C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES - COMMUNICATIONS - Volume twenty four - Issue two September 2021 - BATTLESPACE Updates
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES ISSN 1478-3347 Volume twenty four – Issue two September 2021 VEHICLES COMMUNICATIONS ARMOUR COMPUTERS SPACE
Contents
8 Editor: Julian Nettlefold
Advertising:
Battlespace Publications
Published by:
BATTLESPACE Publications
24 Old Charlock
Abthorpe Road
Silverstone
Towcester
NN12 8TW
United Kingdom
Contacts:
Julian Nettlefold
Mobile: +44 (0)77689 54766
Email: j.nettlefold@
battle-technology.com
All rights reserved in all countries.
No part of this publication may be
30 42
reproduced, stored in retrieval
systems or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without
prior written permission of the
Publisher. Infringements of any of
the above rights will be liable to
prosecution under UK, European or
US civil or criminal law.
Subscriptions:
In this months issue… www.battle-technology.com
News in Brief Battlespace C4ISTAR Technologies
(ISSN: 1478-3347) is published by
05
The importance of EMI compliance in military vehicle platforms Battlespace Publications.
06
IP at the heart of new innovation strategy Battlespace C4ISTAR Technologies
06
£9.5m investment for military space communications (ISSN: 1478-3347) is published by
Battlespace Publications
Features Printed by:
08
Ajax – ‘Send Again, Over’ By Julian Nettlefold St. Austell Printing Company
St. Austell Business Park
18 HENSOLDT UK: Detect & Protect By Rohan Dearlove St. Austell
Cornwall
24 Hanwha To Establish Fires Centre of Excellence In The UK PL25 4FD
26 The Escalating Threat of GPS Jamming to
Allied Mission Success By Phil Froom
The BATTLESPACE Interviews
30 TEK Military Seating – Expanding Capability By Julian Nettlefold
36 Curtiss-Wright – Pioneering Technology By Julian Nettlefold
Technology Feature
42 NP Aerospace – Saving Lives With Technology By Julian Nettlefold
50 MByoDSteveEvolution is Dependent on Partnerships with Industry
Beeching, UK Managing Director, Viasat Inc.
Robotics Feature
55 We are family: Get to know L3Harris’ impressive family of
robotic systems
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 3
Letter from the editor
Dear Reader,
Welcome to our special DSEI issue, published as the turmoil of
the COVID pandemic recedes and life inches back to normal. It
is a tribute to Clarion to keep the DSEI show alive and to bring
us all back together again after so many months apart or on a
Zoom screen. Since COVID struck the world has become a more
dangerous place with hot spots springing up all over the world
from Mozambique in Africa to Iranian drones in the Gulf thru to
China and Afghanistan, where the situation gets worse by the
day.
Coupled to this defence budgets, already under strain, are under
greater strain given the need to borrow billions to pay for COVID,
so cuts will be required and more emphasis on value for money
brought into to defence contracting.
A new DSEI focus is on the need for a strong, flexible and secure
digital backbone attached to comms systems suited for the new
and stringent multi-domain warfare requirements. Many of these
new technologies together with 5G, AI, Robots, Drones, C-UAV
and Machine Learning will be on show for the first time.
The challenge for militaries across the world will be to re-educate
their servicemen and women to operate these systems efficiently
and within the rules of warfare. This requires a whole new
thought process and new tactical doctrines, many of which are
still in the draft stage.
