Customer Service Contractor-Led Vehicle MRO

Volume 8 Number 1 Spring 2013

Customer service Contractor-led vehicle MRO

BUMPY REFRESHING UPS AND ROAD AHEAD ACTIVITIES DOWNS Logistics truck procurement Asian support vessels Climate control technology

www.mil-log.com Lookin to review your Supply Chain stratey because of chanin A&D demands? Need a solution that interates seamlessly with your existin enterprise solution?

IFS CPM LITE KEEPS YOUR A&D SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS FULLY CONNECTED AND PROVIDES YOU WITH PLUg & PLAY BI

IFS, the independently reconized leadin provider of ... MORE THAN BI—AND WITH RAPID DEPLOYMENT interated enterprise asset manaement solutions to the CPMLiteisdesignedtogivebusinessesaplug-and-play lobal Aerospace & Defense (A&D) market, has launched mechanism to monitor and execute on their supply chain CPM Lite, a pre-confiured corporate performance manae- initiatives.Thisisasolutionwhichcanbeinstalledin ment solution which optimizes the A&D supply chain. days to deliver rapid value return to organizations. AsGrahamGrose,theIFSGlobalA&DIndustry IFS CPM Lite consolidates data from existing BI technol- Directorcomments,“WhetheryouareaMilitaryorgani- ogies and enterprise solutions in order to manage change, zation,aCommercialAviationMROcompanyoraPBL reduce costs and continuously improve customer service provider,CPMLitehasbeendesignedspecificallywith levels throughout an organization’s supply chain disci- the defense industry in mind. It provides a mechanism to plines, resulting in more efficient supply chain execution. supportthesupplychain,achievegrowthandimprove profitability,andofferssupplychainexecutivesinthe KEY DIFFERENTIATORS A&Dsectorthevisibilitytomakekeydecisionspromptly • Pre-configured,industrystandardKPIs(usingthe andaccurately,aswellasexecutingthosedecisionswith Supply Chain Council Operating Reference model safe and correct levels of authorization. Even if you (SCOR)) alreadyhaveBItoolsinplace,thisveryquicklytakes • DesignedspecificallyforAerospaceandDefense thedatafromtheBIreportinglayerandenablesyouto • Cockpitdisplaysforfullusercontrol makemoresenseoftheresultspresentedtoyou.” • Noinformationsilos,butintegratedbusiness CPMLiteenablesexecutivestogainacomplete intelligence understanding of the inter-relationships across the enter- • Performancemanagementliveindays,notmonths prise—identify the functions that deliver real customer value,thosethatarelesseffective,andthosewhichwaste REASONS TO MOVE TO CPM LITE IN A&D AHEAD OF THE MARKET bothtimeandresources,aswellashowtheyinteract.In Forsometime,BusinessIntelligence(BI)toolshavenot thisway,enterprisescanoptimizeoperationaleffective- beensufficienttosupportthedemandsoftheA&D ness and through-life costs, deliver increased agility, and industry. Information—transactional, technical and perfor- reinforce corporate strategy execution across the enter- mancedata—isoften‘locked-in’tomultipleapplications prise. thataresupportingspecificfunctions,makingitdifficult toobtainaholisticviewofthecompleteenterprise.CPM www.IFSDEFENCE .com Liteprovidesyouwiththetoolsyouneedtoviewthe email: [email protected] performanceofyourbusiness,givingyouindustrystandardkeyperformanceindicatorsinaBIsolutionthat canbeimplementedinjustafewdays.

USER-DEFINED—YOU MEASURE WHAT YOU NEED CPMLiteoffersauser-defined‘cockpit’displaywhere keyperformanceindicatorscanbeviewedandmeasured usingeasy-to-readdisplays,anduserscanviewmetrics specific to different management roles including operations,customer,supplier,procurement,andbuyer.It worksthroughaportalinterfacewhichdrawsdatafrom applicationsanddatawarehousestoprovideend-to-end visibilityacrosstheentiresupplychain. Lookin to review your Supply Chain stratey because of chanin A&D demands? Need a solution that interates seamlessly with your existin enterprise solution?

IFS CPM LITE KEEPS YOUR A&D SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS FULLY CONNECTED AND PROVIDES YOU WITH PLUg & PLAY BI

Front cover: KMW personnel work alongside German Army troops on vehicle MRO. (Photo: KMW) Editor Darren Lake [email protected] Deputy Editor Tim Fish [email protected] North America Editor Scott R Gourley [email protected] Tel: +1 (707) 822 7204 European Editor Ian Kemp 3 EDITORIAL COMMENT [email protected] Malian malaise Staf Reporters 17 Beth Stevenson Jonathan Tringham 4 NEWS Deence Analyst Joyce de Thouars • RAAF operational with MRTT

Contributors • Dewey Electronics to expand military generator Claire Apthorp, Angus Batey, Christopher F Foss, Richard Scott, oerings Matthew Smith • Aghan Air Force welcomes cancellation o Production Manager C-27 contract David Hurst [email protected] Sub-editor 6 END OF THE LINE? Adam Wakeling To ensure that vehicles remain in service and Commercial Manager Jackie Hall operational, militaries must provide an extensive [email protected] support network, comprising specialist MRO Tel: +44 (0)1753 727009 companies, OEMs and logistics units, nds Advertising Sales Executive Brian Millan Tim Fish. [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1753 727005 21 THE LONG JOURNEY Editor-in-Chie 11 BELOW DECKS Oten the unsung hero o the logistics chain, pallets Tony Skinner Logistics systems or some classes o naval vessel and cases are vital or the sae transportation o Managing Director Darren Lake are becoming more automated to drive down equipment.Claire Apthorp explores the latest Chairman costs, but others rely on legacy systems or products that ensure items are undamaged when Nick Prest traditional methods to keep ship stores moving, they reach the theatre o operations. Subscriptions Beth Stevenson discovers. CDS Global, Tower House, Lathkill St, 26 UPS AND DOWNS Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leics LE16 9EF, UK 14 BUMPY ROAD AHEAD Recent operational experiences have led to a Paid subscription contacts: Contemporary threats have driven the ‘simple’ booming demand or climate control systems that Tel: +44 1858 438879 truck rom modern military operations. Faced with can both heat and cool deployed inrastructure and Fax: +44 1858 461739 Email: [email protected] shrinking budgets, some armies are adopting a high- vehicles. Scott R Gourley examines some innovative Military Logistics International is low mix to modernise their eets, reports Ian Kemp. solutions that also look to save energy. published our times per year by The Shephard Press Ltd, 268 Bath Road, Slough, Berks, SL1 4DX, UK. Subscription rates start at 17 REFRESHING ACTIVITIES DEPTH FORWARD £65. Subscription records are maintained at CDS Global, Tower House, Lathkill Street, As Asian navies increasingly look to project 32 ADVANCED ANALYTICS Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9EF, UK. Air Business Ltd is capabilities beyond home waters, they are Tim Fish talks to Keith Lippert o Accenture about acting as mailing agent. Articles and upgrading their support at sea through the how the company’s analytical solutions can improve inormation contained in this publication are the copyright o the Shephard Press Ltd and acquisition o new replenishment vessels, inventory management and increase efciencies in may not be reproduced in any orm without the written permission o the publishers. No says Tim Fish. the supply and procurement processes. responsibility can be accepted or loss o or damage to uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

DTPVivid Associates Ltd, Sutton, Surrey, UK Print Williams Press, Maidenhead, Berks, UK Subscriptions © The Shephard Press Ltd, 2013 Shephard’s aerospace and defence publishing portfolio incorporates six titles: Defence Helicopter , Digital Battlespace, Land Warfare International , ISSN 2043-6807 Military Logistics International , RotorHuband Unmanned Vehicles.

Published bi-monthly, all have become respected and renowned for covering global issues within their respective industry sector.

Shephard Media For more information, including editorial content in the current issues, visit 268 Bath Road, Slough, shephardmedia.com/magazines. Berkshire, SL1 4DX Tel: +44 1753 727001 Subscribe today via: www.subscription.co.uk/shephardor +44 (0)1858 438879 Fax: +44 1753 727002

lili ii www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 1

EDITORIAL COMMENT

‘The real difference came with the deployment of C-17 Globemaster IIIs because of their larger payload.’

MALIAN MALAISE

f a military wants to conduct operations transports are also due to be replaced by the I overseas at short notice and deliver a A400M, and have limited capacity. rapid reaction force to theatre, then fielding a The real difference came with the real strategic airlift capability is paramount. deployment of C-17 Globemaster IIIs because The delay in the Airbus Military A400M of their larger payload. The Royal Canadian Air programme – intended to revitalise European Force contributed one aircraft, Sweden offered capabilities – has had a direct impact on recent its NATO airlift capacity of one aircraft, and the operations, and the lack of a modern transport UK RAF and UAE Air Force provided two each. aircraft was brought sharply into focus during Capable of transporting three times the cargo the French deployment to Mali. of smaller tactical turboprops, they can lift Paris launched Operation Serval on more equipment in one trip – for example the 11 January to provide direct military assistance first RAF C-17 was deployed to France on to the Malian government in a rapidly 13 January and landed in Bamako the following deteriorating situation. Fighter jets were able day with three VAB vehicles in its hold. to engage almost immediately from French bases in Chad, but the transportation of a SALIS SOLUTION total of 4,000 army personnel and their Furthermore, commercial aircraft have been France is expected to buy a total of 50 A400M equipment proved harder to achieve and employed through NATO’s Strategic Airlift aircraft, second only to Germany which wants required the assistance of European and other Interim Solution (SALIS) to support Operation 53, but the maiden flight of the first production allies and commercial freight companies. Serval , with Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Airlines example did not occur until 7 March this year. An initial 1,400 troops were flown out to providing An-124-100s, which have a carrying Initial deliveries will be four aircraft in 2013, Bamako using the French Air Force’s A310 and capacity of 65t per flight. NATO established followed by eight in 2014, and production will A340 airliners, but it had to rely on its CN235, the SALIS consortium in 2006 to charter the only ramp up from then on, so a significant C-130 and ageing Transall C-160 aircraft for Antonovs to cover the gap until delivery of the capability gap will continue for some years. tactical transport and resupply. With limited A400M in 2013-14, with options to 2017. Deploying armoured vehicles by air is a strategic cargo capacity, commanders had to The Mali deployment shows that whilst a costly endeavour, and the success of the Serval look elsewhere. modern European air arm still has the capability campaign was only achieved through the France now has two light armoured to deploy small-scale forces by air at short notice, goodwill of allies. Should the need for a similar brigades, a parachute brigade and a there will be an ever-increasing reliance on allied airlift materialise in the coming years, it mechanised brigade along with supporting and commercial support for the longer-term remains to be seen if this kind of international elements in Mali. These units are equipped with sustainment of medium-sized operations. This logistics effort can be put together again to the AMX-10 and ERC 90 6x6 reconnaissance could become the norm as defence budgets support an operation of that size. vehicles, the VAB 4x4 armoured personnel become increasingly strained and there is no Tim Fish, Deputy Editor carrier, the VBCI 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle guarantee that large inventories of strategic and CAESAR and TRF1 155mm howitzers, as transport aircraft can be maintained. IN THE NEXT ISSUE well as mortars and helicopters. These assets Initial reports of French troops arriving represented a significant tonnage that needed without the necessary equipment for the hot l Transport aircraft to be transported. weather indicate that carrying out even this l Logistics services A host of countries provided aircraft to task was difficult to achieve, with officials get French equipment to theatre, including seeking last-minute assistance, exposing a l Catering Belgian, Danish and Spanish C-130s, German significant failure to provide sufficient air l Medical support C-160s and Dutch KDC-10s. But many of these transport to cover the delays to the A400M.

www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 3 NEWS

MRTT aircraft will help address RAAF airlift capacity shortfalls. (Photo: ADF)

