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2019-10-03

DSEI’s 20th Birthday Celebrated in Innovative Style

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the 2019 DSEI gave its 35,000 plus visitors ever more to see and do when they passed through the doors of Excel, London. Showcasing exciting debuts and demos, September’s DSEI featured 1,700 exhibitors across five zones and six new sector-focused hubs, with the event reflecting the new defence market and its growing number of developing indigenous industries.

In innovating, sharing knowledge, discovering and experiencing the latest capabilities, this year’s DSEI Strategic Conferences featured industry leaders and senior speakers from the UK and overseas militaries addressing key topics from across the Aerospace, Land, Maritime, Rotorcraft and Medical domains, while debuting the free-to-attend Defence and Engineering Skills Conference to explore challenges faced by the defence sector.

Visiting Naval Vessels

Of the high-profile visits to Victoria Dock, the River Class Batch 2 offshore patrol vessel HMS Medway made its Docklands debut at DSEI 2019. Delivered to the Royal Navy in March, the River Class features a flexible and modular communications solution developed by Rohde & Schwarz to enable secure voice and data communications in the HF and VHF/UHF frequency bands.

Soveron displayed its R&S M3SR Series 4100 HF radios — innovative, versatile software-defined radios designed for use in permanently connected deployment in beyond-line-of-sight communications. Installed in racks within a ship’s radio-room or at a shore station, they cover long-haul ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore communications and support frequency-hopping, while providing interoperability with tactical radios in HF-operating modes.

The M3SR Series 4400 VHF/UHF radios offer military customers line-of-sight communications with a flexible range of applications for NATO and proprietary electronic protection waveforms. They also support the military data transmission methods Link 11 and Link 22.

Other visiting ships included:

• HMS Argyll - British Navy Type 23 Frigate

• HMS Grimsby - British Navy Sandown-class minehunter

• HMS DASHER - Archer Class P2000 Patrol Vessel, UK

• HMS TRUMPETER - Archer Class P2000 Patrol Vessel, UK

• BNS POLLUX – Coastal Patrol Vessel, Belgium

• HNLMS ZEELAND - Oceangoing Patrol Vessel, Netherlands

• FS GARONNE – Loire Class Offshore Support and Assistance Vehicle, France

Dynamic Waterborne Demonstrations

This year, visiting warships were accompanied by popular and visual waterborne demonstrations taking place daily on the Victoria Dock. Spectators witnessed an integrated and coordinated display between BAE Systems, Dstl and L3Harris while, in support of NavyX, a demonstration of the Royal Navy’s new Autonomy and Lethality Accelerator and the Maritime Mission Systems Enterprise Board highlighted the integrated and coordinated use of unmanned surface vessels to enhance Royal Navy operations.

Elsewhere, the BAE Systems Pacific 24 RIB had been retrofitted for optional unmanned operation for service with the UK Royal Navy, integrated with L3Harris’ ASView control system and BAE Systems’ combat system. Dstl’s MAST 13 was operated autonomously from an L3 Harris control station using the ASView and demonstrating how the use of autonomous vessels working alongside the command team and manned assets can identify, contain and neutralise a threat.

Waterborne demonstrations from DSEI 2019 exhibitors included:

• Survitec recovery mission showcased its 530GPM military inflatable boat and Maritime Infantry Ensemble with Atacama military dry-suit, low-profile XTP290 life preserver and the world’s first floatable load carriage system, the Ascent.

• Barras’ Neander-Shark Survitec 8m RIB, a highly specialist rescue and medical boat with specialised diesel engine.

• Ophardt-Maritim’s fast and highly manoeuvrable OPH/1280/R interceptor patrol RIB.

• Cox Powertrain’s Tornado 9.5m RIB with smokeless diesel engine and low noise levels, offering wide-ranging engine speeds with solid handling at the highest speed.

• Streit Group’s high-performance interceptor, the Triton 850 RIB and its all-terrain Sand Tiger patrol boat.

• CPH Group’s high-performance Nunya interceptor with specialist targeting and weaponry.

• Volvo demonstrated the versatility of its Marell RIB and high-performance Penta engines.

• Berthon showcased ease of mooring and launching from its Floating Dock, alongside the manoeuvrability of its Gemini Waverider 780 RIB and effectiveness of its shock absorbing Shoxs seating.

• Marine Inflatables demonstrated how its inflatable seagoing platform carries and delivers large loads close to the shoreline.

• Versadock provided the moorings for the boats constructed by TPA Pontoons.

