A Specialised Journal on Military & Strategic Affairs - 48 th Year - Issue No. 576 JANUARY 2020

The UAE is Approaching its Vision 2021: Achievements Continue as Dreams Come True

Bell 505 Lands at Horizon International Flight Academy

General Dynamics Electric Boat Secures US$22.2 Billion Contract Latvia Opts for Saab’s Versatile Weapon System

Germany Commissions Further Meteor Missiles FCAS to Boost Spanish Defence Industry

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The “Year of Preparation for 50” not only expresses an ambitious national strategy of action to celebrate the golden jubilee of the UAE in 2021, and its achievements in various fields, but also sets the platform for action and the constitution of success for the next 50 years. That is because it understands that development is a continuous and comprehensive process, and requires an all- 2020: “The Year embracing vision linking the past with the present and the future. Since its inception in the early 1970’s, the UAE has always looked towards, and worked for, the future. The late Sheikh Zayed bin of Preparation for Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, with the help of his brothers the rulers of the Emirates, laid the foundations that guaranteed growth and self-development of the Union State, Next 50 Years” and made it an exemplary unitary experience in construction, development and the making of the future. Under His Highness By: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God Staff Lieutenant Colonel / protect him, the country adheres to this approach of development Yousef Juma Al Haddad and foreseeing the future, and is working to consolidate it. Editor in Chief [email protected] In 2010, when the UAE Vision 2021 was announced, it aimed to be among the best countries in the world by the time of the Golden Jubilee of the Union. It has already achieved, and even surpassed, On December 14, 2019, His Highness Sheikh most of the goals of this vision. This is quite evidenced by winning Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice the first place in dozens of international indicators of development President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler across the world, thereby outmatching many developed countries of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin in this regard. In 2017, when the “2071 Centennial” was announced, Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi it confirmed that the UAE’s ambition has no limits, as it strives to be and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed the best and most advanced country in the world by the centenary Forces, announced that 2020 will be the year of of its establishment. preparation for the country’s next 50 years. It will As such, the “Year of Preparation for the coming 50 years”, with prepare sectors across the country for the post- its national action strategies, in which all efforts are integrated, oil era and build a knowledge-based economy and all groups of society participate, reflects the UAE’s unlimited founded on innovation, science and modern ambition to be one of the best and most developed countries in technologies. the world over the next 50 years. Day after day, the UAE establishes its position as a unique development and political model. It focuses on moving forward in making the future and investing in it, because it has a civilised renaissance project aimed at maximising its development and civilisational gains during the next 50 years. Therefore, the UAE always constitutes a bright spotlight in our Arab world. It provides others with a prescription for guaranteed success in construction, development, achievement and excellence, because God endowed it with a wise leadership that understands the UAE’s position and works to raise its status among nations in the shade of a unified house and a coherent people that uphold the slogan of working to secure the leading position of the UAE and to consolidate its excellence at the regional and international levels. Issued By UAE Armed Forces. Established In August 1971.

A Specialised Journal on Military & Strategic Affairs - 48 th Year - Issue No. 576 JANUARY 2020

The UAE is Approaching its Vision 2021: Achievements Continue as Dreams Come True

Bell 505 Lands at Horizon International Flight Academy

General Dynamics Electric Boat Secures US$22.2 Billion Contract Latvia Opts for Saab’s Versatile Weapon System

Germany Commissions Further Meteor Missiles FCAS to Boost Spanish Defence Industry Expodefensa 576 Presents the

General Supervisor Latest in Security Chairman of the Administrative Council and Defence Staff Major General\ Salem Saeed Ghafan Al Jaberi Vice Chairman of the Administrative 06 Council Staff Brigadier General\ Ghanem Ali Al Ali Editor in Chief Staff Lieutenant-Colonel \ Yousef Juma AL Haddad 18 Editorial Manger Major \ Jamil Khamis Al Saadi BAE Systems Editorial Secretary Husain Al Mannaee Layout & Design Sets the Pace for Moza Al Ali Ahmed Mahmmoud Tomorrow Advertisement Ismael Mohammed Alblooshi Nada Al Shateri Sakha Pramod ADVERTISEMENT

 The views expressed in Nation NAVDEX 2021 53 SOFEX 2020 Shield Journal are not necessar- IFC ily shared by, nor should they 35 EUROSATORY 2020 55 UMEX 2020 be taken as the views of Nation 47 ISNR 2020 63 DSA 2020 Shield Journal.  The publication of advertise- ments does not in any way im- ply endorsement by the Nation Shield Journal.  All rights reserved. 32 CAE TRAX Academy Launched

Germany 58 50 Commissions The UAE is Further Approaching its Meteor Vision 2021 Missiles

Armies of the Future Switching to UGVs 64 70 GA-ASI Guardian: Multi-Role - Single Solution 6 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Events

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The seventh edition of Expodefensa, a leading international defence expo in Latin America, known for showcasing frontline innovations and technological developments on land, air and naval domains, was held in Corferias, Bogota from December 2 to 4.

Held on a 10,000 sq m area, the exhibi- i-4S, Indra, Instalaza, ITP aero, Navantia, Colombian armed forces performed a tion saw participation of 251 exhibitors Sener Aerospace, Tecnobit and Wilson live demonstration showcasing their from 26 countries, including Germany, Walton. More than 13,000 visitors came abilities to execute counter-terrorism Czech Republic, Turkey, Lithuania, to the show. operations in urban areas. Thailand, Bulgaria and Italy. The opening ceremony was attended Expodefensa 2019 attendees discov- Expodefensa hosted several pavilions by the Vice-President of Colombia, ered technological solutions of the in 2019: Spain, Brazil, France, United Martha Lucía Ramírez Blanco, Colom- industry, exchanged experiences and Kingdom and the United States. Sixty bian Minister of Defence and military business ideas with suppliers and par- official delegations and 120 delegates delegations from Land, Naval and Air ticipated in workshops and confer- from 24 countries visited the show. Forces of Colombia as well as delega- ences covering topics such as remote Spain, as the guest country, had 12 tions from Latin American countries. systems, road map for space develop- companies including Aertec, Escribano For the first time in the history of Ex- ment in Colombia, and discussed an in- E&M, Everis ADS, Hisdesat, Hispasat, podefensa, the Special Forces of the telligence approach in the fight against 7

drugs, satellite video surveillance and others. Carlos Holmes Trujillo, Minister of Na- tional Defence, Colombia, said “The fair had become a place to learn about ad- vances in science, technology and in- Exhibitor Highlights on a tripod as the land version of the novation”. Ángel Olivares Ramírez, Sec- At Expodefensa 2019, exhibitors pre- original RBS70 NG system. According retary of State for Defence, Spain said: sented a wide range of military and to Saab, the mobile RBS70 NG weapon “This region has been an international security equipment including mo- station can be easily integrated into technology reference for more than 35 bile artillery, maintenance and spare new combat vehicles and also to exist- years and we share the challenges fac- parts market for vehicles, helicopters, ing armoured vehicles offering a high ing the Colombian defence.” airplanes and boats, air defence and mobility air defence system. The exhibitors were upbeat about the very short, short and medium-range The RBS70 NG system can destroy tar- results after participating at the expo. anti-drones, tactical networks, satellite gets within the maximum distance of Daniela Torres, Saab communications segments for communications, combat 8,000 m and altitude of 5,000 m. It can manager, said he had high level meet- drones, defence textiles and more. be integrated with Identification Friend ings with clients with positive results 4BBCT
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4ZTUFN or Foe (IFF) interrogator to identify while Sebastián Catolfi-Salvoni, respon- Saab demonstrated the integration friendly targets. sible for Business Development at His- of RBS 70 NG very short-range air de- Leonardo and Codaltec to Work deSAT, the manufacturer and operator fence (VSHORAD) mounted on the roof Together of the PAZ satellite said the expo put of an armoured vehicle to provide a Leonardo and Codaltec signed a Memo- him in touch with many potential cus- mobile air defence system. randum of Understanding under which tomers and in addition the company Another advantage of this mobile air the two organisations will work to- could work with the Ministry of Defence defence system is that the launcher gether to identify potential projects and on its earth observation satellite, PAZ. can be quickly deployed on the ground business opportunities in Colombia. 8 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Events

cooperative work, which can meet the requirements of potential clients in- country. Codaltec is a Colombian high tech company and research centre. J9CMVFT
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iXblue presented its DriX autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) for Naval Forces that can be used to per- form Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mine Warfare (MW) missions. Launched over a year ago on the civil- ian market, iXblue’s Unmanned Sur- face Vessel (USV), DriX, proved to be a real game-changer and has already conducted many successful opera- tions ranging from subsea positioning to bathymetry missions. The defence community soon identified DriX as a real asset, which would bring added value on the battlefield while keeping crews out of harm’s way. The USV can be deployed beyond the horizon by naval forces to perform a range of maritime operations in both coastal and shallow waters by keeping the crew in safer environments. It can operate independently or as part of a group. +BOLFM
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Jankel from the United Kingdom pre- sented Fox and Hunter 4x4 tactical vehicles tailored for Latin America mili- tary and security forces. Jankel show- cased its Fox in Long-Range Patrol Vehicle (LRPV) version and the Hunter, a 4x4 light protected vehicle specially designed for security and police forces. The Fox family is based on the chas- sis of Toyota light commercial vehicle, with custom improvements and auto- Leonardo and Codaltec will evaluate motive upgrades made by Jankel. The collaboration opportunities and work- Fox LRPV (Long-Range Patrol Vehicle) As part of the agreement, the compa- ing structures for identified Colom- has been designed for reliability and nies will promote air defence systems, bian programmes in accordance with performance over long-range mis- C4I solutions, cyber security and nation- customers’ requirements. They will sions. Using one of the world’s most al infrastructure protection systems. also define and develop strategies for reliable base platforms, the LRPV is 9

built for manoeuvrability and support- ability, making it ideal for a number of roles including surveillance, reconnais- sance, fire support, force protection, convoy support and urban operations. The Hunter is a 4×4 protected vehicle designed and manufactured by Jan- kel to be used as a personnel carrier for security and police forces. It can be configured to perform a wide range of missions such as internal security, counter-terrorism, patrol mission, es- cort, Special Forces operations, and law enforcement. The Hunter protected vehicle is based on the rugged Toyota land cruiser platform. It can accommodate a total of eight people with commander and driver at the front and six individual anti-mine blast seats at the rear. $PMPNCJB
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6"7 Airbus from Spain and CIAC (Corpo- ración de la Industria Aeronáutica Colombiana) from Colombia decided to work together to develop a new generation of drone under the name of SIRTAP (Sistema RPAS Táctico de Altas Prestaciones) based on the At- lante MALE (Medium-Altitude Long- Endurance) UAV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle). The goal of SIRTAP programme is to quisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) have a new drone system that can en- missions. ter service with the Armed Forces of ".
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Colombia and Spain in 2023. The new Humvees development is based on the Atlante AM General offered its full range of UAV, designed in Spain, and could re- Humvee tactical vehicles family for spond to the operational needs of the Latin American armed forces at Expo- Colombian and Spanish Armed Forces defensa 2019. The high-mobility multi- in terms of performance and tactical purpose wheeled vehicle (Humvee) is a use. tactical vehicle designed and produced than 160,000 Humvees still employed With this new drone, Colombia and in the United States by AM General. by the U.S. armed forces, including the Spain will have a Medium Altitude The Humvee is one of the most popular National Guard. Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned tactical vehicles in the world, and AM AM General is a leader in the design, en- aerial system (UAS) able to perform General is expanding with increased in- gineering, manufacturing, and support strategic and tactical missions as well ternational sales of the vehicle and the of Light Tactical Vehicles. More than 60 as Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Ac- need to modernise and maintain more nations employ the iconic Humvees. 10 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Events

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ter all types of threat (anti-ship mis- teries. The PRM manipulator arm is de- Solutions siles, aircraft, helicopter, PGMs, smart signed to pick hazardous and danger- MBDA, a world leader in the develop- bombs, etc). ous objects. It is capable of lifting 20 kg ment and manufacturing of missile SeaCeptor is the next-generation, ship- of weight near to the platform and 5 kg systems, presented possible upgrade based, all-weather, air defence weapon of weight in the extended position. solutions for the Almirante Padilla- system. Through the use of new ad- 4BBCT

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VL-MICA or SeaCeptor (CAMM) air-de- vides complete protection against all Saab offered its single-seat and dual- fence missile systems as well as air-to- known and projected air targets. seat Gripen fighters to replace Kfir air missile solutions for the next fighter *OEVNJM
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3PCPU combat aircraft fleet of Colombian Air aircraft of Colombian Air Force. Colombian company Indumil unveiled Force. Colombian Air Force is seeking to re- its new “PRM” demining Unmanned In 1989, the Colombian government place the ageing Kfir fighter aircraft. Ground Vehicle (UGV) specially de- had bought a batch of 12 ex-IAF Kfir For this project, there are three poten- signed to perform neutralisation of im- C.2s and one TC.2, which were de- tial competitors including Saab Grip- provised explosive devices, land mines livered to the Colombian Air Force en, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Ameri- or non-detonated ammunition. The (FAC) in 1989–1990. Saab will offer 12 can F-16 Block 50. Meteor is an active PRM robot is fully designed and manu- single-seat Gripen Es and three dual- radar-guided beyond-visual-range factured in Colombia by the company seat Gripen Fs. Gripen E/F is part of air-to-air missile developed by MBDA. using the experience and the know- the Gripen E-series and a new fighter Meteor offers a multi-shot capability how of former Colombian soldiers. aircraft system. Developed to counter against long-range manoeuvring tar- The Indumil PRM robot is based on and defeat advanced future threats, gets, jets, UAVs and cruise missiles in a rigid chassis fitted with caterpillar the E-series is for customers with more a heavy electronic countermeasures tracks and features a modular design pronounced threats or wider territo- (ECM) environment with range well in for the integration of additional sen- ries to secure. The E-series has a new excess of 150 kilometres. sors and equipment based on the mis- and more powerful engine, improved MBDA can also upgrade Almirante sion requirement. range performance and the ability to Padilla-class frigate with VL-MICA or The PRM robot is capable of carrying carry greater payloads. It also has a SeaCeptor (CAMM) air-defence missile a maximum payload of 80 kg, while new AESA-radar, InfraRed Search and systems. The VL MICA system deploys the total weight of the robot is 90 kg, Track system, highly advanced elec- the unique MICA missile, which is the which includes the weight of two bat- tronic warfare and communication sys- only missile in the world equipped tems together with superior situational with two, interoperable, state-of-the- awareness. art seekers (Imaging IR or active RF), Gripen E/F has weapons for all types of providing superior features to coun- missions, from guided glide bombs for precision engagement with low collat- eral damage, to long-range and agile 11

air-to-air missiles and heavy anti-ship hicle) offers superior firepower to sup- armaments. Additionally, the aircraft port new-generation main battle tanks has an inherent precision strike and For the Spanish in the battlefield and also for providing stand-off capability. government, fire support for infantry. The single-seat Gripen E is equipped Spain Focuses on Latin America with a 27 mm Mauser BK27 gun. This Latin America Latin America is one of the two foreign can be used in air-to-surface attacks policy focuses of Spain, the other be- against land and sea targets and is is an important ing the European Union. For the Span- suitable for air policing missions. Grip- ish government, Latin America is an en E/F can also carry pods and sensors region largely important region largely due to the for reconnaissance and special mis- strong ties between the two. Spain sions. Saab expects competition from due to the strong does not trade with Latin America by Lockheed Martin and its F-16 Block large volume, but nevertheless main- 70 Fighting Falcon and Eurofighter ties between the tains a very strong economic presence Typhoon. two countries in the region. 0UPLBS
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4UBò Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, and defence. UAE Minister of State for Defence Af- Al Bowardi also attended fairs, recently received Lt. General the signing of a bilateral James C. McConville, U.S. Chief of Staff strategic agreement be- of the Army, at the headquarters of the tween the land forces Ministry of Defence in Abu Dhabi. of the UAE and U.S., to Lt. General Hamad Muhammad Thani strengthen their strate- Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of UAE the gic defence and military Armed Forces, and Mattar Salem Ali Al cooperation and encour- Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the Minis- age joint action. try of Defence, attended the meeting. The agreement was During the meeting, Al Bowardi wel- signed by Major General Saleh Mo- Military Order (First Class), in recogni- comed Lt. General McConville and both hamed Saleh Mujren Al Amiri, Com- tion of his services to promote joint co- sides discussed the cooperation and mander of the UAE Land Forces, and Lt. operation between the armed forces of friendship between their countries, General McConnville. the two countries. along with ways of reinforcing them, At the end of the meeting, Al Bowardi Several senior officers also attended especially in the areas of the military awarded McConnville the Emirates the meeting. 6"&
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The joint military exercise between combat skills in the ground forces of the UAE and the a manner con- United States, dubbed “Iron Union sistent with the 12”, recently concluded successfully latest develop- achieving the desired goals and plans. ments, and that The final day of the exercise was at- reflects their tended by Lt. General Saleh Moham- readiness. med Saleh Al Ameri, Commander of The military ex- the UAE Land Forces, and General ercise reflected James C. McConville, U.S. Chief of Staff their combat of the Army, in addition to senior com- and professional manders and officers of the armed ability, strength- forces of the two countries. Lt. General ening the con- Al Ameri commended the professional cept of command, control and hitting all stages of professional training be- skills demonstrated by the forces of targets with high precision and a joint tween ground forces with combat and the two countries. conclusion between the two sides. technical capabilities. The “Iron Union 12” exercise, which The exercise was characterised by seri- This, in turn, gave confidence to the continued for two weeks, lies within ousness and integration in command participating forces to carry out any the framework of the joint exercises of and control, the application of combat tasks assigned to them to defend the the UAE Armed Forces with fraternal strategies, unification of joint military pillars of security and stability in the and friendly countries to enhance their concepts and the implementation of region. 13