RAAF OPERATIONAL WITH MRTT

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has KC-30As will also be tested and cleared for mid-2012 to replace capability provided by the declared initial operational capability (IOC) for its refuelling Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike DHC-4 Caribou aircraft, which retired in 2009. Airbus KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport Fighter and Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft ‘In 2006, the air force’s transport and airlift fleet (MRTT) aircraft. as these are delivered. comprised 47 aircraft capable of carrying 3,775 The platform has been cleared for air-to-air Speaking at the Australian International passengers and over 650t of cargo in total,’ refuelling of RAAF F/A-18A/B Hornet fighter Airshow on 26 February, Defence Minister continued Smith. ‘When the C-27s commence aircraft following the participation of a KC-30A Stephen Smith said IOC for the KC-30A was operations in 2016, the air force’s transport and and Hornets in Exercise Cope North on 4-15 part of a substantial improvement in airlift fleet will comprise 46 aircraft capable of February. As part of the exercise, seven F/A-18As, Australia’s airlift capability since the last show in carrying over 4,300 passengers and 950t of one Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, one KC-30A and 2011. The improvements included the cargo in total. That is around an overall 15% a Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules were number of C-130J transport aircraft in RAAF increase in passenger capacity and a 30% deployed. service overtaking the number of older increase in cargo. The fifth and final KC-30A was delivered to C-130Hs and the increase in the number of C-17s ‘Additionally, the average age of the transport the RAAF in December. Refuelling tests are now to six, with the last being delivered in November and airlift fleet will have been reduced from under way with newer F/A-18F Super Hornets, 2012. nearly 25 years to less than ten years. This and these are expected to be completed ‘We have also placed an order for ten substantially enhances the Australian Defence this year. [Alenia] C-27J tactical air transport aircraft, Force’s capability to deploy, whether Further modification and testing is under providing capability across the spectrum,’ on operations overseas or in support of way with Boeing C-17 transport and Wedgetail he said. humanitarian assistance and disaster relief aircraft as part of the road towards full The first C-27J is expected to be delivered in operations at home and abroad.’ operational capability, and eventually the 2015 as part of a A$1.4 billion order placed in By Damian Kemp, Geelong

DEWEY ELECTRONICS TO EXPAND MILITARY GENERATOR OFFERINGS

Dewey Electronics has announced that it will be deployed on the M113 armoured personnel John Dewey, president and CEO of expanding its military generator product lines carrier command vehicle; and the Model 3310 – Dewey, said: ‘We are pleased to have an with the acquisition of certain assets, rights of a 20kW DC APU under development for possible opportunity to expand our business through manufacture and intellectual property (IP) use on a future vehicle programme. this agreement with Goodman Ball. And from Goodman Ball. The company has signed a Dewey Electronics will also assume we are excited to be adding these larger definitive agreement to purchase these assets as responsibilities to maintain certain Goodman DC APUs to our existing line of generators. part of the ongoing liquidation of Goodman Ball Ball contracts with the US DoD that pertain In addition to pursuing future sales for by its parent company CE Niehoff & Co. to the acquired product lines, taking possession these acquired models, we will also use The agreement will see Dewey Electronics of the latter’s existing inventory stocks for the underlying technology to develop new acquire the IP for two diesel generators intended these on a consignment basis, and will pay larger hybrid diesel and battery-based for use on military vehicles: the Model 4310 – a Goodman Ball as the inventory is sold to power solutions.’ 5kW, 28V DC auxiliary power unit (APU) currently customers. By Claire Apthorp, London

4 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com NEWS

AFGHAN AIR FORCE NEWS ON THE WEB

WELCOMES CANCELLATION M7 Aerospace wins BAE OF C-27 CONTRACT Systems support contract 5 March 2013

failure. Widespread cannibalisation of spare Thales, Airbus Military selected parts further compounded the problems. for UK A400M training contract Despite all the challenges, an all-Afghan 4 March 2013 aircrew of the Kabul Air Wing conducted its Airbus expects A400M type first independent mission with the C-27 on certification mid-year 19 June 2012 under the auspices of the 438th Air 26 February 2013 Expeditionary Advisory Group, part of NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan. Arotech receives US Army In September 2008, a $287 million fixed-price Swipes order contract was awarded to Alenia to provide 25 February 2013 the then Afghan National Army Air Corps with A400M undergoes 18 former Italian Air Force G222 twin turboprop cold weather testing The Afghan Air Force fleet of C-27As has been transport aircraft, designated as C-27As. 21 February 2013 plagued by serviceability problems, with few The aircraft were overhauled at Alenia’s aircraft operational. (Photo: USAF) facilities at Capodichino airport near Naples, and UAE Air Force to receive Airborne Systems’ GPADS the first refurbished G222 returned to flight on 12 February 2013 It has emerged that the ongoing process 30 July 2009. Deliveries to Combined Security to equip the Afghan Air Force with Italian- Transition Command Afghanistan in Kabul, Rolls-Royce to continue made C-27A tactical transport aircraft will which is in charge of rebuilding the Afghan USAF C-130J fleet support be terminated. Air Force, commenced two months later, 11 February 2013 with the first aircraft being handed over in US DoD officials announced in mid-December UAE receives first that a contract to maintain and support 20 September 2009. A330 MRTT aircraft refurbished C-27s for the Afghan military would Two more were added to the contract in 6 February 2013 not be renewed when it expires in March. September 2010. The last aircraft should have Failure by prime contractor Alenia North been handed over in late 2011, but this proved First F117 engines for India’s C-17 aircraft delivered America to meet the requirements of the unfeasible. 5 February 2013 contract was cited as the main reason leading to The Italian Air Force withdrew its last its cancellation. remaining G222 transport aircraft in 2005 when Details of Chinese Y-20 emerge The Afghan MoD welcomed the termination its new C-27Js started to enter service. Never a 29 January 2013 of the contract, as the majority of the transport forgiving aircraft from a maintainer’s viewpoint, IFS enhances supply chain aircraft were unserviceable and stood idle on the serviceability problems with the G222 already management offerings ramp of Kabul International Airport. surfaced during its service life in Italy. Numerous 24 January 2013 A lack of equipment, spare parts and operational aircraft were often seen on the flight technical documentation has hampered the ramp at Pisa missing essential equipment as Afghan C-27 programme from the beginning. early as the mid-1990s. The entire fleet was grounded intermittently The cancellation is another setback to the during the period from December 2011 to US exit strategy of building capable and self- May 2012, and only four or five aircraft were sufficient Afghan security forces which can take

serviceable out of 16 delivered by late 2012. over from US and international troops leaving All these stories can be found The cargo aircraft were said to be prone to the country. atwww.mil-log.com fuel leaks, landing gear problems and engine By Pieter Bastiaans, Breda

www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 5 MRO

‘We tear them down and rebuild them into the latest configuration, re-using as much of the old truck as we can.’ END OF THE LINE? To ensure that vehicles remain in service and operational, militaries must provide an extensive support network, comprising specialist MRO companies, OEMs and logistics units, discovers Tim Fish.

he maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) manufacturers that perform deeper level work Tof military vehicles is conducted at different to varying degrees, keeping vehicles in-service levels of depth depending on the work required and operational. to bring an asset to operational standard. These These supporting companies often act as a tasks are also often performed at different major prime contractor on a specific fleet of locations, depending on where the vehicle is vehicles or as the MRO contractor for an army deployed and the extent of the MRO work. unit. Others work as sub-contractors, providing Army logistics units typically undertake in-theatre engineers with specialist knowledge low-level cleaning and general maintenance of vehicles or systems. A company’s level of of vehicles in preparation for their missions, responsibility is determined by what level of but behind them is a support network of work the military units themselves are capable of specialist MRO companies and equipment doing or want to achieve.

FULL SPECTRUM Oshkosh Defense works at all levels as a vehicle manufacturer, with facilities in Kuwait and the US, and workshops and representatives in-theatre in Afghanistan supporting US Army vehicles close to the battlefield. Mike Ivy, VP and general manager of army programmes at the company, highlighted the manufacturer’s re-capitalisation programme for the 13.5t Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) and the Palletized Load System (PLS) 16.5t heavy high-mobility truck. He told Military Logistics International : ‘We tear them down to their frame rails and rebuild them into the latest configuration, re-using as much of the old truck as we can in the process. Field service representatives from Navistar ‘Then we put that truck on our production line carry out work on a MaxxPro MRAP truck. where we assemble the new trucks, and it goes (Photo: Navistar) down the same line. At the end of the process,

6 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com MRO

Workers from the UK’s Defence Services Group conduct MRO on British Army vehicles. A Jackal can be seen in the foreground. (Photo: DSG) the customer gets a like-new truck with a new The Kuwait facility runs the Theatre Provided Koga noted: ‘There are various types of armour vehicle warranty and zero miles and hours on Equipment Refurbishment (TPER) programme, upgrades, mobility upgrades, putting different the speedometer.’ supporting US and NATO forces when they were sorts of integrated components on the vehicles This is the high end of the spectrum in in Iraq and now Afghanistan. In a four-year that require some changes to the trucks.’ MRO operations, and is almost an upgrade period, Koga said that over 2,000 trucks across 24 The theatre workshops are arranged programme, because updated and modernised different variants were reset in Kuwait, and even differently to the standard factory assembly components are often included, with the vehicle reached a rate of 60 vehicles, while managing system, which is used in a permanent facility, returning to the fleet in the latest configuration 20,000 lines of supply, per month. where a truck would move from station to available. The company’s facility in Kuwait is a station with the materiel fed through a line. regional centre that completes a medium-level IN-THEATRE SUPPORT However, this is not possible in-theatre, as it is field reset. Oshkosh has also established workshops in neither easy nor cost-effective to establish a Jeff Koga, associate VP of integrated product Afghanistan so that it can support vehicles in moving assembly line. Lean operations were support at Oshkosh, explained: ‘In the field reset, the operational theatre. The advantages of established to create the required flow. we are not aiming to change the configuration providing this level of reach close to the Koga explained: ‘We break down the structure of the vehicle, we are simply trying to refurbish it battlefield is that MRO work is completed much to make it the same planning as what we do in back to its original condition. So if you have a faster and the army gets its vehicle back and the factory, we build all the work instructions, HEMTT A2, we would be seeking to repair and working sooner. look at the total time requirement, then we extend the service life of the item as an A2, and Over time, the ability to conduct deeper level break the work up into stations and match the not move it to an A4.’ maintenance at these facilities has increased. material plan and the tooling and manning  www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 7 MRO An Oshkosh facility in Afghanistan. The vehicle bays each contain a workstation and an M-ATV. (Photo: Oshkosh)

by station. But in this case, we just move the where it was more cost-effective to perform Fort Stewart is home to the 3rd Infantry station and not the truck, and it creates a flow MRO operations in-theatre while increasing the Division and possesses most of the vehicle types that is field-expedient – you can set it up easily.’ battlefield readiness of the vehicles is coming to in the US Army’s inventory, including the Bradley The workshops are located on the military an end. Fighting Vehicle, M113 and M1A1 Abrams main FOBs, with the army logistics units next to their ‘As the drawdown in Afghanistan occurs and battle tank as well as HMMWVs, MRAPs, power maintenance areas, where the they will conduct we see the army taking decisions with respect generation equipment, 5t cargo trucks and semi- preventative and lower levels of corrective to whether a truck comes back [to the US] or trailer vehicles, bulldozers, scrapers, loaders, maintenance. It is the army that decides whether whether it stays in Kuwait or another pre- communications units and artillery. MRO on a vehicle is completed in-theatre, or if it position location, they are really making those Mark Barbosa, business development lead is sent to a regional facility or back to a factory in decisions now based on what they envision as for army logistics at Lockheed Martin, told MLI the US. the requirements for stocks forward, and then that while the army has a small-scale repair Regarding the skill sets required to perform they will build a maintenance programme capability, the company is responsible for higher different levels of MRO work, Ivy noted that this around that,’ he added. level MRO, including component repair and changes depending on the size of the operation. Lockheed Martin is also operating in replacement. If an engine part needs changing, ‘When an operation is small with a few vehicles, Afghanistan as a sub-contractor to ManTech then Lockheed will perform that task – if the you find a team that is a lot more generalist, and under a contract and logistic support services entire engine is damaged, then the company each of the individuals will have a high level of programme for mine-resistant ambush- will replace the engine. experience across multiple platforms,’ he said. protected (MRAP) vehicles. The company is ‘When you get to a medium-sized operation, standing up around 100 FSRs that will work on CALLING THE SHOTS the tendency is to specialise more towards the FOBs from April alongside the military to The same approach is taken with all parts of platforms, so they will understand one more than repair the platforms if they sustain damage the vehicles, from transmission to bodywork. If a another. When you get to larger high-volume through general usage or battle. complete rebuild of the vehicle from the frame operations, you are more focused around The company’s main operation, however, is upwards is required, then it is usually sent back the systems such as drive line, suspension at the US Army’s installation at Fort Stewart, to the OEM. or electrical.’ Georgia, where it has upwards of 150 personnel ‘The army determines what modifications are and operates and runs the directorate of logistics done at our location, and they will provide the END OF AN ERA (DOL). All US Army installations have a DOL, kits and we provide the installation at our level,’ However, the trend pushing MRO work closer to which focuses on the maintenance, supply continued Barbosa. ‘It is the army’s call as to what the battlefield is expected to reverse, according and transportation support of the wheeled repair we do and what is done by the OEM.’ to Ivy. The enduring situation in Afghanistan, vehicle fleet. Although Lockheed maintains several variants of vehicles at Fort Stewart, it is also responsible The M113A2 Mk 1 APC, for the MRO of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket supported in-theatre System and M270A1 launchers for the US Army, by BAE Systems. USMC and international operators. (Photo: BAE Systems) ‘We have a combination of organic and inorganic support,’ explained Becky Withrow, business development manager for missiles and fire control at the company. ‘They do the chassis work on both vehicles and we do the launcher/ loader module and fire control system… We also do some work with depots to do some repairs, [and] have FSRs that deploy with various units.’ BAE Systems partners with various depots in the US and internationally in its maintenance activities. The company supports all levels of MRO work on its platforms, including the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, M88A2, Paladin, M113, Caiman

