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MILITARY TECHNOLOGY (MILTECH) is the world's leading international tri-service defence monthly magazine in the English language. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY is "Required Reading for Defence Professionals". Follow us on Twitter: MILTECH1

26 February 2014

SEVEN EXPOS ON & MILEX IS STILL GOING STRONG


Despite the budgetary crises of various developed and developing nations worldwide, national defence and security remain a concern.  From critical infrastructures protection and natural and food resource preservation to counter-terror and border security, the term “Defence” has an elastic meaning that differs from country-to-country, region-to-region, and situation-to-situation.



Many nations have defined and undefined strategies to deal with a myriad of threats to their own stability and possibilities for prosperity.  Others, still, also have a clear aptitude for developing innovations and solutions to meet these challenges, all the while fostering specialist dialogue for achieving lasting results in this realm.   Belarus is one of these nations that fulfil these attributes.

The 7th International Exhibition of Arms and Military Machinery “MILEX-2014” – together with the 6th International Scientific Conference on Military and Technical Cooperation in the Field of Defence and Security – will be held in Minsk 9-12 July, 2014 at the MCSC “Minsk-Arena” (Minsk, Pobediteley Avenue 111, Belarus, www.milex.belexpo.by).
MILEX-2014 is organised exclusively by the State Military and Industrial Committee, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus, and the National Exhibition Centre “Belexpo” under the auspices of the Republic of Belarus’ Presidential Property Management Directorate.

Building on the success of the previous “MILEX,” the 7th International Exhibition is expected to surpass expectations for several reasons, including the availability of world-class technologies and truly progressive innovations at prices and costs in close alignment with shrinking defence budgets worldwide.

In 2011, 149 companies, design offices, scientific research institutions, etc. as well as 14 accredited foreign missions took part in this exceptional event, the world’s Military-Industrial Complexes are assured the 2014 event will be at least as compelling conference and exposition as in 2011 - when there was an excess of 25.000 visitors, including 11.000 of defence specialists, and more than 40 official foreign delegations participating at MILEX. Nearly 135 scientific reports presented at the concurrent conference to an international audience of renowned experts and professionals.

“MILEX-2014” focus includes:
•Armoured machinery
•Missile, artillery and shooting arms
•Short- and medium-range air defence systems
•Hi-tech equipment and systems
•Ammunition, special chemistry, ground measuring equipment
•Optic-electronic equipment and systems
•Safety methods and security facilities (radiation and chemical protection, biological shielding)
•Technical means and systems provided for armies
•Information systems and systems for information protection
•Transport means: automobiles and tractors
•Aviation, rocket and extra-terrestrial complexes Aerospace technologies
•Aircraft navigation complexes and automatic control systems
•Technologies and technical equipment of double application
•Road, building, loading means and mechanisms
•Modernization and repair of military machinery and arms
•Equipment and technologies for utilisation of armament, military machinery and ammunition
•Military establishments of higher education and military training establishments
•Equipment for salvage operations in the conditions of natural calamities and emergency situations, fire-extinguishing equipment and means
•Military research basis
•Military medicine
•Ammunition, clothes and special accessories
•Individual armour / PPE
According to the organisers the exposition’s success rests on the: broad presentation of a wide national production range from Belarus’ defence industry; knowledge of the latest developments in high technologies; demonstration of companies’ unique capacities; leading the way in military equipment upgrades and  repairs; and, providing a host of reliable, quality services to the Armed Forces at an exceedingly fair price.  Visit www.milex.belexpo.by and contact Anastasia who will work with you to find the best opportunities for your business.

14 February 2014

Singapore Airshow: Seen and Heard

Embraer Defense & Security promotes its full line of integrated solutions, including the medium lift military transport KC-390 and the A-29 Super TUCANOo light-attack aircraft, of which 16 units have been ordered by the Indonesian Armed Forces.

***

Boeing showcases a broad range of commercial and defence products and services at the Singapore Airshow 2014.

"Boeing has the right mix of market-leading products and services to support the strong growth in commercial aviation and defense procurement in this part of the world," said Skip Boyce, President, Boeing Southeast Asia. "As the global aerospace community comes together for the Singapore Airshow, Boeing sees this as a great platform to talk about our company plans and the focus on expanding our international foothold in Asia-Pacific."

