show daily 2

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


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


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


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.


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.


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


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.


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


‘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.



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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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.


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.


Lithium batteries ready for action


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.


Lighter is better

The range of GMSM single-row Micro-D connectors are among the

new products announced by Glenair


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.


Protecting against blasts

This before and after sequence shows that the wall on the left

survived an explosion, which destroyed the right-hand wall


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.


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


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


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.


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


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 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

show daily 2

Documents