Your sincerely,
Julian Nettlefold
Editor, Battlespace
Front cover: Courtesy of Curtiss-Wright
4
News in Brief The importance of EMI compliance in military vehicle platforms EMI compliance, where electronic Complex assemblies providing filtered insertion loss performance, with equipment is able to perform in an interconnection with attenuation ratings of 1kVdc and 100A in regular electromagnetic environment and performances from 10s of kHz to GHz manufacture. minimise adverse impact on equipment can have signal and power lines with around it, is essential in military, widely different performances combined The long working life planned for many aerospace and on other platforms. Land in a single part optimised for size and land vehicle and aerospace platforms vehicles with their aggregate of power weight. On site manufacture of three makes through life support an important and signal systems in close proximity can capacitor technologies, tubular, discoidal consideration. Oxley can support be especially vulnerable, with individual and planar array allow leadtime and cost customers in mitigating potential issues systems complying but the vehicle concerns to be addressed at the earliest through their experience and capability suffering issues as the electromagnetic stage. including ongoing design & development environment changes with the systems capability, in-house manufacture in place and active. The incorporation of Single line filters with combinations of from raw material, keen obsolescence EMI filtering and shielding at the earliest capacitors and inductors range from management and a practise of offering stages can avoid the cost, complexity lower cost C or LC types to multiple last time buys as product life cycles come and space challenges of retrofitting each cascades of filter elements to maximise to close. system and avoid long programme delays. Oxley Group manufactures high reliability, low pass EMI filters for military, aerospace and communication applications. Our experience of capacitors and EMI filters developed over seven decades has produced thousands of products both as standard offerings and as bespoke solutions. The harsh operating environments and onerous performance requirements of our customers are met through a focus on reliability and in house capability which extends from design through ceramic and metal piece parts manufacture to plating, assembly and final test. BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 5
IP at the heart of new innovation strategy
The UK government’s innovation strategy commercialise their IP so that they can The IPO will also lead a call for views
sets out how the UK aims to be a global use the value within their IP assets to to better understand how the current
leader in innovation and a strong grow their business framework for Standard Essential Patents
intellectual property system will be key to l launch a new, free, fit for purpose (SEPs) is functioning to support innovation,
make that happen. Innovation is critical support offer for businesses and and to establish whether change is needed.
in tackling the UK’s biggest challenges, organisations to make the most of their
including achieving Net Zero, levelling IP in overseas markets. The service will The IPO set out in its Corporate Plan a
up growth across the country, achieving consist of easy to access, ‘self-serve’, programme of work that will support
our ambitions as a global trading nation online materials and clearer routes to the government’s focus on innovation
and economic recovery from the Covid access the UK’s network of IP experts including developing an IP & Innovation
pandemic. based in key export markets around the Passport and an IP in Finance strategy
world alongside a framework linking IP to
IP will play a central role in creating l extend its education programme to stages in the business lifecycle. It will
the right environment to meet these reach more higher education-based also publish a Places Strategy and along
challenges. An effective IP system gives researchers during the next academic with existing regional posts that will
confidence to businesses, creators and year. This will help them better support the levelling up agenda. The IPO’s
investors that ideas will be protected and understand and manage the IP they Corporate Plan was published in May and
they can get a return for their work. create and generate the maximum sets out its priorities over the coming
benefit from their research business year (2021-22). The IPO is the
The Strategy outlines how IP will address official UK government body responsible
its four pillars of unleashing business, In addition, the IPO will consult a number for intellectual property (IP) rights
supporting people and skills, serving of issues to strengthen the UK’s IP system, including patents, designs, trade marks
the needs of institutions and places and and in the Autumn it will consult on the and copyright. It operates and maintain a
stimulating missions and technologies. protection of inventions and creations clear and accessible intellectual property
Specifically, the IPO will: made by artificial intelligence (AI) with system in the UK, which encourages
l launch a new ‘IP Access’ fund that will minimal human input. Following its 2020 innovation and helps the economy and
help businesses to grow and to build call for views the IPO will look at options society to benefit from knowledge and
back better from the Covid pandemic. to address whether patents should be ideas. It helps people get the right type of
Building on the already successful IP granted to inventions, and copyright protection for their creation or invention.
audit plus programme, this new scheme should apply to creative works, created
will support businesses to manage and by AI. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
£9.5m investment for military space communications
The Defence Science and Technology providing high speed connectivity to link £1.4bn into next-generation technology in
Laboratory (Dstl) have awarded a £9.5m air, land and maritime platforms. the Defence Space Portfolio across the next
contract to In-Space Missions Ltd for the 10 years.”
