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General Dynamics UK highlighted the hybrid
electric powered AHED platform, which is being prepared for
testing for the UK FRES program. The same platform is one of the
prime candidates for some of the US Army Future Combat Systems
manned and unmanned platforms. A different platform, also using
hybrid electric propulsion to drive the Advanced Modular Vehicle
was displayed by BAE Systems Land Systems. This vehicle designated
SEP is offered in wheeled and
tracked versions is also expected to undergo evaluation as
candidate for the FRES program. Barco introduced its advanced
panoramic display concept designed for "closed hatch" operation.
The displays can be used as "virtual windscreen", offering wide
viewing area for the combat vehicle's crew, including integrated,
enhanced sensor-based visibility, weapon and sensor cueing, and
situational awareness. A different version called
Virtus is
developed under cooperation with Rheinmetall Wegman, using
mini-display showing sensor-fusion by visible and IIR sensors.
Virtus is already available for demonstration with the German
Boxer.
 BAE Systems Land Systems brought the new
Panther Command and
Liaison Vehicle (CLV) one of seven pre-series production vehicles.
The Panther was equipped with a remotely controlled Defender
7.62mm Self-Defense Weapon Station (SDW) equipped with 7.62
machine gun and a day/night sight. The vehicle on display was
configured as a command vehicle, equipped with multiple
Bowman
radios, and situational display for the commander. Other displays
are serving the driver's station and weapon station's operator.
First production Panthers are due for delivery in mid-2006, in
time for the vehicle's entry into service by 2007. Up to 15 variants
of the Panther are expected to be used by the British Army, and
Royal Air Force Regiment. Also on display at DSEi 05 was the
Eagle IV 4x4 military tactical
vehicle developed by MOWAG. So far the company has built some 500
of previous generations of the Eagle. The Swiss company expects
Denmark to be the first country to order up to 85 vehicles. The
vehicle shown at DSEi 05 was equipped with an Elbit Overhead
Remote Controlled Weapon Station (ORCWS), mounting 7.62 mm machine
gun. Other features include a battle management system and
nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) defense system.
Upgrading and modernization programs for armored vehicles
highlighted at DSEi 05 included armor upgrade for CV90, upgunned
Challenger 2, modernized AMX10P and more. The potential gun
conversion for the British Challenger Mk 2 tank, has been tested
with Rheinmetall's NATO standard L/55 smoothbore cannon. Replacement of the
British rifled L30 120mm gun will enable the British Army to
standardize its ammunition supplies with NATO and other coalition
forces, yet it will require phasing out of some types of
ammunition, including squash head (high explosive) projectiles,
which are considered efficient against structures and bunkers, a
significant capability for contemporary urban warfare. Other
modernization programs are pursued for the
CV-90 family of
vehicles. Another modernization program recently announced is the
upgrade of Giat’s AMX10 tracked armored personnel vehicle. The
French Army plans to modernize up to 108 vehicles of this type
into the AMX10P version under a EUR50m. Modifications will improve
the vehicle's protection with appliqué armor, new suspension
system and strengthened gearbox. The vehicles are scheduled to be
installed with the SIR battle management system as soon as the new
version is released.
 BAE unveiled at the show a new up-armored version of the CV-90,
while RAFAEL displayed a British
up-armored FV-432, equipped with
new generation reactive armor modules and an elevated, remotely
controlled 30mm gun mount (RCWS-30) designed by RAFAEL. Remotely
controlled weapon systems are becoming popular with wheeled
armored vehicles, as they provide significant firepower,
situational awareness and effective operation in low intensity and
urban scenarios by minimizing crew exposure while maximizing
firepower effectiveness and precision. In addition to RAFAEL's
RCWS30, other weapon stations on display at DSEi included Elbit
System's ORCWS, externally mounting a 30mm cannon on the Swiss
MOWAG Pirhana IV, leaving the entire fighting compartment
available for crew stations and storage. Recon Optical introduced
its CROWS with a light machine gun and 30 mm cannon. Heavy ammunition for artillery and tanks was here on display,
including smart precision 120mm gun projectiles/missiles from GIAT,
Rheinmetall, IAI and ATK. These included a concept of the French
Polinege, developed by Giat, the Israeli
MBT LAHAT, marketed in
Europe under cooperation with Rheinmetall. LAHAT has recently been
test launched from a German Army Leopard 2A4 tank. |
