Reset of Up to 146 Bradley Fighting Vehicles Lands BAE $97 M

AE Systems received a $97 million contract to reset up to 146 Bradley Fighting Vehicles – one of the most survivable and reliable combat systems in the U.S. Army inventory. Under the reset effort, Bradley vehicles will be partially torn down, rebuilt and tested to restore and extend the life of the vehicles.

“We are proud to ensure that our soldiers are receiving Bradleys that are restored to their full capability,” said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of Vehicle Systems at BAE Systems. “This important work reinforces the Bradley as a vital asset to the U.S. Army and helps maintain the skilled workforce imperative to the defense industrial base.”

The contract was awarded by the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command and work is anticipated to begin in October 2012 with final delivery expected in July 2014. Initial teardown of vehicles will be performed at the Red River Army Depot. This is considered a level-II vehicle reset where key components are removed for reset, then returned to BAE Systems and the Red River Army Depot to be rebuilt and tested for performance.

Defence companies and transparency ranking 2012

Transparency International has released its ranking of corporate transparency of defense ... and no doubt some managers will read it carefully.

The non-governmental organization that fights against corruption in its report in 2012 that nearly two thirds of companies surveyed Defence are not transparent enough.

Thus, only ten of them are near the top categories, while 60 others fall into the latter two.

"Nearly half of them - 60 129 - provide very little evidence of the existence of systems to prevent corruption and the fact that they instill strong ethical values, which is their notes E and F " , the report says.

2/3 thirds of Defence companies are not transparent enough (Photo: Transparency International)

BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman and Thales fall into category B. Boeing, EADS, General Dynamics Corporation, L3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Rolls Royce and Textron are classified in category C.

CAE and Navistar fall into category D. Dassault Aviation and Ultra Electronics can be found in the category E,

Korea - KAI developing “suicide combat UAV”

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing a new long-range guided weapon that can cruise to a location and subsequently, loiter and attack when a target is identified.

The system is called "Devil Killer" and has a maximum speed that ranges between 350-400km/h (189-216kt), says KAI. It navigates using GPS and a data link, and the company refers to it as a "suicide combat unmanned air vehicle".
"After [the Devil Killer] moves to the target point along the pre-programmed route, which is designated with navigation points, the operator can identify targets through the forward-looking camera image and then commence either a manual or automatic strike," says KAI.
The system is powered by an electric motor and weighs 25kg (55lb), with a length of 1.5m (4.92ft). Details of its explosive payload, endurance and range are confidential.

Potential Hawk order to expand India footprint

We have received a Request for Proposal (RFP) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for a potential order to supply products and services for the manufacture of 20 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft. 

The aircraft, to be built by HAL in Bengaluru, will fulfill the Indian Air Force’s requirement for its prestigious aerobatic team.

Upon successful conclusion, this would be the third contract placed on us for the supply of materials and equipment for the Hawk Mk132, building upon previous orders of 66 aircraft in 2004, comprising supply of 24 Hawk aircrafts in fly-away condition and 42 aircraft built under license by HAL, and a further 57 aircraft in 2010. Under these contracts, we have worked closely with the Indian MOD and HAL to establish a production line in India where the aircraft are now assembled. Hawk trainers already in service with the Indian Air Force are performing well.

Why EADS and BAE Systems Introduces the sacred union against Boeing

EADS and BAE Systems are already working together for years in the Eurofighter consortium, which produces, in association with the Italian Alenia Aeronautica, the Typhoon fighter.

DECRYPTION giant European aerospace and defense and its British rival announced Wednesday their intention to merge.

This is not an ad, this is a big bang. Confirmation by EADS and BAE Systems discussions on a merger of the two groups, after a leak in a hurry Bloomberg, looks good in a tsunami engulfing the small world of aerospace and defense.

The merger would create a giant behemoth $ 94 billion in sales away from $ 68.7 billion in sales in 2011, Boeing and Lockheed Martin 46.5 billion. In short, a world leader present in both the civilian and military activities, leading player in the United States, the Achilles heel of historical EADS.

Why marriage is conditional

Should not be mistaken: if the two groups warn that there is no guarantee of successful operation, the discussions are sufficiently advanced to very specific details were mentioned: the new set to be held 60% by EADS shareholders and 40% by BAE those. Of "golden shares" in the new group would be allocated to the French, German and British to "replace action [preferably] existing in favor of the British Government and BAE shareholders in EADS." We know the same special dividend to its shareholders EADS pay for success of the operation: 200 million pounds (about 252 million) ...

BAE, EADS Discuss Merger

European aerospace and defense giants BAE Aerospace and EADS have confirmed they are in merger talks. Under the arrangements now under discussion, BAE would own 40 percent and EADS 60 percent of the enlarged group, the British-based company said in a statement today.

