4 novembre 2024 | International, Terrestre
11 juin 2018 | International, Terrestre
France to double military vehicle order, asking for multiple variants
By: Pierre Tran
VERSAILLES, France ― France is to double its order for the Light VBMR reconnaissance vehicle, a key element in the French Army's €10 billion (U.S. $12 billion) Scorpion modernization program.
An additional 420 Light VBMR units are to be ordered, taking the total to 978, according to Erwan, the director of the Scorpion modernization program at Direction Générale de l'Armement procurement office. Erwan, whose last name is not used for security reasons, spoke to the press May 16.
A first delivery of the Light VBMR is due in 2022, with 489 shipped by 2025.
In addition to the highly equipped 489, there will be a further 200 units ordered, with the latter more lightly equipped units, according to the annex of the draft multiyear military budget law for 2019-2025.
That raises the total of Light VBMRs to 689 delivered by 2025.
After 2025 and out to 2032, there will be a further 978 ordered for Scorpion, and 1,060 ordered outside of the program, with a total of 2,038 for that period.
A first delivery of an armored personnel carrier version of Light VBMR is due in 2021, a reconnaissance model in 2022 and a communications variant in 2023.
A wide spectrum of missions will be covered, as there will be 16 versions of the vehicle, with 10 of the APC, two for recon and four for comms.
Nexter will design, build and service the vehicles, while Texelis will supply the chassis and driveline.
Nexter's factory at Roanne, central France, will build the Light VBMR, adding to the workload generated by orders for the Griffon troop carrier and the Jaguar combat and reconnaissance vehicle.
The Light VBMR weighs 15-17 tons, can reach a speed of 100 kph and has a range of 600 kilometers. That weight compares to the French Army's initial requirement for a 10-ton vehicle, before industry called that unrealistic.
One of the vehicles can be airlifted on a C-130, while two can fit on the A400M transport aircraft. Regarding the latter, the vehicles can be fully equipped for combat and still be successfully loaded.
The vehicle is armed with a remote controlled 7.62mm machine gun, a minigun at the rear and self-protection with a Galix smoke dispenser.
The vehicle can carry 10 people ― eight troops, a driver and a gunner.
France is also to order an upgrade for 200 Leclerc main battle tanks, with a first delivery of a modernized tank in 2021, Erwan said. Sensors and the Bull SICS battle management system, or Scorpion Information Communication System, will bring the tank into the Scorpion's so-called collaborative combat concept, which seeks to heighten teamwork on the ground and with commanders at the regimental level.
An order for the Griffon multipurpose troop carrier is to be raised to ”a target“ of 1,872, up 150 units from a previous total, Erwan said. A first delivery is due by the end of the year, with certification in the second quarter of 2019. Some 936 units are due by 2025.
Contracts for those increased orders are expected to be signed later this year after the French Parliament formally adopts the draft military budget law, expected in July.
That boost in orders follows the Army's call for a speedy introduction of the new armored vehicles, to replace an aging fleet of VAB troop carriers. There is a 2,700-strong fleet of VABs, which are some 40 years old.
The briefing by Erwan was on a press trip organized by Gicat, the French trade association for makers of land weapons, ahead of the Eurosatory trade show, which runs June 11-15.
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11 juin 2018 | International, Aérospatial, Terrestre, C4ISR
Nexter armored vehicle could soon include tethered drones
VERSAILLES, France ― Nexter has unveiled a concept version of its Titus armored vehicle adapted to carry augmented mission systems, including a tethered drone, unmanned ground vehicles and a remote controlled 20mm cannon. The six-wheeled vehicle serves as a multipurpose platform to develop capabilities that could one day be fitted to vehicles such as the Griffon troop carrier. One of the capabilities is a captive UAV tethered to the vehicle, which could be used for observation and artillery targeting, a Nexter executive told journalists May 16. The UAV can fly to a height of 50 meters. A quieter option is a small, stand-alone UAV, which can also be launched from the vehicle's roof for reconnaissance missions. The hull has an outside compartment to deploy small unmanned ground vehicles, or UGV, to detect improvised explosive devices as well as chemical, biological and radiation weapons. The vehicle is armed with a remote controlled 20mm cannon, with options for a 25mm or 30mm weapon. The gun, UGV and UAV could be controlled inside or outside the vehicle with a smart pad. Another capability that could be installed includes a “virtual fence” for facial recognition for the vehicle's crew and troops. Nexter displayed the demonstrator vehicle at an artillery day event in December at the Canjuers Army base in the southeast of France. Nexter also showed off Themis, a tracked UGV armed with a 20mm gun. The vehicle is supplied by Milrem of Estonia. Themis is armed with an ARX 20mm remote controlled cannon with a 2-kilometer range and armor piercing shells. Other options are 12.7mm and 14.5mm heavy machine guns. The vehicle could support disembarked troops with heavy firepower and be used to open roads. Themis weighs 1 ton, travels at 24 kph and has an all-terrain capability. It is powered by electricity and diesel, with the latter delivering an endurance of 10 hours. Many countries, particularly for special forces, have shown interest in the vehicle, a Nexter executive said. A firing test is due to be held this year. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/eurosatory/2018/06/08/nexter-armored-vehicle-could-soon-include-tethered-drones/
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19 août 2019 | International, Aérospatial
Lockheed Martin Announces First Title-Sponsored Space And Air Show, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds To Fly
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will serve as the title sponsor for the first-ever Lockheed Martin Space and Air Show, Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2020. It will be held at the Orlando Sanford International Airport, near downtown Orlando. The show will be headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and it will feature numerous company air, ground and space assets. Lockheed Martin has a 60-year history in central Florida, including executing programs in the Orlando, Tampa, and Space Coast areas. This work includes aviation, space exploration, missiles, fire control, and training and simulation programs. The company's regional workforce is growing and currently has hundreds of jobs available in central Florida to support recent contract wins. "We look forward to giving visitors from central Florida and from across the nation a firsthand glimpse into the exciting technologies and capabilities we provide our military and our allies to help them protect lives and liberties around the world," said Marillyn Hewson, chairman, president and CEO, Lockheed Martin. The space and air show is produced by B. Lilley Productions, an event management company specializing in the production of air shows. In 2020, they'll also produce events in New York, New York, Atlanta, Georgia, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Ocean City, Maryland. "Our entire organization is extremely honored to work with Lockheed Martin in creating this signature North American aerospace event," said Bryan Lilley, chief executive officer, B. Lilley Productions. "Showcasing Lockheed Martin's vast portfolio brings together an unprecedented display of air, ground and space assets." The Orlando Sanford International Airport serves three million passengers annually. It was opened in 1942 as a World War II fighter and bomber training base. "With the Orlando area's first space and air show of the new millennium, we are excited to bring this unique thrill and excitement to central Florida," said Diane Crews, Orlando Sanford Airport CEO. "Lockheed Martin's reputation for excellence will propel the show to a national level. We can't wait!" Tickets go on sale during Veterans' Day weekend in November 2019 with pricing announced then. The dedicated LMSAS website is www.spaceandairshow.com. https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2019-08-19-Lockheed-Martin-Announces-First-Title-Sponsored-Space-and-Air-Show-U-S-Air-Force-Thunderbirds-to-Fly