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2016-08-01

Range of Solutions Unveiled at Eurosatory 2016

Highlights from the internationally renowned Defence and Security exhibition

The recently concluded Eurosatory 2016 saw participation from 1,572 exhibitors from 56 countries and 57,018 visitors from 151 countries. As one of the world’s leading defence and security events, Eurosatory continues to grow leaps and bounds and this edition saw an increase in attendance of Asian exhibitors as well as a high expansion in cyber, unmanned global systems and robotics.

This year the event recorded an important growth of high-profile visitors; 213 official delegations from 94 countries visited the exhibition. Eurosatory also received the visit of 13 Defence Ministers, 23 Defence Vice Ministers and State Secretaries. Furthermore, directors and 19 Armed forces and Army Chiefs of Staff were also welcomed.

Nation Shield’s Participation
The UAE Armed Forces magazine Nation Shield attended Eurosatory as part of the armed forces strategy to make its presence felt at all international exhibitions. The officers who represented the journal had many fruitful meetings with officials from around the world and with various heads of organisations that were eager to cooperate with UAE Armed Forces.

Launch of Raytheon’s GroundEye IED Detection System

Raytheon’s GroundEye made its debut at the show. It uses a ground vibration system in concert with a sensor and 120-laser-diode array to confirm and diagnose buried threats.

Andy Gibson, Head of Land Systems for Raytheon UK, was quoted saying that the system fills a key capability gap found between current IED detection systems and procedures.

Where systems such as ground-penetrating radar can offer a wide sweep and fast detection rate, their drawback is usually a relatively high false-alarm rate, meaning that a potential IED must then be confirmed by a dismounted explosive ordnance detection (EOD) operative. The system, which is operated through a handheld device, is said to be very easy to use and can detect IEDs buried as far as 1.5 m underground.

GroundEye was presented at Eurosatory along with the Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) unmanned ground vehicle developed by Estonia’s Milrem (the defence arm of Mootor Group), although tripod- and vehicle-mounted versions of the system are also options.

ST Kinetics Debuts Terrex 3 IFV

ST Kinetics launched the Terrex 3, the latest iteration of the company’s Terrex family of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Only a model of the 8x8 vehicle was available for the launch, since only a handful of prototypes exist and one of them is currently on its way to Australia to compete for the Australian Army’s Land 400 programme.

CMI and Ricardo UK Team Up

CMI Defence and Ricardo UK signed an agreement at the show to partner to bid for the life-extension programme (LEP) for the British Army’s Challenger 2 main battle tanks (MBTs). Under the MoU, CMI Defence will act as prime contractor for the bid, with Ricardo UK acting as the systems engineering and delivery partner.

The LEP is expected to mainly cover the replacement of obsolete systems and components, including the installation of new sighting systems and an electronic architecture for the MBT.

Reportedly, CMI Defence would be focusing on the turret and electronics work on Challenger 2, with Ricardo focusing on the vehicle. Belgium-based CMI Defence has significant experience in turret work through its Cockerill brand, and is planning to set up a UK-based company to support the tender bid. Ricardo meanwhile has extensive experience in military drive systems and vehicle engineering, including on the design of the British Army’s Foxhound protected patrol vehicle and in providing major engine upgrades for MBTs.

BAE Systems Displays CTAS

The 40 mm Cased Telescoped Armament System (CTAS) cannon (40 CT Cannon) was displayed on the BAE Systems stand for the first time at the show, marking the fact that the weapon is now ramping up to full production, having been certified by both the UK and French defence ministries.

Produced by CTA International, a 50:50 joint venture between BAE Systems Land (UK) and France’s Nexter Systems, the weapon will arm both the British Army’s Ajax reconnaissance vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) upgraded under the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP), as well as the Jaguar 6x6 reconnaissance vehicles produced under the French Scorpion army modernisation programme.

In the UK, the CTAS is provided via the Ministry of Defence as government-furnished equipment to Lockheed Martin UK (LMUK), which has developed the turrets for both the Ajax and WCSP, while in France the system is supplied to Nexter Systems.

According to reports, seven CTASs were delivered to LMUK by July, with the company ramping up to produce nine systems per month from October. The contract with the MoD is for a total of 515 CTAS weapons.

Nexter Revealed Automated

CAESAR 8x8 Artillery System

At the show, Nexter displayed a new modification of its Caesar 8x8 artillery system. The new 155 mm artillery piece incorporates an automated ammunition handling and loading system for the first time.