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-BVODIFE H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed which seeks to train local talent and bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince equip them with the skills and exper- of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive tise to design future-related initiatives. Council, and Chairman of the Board of “The Programme aims to develop Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation people with specialised skills in stra- has said that Dubai continues to strive tegic sectors. We aim to empower fu- to become one of the leading nations ture generations to enhance their role shaping the future of the world, guided in developing projects and initiatives by the vision of His Highness Sheikh that can shape the future of Dubai,” the progress of Dubai Dubab i andand thethheUAE UAE.”” Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hamdan said. “I invite all Dubai Participants in the Programme will be Vice President and Prime Minister of Government entities to nominate tal- selected from a pool of candidates UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to develop lo- ented staff for the Programme, which nominated by government entities cal talent to create future-oriented ini- will teach them new skills and ex- based on their design thinking skills. tiatives and programmes. pertise that enable them to enhance Employees of government entities Sheikh Hamdan’s remarks came during their contributions to enhancing the can nominate themselves individually the launch of Dubai Future Academy’s government sector and developing through the Dubai Future Academy’s ‘Dubai Future Experts Programme’, future-oriented projects that support website. "SUJöDJBM
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sive literature review of AI’s predicted of Things can accelerate sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a impact – compiled from almost 70 development. key enabling technology in achieving separate reports from consultants, While the focus of most business invest- renewable energy and sustainability journal articles, news articles and anal- ments in AI is mainly to generate new targets, according to a report, “Arti- ysis, and government documents. revenue or cut operational costs, sourc- ficial Intelligence: Transforming the At the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week’s es included in the World Future Energy Future of Energy and Sustainability,” anchor conference, the Future Sustain- Summit report identified sustainability released ahead of the World Future ability Summit, running on January 14 gains as often going hand in hand with Energy Summit this month. and 15, a major topic will be how ad- financial benefits. Importantly, AI helps The report is based on a comprehen- vances in AI, Big Data, and the Internet to answer the question of how to re- duce our environmental impact, while maintaining economic growth. Smart cities that leverage emerging technologies such as AI can transform industry verticals and resident experi- ences, and also enhance cyber resil- ience for critical national infrastructure. The World Future Energy Summit, hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from January 13 to 16. 14 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 News

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Raytheon recently unveiled a new Global Training Solutions at Raytheon common synthetic environment for immersive military training product at Intelligence, Information and Services. soldiers to train together from any- I/ITSEC, one of the world’s largest mod- “We are blending our understanding of where in the world. Raytheon’s STE SVT elling, simulation and training event. training with emerging technologies – answers that call and aims to change The Synthetic Training Environment augmented reality, virtual reality, artifi- the way military training is done. The Soldier Virtual Trainer (STE SVT) uses cial intelligence, cybersecurity and big current room-sized simulators will be virtual reality to train squads of soldiers data – to connect and secure military replaced by portable laptop-powered in multiple scenarios while using real training like never before.” AR/VR headsets that can be transport- and virtual weapons. The vision for the U.S. Army’s Synthetic ed to soldiers for use anywhere at any The new virtual simulator is designed Training Environment is to create a time. to train dismounted infantry and uses the latest technological advances to deliver effective training at a moment’s notice from any location. It delivers realism and accessibility while reduc- ing the cost and logistical challenge of high-consequence training missions. “Raytheon tech helps specialists around the world prepare for some of the world’s most important missions,” said Bob Williams, vice president of .#%"
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4JNVMBUJPO MBDA has signed an agreement training centres of the French Army. force its position in training simulation to purchase GDI Simulation from Air- GDI Simulation will continue to operate equipment, especially in the battlefield bus with closing subject to regulatory independently under the ownership of segment, combining MBDA’s expertise conditions. Terms of the deal have not MBDA as a prime contractor to the Di- in missiles and simulation with GDI been disclosed. rection générale de l’armement (DGA) Simulation’s industrial capability for GDI Simulation is one of the leading for simulation systems equipment and development, production and mainte- French players in simulation for the as a supplier to MBDA. nance of training equipment to offer an French Armed Forces. GDI Simulation, MBDA’s CEO Éric Béranger said: “With integrated solution to its domestic and based in the Ile de France, is a SME with the acquisition of GDI, MBDA will rein- foreign clients.” over 70 employees and in 2018 gener- ated sales of €15 million. It develops, assembles, integrates and maintains simulation systems for ground vehicles and for MBDA battlefield missiles, for the French and foreign armed forces. Over the course of several years, it has built competence in eye-safe laser based systems and it provides ser- vices and support to the land based 15

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1$54 Cubic Corporation recently an- the P5CTS remains a significant part of that support warfighter needs in air- nounced its Cubic Global De- Typhoon training capabilities,” said Jo- to-air, air-to-ground and surface-to-air fense (CGD) business division was con- nas Furukrona, vice president and gen- combat training missions. tracted by BAE Systems to deliver the eral manager of air training solutions, This globally fielded system enhances P5 Combat Training System (P5CTS) as Cubic Global Defense. “P5CTS empow- real-time and post-mission training part of a Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft ers Air Forces to conduct high-fidelity, by displaying the live-air picture, re- delivery to an international customer. live and interoperable training across cording mission data, adjudicating The order includes P5CTS airborne their fleet of combat aircraft so that weapons engagements and relaying subsystems (pods), associated ground maximum readiness is attained from Time, Space and Positioning Infor- subsystems and logistics support. Cu- each flying hour. Our system sets the mation (TSPI) between participating bic’s P5CTS provides live mission train- standard for joint and coalition training aircraft during training sorties. Key ing capabilities for advanced weapons by enabling exercises from unit level to components of the system include se- and tactics training. The P5CTS aims joint, large force exercises.” cure, GPS-enabled, aircraft-mounted to enhance U.S. and coalition air com- Training for advanced threats to air airborne instrumentation “pods” plus bat training and allows warfighters to combat operations requires adaptable, ground stations, which help aircrew train as they fight. high-fidelity training tools. The P5CTS is conduct, monitor and control air “We are very excited to build upon our designed to provide secure, tailorable combat training and post-flight de- long relationship with BAE and ensure and scalable instrumentation solutions briefing. 5FDINPEBM
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Techmodal, the Bristol and London based data specialists, recently be- came successful in their bid to deliver positive transformational change in people, analytics and associated digi- tal communications for the UK’s Royal Navy. Supporting Navy Command’s senior leadership in their programme to transform the Navy in 1,000 days, Tech- modal will build, deliver and support data science, analytics and digital so- lutions underpinned by support from industry leading governance and as- surance subject matter experts includ- ing Karmarama, Kainos, PA Consulting, PwC, Deloitte, Oliver Wyman, Havas tions to Navy Command HQ over the fantastic outcome for Techmodal and and Palantir, under this framework last two years and have built an ex- our partners. We’re excited to bring contract. panded team around their proven Data together a data science, digital solu- Techmodal has previously delivered Science led capability. tions and world-class partner to help disruptive change in the form of tai- Gareth Vaughan, Director at Tech- the Royal Navy transform their people lored Digital People Analytics Solu- modal said: “Winning this work is a enterprise.” 16 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 News

Airbus to Support Tiger Helicopters Airbus Helicopters and Organisa- items such as continuous improvement provisioning of new parts, as well as tion Conjointe de Coopération en and obsolescence treatment as well as repaired parts and other expendables. matière d’Armement/Organisation for securing repair and spares capabilities “We are proud to be providing long Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) with all vendors involved. In addition, term and additional support to Tigers, have signed a tri-lateral Global Support it provides for the individual needs of especially when some of those Tigers Contract aimed at boosting the avail- each customer in line with their op- are continuously deployed in impor- ability rate of the Tigers in service in the erational and deployment scenarios. tant operational theatres. This contract French, German, and Spanish Armies. For instance, in France, the agreement allows our customers to reliably plan With this long-term support agree- guarantees parts availability up to their support activities for the next ment, Tiger readiness and supportabil- 98 per cent and provides for the sim- decade,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Heli- ity will be secured for the next decade plification of logistics as Airbus Heli- copters CEO. and beyond. The contract covers critical copters will also directly take over the At present 183 Tigers have been deliv- ered to France, Germany, Spain, and Australia, and have accumulated over 130,000 flight hours to date. First de- ployed by the French Army in Afghani- stan in 2009, and then shortly followed by the German and Spanish Armies, the Tiger continues to demonstrate its role on theatres of operation as a highly versatile, stealthy, and manoeu- vrable attack helicopter. ,#3
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/BWZ KBR’s Government Solutions U.S. and new system installation. These KBR lends its knowledge and special- business has been selected by the services can include decommission- ised services to U.S. and commercial Naval Information Warfare Systems ing and modernisation of existing customers in the intelligence and de- Command (NAVWAR) to install shore- shore facilities, programme and fence sector all over the world. The based command, control, communi- project management, engineering company’s C4ISR expertise keeps cations, computer, intelligence, sur- designs and training as well as in- U.S. defence programmes connect- veillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) stallation design and installation of ed, protected, and at the forefront of systems at locations worldwide. integrated C4ISR systems. technology. NAVWAR chose KBR as one of eight “KBR is ready to ensure that the mili- awardees on the Shore Global C4ISR tary has the necessary tools to keep Installations multiple award indefi- its advantage on physical and vir- nite-delivery/indefinite-quantity con- tual battlefields,” said Byron Bright, tract, which has a maximum ceiling of KBR President, U.S. Government US$986 million and includes an initial Solutions. “A modern, top line C4ISR five-year base plus a five-year option. infrastructure is essential to making KBR is on stand-by to perform a range real-time threat analysis that leads of services on this contract, including to actionable insight, reducing risk C4ISR maintenance, modernisation to valuable assets and people.” 17

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Space-based Sensors security challenges. The company will Northrop Grumman is building Phase Northrop Grumman Corporation demonstrate its agile and affordable IIa upon the concepts developed in has been selected as one of four Other approach to producing space-based Phase I. Work will be performed at vari- Transaction Authority awards for the sensors in large quantities for prolifer- ous company locations in the U.S. The Phase IIa Prototype Payload Design ated, global operations. company’s end-to-end, multi-domain and Signal-chain Processing Demon- “We are a leading technology company approach to hypersonic and ballistic stration of the Missile Defense Agency’s that has for decades been supporting missile defence spans technologies (MDA) Hypersonic and Ballistic Track- the space and missile defence mis- in multiple warfighting domains from ing Space Sensor (HBTSS) programme. sions of our government customers,” sea to space, as well as the electromag- The 12-month HBTSS Phase IIa will said Kenneth Todorov, vice president, netic and cyber environments. demonstrate the payload design for Missile Defense Solu- a proposed satellite constellation to tions, Northrop Grum- detect and track hypersonic and ad- man. “HBTSS is an im- vanced missile threats. Phase IIa retires portant undertaking technical risk through the demonstra- that allows us to see tion of critical technologies required advanced threats like to track advanced weapons such as hy- hypersonic missiles in personic missiles from space. ways we haven’t been The award continues Northrop Grum- able to before. If you man’s partnership with the MDA and can see the threats, broader space and missile defence you can take them community on solving critical national out.” -)BSSJT
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$PSQT command and control in a degraded environment and long-range voice L3Harris Technologies recently ern solution for beyond-line-of-sight and data with interoperability across received a US$50 million follow-on communications in a satellite-denied U.S. and Coalition forces. delivery order for Falcon III AN/PRC- environment. It is one of the lightest “The AN/PRC-160 delivers the secu- 160 HF radios and related equipment and fastest wideband HF manpack rity and resilience the Marine Corps from the U.S. Marine Corps as part of available – providing 10X throughput needs for its tactical radio modernisa- its High Frequency Radio II moderni- over legacy systems. tion programmes, while providing un- sation programme. The order is part of The wideband system is also reported- matched capability for Marines on the the Navy Portable Radio Programme ly the world’s only HF manpack meet- battlefield,” said Dana Mehnert, Presi- five-year IDIQ contract received in ing new NSA crypto-modernisation dent, Communication Systems, L3Har- 2017. standards. The system’s software-de- ris. “These radios provide high-speed, The Marine Corps selected the AN/ fined architecture allows encryption long-range HF communications that PRC-160 to replace legacy L3Harris updates, ensuring mission-critical in- meet the Marine Corps’ demanding HF radios. The AN/PRC-160 is a mod- formation stays secure. It also enables programme of record requirements.” 18 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports #"&
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Sets the Pace for Tomorrow

Step onto an aircraft and the chanc- craft and maintain a stable flight. While than 30,000 aircraft around the world. es are high that BAE Systems devel- this innovation started with military air- Its FADECs have logged over one billion oped the electronics that enabled the craft more than 25 years ago, the com- flight hours on military and commercial flight. According to a company state- pany recently became the first to inte- aircraft. Engine controls receive com- ment, from controlling the aircraft to grate the same technology on a com- mand from the pilot’s thrust control le- keeping its engine running at peak mercial aircraft with Gulfstream’s G500. vers, as well as a multitude of sensors to performance, BAE Systems moves the These sticks are one of the world’s first control the injection of fuel in the com- world by serving more than two mil- certified commercial active inceptors bustors. To maximise fuel, the FADECs lion passengers each day. In fact, every and earned BAE Systems, along with control the stationary airfoils inside the second of everyday a plane safely takes Gulfstream, the 2017 Aviation Week engine’s fan. The airfoils, also known as off and lands because of the company’s Technology Laureate Award. stators or vanes, help the aircraft to be products. To further assist pilots, they have creat- efficient by managing its bypass on the BAE Systems introduced fly-by-wire ed flight deck systems with streamlined engine. technology to military aircraft over four cockpit interfaces that optimise the Furthermore, in the cabin aisle you’ll decades ago. In fact, both the F-16 and performance of aircraft. These systems find that the company’s systems create the F-18 flew in 1976 with its systems. are on more than 12,000 aircraft around a better flight experience for passen- Just five years later, the firm introduced the world and serve as the conduit be- gers and crews. To create that experi- fly-by-wire on a commercial aircraft, tween pilots and their aircraft. The idea ence it gives crews the tools to manage the A310. These systems receive inputs behind these systems is to simplify ac- power, lighting, climate, and commu- from the pilot and command the actua- tions for pilots based on the challenges nication systems on more than 2,000 tors to move the surfaces accordingly. that they face. aircraft. BAE Systems’ active inceptors – ‘active BAE Systems also keep passengers on For nearly a half century BAE Systems sticks’ – provide intuitive tactile feed- the move with full authority digital en- has solved some of the toughest chal- back that helps pilots control the air- gine controls (FADEC) that power more lenges in aviation, while bringing forth 19

Active sticks are new to the commercial aircraft world, but these systems have been used in military aircraft for more than two decades

director for active inceptors was quoted plane is being flown unsafely. It pro- saying: “What we’re offering is a safer, vides an intuitive means of giving im- more coordinated piloting solution for mediate feedback to the pilot and links commercial air travel. We believe active the controls across the cockpit, so pilots control sticks will become the future can feel the forces and see any displace- standard of flying, due to this advanced ments being caused. safety.” This pilot linking is done electrically by Intutive Feedback the system, and replaces the complex- Active inceptors Active sticks are new to the commercial ity, weight, and volume of mechanically aircraft world, but these systems are linked passive inceptor systems. The provide force being used in military aircraft; in fact, result is increased safety and crew coor- BAE Systems has been providing them dination in dual pilot situations, which feedback directly for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft for may eliminate industry concerns over more than two decades. They replace dual pilot inputs in passive inceptor- into the pilot’s traditional, passive pilot controls, which equipped aircraft. use position sensors to send electrical Civil active control side sticks are de- hand, in real time signals to the fly-by-wire system. signed and manufactured at BAE Sys- These traditional systems use mechani- tems Rochester, UK site and hit the cal inceptors, which cannot affect the skies in 2016. The company’s legacy of innovative solutions that changed the feel of the stick in real time, so changes active inceptor experience provides a flight experience for pilots, passengers to the flight envelope of the aircraft highly developed and low risk solution and crews. The company is building on cannot be fed back to the pilot as cues, for commercial airlines. its past to set the pace for the future of leading to no situational awareness Pilots flying with active side sticks re- aviation as it embraces autonomous through the inceptor feel, such as ex- spond positively to the linking in the and hybrid-electric systems on aircraft. cessive bank angle or stall. cockpit, and the precise and easy con- In the years ahead, BAE Systems aims Active inceptors provide force feedback trol afforded in the design. For many to remain steadfast in providing the directly into the pilot’s hand, in real commercial pilots who once flew mili- controls and avionics that have helped time. This may take the form of various tary missions, the advancement of this keep customers flying. cues to warn pilots of impending flight technology to commercial cockpits is Adam Taylor, BAE Systems product line envelope limits, which can mean the much welcome. 20 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports E175-E2 Jet Triumphs on its Maiden Flight