build of the Titania satellite, which will The satellite will be built in the UK by
undertake vital research on the next- Hampshire-based In-Space Missions, with The contract to build the satellite has
generation of communications technology. the contract directly supporting 20 jobs at been awarded through the Serapis Lot
To be launched in 2023 and approximately the company and in the UK supply chain. 2 commercial framework, run by Dstl
the size of a washing machine, the satellite Forming an important part of developing in collaboration with BAE Systems. The
will support the ‘Titania Operational the MoD’s space capability, the contract framework aims to reach non-traditional
Concept Demonstrator’ which is exploring follows the recent launch of UK Space defence suppliers, small and medium-sized
the military utility of Low Earth Orbit Command at RAF High Wycombe, which enterprises, and academia to develop new
(LEO) direct-to-earth free-space optical saw the headquarters of Defence space capabilities with the space domain.
communications (FSOC). capabilities and operations officially ‘stood
up.’ (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
As modern battlespace technology requires
increasingly high bandwidth, FSOC Commander of UK Space Command, Air
has the potential to transform military Vice Marshal Paul Godfrey said, “Following
communications with its ability to transfer our stand-up as a Joint Command, the
large volumes of data, with a low risk of Titania satellite contract is the next
detection or interception. exciting step for the UK in space. It’s a
brilliant example of the partnerships being
The technology works by transmitting developed and enhanced across the UK
the data at high speeds via narrow laser space enterprise, developing capabilities
beam between two very specific points. that not only enable military operations,
In this case Titania will communicate with but underpin countless activities essential
‘Puck’, Dstl’s new Optical Ground Station to our way of life and the safety of our
– carrying on the tradition of the UK nation. Supported by the £24bn uplift
naming space projects and satellites after announced by the Prime Minister last year,
Shakespearian characters. the programme reaffirms commitments
outlined in the Defence Command
This world-leading science will inform Paper with a focus on developing space
choices for military space capabilities capabilities and operating in this domain.
and could be utilised for future military The construction of the Titania satellite
satellite communications, potentially is part of the MoD’s investment of over
6 News in Brief
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 7
Ajax – ‘Send Again, Over’ By Julian Nettlefold
Are EMC Problems the root cause of with the total cost of the programme expensive to fix, if indeed as Jeremy Quin
the Ajax Noise issues? envisaged at £5.3bn. Problems were said if the pending Review deems the
identified by the MoD’s Major Projects problems are fixable at a reasonable price
The Ajax brief to the House of Commons Portfolio sponsor group which monitors and within an agreed delivery time.
Defence Committee (HCDC) on July 21st, performance of all major procurement
by industry and the MoD alike, outlined programmes. The Defence Committee held a one-off
a myriad of problems surrounding the evidence session on the Ajax programme,
fielding of Ajax. Noise and vibration were General Dynamics had already laid out hearing from General Dynamics and the
the main issues which have caused a stop its version of the problems besetting Ministry of Defence (MoD). This session
to the Trials. Millbrook and MIRA have Ajax in written evidence delivered to the was intended to explore progress on the
been tasked by the MoD and GDUK alike Committee. Referring specifically to the Ajax programme in light of recent reports
to investigate these serious issues which noise and vibration issues the company about the vehicles’ mobility, speed, firing
have caused hearing damage to a number said that ‘it was working closely with the on the move, survivability and ISTAR
of soldiers. MoD to fully investigate these reports, capabilities and the noise and vibration
identify and address potential causes.’ problems encountered during testing.
One problem highlighted was noise issues According to General Dynamics, by the Questions focussed on the history of the
on the Bowman radios not apparent start of July this year payments from the Government’s negotiations with General
in other vehicles such as Warrior. This MoD to the company had totalled £2.65 Dynamics, as well as any contingency
points to EMC issues with the Bowman billion. plans for cancelling the programme and
radios talking to the C4ISR systems. We the potential impact on jobs and the
gave a brief description of EMC issues supply chain.
encountered in armoured vehicles and Ajax brief to the House of Commons
other defence platforms at the end of this Defence Committee (HCDC) Carew Wilks, Vice President & General
Feature. Manager, and Scott Milne, Executive
Having heard the entire brief to the Programme Director, appeared on behalf
House of Commons Defence Committee of General Dynamics Land Systems in
Ajax Background (HCDC) on July 21st which Chairman the first panel. The second panel heard
Tobias Ellwood MP described as, “A litany the Government’s side, speaking to
The MoD selected General Dynamics to of errors,” and the eye watering sums Jeremy Quin MP, Minister for Defence
develop what was then known as ‘Scout’ of money involved, £5.5 billion in the Procurement.
