Force protection "over-roofing" test developed

QinetiQ’s force protection engineering team took just 10 weeks to establish and deliver a method of testing over-roofing structures for protection of UK forces against indirect fire mortar and rocket attacks in Iraq – currently a daily occurrence in camps across the country.

A number of potential protective systems had to be tested against the blast, fragmentation and ballistic penetrative capabilities of dynamically fired rockets and mortars so an intensive series of technically challenging trials were planned and executed. These used QinetiQ’s long test track facility at Pendine and were undertaken by the force protection engineering team from QinetiQ Land Division, working in conjunction with its Test and Evaluation Capability Services Division.

“Special test sleds were designed to secure rockets to the track that allowed them to spin at several thousand RPM, arming them in flight – something that had never been attempted before,” explained Angus Williams, head of QinetiQ’s force protection engineering team. “The launch point on the track was also adjusted to achieve an impact velocity of 300 metres per second, replicating real events in theatre. The joint team worked together extremely well to overcome the technical challenges and tight timescales, including the development of a method of dynamically firing the armed rockets down the track reliably, consistently and safely.”

Major Bob Sheldon, HQ Engineer in Chief and military subject matter expert for the project, added: “I was delighted by the success of the trial and the dedicated effort put in by QinetiQ to providing increased levels of protection for British Service personnel in camps in Iraq.”

The trial was completed successfully within the timescales and the recommendations are being incorporated into the design. QinetiQ’s initial success has also led to significant interest from the US, Canada and Israel amongst others and a second phase of trialling is being planned.

Source: Press Release
Photo: QinetiQ

MOD orders new chemical/nuclear protection suits

A £6.6 million order for 44,000 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear suits (CBRN) for the Armed Forces was announced today, Tuesday 29 January 2008, by Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Baroness Taylor.

The Remploy-made suits guard against nuclear, biological or chemical attacks and are designed to seal around the CBRN service respirator and fit over combat clothing to give extra protection to troops.

The CBRN suits are worn with rubber over-boots and gloves and come in woodland and desert material.

Baroness Taylor said: "Individual protection is of the highest priority and these suits will allow our troops to maintain the tempo of operations should there be a chemical, nuclear or biological incident.

"This order with Remploy will build on improvements we have already made to the protection of our forces against nuclear, biological and chemical threats."

Remploy was formed more than 60 years ago and provides work for people injured at home and abroad during the Second World War. The company has supplied specialist protection suits for several years from its workshops around Scotland and the UK.

Other recent improvements MOD has made to the protection of troops against nuclear, biological and chemical threats include:

• The Integrated Biological Detection System - a truck-mounted 'high technology' suite of detector and identification equipment
• Lightweight and man-portable Chemical Agent Detectors which provide an alarm of attack by chemical warfare agents
• Tactical Radiation Monitoring Equipment - a comprehensive suite of detectors and monitors for use on the battlefield in order to protect against the effects of radiation

Source: MoD Release
Photo: MoD

DNA, a nose for explosives?

"Solid-State, Dye-Labeled DNA Detects Volatile Compounds in the Vapor Phase" is the title of a paper out of Tufts University.

The technology attached a fluorescent dye to a strand of DNA. Different vapours are passed over the DNA changing the dye's fluorescence. In the experiments one of the chemicals successfully detected by the DNA "nose" was toluene.

Source: As cited.

Remote firing device contract

This company will be known to American and Canadian loggers as the makers of the Talkie Tooter.

"Rothenbuhler Engineering, Sedro Woolley, Wash., is being awarded an $11,518,054 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the MK 186 Mod 2 Radio Firing Device, MK 313 Mod 0 Shock Tube Igniter, MK 67 Demolition Firing Device and various components. MK 67 MOD 0 Demolition Firing Device, MK 313 MOD 0 Shock Tube Igniter, MK 186 MOD 2 Remote Firing Device systems are all radio firing device kits that together provide for the initiation of both pyrotechnic and ordnance devices remotely in both the electric initiator and shock tube initiator configurations. Additional contract line items are subcomponents of these systems and will be used for system maintenance purposes. Work will be performed in Sedro Woolley, Wash., and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-4279)."

Source: DoD release

iRobot invests in tech

iRobot is the manufacturer of the popular PackBot military robots and the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV).