airlines as well as regional and mainline The third member of the E- network carriers. Embraer has logged Jets E2 family, the Embraer E175-E2, Wander Almodovar Golfetto and flight more than 1,800 E-Jet orders and 1,500 made its inaugural flight on 12th De- engineers Gilberto Meira Cardoso aircraft delivered, with their aircraft fly- cember taking off from the company’s and Mario Ito, the E175-E2 departed ing in the fleets of 80 customers from facility in São José dos Campos, Bra- at 11:07 a.m. local time from the Faria 50 countries. zil. As the President and CEO of Em- Lima complex and flew for 2 hours and The E175-E2 has one additional row of braer Commercial Aviation observes, 18 minutes. The aircraft took off and seats compared to the first-generation the maiden flight kicks off a rigorous landed with fly-by-wire (FBW) controls E175 and can be configured with 80 24-month flight test campaign. in normal mode, while the crew evalu- seats in two classes, or up to 90 in a “The flight of the E175-E2 marks the ated aircraft performance, flight qual- single class. It saves up to 16 per cent in completion of our vision to produce a ity and systems behaviour. fuel and per cent in maintenance costs family of new-generation commercial Embraer will use three aircraft for the per seat compared to the E175. aircraft that bring unparalleled cost E175-E2 certification campaign. The Like the E190-E2 and the E195-E2, the savings to our customers, exceptional first and second prototypes will be E175-E2 promises the longest mainte- comfort for their passengers and fewer used for aerodynamic, performance nance intervals in the single-aisle jet emissions for the planet,” John Slat- and system tests, while the third pro- category with 10,000 flight hours for tery said. “The E190-E2 and the E195- totype will be used to validate main- basic checks and a no-calendar limit for E2 are already stellar performers and tenance tasks and be outfitted with typical E-Jet operations. Compared to the E175-E2 is just as impressive. We’re interior furnishings. the current generation of E-Jets, these eager to get working on certification. &NCSBFST
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%FTJHO Under the command of Embraer’s of up to 150 seats, while the versatile Boasting new Pratt & Whitney GTF Captain Mozart Louzada, first officer 70-150 seat family flies with low-cost PW1700G ultra-high bypass-ratio en- 21

gines, the E175-E2 has completely new wings, full fly-by-wire controls and space. The business class segment has new landing gear. These features have the industry and, with the benefits of a staggered seating concept explain- led to significant improvements, not a common family, airline schedulers ing, amongst other innovative new fea- only in fuel burn but in maintenance and crew planners will find last-minute tures, why the E2 cabin was awarded costs, emissions and external noise. flight changes easy to manage. the Crystal Cabin Award in the Indus- Compared to the first-generation E175, The E2 pushes the technical envelope trial Design and Visionary Concepts 75 per cent of aircraft systems are new with its optimised design. Meanwhile, category. and in relation to its predecessor, the the use of smart materials and the high Smart modularity enables the recon- E175-E2 successfully delivers double- aspect wings contribute to double- figuration to maximise the fleet’s flex- digit percentage reductions in fuel digit lower fuel consumption com- ibility and build on-board airline expe- burn and maintenance costs. On the pared to current-generation E-Jets. rience. The cabin is designed for crew flight deck, electronic flight-bags allow As new standards of reliability are de- efficiency and easy maintenance while pilots to access real-time data for con- signed in, so do longer servicing inter- on the flight-deck, pilots enjoy ergo- tinual analysis so that the aircraft flies vals become possible. The E-enabled nomic benefits and safety but a mini- in the most economical way. on-board maintenance system allows mised workload. The E2 family have much in common, for simple and intuitive troubleshoot- Benefitting from high-performance so reducing spare parts requirements ing, ensuring that maintenance sta- capacity and range, the E175-E2 is the and employing the same ground sup- tions can be advised in advance, and ideal tool for operators seeking fresh port equipment while allowing for expediting repairs for minimal or re- opportunities in new markets. Carrying standardised training and mainte- duced ground delay. a full load of passengers, the E175 E2’s nance procedures to lower costs, in- The E175 E2 has an award-winning range extends to 2,000nm (3,704km), crease parts logistics efficiency and im- interior design giving the feeling of a while an innovative wing and smart prove profitability. The same crew qual- spacious, wide-bodied aircraft as, with use of materials reduces drag and ification across the E2 family means no middle seat; each passenger has weight for high performance and mini- that training is one of the simplest in an unprecedented level of personal mal fuel burn. 22 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

FCAS to Boost Spanish Defence Industry

In a recent statement, Indra, the Span- ing its earliest stages, which will in turn ish information technology and de- opment, which can be marketed to translate into technological develop- fence systems company, highlighted both the military and civilian spheres, ment for the country.” that, “The Future European Combat Air big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and The FCAS will also provide the stability System (FCAS) programme will entail advance simulation techniques being that the sector needs in order to tackle a tremendous development opportu- just a few of them.” its digital transformation and to foster nity for the Spanish industry, and it will Indra’s director pointed out that this and facilitate its international business consolidate the sector’s position in the programme is at the heart of the driv- projection and global supply chain in- competitive arena introduced by the ing forces in all kinds of national tech- tegration. Companies, universities and new Europe with its focus on defence.” nological capabilities, not only military, other research bodies will work in the As the industrial coordinator of the pro- and that it shows a pragmatic approach earliest stages of technological devel- gramme, the company conveyed this on the part of the State regarding its opment, which will pose an important message to the research organisations support for Research and Develop- challenge. and companies that attended the work ment (R&D) within Spanish companies. FCAS is a critical programme for Spain meeting convened by the Centre for According to Cerezo, it also benefits with regard to its sovereignty and the Development of Industrial Technol- from “an enviable inter-ministerial co- technological and industrial develop- ogy (CDTI) in December 2019. ordination structure, which ensures ment and the creation of highly-skilled During his speech, the FCAS pro- focus, budget, prominence, industrial employment. Indra will perform this gramme director at Indra, Manuel planning and a cross-cutting vision of work together with the industrial lead- Rodríguez Cerezo, explained that the all the programme.” He also affirmed ers designated in turn by France and programme means a “considerable that the Government has displayed Germany (Dassault and Airbus respec- fast-tracking and will create an impact “tremendous determination and cour- tively). The company’s selection consti- in new dual-nature technology devel- age in adhering to the programme dur- tutes recognition of its defence systems 23

capabilities, its experience in interna- which “we must take advantage of all an ecosystem of collaboration among tional programmes and its suitability the capacities, talent and infrastructure customers, partners and governments for coordinating and acting as a driving available in Spain.” He pointed out that, in order to develop the most advanced force of Spanish industry. in order to succeed, it will be impera- solutions capable of catering to market "EEFE
7BMVF tive for “each company to be clear and needs. Indra, in close collaboration with the realistic in regards to its capacities and Its technological products (radars, elec- Spanish Ministry of Defense and within interests, and to work cohesively with tronic defence, command and control, the framework of the industrial de- other partners. A long-term business mission systems, etc.) have been widely velopment plan associated with the approach must prevail at all times.” acknowledged in the defence industry, programme, will reportedly strive to Indra’s role in the programme will re- as well as its ability to handle complex ensure that the Spanish industry par- volve around defending the interests projects throughout the world. In addi- ticipates as actively as possible in the of the Spanish State, coordinating and tion, it participates in international pro- latter and facilitate its access to op- boosting the Spanish industry’s par- grammes, including European ones, portunities for knowledge generation, ticipation, and functioning as a point such as the EFA, A400M, NH90, Meteor business development, export capac- of contact and interlocutor with the and ESSOR, and non-European and NA- ity, the creation of technologies that Directorate-General of Armaments and TO-related ones like the ESSM, FLEPS, can also be used in the civil field and Material (DGAM). ACCS, and many others. high-value employment generation. Cerezo considers that the FCAS will Indra is the only Spanish firm among The FCAS will generate high levels of transform the business model of many the hundred leading defence compa- knowledge and added value for Span- companies in Spain country, so that R&D nies in the world and it has received a ish companies and provide them with and product and proprietary technology great deal of international recognition opportunities to develop exportable development can become the new driv- for its development of critical projects products beyond the programme. ing force for growth. It will also serve as for the national defence of the coun- In addition, in the mid and long terms a lever to place them at the heart of the tries it works for and its participation in the top-level technological develop- European Defence market, which will be major European programmes and oth- ments included in the programme will seeing an influx of billions of euros in in- ers within the framework of NATO, due strengthen its future capacity to de- vestment in the coming years. to its proven export capacity. velop the technologies it now heads Indra is a company which places inno- Reference Text/Photo throughout Spain and Europe. vation at the heart of its business, and www.airbus.com According to Cerezo, this is a project for has marked out a strategy based on www.indra.com

FCAS is a system of systems connecting interoperable manned and unmanned air platforms 24 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

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Strengthened Communications Safety & Security. It is also part of Ku- wait’s Vision 2035, which aims to trans- form Kuwait into a regional and inter- national business hub. “Kuwait is making rapid advances in the defense and security sectors, implementing the latest technologies that will help the country’s economy progress,” said Andrew Forbes, Head of Middle East and North Africa region for Secure Land Communications at Air- bus. “Our participation at the exhibition seeks to intensify our cooperation with the Gulf countries, which are increas- ingly strengthening their armed forces and security measures. Airbus has de- servedly earned recognition as a reli- able independent partner for effective and reliable mission-critical communi- cations in the Middle East region.” .JTTJPODSJUJDBM
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%BCBU Airbus’ Tactilon Dabat is a mission- critical multitask smartphone enabling audio and video group communication via a lighter, more ergonomic solution along with sophisticated built-in se- curity. It also disposes of a voice-opti- mised speaker and broadband capacity to meet the evolving needs of critical communications users. On top of its Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) functionalities and broadband features, the Tactilon Dabat disposes of Airbus-certified applications verify- As the leading provider of communications and collaborations solu- ing the security levels required. With tions, Airbus used the 5th edition of Gulf Defense & Aerospace (GDA) Ku- its new applications development pro- wait to present its key security solutions. These include application demos gramme, SmarTWISP, developers now for the Tactilon Dabat, which is a combination of smartphone and full have a dedicated platform for design- Tetra radio in one device, as well as the Tactilon Agnet collaboration ap- ing secure professional applications. plication/platform and Radio Console Systems (RCS). The Airbus Tactilon Dabat hybrid ter- Held under the Official Patronage of the Kuwait First Deputy Prime Minis- minal combines Tetra and LTE radio ter and Minister of Defense, H.E. Sheikh Naser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, technologies in one unique terminal. the event is dedicated to Defence, Aerospace, Homeland Security and This functionality enables end users to 25

perform their daily tasks without being 5IF
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 restricted to the Tetra radio coverage The Radio Console System (RCS) 9500 available. Airbus has is a modern dispatching console used Airbus has also created the Tactilon by police forces for the purpose of Agnet 800 as an app for smart devices created the enabling control room dispatchers to like the Tactilon Dabat, to which it in- access TETRA communication features troduces features such as push-to-talk, Tactilon Agnet quickly and easily. It offers smooth status notifications, data transmission, 800 for smart migration from analogue PMR to digi- text messaging, image sending and tal TETRA, boasting a full-IP solution emergency calls. The Agent 800 also devices like the and versatile interfaces for Computer enables group communication with Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Call Taking other device carriers while making the Tactilon Dabat systems. functions of a control room possible. A fully integrated Professional Mo- Dabat Hybrid Roaming extends Tetra bile Radio (PMR) dispatch solution is radio coverage by switching to LTE cov- adaptive and cost-effective, while the erage through the Tactilon Agnet 800 and transport, utility and industry users. TETRA-based RCS 9500 easily accom- application installed on the device, en- In providing smart device capabilities modates modern control rooms of abling a seamless network change that in a secure and controlled way, Tactilon any size throughout public and pri- supports public safety operations and Agnet scales flexibly from simple push- vate sector environments. Emergency maximises the benefits of hybrid com- to-talk (PTT) to an extensive group col- response centres can benefit from its munications. The security of the solu- laboration solution. The staff required rich critical communications features tion is preserved because all Tactilon for an operation can be easily and se- and failsafe design, but the system also Agnet traffic is securely protected via curely connected on different devices suits centralised and distributed oper- the secure client VPN. and technologies, while the applica- ational models, enabling dispatchers End-users can also overcome any lack tions run on standard or ruggedised to manage one or multiple response of coverage by benefitting from an in- smart devices, offering a very simple organisations. stant, seamless switchover from Tetra and intuitive user interface for field us- Available in three product variants – the to LTE, so maintainingntaining their mission ers as well as forfor dispatchers.dispatchers. StanStandard,dard, Lite anandd WireWirelessless – tthehe RCS and business criticalritical operations.operations. Hav-Hav- 9500 solution is easily deployed tto re- ing facilitated a smooth transition bbe-e- dduceuce project risk and, as a fully-featuredfully-feat tween both Tetraa and publicpublic or privateprivate cost-ecost-effectiveffective dispatching dispatching soluti solution,o its LTE Public Safetyty solutions, the user extreme flexibiliflexibilityty allows allows users users toto build can benefit fromm allall thethe ffundamentalundamental GraGraphicalphical User InterInterfacesfaces that Tactilon Dabat chcharacteristics,aracteristics, sucsuchh as fifitt precisel preciselyy with with th theire or- individual voicee calls and messagingmessaging ganisation’s operatiooperations.n In with status reports,orts, ggrouproup calls, grgroupoup addadditionition to supportisupportingn all messaging and emergencyemergency calls.calls. ooff the most sought after #FOFöUT
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"HOFUJMPO "HOFU TTETRAETRA communicationscommunica Tactilon Agnet bbringsrings secure commu-commu- featuresfeatures,, the RCS 9500 ooffers nications to smartrt devices, ggivingiving users ooptionalptional interfaces to exter-e the possibility too benefit from nnalal radio networks, aalong voice, data, video,eo, and localoca-- witwithh Computer-AidedComputer-Aided Dis- tion services in a controlledcontrolled ppatchatch (CAD) anandd cacall-takingll-ta manner with rereliabilityliability facilities to round out a con- and security. It meetsmeets ttrolrol room’s operations.operations. the needs bothth Reference Text/Photo:Text/Photo: of public safety www.securewww.securelandcommunica-landcommu organisations tions.com 26 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports Leonardo Seeks to Expand 1BSUOFSTIJQ
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,VXBJU Leonardo’s technologies are already in-service in Kuwait. The company has provided infrastructure for Kuwait City Airport including data management systems, primary radar and an ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast) system for air traffic con- trol. It also recently provided Kuwait City Airport Terminal 4’s new baggage handling system. In a recent announcement, Leonardo said that it will start delivering Euro- fighter Typhoon fighter aircraft from the end of 2020 to the country. Final assembly of the first five aircraft for the Kuwait Air Force is underway at Leon- ardo’s plant in Torino-Caselle, Italy, and deliveries of 28 aircraft will continue until 2023. Kuwait will receive one of the most advanced Typhoon configu- rations yet produced, featuring the Captor-E (E-scan) radar and weapon system upgrades that will place the Kuwait Air Force at the leading edge of fighter technology. The Eurofighter Typhoon, which is produced jointly by Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain, has seen tremendous suc- cess in the Middle East where it has been ordered also by Saudi Arabia and Oman. Leonardo has a 36 per cent workshare in Typhoon and is responsible for more than 60 per cent of the aircraft’s elec- tronics. Over the past two years, many Kuwaiti Air Force pilots have earned At the fifth edition of Gulf Defense and Aerospace (GDA) their wings at the Italian Air Force In- in Kuwait, Leonardo presented a range of innovative training ternational Training Academy, using systems, advanced avionics and other solutions to support Leonardo’s Aermacchi MB-339 and its the country’s safety and security. new M-346 Integrated Training Sys- tem (ITS), which will soon be operated alongside the Leonardo M-345 basic/ 27

advanced trainer. These training solu- tions are also the basis of the syllabus being proposed by the International Flight Training School (IFTS) powered by Leonardo for the Italian Air Force. The IFTS, which is underpinned by Leonardo’s training capabilities and set to become an international bench- mark for advanced pilot training (start- ing with Phase IV - Advanced/Lead-In Fighter Training), offers customised teaching modules, which meet the re- quirements of world-class Air Forces. These modules can also reduce the need for expensive flight hours with Leonardo’s stand at GDA exhibition an Operation Conversion Unit (OCU), saving time and resources. A broad multispectral sensor suite tems, including a suite of Software De- Comprehensive Solutions on Show can be installed thanks to its payload fined Radios (SDR) for land and joint Leonardo is also a technological lead- capability. The suite is natively com- forces. er in the field of airborne sensors and posed by a multifunction Syntetic Ap- /BWBM
&YQFSUJTF protection technology, such as the erture Radar (SAR), an electro-optical Moreover, at GDA, the company high- BriteCloud Expendable Active Decoy multi-sensor gyrostabilised turret and lighted its capabilities in the naval do- (EAD), SEER Radar Warning Receiver a Signal Intelligence Suite. Customers main, including command and control (RWR), and Miysis Directed Infrared benefit therefore from unparalleled systems for protection and surveil- Counter-Measure (DIRCM), all of which customisable situational awareness. lance, radars and optronics for the are readily exportable to the region Powered by a conventional aviation identification and monitoring poten- and were on-show in Kuwait. engine and with endurance over 24 tial threats as well as vessels in trouble The Miysis DIRCM has proved its abil- hours, the Falco Xplorer gathers infor- in all weather conditions, accurate ity to defeat incoming Infra-Red mis- mation far over the horizon, relayed in defence systems and internal/external siles in demanding live fire exercises real time via secure satellite connec- communications systems. Leonardo and has already been ordered by the tion to C4I centres. Typical system con- has the know-how required to both UK’s Royal Air Force and by a customer figuration includes a Ground Control refurbish and upgrade operational in the Middle East. Station (GCS) connected to a Ground vessels and to develop a ship’s entire Strategic Surveillance Data Terminal (GDT), a Ground Sup- mission system architecture, integrat- At GDA, Leonardo also promoted the port Equipment (GSE) and two Air- ing all components and assuring func- Falco Xplorer, the company’s latest crafts. The system is designed in accor- tionality and reliability. surveillance drone, which features a dance with NATO STANAG 4671 and is In the wider region, more than 20 UAE payload capacity of 350kg and more undergoing military type certification. Navy vessels are equipped with Leon- than 24 hours flight time. The Falco In the region, the company is also ardo Combat Systems. The company Xplorer is one of the largest Remotely- marketing its counter-drone solutions, is also upgrading six Royal Bahrain Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) Leonardo which are already in operation with Naval Force ships with state-of-the-art has produced and offers multi-sensor Italian, UK and U.S. armed forces. technologies, three of which have al- strategic surveillance for military and Leonardo also highlighted its expe- ready been delivered to the customer. civil customers, either as an integrated rience in designing and delivering The upgrade includes a new weapon product or as a managed service. comprehensive C4I solutions. These control system, training services and Falco Xplorer is able to provide per- systems can be tailored to include ev- logistics. sistent actionable Intelligence Sur- erything from command and control Reference Text/Photo: veillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). centres down to individual soldier sys- www.leonardocompany.com 28 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports .&#""