and later renamed ‘Ajax’ back in 2010. A delivery of 25 vehicles, one point was
fixed price contract to build 589 vehicles obvious, Ajax has an inherent design Kevan Jones MP made a number of very
across six variants was signed in 2014 problem and it is going to be very searching questions about GD’s contract
8 Ajax – ‘Send Again, Over’
Group
Stand H6-107 at DSEI 2021
Specialists in Beyond Line of Sight Communications
using COMSATCOM for tactical C3 on the move and
Troposcatter for high-capacity strategic comms.
spectra-group.co.uk Trusted by the Best
0845 2600 444 to deliver mission critical communications
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 9
performance and its ability to deliver noise and vibration on the platform, similar issues occurred in Afghanistan
which Carew Wilks tried deftly to avoid. this has been a feature of the design with C-IED systems. The Bowman VHF
since 2010 when we started work on the radios had to be turned off when C-IED
programme. Armoured vehicles such as systems were in use, hence HF became a
Carew Wilks, Vice President this require a balanced design to meet all more popular bearer. Another situation
& General Manager, General the requirements, and with the engine occurred when the windscreen wipers of
Dynamics Land Systems – UK configuration and other characteristics, the MAN trucks interfered with the VHF
there is noise and vibration on the radios and they had to be supressed.
Carew Wilks was between 2011 and 2013 platform.”
Director Land Equipment DE&S at Abbey Radiation issues were one of the main
Wood, Bristol and whose earlier career He went on to say that another issue causes for the cancellation of the
had been spent as an Army Engineering was the noise resonance from the BCIP Crusader self-propelled gun system by the
Officer. 5.6 Bowman radio system which was not US DoD in 2002. Like Ajax, Crusader had
present in Warrior which has a similar a very sophisticated software system of
Carew Wilks, looked forlorn and not radio system. 4000 lines of code. This belched out EMC
his usual ebullient self, in the heat on the battlefield and in reality, Crusader
of questioning from the Committee, This was the clue to the EMC issues. became a beacon on the battlefield for
admitted noise and vibrations have Sources told BATTLESPACE as long ago any enemy missile attacks or enemy
been ‘a feature of the design since 2010.’ as 2015 that GDUK may have EMC issues counter battery fire.
The Government has previously stated with Ajax as they had tested individual
‘anecdotal reports of vibration’ were systems but not the entire vehicle. Logic Carew Wilks was also asked if GDUK was
made after soldiers took part in pre- suggests that the harmonics issues only in dispute with the MoD over Morpheus.
trials training on prototype variants of became apparent when the complex C4ISR He quite rightly declined to answer this
the Ajax vehicles in 2019. Tests of the recce system was fired up and tested question as it was not in his remit to do
programme were previously ‘paused when the radios were switched on. Whilst so.
as a precautionary measure’ between we cannot prove this, the likelihood is
November 2020 and March 2021. that the Bowman radios interfered with Mark Francois asked if GDUK had taken
the complex ISR and targeting systems. account that Ajax would be required to
Carew Wilks said, “If we're talking about This is not an unusual occurrence and accommodate the Morpheus radio system
10 Ajax – ‘Send Again, Over’Carew Wilks when he was in charge of Jeremy Quin said that the Millbrook
vehicle procurement at DE&S. However, Report would be available by September
he firmly reposted such a suggestion at the earliest, in reality, we would
saying that on his departure from DE&S expect either late autumn or early next
he had served in various industry posts year once all involved have seen the
before joining GDELS. results and most importantly the cost
of fixing the problems. He confirmed
that the £5.5 billion was a Fixed Price
Scott Milne, Executive Programme contract between the MoD and GDUK,
Director, General Dynamics Land so, in effect, any repairs or fixes would
Systems – UK be down to GDUK.