“This potential combination would be implemented through the creation of a dual listed company structure under which both companies would operate as one group by means of equalisation and other agreements but would be separately listed on their existing exchanges” said the BAE statement.

EADS confirmed in a statement that the talks were underway but cautioned that the “possible combination is subject, amongst other things, to the approval of the Board of EADS and there can be no certainty that these discussions will lead to a transaction”.

Under the structure being discussed, BAE and EADS envisage that certain of their defense activities would be ringfenced, with governance arrangements appropriate to their strategic and national security importance, particularly in the U.S., given the importance of that market to the enlarged group, said the statement.

Discussion with various governments about the possible merger are already underway. EADS is partly owned by the French and German governments. BAE is a fully publicly quoted company, although the British government does have a golden share in the operation.

Duncan departs on maiden sea trials

 Glasgow, United Kingdom: DUNCAN, the sixth and final Type 45 destroyer built by BAE Systems, has today set sail from the company’s Scotstoun shipyard to embark on her first stage of sea trials off the west coast of Scotland.

During three weeks at sea, DUNCAN will undertake an extensive programme of trials that will include testing of her power and propulsion systems, auxiliary and domestic services.

Paul Rafferty, Type 45 Programme Director at BAE Systems, said: “This is the sixth Type 45 destroyer to embark on sea trials, but there will be no complacency in the rigour with which we will put her through her paces and prove her outstanding capabilities. Every stage in the delivery of the Type 45 destroyers brings an enormous amount of pride to those who have worked on the programme and there’s a special significance attached now that all six ships have sailed the seas.”

RG33 SOCOM Armored Utility Variant AUV

RG-33 SOCOM Armored Utility Variant (AUV) The BAE Systems RG-33 Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Armored Utility Variant (AUV) MRAP is a modified Commercial Off-The-Shelf vehicle designed from the ground up to reduce casualties and increase survivability for personnel subjected to mine explosions, improvised explosive device (IED) detonations and small arms fire.

The RG-33 SOCOM AUV provides 12,000 pound cargo payload and 36,000 pound towing capability  to enhance SOCOM operations. Large ballistic windows provide excellent situational  awareness and multiple access points allow for rapid entry and egress of the crew. In addition, the vehicle features an Automatic Fire Suppression System (AFSS) and a combat-proven, V-shaped hull  that provides superior blast protection against symmetrical, asymmetrical and unconventional explosive hazards.

The highly survivable RG-33 platform is backed by our world-class flexible manufacturing network and by our full spectrum of engineering and logistics services.

BAE Systems Works to Develop U.S. Marine Corps’ Future Amphibious Vehicle Fleet

ARLINGTON, Va. | BAE Systems will help the U.S. Marine Corps determine the future of its amphibious vehicle fleet through two recently awarded contracts for the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) and Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC). The work includes conducting a trade study to evaluate improvements to the AAV and delivering MPC sample vehicles and hulls to be used for demonstrations of water mobility, blast protection and Human Factors Engineering.

“BAE Systems has worked successfully with the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 70 years, and we’re proud to continue being a part of programs that will revolutionize the amphibious fleet,” said Ann Hoholick, vice president and general manager of Amphibious & New Programs for BAE Systems. “It is our goal to design a family of systems that incorporates low-risk, mature technologies that are scalable to align with emerging requirements and funding.”

RG32M Mine hardened armoured patrol vehicle

The versatile RG32M family of armoured utility vehicles is capable of fulfilling most roles that
require a balance of protection and mobility. The RG32M fulfils a wide spectrum of command,
liaison and scouting roles. In a typical patrol mode, it can transport five crew members with their kit,
combat stores and special-purpose equipment. A full armoured body variant, which seats up to seven
crew, is also available. This includes additional rear protection extended over the rear axle.
Access and egress is through side doors and roofmounted hatches. Armoured windows provide
excellent visibility. High levels of tactical mobility are achieved through powerful 135 kW engine,
5-speed automatic transmission and portal axles.Two RG32Ms can be transported in a C-130
aircraft.
Crew and vehicle survivability is achieved through applied systems engineering techniques and by
utilising OMC’s unrivalled knowledge base gained from vehicle operations in Africa, Asia, Middle-East
and Balkans, in addition to rigorous and systematic field-testing in South Africa, the UK, Sweden and
the Middle-East.

RG41 wheeled armoured combat vehicle

                                                                bae systems

RG41 is a new generation combat vehicle, that meets demanding mobility, protection and firepower requirements, with the emphasis on combat power.

The RG41 has a high payload capacity, a class leading turning circle, good power-to-weight ratio and a unique hull design.

RG41 is designed as an affordable and highly mobile, wheeled combat vehicle, suitable for modern warfare.

Key features include:

• A modular, field-repairable mine protected design;
• High mobility with good ride comfort;
• Best value for money in comparison to existing similar products;
• ITAR free design comprising mainly of COTS components;
• High payload capacity (11 tonnes).