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#FUUFS

The Middle East and North Africa MEBAA is the official representative of 270 companies and offers a number of Business Aviation Association (ME- the business aviation industry in the products and services to these mem- BAA) show is all set to return from 8 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) bers, including MEBAA Insurance and to 10 December 2020 at Dubai World region. It is a non-profit association and networking events to provide a plat- Central (DWC), the Dubai Airshow Site a member of the International Busi- form for member discussions and en- and is expected to welcome over 500 ness Aviation Council (IBAC). It was es- sure the business aviation community exhibitors and 10,000 trade attendees tablished in 2006 with the mission to remains at the forefront of this ever- throughout the three days. According provide a platform for members of the changing industry. to Ali Alnaqbi, Founding & Executive business aviation industry in the MENA Sector Leader Chairman of MEBAA, 2020 will be a region to gather, understand and com- Alnaqbi highlighted that that the busi- good year for business aviation in the municate the needs and benefits of ness aviation sector in the MENA region MENA region. the industry. MEBAA represents over is achieving a positive growth rate of 29

around eight to nine per cent, higher strategic sectors, targeted by govern- including a Bell Helicopter produc- than the global growth estimate of four ment plans. It seeks to build a strong tion 505 and a BBJ 878-8 Dreamliner to six per cent, pointing out that the and sustainable economy, based on the among many other leading jets. H.H. UAE has become the sector leader in diversification of sources of national in- Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, the region. come, and build a post-oil economy. Chairman of Presidential Flight, the Abu He was quoted saying: “2020 will be a Robust Participation Dhabi based VVIP and VIP flight opera- milestone in the history of business avi- Among the companies already exhib- tor, toured the show and saw many of ation and private aviation in the Middle iting at the MEBAA Show 2020 are Air- the aircraft on the static display. East region in general, and in the UAE in bus Corporate Jets, Dassault Aviation, Expectations are high for 2020 but al- particular, as a result of Expo 2020. The Gulfstream and Embraer, in addition ready the signs are there that the event air traffic in Dubai is currently around to other industry leaders. The event at- will be bigger and better. With the busi- 15,000 movements, and this is expect- tracts key decision makers and VVIPs ness aviation industry booming in the ed to double to at least 30,000 thanks along with the whole supply chain of region, new exhibitors are keen to be to the event.” the business aviation industry. part of the event and all eyes are on According to Alnaqbi, two main factors “It’s very important to be close to our Dubai for Expo 2020. will drive this growth – the official del- customers and to be part of the ME- “We have a very positive outlook for the egations travelling to the country and BAA Show,” Benoit Defforge, President region,” added Gregory Laxton, CEO of the companies and business leaders at- of Airbus Corporate Jets, said at the last Boeing Business Jets. He continued, “29 tending the event. MEBAA show. “The Middle East is the per cent of all Boeing Business and 52 The number of aircraft registered in the number one market for ACJ and ME- per cent of our widebody VIP airplanes UAE market is almost 25 per cent of the BAA Show is a very interesting venue come to this region. So, this region is 600 aircraft registered in the Middle because we have the proximity of the very important to us.” East. Investments in the sector are diffi- booths, the chalets and the aircraft.” “The business aviation market in the cult to quantify as they are distributed The 2018 edition of the show attracted Middle East is predicted to be worth among airlines, operators and buildings 452 exhibitors from the global business over US$1 billion by 2020, and Bombar- as well as airports. However, Alnaqbi aviation industry alongside some of the dier predict 350 deliveries to the Middle says the volume in the country is esti- region’s biggest buyers, with business East valued at US$12 billion over the mated at between US$800 to US$900 taking place up until closing on the final next 10 years,” Alnaqbi added. “When million annually, with a contribution to day of the event. you consider the opportunities that will GDP of around two to three per cent. Highlights of the 2018 event included offer, it’s no wonder we are seeing such In addition, the industry will benefit Boeing Business Jets announcing its interest in the MEBAA Show 2020.” from government support for growth. BBJ 777X wide-body business aircraft Reference Text/Photo: The aviation sector is one of the main to the industry and the static display www.mebaa.aero 30 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

)&/40-%5
*OUSPEVDFT
State-of-the-Art Radar

HENSOLDT, the independent sen- TRML -4D. sensor technology with multiple digi- sor solutions house and provider of Air The new radar is HENSOLDT’s latest tally formed beams, TRML-4D is de- Defence and Weapon Locating Radar, member of the C-Band (NATO G-Band) signed for near- to long-range ground- COBRA (Counter Battery Radar), recent- ground based air defence radar fam- to-air detection and for weapon assign- ly launched the multi-function air sur- ily. Based on the Gallium Nitride Active ment. It is capable of detecting, track- veillance and target acquisition radar, Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) ing, and classifying various types of air 31

targets, with a particular emphasis on targets. small, fast, and low-flying and/or ma- TRML-4D is Its modular architecture and its ability noeuvring cruise missiles and aircrafts to be defined by software allow the ra- and hovering helicopters. The TRML- designed for dar system to be customised and its ca- 4D features a dedicated C-RAM and C- pability to be enhanced incrementally, UAS mode. near- to long- so that it is up to date throughout its Furthermore, its secondary radar is life and fit for future challenges at any capable to deal with the interroga- range ground- time. tion modes up to Mk XIIA/S. TRML-4D’s Completed with HENSOLDT Sensors’ unique concept of simultaneous multi- to-air detection well-established SSR (Secondary Surveil- beams and Doppler processing ensures lance Radar) interrogator MSSR 2000 I, reliable performance of all operational and for weapon TRML-4D provide the inevitable and reli- tasks at a high update rate. able track identification to avoid friendly The radar is reportedly excellent in assignment fire. The MSSR 2000 I is capable to deal complex environments with mixed with interrogation modes up to Mk clutter and high target densities. TRML- XIIA/S, including Mode S and Mode 5. 4D can support most of the short range reliable tracks more quickly and with Comprehensive Solutions and medium range surface-to-air mis- a minimum number of scans and, in HENSOLDT is a pioneer of technology sile systems. It is designed for continu- this way, increases the time available and innovation in the area of defence ous operation and high operational to weapon systems for reaction, also in and security electronics. The company, availability. The probability for zero the case of manoeuvring and pop-up headquartered in Taufkirchen near Mu- critical failures during a 24/7 three- targets. nich, is a market leader in civilian and month mission of more than 99 per The precise calibration of all antenna military sensor solutions, developing cent results in significant advantages parts in combination with the given an- new products to counter a wide variety on logistic support. Maintenance free tenna aperture in C band yields highly of threats based on disruptive concepts missions are enabled by degradation accurate tracks, even for the smallest of in such fields as big data, robotics and using multiple solid state transmit and flying threats, in both symmetric and cyber security. receive modules. The low MTTR, high asymmetric conditions, to ensure ex- Military and civil radar systems have reliability per component and the ad- act and fast weapon assignment and been part of the company’s core com- vanced built-in test equipment (BITE) increased hit probability. petences for decades. Today, HENSOL- together ease maintenance and facili- Resilient and Reliable DT’s radar systems are in use around tate the low life cycle costs of TRML-4D. Allocating radar resources to different the world. In surveillance, reconnais- Fast and Accurate scan types allows high-volume search sance, air defence and air traffic control, Thanks to its electronic look forward/ and high-priority tracking to be com- they provide their services in both mili- back scanning capability, the TRML-4D bined in a sophisticated way. This com- tary and civil areas. provides weapon systems with more bination of measurements ensures reli- Since 1955, HENSOLDT and its prede- time for reaction. For instance, it scans able tracking performance and target cessor companies have been on the a dedicated sector twice per mechani- classification, especially for manoeu- forefront of the development and pro- cal rotation (“cued search” function) de- vring threats. Advanced, automatically duction of radar systems. Significant pending on recon information. Also, it triggered ECCM (Electronic Counter- R&D resources ensure the continuous can initiate a track within a single scan Counter-Measures) and the tracker’s development of radar solutions and (look back functionality) for threaten- high saturation level guarantee the technologies in the various domains to ing targets and automatically classifies system’s performance even when jam- solve the challenges posed by a mod- specific targets as high priority threats ming or interfering signals are present. ern radar development. These are the and allocates additional radar illumina- The radar has sufficient capacity to up- solutions, which have enabled HEN- tion (“cued track” functionality). hold all functions simultaneously so as SOLDT to create numerous families of Due to the higher track update rate re- to ensure mission success even in stress radar products since its inception. sulting from this, the TRML-4D creates situations involving a high density of Reference Text/Photo: www.hensoldt.net 32 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

CAE TRAX Academy Launched

At the recently concluded Interser- grading and assessment. from undergraduate pilot training to vice/Industry Training, Simulation, and During I/ITSEC, CAE conducted dem- earning wings. Education Conference (I/ITSEC), a mili- onstrations of the CAE TRAX Academy, “Global militaries are faced with a cur- tary training and simulation event, CAE including digital learning tools, CAE rent and growing challenge to produce introduced the CAE TRAX Academy, Sprint VR trainers, and a T-6C flight- pilots faster and efficiently without im- an integrated and advanced training training device. The demonstrations pacting the quality standards that mili- continuum designed to deliver faster showed the progression of the training tary pilot training has become known and efficient throughput for military continuum – Learn, Practice, Perform – for,” said Joe Armstrong, Vice President, student pilot training. with CAE Rise integrated throughout to Global Business Operations – Product The company also launched the CAE provide the data analytics and predic- & Solutions, CAE. “Today’s digital tech- Sprint Virtual Reality (VR) trainer, an tive analysis necessary for continuous nologies such as virtual reality, artificial integral part of the CAE TRAX Acad- improvement and closed-loop training. intelligence and data analytics are en- emy, to enable self-paced learning Initial Phase abling a new approach to pilot training in an immersive, high-fidelity virtual The CAE TRAX Academy is a student- that is more self-paced and tailored to environment. The VR trainer comes centric, self-paced training system le- student learning. As a leading train- complete with virtual reality headset, veraging multiple interconnected ele- ing systems integrator, the CAE TRAX haptics, physical flight controls, CAE ments and tools as part of a mobile- Academy is CAE’s answer to redefining Medallion image generator, and CAE assisted, closed-loop adaptive learn- how military student pilots learn, prac- virtual coach, in addition to leverag- ing system. This comprehensive and tice and then perform on the journey ing CAE Rise (Real-time insights and integrated training system is designed to becoming a pilot.” standardised evaluations) for objective to optimise the student pilot’s journey First, student pilots use digital tools 33

such as a mobile app and virtual real- supports student progress. ity-enabled courseware to learn and %FNPOTUSBUJOH
1SPöDJFODZ understand required training tasks CAE TRAX The final stage of the student’s journey and procedures. The curriculum de- is to show their ability to synthesise livers academic understanding of a Academy what they have learned and practiced training task or procedure, organised will redefine in the two previous stages. Accom- via the CAE TRAX Academy mobile panied by an instructor, the student app. The student can monitor their how military would perform the procedure during status against learning goals to review a validation with instructor on a high- activity and results. They can access student pilots fidelity flight training device or simula- courseware, manage their schedule, tor. Instructor evaluation is supported see comparative progression, book learn by CAE Rise to validate the success of resources and more. the student’s progress and readiness. Furthermore, Computer-based-train- CAE Rise is also used to aggregate in- ing (CBT) modules provide an intro- vibration – integrate to create a highly dividual student results into data for duction to the subject matter in detail. realistic immersive virtual environ- the entire class, allowing instructors Narrated videos model the ideal ac- ment in a high-fidelity, affordable yet and administrators to monitor trends, tions and reactions as the student pro- sophisticated VR flight training device identify gaps and leverage opportuni- gresses through the procedure. Once with a small footprint. A virtual coach ties for continuous improvement. the basic concepts are mastered, the providing immediate, actionable inter- The CAE Sprint VR trainer enables stu- student receives further instruction vention, and CAE Rise performance as- dent pilots to practice training tasks, via high-fidelity VR-enhanced con- sessment that measures achievement, procedures and manoeuvres in an af- tent, which immerses the student fordable, immersive virtual environ- into the scenario and builds situa- ment. CAE has enhanced realism and tional familiarisation to strengthen fidelity in the CAE Sprint VR trainer transferrable skills. compared to other VR trainers by pro- Practice Makes Perfect viding full cockpit acuity and interac- The next phase of the CAE tion, incorporating haptic feedback TRAX Academy sees students and using the CAE Medallion image Practice in the CAE Sprint VR generator to render database content. trainer with physical controls, a In addition, the CAE Sprint VR trainer virtual coach and CAE Rise per- features the CAE virtual coach to de- formance assessment. The student liver audio intervention and correction, starts this phase familiar with the and CAE Rise to objectively measure cockpit environment and under- student progress and proficiency. stands the sequence of events. “Last year we launched the Project Next, students practice what was Digital Intelligence research and de- learned in the CAE Sprint VR trainer velopment programme to innovate in utilising the CAE Medallion image developing next-generation training generator, which delivers a realistic solutions,” said Philippe Perey, Head virtual environment than traditional VR of Technology – Defense & Security, trainers. Visual immersion is enabled CAE. “The CAE TRAX Academy and CAE via a VR headset with high-resolution Sprint Virtual Reality trainer are exam- out-the-window visuals and 20/20 visu- ples of our digital transformation ap- al acuity to read the instrument panel. plied to pilot training and addressing Flight controls – joystick, throttle, and the very real challenges many militar- rudder pedals, combined with physi- ies are facing to increase pilot through- cal cues boosted by haptics and seat put efficiently and cost-effectively.” 34 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

/FYUFS
#SJOHT
'JSFQPXFS
deployed in any theatre of operation, however complex it may be (jungle, forest, assembly...). A crew of five men UP
&YQPEFGFOTB

is enough to make it operational very quickly (put in battery in 30 seconds) and to fire at a rate of at least 12 shots per minute. The medium calibres are also available with a range of 20mm guns, including the SH20 door-mounting for helicopters, the NC621 pod for helicopters and light aircraft, the 20mm P20 mounted gun that can be installed at the rear of any 4x4 and easily deployed on the ground on a tripod, and the NARWHAL 20mm remote-controlled weapon system. The company also presented its FIND- ART firing control and command sys- tem and the NERVA mini-robots range, with a selection of payloads. Compact and robust, NERVA is the ideal tool for a wide range of missions, from reconnais- sance to mine clearance. It allows high- risk missions to be carried out without exposing operators. Success Story Nexter is fully mobilised to meet the challenges of the SCORPION pro- gramme, through the development of the new VBMR-GRIFFON armoured Nexter recently participated in CAESAR 6x6 is a wheeled 155mm/52 vehicles (in production), EBRC-JAGUAR, Expodefensa 2019 in Colombia and self-propelled artillery system. Ca- Lightweight VBMR-SERVAL, the renova- showcased its know-how in artillery, pable of firing six shots in less than a tion of LECLERC MBTs and the future medium-calibre systems, ammuni- minute, it is very fast to deploy and SCORPION increments. tion and robots that meet the needs makes any attempt at counter-battery Nexter also has a strong international of security forces. The company offers fire ineffective. presence, with recent successes, such reliable and innovative solutions that While the 105LG is a 105mm towed as the CAESAR 8x8 sold to the Royal meet operational requirements. Its artillery gun, qualified by the French Danish Army, the CaMo programme range includes armoured vehicles to army and in use in six armies around with Belgium and the TITUS armoured artillery systems and strategic sub-as- the world, including Colombia. With vehicle acquired by the Czech Repub- semblies, such as weapon systems and a maximum range of 17 km, it can be lic. The group continues to develop its ammunition, robots and embedded towed by a light vehicle, transported commercial presence throughout the electronic systems. by a medium helicopter (e.g. PUMA or world. The company is able to support Artillery and ammunition were in the Bell 212) or parachuted by a tactical its products throughout their life cycle spotlight and visitors had the opportu- transport aircraft (e.g. C130-Hercules). by offering a wide range of support so- nity to discover the CAESAR 6x6 in 1/10 This extreme mobility, allowed by its lutions and services, as well as mainte- format, as well as a model of the 105LG. low weight (1650 kg), permits it to be nance in operational conditions. LAND AND AIRLAND DEFENCE AND SECURITY EXHIBITION

35

08-12 JUNE 2020 / PARIS

THE UNMISSABLE WORLDWIDE EXHIBITION

1,802 exhibitors +14,7% from 63 countries 65,9% of international

65 startups at Eurosatory LAB

98,721 Total attendance (exhibitors, visitors, press, organisers)