Scott Milne added, “From the inception Jeremy Quin was asked whether any
of the contract, the control of noise and money had been held back pending the
vibration is a key feature of the design. resolution of the noise and vibration
We put design features in from the very issues and he confirmed that money had
start of the design to make sure the been withheld and that in his opinion,
noise and vibration generated to the GDUK would be responsible for paying
platform does not exceed legislation for fixing the problems.
limits and action values. Throughout the
development phase of the programme, Everyone agreed that the main issue
through the seven prototypes and for was the decision by the MoD to have a
each production variant, we have tested ‘design and make’ contract before the
the noise and vibration levels of the design had been tried and tested in the
platform – those levels are comparable to prototype stage. Had this happened
other armoured fighting vehicles within this would have reduced the huge costs
the family and in service today.” already paid out as the problems would
have been ironed out and the design
Scott Milne went on to say that the bulk frozen prior to the production phase.
of the noise issues emanated from the £3.2 billion was paid for initial design
800hp V8 engine and running gear. It is and development phase, £750 million for
likely that the noise issues went over the training and support and £2 billion for
required prescribed government limits manufacture, subsystems such as radios
when weight was added to the vehicle C4ISR systems and the turrets.
which started at 25 tonnes and is now 42
tonnes, an increase which puts strain on The other ‘bridge too far,’ was to
the engine, transmission and drivetrain. introduce a new canon along with a
One of the reasons for the success of new vehicle. The TRL Level of CT40 was
the GDUK bid was the ability to install a around 6 when introduced so huge sums,
larger engine and gearbox. One possible well over £100 million by the MoD and
reason used by GDUK as a ‘get out of jail over £50 million by Lockheed, was spent
free card,’ was the suggestion that the making it fit for purpose, up to today's
differing headset configurations between level, with some issues left unresolved.
the MoD issued systems and those used by Both GDUK and Lockheed Martin offered
GDUK for the Trials could have caused the a turret solution with a Bushmaster 44
and had GDUK taken that into account. noise issues. 30mm solution, this was turned down
Carew Wilks replied that the system by DE&S who were fixated by CT40,
installed was open architecture and fully which, as we speak, has only one other
GVA complaint which would enable any Jeremy Quin MP, Minister for customer, France, the manufacturer of
radio upgrade. Defence Procurement, Ministry of the canon.
Defence
Neither the MoD nor GDUK commented Tobias Ellwood welcomed Mr. Quin’s
on how much it would cost to retrofit the Jeremy Quin said he would be “very ‘willingness to conduct a review and
entire Ajax fleet to Morpheus standard surprised” if initial operating capability make a sober assessment as to whether
from Bowman. This was a huge cost when (IOC) was declared in September 2021. He you can genuinely go forward with this
the Editor worked for ITT Defence UK on told the House of Commons in June this or whether it is then time to draw a line’.
Bowman in 1992. GVA compliance and year that there was ‘90% confidence’ of
plug and play systems lessens any retrofit IOC meeting the September target. Jeremy
costs in this case. Quin then told the hearing there are David Williams CB, Permanent
“serious issues with noise and vibration” Secretary, Ministry of Defence
Carew Wilks said that GDUK was which must be resolved before IOC is
committed to the vehicle achieving FOC declared and that he hopes trials of the David Williams and Jeremy Quin
by 2025 by delivering 116 vehicles. Ajax vehicles will resume soon. He went confirmed that Ajax is a fixed price
on to say that an independent expert contract for the defined contract
25 vehicles had been delivered, 12 with is being sought to evaluate the Ajax requirements that covers demonstration,
turrets, 270 hulls constructed along programme. He went on to say that the vehicle production, training systems and
with 60 turrets. 60,000 kms of trials had project may be cancelled but he would in-service support. The contract value is
already taken place and 4000 rounds of await the Report following the evaluation £4.62bn (excluding VAT). Initial Operating
CTA ammunition fired with 70 Battlefield at Millbrook which the MoD is paying for Capability had originally been scheduled
Missions. All the 25 vehicles delivered with GDUK providing the vehicles and for 2020 with full operating capability
have noise and vibration issues. drivers. Carew Wilks confirmed that MIRA forecast for 2025. An additional £800
was also involved in the evaluation of the million for training, support and CT40
One member of the Committee appeared problems and GDUK was paying for these enhancements, takes the final value to
to try and place the blame for Ajax on trials. £5.5 billion.