Boeing products scheduled at the show include the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) F-15SG fighter, AH-64 APACHE and CH-47 CHINOOK helicopters, a US Marine Corps MV-22 OSPREY, a US Air Force C-17 GLOBEMASTER III military transport aircraft and a US Navy P-8A POSEIDON, one of the most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. In addition, the SCANEAGLE unmanned aerial system is on display, as well as a Boeing AH-6i light attack helicopter. The Royal Australian Air Force's F/A18F Super HORNET also participates in the flying display.

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Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) at Singapore Airshow announced a new Cyber Early Warning R&D Centre in Singapore. It will tap into the Singaporean talent for the development of innovative cyber early warning technologies. The early warning center is expected to grow within five years, and will employ research scientists, professional computer analysts and engineers.

The cyber R&D centre, modelled after IAI's cyber-accessibility center in Israel, will comprise of professional computer analysts (known as "white-hat hackers"), scientists and engineers.  With the goal of tackling complex problems in the cyber arena, the center will develop prototypes for cyber early warning solutions, mature prototypes into fully-fledged customer-grade solutions, and market the solutions both in Singapore and abroad.

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Textron AirLand, part of Textron Systems, at booth Q01, are discussing the new SCORPION tactical jet, which is equipped for border and maritime security, counter-narcotics, irregular warfare support, emergency response and aerospace control alert. Showcased is also its family of multi-mission unmanned systems - including the SHADOW Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), AEROSONDE Small UAS and BATTLEHAWK Squad-Level Loitering Munition - along with its range of smart weapons and protection systems, including the MICROOBSERVER Unattended Ground Sensor system.

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AgustaWestland, a Finmneccanica company, has been awarded new contracts worth a total of about €130 million by different customers in North and Southeast Asia for the supply of 13 helicopters for both government and commercial roles. Contracts were announced during the Singapore Air Show 2014.

In particular, Weststar Aviation Services of Malaysia signed a contract for ten AW139 helicopters for offshore missions, bringing the total number of AW139s that will be operated by this customer to 34. Furthermore the Chungnam Fire Fighting Department in the Republic of Korea placed an order for one AW139 which will perform fire fighting, search and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS) and utility mission. Also, AgustaWestland secured orders for two AW109 Power helicopters in the Philippines which will be used by the Philippine Navy for a wide range of naval missions including search and rescue, economic zone protection, surface surveillance and maritime security. This operator already uses three aircraft of this model.

These contracts confirm the leadership of Finmeccanica which proves to be able to compete successfully at international level offering the modern range of AgustaWestland products for commercial and government applications.

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The long-established cooperation of PT Dirgantara Indonesia and Airbus Helicopters will be expanded to include support and services for the users of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at Singapore Airshow. This MoU covers maintenance, repair and overhaul for the various Airbus Helicopters products operated within Indonesia – in particular, the AS365 DAUPHIN, EC725 COUGAR and AS350/AS555 FENNEC rotorcraft acquired by the country’s government.

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ST Aerospace and Alenia Aermacchi will deliver the last of the 12 M-346 new generation advanced trainers to the RSAF in March 2014, following the contract that was signed in late 2010.  Currently, a total of 10 aircraft have been delivered along with the delivery of the relevant ground based training system and the associated M-346 initial logistics support package.

In February 2013, the RSAF commenced the pilot training in its Advanced Training School at the Cazaux Air Base in France, while in March 2013 the first training flight for a pilot trainee in the M-346 was successfully conducted. This event marked the beginning of the full spectrum 3rd Generation Integrated Pilot Training System for the RSAF and it was also an important milestone for the M-346 programme.

The close collaboration between ST Aerospace ("Prime Contractor") and its partners, Alenia Aermacchi and The Boeing Company, has allowed for the achievement of these important milestones.

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Curtiss-Wright Corporation displays its latest highly engineered solutions for commercial and defence aerospace and aviation platforms at 2014 Singapore Airshow (Booth #S95).

Featured aerospace control products displayed:

•  B737 NG Transmission: The Sensors & Controls division features its Gears & Assemblies solutions, including the trailing edge transmissions it supplies to Boeing for use on the B737 NG aircraft.