8 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com MRO

and RG-33 in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, South to support vehicles in-theatre and perform improved protection without increasing the Africa, Sweden, the UK and the US. complete retrofits and upgrades. weight of the vehicle. In the US, the company works with the At a deeper level, Navistar has set up operations Navistar’s International 7000-MV trucks, which Anniston Army Depot and Red River Army in West Point, Mississippi. At the facility, the serve as water tankers, fuel trucks and wreckers; Depot for MRO work on its platforms in the US company has completed a retrofit to upgrade and the 5000-MV trucks, used as heavy Army inventory. According to BAE, the decision more than 2,000 MaxxPro MRAP vehicles. The transports, are also utilised in Afghanistan. whether to perform MRO work at its own facility manufacturer said that the use of a ‘bolt-on’ While US Army vehicles are supported via or at the depots depends on capacity constraints design allowed the lifting of the crew capsule the service’s own supply chain, the platforms and the preferred solution of the US Army as from the vehicle chassis, and a completely new sold to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of an the customer. chassis with independent suspension and a new FMS agreement use Navistar’s own commercial engine, along with other improvements, was supply chain. COMMERCIAL CROSSOVER provided to improve the performance of the In the British Army, maintenance and repair is As a producer of commercial trucks, buses vehicle in rough terrain. categorised into four levels: Level 1 – servicing and and engines, Navistar has drawn upon its After the body swap, a survivability upgrade day-to-day preparation; Level 2 – maintenance commercial expertise and facilities to support that focused on blast deflection was started. This by replacement, adjustment or minor repair; military vehicles. It has FSRs that are able method was preferred to additional armour as it Level 3 – repair, partial reconditioning and 

Complete solutions Total reliability

Military battery needs may vary, but total reliability 3 1 1 0 - is always necessary to meet the demands of 2 - 4 3 0 missions and to face the challenges of prolonged G B S - exposure to extreme conditions. Saft has the best f t a S © low-weight, compact, robust and transportable - 7 0 0 battery systems for the critical demands of D – a modern battlefield applications. We design l i t o o F , and manufacture pr imary and rechargeable k i c w n batteries and charging equipment to your precise e F , f t requirements from an extensive range of a S : s technologies. Saft is on your side. t o o h P ©

www.saftbatteries.com

www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 9 MRO

Personnel on the pulse line overhaul British Army Warrior IFVs at DSG’s Donnington plant. (Photo: DSG)

modification; and Level 4 – full reconditioning, provide initial diagnostics, maintenance and major conversions or base overhaul (commonly repair of vehicles and weapon stations, on-site referred to as depth repair). component repair and any upgrades. The The state-owned entity Defence Support technicians are also contracted to provide Group (DSG) provides civilian support to the training for soldiers at no extra cost. Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers UORs with little or no thought towards future KMW has a system of ‘multi-boxes’ aligned (REME) units of the British Army. The REME sustainment of the platform, and therefore have with the Boxer vehicle to ensure a sufficient usually provide Level 1 and 2 support to the no existing support structure. supply of spare parts in Mazar e-Sharif. The army, with the DSG providing 3 and 4. However, Consequently, as well as working with existing multi-boxes are a container-based integrated in recent years, the DSG has increased the levels suppliers, such as BAE Systems and Lockheed logistics solution designed for this specific of support it is providing. Martin, on the army’s A vehicle (tracked) and B deployment, and include both large and Keith Norris, strategy director at DSG, toldMLI vehicle (wheeled) fleets, the DSG is also small parts as well as a Boxer powerpack. that the operational tempo of British forces has collaborating with ‘new’ OEMs like NP, Force The stores are managed through KMW’s allowed the DSG to take an increasing role both Protection and Supacat, which have provided warehouse management software to keep track in-theatre and in the UK. ‘In terms of being in protected mobility platforms, including the of inventories and orders. training back in the UK, the world has changed Mastiff, Jackal and Foxhound. However, Norris KMW also supports the Dutch Army Fennek slightly,’ he said. ‘The army is trying to adopt a said the MoD has yet to determine depth repair wheeled vehicles under a framework agreement training pool, which we sustain and provide with arrangements for these vehicles, but it is expected signed in 2009. The KMW technical service a level of readiness, where we might do levels 1, they will be integrated into the core equipment provides spare parts, provisioned in Kölleda, 2 and 3. The object being the army comes for fleet. Germany, which acts as a logistics hub, and also training, the vehicles are there, they all work as Under the ‘British Army 2020’ strategy, trains users on the maintenance and repair of they are supposed to and we have a more 102,000 personnel will be reduced to 82,000, the vehicle. The service has also provided optimised service.’ and to support this downsizing more support in-theatre support to Dutch forces at Camp Deh will be required from the civil sector under the Rawod in Afghanistan. AT FULL STEAM ‘total support force’ concept. In Finland, the Finnish Defence Force At Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, a workshop ‘[The DSG] has a total of 42 little enclaves or (FDF) outsourced its depot-level equipment has been in place since 2009 under the UK big sites – that is quite a big footprint across the maintenance work to Patria subsidiary Millog MoD’s Equipment Sustainability System UK, and we have one or two big factories and a under a public-private partnership arrangement Regional Capability contract. Dave Carter, number of outlying stations, quite often shared in 2009. This consists of general maintenance business development manager at DSG, said: with the army themselves… so we are very of all the vehicles in the FDF with the use of ‘Since 2010, we have been running at full steam interested to see what the army footprint will be subcontractors to support specialist work. and have regenerated more than 220 protected under Army 2020,’ added Norris. As an OEM, Patria also provides a system military platforms already. The MoD is running a competition to sell the approach for its products that is an end-to-end ‘Over time, we have been there to pick up DSG in the 2014-2015 time frame. Norris said: life-cycle support process. According to Petri the slack if the REMEs are distracted on other ‘We are waiting for the sale programme to Jokinen, VP of life-cycle support at the company, activities, and that is when we have found become more visible as it is still in the planning the advantage of this is that ‘everything related ourselves getting more involved in the first- and phase. In the next 18 months, we need to move to the system can be reached via a single source’. second-line role.’ to the physical completion of the sale. At the He said: ‘MRO has been one of the fastest The initial workforce was around 30 personnel, moment, there is no preferred bidder.’ growing business areas in the military industry however Norris said that because of demand for several years. The global economic recession in-theatre, this has grown to more than 100 and is GERMAN SUPPORT has compelled armies to find solutions to expected to increase further as the drawdown in German vehicle manufacturer Krauss-Maffei how to maintain and improve their operational Afghanistan gathers pace. The DSG is also Wegmann (KMW) supports the Boxer wheeled capability for less money. Armed forces are contracted to manage the redeployment of the vehicles used by the German Armed Forces in now balancing between new vehicle fleet army’s vehicle fleet as it returns to the UK, but Afghanistan. Maintenance is provided by KMW acquisitions and prolonging the life cycle of there are challenges because many of the existing service technicians in Mazar e-Sharif, who have a existing vehicle fleets and additionally improving stocks were purchased by the MoD through service availability target of 80%. They are able to them at the same time.’ MLI

10 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com STORES MANAGEMENT

The cargo lift on a USN Nimitz -class ship. New aircraft carriers will use advanced automated inventory management and stores handling systems. (Photo: USN)

BELOW DECKS

To retain their technological and tactical Logistics systems for some classes of naval vessel are becoming advantage, modern navies are procuring a more automated to drive down costs, but others rely on legacy range of next-generation ships that employ the systems or traditional methods to keep ship stores moving, latest operational concepts and system designs Beth Stevenson to improve efficiency and reduce costs. discovers. One area of advancement is the development of stores management subsystems aboard Cold War-era anti-submarine missions to focus Fighters and four helicopters including the new various platforms. These are becoming more on maritime air power, aided by the introduction Wildcat and Merlin. sophisticated in order to reduce the logistics of two new 65,000t carriers. However, cuts introduced in the latest burden on the ship’s crew and allow the vessel to The ships, named HMS Queen Elizabeth Strategic Defence and Security Review in carry out its mission more effectively. and Prince of Wales, were to replace the smaller 2010 mean that one carrier may never enter Onboard stores management systems assist 20,000t Invincible-class carriers by 2020. BAE service, and the remaining ship is likely to operate control and movement of supplies and weapons Systems Marine, Thales and Babcock, through with a reduced air wing or be employed in an within the hull to ensure more efficient storage the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, were contracted to amphibious warfare role. This could mean the and parts tracking. One of the latest such systems develop the vessels. carrier would also embark Chinook heavy-lift is the Highly Mechanised Weapons Handling ‘The emphasis is now on increased offensive helicopters and Apache attack helicopters. System (HMWHS), which is being built for the UK air power, and an ability to operate the largest Royal Navy’s (RN’s) two new Queen Elizabeth- possible range of aircraft in the widest possible WEAPONS MIX class aircraft carriers. range of roles,’ the SDR explained. The carriers The offensive elements of this aircraft mix use a The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) of 1998 can embark up to 40 aircraft, comprising 36 variety of different weapons payloads for air announced that the RN would transition from F-35B short take-off/vertical landing Joint Strike superiority and ground attack missions, so 

www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 11 STORES MANAGEMENT

The RAN’s Canberra-class LHDs will use traditional methods of moving equipment around on their cargo decks. (Photo: Navantia)

the HMWHS is designed to ensure that all these Each mole can attach to a payload and move it types of stores that it has carried. It also holds munitions can be stored safely and efficiently out of the magazine to any area covered by its detailed information about the quality of the while remaining easily and rapidly available rack and pinion network, or transfer it to another stores, such as the net explosive content of when operations commence. mole to allow the stores to be transferred into weapons material. HMWHS uses all-electric controls that are another part of the ship and delivered to a A full-size prototype of HMWHS has been commonly found in warehouses. The system has manned station. successfully tested in a factory environment been developed by Babcock, and it will be the ‘The different shapes of the two mole versions as well as on the UK MoD’s rolling platform first time an application of this type has been enable the palletised munitions to be lifted and facility at Boscombe Down. Live testing took fitted for stores handling on a naval vessel. lowered in the correct orientation onto the set place in 2006 during a two-three week period The system was developed as a result of a stowage and transfer positions, and the moles’ to validate overall capability as part of the demand for automation and reduced manning electric traverse and lift drives allow accurate risk mitigation plan to increase the system’s levels to encourage cost savings throughout position control of the payload within the technology readiness level. the service life of the ships. HMWHS introduces magazine,’ Tim Pocock, projects director at Pocock said that the final set of the 38 mechanical handling for moving palletised Babcock, toldMilitary Logistics International . hydraulically operated HMWHS lift doors for munitions, and weapons lifts that connect the To maximise storage density, common pallets both carriers was delivered in January. Overhead carrier’s magazine, hangar, weapons preparation are used to hold a range of shapes, sizes and handlers for the preparation areas and stores are areas and flight deck. masses of munitions. This provides the flexibility the last component to be completed, and will be According to Babcock, the system permits an to accommodate any future weapons or other delivered towards the end of the installation estimated 65% reduction in manpower, enabling items, provided they fit within the pallet footprint. phase (ie 2015 for the first carrier and 2018 for the a crew of similar size to that of theInvincible-class Pallets are stowed using ISO container locks, or second). Commissioning and commissioning carriers (one of which remains in service) to temporarily located at transfer points on pins to support is expected to last up to 18 months as operate a vessel that is considerably larger. provide positional control for onward handling part of the whole ship process. With automation, a large number of munitions and secure them against the ship’s motion. ‘The design is such that it is intended to be can be delivered rapidly to their desired location maintained through the life of the vessel,’ Pocock faster than previously possible, and space in the KEY COMPONENTS added. ‘There are no planned refits or upgrades, hold can be saved as there is less need for access Key components are the integrated control just general maintenance to keep it operational lanes for forklift trucks and other manned vehicles. system, the unmanned magazines and control with any more significant overhaul required to be This additional space can be used to store an of the moles from a central location. The crew undertaken during major refit periods.’ increased volume of cargo in the same area. only need to get involved when munitions The system comprises two overlaying rail are being prepared for storage or use at the FORD FOCUS systems, one that runs fore and aft and the other installation end. This improves the speed of The USN is also acquiring new aircraft carriers, from port to starboard, using a rack and pinion stores retrieval, saving the time that would be the Gerald R Ford class that will eventually drive. More than 50 platforms called ‘moles’ are spent sending a manned forklift to locate and replace the existing Nimitz class. Huntington fitted with adjustable connectors to attach to any collect the item. Heavy Industries (HII) is already building the first payload, and can manoeuvre using the rack and The inventory management system uses radio three on a five-year drumbeat, with Gerald R Ford pinion, following dedicated routes to access all frequency tagging to track a pallet’s location. (CVN-78) expected to enter service in 2015, areas within the storage bay and between decks Each pallet has a memory chip that contains followed by John F Kennedy (CVN-79) in 2020 via lift access points. information about its own movements and the and Enterprise (CVN-80) in 2025.