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 11When questioned about jobs and Lieutenant General Ralph to replace Scimitar. In addition, the
investment by GDUK Carew Wilks made Wooddisse CBE MC, Commander staggering price of £9 million per vehicle
a vain attempt to underline the 10,000 Field Army, Ministry of Defence puts it in the top league of any other
jobs claims made by Sandy Wilson and recce variants in use. Countries such
his team in 2010. He said that the Ajax Lieutenant General Ralph Wooddisse as Holland and Germany use Dingo
programme supports 800 personnel confirmed at the hearing that the Army armoured vehicles with advanced C4ISR
working at Merthyr Tydfil and Oakdale was now looking at recce alternatives on systems and UAVs for recce ops. The
together with a UK supply chain of 3,300 the battlefield in the form of UAVs and Army is already developing a Jackal with
direct jobs. However, it should not be Apache. a mast-mounted Long Range Day/Night
ignored that the MoD had confirmed as EO/IR camera and associated equipment,
far back as 2016 that almost 100 Ajax In a slightly confusing turn of events, should JLTV be eventually procured by
vehicles would be manufactured in Committee Chairman Tobias Ellwood the UK, a JLTV with an advanced C4ISR
Spain. In a written statement to the UK suggested that Ajax was there to support system and OWS for protection and
Parliament, the MoD had also confirmed Boxer with its 40mm turret. That was accompanying UAVs would be another
that hulls for a further 489 armoured never the intention for Ajax, whose role recce solution.
fighting vehicles would also be built in is purely for recce. Tobias Ellwood asked
Spain before being transported to the the General what alternatives would be In his piece today Howard Wheeldon
Merthyr Tydfil facility in Wales for final sued to support Boxer which does not said, “If so and if the Army is to have a
assembly. have a turret system to give covering vehicle fit for purpose and able to do
fire to its troops. General Wooddisse the job required within a suitable time
The panel asked how much GDUK had suggested that Challenger 3 would be frame my answer is that the decision
invested in the Ajax facility in exchange able to give covering fire to Boxer. But, announced in the Integrated Review
for this £5.5 billion contract and they again this confuses the issue as Challenger process to cancel the Warrior Infantry
confirmed that the total outlay was £40 3 operates in front of Boxer and is not Fighting Vehicle upgrade programme
million for the South Wales factory, designed to give covering fire to infantry should be immediately reversed.” (That is
which raised a few eyebrows! given its 120mm gun. An alternative could exactly what BATTLESPACE discussed in
be Boxer with Stinger or Javelin missiles as our feature last week ‘Did The UK MoD
Reassessment is now on the cards an interim solution. Cancel The Wrong Armoured Vehicle
and Jeremy Quin told the Committee Programme? By Julian Nettlefold.’)
that, “We are currently undertaking It was also pointed out that it would take “There would appear to be so many
a search for the right person who at least three weeks to deploy Challenger problem issues on Ajax to resolve that
will be responsible for the delivery of 3 by sea to Ukraine in the event of any experience suggests that even if all of
this programme through to FOC (Full conflict. these could be resolved it would probably
Operational Capability) or informing take in excess of five years; increase the
ministers if – something which we What was never said throughout the overall cost substantially and even then,
sincerely hope is not the case – this is for whole discussion is that Ajax, at 42 leave an unacceptable element of risk and
any reason unachievable.” tonnes, is too big for recce purposes loss of confidence in those who would use
12 Ajax – ‘Send Again, Over’BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 13
the capability. Better by far that the MoD some time ago and we understand that extra costs required in fielding non-NATO
walk away from the programme than the turret rings on both vehicles had approved unique ammunition. BAE is the
take on any further additional risk.” to be ‘beefed up,’ and the Ajax turret lead on CT40 ammunition, and, like any
strengthened to take account of the new system, the ammunition and any
20,000lb recoil of the CT40 canon, as it new variants have to be developed with
Major General Timothy Hodgetts wobbled when fired. up front funding from the MoD customer
CBE, Surgeon General, Ministry of and thus benefitting BAE Systems. With
Defence Mr Francois also asked Jeremy Quin just two customers, the UK and France,
MP, Minister for Defence Procurement, the ammunition cost will not be cheap.