227 Official delegations from 94 countries and 4 organisations (representing 760 delegates)

696 journalists from 44 countries

75 Conferences

2,102 Business meetings made

2018 key figures 36 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

#FMM

-BOET
BU
Horizon International Flight Academy Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. com- Academy. “This new addition will be Africa and the Middle East. “The Bell pany, recently announced the delivery an essential part of our training opera- 505 will be a great addition to the of the first of 12 Bell 505 helicopters to tions and will enable us to further ex- Horizon fleet and is an ideal aircraft in Horizon International Flight Academy. pand our training offering.” training helicopter pilots.” The delivery was made according to Horizon took delivery of the aircraft Horizon is one of the region’s largest an agreement signed at the Dubai Air at Bell’s Mirabel facility during a cer- independent helicopter flight train- Show 2019. The 505 has been config- emony attended by Hareb Al Dhaheri, ing academies. A company statement ured for flight training and is equipped CEO Horizon Flight Academy Interna- highlighted that it takes pride in train- with an integrated glass cockpit that tional, H.E. Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, ing pilots locally and internationally. enables pilots in training to experi- Ambassador of the UAE to Canada, The academy will utilise the Bell 505 ence modern controls on a single en- Fahad Harhara Al Yafei, Cluster CEO, helicopters to continue training a new gine aircraft. and Steeve Lavoie, President of Bell generation of pilots. “We are glad to add Bell 505 helicop- Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd. “We would like to thank Horizon In- ters to our all-Bell fleet that is com- “Bell is proud to support and celebrate ternational Flight Academy for com- prised of Bell 206s, Bell 407s and Bell today’s delivery with Horizon Interna- ing to our Mirabel facility and being a 429s,” said Hareb Thani Al Dhaheri, tional Flight Academy,” said Sameer supporter of Bell,” said Steeve Lavoie, CEO, Horizon International Flight Rehman, Bell managing director for president of Bell Helicopter Textron 37

Canada Ltd. “We are thrilled to contrib- ute to the training of the next genera- tion of pilots.” “The Bell 505’s unique capabilities and efficient operational cost lend it in- creasingly well to being an ideal train- er,” said Hawker-Pacific’s Ian D’Arcy, Vice President Regional Operations, Middle East & Pacific. “There has been a lot of interest in the Bell 505 as a training aircraft due to its capability, af- fordability, maintainability and safety features.” %JTUJODUJWF
"EWBOUBHF The Bell 505 Jet Ranger X delivers ex- Steeve Lavoie, president of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd and Hareb Al ceptional visibility, and the aircraft’s Dhaheri, CEO Horizon Flight Academy International advanced avionics and cost opera- tions make it a great aircraft for Ho- ernmental agency globally to use the Army, the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and rizon’s operations. Furthermore, the Bell 505 as a basic helicopter trainer. Coast Guard also use a variant of the high-tech flight deck and adaptable In addition to the standard equipment Bell 206, the TH-57 Sea Ranger, as their cabin design make the Bell 505 ca- on the aircraft, the JCG Bell 505s come primary helicopter trainer. The Bell 505 pable of any challenge. The aircraft equipped with the first entry-into-ser- continues the legacy and tradition of serves as a trusted platform for train- vice 505 Emergency Flotation System, the 206 while improving performance, ing operations enabling first-time pi- a technical solution designed by DART safety and making it easier to fly. lots to fly with confidence. Aerospace and developed with Bell. With most training helicopters glob- With optional dual pilot controls, the Trusted Solution ally comprising light single helicopters Bell 505, which has surpassed 22,000 Bell Textron Inc. is one of the largest (3,680 lbs max take-off gross weight), flight hours globally, is the go to manufacturers of helicopter train- the Bell 505, with its technologies and solution for training pilots to fly to- ing aircraft. According to Bell, 45 per versatility, is well suited to prepare fu- day’s modern aircraft with integrated cent of all training configured turbine ture military pilots all around the globe glass flight decks, FADEC controlled aircraft currently in service are the to meet the myriad of challenges they engines, and other advanced tech- Bell 206 single engine variant, which will face in their missions. In 2015, Bell nologies. These modern technologies saw over 8,000 aircraft delivered over participated in and proposed the Bell coupled with proven dynamic systems 50 years in numerous variations. A 505 for the Republic of Korea (ROK) and a high inertia rotor system for au- popular variant of the Bell 206 that is Military TH-X programme, which aims torotation capabilities create the op- used primarily for training is the TH- to procure training helicopters for the timal platform for helicopter training. 67 Creek. In operation with the U.S. ROK Army and Navy. The aircraft met In 2018, Bell delivered four Bell 505 Army since the early 1990s, this is one all the ROK Military’s Required Opera- helicopters to the Japan Coast Guard of the largest helicopter training fleets tional Capability during testing and (JCG), making the JCG the first gov- in the world. In addition to the U.S. evaluation phase in 2016. 38 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports "SHFOUJOF
/BWZ
Chooses iXblue

Kership, a joint venture founded by Naval Group and Piriou, specialising in military shipbuilding, recently selected iXblue navigation solutions to equip three new offshore patrol vessels (OPV 87 type) being built for the Argentine Navy. The Marins inertial navigation ogy, the Marins inertial navigation sys- systems and Netans data distribution tems offer high performance and high- units (DDU) will provide the navigation ly accurate position, heading, roll, pitch for these three future ships. and speed information in any environ- Kership is a longstanding a partner ment, including when GNSS signals are providing an architecture capable of of Naval Group and Piriou on naval inaccessible or jammed. managing and controlling that threat, programmes such as the future de- A central component of the navigation iXblue truly leads the way in cyber se- fence and intervention frigates (FDI) system, the Netans DDU interfaces di- cured navigation systems.” and multi-mission ships (B2M) of the rectly with the ship's sensors, acquir- Integrated onto a single platform, the French Navy. However, this is the first ing, analysing, correlating and distrib- Marins navigation systems and Ne- time the shipbuilder has selected iX- uting data to all on-board systems. tans distribution & processing units blue navigation systems. The Netans Series provides consistent thus precisely match the exacting "Kership's choice of iXblue solutions and accurate navigation information in requirements of major combat ves- for the navigation systems of the three some of the most challenging operat- sels in terms of performance, capacity new patrol vessels currently under ing environments, while addressing and cost of ownership. iXblue navi- construction is a source of pride for the cybersecurity challenges faced by gation systems incidentally already our group. These ships will join the the world's leading navies. equip over 40 navies and coast guards Drummond-class corvettes (A69 type), Maximising Potential around the world, including some of Intrepida-class guided-missile patrol “Naval cybersecurity is of paramount the most recent and renowned naval boats and MEKO-class Rosales frigate importance nowadays, as new vessels programs such as the Royal Navy As- of the Argentine Navy, which are al- are being increasingly connected and tute-class nuclear attack submarines, ready equipped with our technology," digitized. The risk of cyberattacks now Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier, said Jean-Marc Binois, Sales Director. poses a major threat to this new kind of Duke-class frigates and Vanguard and On-board more than 650 surface ves- vessels and the cyber defense capabil- Trafalgar-class nuclear powered bal- sels and submarine platforms, the ity has become a critical component for listic missile submarines, as well as Marins navigation systems and Netans any vessel,” states an iXblue executive. the German Navy Type 123 Branden- data distribution and processing units “iXblue systems are particularly adapt- burg class and Type 122 Bremen-class meet the exacting requirements of the ed to high-tech vessels as they provide frigates and the Swedish Navy next most modern combat ships. Based on the most robust protection against generation A26 and Gotland-class iXblue fibre optic gyroscope technol- sophisticated malwares threats. By submarines. 39

0TILPTI
#BHT
64
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GSPN
64
.JMJUBSZ

Oshkosh Defense, LLC, an Oshkosh suited for mission adaptability,” said off the production line provides small Corporation company, announced last George Mansfield, vice president and arms and ballistics protection. With month that the U.S. Army Contracting general manager of joint programs an add-on B kit, the vehicle achieves Command – Warren has placed an for Oshkosh Defense. “The JLTV can MRAP levels of protection. US$803.9 million order for 2,721 Joint accommodate over 100 different mis- Mobile: The JLTV features the latest Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs). Addi- sion package configurations without in suspension technologies, using the tional orders from the U.S. Army Con- sacrificing mobility or transportability.” Oshkosh TAK-4i intelligent indepen- tracting Command are anticipated During the recently concluded edi- dent suspension system to deliver within this fiscal year. tion of Modern Day Marine Expo, in extreme off-road mobility and speeds This order includes JLTVs for the U.S. Quantico, U.S., Oshkosh displayed that are 70 per cent faster than the M- Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, two JLTV’s. This included a four-door ATV, while maintaining the same ride and U.S. Navy. It also includes 30 ve- General Purpose JLTV equipped with quality for occupants. hicles for the country of Montenegro the Javelin Integration Kit (JIK), LW30 Transportable: Weighing less than via Foreign Military Sale (FMS). The Remote Weapon Station (RWS), and 6,350 kg (14,000 lbs) at curb weight, country is among the first NATO allies a Black Hornet Vehicle Reconnaissance the JLTV is highly transportable while to receive the vehicle. System (VRS). While a two-door Utility maintaining its protection and perfor- The distribution of JLTVs ensures that JLTV, was outfitted with the Uvision mance. The vehicle can be air trans- multiple branches of the United States Hero-120 Tactical System. ported internally by a C-130, C-5 and military have the light tactical vehicle 6ONBUDIFE
$BQBCJMJUJFT C-17, or externally by CH-47 and CH- they need to perform missions that The JLTV provides U.S. and allied forc- 53. support the National Defense Strategy. es around the globe with a next-gen- Connected: The JLTV is built with the “As the threats on today’s modern eration, lightweight, all-terrain vehicle capability to serve as a mobile com- battlefield continue to evolve, our that is protected, mobile, transport- mand centre. It features a modular, warfighters need a highly capable able and connected. scalable open architecture system to light tactical vehicle that is uniquely Protected: The JLTV base vehicle right support rapidly evolving C4ISR suites. 40 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

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3IFJONFUBMMT
Strikeshield for Protection System Testing

The U.S. Army has awarded a con- Business Technologies, Inc. (UBT) is nent manufacturing for federal and tract valued at US$11 million to the an award-winning company with a commercial customers. StrikeShield team of Rheinmetall Protection Sys- female directorship specialising in in- testing will begin in October 2020 at tems and Unified Business Technolo- formation technology, software and Redstone Test Centre in Huntsville, gies (UBT) for significant testing of the hardware engineering, product engi- Alabama. StrikeShield Active Protection System. neering and manufacturing develop- The Army’s recently formed Vehicle Located in Troy, Michigan, Unified ment, while also supplying compo- Protective Systems (VPS) programme 41

office will evaluate StrikeShield as the Army has selected StrikeShield for providing mine protection, IED pro- part of a larger effort to test APS per- this important programme. tection, signature protection, protec- formance against a wide variety of “We are excited to enter into a new tion from shaped charges and protec- anti-armour threats. This significant phase of partnership with the Army tion for military operations in built-up contract award represents the first that will enable the Army to carry out terrain. funded APS testing that the Army will extensive tests of the StrikeShield APS Hybrid Protection Module undertake of the StrikeShield system, system,” confirms Stefan Haase, head- Rheinmetall has also developed a so providing a pathway to potential ing Rheinmetall’s Active Protection new modular hybrid configuration of utilisation of the system on vehicles product unit. “We are confident the its StrikeShield APS that combines the in the current Army fleet, as well as on system will perform very well in the company’s active and passive protec- vehicles fielded in the future. testing and that possibilities for field- tion technologies in a single integrat- The StrikeShield APS is a distributed, ing the technology on Army vehicle ed design. Displayed at AUSA 2019, real-time system developed to pro- systems will arise.” this hybrid approach draws on Rhein- tect the carrying platform against “The StrikeShield system is a world- metall’s unique expertise as a provid- anti-tank rockets and missiles while class mature APS system that will er of both APS and armour protection, operating in the immediate vicin- deliver tremendous capability for drawing on the company’s proven ity of the vehicle to be protected. In the U.S. Army,” says UBT CEO Michelle track record as a leading vehicle sup- StrikeShield, the technical require- D’Souza. “UBT and Rheinmetall are plier and system integrator. ments of a large-calibre Kinetic En- proud to be teamed together as a The new system’s hybrid and modular ergy (KE) defeat are addressed in the partner to the Army in addressing design is well suited for integration on name of providing protection against the high priority requirement for APS both tracked and wheeled vehicles in- an unique combination of threats technology.” sofar because it enables an integrated and so providing a promising overall Rheinmetall offers a wide range of approach where passive protection outlook. high-effective active and passive pro- components simultaneously serve Over a period of several months, the tection solutions for protecting ve- as interface and shield for the com- Army will carry out extensive live fire hicles, ensuring that rapid protection ponents of the active protection sys- testing of the StrikeShield system against a wide spectrum of enemy tem. Conversely, the StrikeShield APS with the objective of gathering per- sensors and sight remains one of the components are comprised of ballis- formance data to inform future se- most important requirements in mod- tic functions and characteristics, with lection of the APS technologies best ern military missions. Being stopped an external protection layer protect- suited for any particular platform. The by a barrier, crossing a street in urban ing these components against shell Army anticipates that the test results combat or being threatened by snip- fragments, small arms fire and other will inform APS pursuits both for its ers are examples of situations where sources of mechanical stress. fielded vehicle fleets and for new spontaneous invisibility can increase StrikeShield’s countermeasures are vehicle programs like the Armoured survivability levels significantly. embedded in the first protection Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), Mobile Rheinmetall provides smoke gre- plate from the outside while also serv- Protected Firepower (MPF) and the nades to protect soldiers, small units ing as part of the first layer of passive Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle and combat vehicles, as well as multi- protection. Hence, the system sensors (OMFV). spectral and visual smoke projectiles are contained in the space in between 64
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for the employment of area smoke on the two layers. As Rheinmetall and UBT have been the enemy area by artillery and mor- As part of its funded testing contract, teaming up on U.S. active protection tars to protect larger units and mili- the Rheinmetall and UBT team will programmes since 2015, both parties tary installations. engage the U.S. Army VPS team. Here, are optimistic that this new army test- Furthermore, Rheinmetall has devel- their overall goal is to determine the ing programme will lead to further oped passive system solutions by ap- potential of this future hybrid module vehicle integration opportunities for plying the latest modular composite approach for U.S. military vehicles. work on U.S. military vehicles. Hence, technologies. These system solutions Reference Text/Photo: bothGriffon firms are extremely pleased that protect from ballistic threats, while www.rheinmetall-defence.com 42 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports -BUWJB
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4ZTUFN Saab recently received an order from Each is optimised for ease of operation, penetrating triple brick walls – includ- the Latvian Armed Forces for deliveries regardless of the user’s experience ing those that have been double rein- of the shoulder-launched disposable level. Since the introduction in the mid forced with rebar. AT4 weapon system. Deliveries will take 1980’s, the AT4 has been exported to AT4CS ER: This is a shoulder-launched place in 2021. more than 15 countries worldwide. anti-armour weapon with confined The order is the third placed within The range includes anti-armour, anti- space capability. A unique warhead the framework agreement signed in structure and anti-personnel/high- fully optimised for maximum armour 2017 between Saab and Latvian Armed explosive weapons. With identical han- penetration, it is paired with a powerful Forces. The framework agreement al- dling across all products, the AT4 family launch system capable of providing a lows the Latvian Armed Forces to place offers ease of use, whatever the task. very high hit probability. It comes with orders for AT4 systems. Insight into the AT4 Family a fully integrated red dot sight and ad- “This order demonstrates the cus- AT4 HEAT: The system provides a pow- ditional bracket system. tomer’s belief in our AT4 system and erful defence against infantry-fighting AT4CS HE: This system features an in Saab. We are proud to provide our vehicles. Saab’s shoulder-launched innovative warhead with tungsten customers with AT4 systems that fulfils anti-armour weapon is easy to operate, spheres, enabling versatile capabili- their specific demands and needs,” said fully disposable and benefits from a ties, ranging from air burst to impact Görgen Johansson, head of Saab busi- unique warhead design, offering a very mode. Whether in an urban or jungle ness area Dynamics. high hit probability. environment, AT4CS HE enables dis- The company’s single shot AT4 weapon AT4CS AST: It has confined space mounted soldiers to engage enemies system is combat proven and provides capability and an integrated red dot from the safety of concealed buildings capabilities required for mission suc- sight. Its maintenance-free tandem or structures. This man-portable weap- cess, including night and confined warhead can easily engage building on boasts a series of additional features, space capabilities. The AT4 family structures and bunkers, and fire from including a bracket system and a fully consists of multiple lightweight, man- within confined spaces. This weapon is integrated red dot sight. portable, fully disposable weapons. disposable when fired and capable of AT4CS HP: It is a shoulder-launched anti-armour weapon with confined space capability. It benefits from a war- head uniquely optimised to penetrate armour, as well as a launch system of- fering an incredibly high hit probabil- ity and a fully integrated red dot sight. AT4CS RS: The system is an anti-ar- mour, shoulder-launched weapon with a unique bi-metal warhead design, spe- cially developed to maximise behind- armour impact. The weapon offers con- fined space capability, a reduced sen- sitivity explosive and a powerful and robust launch system. It also benefits from a fully-integrated red dot sight for enhanced visibility. 43