•  B737C Spindle (Flap Carriage): Also on display are the Spindle used in the B737C Flap Carriage for the aircraft’s outboard and inboard flap system.

Featured avionics products to be displayed:

•  Air Data Computer Module (ADCM): The Defense Solutions division is introducing its new Air Data Computer Module (ADCM). The ADCM, a small, lightweight air data computer, uses the latest generation of high-accuracy, high-stability vibrating cylinder technology to reduce downtime, increase operational readiness and therefore lower the overall cost of ownership. Because it is a module, as opposed to a standalone air data computer, it can be integrated with existing host equipment, such as an Attitude Heading Reference System or Inertial Reference System.

•  Enhanced Software Configurable Air Data Unit (ESCADU): The ESCADU is a highly configurable, highly reliable Air Data Unit intended to be the primary supply of air data parameters to the aircraft systems. The ESCADU calculates air data parameters from information received from the integrated pitot and static pressure sensors and an outside air temperature probe. This proven product is ideal for system upgrades.

•  Low Air Speed Probe (LASP): Curtiss-Wright also is introducing a new ultrasonic Low Air Speed Probe (LASP). The LASP provides reliable, accurate and cost-effective low airspeed and directional measurement, to Curtiss-Wright air data computers. Its robust design, aluminum alloy construction and heating system makes it perfect for the harsh environmental conditions encountered in the air.

•  Acra KAM-500 Data acquisition system: The Acra KAM-500 airborne data acquisition unit (DAU) has been developed through decades of experience and heavy investment in R&D. It’s driven by hardwired finite state machines making it extremely reliable; while its compact, low power design makes it ideal for installing in locations that have limited space. The modular construction design of the KAM-500 results in reduced cost of ownership and its network native design allows large systems to be built from COTS products.

•  Multi-Purpose Flight Recorder (MPFR): The MPFR provides unmatched flight recorder versatility, in a highly compact package, fully approved for current and anticipated requirements. On-aircraft download is achieved in less than two minutes and can be networked directly to a remote operational base for diagnostics and fault reporting. The MPFR is packaged as a compact unit ideal for the rotary wing or small/medium aircraft market. Importantly, this compact unit may be attached directly to the airframe without requiring bulky equipment racks or anti-vibration mounts, thus permitting optimum aircraft performance to be attained for lower operating costs.

The Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions division is also displaying its rugged mission LCD displays and video management systems:

•  Skyquest Rugged LCD Displays: 6.5”-17” LCD Mission Display with touchscreen provide full 1080p resolution for the best high definition imagery. Designed specifically for the rugged demands of defense and law enforcement applications. Some models include built-in PC featuring an Intel® Core™ i7-based embedded processor to reduce cost and SWaP.

•  VRD1 Video Management System (VMS): Fully integrated VMS provides video switching, network storage and systems capabilities for airborne video surveillance. HD-capable VMS provides video format conversion, scaling, switching and recording supports 18 video input channels (six each of 3G-SDI, RGB/DVI, CVBS) and 12 video outputs (6 each of 3G-SDI, RGB/DVI).

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Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) announced on 12 February that it has entered into a marketing partnership with Gibbs Amphibians (Gibbs).  The partnership concerns the HUMDINGA, an amphibious truck, which ST Kinetics intends to use as part of its plan to enhance its offering of smart disaster relief and first responder solutions.

The Gibbs HUMDINGA complements disaster relief and response vehicles from ST Kinetics, like its ExtremV all-terrain emergency response vehicle, to meet the needs for first responder operations, emergency rescue, medical evacuation, emergency personnel transportation and even essential supplies transportation.  Specifically, Humdinga fills the gap in the area of mitigating devastating water-related humanitarian emergencies and in gaining access to areas unreachable by land transportation.

ST Kinetics is pleased to partner with Gibbs to offer the Humdinga’s smart capabilities for disaster relief and first responder operations.  With the Humdinga, we have expanded our stable of unique and versatile solutions for disaster relief and first responder emergency vehicles,” said Patrick Choy, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, ST Kinetics.