The entire loading system includes a 30 round magazine with an automated conveyor to extract the shells, a robot arm to collect and move the shells, and two automated direct rammers (for the shell and the charges). Unlike the automated handling of the shells, charges are manually loaded into the automatic rammer by the Caesar’s crew. Nexter is offering the Caesar 8x8 as an entirely modular system, so each of these individual loading elements can be included or excluded depending on a customer’s requirement.

Rheinmetall Unveiled the New 130 mm tank gun

Rheinmetall Weapon and Munition unveiled a new 130 mm smoothbore tank gun at the show. Development of the gun commenced in 2015, with the company using internal funding for the project. The first technical demonstrator (TD) was completed in May 2016.

The gun will commence its firing trials from a static stand at Rheinmetall’s proving ground, where its performance will be compared to the extensive simulation work already carried out on the weapon and its ammunition.

The new 130 mm smoothbore gun is an L/51 weapon and has a vertical sliding breech mechanism, increased chamber volume, and is chrome lined. However, it is not fitted with a muzzle brake.

The example shown at Eurosatory 2016 was fitted with a thermal sleeve and muzzle reference system (MRS) and these will be fitted for the upcoming firing trials. The MRS enables the weapon to be bore sighted on a more regular basis and without the crew needing to leave the platform.

Norinco Highlights SWS2 35 mm Anti-aircraft System

One of China’s biggest military manufacturers, China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), displayed its SWS2 mobile 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft (AA) gun and missile system.

The integrated system has been designed in two versions that use different configurations for both the chassis of Norinco’s VN-1 8x8 armoured personnel carrier (APC) and the turret.

Both versions of Norinco’s latest air defence system are also armed with four small surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) based on the Luoyang TY-90, which is also used by the company’s Yitian self-propelled SAM system, according to a report.

The new export version was shown in model form at Eurosatory 2016, utilising a front-engine version of the VN-1 chassis and a new more compact turret configuration incorporating SAMs. Norinco also displayed images of the SWS2 version used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which carries a different designation, has a rear engine, and features a larger turret configuration with its optical targeting system placed in front.

South Korea’s Hanwha Shows Ballistic Target System

South Korean business group Hanwha revealed its Korea Ballistic Aerial Target System (K-BATS) for the first time at the show. Likely to be developed into a new multi-payload tactical ballistic missile (TBM), K-BATS is “almost ready for export,” a Hanwha official was quoted saying, explaining that the group’s intent in displaying the system at the international defence and security exhibition was to demonstrate that the Republic of Korea has the capability to make ballistic missiles.

K-BATS has a 0.6 m diameter, is 4 m long, and weighs 1.5 tonnes. Reports said that Hanwha officials insist that K-BATS was first developed as a target system for training; the missile designed to emulate the trajectory of various TBM.

French Army’s Griffon 6x6 Launched at the Show

The French Army’s new Griffon 6x6 armoured personnel carrier (APC) was unveiled for the first time. The Griffon is the mainstay of the French Army’s Scorpion modernisation programme, with some 1,722 vehicles being planned to be bought to replace the ageing Véhicule de l’Avant Blindé (VAB) 4x4.

Griffon has been developed by a French industry consortium (known as the GME), of Nexter Systems, Renault Trucks Defense (RTD), and Thales. Of these, Nexter is responsible for the vehicle’s armour solutions, RTD its drive systems and remote weapon station (RWS) and Thales its vehicle architecture and vehicle electronics (vectronics).

Griffon is designed to have modular vehicle architecture and has a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 24.5 tonnes and is designed to carry up to 10 personnel (in its troop transport variant). It is 7.5 m long, 2.62 m high and 2.55 m wide. Griffon is powered by a 400 hp Volvo engine, linked to an automatic gear box.

RMMV Displays Australia-bound HX Trucks

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) displayed two of the first pre-production HX range trucks destined for Australia as part of the Land 121 contract award.

Under Phase 3B of the long-running Land 121 programme, RMMV Australia handed over the first 12 trucks in April this year, which comprised six HX77 and six HX40M. These vehicles are being delivered in six primary variants and account for in excess of 90 per cent of more than 2,530 trucks ordered by Australia.