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The first modified MV-22 Osprey was recently delivered to the United States Marine Corps by Boeing and Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, for improved readiness and reliability “This milestone marks the beginning kilometres per hour), it can respond of the tiltrotor fleet. of an Osprey evolution,” said Kristin quickly to distant threats. Two custom- The Marines have multiple configura- Houston, vice president, Boeing Til- ers have used the tilt-rotor technol- tions of the MV-22 aircraft in service. trotor Programmes and director, Bell ogy and flown the aircraft more than Under the Common Configuration Boeing V-22 Programme. “Through a 200,000 hours. – Readiness and Modernization (CC- shared focus on safety and quality, the Using commercially available logistics RAM) programme, Bell Boeing is report- Bell Boeing team is delivering mod- optimisation software, V-22 enabled edly reducing the number of configura- ernised MV-22 aircraft that are ready logistics networks demonstrate in- tions by upgrading block “B” aircraft to to serve our dedicated servicemen and creased delivery volume and velocity the current block “C” configuration. women who rely on this essential avia- as compared to an optimised legacy “Our first CC-RAM aircraft returning tion resource.” COD network by eliminating the logis- to Marine Corps Air Station New River “We look forward to having the re- tics “bottleneck” at the carrier. With 100 was a key programme benchmark,” maining MV-22 block “B” aircraft re-join per cent same-day delivery and effi- said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew the fleet in a block “C” configuration,” cient asset utilisation, V-22 promises to Kelly, programme manager, V-22 Joint said Kelly. deliver more to the carrier strike group Programme Office (PMA-275). “We In November 2019, the U.S. Navy with mission cost savings up to 50 per are excited to see the capability, com- awarded Bell Boeing US$146,039,547 cent and up to 44 per cent improved monality and readiness improvements to upgrade nine additional MV-22 air- cubic foot throughput. these CC-RAM aircraft bring to the fleet craft under the CC-RAM programme, Optimising readiness of the Osprey as part of the Marine Corps’ V-22 readi- with work expected to be completed fleet around the globe is one of Boeing’s ness programme.” The next CC-RAM in March 2022. many missions. From performance- delivery is expected in early 2020. The Osprey’s wings fold into a 63- based logistics contracting and inte- As a block “B” configuration, the MV- foot, 18-foot by 18-foot configuration, grated fleet support to vertical lift main- 22 was originally delivered to the fleet which takes up less space on an aircraft tenance, modifications and repairs, in 2005. In 2018, the aircraft flew from carrier. The Osprey can carry 24 com- Boeing provides a broad spectrum of Marine Corps Air Station New River bat troops or 20,000 pounds of inter- products and services, which directly to the Boeing Philadelphia facility for nal cargo, or 15,000 pounds externally. support and enhance capabilities while modernisation. With a max speed of 275 knots (443 reducing total cost of ownership. 44 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

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a generational increase in submarine production for our nation.” Ships in the Virginia class exemplify the U.S. Navy’s commitment to reduce costs through a multi-year procure- ment strategy, with shipbuilders driv- ing delivery timelines from 88 months contractor working with Newport News in Block I to a current average rate of Shipbuilding to deliver to the Navy Vir- 68 months. Continuous improvements ginia-class fast-attack submarines with in construction practices and cost- advanced capabilities and expanded reduction design changes now enable In December 2019, the U.S. Navy capacity. Kevin M. Graney, President a doubling of the submarine build rate awarded General Dynamics Electric of General Dynamics Electric Boat says to two ships per year while consistently Boat a contract valued at US$22.2 bil- that he is ‘prepared to meet the chal- increasing ship capability, entailing lion for the construction of nine new lenge’: “This contract allows for our that Electric Boat and Newport News Virginia-class submarines, with deliver- shipbuilding team, our suppliers and Shipbuilding have already delivered 18 ies scheduled from 2025 to 2029. The our employees to plan ahead so that Virginia-class submarines to the Navy, option of a tenth Block V ship con- we can continue to deliver submarines simultaneous to the 10 Block IV subma- structed within the contract time frame of unmatched quality, stealth and le- rines currently under construction. brings the potential contract value to thality,” said Graney. “Increasing the ca- With the build taking place at a re- US$24.1 billion. dence of our production from one per cently constructed facility at Quonset A wholly owned subsidiary of General year to two, coupled with the start of Point, Rhode Island, eight of the ships Dynamics, the multi-year ‘Block V’ con- full production of the Columbia-class produced for Block V will include the tract enables Electric Boat to be prime ballistic missile submarine, represents Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which 45

was designed by Electric Boat to en- of those are equipped with 12 Vertical able enhanced use of Special Operat- Launch System (VLS) tubes for firing ing Forces and allow the Navy to bring Ships in the Tomahawk cruise missiles. aboard additional weapons, sensors The Navy has three Seawolf-class sub- and other special payloads. The VPM Virginia class marines (SSN 21) commissioned in will be comprised of four additional 1997, which are exceptionally quiet, large-diameter payload tubes located exemplify the fast, well-armed and equipped with amidships, increasing the fixed strike U.S. Navy’s advanced sensors. Although lacking capacity of the ship by more than 230 VLS, the Seawolf class has eight torpe- per cent. commitment to do tubes holding up to 50 weapons in Virginia-class submarines displace its torpedo room. The third ship of the 7,800 tonnes, with a hull length of reduce costs class, USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23), has a 377 feet and a diameter of 34 feet, but 100-foot hull multi-mission platform. with VPM the submarines will displace This extended hull section enables 10,200 tonnes and have a length of additional payloads to accommodate 460 feet. They are capable of speeds and engage in mine warfare. advanced technology for classified in excess of 25 knots and can dive to a The United States Submarine Force research and development as well as depth greater than 800 feet while car- relies on technological superiority and enhanced warfighting capabilities. rying Mark 48 advanced capability tor- the speed, endurance, mobility, stealth The Navy is continuing its next-gener- pedoes, Tomahawk land-attack missiles and payload of nuclear power. With ation attack submarine programme, and unmanned underwater vehicles. the number of foreign diesel-electric/ with more than a dozen SSN 774-Vir- 7JSHJOJB
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The Virginia-class USS Delaware (SSN 791) conducts Bravo sea trials in the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo courtesy U.S. Navy) 46 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines or surface ships

The SSN class is now able to support cent of the ship to reduce their acqui- riodicity between depot maintenance a large number of SOF in a reconfigu- sition costs. Most of the changes are availabilities and so raise the number of rable torpedo room, accommodating found in the bow where the traditional, deployments. all their equipment for prolonged de- air-backed sonar sphere has been re- In turn, the plan is that the Blocks I-III ployments and future off-board pay- placed with a water-backed Large Ap- Virginias will undergo four depot main- loads. This class also has a large lock-in/ erture Bow (LAB) array which reduces tenance availabilities and conduct 14 lock-out chamber for divers. acquisition and life-cycle costs while deployments. Block IV RTOC efforts are Moreover, for Virginia-class SSNs, tra- providing enhanced passive detection thus intended to reduce planned avail- ditional periscopes have been sup- capabilities. abilities by one to three, while increas- planted by two photonics masts that The new bow also replaces the 12 in- ing deployments to 15 in what the Navy host visible and infrared digital cam- dividual Vertical Launch System (VLS) refers to as 3:15. eras atop telescoping arms. With the tubes with two large diameter 87-inch /FYUHFO
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*7 cost (RTOC). By making these smaller- design and cost risk. For the third part of the Virginia-class scale design changes to increase the Reference Text/Photo: contract, named Block III, the Navy component-level lifecycle of the sub- www.navy.mil has redesigned approximately 20 per marine, the Navy will increase the pe- www.gd.com 47

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scope of the contract concluded with out to modify the combat system in Argentina, which chose in February order to make it compliant to the cus- to equip its Navy with four OPV 87 in- tomer’s needs, to enhance the ship’s cluding L’Adroit. Such ships were used capacities by modifying the propul- by the French Navy (Marine nationale) Last month, the first one of the sion system, to increase its autonomy from 2011 to 2018, demonstrating the four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) by reinforcing its freshwater produc- relevance and operational value of ordered by Argentina, designed and tion capacity and to equip the ship this new class of Offshore Patrol Ves- developed by Naval Group on its own with a 30 mm gun. sels in theatres of operations. resources, was handed over to the Ar- The Argentinian Navy’s future crew The OPV 87 is a multipurpose ship in- gentinian Navy two months ahead of moreover received specific navigation volved in several military missions but schedule. This was done after only 10 training from Naval Group’s team. The also in avenues such as fisheries policy months of upgrade and modernisa- company also provided associated lo- and maritime security, especially the tion works. gistical and documentary support. Atalanta European anti-piracy op- The OPV L’Adroit recently adopted “This project is a great pride for the eration. L’Adroit demonstrated its effi- the Argentinian flag and became the Naval Group’ Services teams, who met ciency and the relevance of the inno- A.R.A. BOUCHARD. The three oth- the Argentinian Navy’s expectations,” vations developed by Naval Group to ers OPVs will be delivered from April explained Nathalie Smirnov, Naval serve navies, special forces and coast 2021 at the pace of one unit every six Group Services Director. “The tech- guards. months. nical and industrial operations have This range of ships also benefits from Since mid-February, Naval Group’s been achieved ahead of time even Naval Group expertise in terms of in- teams have carried out a major techni- though this programme involved a formation and commandment sys- cal shutdown in order to maximise the complete overhaul of the platform tems, allowing an extended surveil- potential of the ship for the Argentin- rather than a traditional in-service lance of the maritime space and the ian Navy and to adapt it to their needs. support operation.” automatic detection of suspect be- Major operations have been carried The first ship delivery falls within the haviors. The BOUCHARD is equipped 49

with the Polaris system, specifically developed by Naval Group for state missions at sea and sea-proven by the French Navy. The OPV is able to stay on the high seas during more than three weeks, to attain a speed of 20 knots and to ac- commodate a helicopter. Implement- ed by a reduced crew of 40 members, it is also able to accommodate about 20 extra passengers. %FMJWFSJOH
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8BSTIJQT Naval Group is a naval systems provid- Naval Group delivers the Offshore Patrol Vessel A.R.A. er and integrator, and one of the few BOUCHARD to the Argentinian Navy companies in the world with the abil- ity to deliver complete warships with their combat systems and all the criti- cal equipment necessary to engage naval power in a theatre of operations. At the recently concluded Expode- fensa 2019 in Colombia, the company highlighted Gowind, the multi-mis- sion frigate proposed to Colombia for PES (Plataforma Estrategica de Superficie) programme. Gowind is Na- val Group’s response to 21st century defence and security challenges. The platform combines high survivability The OPV 87 is a multipurpose ship involved in several military missions characteristics with anti-air (AAW), an- agement and resilience. and operational effectiveness. Robust ti-surface (ASuW) and anti-submarine Nine of the 10 Gowind vessels contract- and enduring, it’s an ocean-going (ASW) warfare performances thanks ed are being built with foreign partners submarine also designed for shallow to the MU90 and to the CANTO-V. in Malaysia and Egypt. The first Gowind waters operations. Multipurpose, it ful- The Gowind is operated with the SE- built in Egypt was launched on Sep- fils the entire scope of missions such TIS. This state-of-the-art system is tember 6, 2018. The ships can accom- as anti-surface and anti-submarine combat-proven on the French Navy’s modate 50 to 75 crew and passengers warfare, special operations, offensive FREMM frigates and interoperable and have a maximum speed of 22kt to minelaying and intelligence gathering. with NATO systems. It provides the op- 27kt. The Gowind has an endurance of While standing as the latest generation erator with the best management and two to three weeks on patrol missions of combat system, SUBTICS addressed decision-making aids, ensuring the between at-sea replenishment. the growing challenges of modern Gowind’s expertise over conventional Naval Group also put Scorpene, the submarines missions in blue and shal- and asymmetric threats. SETIS meets combat-proven oceanic submarines low waters such as anti-surface and all operational requirements by cover- for the replacement of the Colombian anti-submarine warfare, intelligence ing a wide spectrum of missions and fleet, in the spotlight. Naval Group gathering, land-attack or deep strike. delivering unrivalled performances in combines unique platform and com- Highly modular and scalable, SUBTICS all warfare domains. Easy to operate bat system skills to provide operation- can be integrated either on new plat- and user-friendly, it provides a contin- al superiority and safety benefiting forms or as part of modernisation pro- uous improvement process aimed at from the French Navy legacy. grammes for existing submarines. optimising system operational man- Scorpène is ideally suited for action Reference: www.naval-group.com 50 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

system allows it to fly further and faster than any other air-to-air missile, giving it the capacity to defeat manoeuvring Integrated Joint Programme Office targets even at extreme ranges. (IJPO) on behalf of the German Federal Éric Béranger, CEO of MBDA affirms Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, In- that, “The Meteor programme can be The German Air Force has com- formation Technology and In-Service considered Europe’s most successful missioned MBDA to build Meteor, the Support (BAAINBw). defence co-operation programme, next generation Beyond Visual Range Designed to revolutionise air-to-air bringing together the best technolo- Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) system. combat in the 21st Century, Meteor gies from six European nations to deliv- Signed on December 16, the contract is one of the most advanced missiles er a common military capability that is was awarded to MBDA by the Meteor available. Its unique ramjet propulsion truly revolutionary. We are very pleased 51

seeker, Meteor provides all-weath- the missile, which integrates proximity er capability to engage a wide vari- and impact fuses. ety of targets from agile fast jets to Traditional air-to-air missiles glide un- small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and powered for most of their flight, so cruise missiles. It is designed to meet limiting their ability to hit agile targets the most stringent of requirements, at long distances. In contrast, Meteor’s being capable of operating in the ramjet provides sustained thrust at most severe of clutter and counter- speeds in excess of Mach 4 all the way measure environments. to the target, giving Meteor an unri- Meteor is also equipped with data link valled no-escape zone. communication aimed at meeting Meteor is now cleared for frontline the needs of a network-centric envi- service with all of Europe’s domestic ronment and can be operated using fighter aircraft (Gripen, Eurofighter third party data enabling the pilot to and Rafale), but is also compatible profit from the most flexible weap- with other advanced fighter aircraft on systems. Meteor’s performance and will be integrated to the F-35 is achieved through its unique ram- Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. De- jet propulsion system boasting solid ployed from within F-35’s internal fuel, variable flow and ducted rocket. weapons bay, Meteor is ‘network en- Moreover, Meteor’s ‘ramjet’ motor pro- abled’ via data-link without compro- vides the missile with thrust all the way mising stealth and fully optimising the to target intercept, providing the larg- situational awareness advantages of est No-Escape Zone of any air-to-air the F-35. missile. Guided by an advanced active In addition, Meteor’s throttle-able radar seeker, the missile is equipped ramjet and active radar seeker com- with both impact and proximity fuses bine to provide unmatched end-game along with a fragmentation warhead speed and manoeuvrability at greatly that detonates on impact or at the extended ranges, resulting in a No- optimum point of intercept in order to Escape Zone several times greater maximise lethality. than other existing or planned BVR Being designed as a complete unit, weapons. Being that any enemy will the Meteor missile requires no as- think twice before entering airspace to receive this additional contract from sembly and maintenance immediately controlled by F-35s, Meteor’s combat the German customer as a further com- before loading in an arrangement that advantages make it equally effective mitment to Meteor as the primary air reduces its overall life logistic support as a weapon of dissuasion. dominance weapon for Eurofighter.” cost. Meteor can also be launched MBDA has also been awarded a con- ,FZ
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$BQBCJMJUJFT as a stealth missile, equipped with tract by Korea Aerospace Industries The development of Meteor has been enhanced kinematics features and (KAI) for the integration of the Me- led by MBDA and a group of European capable of striking different types of teor’s Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air partners with the aim of meeting the targets simultaneously in almost any Missile onto the KF-X future Korean needs of six European nations: the UK, weather. fighter aircraft. The contract includes Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Swe- The Meteor has a length of 3.7m and integration support to KAI and the den. This next generation missile will diameter of 0.178m designed to be transfer of technical know-how, as bring together these key European compatible with AIM-120 type rail and well as the manufacturing of test countries in a common need to defeat eject launcher systems. It is equipped equipment for the KF-X integration the threats of today as well as those with a blast-fragmentation warhead and trials campaign. emerging in the future. supplied by TDW of Germany and de- Reference Text/Photo: Guided by an advanced active radar signed as a structural component of www.mbda-systems.com 52 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