12 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com STORES MANAGEMENT

‘To maximise storage density, common pallets are used to hold a range of shapes, sizes and masses of munitions.’

The ships will incorporate the same weapon handling systems are more traditional. This is To support the movement of equipment, stores management application – the Aviation because these vessels have large cargo bay stores and munitions around the ship, the Weapons Information Management System holds below decks to transport vehicles, LHDs are fitted with numerous cranes and (AWIMS) – used on the Nimitz class as it is not equipment and personnel to theatre and elevators including: gantry cranes; boom platform-specific and can be applied to a variety deploy them, which is a different role to an cranes; aircraft elevators; a vehicle elevator; of hull designs to manage inventories. aircraft carrier. cargo elevators; provisions elevators; personnel ‘AWIMS was developed as an inventory Spanish shipbuilder Navantia has designed elevators (including a hospital elevator); an management application for weapons under the and built the hulls of the Royal Australian ammunition elevator; a dumb waiter; and Aviation Data Management and Control System Navy’s (RAN’s) two new Canberra-class Landing numerous miscellaneous cranes/hoists. (ADMACS) programme, which is an aviation data Helicopter Docks (LHDs). The design is based on ‘Further movement of vehicles and goods management and control system across different the SPS Juan Carlos I LHD already in service into, out of and through the heavy vehicle ship platforms,’ a spokeswoman from Naval Sea with the Spanish Navy. The difficulties the RAN garage, light vehicle garage, hangar and well Systems Command (NAVSEA), told MLI . experienced in deploying and supporting forces dock is facilitated by a series of vehicle ramps,’ an AWIMS is an application under ADMACS that is in East Timor and the wider Asia-Pacific region led Australian defence spokeswoman told MLI . being provided to HII as a government-furnished directly to the acquisition of the new ships. system, and its detailed technical requirements MOVING CHALLENGE are incorporated in those for ADMACS. For the LHDs, the real challenge is moving equipment on and off the ship for operational FLOW PATH deployment, possibly in hostile conditions. In addition to AWIMS, the CVN-78 design has a ‘The LHDs use the inventory management more efficient weapons flow path and faster systems common to the wider Australian elevators. ‘The handling path, transfer points and Defence Force. Additional interfaces to the new elevators, along with AWIMS, will be able to ship stability and load-out software are enabled handle weapon systems for the foreseeable to manage the effect of movement of large future,’ the spokeswoman said. volumes/weights of items onto, through and off ‘CVN-78 supply department manpower the ships.’ requirements for logistics-related tasks were The LHDs have two aircraft elevators – one defined not only by the management functions, A ‘mole’ next to a lift area on the rack-and- aft of the flight deck and one forward of but also by the physical effort required to pinion rail system in Babcock’s HMWHS, the island on the starboard side – that can receive, store, retrieve and expend consumables developed for the RN’s new Queen Elizabeth- accommodate medium-sized helicopters, and repair parts,’ she continued. ‘The ship’s class carriers. (Image: Babcock) with the aft lift able to handle larger types such compartment arrangement, designed for more as the CH-47. Both elevators service the hangar efficient movement of stores to their points of The Australian Department of Defence’s 2009 and light vehicle/cargo deck, while the forward use, new elevators to allow transfer of entire white paper, ‘Defending Australia in the Asia- one has a dual role for moving stores and pallets of equipment, and AWIMS together allow Pacific Century: Force 2030’, stated: ‘Our capacity personnel. a smaller crew to perform the same tasks more to deploy and sustain land forces from the sea There is a cargo lift that can be used to transfer effectively and efficiently.’ will be substantially enhanced when the two 20ft ISO containers and vehicles up to a weight AWIMS functionality is needed to ensure an new Landing Helicopter Dock amphibious ships of 16t between the heavy and light vehicle decks, accurate real-time status log of available enter service in the coming decade.’ and there are lifts for ammunition, provisions and weapons to support mission tasking. It is The ships will embark helicopters and carry casualties. Up to 110 vehicles, depending on size designed to remain on the carrier through its vehicles and other cargo with the capability to and configuration, can be loaded across the two life cycle, and will require periodic upgrades to deploy them ashore without the need for port vehicle decks. refresh hardware and update software to infrastructure, primarily via heavy landing craft. ‘The arrangement of elevators, lifts, cranes account for new inventory items throughout the The nature of the operations and the type of and ramps has been designed to facilitate the 50-year career of the carrier. equipment carried mean that the LHDs do not rapid loading, movement, distribution, storage Meanwhile, on other large-deck naval require a sophisticated stores system relying on and unloading of items,’ the spokeswoman platforms like amphibious assault ships, stores elevators and lifts. added. MLI www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 13 TACTICAL VEHICLES

Navistar has supplied 1,300 trucks for the BUMPY MilCOTS portion of Canada’s MSVS programme. (Photo: Canadian DND) ROAD AHEAD

Contemporary threats have driven the ‘simple’ truck from modern military operations. Faced with shrinking budgets, some armies are adopting a high-low mix to modernise their fleets, reports Ian Kemp.

Rand Corporation report on tactical acquisition report, published in March 2012, Maj Gen Harold Greene, deputy for A wheeled vehicles (TWVs) published in 2011, noted that the cost of the army’s Family of acquisition and systems management in the which helped the US Army develop its fleet, Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) project had Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, stated: ‘The army’s medium and heavy [TWV] been reduced by 10.5% to $16.76 billion, told attendees at the AUSA 2013 Winter fleets (both active and reserve components) are primarily because the quantity ordered had Symposium in February: ‘Over the past ten critical to sustaining its global operations; these been cut by 7,463 trucks to 80,376. years the army has gotten pretty healthy in are the vehicles that move supplies and The FMTV performs over 55% of the army’s medium and heavy trucks, but in another ten equipment to and around the battlespace.’ local, line haul and unit resupply missions in years the fleet will be halfway through its useful This observation is true of any military force combat, combat support and combat service economic life.’ The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, which aspires to even a modest expeditionary support units. FMTV is a complete series of trucks intended to replace the light High Mobility capability, and the changes to vehicle and trailers, based on a common chassis, that Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, is the only new requirements for combat operations were vary by payload and mission. The Light Medium TWV project planned in the near future by the noted in the US Army’s 2011 TWV strategy: ‘The Tactical Vehicle (cargo and van models) has a 2.5t army or marines. role of the army truck has evolved significantly capacity, while the 5t capacity Medium Tactical Mike Ivy, VP and general manager for army from its origin as a simple transport. This Vehicle (MTV) comes in cargo, tractor, van, programmes at Oshkosh Defense, said the evolution has resulted in a dramatic increase wrecker, load handling and dump truck models. in truck costs – to meet the threat on today’s Other variants provide airdrop capability for battlefields, trucks must now be armoured, have contingency and rapid deployment operations. the additional capacity and power to carry that Stewart & Stevenson, since acquired by BAE armour, and be outfitted with a wide variety of Systems, produced the first FMTV A0 in 1991 at its [C4ISR] equipment.’ plant in Sealy, Texas. However, following the success of Oshkosh Defense in the 2010-15 FMTV SPENDING TROUGH re-compete, production has shifted to that The surge in funding which characterised the company’s Wisconsin plant. Here, Oshkosh builds first decade of America’s war on terrorism has the MTV Replacement and Logistic Vehicle come to an end, and all programmes will be System Replacement for the USMC and the affected. The DoD’s most recent selected Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles for the US Army.

14 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com TACTICAL VEHICLES

‘In another ten years the fleet will be halfway through its useful economic life.’

company’s military production output, which was • Phase 3A covers the acquisition of 1,187 billion) contract in April 2005 to supply 4,851 also buoyed by the MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle in unprotected Mercedes G-Class light utility trucks, 314 recovery vehicles and 69 recovery FY2010-11, will drop dramatically from 2013. He vehicles, with modules and trailers, while trailers to the British armed forces. This was urged the DoD to invest ‘seed funding’ to define Phase 5A covers another 959 for tactical followed in June 2006 by a £250 million option future requirements for the next generation training. for a further 2,077 vehicles. The project remains of TWVs, and highlighted three areas for R&D • Phase 3B covers approximately 2,700 medium the largest military truck programme in Europe. investment: survivability solutions; autonomy; and and heavy trucks with 1,300 protected for The models selected for Overlander are the use of condition-based maintenance (CBM). Ivy operational deployment, while Phase 5B 4x4 HX60 and 6x6 HX58 variants. The standard pointed out that engines and transmissions covers another 1,000 for tactical training. HX60 has a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 18t, derived from the company’s commercial vehicles • Phase 4 will provide the core of the including a 6t payload, and is capable of a top are CBM-ready, as the technology is already operationally deployable light protected speed of over 90km/h. The HX60 is powered by a employed by civilian fleet operators. The DoD vehicle fleet, covering the acquisition of water-cooled, six-cylinder MAN D0836 diesel is also investing in research to improve fuel around 1,300 vehicles and trailers. engine with direct fuel injection. For increased efficiency, a crucial consideration given the costs It was announced in December 2011 that interoperability, it can be supplied with the larger and risks inherent in delivering fuel supplies to RMMV Australia was the preferred bidder for six-cylinder MAN D2066 fitted to the HX58 or 8x8 forward deployed forces. Phases 3B and 5A, with contract approval HX77. The HX60 can ford water obstacles up to expected this year. 1.2m deep and with additional preparation it can AUSTRALIAN OVERLANDER RMMV’s proposal is based on its successful cross depths of 1.5m and is air-transportable by US truck manufacturers, faced with declining HX series of military trucks, 60,000 of which C-130. The HX58 has a GVW of 27.5t, including a domestic orders, will in future have to rely on are operated by over 50 armed forces. The 9t payload, and can also achieve speeds in excess FMS and direct exports like their European HX Medium Mobility vehicle, along with the SX of 90km/h. All RMMV vehicles are available with a counterparts, which traditionally have never Improved Medium Mobility vehicle, represents modular or integrated armour cabin providing depended solely on home markets. Germany’s the core of the UK MoD’s Support Vehicle project. NATO STANAG 4569 Class 3 ballistic protection Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) MAN ERF UK was awarded a £1 billion ($1.51 and Class 3b mine/IED blast protection.  has enjoyed significant export success and is anticipating a contract, through its subsidiary RMMV Australia, to supply up to 3,700 protected and unprotected medium and heavy vehicles to the Australian Army. The A$3 billion (US$3.07 billion) Project Land 121, also known as Overlander, will modernise Australia’s TWV fleet in several phases:

• Phase 2A will enhance the current vehicle capability for heavy recovery and bulk liquid transport.

