June 12, 2018 | International, Aerospace, Land, C4ISR
The new Black Hornet 3 nano unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is being presented by FLIR at Eurosatory 2018, being held in Paris on 11-15 June, while the previous Black Hornet 2 is being shown integrated into vehicles. At Eurosatory, the Black Hornet is displayed on a Patria AMV armoured vehicle and a BAE Systems CV90 infantry fighting vehicle.
Arne Skjaerpe, vice-president of unmanned aerial system (UAS) sales and operations at FLIR, told Jane's the Black Hornet 3, which was announced in a 5 June FLIR press release, has a new, modular air vehicle which can carry new day/night sensors with better perceived picture quality and new software, which he said was a “step change” compared with the Black Hornet 2.
He reported that there are 30 customers for the Black Hornet, including many NATO countries, with the US Army's Soldier Borne Sensor programme having ordered the first batch of Black Hornet 3s for USD2.6 million. Other customers of the latest version of the UAS are the Australian and French armed forces. On 11 June French special forces equipped with Black Hornets participated in the rehearsal for a live demonstration to be held at Eurosatory on 12 June.
The Black Hornet 3 UAV weighs 32-33 g, compared with 18 g for the Black Hornet 2, and both share the same base station and screen, according to Skjaerpe. He said FLIR would continue to provide service and maintenance support for the Black Hornet 2.
A vehicle reconnaissance system is being developed for the Black Hornet to give vehicles greater situational awareness and targeting capabilities, according to Skaerjpe. These range from reconnaissance vehicles to main battle tanks and self-propelled howitzers.
http://www.janes.com/article/80821/eurosatory-2018-black-hornet-is-integrated-into-vehicles
July 30, 2021 | International, Aerospace
With the contract signed between the government and BAE Systems — one of the four founding members of Team Tempest — the Future Combat Air System program has entered its concept and assessment phase.
September 28, 2018 | International, Land
SOUTH BEND, Ind., September 26, 2018 – Global vehicle solutions provider, AM General, has been awarded a $51.3 million contract to recapitalize High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) for the U.S. Army. The company will utilize its longstanding and proven Public Private Partnership (PPP) program with the Red River Army Depot (RRAD) to deliver mission-capable, like-new M1152 and M1165 HMMWV variants. “We recognize the value of a modernized vehicle fleet for the U.S. Army and this contract award is a testament to our commitment for continued innovation and vehicle system improvements to ensure mission readiness for our service men and women,” said Chris Vanslager, AM General Executive Vice President – U.S. Defense. “The HMMWV platform is incredibly nimble and adaptable; over the life of the program, it has received a multitude of improvements.” The current program will recapitalize existing U.S. National Guard assets. Selected vehicles will be disassembled at RRAD, go through a rigorous initial inspection, and modified in accordance with the recapitalization requirements. The recapitalized vehicle bodies will then ship to AM General's Mishawaka Manufacturing Campus, where they will be mated to a new production rolling chassis. The resulting product is a modernized HMMWV with automotive improvements including substantial increase in overall vehicle reliability, improved steering geometry for maneuverability, and increased-capacity 4L85E transmission, improved front mounted HVAC system, addition of Antilock Braking System and Electronic Stability Control, and an improved powertrain cooling system. About AM General AM General designs, engineers, manufactures, supplies and supports specialized vehicles for military and commercial customers worldwide. Through its military business, the company is widely recognized as the world leader in design, engineering, manufacturing and logistics support of Tactical Vehicles, having produced and sustained over 300,000 vehicles in over 70 countries. Through its heritage companies, AM General has over 100 years of experience meeting the changing needs of the defense and automotive industries, supported by its employees at major facilities in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, and a strong supplier base that stretches across 43 states. http://www.amgeneral.com/news-events/news/u-s-army-awards-am-general-51-3-million-contract-for-high-mobility-multipurpose-wheeled-vehicles/
June 17, 2022 | International, Aerospace
A medium-lift, multirole helicopter launched in 2006, AW149 customers include Thailand and Egypt. Leonardo is currently marketing the type to the United Kingdom.