The Burlington MA company has just announced that it has invested $2.5 million in Advanced Scientific Concepts Inc (ASC). iRobot has also licensed ASD's "ladar" technology. Ladar, a mash-up of laser and radar, is used by ASD to produce 3-D images . These images could greatly advance robot mobility under adverse visual conditions such as unknown terrain or in dense fog.

You Tube has a technical presentation on the technology here.

Recent iRobot articles here.

Sources: As cited.

In the eyes of the beholder ...

The New York Times has published an article on an IED attack in Iraq. The twist, this time, is the vehicle used - the RG31.

Is this the first MRAP crew death? How impervious are MRAPs? What kind of device could cause such damage? Is the Nyala a "real" MRAP? The truth here is each of these questions is its' own hornet's nest.

Badgers Forward Blog sets the record straight.

Sources: As cited.

Chemring acquires Richmond EEI

Chemring Group has acquired EOD and IEDD specialist Richmond EEI Limited. "Richmond is a world leader in light-weight, long-range, recoilless disrupters – vital for safely neutralising unexploded ordnance and IEDs, whilst minimising the risk of collateral damage. ...

Richmond’s Search products include non-linear junction detectors, selective metal detectors and electronic stethoscopes. Portable wireless X-ray and video inspection kits provide the operator real time visual information to conduct a detailed assess of a device from a safe distance. Richmond’s core neutralisation products are its range of recoilless disrupters, which are stand mounted or carried by a remotely operated vehicle using Richmond’s proprietary weapon carriers. Its recoilless disruptors use a patented counter-piston design which fires a mass of water backwards at the same time as the main projectile or jet is fired. This means that disruptors can be fitted to even small robots, transforming their capability from reconnaissance to neutralisation.

Richmond also offers a wide range of ancillary and support equipment such as long arm remote manipulators, attenuators and suppression devices; freeze neutralising kits and personnel protective clothing. In addition it supplies specialised non-magnetic tools, cutting equipment – and even a rocket propelled wrench for extracting fuzes from unexploded ordnance."

Source: From press release

Robot navigation in the absence of GPs

What happens to your autonomous or semi-autonomous robot when GPS data is not available? This has been a glaring difficulty for developers particularly of military robots.

A paper has recently been published that points to a possible way forward. Two researchers at Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute are proposing the use of a cost-based algorithm with kalman and particle filters to produce position estimates. The algorithm has been demonstrated using a Crusher robot with some success. The paper is presented here (PDF).

Sources: As cited

Sweden joins the Dutch on Geniepanzer purchase

In December we covered The Netherlands purchase of new Armoured Engineer Vehicles (AEVs). According to Defense Industry Daily the news is that Sweden has now opted in on the deal.

The Dutch and Swedish platforms are aiming for over 90% compatibility with obvious exceptions such as radios. The total order amounts to EUR 100 million for supplier Rheinmetall with 10 systems for the Dutch and 6 for the Swedish Army. Delivery is set for 2011 & 2012.

Source: As cited

Testing of FCS early prototype systems accelerated

Boeing and partner Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), the Lead Systems Integrator for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, today announced that the Army has accelerated test schedules for two FCS robotic prototypes based on current readiness levels and positive feedback from soldiers who are using early versions of the systems in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Beginning this month, 25 FCS Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) units developed jointly with iRobot Corporation and 11 Class I (Block 0) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) developed jointly with Honeywell will be delivered in increments to Army Evaluation Task Force soldiers at Fort Bliss, Texas. The soldiers will train with the equipment before conducting user testing in the summer. Deliveries will occur between January and June 2008 with testing expected to conclude in September. Based on soldier feedback, a recommendation will be made to senior Army leadership whether to field the platforms or continue with system development under the core FCS program.

Source: Press release
Photo: Boeing

Canadian airlift contract awarded - finally

Lockheed Martin has signed a contract with the Government of Canada valued at $1.4 billion for the purchase of 17 C-130J Super

"The airlift requirements of the Canadian Forces is a top priority," said the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "We are confident that the C-130J will provide Canada with a cost-effective, operations-proven tactical airlift capability."

"We are continuing to make sure Canada's aerospace and defence industries obtain maximum benefit so they can build and sustain capacity to support these aircraft over the long-term," Mr. Fortier (Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada) said. "Under the in-service support portion, the contractor will be required to spend in Canada 75 per cent of the total cost in direct industrial regional benefits - well above the 60-per-cent ratio negotiated by the previous government for purchases of this magnitude."