High mobility is achieved through the inclusion of a specifically adapted hydro-pneumatic suspension.

BAE Systems awarded contract to produce MK 45 gun systems for the U.S. Navy

BAE Systems recently received a $25.7 million contract from the U.S. Navy to overhaul and upgrade two Mk 45 naval guns bringing them to the 5-inch 62-caliber Mk 45 Mod 4 configuration. The Mod 4 is an upgrade to the Mod 2 design, which significantly enhances overall mission performance.

“This contract continues the Navy’s commitment to equipping its ships with the most modern, reliable and precise naval gun systems in existence,” said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems for BAE Systems. “The Mk 45 Mod 4 gun systems cost-effectively improve the accuracy and reliability sailors need to successfully support the Navy’s broad spectrum of missions for its major combatants.”

Latest Type 26 Design Unveiled

The latest design of the Royal Navy's next generation of warships has been unveiled today by the Ministry of Defence (MoD)

Images show the basic specification of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship, a significant milestone in the development of this programme.

The multi-mission warship, which is due to come into service after 2020, will be used by the Royal Navy in combat and counter piracy operations and to support humanitarian and disaster relief work around the world.

RG34 Multi purpose mine protected vehicle

BAE SYSTEM

 

 

The RG34 features a specially designed, multi-link hydro-pneumatic suspension mounted on a very rigid structure.

This ensures excellent off-road performance and clearance over rough terrain.

The RG34’s large diameter wheels and long suspension travel give it a superb off-road capability, enabling it to drive over or through obstacles. While it presents a low silhouette, the RG34 affords occupants an excellent field of vision and comfortable interior, easing fatigue on long patrols.

Its powerful intercooled turbo-diesel engine and 5-speed automatic gearbox ensures high performance and excellent fuel economy. When fitted with a long-range fuel tank, the RG34 can cover distances up to 1,000 km.

At the heart of the RG34 design is its welded monocoque hull. This is manufactured from high quality ballistic steel. It protects the occupants against all-round direct fire, airburst fragments, as well as Armour-Piercing (AP) and Anti-Tank (AT) mines.

Like all other RG family members, the RG34 was conceived to provide reliability and easy repair.

Central to the vehicle’s engineering concept is its incorporation of proven, reliable and widely available Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components.

The RG34 is a permanent 4x4, designed with inherent upgrade potential to offer unrivalled versatility through payload capacity. The vehicle can be fitted with a number of defence suites, surveillance equipment and weapon systems, allowing it to be configured to operate in today’s theatres, which  vary in terms of technological and threat sophistication. The high power-to-weight ratio and advanced suspension system provide the stable platform for integrating a variety of weapon stations for various combat roles.

RG35 Mine Protected Vehicles

The RG35 is a modern, ruggedly dependable tactical 4x4 or 6x6 wheeled vehicle, purpose built for multiple missions

 

The RG35 provides an essential balance between firepower, survivability and mobility. With a proven "crew citadel" protection approach, it provides effective defence against mines, IED's and gunfire.

The vehicles’ open architecture ensures it can be adapted for many applications. Its compact design optimizes it for Recce roles but it can also be modified to transport cargo, conduct routine patrols or be outfitted with cameras and other electronics for surveillance missions. The RG 35 was most recently adapted to suit the Canadian Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program (the bid for this program was submitted in August 2011).

Striking agreement on Electronic Warfare

Through our platforms such as Typhoon and Tornado, and MASS’s strength in Electronic Warfare operational support, the partnership can offer customers a suite of capabilities including: Electronic Warfare training and data management, operational analysis, countermeasure development, mission data validation and mission evaluation. 

 

Speaking after the MOU signing, Andy Lavin, BAE Systems’ Saudi Arabia Programmes Director said: “I am pleased we have been able to sign this MOU. MASS’s reputation as the leading provider to the UK’s Air Warfare Centre and BAE Systems’ reputation in advanced weapon system support will deliver operational capability benefit to Saudi Arabia and our other export customers.”

BAE Systems Saudi Arabia concluded a contract for the processing capacity to repair Typhoon aircraft in national facilities

BAE Systems Saudi Arabia is very pleased to announce that it has invested SAR-65M with Advanced Electronics Systems (AEC) and Rockwell Collins Deutschland (RCD) to bring into Saudi Arabia the repair capability for the Cockpit Interface Unit (CIU) Interface Processor Unit (IPU) key avionics boxes on the Typhoon Aircraft, the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) and Salam Project Office’s latest and most advanced fast jet aircraft.

This repair capability is expected to be installed and commissioned in the AEC facilities in Riyadh in June 2014 with In Kingdom repairs for the CIU & IPU commencing shortly thereafter. This investment with AEC and RCD will be followed up later this year with a further investment which will bring additional avionics repair capabilities to AEC.