Major General Timothy Hodgetts Ministry of Defence and David Williams
confirmed that nine soldiers had CB, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
reported for hearing and ‘vibration white Defence, to confirm or deny that the Cancellation or Continue at a Price?
finger issues,’ but none of the later had price of a CT40 round was 10 times that of
developed to more serious issues. the 30mm Rarden round. The Minister and At the end of the gruelling session,
Mr Williams avoided an answer saying it all parties involved, and the audience
Trials of the Ajax AFV have already been was confidential and replied that it would were very much better informed about
paused due to safety concerns following be replied to in due course, he veered the the pitfalls of the Ajax Programme and
personnel complaining of vibration answer sideways saying that one round whether it would survive. Ajax is key
injuries, hearing loss, nausea and possible was the equivalent power of three 30mm component of the Army’s equipment
spinal injuries. To make matters worse a rounds. BATTLESPACE has covered the Programme and with a staggering £3.45
leaked internal report claimed that Ajax costs of the CT40 ammunition for some billion already spent one would err on the
was unable to travel safely at speeds time and suggested many times of the side of ‘continuing at a price.’
over 20 mph because crew members were
suffering noise that was claimed to be so
loud it made them feel sick.
Mark Francois MP, made the comment
that. “If you are having to give people
steroid injections after having been in the
vehicle, that tells you everything you need
to know. It was time to ‘rip the plaster off’
and cancel it.”
There are also unsubstantiated claims that
the vehicle could not fire on the move.
This is reportedly due to the fire control
computer shutting down due to increased
vibration as it cannot lay the second
round on target.
Mark Francois also posed a question
about possible hull cracking on Ajax.
Neither GDUK nor the MoD commented
on what are, unless confirmed, rumours.
However, BATTLESPACE covered these
rumours in both Warrior and Ajax
14 Ajax – ‘Send Again, Over’EARLY BIRD OFFER
REGISTER BY 30 SEPTEMBER 2021 AND SAVE £100
SMi Group Proudly Presents
its 23rd Annual
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2021
Europe’s Leading Military Communications Event for Satellite Professionals
Pre-Conference Focus Day: Monday 1st November 2021 | St James’ Court | London, UK
Main Conference: Tuesday 2nd – Thursday 4th November 2021 | The QEII Conference Centre | London, UK
TUESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER
MONDAY 1ST NOVEMBER CONFERENCE
DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOCUS DAY • UK Space Command Keynote Address
• UK Space Agency Keynote Address • UK STRATCOM Addresses
• UK Spaceport Panel Discussion • UK MOD Panel Discussion
• Launch Session • SATCOM Terminals Panel Discussion
• Sustainability Session • European Programme Updates
• XGEO Session • Industry Presentations
NETWORKING NETWORKING
• Pre-Conference Gala Dinner • Global MilSatCom Exhibition Hall
hosted by Lockheed Martin • Evening Drinks Reception
hosted by Babcock
WEDNESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER THURSDAY 4TH NOVEMBER
CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE
• SMC Keynote Address
• Australian DOD Keynote Address
• Enterprise Vision Panel Discussion
• International Architectural
• DOD Innovation Panel Discussion
Convergence Panel Discussion
• SATCOM Enterprise Vision Session
• Airbus Panel Discussion
• COMSATCOM Session
• CEE Nations Session
• Ground Segment Session
• APAC Programme Update Session
• Industry Perspectives • SATCOM in Coalition Session
NETWORKING • Industry Perspectives
• Global MilSatCom Exhibition Hall
NETWORKING
• Evening Drinks Reception
• Global MilSatCom Exhibition Hall
hosted by Airbus
SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSOR
EXHIBITORS
To keep updated with programme developments and to register, please visit:
www.globalmilsatcom.com/battletechAD
Global MilSatCom Community @SMiGroupDefence
For Global MilSatCom Updates and News, follow #GlobalMilSatCom on LinkedIn and Twitter
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 15However, the crux of the matter is the sensitive inputs. EMC problems can have Reproduction of the signal in an
fixed price contract with GDUK and the a range of effects on equipment, and IF stage
downside for them once the issues are there are ways to mitigate or eliminate
found and resolved. One source suggested them in practice. Effective EMC mitigation It is possible for the unwanted signal to
at least £2 million per vehicle in the techniques may differ by the type of enter an Intermediate frequency stage,
worst case scenario and a delay of two equipment that malfunctions, and by the and if it falls within the passband of the
to five years. That would give GDUK a nature of the strong radio frequency field. stage, it can cause an unwanted effect.