Source: Press releases
Photo: Lockheed Martin

Engineers in Africa

"Guinea worm parasites lurk in natural ponds waiting to be thirstily gulped down by anyone baking in a dusty 35C African heat.

Once inside the body, the worm takes about a year to grow to a metre in length before it breaks through the skin of the lower leg. There’s no treatment so the victim must endure a painful couple of months gently twisting the worm around a stick until it’s completely removed."

The solution? Clean water. Read the story of British Sappers in Ghana here.

ASVs for Bulgaria

"Textron Marine & Land Systems (TM&LS), an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has signed a contract to sell seven (7) M1117 Armored Security Vehicles to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense. The contract, valued at approximately $10.2 million USD, includes the anticipated delivery of the vehicles in the first quarter of 2008.

"We are happy to offer the safety, efficiency and reliability of the ASV to Bulgaria and its effort to support peace operations in Afghanistan," said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley. "We will be shipping these ASVs as soon as we complete the United States export requirements that are well underway. Six of the seven will be going directly to the Bulgarian troops in Afghanistan through the Ministry of Defense."

The contract with Bulgaria includes two years of technical support on the vehicles, as well as a framework contract which allows the Ministry of Defense to purchase additional ASVs in the M1117 base configuration, or variants with modifications needed to carry out various missions."

Source: Press Release

Photo: Textron

Empire Challenge challenge

Exercise Empire Challenge (EC) is always one of the most interesting events of the year. It's joint, multinational, multidisciplinary, and high tech. These are some of our favourite things. The bottom line, however, is its' focus. How can new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies help or hinder the commander?

Empire Challenge will be hosted again this July by the United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA). All the big "players" will be there from different Forces, Branches, nations, and industry. Each will be showing off their own developments. Each will be trying to demonstrate how they can be part of the commander's solution. It's a fascinating process.

Historically one of a commander's most important tools is the map. He wants the best possible terrain information coupled with the most up-to-date intelligence. The bridge over the river is in place. It can support five tons. That's good to know. In this day of joint operations additional knowledge coming from an allied force's UAV, for example, could be invaluable. At 0900 hrs dismounted Red forces were detected five kilometres away moving toward the bridge on the south shore.

There have always been impediments to sharing information even between allies. The first is a culture of secrecy and that is, perhaps, a topic for another time. However, where some level of trust has been established incompatible technologies have often stood between commanders and the latest ISR.

The major GIS companies all make excellent products but in their ideal world you use their kit and their kit only. So imagine your nation uses only one company's GIS software (not that this happens). What does the UK, Germany, or The Netherlands use? Can they communicate with each other and you? Bottom line thinking these days is that you own your data - not the supplier. You use their software to manipulate and display it as you want. Change is in the wind.

Of course an effort like this requires standards and "buy in". Fortunately there is already a group dedicated to this. "The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) is a non-profit, international, (and) voluntary consensus standards organization that is leading the development of standards for geospatial and location based services." The OGC 's presence has begun to be felt in a variety of industries. There's no reason this can't happen in a military environment with the ultimate winner being that commander somewhere trying to make the best decision. To this end the OGC is soliciting potential Empire Challenge participants.

"The EC08 OGC Pilot will examine the suitability and performance of OGC Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) and OGC Web Services (OWS) standards for providing open management of and access to sensors of varied types and Web service access by analysts to the resulting data and products. Several use cases and supporting workflows are provided to enable understanding of the design of the pilot. The use cases involve both sensor management and exploitation by a targeting analyst."

Sources: As cited

India, US meet to discuss cooperation

"India and the US Monday began four days of high-level talks here focusing on expansion of defence cooperation, including in production and procurement of arms and equipment. The Indian delegation is led by Defence Secretary Vijay Singh while the US team is headed Eric Edelman, under secretary of defence for policy."