The HX77 is an 8x8 chassis with an approximate chassis-cab payload of 16,500 kg. The example at Eurosatory was in the Improved Load Handling System (ILHS) configuration, and fitted with a Multilift load handling system (LHS) and container handling unit (CHU). It is also equipped with Rheinmetall’s Integrated Armour Cabin (IAC), a swap-cab solution.

FN Herstal Displayed New FN HUD Sighting System for Airborne Axial Armaments

FN Herstal showcased its newly developed FN HUD (Head up Display) sighting system, at the show. This system features the latest advances in digital electro-optics and is the fruition of FN Herstals continued investment in digital technology.

The FN HUD is a state-of-the-art digital weapons suite that vastly improves the accuracy of pilots when firing axial mounted rockets and machine guns on rotary wing aircraft. It also improves the capability of pilots with a lightweight optical projection head and an FN HUD computer for advanced ballistic calculations and digital control. Through this interface it can also communicate with other avionic systems, such as the mission computer, the Armament Management System and the LRF for improved ballistic correction capability.

International Armored Group Highlights the APC Range

At Eurosatory 2016, International Armored Group showcased its small and medium size Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) range including the Sentry, Jaws and Guardian APCs, as well as, civilian armoured Isuzu D-Max pick-up truck and Toyota Land Cruiser SUV.

The Sentry is a lightweight armoured personnel carrier for border patrol and reconnaissance missions. Its high mobility, manoeuvrability and survivability make it ideal for both highly dense urban settings, as well as rural theatres.

The Sentry APC has a seating capacity of up to eight personnel. The Sentry’s V-hull design is made of high strength, certified steel to protect occupants against blast, IEDs, mines and other explosives. The protective floor of the vehicle also increases the structural rigidity of the platform, preventing the chassis from twisting or bending during extreme off-road use.

General Dynamics European Land Systems Displayed a Range of Solutions

One of the highlights of the presentation of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) at the show was the Next-generation PIRANHA 3+ that was recently selected by the Swiss Army for its Mortar Carrier programme.

The new PIRANHA 3+ offers a completely modular protection system that has been designed with the flexibility to allow armed forces to meet their current and future protection needs. The modular protection system has been developed to fully protect occupants operating within a complex threat environment.

Diehl Defence Displayed Precision Missiles and Ammunition

At the show, Diehl Defence showcased a cross-section of its expertise in guided missiles, system solutions for ground-based air defence, guided ammunition as well as protection against unmanned aerial systems at Eurosatory.

One of the highlights is the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile, the standard armament of 10 air forces worldwide with very high precision and performance. Also the newly developed Laser-Guided Sidewinder air-to-surface missile that provides air forces enhanced operational capabilities was shown.

Another highlight was the Vulcano guided artillery ammunition, which allows armies and navies pinpoint engagement of targets at long distances. This guided missile exists in two variants: An army version of 155 mm and a navy version of 127 mm.

Saab Showcased a Variety of Systems

Saab exhibited a wide range of products, such as the Carl-Gustaf M4, NLAW and RBS 70 NG.

Visitors were able to see the new generation AT4 family of lightweight, shoulder-launched, off-the-shelf support weapons designed in three variants to meet the changing needs of ground forces.

Present in more than 15 countries worldwide, the system is combat proven and provides the extended range required for mission success, including night capability and confined space capabilities.

The weapon range includes anti-armour, anti-structure and anti-personnel/high explosive roles. With identical handling across all products, the AT4 family offers versatility and ease of use.

Thales Presented Four Key Areas

Thales presented their solutions in four key areas at the show - force preparation, mission preparation, operational command and combat.

Mission preparation had several new technologies on display, for example the Squire on tripod, Man Pak Recce or the SPY’Ranger. A very interesting display in this area surely is the Stratobus, a zeppelin-like vehicle halfway between a drone and a satellite, that will be able to carry out a wide range of missions, including observation, security, telecommunications, broadcasting and navigation. It also offers a lifespan of five year.

In the combat area Thales showcased a wide range of products serving the troops in combat. These included the BMS (DIGIPAC), Eclipse, Comm & C2, Light comm and RCIED protection. This area also focused on Software Defined Radio (SDR) with the C4i, Vetronique, Contact Véhicule, Contact Soldier and Contact Helico.

The main focus in this area was also on soldier equipment, with a SquadNet demo being of special interest, as it allows great flexibility and freedom to operate over an extended range.

The next edition of Eurosatory will be in June 2018, from the 11th to the 15th.

Reference:

www.eurosatory.com

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