Australia has selected RMMV’s 4x4 HX60 and 6x6 HX58 to replace the army’s existing tactical truck fleet. (Photo: RMMV) www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 15 TACTICAL VEHICLES

Budget constraints have forced the US Army to cut its planned FMTV purchase by almost 10%. (Photo: US Army)

With a gross train weight of 130t, the HX77 is the heavyweight of the HX series, designed to serve either as a semi-trailer or transporter to carry main battle tanks off-road to and from their area of operations. The Australian Army does not require tank transporters in the short term, however, following its acquisition of 16 MAN TGA 8x8 tractor trucks and Drake trailers in 2005 to support its new fleet of General Dynamics M1A1 Abrams. Four companies – Armatec Survivability, DEW, recovery variants; 12 tank transporter tractors; Gichner Shelter Systems and Marshall Specialist and 40 Palletized Loading System (PLS) vehicles CANADA HIGH Vehicles – were pre-qualified to bid for a separate with container handling units. All vehicles are The Canadian Army’s 2,770 Military Logistics contract to equip 868 shelters as workshops, fitted with an armoured cab developed by Vehicle Wheeled trucks were officially declared offices and medical/dental facilities. DEW was South Africa’s Land Mobility Technologies obsolete in 2008, and the service has decided to also chosen for this phase in early 2013 with a and were used extensively from mid-2008 until replace them with a mixed fleet of less expensive contract expected imminently as this issue went the end of the Canadian combat mission in militarised COTS (MilCOTS) trucks under its to press. Deliveries, originally scheduled to run Afghanistan in 2011. The vehicles have a life Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) project. from early 2013 to late 2016, are expected to slip expectancy out to 2019, when the army plans This will equip reserve units for training and several months because of the delay in awarding to replace them under its Logistics Vehicle domestic operations and provide a more a contract. Modernization (LVM) project. expensive Standard Military Pattern (SMP) The SMP portion of the project, which has LVM is intended to replace the army’s fleet of truck for expeditionary operations. Daimler, already slipped a couple of years, is also subject about 2,800 Light Support Vehicle Wheeled Renault and RMTT from Europe, and BAE to further delay. The Department of National (LSVW) and 1,200 Heavy Logistics Vehicle Systems, Navistar and Oshkosh from the US are Defence (DND) announced last July that it had Wheeled (HLVW). The LSVWs are due to leave competing for the SMP requirement. cancelled the original December 2011 RfP in order service from 2015 and will be replaced with a For the MilCOTS element, Navistar was to ‘re-evaluate’ the process – much to the Combat Logistics Support Vehicle (CLSV) with a awarded a contract in January 2009 to supply frustration of the army. The SMP requirement is 2.2-3.5t payload. Like the MSVS project, the CLSV 1,300 Workstar 7400 vehicles in six config- for up to 1,537 vehicles with an 8-10t payload requirement is to be split into the acquisition urations. Deliveries took place from July 2009 capacity in five variants: standard cargo; cargo of medium mobility MilCOTS for training and to March 2011. The company has already with material handling crane; load handling domestic operations and an improved SMP produced nearly 9,000 MTVs (the designation for system; cargo mobile repair truck; and gun tractor. for expeditionary operations that are C-130- MilCOTS 7000-series vehicles) for Afghan forces A long-term in-service support arrangement for transportable and armour protected. under US government contracts since 2004, the vehicles will also be included. Contracts were The HLVWs will leave service from 2020 and and has delivered another 14,000 to military also expected for up to 202 SMP load handling will be replaced with a new truck able to carry customers including Canada, Israel, Iraq, Jordan system trailers and up to 157 SMP armour a 16t payload. This requirement includes four and Taiwan. In February 2013 the US Army protection kits. Procurement and army officials variants: cargo; cargo with crane; PLS; and tractor. awarded Navistar a $23 million urgent delivery met with industry representatives from 17-23 Vehicles for expeditionary operations will be contract to supply 205 armoured cabs for fitting January to prepare a new RfP. able to accept STANAG 4569 Level 3 ballistic on Afghan vehicles in place of the existing protection, although the requirement for commercial ones. HEAVY WEIGHTS Level 2a/2b mine blast protection is yet to For the second phase of the MSVS procure- To meet an urgent need for an armoured heavy be confirmed. The LVM project is scheduled ment, DEW Engineering and Development support vehicle for operation in Afghanistan, the to receive preliminary approval from the received a C$130 million (US$127 million) DND awarded Mercedes-Benz a C$87 million government by July 2013, with an RfP expected contract in August 2009 for 895 Special contract in May 2007 for 82 8x8 Actros vehicles by mid-2014 and initial deliveries in mid-2016. Equipment Vehicle baseline shelters in six in four major variants: 25 cargo vehicles with a However, the protracted nature of the MSVS variants for use with the newly acquired MilCOTS material handling crane (eight as gun tractors for project would suggest this timetable is unlikely to vehicles and in-service and future SMP vehicles. the BAE Systems M777A1 155mm howitzer); five be achieved. MLI

16 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com SUPPORT VESSELS

INSShakti refuels a US aircraft carrier, providing a key replenishment capability. (Photo: Fincantieri)

REFRESHING ACTIVITIES As Asian navies increasingly look to project capabilities beyond home waters, they are upgrading their support at sea through the acquisition of new replenishment vessels, says Tim Fish.

eplenishment ships are a valuable will need access to a friendly port in order to As one of the countries with a rapidly growing R logistical asset for naval forces if they want refuel and replenish supplies. navy, India has recently acquired two new their warships to traverse longer distances and Access to ports is not always guaranteed, replenishment ships from Italian shipbuilder support operations far from home in overseas and it can divert ships away from the mission for Fincantieri. The two Deepak -class vessels INS theatres. There is no set definition for this type considerable periods, reducing time on station. A Deepak and INS Shakti replace the older Shakti , of warship – they mainly focus on carrying fuel, replenishment ship is a national asset, and it can which was coming to the end of its service life. At but also other stores such as foodstuffs, military accompany the warship throughout its mission, 175m in length and displacing 27,500t, they equipment and personnel. provide additional assets and perform refuelling are fitted with four replenishment-at-sea (RAS) These vessels are not just naval versions of and resupply while under way. stations – two on the beam and two on the stern commercial tankers, they are specialised ships Within Asia, the requirement for replenish- – and can fuel three ships simultaneously and designed for the military support role. Because of ment ships has been limited. Naval forces are transfer solid loads up to 2t in a single movement. these capabilities, the replenishment ship itself is primarily positioned for self-defence and have Each Deepak -class ship has a total carrying a floating asset that can be used as a tool for little need to deploy outside of the region. Even capacity of 17,900t, comprising 12,000t of fuel, other missions, deploying by itself in safe areas a country like Japan with a modern navy (known 2,300t of aviation fuel, 2,000t of water and 1,000t or attached to a multinational force to support as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) is of lubricants. There is also space for 200t of other navies, and often supporting ground prevented from engaging in military action by its ammunition, 150t of provisions, 20t of stores and forces ashore. own constitution. eight mission-adaptable TEU containers located Even the deployment of replenishment on deck. GETTING ACCESS ships to the Indian Ocean in support of A spokesperson from Fincantieri described to The logistics element of a naval force is often a NATO operations in Afghanistan has been a Military Logistics International a typical resupply secondary consideration, with the primary controversial political issue in the country. operation: ‘The replenishment ships have at least focus being on acquiring warfighting vessels However, with economic prosperity and the one frame per side (usually two) above the and other frontline ships. However, if a navy desire to protect maritime resources and sea lines weather deck from which a steel wire is led to a wants those frontline ships to deploy outside of of communications, countries are expanding their dedicated hook installed in the receiving ship – home waters for any length of time, then they horizons, and navies are reaching out further. this wire has to be maintained at the same 

www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 17 SUPPORT VESSELS

strain independently from the relative motions between the two ships. Dedicated systems are installed for this purpose. Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has built two Deepak -class ‘By means of this wire, hoses for fuel, oil, replenishment vessels for the Indian Navy. (Photo: Fincantieri) kerosene and water are passed from the replenishment ship to the receiving one and issued by the NATO Standardization Agency. The ships alternate on each piracy mission, and are connected to standardised quick-release Moreover, this standard has also become used have shown their value to the degree that a connections – using the same wire, it’s possible to and valid for many other navies not belonging to further two vessels of the class are being built. transport spare parts or, in general, solid loads.’ NATO, eg the Indian Navy. CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard launched the third ‘Considering the configuration and facilities ship, Tai Hu, in March 2012, with Hudong FACILITY FEATURES described, it’s clear that commercial vessels are Shipyard launching the fourth, Chao Hu, two The facilities include: a 30t-capacity hydraulic unable to perform replenishment operations – months later. Both vessels are expected to enter deck crane with an operative radius of 4-18m for it’s also evident that, having the same standards, service this year. harbour cargo operations; a 7t-capacity lift for it’s possible to rely on a replenishment vessel of provisions and ammunition handling; and a 2t other allied navies involved in the same mission PAKISTANI PROGRESS lift for ammunition handling. There is space for or available in the same area.’ The Pakistan Navy is following suit, as it needs to 248 passengers, and a medical surgery with two The other major naval force in Asia is the replace its two existing Dutch- and Chinese-built operating theatres and eight beds is also fitted. People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy of China, replenishment ships. A contract was signed with There are four reverse osmosis desalination which has aspirations for regional dominance Turkish company STM in January 2013 for a new plants that can each provide 30t of water per day and expansion. Recent naval expansion has 155m-long 15,600t fleet tanker with RAS stations and two automatic diesel-oil boilers for hot water included deployments to the Gulf of Aden to and a helicopter deck. STM is providing the production. There are also two 6.5m-long rigid support international counter-piracy missions. design and materiel plus training, and the ship inflatable boats with 90hp and two 4m inflatable Since 2008, the PLA Navy has sent two warships will be built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering boats with 25hp. The ships have a flight deck for and a Fuchi -class support ship as its contribution. Works in Pakistan. Chetak and Sea King helicopters and for vertical The two 23,000t Fuchi -class replenishment Indonesia’s naval force is also seeking to replenishment. vessels are the only such platforms in the update its fleet tanker support, as its current Noting that the capabilities of replenishment PLA Navy capable of supporting out-of-area 1960s-vintage vessels, comprising the Khobi -class ships cannot be replicated by commercial operations. tankers Balikpapan and Sambu, and the Rover - tankers or support ships, the spokesperson Built by Hudong Shipyard and China State class tanker Arun, are in need of replacement. added: ‘Replenishment operations can be Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) Guangzhou Local news reports state that steel was cut in performed only by specialised ships designed for shipyard, they both entered service in 2004. At February 2012 at Dock and Shipping Kodja Bahari this purpose and having common standards 178.5m in length, the vessels have fuel capacities for a 122.4m-long ‘bantu liquid petroleum’ (BCM) in terms of connections and devices with the over 10,000t, with a further 250t of water and tanker under a contract worth $21m. receiving ship. All the ships belonging to NATO almost 700t of dry stores, and four RAS stations, The design of the ship shows it has a helicopter are in compliance with the ATP 16 RAS standard, two on each side – one for liquids, one for solids. platform, two RAS stations and can carry 5,500t of

HMASSuccessconducts refuelling operations with HMAS Darwin and FNS Vendemaire(l), while SPS Cantabriasupports HMASNewcastle(r). (Photos: RAN)

18 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com Support veSSelS

‘The requirements of the future fleet will demand great operational flexibility and capacity from its support ships.’

fuel. A $16m contract for a second, slightly aviation fuel, water, heavy stores and explosive the fuel tanks in Success in order to create an smaller, 95.5m-long vessel BCM tanker was also ordnance. In addition, Success has the ability to artificial double hull that would allow the ship to awarded to Anugrah Buana Marine. This was laid use its helicopter to augment the ship’s transfer continue in operation. down in July 2012, and both ships are due to be capabilities.’ completed in the 2014-2015 time frame. Sirius was formerly a double-hulled Korean SucceSSful Support Due to the vast distances that its ships need tanker, MT Delos, which was converted and ‘The capabilities provided by Success andSirius to travel, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is brought into RAN service in September 2006 have adequately supported the RAN fleet over also looking to update its fleet replenishment under the Sea 1654 Phase 2A programme, the last 27 years,’ continued the spokesperson. capability, currently provided by auxiliary oiler replacing the older vessel HMAS Westralia. ‘However, the support requirements of the (AO) HMAS Sirius and AO replenishment (AOR) Success is a single-hulled oiler that entered service future fleet will demand great operational ship HMAS Success. in 1986 and was upgraded in 2010-2011 to flexibility and capacity from its support ships. An RAN spokesperson told MLI : ‘Sirius can carry extend its service life into the 2020s with the In particular, the age of the current capability bulk fuel and some limited stores to support creation of an artificial double hull. MARPOL is now presenting some technical and naval task group operations, while Success regulations called for the phasing out of single- environmental compliance challenges for provides a more comprehensive and flexible hull tankers by 2010, and ST Marine was Success, which has reduced the ship’s capacity suite of logistics support, including ship and contracted in December of that year to convert and operational availability. Sirius does not

www.mi-g.cm Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 19 SUPPORT VESSELS