Source: India Defence

Spain to get more Piranha IIICs

General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) has announced that Spain's Ministry of Defence and MOWAG GmbH signed a contract for a further batch of 21 units of the PIRANHA IIIC 8x8 in the amphibious version. 18 PIRANHA IIIC 8x8 are in operation with the Spanish Marines. The new vehicles will be manufactured in Kreuzlingen and delivered from the year 2009 until 2014. The newly signed contract comprises 21 PIRANHA IIIC 8x8 in nine variants to solve specific operational tasks: APC, Fire Capability, Command Post, Engineering, Ambulance, Recovery and Reconnaissance. MOWAG's CEO, Christoph Frei, was proud and pleased about the close cooperation with Spain, and he declared: “This contract is further proof of our customers' confidence in the performance and reliability of our PIRANHA, and of the good strategic partnership between the Spanish authorities and MOWAG GmbH".

The PIRANHAs will be used primarily within the framework of international missions of the Spanish Army. The threat situation in such missions specifically calls for a high level of protection for the vehicle crews against mines and ballistic weapons. The PIRANHA IIIC has a length of 7.30 m, a width of 2.66 m, and a GVW of 22 t. The vehicle reaches a speed of up to 100 km/h on the road. The PIRANHA IIIC easily manages gradients of up to 60%, and fording depths of up to 1.50 m. The 400 HP engine, together with the 7-speed automatic transmission, the modern independent wheel suspension, the tire pressure control system, and the disengageable all-wheel drive, give the PIRANHA IIIC a high degree of mobility even in difficult terrain. Moreover, the protection against ballistic threats and against mines provides the crew with a maximum degree of protection in a mission. The vehicle is equipped with all necessary features (NBC system, autonomous power supply, A/C system, etc.) that are required for the 24-hour operation of the integrated systems.

Source: Press release

Sunday reading ...

Thanks for your suggestions. Keep them coming. The following are links to stories our readers may have missed but could find interesting ...

"... the 44th chief executive will lead a nation that has - over the past seven years - seen its military stretched taut, its finances depleted, its credibility diminished, and its reserves of international popularity scattered like grains of sand in a desert wind." Ten rules for No. 44, Madeleine K. Albright in the Boston Globe.

"I only sometimes carry my rifle on trips like this, most of the time I just bring my pistol..." "Crazy thoughts just a year ago." Christian Lowe returns to Iraq. The Sunday Paper (Shopping Insert)

"Professional Celebrity Rock Music Band, group not to exceed seven people for tour of FOB's [forward operating bases] in Kuwait and Afghanistan for February 4-13 2008." Noah Shachtman in Danger Room.

"United Nations Security Council heavyweights China and Russia quash statement compelling Sudanese authorities to cooperate with the ICC." Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Sources: As cited.
Photo: U.S. Dept. of State

Polar Epsilon to asssert Canadian Arctic sovereignty

"With the successful launch of Canada’s RADARSAT-2 on December 14, 2007, the Department of National Defence’s Polar Epsilon project took another step towards strengthening Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic.

Reinforcing the Government of Canada’s integrated Northern Strategy, the $60 million space-based initiative will rely on RADARSAT-2 to provide enhanced land and sea surveillance capabilities for the Canadian Forces (CF) at home and abroad.

“Polar Epsilon will support Canadian Forces sovereignty patrols and operations, and strengthen Canada’s presence in the North,” said the Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “Improved surveillance capabilities will allow a more efficient and timely Canadian Forces response to domestic and foreign crises and search and rescue operations.”

“Our Government is committed to advancing an integrated Northern Strategy, a key component of which is to strengthen our sovereignty in the Arctic,” said the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and non-Status Indians. “This initiative, to improve our surveillance capabilities in the Arctic, is another clear demonstration of this commitment.”

Polar Epsilon will improve the CF’s surveillance of Canada’s Arctic, including its ocean approaches, and reinforce Canada’s ocean monitoring and environmental sensing capabilities. Polar Epsilon augments the Canadian military presence in the Arctic. This presence underscores the Government’s objective of fostering a healthy and prosperous northern region within a strong and sovereign Canada.

Approved in May 2005, Polar Epsilon serves as a stepping-stone for the CF to maximize the use of space in order to meet Canada’s surveillance requirements. The project enhances awareness in areas where other means of surveillance are limited or unable to operate.

The Arctic surveillance capability of Polar Epsilon will be operational in the summer of 2008, and the entire project is expected to be complete by March 2011."

