, using a
rectangular cross-section
that results in a wave-profile
Heightened realism in 3D
to provide additional grip on
ice and snow.
The Uni-Move tread net
covers the entire surface of
the tyre and incorporates
a newly developed closing
hook designated the
MVX7, which ensures easy
handling and reliability in
the heaviest conditions.
Uni-Move is promoted as
a future alternative to
Pewag’s products that are
in service with the armed
forces of Canada, France,
Germany, the UK, Belgium,
Poland, Sweden, Austria and
the Netherlands.
Produced from a block of
high-density polyurethane
foam, the STM models can
be used to support strategic,
tactical or operational
planning. Heightened
realism can be achieved by
the application of a photo-
quality colour finish using
inputs from a wide range of
sources, such as satellites
and aerial photography.
By Brian M Walters
Long known as a source
for field kitchens and
integrated catering
systems, Hawkmoor is
showing some of its latest
products on Stand 487.
These include a portable
refrigerator/freezer to give
operational field chefs a
much-needed temperature-
control resource. The
walk-in 6m2 fridge/freezer
can be collapsed to an easily
transportable size.
Modular field kitchen
design has advanced
considerably recently;
particularly in the way
that burner technology has
helped to reduce fuel
consumption
while
providing
better
energy-heat conversion.
Moreover, hotplates have
improved and field ovens
can benefit from fan
assistance and temperature
control. Visitors to the
company’s stand can view
these developments in
modular design.
Of particular interest
is the development of
insulating fabric technology
based on the successes of
Hawkmoor’s 75kg defrost
bag and insulated covers.
This is infinitely preferable
to any fully rigid structure
of substantial size that
soon passes beyond
practical
portability.
53
Keeping troopswellfed
SRCTEC INC
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF SYRACUSE RESEARCH CORPORATION)
Stand 807A
SRCTec Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Syracuse Research Corporation, is a
high-tech manufacturing company providing integrated solutions, programme
management, full life-cycle support, and state-of-the-art products to a broad
range of customers. SRCTec is ISO 9001 registered.
For more information, visit www.srctecinc.com.
Syracuse Research Corporation (SRC) is a national, independent, not-for-
profit trusted adviser that researches next-generation challenges and develops
innovative solutions in the areas of defence, environment and intelligence. In
2007, SRC is celebrating its 50th year of excellence.
For more information, visit www.syrres.com.
Small = SmartWhen it comes to innovation in the defence sector, small very often means
extremely clever. Prime contractors are looking increasingly to small/medium
enterprises (SMEs) as a source of new ideas. There are a significant number of
SMEs among the 138 companies participating in the First Time Exhibitor Zone
and on the evidence of DSEi 2005, this is an area that visitors should not miss.
Catalogue amendmentsDSEI INFORMATION
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 54
Please note the correct stand numbers
for the following companies:
Defence Management Journal 1803
Earle International 2329
Enterprise Control Systems Ltd 479
Rockwell Collins 813
A busy start to the show
PIC
TU
RES:
EXPO
PH
OTO
Corrections to stands
dsei.janes.comofficial online show daily 56
DSEi is renowned as
an international
showcase for defence
platforms and related
products. However, this
year’s show also reflects
the increasing level of
resource and innovation
that is being channelled into
humanitarian applications,
such as medical/air
ambulance, search and
rescue, mine detection
and demining, and disaster
planning. In all these cases,
the number of companies
exhibiting is up significantly
on 2005.
The advances that are
being made in this area
are proving of considerable
interest to the large
numbers of visiting media —
which yesterday included TV,
radio and major newspapers
from the UK and beyond, as
well as a broad spectrum of
industry media.
The biggest tri-service exhibition ever staged
INVITED…The UK MoD has invited defence delegations from the
following countries:
Algeria
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
People’s Republic of China
Colombia
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Republic of Korea
Kuwait
Libya
Malaysia
Mexico
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Slovak Republic
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Trinidad & Tobago
United Arab Emirates
United Nations
USA
Vietnam
Welcome to Defence Systems & Equipment
International (DSEi) 2007, a very special event.
The show has gone from strength to strength in
the new millennium and this year a record total of 1,352
exhibitors are occupying 34,000m2 of stand space in the four
halls of ExCeL.
DSEi brings the global defence industry to London. It
does so because it is a unique forum for displaying the
technologies and services that are vital to the safeguarding
of nations in a changing and dangerous world.
DSEi 2007 reflects the challenges that must be met across
a broad spectrum, including counter-terrorism, peacekeeping
and disaster relief.
On behalf of everyone involved in the organisation of DSEi,
I wish you a successful show.
Max Rance, Group Exhibition Director, DSEi and ITEC
Humanitarian advances in the spotlight
DSEI WORKSHOP PROGRAMMEThe DSEi workshop programme is being held in the North
Gallery. For more information on specific workshops and
timings, please look in the Show Catalogue.
DSEI INFORMATION