First Brazil ship ready for ocean voyag

Supported by a team from BAE Systems, the crew’s extensive training programme included navigation and duty watch training, as well as development and familiarisation of operational procedures for safety and security in areas including material assessment of the ship, emergency exercises and machinery breakdown drills.

The crew also completed boarding operations and anti-piracy exercises and tactics to ensure Amazonas returns to Brazil safely and fully prepared for the demanding operational role ahead. Nigel Stewart, Commercial Director of BAE Systems Maritime, said: “Saying farewell to the first ship in the Amazonas class is a significant stage in our ongoing relationship with the Brazilian Navy and is a source of great pride to those who worked on her. We look forward to continuing our work with the Brazilian Navy to deliver the next two Ocean Patrol Vessels Apa and Araguari over the coming months.”

Saab Receives Order for Sight and Fire Control Systems from BAE

Defence and security company Saab has received an order from BAE Systems in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, for sight and fire control system UTAAS (Universal Tank and Anti-Aircraft Sight).

The order amount is SEK 110 million.

The contract covers new sight systems, including virtual image displays, and upgrade and modification of the existing systems on combat vehicle CV9030N, for the Norwegian Army.

“The order proves that we are a leading provider of sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. We are proud of our cooperation and good relations with BAE Systems and are looking forward to further develop our combined offer,” says Gunilla Fransson, Head of business area Security and Defence Solutions.

The development and production will take place in Sweden. Deliveries are scheduled for two years starting from August 2012.

UTAAS is a versatile sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. It provides high hit probability against all ground targets, as well as against helicopters and high‑speed aircraft.

The modular design of UTAAS offers the user a variety of performance options and upgrading possibilities. The beam paths for all channels go through the same aperture, offering good system stability and no need for realignment.

The Virtual Image Display (VID) is a compact and rugged multi-purpose display suitable for i.e. combat vehicles and helicopters. VID consists of a microdisplay and magnifying optics to create a virtual image.

BAE System Signs $750M Contract for CV90 Vehicles

BAE Systems has signed a £500 million ($750 million) deal with Norway to provide new and updated CV90 armored combat vehicles.
The Norwegian government agreed to a deal with the Swedish arm of BAE in April but the finalizing of the contract has had to await the approval of the Parliament in Oslo. That was achieved June 14.
The deal will see the first of 43 new CV90s delivered next year with program completion scheduled for 2018.
The upgrade program on the Norwegian Army’s existing 103-strong fleet of vehicles will incorporate lessons learned from the Norwegians’ Afghanistan deployment. The changes include additional armor protection, new rubber tracks, installation of a remote weapon station and improved C4ISR integration.
Norwegian contractor Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace will lead a team of local companies responsible for the integrated data and information systems employed on the vehicles.
Kongsberg’s Protector remote weapon station will also be fitted to all variants operated by the Norwegian Army.
Once complete, the army lineup will cover 74 infantry fighting, 21 reconnaissance, 15 command, 16 engineering, 16 multirole and two driver training vehicles.
Petter Jansen, the managing director at the Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization, said the deal was one of the largest investments made by the army and a key part of its modernization plan.
As the Norwegian deal is sealed, BAE is ramping up its CV90 sales effort across the border because Nordic neighbor Denmark looks to replace at least part of its M113 fleet with either tracked or wheeled vehicles.
The Danes, who like the Norwegians use the CV90, have issued a request for information for a fleet likely to number around 360 vehicles, although the parameters of the requirement range between 206 and 450 machines.
The final numbers will likely reflect whether all or part of the M113 fleet is replaced.
BAE will focus its offer on the new Armadillo version of the CV90 in a competition likely to attract wide interest from Nexter, General Dynamics, Patria and others across the wheeled and tracked sector.
A win would give BAE’s Swedish operation its first deal for the Armadillo.
John Kelly, vice president of business winning at BAE’s land and armaments operation in the U.S., said during the Eurosatory defense show in Paris last week that the company hadn’t excluded wheeled offerings from its bid.
“They have spread the net wide, and we will be talking about the breath of our tracked and wheeled capability. RFIs are due back on June 25, and with a smaller number of requests for proposals due out July 10, that will give us a better idea of whether Denmark is heading in the wheeled or tracked direction,” Kelly said.
The requirements cover six configurations with an armored personnel carrier being the main focus. Executives in Paris reckoned Denmark wants to have a deal secured by the end of 2013 or early 2014.
Another upcoming opportunity in Europe for the CV90 is Poland, where there is talk of an armored combat vehicle competition getting underway later this year with a request for information.
BAE business development chief Alan Garwood said the company was also ready to re-enter a stalled Canadian requirement for armored vehicles in the CV90 class.
“I am confident we will meet the new Canadian requirement when the competition restarts in August,” he said at Eurosatory.