USNS John Ericssonin harsh weather off the coast of Japan in October 2012. (Photo: USN)

provide sufficient flexibility to support the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia told MLI that the helicopters as well as additional container space. future fleet. company was interested in this programme. The The programme is still in a capability definition ‘As an AO, HMAS Sirius is not designed to company built the replenishment ship SPS stage that will see an operational concepts provide the full range of afloat support Cantabria for the Spanish Navy, and it entered document produced. capabilities of an AOR – principally it lacks the service in July 2010. At 174m in length and The Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) is ability to replenish stores, ammunition and displacing 19,800t, Cantabria is deploying also in the early stages of acquiring new ships other solid cargo.’ with the RAN from February to October this following the expansion of its surface fleet Propulsion alignment problems in Success year in a support deal that will also showcase the with new modern warships and moves towards were discovered during trials in 2012, and ship’s capabilities. developing a blue water fleet. The RoKN is the ship will be undergoing maintenance Navantia has already constructed the hulls of thought to be looking at the acquisition of throughout this year. A replacement is being the RAN’s two new Canberra-class amphibious fast combat support ships from 2017 to sought under Sea 1654 Phase 3, along with assault ships and provided its Álvaro de Bazán- replace the existing threeChun Jee-class auxiliary a replacement for Sirius. The spokesperson class (F-100) frigate design for Australia’sHobart - replenishment ships. said that Phase 3 is scheduled for ‘first pass’ class air warfare destroyers. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is building a new consideration in FY2012-13, with a ‘year of 2,774-deadweight tonnage tanker at the Ananda decision’ set for FY2014-15 to FY2017-18. The PARALLEL PROBLEMS Shipyard to replace the 1980s-vintage fleet new ships will cost around A$1.5 billion (US$1.52 The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) had a tanker Khan Jahan Ali , which was built in Japan. billion) and are expected to displace about similar problem with its replenishment ship The USN also has significant support assets in 20,000t and have a helicopter capability. HMNZS Endeavour , which like Success was the Asia-Pacific region based in Singapore. A ‘In the Asia-Pacific region, with some vast single-hulled. About 10% of its fuel tanks have spokesman from US Military Sealift Command distances between a potential area of operations been converted into ballast to temporarily Far East (MSCFE) told MLI : ‘On any given day, and a suitable support base, the presence overcome the MARPOL regulations, and the MSCFE has an average of ten Naval Fleet Auxiliary of an AOR with a naval task group allows ship can operate until April 2013. After this Force [NFAF] ships operating in our area of governments and commanders a significant time, under a transitional compliance strategy, responsibility [stretching from the Indian Ocean advantage in flexibility, allowing a force to be Endeavour can only continue to operate with a to the West Coast of the US]… These ships are maintained on station, which is essentially self- reduced cargo capacity. fleet replenishment oilers, dry cargo/ammunition sustaining and self-contained – a capability A replacement ship is being touted under the ships and fast combat support ships.’ which can be maintained for many months,’ Maritime Projection and Sustainment Capability MSCFE ships currently operating in the NFAF added the spokesperson. ‘The operating areas programme, but a vessel is not expected to enter include USNS Matthew Perry , USNS Pecos, USNS for such a force are no longer restricted by the service until 2017-2018 or even 2019. RNZN Tippecanoe, USNS Rainier , USNS Amelia Earhart , endurance and range of the various ships, requirements, as stated in a defence white USNS Carl Brashear , USNS John Ericsson, USNS allowing a greater range of response options paper, are for a multirole ship that can deliver and Washington Chambers, USNSRappahannock and to government.’ support ground forces, with a flight deck for USNS Wally Schirra. MLI

20 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com PALLETS AND CASES

Often the unsung hero of the logistics chain, suitable pallets and cases are vital for the safe transportation of equipment. Claire Apthorp explores the latest products that ensure items are functional and undamaged when they reach the theatre of operations. THE LONG JOURNEY

Zarges K 470 Universal cases are made of high-strength aluminium alloy. (Photo: Zarges)

y the time military equipment is used WHEN IT MATTERS ‘Electronic equipment needed to become Bin-theatre – be it a weapon, a piece of ‘For case manufacturers, the most important more portable in order to be effectively used communications gear or an unmanned vehicle thing is: how will a case perform on the day that for its intended purpose in the field,’ Sterling control system – it has been transported matters?’ Justin Maloney, VP of sales at ECS Case, Becklin, president of ECS Case, told MLI . ‘To solve thousands of miles, stored for countless hours told Military Logistics International . ‘A good case this problem, my father invented and was issued and has passed through a complex logistics is the one that lets a warfighter get his job done the original patent for the field-portable chain. And yet the moment it is delivered into without having to worry about whether his 19in Rackmount case enclosure – which was a the hands of the warfighter in the field, it must equipment will perform properly – whether it’s huge deal in the packaging industry, and function immediately and effectively, without been protected from the bumps, the harsh revolutionised the deployment and operations fault or delay. environment, the dust or moisture. of electronic systems for military use – and we The passage of equipment into theatre ‘If the soldier needs that equipment in order have continued to improve upon it throughout and its storage and deployment thereafter to communicate with someone else in the field, its 25-year history.’ is an underrated part of military campaigns. if his life depends on it, and we provide the Since then, the company has expanded But it cannot be overlooked by armed forces, ruggedised case that allows that to happen, its product line to include standardised which need their equipment to work as then we’ve done our job correctly.’ Thermostamp Composite Rackmount and and when required. During every phase The boom of using electronic equipment Rotomold transit cases, in addition to its most of the supply chain, it must be protected in the 1970s kick-started the need for high- customisable offerings of fibreglass-reinforced from outside elements that could cause performance transportation and storage cases in polyester (FRP) cases, all of which have damage, including extreme temperate the military. Prior to this, wood-based materials been optimised in terms of ergonomics, fit, variations, while also surviving the jolts and were used to deliver equipment safely into form and function to cover the spectrum of shocks of the journey. theatre. However, as fragile electronic equipment military requirements. Ruggedised, robust cases and strong pallets was adopted in larger volumes by armed forces, are therefore a necessity for effective military the need for highly specialised cases emerged – STACKING UP operations, and a number of companies have particularly as military operations began to rely ‘Ten years ago, we recognised that our been developing solutions in this overlooked on transportable electronic server equipment competitors might offer a plethora of case sizes, corner of the industry. for communications. but there was no commonality of design to  www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 21 PALLETS AND CASES

allow the stacking of multiple configurations or lids removed so the equipment inside can be sizes together,’ added Becklin. ‘So we decided to networked together, and the cases used as a be the first in the industry to offer stackable, permanent or semi-permanent structure. modular cases – so you can have two 12in cases Other improvements to the Rackmount A Rackmount case with its specially alongside a 24in case, and have another container enclosures include threaded inserts moulded into designed handles and interlocking stacked right along the top and they will all lock the case, rather than the previous method of stacking features visible on the underside. together with no extra equipment needed.’ drilling holes to mount hardware such as handles (Photo: ECS Case) Furthermore, the company noticed that its and shock mounts. This allows components to customers were using both the Rotomold and be field-repairable or replaceable with a Phillips date. Additionally, ECS Centre Grip Handles allow Loadmaster Rackmount products alongside screwdriver, as well as eliminating potential the user to push or pull the container with one each other, so it put the same stacking feature leak passages, rendering them more reliable in hand without danger of the case tipping, thus into the Loadmaster Rackmount to allow all harsh environments. reducing instances of damage. cases to interlock safely for shipping, storage and The handles themselves are also more The company’s FRP line continues to be the handling. Specifically designed as a housing and ergonomic, making them lighter and easier on most highly engineered range of products it transport solution for electronic equipment, the carrier, and each lid has moulded-in features offers, designed to meet low-weight, high-risk Rackmounts can be stacked with front and rear for castors or wheels that can be added at a later requirements from its customers.

Providing defence intell igence w orldwide.

Print. Web. Email. You get the idea. Visit ShephardMedia.com

22 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com PALLETS AND CASES ‘Cases need to be resistant to acts of cyber warfare, so that if they are scanned, sensitive data cannot be leaked from the equipment inside.’

‘High risk generally refers to the fragility of the cases need to be resistant to acts of cyber inside. And then conversely, they must also be equipment it is being used with – everything warfare, so that if the case is scanned, sensitive capable of housing aerials and antennas, so we from very specialised electronics to aircraft test data cannot be leaked from the equipment need to provide the reverse in some cases.’  equipment and some of the most common UAV equipment for projects where weight is key,’ explained Becklin. ‘We also offer the [FRP] line in a carbon-fibre product because we saw a need for even lighter, stronger solutions. It’s more expensive than fibreglass, but we see big success where the need requires it.’

DIGITAL BATTLESPACE The move towards an increasingly digitised battlefield has presented a number of challenges for the packaging industry. As such, equipment increasingly follows a COTS model – the 10-12 week lead times to supply cases to house the equipment are a thing of the past. The ability to respond to a customer’s needs in a timely manner is a major differentiator. Responding to this trend, ECS Case has developed a new half-  rack case that suits smaller electronic Port city offices: Baltimore, MD and components that need protection in the field. Charleston, SC ‘It’s clear that the days of big army, and  Additional locations: Milwaukee, WI; more metal on the ground, are evolving towards more technologically advanced systems,’ added Pittsburgh, PA; Dayton/Cincinnati, OH; Becklin. ‘Advanced communications, UAVs Shippensburg, PA and Cleveland, OH and mobile solutions will continue to drive our  Lifting capacity from 7.5-Ton to 50-Ton developmental and production teams.’ The shift towards electronic equipment  70+ yrs Export & Military Packaging incl that needs rugged cases for transport and Mobile Packaging housing is being felt right across this sector of  Warehousing & Distribution the industry. Zero Cases is also addressing this trend across its military and government  Package Engineering & Design application product lines.  All facilities ISPM 15 Certified The company offers: a range of standard or  Transloading modified transit and storage cases in aluminium or plastic; standard or customised carrying cases  Flatracking specifically designed to carry communications  Reusable Packaging equipment such as small radios, laptops and control equipment; and 19in Rackmount cases in either aluminium or Rotomold plastic. ‘Certainly, customer requirements are 1-800-823-6853 changing – as you can imagine, we started out www.bentleywp.com with basic environmental requirements: water- tight and weather-tight,’ Mike Dimmack, Zero Cases’ UK plant manager, told MLI . ‘Now these