***

AmSafe Bridport is displaying its TARIAN RPG Armour system. This revolutionary, lightweight and durable armour is fitted to a Singapore Technologies Kinetics’ BRONCO located on ST Kineticsstand G01. This is the first time their latest technological advances, including a fully flexible mounting system, has been shown in Asia/Singapore and builds on the relationship established through the MOU signed on 14th September 2011.
It is this most recent system which is now fitted to a variety of UK military vehicles following the company’s £10.6 million contract award from the UK MOD on 21 December 2012.

TARIAN is a highly effective solution for protection against RPGs and also the world’s lightest. Developed in close collaboration with the UK MoD, the TARIAN system has been extensively tested – including over 750 live shots – in the UK, France and the USA. This testing has verified TARIAN’s high level of performance and multi-hit capability. TARIAN was launched in 2009 and is currently in service fitted to a wide range of vehicles deployed by the British Army in Afghanistan.

The core element of the TARIAN RPG defeat mechanism is an extremely strong textile net manufactured from high-tenacity fibres. TARIAN nets are attached to vehicles using a robust flexible mounting system to withstand harsh vehicle operating conditions with low susceptibility to damage. According to the company, compared with traditional bar armour RPG protection, TARIAN provides significantly improved protection performance and, being significantly lighter, enables vehicles to operate more efficiently.

***

Russian Helicopters, a subsidiary of Oboronprom, part of State Corporation Rostec, displays a range of helicopters for various uses at stand K53.

The new Ka-62 is the first Russian helicopter to be created as a result of close international cooperation. The project involves companies from Germany, France, Austria and other countries. It is anticipated that the Ka-62 will garner great interest from Russian Helicopters' established regional markets. Brazil's Atlas Táxi Aéreo and Colombia’s Vertical de Aviacion have both already submitted orders for the Ka-62.

The Ka-62 is primarily designed for passenger transport, search and rescue operations and work on oil and gas sector. Thanks to its spacious, comfortable cabin, the helicopter is excellently suited for corporate purposes. It boasts a high cruising speed and low vibration level.

The exhibition also showcases the multirole Ka-32A11BC, which is used in over 30 countries for fire-fighting, search and rescue operations, and complex construction and installation work. Visitors have a chance to see the light helicopter ANSAT, which can be used for training, by law enforcement agencies and for medical missions.

Russian Helicopters also put Mi-8/17 (Mi-17V-5 and Mi-171Sh) military transport helicopters and the Mi-35M – developed with the latest technology based on the legendary Mi-24 multipurpose military helicopter – on display . These helicopters are used all over the world and are renowned for their reliability, efficiency and high durability.

The military range on display at the airshow include the Ka-52 ALLIGATOR reconnaissance and combat helicopter. The Ka-52 is a next-generation attack helicopter designed to destroy tanks, armoured and non-armoured ground targets, and enemy troops and helicopters both on the front line and in tactical reserves, around the clock in any weather conditions. The Ka-52 can provide target acquisition and designation for helicopter teams and ground troop command and control centres. It can also provide fire support for troop landings, fly routine patrols and escort military convoys.

13 February 2014

Singapore Airshow Photoblog: ST Engineering and Subsidiaries Exhibiting Innovation






HUMDINGA

USTAR-Y Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

USTAR-X Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

TERRATON Unmanned Ground System (UGS)


SKYBLADE 360 UAS

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) for Force Protection

CORIS GRANDE

CORIS LITE

CORIS LITE

CORIS GRANDE

SHARP I2

HELMIS


ST Kinetics TERREX

SKYBLADE IV



C4I suite for land platforms

ADDER

ST Kinetics 5.56 BMCR

ST Kinetics 5.56 CMCR

ULTIMAX 100 Light Machine Gun Mk.5

STK 40 Automatic Grenade Launcher Mk.2








11 February 2014

SIngapore Airshow: Photographic Recap of Day One

ST Kinetics HUMDINGA

AM General debuts M-1165 2.0 DRGN



HERMES 450

HERON 1

MISTRAL

Rafael SPYDER

ST Engineering's USTAR-Y and -X



ST Kinetics' new BMCR prototype and CMCR mockup







SUPER HERON Heavy Fuel unveiling