Key Exhibitor Highlights

DSEI is unrivalled in connecting governments, national armed forces and industry thought-leaders with the global defence and security supply chain via a range of valuable opportunities for networking, platforms for business and access to relevant content or live-action demonstrations in the Aerospace, Land, Naval, Security and Joint domains. With more exhibitors, greater international presence, expert-led conferences and new features including hubs dedicated to Manufacturing and Space, DSEI 2019 remains the most comprehensive to date.

Team Tempest Italian Partnership

Following commitments at governmental and industrial level, Italy will join the UK’s Tempest sixth-generation fighter development, a co-funded technology initiative launched by the RAF Rapid Capabilities Office. Tempest will ensure the UK maintains the technological competence necessary to retain military freedom of action, playing a lead role in future combat air system development by bringing together the UK's world leading industry and sovereign capabilities.

Hard Kill Defensive System

MBDA’s weapon range is for land, naval and airborne guided weapon system requirements. In the domain of Survivability in Attack and Control of the Air, MBDA is developing concepts for a Hard Kill Defensive Aid System (HK-DAS) capable of tracking, targeting and intercepting incoming missiles in high threat environments.

MBDA is also utilising HJ-DAS in a small-form factor, scalable Ground Attack Micromissile capability to enhance the Tempest system in the Close Air Support (CAS) role for Persistence in Attack. Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, said: “The partnership approach provided by Team Tempest will deliver a step change improvement in the time, complexity and cost of weapons system integration campaigns. Being involved in the development of novel interfaces, bay designs and integration processes will also be a key enabler to the spiral development of complementing effectors in the future. We are utilising our unique role in this collaboration to ensure that a future fighter is able to use existing weapons and planned weapons fully, whilst supporting a full range of system-design studies assessing the trade space between the future fighter platform and the weapons of the future.”

DSEI 2019 also featured MBDA’s contribution to the PYRAMID Open Mission System, exploiting technologies developed in the Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) command and control (C2) domain to enhance the operational proficiency of Tempest in Air-to-Air engagements for Effectiveness in Control of the Air.

Protector Test-and-Evaluation Contract

GA-ASI announced signing a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS) contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to complete the certification activities for the Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) system for civil airspace. The DCS contract also funds additional Protector programme elements, including X-band SATCOM system verification, training material development and logistics planning.

“This completes another important milestone as we work towards the delivery of Protector to the Royal Air Force (RAF),” said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. “We have completed more than 100 qualification test flights using our two company-owned SkyGuardian RPA.”

Once delivered to the RAF in the early 2020s, MQ-9B SkyGuardian is the baseline RPA for the Protector RG Mk1. RAF operators will continue to support evaluation activity for Protector using the two SkyGuardian test aircraft and the Protector cockpit.

The GA-ASI-developed DAA system consists of a Due Regard air-to-air radar and processor, integrated with Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). The Protector RG Mk1 is being built for all-weather performance with lightning protection, damage tolerance and de-icing system.

Remote Weapon Station Launch

MSI-Defence Systems Ltd announced the launch of its MSI-DS TERRAHAWK Remote Weapon Station (RWS), a new addition to the MSI-DS product portfolio in the land weapon systems market. The MSI-DS TERRAHAWK RWS combines the proven reputation of the SEAHAWK family of gun systems for reliability and unmatched accuracy, with optimisations for vehicle integration, compact flexible fire-control and multiweapon modularity.

The DSEI TERRAHAWK was fitted with M2HB 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun, suitable for integration into both legacy and new build vehicles, with the modular system designed for ease of integration into unmanned platforms for remote operation. Remote firing capabilities demonstrate the SEAHAWK’s exceptional accuracy at extended ranges while the MSI-DS SEAHAWK Multi Weapon Station (MWS) has recently completed successful firing sea trials on the BAE Systems P950 Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) demonstrator.

Modular Surveillance Solutions Launched

The UK-based Chess Dynamics showcased two new payload-agnostic, modular solutions for increased military flexibility and cost efficiency in land-based surveillance and target acquisition operations. The Modular Integrated Pod System (MIPS) is a self-contained, vehicle-mounted platform enabling quick changeover of surveillance and target acquisition payloads including radar, electro-optical tracking systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).

Providing a squadron or company with the same capability of three or four separate systems or vehicles, this mission-configurable system provides 360˚ surveillance coverage, interoperable with supporting systems. Currently in operational service with a NATO member nation, operators use the MIPS ‘clip-on, clip-off’ system easily when changing payload, limiting the need for specialist equipment training and reduces downtime for maintenance.

Chess has also developed an ISO container-based surveillance-and-target solution compatible with multiple payloads and radar, electro-optical tracking or C-UAS capability. The ISO container is easily transported, enabling rapid payload deployment to provide a protective, habitable and environmentally-controlled space with an integrated interior control and display unit to monitor and track targets from inside when facing extreme environmental conditions.