www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 23 PALLETS AND CASES

Zero Cases also provides modular units that can be created entirely to customer specifications of any shape for a variety of applications. ‘We’ve provided these cases for everything from standard shipping cases to Pallets are one of the most basic elements of military logistics, being used for the majority of transporting missile-launching equipment,’ bulk shipments by land, sea or air. (Photo: US Army) he continued. ‘They must be flexible in design, bespoke, fit and functional to be carried in something Zarges Cases caters for in its separation of layers within composite materials) a range of rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, product range. The company manufactures typically seen with the old-fashioned balsa wood while still being water- and weather-tight, cases from high-strength aluminium alloy sheet core pallets, a thing of the past. and in some cases also microwave- and radio metal to package and transport hazardous The pallet is multi-modal, allowing air and wave-proof.’ goods in accordance with UN requirements. road transport with 22 tie-down rings and The increasing utilisation of unmanned Products include the K 470 Universal, K 475 BYU 3,400kg capacity in any direction. The pallets are vehicles is also providing big opportunities for and K 410 Alu Case, and for sensitive loads, durable, easy to maintain and corrosion-, heat-, Zero Cases, according to Dimmack. ‘The trend is shock absorbers, mounts and handling aids moisture- and UV-light-resistant. When not in certainly moving towards keeping the soldier allow safe storage and transport of Category 1 use, the pallets can provide on-site storage out of harm’s way with the use of robotics and substances. of equipment. remotely piloted vehicles,’ he said. ‘Our cases Zarges also provides pallets in a range of are designed to be very well suited to storing corrosion-resistant aluminium designs, including ALUMINIUM ALTERNATIVES and transporting unmanned vehicle control options with corner feet and skids. Pallets are In addition to the HCU-6/E, VRR has developed a equipment and even the vehicles themselves.’ the most basic element of military logistics, with number of alternative options, including the PAJ The other major requirement Dimmack the majority of shipments on any platform – pallet made with a sandwich construction of identified is the challenge for industry to reduce land, sea or air – using pallets. single sheets of aluminium with aluminium weight and size as armed forces focus on Traditionally made with balsa wood and often extrusions. This design prevents the typical reducing the burden on the mobile soldier. produced for single usage, manufacturers are bending and warping common with standard That means keeping cases as small, light and focusing on the higher-spec end of the market, pallets that can cause jams in aircraft restraint user-friendly as possible, while still retaining designing cargo pallets of various dimensions systems resulting in delays and damages. rugged characteristics. and for specific purposes for extreme duty and The company’s PGA pallet has been heavy-lift operations. developed to provide extra robustness when HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ‘We don’t offer pallets for mass production, added weight is an issue for heavy-duty Keeping armed forces as mobile as possible is a we focus on air force customers who appreciate applications, and its PGF pallet is also equipped subject Peli-Hardigg is well versed in, with its vast quality more than purchase price,’ Geert van with ISO corners to facilitate the longitudinal array of mobile armoury, IT, medical and general Riemsdijk, managing director of VRR, told MLI . ‘A coupling of pallets. pallet-ready cases. The company is also working lot of air forces use pallets for one time only, such ‘One interesting thing we are seeing in in the more specialised aerospace sector with as the USAF, which uses tens of thousands of the military sector is that many air forces are Raytheon and ITT on the development of pallets each year that last for six months, looking at the extreme fire regulations of the civil improved casing for the Paveway IV laser-guided whereas we deliver products with a lifespan of cargo sector and taking note,’ added van bomb for the UK MoD. around seven to ten years.’ Riemsdijk. ‘In civil aviation, cargo and personnel The company is carrying out work to resolve At this end of the market, VRR offers cannot be transported in the same hold due to issues of condensation and corrosion that occur aluminium pallets with extrusions around the fire risk, while military aviation is not so stringent, with the traditional metal enclosure, formulating periphery and a stringer-based aluminium core and troops and cargo can be transported an improved version from plastic-based in between the top and bottom 7000-series alloy together. materials – the new solution has successfully aluminium sheets. Known as the HCU-6/E ‘A lot of our customers are starting to focus completed a number of drop tests. deployable air cargo pallet (or 463L air cargo on safety for troops, which has led to our The transportation of hazardous goods such pallet), VRR has developed the system to provide development of fire containment products, as guided missiles and explosive substances longevity with minimum maintenance using which are designed to contain and extinguish requires special attention from case producers, low weights, and makes delamination (a onboard fires starting in palletised loads.’ MLI

24 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com

CLIMATE CONTROL

Recent experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Africa and elsewhere, have led to a booming demand for climate control systems that can both heat and cool deployed infrastructure and vehicles. Scott R Gourley examines UPS some innovative solutions that also look to save energy.

n parallel with ongoing service experiments it goes on the west coast or east coast – have been integrated into various products here Iwith tactical power generation (see Military looks at a particular problem. This one happens as demonstrators.’ Logistics International , Winter 2012, p18) and fuel to be thermal management – from a lot of The thermoelectric design allows all of the demand reduction, military planners are also different perspectives.’ company’s products to perform either cooling or exploring ways to mitigate the climatic extremes The different perspectives noted by Wise heating functions by reversing current flow. of current operational environments. included designs for individuals, equipment, The company’s climate control product range Ironically, while most traditional climate vehicle cabs and group shelters. For example, demonstrated at ExFOB included cooling control approaches would logically increase individual ExFOB 12-2 perspectives explored ‘seat toppers’ that could be applied in vehicle power generation demands, many of the several vest, pack and sitting/sleeping pad situations, sleeping pads and vests. emerging technologies complement other technologies designed to provide climate control ‘The air force asked us to do a “pre-flight vest” logistics efforts by providing specific climatic to the individual warfighter. that pilots could wear to do pre-flight inspections,’ effects at reduced power consumption levels. explained Wood. ‘The idea was that if the pilots are SOLID STATE more comfortable walking around the airplane MARINE EXPLORATION Tempronics of Tucson, Arizona, for example, then they would perform more thorough pre-flight Some of the most innovative new approaches to used the ExFOB venue to demonstrate its solid- checks. It works on conduction – it has to touch climate control issues have been explored and state cooling technologies. your body. So you put the vest on, zip it up, and you demonstrated under the USMC Experimental ‘Everything is all-electronic,’ explained Steve are nice and cool. It normally runs about an hour Forward Operating Base (ExFOB) programme. Wood, VP of business development at the and a half on battery power.’ Beginning in March 2010 (ExFOB 2010-1), the company. ‘There are no fluids or anything like He added that the air force has also mentioned ExFOB process has allowed the marines to that involved in our products. Instead, we have the need for a ‘heated’ vest that could be used by explore a range of power generation/power tiny thermoelectric devices that are 2mm2 that pilots operating near Fairbanks, Alaska. saving issues that were quickly deployed to Rini Technologies of Oviedo, Florida, high- theatre in support of operations. lighted some of its personal cooling designs The latest ExFOB 12-2, held at Camp at ExFOB. Pendleton, California, in September 2012, ‘We’ve been demonstrating cooling vests, included a spectrum of ‘cutting-edge’ climate cooling pads and a refrigerated rucksack,’ offered control technologies. The demonstrations Dan Rini, president of the company. ‘The systems provide excellent representative examples of are made up of two major components, the potential solutions to climate control challenges cooling vest, for example, and the cooling device.’ facing operational planners around the world. According to Brig Gen Mark R Wise, VAPOUR COMPRESSION Commanding General of the USMC Warfighting In the case of the cooling vest, which the Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, the systems company calls its Light-Weight Environmental explored at ExFOB 12-2 represented ‘a particular Control System (LWECS), the battery-powered focus for the [USMC] expeditionary forward miniaturised cooling device measures operating base’. Saab’s Heat Transfer Reduction material approximately 8cm in diameter and 20cm tall. reflects solar radiation away from metal He explained: ‘The ExFOBs are a venue It uses a patented technology in a vapour surfaces.(All photos: author) that go twice a year. And each venue – whether compression cycle to chill water to 22.2°C. That

26 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com CLIMATE CONTROL

AND DOWNS

chilled water is then circulated through the cooling of shelters and electronic equipment. ducting losses going into the tents. But if you can cooling vest that is worn close to the skin. The Aspen Systems of Marlborough, Massachusetts, cool the electronics separately, you have some chilled water pulls heat from the body, which is for example, focused on demonstrating its pretty good potential energy savings.’ released to the LWECS internal heat exchanger. application of miniature compressor technologies He added that the unit has been qualified In addition to the individual vest, the company to a ‘distributed cooling’ design concept. for use with the Warfighter Information Network- also demonstrated a ‘refrigerated rucksack’ ‘Once this system is powered into the Tactical Increment 2 programme and additional designed for medical corpsmen that might need transit case you can provide heating for company R&D efforts are also applying the to transport refrigerated medical supplies or even temperatures between -40°F [-40°C] and 40°F miniature compressor technology to potential a medical cooling blanket. [4.4°C], so you can start up your servers at cold personnel cooling applications. Rini said that much of the early development temperatures,’ explained Charles Flanagan, Along with heating and cooling of the air funding for LWECS has been supported by the marketing manager at Aspen Systems. ‘Between environment, ExFOB demonstrations included a army’s Project Manager Air Warrior. 40°F and 80°F, fans just keep the air circulating. dramatic water cooling element provided by ‘For years now – maybe six years – they have Then, once the temperature hits 80°F, the OxiCool of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. been deploying in a lot of “refrigerated boxes” in compressor kicks on and the cooling begins. This ‘Normal air conditioning and refrigeration the CH-47 and UH-60 helicopters,’ he explained. system is rated to remove 550W of waste heat uses CFCs and HFCs as the refrigerant,’ explained ‘They weigh 14 or 15lb [6.3 or 6.8kg] and are from enclosures. Ravikant Barot, founder and CEO of OxiCool. mounted in racks, with cooling lines running from ‘The reason we are here at ExFOB is that we ‘But we use water as a refrigerant. Water is them. Some of those water hoses are 20ft [6.1m] are proposing to save energy by distributing the the best refrigerant in the world – it has the long in the Chinook. It’s great, because it keeps cooling, specifically to the electronics, with our best heat capacity. But it expands into a them cool, but they are tethered to the hose.’ unit. There are some big ECUs out there with humungous volume, so normally it cannot be ‘So we are part of the “Air Soldier” spiral used effectively. However, our system allows development programme, where this will be water to be used as a refrigerant in a very safe adapted in two ways. The first is for the Kiowa manner.’ Warrior, which never had cooling because the refrigerated box won’t fit in it – but they SIEVE DESIGN can fit this. So they are going to put two in Barot described an underlying technology the Kiowa – one for each crewman – and run it off employing a ‘unique molecular sieve’ design, aircraft power. which he dramatically demonstrated by He continued: ‘We are developing a mounting cooling a supply of water from 21°C to bracket and going through all the “integration below freezing in seconds. For ExFOB, OxiCool hoops” right now. The second way is that we are focused the technology application to the also getting it qualified for man-rated use, so that USMC’s 4,000l SIXCON water storage tank the guys in the back of the other aircraft don’t containers. have to be tethered to the helicopter.’ ‘Trying to keep the whole tank cool is hard,’ he continued. ‘So people end up drinking 110°F DISTRIBUTED COOLING Rini’s refrigerated rucksack is designed for water. And it’s not only physical, but also the transport of medical supplies and Other ExFOB participants focused their cognitive abilities that go down if you are not cooling blankets by corpsmen. climate control technologies on heating and staying hydrated and comfortable. So we 

www.mil-log.com Volume 8 Number 1 | Spring 2013 | MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL 27 CLIMATE CONTROL

‘Water is the best refrigerant in the world – it has the best heat capacity. But it expands into a humungous volume.’

came in to create a system that can cool five In addition to the different approaches for A recent representative example of gallons [22.7l] of water at a time, on demand – tent/shelter climate control, Saab Barracuda these crossover efforts surfaced in mid-January that’s what we created.’ demonstrated a Heat Transfer Reduction (HTR) 2013 when the US Army’s Product Manager In addition to the demonstrated ability to chill material for both stationary container and for Force Sustainment Systems office released water, he noted that the technology had other mobile vehicle applications. an industry RfI for ‘energy efficient tent direct applications, ranging from vehicular ‘At Saab Barracuda, we develop, design systems’. cooling to future home/structure cooling and manufacture camouflage systems for The request was issued to assess ‘industry’s designs. the military – mainly related to netting or current capabilities in providing energy-efficient Along with vehicular cooling applications some type of shade system,’ said Greg Moore, tent systems for use by military services in previously outlined for OxiCool, companies programme manager at the company. various theatres of operations’. like SunDanzer and Bergstrom demonstrated ‘We’re out here demonstrating HTR, a heat Emphasising the close logistics ties their own vehicular/cab-cooling concept at last mitigation solution/multi-layered appliqué between climate control and energy efficiency, September’s ExFOB. for hard-sided structures – either expandable the document added: ‘The remote locations of ‘What we are demonstrating here is our or non-expandable containers – or crew base camps create significant challenges NITE system – No Idle Thermal Environment compartments of vehicles. It mainly works for logistics support of combat operations. unit,’ explained Mark Farrugia, director of military through reflection of solar radiation away These base camps are heavily dependent programmes at Bergstrom. ‘It allows an operator from those metal surfaces to keep them from on large, long-distance truck convoys whose to turn their vehicle off in an idle situation heating up. And also with its “leafiness”, just like cargo is dominated by water and bulk and still run the AC. It runs off batteries, so with the camouflage netting, it allows some fuel. Convoy routes through unsecured they don’t have to keep the engine going convective cooling as well.’ areas are frequently hazardous, and transport and burn fuel.’ is always expensive.’ LARGER ISSUES The RfI expressed the army’s interest in SHELTER FOCUS The representative climate control tech- ‘technologies demonstrating energy con- Cooling group facilities and structures is nologies highlighted during the recent ExFOB servation, [and] complete tent systems, which another critical element of climate control, reflect just a small slice of the explorations include technologies providing alternative and ExFOB featured an array of options, under way by the US military. Moreover, its power generation systems, energy-efficient including integrated portable tent/shelter climate control explorations are closely tied heating and/or cooling systems and energy- cooling designs from HDT, CAMSS, Aspen to larger logistics issues involving fuel, water efficient lighting incorporated into [a] tent Aerogels and Evaporcool. and power. system.’ MLI

CLIMATE CONTROL PROVIDES ENERGY SAVINGS AT FORT IRWIN In parallel with its climate control ‘The DoD guidelines have required us to instant saving of 60% [power consumption], explorations for tactical environments, the US be very aggressive in energy conservation without affecting any productivity. With the DoD is also implementing a range of climate measures around the army and at Fort naked eye, you can’t see any difference.’ control/energy-saving initiatives across its Irwin,’ he said, pointing to the resulting The process also includes high energy- fixed installations. One remarkably successful implementation of new technologies like efficiency air conditioning, enhanced through example can be found at the US Army’s occupant sensors and light management the use of lighting controls that further Fort Irwin, California, home to its National technologies from Lutron. reduce cooling demands. Training Center, where Lutron’s lighting Kassab related a 2010 visit to Lutron facilities Kassab said that the initial findings and control systems are being installed in in Irvine, California, where he saw ‘the promise prompted ‘an aggressive approach’ to place facility structures. of the system to fit my vision for Fort Irwin’. the systems in every building at Fort Irwin. He According to Hossam Kassab, installation He continued: ‘We brought them in here on concluded: ‘We revised our design scope of resource efficiency manager at Fort Irwin, the a new facility to start – to test their technologies work or RfP for any building that is going to service is being challenged to meet energy and see how they would work. And I personally be rebuilt or refitted so that it must have reduction guidelines established in 2003. was shocked with the results, because I saw an Lutron’s light and control system in it.’