Source: Press Release

Editorial Note: The RADARSAT-2 project was a collaboration between government and industry. MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) owns and operates the satellite. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) funded construction and launch of the satellite and is to recover its' investment through the supply of RADARSAT-2 data to the Canadian Government.

Earlier this week we covered the acquisition of MDA.

MMPVs on their way to U.S. Engineers

Its' been an eventful month for contractor BAE. After testing they have been awarded the Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV) contract.

The MMPV is a mine protected, 6x6 wheeled vehicle based on BAE's RG33 MRAP. It will be used by engineers for mounted mine clearing systems, hazards/threat recon, EOD Company support and command and control (C2).

BAE has received an initial US$20m order for nine MMPV test vehicles, test support, armour testing packages and associated maintenance items. The contract could see the production of up to 2,500 vehicles at a cost of $2.288 billion and running through 2015.

Sources: Various
Photo: BAE (RG33)

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Update

For over twenty years the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, HMMWV or "humvee", has been quite the success story. Thousands have been produced for the U.S. Armed Forces. More than a dozen variants were created from an ambulance to a TOW missile carrier. It even spawned the civilian Hummer.

The days of the HMMWV are, however, numbered. Like it's predecessor the Jeep, the HMMWV was designed for use behind the front lines. Times and the battlefront have changed. These vehicles were finding themselves confronted by heavy small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), IEDs and other threats they were never designed to face

In response the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program was launched. JLTV program is looking to procure an acceptable next-generation vehicle probably about half the size and price of an MRAP. Speed and mobility will be demanded in five variants: Reconnaissance; Utility; Combat/Tactical and C2. This means billions of dollars and this story will really begin to heat up with an expected RFP in February.

The most recent news on this front is an announced new partnership. Northrop Grumman has joined with Oshkosh Trucks to compete with Boeing/Textron, General Dynamics/Force Protection and Lockheed Martin/Armor Holdings (now part of BAE). Stay tuned.

Sources: Various

ATK acquires IS & Geospatial businesses of MacDonald Dettwiler

"Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK) (has) announced ... that it has negotiated definitive agreements with Canadian-based MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (TSX: MDA), to acquire its Information Systems and Geospatial Information Services businesses for $1.325 billion (CDN).

With more than 1,900 employees and estimated FY09 revenues of approximately $500 million (U.S.), the MDA business ATK is acquiring is a global leader in space-based radar systems, space robotics, satellite systems, and imaging satellite ground stations and processing; with additional world-class capabilities in satellite payloads, C4ISR, and geospatial services. ...

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and MDA shareholder approval, is expected to close early in the first quarter of the company's FY2009. ... This acquisition will establish ATK as a full-spectrum international space company, providing launch services, next-generation satellites, robotics, and the ground systems that will process and deliver mission critical information solutions. ...

Further, it will diversify ATK's portfolio into non-U.S. and commercial space markets, nearly doubling the company's international revenues. The transaction will also enhance ATK's existing and potential content in space exploration, Operationally Responsive Space, and C4ISR; while adding satellite ground station and geospatial imagery content."

Canadarm mounted on the shuttle Atlantis works on the International Space Station. Credit: from NASA animation

Additional vehicle armor delivered to Canada

April last year saw a strategic alliance formed between Canada's DEW Engineering and ArmorWorks of Chandler Arizona.

At that time Tim Dear, DEW President, said "The first of many projects we are focusing on is mine blast attenuating seats. They are not in themselves a panacea against Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), but when installed in the right vehicle with ballistic, fragment and blast overpressure protection, they are the final link to save lives."

ArmorWorks has announced the early completion and delivery of a production contract to deliver vehicle armor to Canadian special operations forces.

These are the same type of advanced armor protection provided by ArmorWorks that are currently used by U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sources: Press releases

More tansparent gun shields ordered

It's a cramped and exposed environment in an MRAP or HMMWV "turret".

Protection and visibility are very important. BAE received a contract in 2005 to provide more than 1,000 Marine Corps Transparent Armor Gun Shields (MCTAGS) kits and spares to support U.S. Marine Corps. An order for an additional 300 has been announced at a cost of $6 million.

MCTAGS are currently used on a variety of vehicles including the M113, HMMWV and MRAPS.

Sources: Various

New Allen-Vanguard CBRNE products

Allen-Vanguard has launched three new decontamination systems for use in a wide range of situations from large-scale incidents to emergency spot decontamination of chemical, biological and radioactive hazards, and in response to accidents involving general toxic substances.