Safran and Aerion Announce Supersonic Partnership

Aerion Supersonic, a company spe- for over a century," said Aerion CEO ity. This commitment has led to a lot cialising in supersonic technology, re- Tom Vice. "It is that wealth of experi- of firsts such as the fact that the AS2 cently announced it has selected Saf- ence, paired with Safran's eye toward is the first supersonic aircraft designed ran as a partner for the AS2 supersonic the future and our shared commitment with the ability to accept 100 per cent business jet. By coming together, these to sustainability, that makes us feel so biofuels (as opposed to blends). It companies will bring over a century of confident about this relationship." is also the first OEM to plan for truly aerospace experience to support the Environmentally Responsible carbon-neutral operations via carbon preliminary design of reportedly the According to reports, Aerion's AS2 is reduction strategies (not just financial first-ever modern supersonic business the first-ever privately built supersonic offsets). jet. commercial aircraft. Designed to be in- Furthermore, the AS2 will be the first Two Safran companies have already herently environmentally responsible, commercial aircraft to fly at supersonic joined the project to support the AS2. the AS2 is the first supersonic aircraft speeds over land with no noise on the Safran Landing Systems will design the with the ability to accept 100 per cent ground. Reports highlighted that this complete braking and landing gear synthetic fuel. It is also the first to be is a challenging feat requiring revolu- system, from main and nose landing designed without an afterburner. The tionary aircraft design and an incred- gears, to wheels and brakes, including 12-passenger business jet is scheduled ibly efficient supersonic engine. extension/retraction, monitoring and to begin flight testing in 2024. Another key feature of the Aerion is steering systems, at their engineering "We are thrilled to be part of this ex- that it prefers a silent approach to a less centres in Canada and France. While traordinary technological project, noisy one, which it achieves through Safran Nacelles will design the AS2 which requests from our engineers to the Boomless Cruise technology that is nacelles, including the engines' inlets, imagine beyond their usual environ- possible at speeds approaching Mach fan cowl doors and thrust reverser in ment and design breakthrough tech- 1.2, depending on atmospheric con- France. nologies for the future of aviation," said ditions like air temperature and wind. "Safran is a well-known global group Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran. The company is currently working with that has been designing, developing In fact, Aerion is the first aircraft OEM certifying authorities to approve this and manufacturing aircraft equipment to commit to a goal of carbon neutral- cruise capability. 53 54 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports India and Colombia Certify Mi-171A2

speed of the helicopter are 10 per cent higher and the load capacity is 25 per Recently, the Mi-171A2 helicopter cent greater than those of serial Mi- was certified in India and Colombia, 8/17 helicopters. and this now allows Russian Helicop- The digital onboard equipment set ters (part of Rostec State Corporation) KBO-17-1 (glass cabin), including the to start exporting the latest modifica- chines of this type to the country. navigation instrumentation and the tion of the multirole civilian helicopter. "Mi-171A2 is the latest modification system of general helicopter equip- The Civil Aviation Department of India of Mi-8/17, one of the most common ment with display data indication, confirmed that the standard design of twin-engine helicopters in the world. allowed the company to reduce the Mi-171A2 complied with Indian civil- Companies from Rostec's Aviation crew to only two people. ian aviation requirements (CAR). The Cluster made immense effort to re- Furthermore, video cameras provide a Indian Directorate General of Civil ceive an opportunity to operate the better view during external load oper- Aviation had previously approved a machines in India and Colombia: the ations. Also, modern terrain awareness type certificate for VK-2500PS-03 he- type certificates were confirmed for and warning systems, airborne and licopter turboshaft engine installed the helicopter itself and for UEC's VK- obstacle collision avoidance systems in Mi-171A2 helicopters for JSC “UEC- 2500PS-03 engines that the helicop- have improved safety. The helicopter Klimov”. ters were equipped with. Mi-171A2 can carry passengers and is available The first Mi-171A2 for an Indian cus- has the A type certificate of the Fed- in the transport, passenger and VIP tomer has already been produced by eral Air Transport Agency of Russia. It versions. Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant. It was dem- means that the highest flight safety re- JSC Russian Helicopters is a leading onstrated to Indian Prime Minister Na- quirements for civilian helicopters are player in the global helicopter indus- rendra Modi at the Eastern Economic met," said Director General of Russian try, and the sole Russian designer and Forum. There are also plans to validate Helicopters holding company Andrey manufacturer of helicopters. The hold- the Mi-171A2 type certificate in China, Boginsky. ing company was established in 2007 South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Peru and With the advanced modification of and is headquartered in Moscow. It other countries. the improved engine, the helicopters operates five helicopter assembly The validated Mi-171A2 type certificate have new capabilities for operating in plants, two design bureaus, compo- was also issued by the Special Admin- high-mountain and high-temperature nent production and maintenance istrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics of areas. Thanks to its X-shaped tail rotor, enterprises, aircraft repair plants and Colombia (UAEAC). The decision of the the new main rotor with all-composite one helicopter service company pro- Colombian authorities gives Russian blades, and improved aerodynamic viding after-sales support in Russia Helicopters the prospect to supply ma- profile, the cruising and maximum and abroad. 55 56 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Reports

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The European combat aircraft in- dustry will face three main challenges over the next 20 years. Firstly, to up- hold necessary skills in areas in which the European industry has gained technical competences and fields of excellence. Secondly, the need to develop strategic technologies and lastly, to provide a workload to the Eu- ropean design offices. In 2003, the French government re- sponded to this challenge by launch- ing a project for a technological dem- onstrator of an Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV), elaborated in the framework of a European coopera- tion scheme. The prime contractor was notified of the main contract in 2006, with the industrial partnership con- tracts following concurrently. History of Testing The first flight of the technological demonstrator named nEUROn was completed on 1st December 2012 in Istres, France. Following initial flights, the nEUROn was transferred to the research centre of the French defence procurement agency (DGA – Déléga- tion Générale pour l’Armement) in on-bay doors open), test the electro- to Sweden in summer 2015 in order Bruz to evaluate stealth performance. optical sensor and evaluate datalink to be exposed to operational systems Taking place in an anechoic chamber, performance. deployed by these two major pro- the campaign lasted until May 2013 In the second phase, most of the flights gramme partners. A test launch of a giving excellent results. The nEUROn were dedicated to signature/detection 250kg bomb from the internal bay was was displayed at the Paris Air Show in tests in the infrared and electromag- successfully carried out on 2nd Sep- June 2013 where it attracted a lot of netic ranges using operational sys- tember 2015 in Sweden. interest. tems. Now nEUROn has proven to be %BTTBVMU
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enabling the lessons learnt from the Leonardo (Italy): Leonardo contrib- stealth data to constitute a reference uted to the project with a new concept for future aircraft projects. Dassault’s The nEUROn has of an internal weapon bay (“Smart In- success demonstrates its aviation com- tegrated Weapon Bay” – SIWB), an in- petences in both strategic technolo- test launched ternal EO/IR sensor, the bay doors and gies and prime contractorship, as well their operating mechanisms, the elec- as its capacity to lead cooperative Eu- a 250kg bomb trical power and distribution system, ropean programmes. and the air data system. In May 2016, the DGA launched a new from the Saab (Sweden): Saab was entrusted nEUROn flight test campaign in France with the general design of the main to study the use of an unmanned internal bay fuselage, the landing gear doors, the combat air vehicle in a naval context. avionics and the fuel system. Tests were carried out at sea with the successfully Airbus Defence & Space (Spain): For- Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, then merly EADS-CASA, Airbus Defence & followed by another campaign of elec- Space lent its experience to the wings, tromagnetic signature measurements ies by building and demonstrating an the ground station and to the data link at the DGA’s Bruz centre lasting until unmanned aircraft. integration. early 2017. Since then, the Italian, Swedish, Span- Hellenic Aerospace Industry – HAI The aim of the demonstrator was to ish, Greek and Swiss governments (Greece): HAI was responsible for the provide the European design offices have acted together with their relat- rear fuselage, the exhaust pipe and the with a project permitting them to de- ed industrial teams to join the French supply of racks for the “global integra- velop know-how and maintain their initiative. tion tests rig”. technological capabilities over the Related Industrial Team Ruag (Switzerland): Ruag took care of coming years. It was also a way of im- The industrial team of the nEUROn the low-speed wind tunnel tests and plementing an innovative process in programme is composed of six compa- the weapon interfaces between the terms of the management and or- nies outlined here: aircraft and armaments. ganisation of a European cooperative Dassault Aviation (France): Additional The nEUROn programme aims to programme. to being the design authority, Dassault demonstrate the maturity and effec- A single point of decision, the DGA and took charge of the general architec- tiveness of technical solutions. The a single point of implementation, the ture of the system, the flight control aircraft’s composite structure as well Dassault Aviation company as prime system, the implementation of low as its high level of stealth are the main contractor, were settled to manage observable devices, the final assembly, technological challenges successfully the nEUROn programme. In complet- the systems integration on the “global met by Dassault Aviation as part of this ing these objectives, the project has integration tests rig”, the ground tests programme. gone far beyond the theoretical stud- and the flight tests. 58 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Issue File 5IF
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As the UAE approaches 2021, the nent achievements of the past year, It has demonstrated a unique model in year set for accomplishing ambitious analysing what has been achieved sustainable development, good gov- development vision goals, the pace of and the role this will play in sustain- ernance and investment of resources progress accelerates in all fields. The able development. while upholding national values and year 2019 has witnessed remarkable The UAE has been able to consolidate principles. This has been reflected in success at all levels. In this issue, Na- and strengthen its leading position the high rank attained in many interna- tion Shield highlights the most promi- among developed countries in 2019. tional development indicators. 59

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tion levels to rise to an average of 3.07 bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Presi- Retains Increasing International million barrels per day this year, an in- dent and Prime Minister of the UAE $POöEFODF
crease from the average of 3 million and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness The UAE economy has continued its barrels per day in 2018, reflecting the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Na- growth, which went up from 1.7 per continuous investment of the UAE in hyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and cent in 2018 to 2.2 per cent in 2019. It is enhancing its production capacity. Deputy Supreme Commander of the backed by the recovery of non-oil sec- Effective Economic Policies Armed Forces, constituted an impor- tor activity, increase in public spend- The third session of the annual meet- tant opportunity to evaluate many ing and foreign investment, and the ing of the UAE government held in government policies that support the growth of the non-oil sector. The report November 2019 in Abu Dhabi, chaired national economy. These meetings fo- prepared by “Oxford Economics” has by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed cused on sectors that support develop- monitored several factors that support ment plans, such as energy, aerospace, economic activity in the UAE, including investment, business, tourism, health, the approval of the federal government education, and other sectors. of an expansionary budget of AED 60.3 The UAE These meetings addressed the issue of billion for 2019, with an increase of 17.3 enhancing the business environment per cent on an annual basis, in addition topped the through a set of criteria for establishing to other incentives that support eco- business and ways to develop initia- nomic growth. Arab world and tives to ease the establishment of start- Regarding the oil sector, the report ups in the country. This will help make issued by the Institute of Chartered moved up two the UAE the best destination for doing Accountants in England and Wales business globally. (ICAEW) has stated that oil production places from last Promoting Investment in Human in the UAE during 2019 witnessed a Wealth and Empowering Citizens recovery to ease the conditions in the year During 2019, the UAE continued its pol- global oil markets. It expected produc- icies of investing in human wealth and 60 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Issue File

upgrading the skills of citizens so that they can participate in nation building. This emanates from the awareness that human resources are the key to stable development. This has been embod- ied in many aspects, the most promi- nent of which are the following: 5IF
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Empower Citizens The Cabinet headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Mak- toum, Vice President and Prime Minis- ter of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai ap- Focus on Emiratisation Policies proved in October 2019 a deficit-free During 2019, the UAE continued its ef- federal budget for the year 2020, with forts to enhance the capabilities of a total of AED 61.354 billion, which is citizens and consolidate their contribu- the largest since the foundation of the Education tions to growth and development, by UAE. The federal budget for the New Support Fund raising the number of workers in the Year 2020, with all its plans and pro- private sector by 10 times the current grammes, reflects the directives of His aims to ensure number by 2021. Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Initiatives to Facilitate Things for Nahyan, President of the UAE, seeking the sustainability Citizens and Make Them Happier to provide a decent life for citizens and On the occasion of the 48th National residents in the UAE, to achieve the vi- of programmes Day, on December 2, 2019, the prudent sion of the Emirates 2021 and the goals leadership in the UAE launched a set of UAE 2071. of initiatives aimed at making citizens 61

The year 2019 marked a decisive point in the history of Emirati achievements happy. The first was the establishment of the “Debt Fund”, and the exemption of 1,716 citizens from their debts with a total value of more than AED 787 million, in cooperation with 15 banks, under the directions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The second is the order of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Com- mander of the Armed Forces, under directives of HH the President, to dis- burse housing loans and residential lands to more than 5,000 citizens in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with a total value of AED 6.6 billion. The third was quali- tative initiatives to develop the educa- ment of this university was announced programme “Enriching Students”, “My tion system which include: in October 2019 to launch a new stage Talent”, “Why?”, “Programming Your Education Support Fund: In Octo- in the journey of science and technol- Idea,” and “Abu Dhabi Science Festival,” ber 2019, the Cabinet approved the ogy in the UAE. It is unique in terms of in addition to the “Innovator” initiative. establishment of the Education Sup- postgraduate studies specialising in It is expected that through these pro- port Fund which aims to strengthen artificial intelligence research, keeping grammes the country would be able to partnerships with the private sector pace with the comprehensive progress develop human capital, and enhance and businessmen to develop educa- in the UAE. creativity and innovation skills. tion and provide additional financial Programmes to Empower Students Qualitative Achievements in the resources that support qualitative de- in Specific Qualitative Disciplines: In Space Sector velopment programmes in education December 2019, the Department of The year 2019 marked a decisive point at all levels. The fund aims to ensure the Education and Knowledge announced in the history of Emirati achievements. sustainability of programmes for the six programmes to support students’ The UAE was on a date with the future qualitative development and moderni- learning of “STEAM” subjects and en- on September 25, 2019, when Hazza Al sation of education. courage them to join the specialisation Mansouri, the first Emirati astronaut, Mohamed bin Zayed University of in science, technology, engineering, participated in the space voyage on Artificial Intelligence: The establish- mathematics, and arts, including the board Soyuz MS15 spacecraft to the In- 62 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Issue File

ternational Space Station. This historic and strategic partnerships in support- achievement confirms that the true ing its development goals. wealth of the UAE is its sons armed with The UAE has During 2019, the UAE recorded a knowledge, science and strong will. new historic achievement, as the UAE Day after day, the UAE is consolidat- been able to passport became the strongest in the ing its position as a leader in the space world. It was ranked first globally on industry. Hazaa Al Mansouri’s partici- consolidate December 1, 2018. pation in the Soyuz MS15 spacecraft’s its position 6"&
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 countries in various international reports and indi- During 2019, UAE diplomacy made an cators that measure the level of devel- impact at the global level. The key im- various fields opment in the countries of the world. portant achievements are as follows: For example: Affirming the UAE’s right to its three is- t
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lands occupied by Iran, “Greater Tunb, options for political action on the in- moved up two places from last year to Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa”, mobilising ternational scene. This is evident from 25th in the world in the Global Com- international and regional support for the move towards major powers in petitiveness Report 2019 issued by the its position on these islands, and creat- addition to influential and emerging World Economic Forumin Davos. Be- ing global public opinion pressing for regional powers, and from the great in- sides, the UAE came first in the world in their evacuation. terest in strengthening ties with Asian the “Stability of the National Economy.” Highlighting the UAE’s international countries, African countries, Latin t
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tive repercussions on regional and in- resents an important mechanism to and 12th globally among the most ternational security and stability. support its domestic development competitive countries in the 2019 Digi- Emirati diplomacy succeeded during programmes, and UAE diplomacy has tal Competitiveness Index issued in 2019 in expanding and diversifying worked to employ foreign relations September 2019 by the International 63

Competitiveness Center of the Interna- preme Commander of the Armed Forc- tional Institute for Administrative De- es, announced in December 2019 that velopment in Lausanne, Switzerland. ““The Year 2020: Towards the Next 50” t
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the next 50 years and preparing for the the Positive Countries Index issued by country’s Golden Jubilee celebrations the Positive Economy Foundation an- of 2021.” nually, to measure positive economic Conclusion indicators in the OECD countries. What the UAE has achieved in terms 2020 is the Year of Preparation for of development and political achieve- UIF
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ments in 2019 is only the tip of the ice- Aspiration for the Future berg. There are many other successes and procedures for the next 50 years to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin in different sectors of work. It is ex- enable the UAE to implement its am- Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and pected that the year 2020 will be a con- bitious plans to move to the post-oil Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of tinuation of what has been achieved in stage and create a knowledge econo- Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mo- the past years. It will also prepare the my making it the most important incu- hammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown nation for the 50th anniversary of the bator for innovation and creativity will Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Su- establishment of the Union. Policies also be drawn up. 64 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Research

Armies of the Future Switching UP
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Computer-controlled systems are digitised images. for UGVs performing an overwatch or inherently easier to integrate into the Moreover, while a small manned ve- artificial guard missions, endurance can digital battlefield. By accepting com- hicle bouncing over rough terrain can be measured in days or weeks instead mands in digital forms, unmanned provide some images from its on-board of hours. ground vehicles (UGVs) can produce camera; autonomous vehicles are ca- Unmanned vehicles can be built small- exact replicas of maps, while their re- pable of operating for much longer er than any other vehicle, requiring the ports come back as digital messages or periods than a crewed system. Hence, inclusion of a crew compartment. UGVs 65

can also be unusually shaped, enabling them more access than a manned ve- hicle in order to hide in smaller sites where they are harder to see and hit. Last month we discussed the UGV modernisation-taking place in Austra- lia, Belarus, Estonia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands and Norway. In this article, we will look at ongoing UGV modernisation plans in four other ma- jor countries. 6OJUFE
,JOHEPN As part of the U.K.’s £160 million trans- formation fund, the Ministry of De- fence (MOD) has allocated £66 million in funding to accelerate robotic proj- ects for the British Army. Launched in April 2019, the MOD’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is a single- phase £1.8 million competition for the development of semi-autonomous forward reconnaissance systems con- trolled from manned mobile assets classed as Manned-Unmanned Team- Miloš tracked armed robot platform ing (MUM-T). DASA is looking for ground-to-ground, air-to-air and ground-to-air systems suitable armoured vehicle accept proposals from academia, SMEs controlled by a single user working in Challenge 3: A system featuring an ap- and large companies coming from a mobile ground or air platform. DASA propriate operator interface both the U.K. and overseas. has set out the following challenges, When the proposed solutions are dem- The UK Defence Science and Tech- of which bidders must address at least onstrated in a field trial at Army Warf- nology Laboratory (DSTL) has down- one: ighting Experiment in March 2020, selected the QinetiQ-led team’s first- Challenge 1: An unmanned system ca- DASA expects the MUM-T systems to of-its-kind TITAN for the Autonomous pable of semi-autonomous operation be innovative and fall between tech- Last Mile Resupply competition. As a Challenge 2: A system deployable by a nology readiness levels 4-6. DASA will modular, hybrid, unmanned ground vehicle that provides soldier safety and Russian MOD has announced that it support for small military dismounted is to receive 12 updated Uran multi- operations, the TITAN aims to deliver purpose mine clearance UGV vital supplies safely and reliably to the front line. TITAN is a large UGV providing “lighten- the-load” support for small dismount- ed military operations. Developed by QinetiQ North America and Milrem Ro- botics, TITAN features a multi-mission, reconfigurable platform to enhance unit effectiveness while increasing sol- dier safety. 66 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Research