In March, Chess announced its U.S. partner Liteye’s contract with the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) to meet threats at US borders and airports and protect critical internal infrastructure.

Coyote Nears First Export

Raytheon and the U.S. government are clearing Raytheon's Coyote unmanned aircraft system for international sales. The small, expendable, tube-launched Coyote is ground, air or ship deployed then flown individually or netted together in swarms, adaptable for surveillance, electronic warfare and strike missions. It operates for maximum one hour and is designed for interchangeable payloads.

Handling relatively large accelerations during launch, the Coyote improves surveillance imagery and enhances targeting capability, providing near real-time damage assessment and reduced threat to manned aircraft. Raytheon is finalising advanced Coyote variants to fly faster and further.

Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme

After 20 battlefield mission tests, Lockheed Martin's upgrade to the Warrior IFV will soon enter British Army service, with negotiations underway to update fleet of Warrior infantry fighting vehicles. In cooperation with the British Army’s Armoured Trials and Development Unit, Warrior has tested its CTAI-developed 40mm cannon, driving more than 5,000 kilometres to pass battlefield mission assessments.

The Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP) will extend the out-of-service date to beyond 2040 and include the Warrior Fightability & Lethality Improvement Programme, Warrior Enhanced Electronic Architecture and Warrior Modular Protection System.

Lockheed Martin UK has supplied 11 WCSP for Armoured Reliability Growth trials (RGT) and Development Unit trials: six FV520 Warrior IFV section vehicles, two FV521 Warrior IFV command, one FV522 Warrior repair, one FV523 Warrior recovery/repair and one FV524 Warrior artillery observation post vehicle.

Leonardo Laser Targetting

Leonardo announced sales of over 600 units of Type 163 Laser Target Designator (LTD) to 16 customers including Italy, the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Latvia and the Netherlands.

The success of the product reinforces Leonardo’s position as international leader in the high-energy military laser market, accounting for over 70 per cent of global sales for airborne platforms and around 60 per cent of total sales, including for ground-based applications.

Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), the troops responsible for directing close air support, use the Type 163 Ltd with around 550 units delivered to date, including to U.S. Special Operations Forces. The Type 163 has been battle-tested during Middle East operations where users have benefitted from immediate and accurate target identification capabilities.

Leonardo also announced a new research contract to develop counter-UAV (C-UAV) technologies for the RAF. Four baseline systems will be delivered by next March, then tested and developed to the RAF’s requirements.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Having participated in the inaugural DSEI Space Hub, Teledyne showcased various defence solutions and capabilities at DSEI 2019 covering surveillance, low-light and infrared imaging, missile defence and counter-measure systems, chemical and biological species detection for CBRN applications and undersea mine countermeasures.

Teledyne Marine has an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract from the U.S. Naval Undersea Warfare Centre to supply autonomous underwater vehicles and related monitoring and communications acoustic systems valued at US$5.4 million with a maximum US$22.2 million value until December 2024 with all options. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) can carry out complex survey missions for commercial, scientific and defence applications.

Teledyne AUVs’ modular architecture enables sensors to be easily integrated and battery packs exchanged in the field. In addition to powered, self-propelled AUVs, Teledyne provides a wide range of autonomous profiling floats, variable-buoyancy autonomous gliding vehicles, unmanned surface vehicles and inspection-class remotely operating vehicles (ROVs).

Multiple Launch Hydra System

Arnold Defence unveiled their new high-capacity rocket launcher, the Multiple Launch Hydra System (MLHS) installed on the Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG LTTV platform on Jankel's Stand at DSEI 2019.

This new version has 23 launcher tubes for 2.75in/70mm solid propellant laser-guided rockets, such as the BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), and is set to transform the surface defence world by delivering low-cost, high-capacity surgical strike capability.

The latest Fletcher MLHS includes the platform, the laser-guided rockets pod and a mounted or air-based laser designator integrated into a helicopter, an unmanned aerial vehicle or an aircraft.

Composite Rubber Track System

In the Canadian Pavilion, Soucy Defence exhibited the Composite Rubber Track (CRT) system on a one-off vehicle prototype — the Mortar or Armoured Battlegroup Warrior Support Vehicle supplied by Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) and currently in service with the British Army.

Soucy’s CRT system consists of a continuously-cased rubber-band structure, reinforced with a range of composite materials and steel cord, weighing 50 per cent lighter than steel track.

Upgraded Unmanned Helicopter

The upgraded UVH EL was showcased at DSEI 2019. UAVOS has upgraded its unmanned UVH EL helicopter with an advanced airframe.

As an electric-powered UAV, it is equipped with a gimbal for day or night surveillance with increased carrying capacity, flying range and extended temperature range.

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