[1] The dual tank integrated system on trailer is a modular, heavy duty mobile CBRN decontamination system developed for the large scale decontamination of vehicles, buildings, equipment and terrain.

Simple to operate and maintain, it is self contained and carries on-board chemicals, mixing, hoses and nozzles. Using Allen-Vanguard's Surface Decontamination Foam (SDF), it can be set up and operational within 10 minutes of arrival by a single operator and is capable of pre-wash, decon and post-rinse operations.

"This new system can decontaminate approximately 500 square metres per hour, yet it is simple to use and easy to manoeuvre," explains Rob Wenham, CBRN product specialist at Allen-Vanguard. “It is ideal for continuous use in emergency chemical or biological threat situations."

[2] Easy access up and down stairs and through doorways was an important factor in the design of the Dual Tank Trike, a self-contained unit for emergency decontamination of larger surface areas on hardware or buildings. The Dual Tank Trike is rugged, portable and simple to operate by a single person, and has a decontamination capability of 113 square metres per dose of SDF™.

"The Dual Tank Trike has a special aerating nozzle which produces a sticky and long lasting foam which adheres well to walls and ceilings," adds Rob. "The foam is thick and consistent enough to prevent any vapour or dust escaping from the chemical or biological agents while the decontaminant eliminates the threat."

[3] For emergency spot decontamination, Allen-Vanguard has introduced its latest portable backpack system. The Dual Tank Backpack is capable of carrying a larger volume of liquid than its predecessor, the Concealed Backpack, and now features an optional fan spray nozzle for more rapid area coverage.

"Not only has this backpack been tested and proved rugged and simple to operate, but it can be successfully recharged and reused for multiple applications," explains Rob.

All three new products utilise Allen-Vanguard's SDF™ decontaminant foam, which was designed for safe use on all types of material surfaces and rapidly neutralises all known military chemical and biological warfare agents. The revolutionary design of the dual tanks and the use of pre-measured chemical payloads now extends the pot life of the decontaminant up to 48 hours which is extremely useful for extended operations.

Source: Press Release
Photo: Allen-Vanguard

2008 updates

As we enter this New Year there have been some updates to the site.

In the Menu section on the right you will notice the section "Research and References". This has been updated including the conference listings. If you know of any conference that may be of interest to your fellow reader, please let us know. As arrangements can often require a lot of coordination we ask for at least one month advance notice.

Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

More MRAPs go into production

Production of MRAPs continues with Force Protection placing a $99 million dollar order with General Dynamics' Land Systems for the delivery of 183 Cougar vehicles for the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program.

Force Protection and GDLS have a partnership agreement. Production will take place in Alabama, Michigan and Ohio.

Sources: Various

Army helmets to gather data on blast impact

Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, writes "The Army's Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier has outfitted the helmets of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division with sensors to gauge the violent shaking that occurs when improvised explosive devices (IEDs) blow up near them, said Brig. Gen. Mark Brown ...

So far, 1,145 soldiers have received helmet sensors, according to Debi Dawson, a spokeswoman for PEO Soldier, which is charged with rapidly developing and fielding equipment needed for combat. Soldiers received the sensors last month and will deploy to Afghanistan in the spring."

Source: USA Today

Photo:: U.S. Army

BAE starts 2008 on a roll ...

It may be a quiet period for some but there's no moss growing on BAE. They have recently announced two acquisitions.

Petards Group has sold BAE its U.K. software business, including the Universal Video Management System (UVMS). Petards will continue to provide UVMS in North America through a licensing agreement. Wile this is a relatively small purchase for BAE it may point to a consolidation trend in the industry in light of last year's Bosch purchase of Extreme.

The bigger news on the financial scale ($450 million) is BAE's purchase of Dayton Ohio's MTC Technologies. This move certainly increases BAE's U.S. footprint. Founded in 1984 by Rajesh and Indu Soin, MTC has been involved with: avionics and control system mechanisms for the C-130 and attack helicopters; future soldier equipment integration; intelligence planning; and professional services.

For perspective, here are some BAE facts: 3rd largest global defence company; 6th largest US defence company; 96,000 employees; and annual sales exceed £15 billion.

Sources: Various
Image: BAE