28 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com The Association of the United States Army’s Institute of Land Warfare ARMY SUSTAINMENT SYMPOSIUM AND EXPOSITION A Professional Development Forum 8-9 MAY 2013 The Greater Richmond Convention Center | Richmond, VA

ARMY 2020 GLOBAL LOGISTICS

www.ausasustainment.org For information contact AUSA Industry Affairs: 703.907.2665 UDT 2013 – The Global Event for UDT 2013 Military Logistics International show preview The design, development, manufacture and support of submarines and their associated systems and equipment will come under the spotlight at the 26th He added: ‘The sea bed is also a crucially important source of extractive energy production, bringing with it potential conflict edition of Undersea Defence between national interests as well as the threat of terrorism. Technology (UDT), the global forum for While advanced submarines are very potent weapons, we have to be equally prepared to counter the asymmetrical threats posed by the global undersea defence and mines, divers and unsophisticated subsea vehicles.’ That is the backdrop to UDT 2013, which will bring together senior security community, which takes place representatives of the subsea operational and procurement at the CCH – Congress Centre Hamburg, communities, defence scientists and key technology providers from around the world for three days of discussion and networking. from 18-20 June 2013. Senior military set the scene Recent years have seen significant changes in the submarine The overarching theme of the conference is Consolidating progress: market. A range of factors are responsible, including substantial flexible technologies and innovative, cost-effective solutions in the reductions in Western defence budgets, volatility in global strategic underwater environment . The event will open with a plenary session security and advances in onboard technologies and systems. in which senior figures from the operational sphere describe their The emerging economic powers, particularly China, Brazil and needs and prevailing circumstances. It was recently announced that India, will play an increasingly important role in stabilising global Vice Admiral Axel Schimpf, Chief of Staff, German Navy; Vice industry expenditure, counterbalancing the decline in the Admiral Andreas Krause, Deputy Commander Allied Maritime traditional undersea markets. However, the industrial capability of Command Naples, NATO; and Rear Admiral Morten Jacobsen, Chief the newcomers is currently limited and this has created a need for of Procurement Staff, Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation, collaboration with the mature markets. Despite sensitivities have all agreed to take part in the opening plenary session. surrounding the transfer of some technologies, the number of Following the opening session on Tuesday 18 June, the conference transfer agreements is expected to continue on a rising trajectory splits into four breakout streams covering Future and Operational over the next decade. Strategic Context , where papers on new submarine concepts and Running in parallel with these game-changing developments is submarine life cycles will be presented; Innovative Solutions, looking a shift in the portfolio of threats that must be countered by the at weapons and UUV 1; Flexible Technologies, which will delve into undersea defence and security community. acoustics and submarine power sources; and the Advanced Research Rear Admiral Simon Williams OBE of Clarion Events, the stream will address harbour protection and the use of UUV and USV organisers of UDT, said: ‘The undersea environment is the most for mine countermeasures and acoustic channel effects. testing one that man encounters – and that includes space Wednesday’s plenary session will look into What the future exploration. Yet, the arteries that enable much of our holds for the world’s most inhospitable environment and will take communications and energy increasingly run beneath the sea, and the form of a panel discussion debating new technologies, as these approach the shore they become increasingly vulnerable.’ contested areas, emerging challenges and opportunities and the

www.udt-global.com ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Undersea Defence and Security

technology relating to its Littoral Mine Countermeasures Sonar (LMCS) system. LMCS is one of the most advanced mine hunting sonars available. With its combination of long-range capability, ultra-high resolution and integrated SeeByte Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software these dual-frequency sonars provide extraordinary detection and classification proficiency in a variety of platform systems. Each system is designed around the LMCS, but is tailored to operational needs and the affordable commercial-off-the- shelf (COTS) systems are provided specifically for military missions. Alford Technologies, a first time exhibitor, will use the exhibition to showcase its explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) products. Specialists in developing innovative explosives tools for the defence, security, police and corporate sectors worldwide, UK-based Alford has led the market in the development of explosive charges in response to operational requirements and evolving threats. The company will display various EOD products, including the new Pluton Maritime EOD Kit. This is a 60mm user- filled modular shaped-charge system designed for EOD operations security implications for the underwater domain. The breakout in an underwater environment. The Pluton can be deployed in a session will then again split into four streams, with Future and variety of configurations and can carry a variety of accessories Operational Strategic Context focusing on new concepts in mine depending upon requirement. Explosive loads can be adjusted warfare, new concepts in submarine combat systems, and depending upon target from 50-300g and can use a range of submarine and system architecture. Innovative Solutions will look explosives. Alford will also present its Vulcan Underwater and at sonar measurement and modelling, passive sonar and UUV II. Counter-Limpet Mine System (VCLMS) and Krakatoa. Flexible Technologies will focus on systems architecture, mine countermeasures and AUV. This will be followed by a paper on System solutions procurement. Conference delegates seeking the latest news on AEROMARITIME Systembau specialises in the design, propellers and manoeuvring, batteries for submarines and development and manufacturing of military communications underwater weapons or shock resistance of submarines will find systems as well as submarine antennas for naval applications. the Advanced Researchstream of particular interest. Since 1971, AEROMARITIME has tailored cost-effective system The final day will open with a panel discussion looking at Cross-over solutions to more than 40 different navies, including NATO, based technologies in the expanding underwater domain. Historically, the on their specific operational and technical requirements. The underwater arena has been dominated by anti-submarine and mine company will present its new advanced platform communications warfare, but more recently this sector has evolved to include new system – APCOS 4000 – which is designed to comply with current stakeholders from energy to communications and maritime security. and future requirements for tactical and strategic digital In some instances, participants in these sectors are developing communications networks. APCOS 4000 is a hybrid routing and concepts and capabilities that outstrip those traditionally employed switching communications platform, which is suitable for virtually by the defence community. all military communications requirements. The conference will come to a close with the delivery of the final Bluefin Robotics develops, builds and operates AUVs and related papers that include strategic concepts and the AUV’s expanding role technologies for defence, commercial and scientific customers in mine countermeasures, which will be featured in the Future and worldwide. Bluefin offers a full range of modular, free-flooded AUV Operational Strategic Context stream, while non-acoustic sensors platforms and, using a core set of building blocks, has designed over and platform design will be discussed within the Innovative Solutions 50 different configurations. These include more than 70 different session. Onboard systems and control systems for submarine sensors on over 80 AUVs. Bluefin is a full AUV life cycle provider platforms form the papers in Flexible Technologies, while the offering research and development, technology integration, full- Advanced Research stream will focus on submarine hull design and scale manufacturing, platform training and operations support and hydroacoustics – transducers and arrays. will use UDT to demonstrate its array of capabilities. Other exhibiting companies include Babcock, Lockheed Martin, Latest technologies on show DSIT Solutions, SeaBotix, DCNS and Kongsberg. On the exhibition floor a broad spectrum of suppliers will be presenting their technologies and innovations. They include For more information on the UDT Conference EdgeTech, which will be featuring its latest developments and and Exhibition, please visit www.udt-global.com

www.udt-global.com DEPTH FORWARD

‘In the 1970s I used to dream of the kind of capabilities that we have today.’

ADVANCED ANALYTICS Tim Fish talks to Keith Lippert, managing director of strategy at Accenture, about how the company’s analytical solutions can improve inventory management and increase efficiencies in the supply and procurement processes.

he challenge for defence logisticians is every year, and we don’t know in defence when cost in the continental US base distribution and Tto effectively support the warfighter, the next crisis is going to be, so it is a different supply depots, which was not available during whether they are engaged in humanitarian model that has to be used. What Accenture does earlier base re-alignment programmes. Using work or fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia. is it takes a look at the best business practices simulation tools, the company can empirically With declining defence budgets, the need to and uses its defence knowledge, and figures out assess how many depots are actually required. maintain performance, and even improve it in where the intersection occurs to take advantages ‘We now have that capability,’ noted Lippert. a cost-effective manner, becomes more acute. of both universes. ‘So that effort is going on as one of the cost As a former director of the US Defense ‘For years, the DLA bought an excessive savings that will help reduce inventories and Logistics Agency (DLA), Lippert explained how, inventory of low-demand items because there allow a more efficient transportation structure under a US DoD contract, Accenture has been was no policy in place to do it any differently. and have less infrastructure. This is another able to bring improvements to the supply So along comes the Accenture advanced capability that I would have dreamed about chain, saving some $250 million. analytics team, which evaluated all of this back in the 1970s.’ ‘In the 1970s, I was doing a lot of work in and came up with a brand new policy for low- what we refer to now as advanced analytics, demand items that has been implemented at RISK FACTORS and I used to dream back in those days of the DLA, and resulted in significant inventory Accenture’s high-risk procurement capability the kind of capabilities that we have today,’ reductions without any impact on readiness.’ is also offering defence buyers a tool that he said. ‘It is technology. It is the data integrity Advanced analytics reduces the forecast error provides easy-to-access information about the and advanced analytics that allows us to do for future product requirements. Instead of risk of purchasing specific products. things smarter, more intelligently, and keep just looking at individual items and tracking their ‘You can have a competition and see the improving the effectiveness, and really hone in use, groupings of items can also be assessed bids, but all of the other market analysis that on where the savings can come from.’ depending on the activity of a particular military you need to do, that information is in 100 unit. Lippert cited the example of a USAF different places. By collecting that and using PRIVATE PRACTICES F-15 squadron deploying to Afghanistan – by advanced analytics, a risk score associated with Best business practices from the private sector aggregating historically what it buys and the that particular buy is produced. We developed can be brought in to make these efficiencies, buying patterns supporting that squadron, this a risk score associated with the procurement and Lippert said the company’s mission is can be communicated to the DLA, so the from 0-1,000, with 1,000 being the highest risk to pick out which are the good ideas that material can be prepared and made available. and zero being none.’ are applicable to defence sector organisations. This is in stark contrast to the previous policy The high-risk procurement system does not However, this is not easy because there are of holding excessive amounts of parts in take the decision, but presents the buyer with different missions. storage – three to four times what is actually information that can be easily acted upon. ‘One example is Wal-mart, which everybody required – just because the DLA does not want Data is presented so that the buyer can see points to as wonderful organisation, but Wal-mart to be without it or have it in short supply. what might be a cheaper product option, but manages 100,000 items and the DLA manages 5.2 Accenture is also using its simulation also whether that option has a high risk score million. Wal-mart knows when Christmas comes capabilities to help reduce excess capacity and or not. MLI

32 MILITARY LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL | Spring 2013 | Volume 8 Number 1 www.mil-log.com Specialist Aerospace & Defence Conferences & Exhibitions

Connecting Businesses with routes to Market

Through specialist, highly ocussed International conerences & supporting exhibitions.

Tangent Link enjoy an enviable global reputation for delivering quality, highly researched & topical events.

Events are designed to help identify & address local & regional market needs for Aerospace & Defence Technologies & Services around the world.

To fnd out how we can help introduce your business to the Global market place, or or our 2013 Event Schedule, please visit our website or contact us now.

Search & Rescue Military Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul Electronic Warare Civil ISR International Airborne Early Warning & Control Aerial Fire Fighting Airborne Special Mission

And more

For more inormation: Email: in[email protected] Web: www.tangentlink.com | Tel: +44 (0) 1628 660400