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16 September 2015

DSEI 2015: General Dynamics Shows its Strength

General Dynamics showcases the strength of its broad portfolio of products and services n the South Hall (S9-210).

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) unveiled its latest SCOUT Specialist Vehicle (SV) prototype. The platform, the turreted SCOUT Reconnaissance variant, now called AJAX, is the second of seven SCOUT SV prototype platforms, and each will undergo grueling trials before the first production platforms are delivered to the British Army in 2017.


In service, AJAX will offer best-in-class protection and survivability, reliability and mobility and all-weather intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and recognition (ISTAR) capabilities, according to the company. Its range of six variants will allow the British Army to conduct sustained, expeditionary, full-spectrum and network-enabled operations with a reduced logistics footprint. SCOUT SV can operate in combined-arms and multinational situations across a wide-range of future operating environments.

In addition, GDLS showcases the OCELOT light tactical 4x4 protected vehicle, which is successfully deployed on operations with the British Army as FOXHOUND.  It is a best-in-class mine and blast protected 4x4 vehicle, according to GDLS.  The design of the OCELOT platform is modular, enabling the British Army to provide role-specific platforms from the common base platform. This ensures logistic, training and support commonality across the variants. Variant modules include Patrol, Special Operations, General Purpose Logistics, and Command and Control (C2) for Battalion and Company/Sqn HQ elements. The OCELOT C2 variant, designed specifically to provide Battalion and sub-unit HQ with an optimised C2 working environment in a proven mine and blast protected vehicle, is on show.

GDLS also showcases the latest in 8x8 wheeled combat technologies with the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) Demonstrator. Based on the Canadian Army’s LAV 6.0, the LAV Demonstrator represents best in-class levels of protection, according to the company, with blast-deflecting Double-V hull technology and energy-absorbing seating for crew and troops. A sixth generation suspension and driveline and a more powerful engine provide superior mobility and significantly increased payload. The LAV incorporates the highly reliable and combat proven Kongsberg PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station (RWS) M-151, 12.7mm, integrated with the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin JAVELIN anti-tank missile system. The system, when combined with the sensor package, smoke grenade dischargers and full stabilisation, markedly enhances the crew’s self-defence and firepower capability.  This M-151 12.7mm PROTECTOR RWS is similar to the PROTECTOR system recently contracted for the UK’s SCOUT SV programme.  All systems on the LAV Demonstrator are currently in production and available as off-the-shelf technology.

Furthermore, GDLS demonstrates the EAGLE platform, which is a field-proven vehicle that provides high and secure mobility on- or off-road. The EAGLE family features a basic frame design and a defined interface for attachment of various superstructures, with the option for different load floors or mission modules.  EAGLE provides logistic commonality across its range of variants to offer lower maintenance and lifecycle costs.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) is showcasing its proven expertise in the delivery of tactical communication and information systems, including demonstrations that utilise two GDLS platforms. It has integrated BOWMAN, the UK Armed Forces tactical communication system, into two vehicle platforms on its stand, demonstrating the company’s extensive experience of integrating such systems into a variety of different platforms, both in the UK and overseas.

The OCELOT C2 platform is configured in a typical C2 layout, with workstations for Command and HQ operators, supporting High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) voice and data. It displays Situational Awareness (SA) picture and video streaming from external sources such as Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), Local SA, and reversionary modes. It also has the ability to dismount systems and connect to larger field HQ’s arrangements, or to accommodate Battalion HQ operations groups in 12x12 tented briefing rooms. The configuration showcases the modularity of the equipment through the ability to add or remove additional components, such as Fourth Generation (4G) / Long-Term Evolution (LTE) base stations, Ground-to-Air Nodes, Secure Data Recorders and Soldier Radio Vehicle Stations, within the existing footprint of the vehicle.

The LAV Demonstrator is configured with a UK communications fit that provides voice, data and Situational Awareness connectivity inside the vehicle, and an internal intercom capability through HF and VHF radios.

GDMS also showcases its expertise in the design, development, manufacture and through-life support of advanced avionic systems, which provide cutting-edge capability on fixed-wing and rotary platforms around the world. The capability it delivers includes Tactical Processing Systems, Secure Data Recorders, Stores and Weapons Management Systems, Tactical Data Link processing and Digital Mapping. The company is currently a key provider of products on the AgustaWestland AW101 Mk 3 and Mk4 and UK AW159 LYNX WILDCAT platforms, amongst others. It is also the second largest provider of products onto Eurofighter TYPHOON, and is a key provider of technology on Panavia TORNADO aircraft.

Moreover, GDMS demonstrates its extensive experience in the delivery of 4G / LTE communications networks. Leveraging world-leading capabilities from its UK facilities, the company delivers enhanced 4G / LTE solutions that provide high-performance wireless broadband connectivity to First Responders and Public Safety Workers, as well as the Armed Forces and Local Government agencies and services. Private broadband networks enable machine-to-machine communications, as well as data access to handheld devices, mobile computers and mobile command centres across broad geographic areas.

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