Unlike existing UGVs, TITAN’s highly ing the result of a three-year coopera- of 35 km/h and carrying up to 500 kg of modular platform enables different su- tion between the two nations. payload. Although the power reserve perstructures to be integrated onto the Russia is a standard 200 km, if the fuel tank is middle vehicular platform for complex Developed by the Ryasan-based Design equipped with increased capacity, it rescue, transport and reconnaissance Bureau Aurora, Russia’s Airborne Forces may increase to 500 km. missions. The flexibility and versatile (VDV) are trialling the MARS A-800 lo- Moreover, the UGV can be dropped nature of the system not only increases gistics UGV designed to transport up with a parachute system. The built-in efficiency, but significantly reduces life to six fully equipped soldiers and offers generator can also supply power to a cycle costs and soldier workload. battlefield support to an airborne mo- camp or recharge the batteries of spe- The British Army has received the first tor rifle squad. It can operate at temper- cial equipment. four T7 UGV, manufactured by Harris atures between -40°C and +40°C and be Having completed field trials, the latest Corporation under a £55 million deal for remotely controlled via radio channel. modular Kaptain robotic complex UGV a total of 56 under Project Starter. The The MARS A-800 (Mobile Autonomous is being delivered to Russian military robots feature lightning-fast datalinks, Robotic System) tracked Unmanned engineers. Carrying dismountable re- high-definition cameras, an adjustable Ground Vehicle was presented for the connaissance and engineering equip- manipulation arm and counter-EOD first time at the Skolkovo Foundation ment, the robot resembles a miniature capability. stand of the RAE-2015 exhibition. Car- tracked half-a-metre-high tank and DSTL and the U.S. Army Combat Ca- rying up to six people and transporting with the controls and batteries inside, pabilities Development Command’s cargos including ammunition, MARS the hull has a docking unit for quick Ground Vehicle Systems Centre have A-800 is designed to support infantry replacement and can be rearmed in conducted a joint experiment to test and carry out transport, logistics and seconds. UGVs involving a convoy of autono- other missions equipped with various Moving away from the control panel mous vehicles led by a semi-autono- special equipment and weapons. on open terrain to a distance of one ki- mous lead vehicle following human- MARS A-800 has been created on the lometre and up to 500 metres in cities dictated waypoints. The experiment’s Russian manufactured tracked floating and caves, the Kaptain complex has dis- aim was to test the vehicles’ capabilities chassis to supply a platform with an en- mountable modules for audio and vi- for logistics and resupply purposes, be- gine capacity of 65 hp, enabling speeds sual reconnaissance of the terrain, with

U.S. Army evaluated M113 APC for ground robotic capabilities 67

powerful optical devices operating in visual and infrared modes. The cameras have additional 40-zoom lenses, help- ing the Kaptain inspect premises, base- ments, caves, shelters and look under an automobile or armour in any light. The robot has a five-stage manipulator to clear explosive devices, lifting and moving mines and other cargoes of up to 7 kg, while the manipulator sweeps detachable sensors and makes passes in anti-personnel minefields, with one battery charging allowing operation for six hours without restrictions in mobil- ity and manipulator operation. Kapitan has wireless control, although an optic fibre of up to 200 metres can be used The U.S. Army is planning to field a new SMET in the next for commands, with the robot enjoying three years that will carry 1,000 pounds of Soldier load a maximum speed of 5.5 km/h on mod- erate cross-country terrain. tional at a maximum distance of 1 km Milos has a total weight of 620 kg, with Another UGV generating much interest from its operator, Milos will meet the re- built-in batteries providing power for is the Marker. Video footage of the Rus- quirements of the Serbian armed forces one hour of continuous operation. sia’s new combat-capable Marker UGV, for special forces and reconnaissance To improve mobility, Milos can rotate a joint project between the Founda- troop support, especially in counter- around its axis in a feature designed to tion for Advanced Studies and the NGO terror operations in urban and indoor increase efficiency within a confined ‘Android Technology’, emerged in early environments. space; that is, with a platform of a total February 2019. The Milos premiered at the Partner 2017 length of 1725 mm, width of 770 mm The Marker can be remotely controlled exhibition armed with a Serbian M86 and height of 950 mm. Milos is usu- or work in tandem with a soldier, having machine gun of 7.62 mm calibre and ally transported in a trailer equipped been designed with open information an automatic RBG grenade launcher with loading ramps, while the operator architecture. Equipped with a Remote of 40 mm or 6 M-11. The machine gun control station is located inside the ma- Weapon Station (RWS) and armed with provides a maximum effective range of chine, so towing the trailer. a Kalashnikov machine gun (MG) with up to 800 m, with the grenade launcher Milos is typically designed to conduct sensors and optics fitted to the front hitting targets at a distance of 400 m. reconnaissance of the battlefield but and top of the turret structure, this ve- The Milo’s sensor unit is mounted on can be used as an anti-tank weapon by hicle has two anti-tank guided missiles the right side of the weapon to include replacing the combat module with the (ATGMs) mounted opposite the MG. a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera ATGM. Several pre-production vehicles The Russian MOD has also announced with a wide field of view, a daytime low- have been manufactured from proto- that it is to receive 12 updated Uran- level CCD camera, a night thermal im- types, featuring improvements such 6 multi-purpose mine clearance UGV aging camera and a laser rangefinder. as ballistic protection and sensor pods from late January 2020. Their improved The weapon station has a 360° traverse fitted above the weapon and able to minesweeping speed will clear mines with a maximum speed of 20°/s and move in tandem with the weapons. or explosive ordnance equal to 4kg or vertical guidance ranging from -5° to 6OJUFE
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double the original tolerance. 45° at speeds up to 10°/s, while MTI re- The U.S. Army recently released a re- Serbia ports that the UGV can be driven at a quest for product proposals for its light Serbia’s Military Technical Institute has maximum speed of up to 7 km/h. and medium Robotic Combat Vehicle announced trials for its Milos UGV at Milos is equipped with steel tracks, but (RCV) requirement. the Serbian Technical Test Centre. Func- with a tested option on rubber tracks. One company will be awarded one con- 68 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Research

tract to manufacture a light variant (10 kits, open architecture and common tonnes), while another company will be interfaces. A large-scale demonstration awarded a further contract for the me- U.S. Army will take place in 2020, where 60 Osh- dium variant (12 tonnes) in March 2020. intends to kosh M1075 PLS vehicles will be fitted Each bidder will supply four prototypes with Robotic Research’s LLC computer for evaluation and testing purposes in field remote- brains and sensors to equip two Army the 12 months from the contract award. transportation companies. The U.S. Army completed a major exper- controlled The Army Research Laboratory is cur- iment with the 20 tonne heavyweight rently working on a near-fully autono- variant last month with four robotic robotic vehicles mous unit called the Legged Loco- versions of the M113 APC evaluated for motion and Movement Adaptation ground robotic capabilities, remotely by this year (LLAMA) robot taking commands from controlled by soldiers. The next stage of soldiers, as military dogs do. This proj- testing will be a fight against a live op- ect began two years ago through the posing force in March 2020. gramme in the first phase of the Au- Robotics Collaborative Technology Al- Once completed, the Army intends to tomated Ground Resupply project to liance programme. evaluate four RCVs from each weight equip existing military ground vehi- Following successful tests of Squad class, forming a company and conduct- cles with scalable robotic PackBottechnology. is a man-transportable Multi-Purpose robot Equipment Transport ing tactical formations. The U.S. Army in- A human soldier will drive the lead (SMET) vehicles with the 10th Moun- tends to award two contracts for a mid- vehicle followed by a convoy of nine tain and 101st Airborne divisions, the dle-tier acquisition (rapid prototyping) autonomous vehicles. U.S. Army intends to field remote- effort phase pencilled in for spring 2020 The American manufacturer will lead a controlled robotic vehicles by this year. with the construction of 14 prototypes. three-year effort to develop, integrate The following vehicles are designed Companies can still present their own and test unmanned prototype sys- to lighten the war fighters’ load by prototypes without Army funding but tems. Troops will undergo operational transporting weapons and supplies in once the MTA-RP phase is completed, technology demonstrations using the the field, boasting a capacity of 1,000 the Army intends to publish a second prototypes in an asymmetric threat pounds for 60 miles in 72 hours. competition for Low-Rate Initial Pro- environment, helping create operat- -MRZR-X system from Polaris Industries duction. The production contract for ing procedures and design future pro- Inc., Applied Research Associates Inc. the OMFV will be awarded in fiscal year grammes of record. and NeyaSystems LLC 2023. Lockheed Martin will coordinate -The Multi-Utility Tactical Transport The U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Re- numerous systems and vendors to (MUTT) from General Dynamics Land search, Development and Engineering achieve a reliable autonomous tech- Systems Centre have selected Lockheed Martin nology supporting warfighters in -The Hunter Wolf from HDT Global as the Integrated Systems Developer complex environments via existing -The RS2-H1 system from Howe and for its Expedient Leader Follower pro- ground vehicles integrating modular Howe Technologies

Team Polaris MRZR X 69

MRZR X: The MRZR X provides warf- defeat rake, counter unmanned aircraft ighters with a modular support plat- systems, remote weapons systems and form in the following operational The first CRS(I) "follow-me" autonomous control. In modes: traditional operator driving; offloading up to 4 kilowatts of power multiple autonomy modes; capabil- systems are for mission critical equipment, this ity for remote control; teleoperation; platform provides unmatched versatil- follow-me; leader-follower; and full scheduled ity and dependability to soldiers where autonomy. The MRZR X can hence en- to be fielded they need it. hance and evolve mobility as a robotic The U.S. Army has selected QinetiQ equipment mule, a warfighter-driven during fiscal North America as the winner of the squad carrier and a logistics support Common Robotic System-Individual vehicle for rescue missions or high- year 2020 (CRS(I)) programme, a system enabling speed casualty evacuation, and acting dismounted forces to provide capabil- in the future as a networked node in ity for lower-level Reconnaissance, Sur- the multi-domain battlespace. 60 per cent grade and traverse narrow veillance and Target Acquisition in or- .655 The MUTT is a rugged, reli- trails, steep slopes and dense jungles, der to enhance manoeuvres and force able small-unit robotic force multiplier while the vehicle’s JP-8 / electric hy- protection. The seven-year, US$164 providing increased persistence, pro- brid powertrain provides both a “silent million contract includes a low-rate ini- tection and projection, so lightening drive” and “silent watch” capability. As tial production phase followed by an- the load throughout the full gamut of of October 2019, HDT Expeditionary nual production releases. combat operations. This remote-con- Systems, Inc. is one of four candidates The first US$4 million order requires trolled or teleoperated teammate now to move to the next phase of this U.S. QinetiQ to produce up to 3,000 ro- provides MUM-T 1.0 capability against Army programme. bots, which will be fitted with mission increased projection of combat power, RS2-H1 system from Howe and modules and advanced sensors to sup- engineered to accommodate new pay- Howe Technologies: RS2-H1 is a port dismounted soldiers, alongside loads or controllers and increased lev- high torque, hybrid diesel-electric an open architecture to support vari- els of autonomy. drive, tracked vehicle operating in ous payloads and missions detecting, )VOUFS
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The HDT Hunter WOLF the toughest of terrains with unprec- identifying and countering threats. The for RCV-L is a rugged 6×6 all-terrain edented endurance, reliability and first CRS(I) systems are scheduled to be robotic vehicle with 130 peak horse- mobility. It has a zero-turn radius for fielded during fiscal year 2020. power and a top speed of 25 mph, manoeuvring through complex and Reference /Photo: operating for over 72 hours without confined locations, while the modular ww.images.defence.gov.au resupply and featuring an internal 20 design of this system and its low-pro- www.hdtglobal.com kW generator that can export up to 15 file base platform allows integration of www.howeandhowe.com kW of power. Closely matching infantry numerous mission packages, includ- www.military.polaris.com mobility, the Hunter WOLF can climb a ing an improvised explosive device www.gdls.com, www.army.mil

Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT) 70 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Technology

GA-ASI Guardian: Multi-Role - Single Solution

The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) are taking a hold of the marketplace for Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drones. Not only is the Predator B popular for military missions but with the new SkyGuardian, GA-ASI’s RPAS now provide high-definition, full-motion electro-optical video, mapping radar, signals intelligence, electronic support mea- sures and maritime surveillance sensors. The requirement for intelligence continues to grow parallel to the demand to network data and intelligence between platforms. 71

With the growth of terrestrial opera- the kill-chain between detection and tions, RPAS are now required to strike an armed response while prosecuting threats as they appear in national or a mission over a lengthy period of time international airspace, integrating without needing to return for refuelling seamlessly with manned aircraft while or crew changes. responding in a similar manner to air Designed for a focused military pur- traffic directions. pose in operational theatres, SkyGuard- Through a holistic, nose-to-tail ap- ian leverages the Predator family legacy proach to creating a new generation of of 4,000,000 flight hours, 90 per cent RPAS, GA-ASI has developed SkyGuard- of which have been flown in combat. ian to fulfil this remit. Operations-ready While the Predator series is being flown within an increasingly national airspace, in theatre by the U.S. Air Force, France, SkyGuardian meets airworthiness en- Italy and the United Kingdom, the U.K. gineering and safety standards while Royal Air Force (RAF) is acquiring the providing vastly improved operational SkyGuardian as part of its Protector RG capabilities. Mk1 programme and is scheduled for The Certifiable Predator B RPAS family first delivery in the early 2020s. includes two variants, SkyGuardian and In addition, the Australian govern- SeaGuardian, although both RPAS uti- ment has recently selected GA-ASI’s lise the same airframe as the Certifiable SkyGuardian variant to provide Armed Predator B, including long-span wings RPAS to the Australian Defence Force for increased range/endurance and (ADF) under Project Air 7003. The ADF airworthiness. Flight/mission system expects to take first delivery in the early improvements enhance safety and op- 2020s. erational effectiveness as both Guard- “We have worked closely with the ADF ians typically carry the same communi- to determine the right RPAS to meet cations systems and sensors. their needs,” said Linden Blue, CEO of Low-cost Mission Success GA-ASI. “MQ-9B will provide the all- With its long endurance, SkyGuardian weather, multi-mission support and provides persistent Intelligence, Sur- interoperability that the ADF requires. veillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) at a sig- We look forward to working closely nificantly lower cost than manned air- with our Australian industry partners craft where endurance is typically lim- to provide a highly capable RPAS to the ited by the onboard crew. Alternatively, ADF, while creating high-tech jobs in SkyGuardian can use its endurance to Australia.” reach areas that are far from the base to The Belgium government has approved carry a wide variety of sensor payloads, the acquisition of SkyGuardian to meet providing highly detailed intelligence the nation’s RPAS requirements. The from a significant standoff range. further evolution of SkyGuardian into Advanced change detection technolo- other missions and its extended use for gy allows the exploitation of raw data to training purposes requires that these meet a variety of military requirements, RPAS be operated outside of military- particularly applicable to the fluid fu- controlled airspace. ture battlefield. Indeed, through its Seamless Airspace Integration ability to carry a large weapon load and For more than a decade, GA-ASI has advanced automated control systems, been at the forefront of RPAS airworthi- SkyGuardian can launch attacks against ness and certification with large-scale detected threats. It can greatly reduce investment made by the company in 72 ISSUE 576 Jan 2020 Technology

The SkyGuardian’s new wings have SkyGuardian flies over Canada extra hard points this sector to develop key technolo- tified airworthiness, SkyGuardian uses GCS (ACGCS) has also been modified gies, such as the Due Regard Radar approved conforming airworthiness to meet approval requirements, with (DRR) providing separation from non- materials, similar to those employed in some hardware changes required for cooperative aircraft. Their RPAS can airliner construction. flight-critical functions characteristic of climb and descend at rates similar to Overall maintainability has been im- today’s modern business aircraft. manned commercial aircraft, ensuring proved and airframe design life has Winged Performance Enhancements vital platform performance in civil air- been extended from 20,000 to 40,000 In developing SkyGuardian, GA-ASI has space where inability to execute stan- flight hours. Enhanced safety features also improved the performance and dard rate turns would see a negative include better protection against capabilities of the baseline air vehicle. commercial impact and diminished lightning strikes and an improved anti- Longer span wings fitted with winglets ability to integrate seamlessly. icing system, while hardened external allow nearly 1,360 kg (3,000 lb) of addi- These days, meeting the requirements radomes increase resistance to bird tional fuel to be carried internally, while of a changing air traffic world depends strikes and upgraded thermal manage- endurance in an ISR unarmed configu- on Required Navigation Performance ment and fire-zones enhance an inte- ration has risen from 27 to more than (RNP) and reduced vertical separation rior already protected by stainless steel 40 hours to enable the aircraft’s use in minima. Here, the sophisticated mis- walls. more numerous roles and in difficult- sion planning and accurate navigation Another significant systems change to-reach regions. systems of SkyGuardian and its Ground is the partition between mission and In addition, the new wings have extra Control Station (GCS) provide a natural flight applications, which enables flight hard points, raising the total number fit with technological advances in air- technologies to be isolated from pay- of external stores/payload-carrying space management. load systems, and a roll-on, roll-off like stations to nine (four under each wing 4BGFUZ
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Lynx also contains dedicated littoral search and imaging modes including Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS), ISAR and Maritime Moving Target In- dicator (MMTI). In addition, Lynx incor- porates a change detection capability that can be integrated with GA-ASI’s Claw sensor payload control and analy- sis software. %VF
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