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2019-10-08

BAE Systems Unveils Advanced Defence Solutions

At the recently concluded DSEI, BAE Systems showcased advanced defence technology across land, sea, air and cyber domain.

In the Land sector, BAE Systems showcased a version of the BvS10 all-terrain support vehicle for the first time. The vehicle will significantly streamline information load and increase situational awareness for crews.

The versatile BvS10 is fitted with a Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) equivalent system to increase the vehicle’s current operational capability and ensure critical upgrades quickly get to the battlefield. GVA is a NATO standard for operating systems in military vehicles employed by the UK Ministry of Defence and allied forces.

Standardising multiple user interfaces to create an integrated system-of-systems in the BvS10 will shorten crew training times, increase crew agility by making it easier to change duties and vehicles, and increase combat efficiency. The GVA’s design architecture supports interoperability across vehicle fleets and allows for a rapid and cost-effective technology refresh, while greatly reducing system lifecycle cost.

This technology upgrade brings the vehicle up to the standard required by potential future users in European markets and demonstrates that the flexibility of the GVA’s mission systems allows it to be tailored to meet specific customer requirements and create effective integration into the host vehicle. Fitted with several cameras, as well as monitors front and back, this BvS10 demonstrates extended situational awareness and increased communication capacity for the crew while they remain under cover in the protected armoured vehicle.

The vehicle on display at DSEI incorporated the convenience of GVA equivalency with the mobility and crew protection of the BvS10. It is a tough vehicle that can operate in the harshest environments and terrains from mountains and rocks to snow and swamps. It can withstand extreme temperatures and has an amphibious capability.

Tempest Partnership Announced

At DSEI, leading UK defence companies (BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, Rolls Royce and MBDA UK), together with key Italian industry players (Leonardo Italy, Elettronica, Avio Aero and MBDA Italy) announced their intent to partner on the Tempest programme by signing a Statement of Intent (SOI). This will see the parties work together to define an innovative concept and partnership model, which will include knowledge sharing, product definition and technology development for the joint development of future combat air systems.

The signing of the SOI follows a commitment by the UK and Italian governments to work closely together on Combat Air capabilities, including on systems such as Typhoon and F-35, as well as on Tempest, the UK-initiated next-generation combat air system. Both governments confirmed a common desire to maintain strong industrial bases in order to access key capabilities and secure prosperity for both nations. Italy and the UK have a long and successful history working together on international programmes such as Tornado, Typhoon and F-35.

Integration of USV with Royal Navy Warship

At the show, BAE Systems also demonstrated for the first time how Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) can be fully integrated with operational Royal Navy warships to extend their reach beyond the horizon and reduce sailors’ exposure to danger.

An unmanned Pacific 24 Rigid Inflatable Boat (P24 RIB) integrated with the combat system of HMS Argyll, a Type 23 frigate, showcased a series of waterborne demonstrations in London’s Docklands, as part of DSEI.

At 7.8 metres long, the P24 RIB has a speed of 38 knots and can operate for up to 45 hours at patrol speed or 100 nautical miles in pursuit mode, while being controlled remotely or operating autonomously. Its integration with an active warship has potential applications across a range of missions, including anti-piracy operations, border control, intelligence gathering, maritime security and force protection.

At the show, technologists from BAE Systems, in collaboration with the Royal Navy, Dstl and autonomous systems supplier L3Harris, demonstrated the potential to make naval missions faster, easier and safer by carrying out high-speed exercises that mimic real world scenarios that include force protection, threat intercept and chase missions.

A key part was to ensure a secure connection between the combat management and sensor system on board the warship and the off-board systems on the RIB.

The version of the autonomous P24 RIB on show at DSEI was modified for optional unmanned operation and fitted with additional sensors and effectors including a high-resolution optical and thermal camera and Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) system, capable of emitting warning messages at distance. It is equipped with automated navigational decision-making technologies allowing operators to focus on mission critical information from afar.

The demonstrations highlighted the collaborative effort of the industry working alongside Dstl partners in supporting the future of the Royal Navy, and the advancement of technology in providing non-lethal and lethal advantage to the military forces.

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