bill of over £1 billion, a huge amount of In an AM system, it is possible that the
money which of course would have to be The singing spark can be thought of as unwanted signal will be amplified by
explained to shareholders. the ultimate form of the rusty bolt effect. the linear stage and appear finally to
This is a situation where the output of a the detector as if it were a sideband
We await with interest as to transmitter is clean, the receiver is able of the carrier, it is possible sometimes
developments. Having listened to the to reject the transmitter's frequency but for harmonics of an HF transmitter
detail of the problems, we see problems some object energised by the RF field is generated within a TV set to enter the
looming from outright cancelation to then able to generate harmonics or act video IF (which is at about 30 MHz).
severe delays to a vehicle programme as a non-linear mixer which generates These harmonics which enter the TV IF
which appeared to have been flawed from intermodulation products. could give similar herring bone pattern
the start in concept and execution. The effects to those seen when harmonics of
Army, MoD and DE&S cannot escape from To solve this the best thing to do is to the HF transmitter are generated in the
taking the blame for Ajax. locate the rusty bolt and either remove it front end.
or render it harmless. Possible examples
Will Ajax survive or become ‘The British of rusty bolts include the pole holding an In FM systems where the IF stage gain is
Army’s Nimrod,’ as was suggested. aerial, cast iron drainpipes, loose manhole very high and the stage is designed to be
covers and guy wires on radio masts. linear, it is likely that if the unwanted
signal is at least 10 dB weaker than the
EMC problem (excessive field wanted signal that the capture effect
strength) Harmonics generated in situ will result in the receiver ignoring
the unwanted signal. If however the
An EMC problem (or Electromagnetic In situ harmonics occur when an RF unwanted signal is stronger than the
compatibility problem) occurs when current flows through a device, and wanted signal then it is likely that the
one piece of electronic equipment or harmonics are generated due to the receiver will be unable to demodulate
an electromagnetic system is adversely non-linear nature of the device. This can the wanted signal. This is related to the
affected by the operation of another. One be regarded as a rusty bolt effect which normal method of jamming FM systems,
example might be breakthrough by the exists within the malfunctioning device. A to jam an FM signal it is normal to
high field strengths produced by a nearby good example of this is the pair of diodes transmit a signal which is 10 dB stronger
radio transmitter. EMC problems are not which protect the receivers in many VHF (at the front end of the target receiver)
always due to defects in the transmitter, rigs lacking an electromechanical relay and is within the plateau of most narrow
and so do not necessarily require to switch between transmit and receive IF stage.
improvements in the radio transmitter (such as the 144 MHz DJ-F1E) from the
design, such as reducing its radiated transmitter’s RF output. In the case
harmonics. It may be that the immunity of the DJ-F1E, these diodes can create (Sources Wikipedia, Howard Wheeldon,
of the affected equipment is poor due intermodulation products when the radio FRAeS, Wheeldon Strategic Advisory Ltd.,
to inadequate shielding, or filtering of set is overloaded. forces.net)
16 Ajax – ‘Send Again, Over’BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 17
HENSOLDT UK: Detect & Protect
By Rohan Dearlove, Business Development Director – UK & Ireland
The European sensors house HENSOLDT Enfield, has ensured that the UK arm of UK. This will include full system and/or
acquired British radar manufacturer the business is capable of undertaking sub-assembly design and manufacturing.
Kelvin Hughes in 2017. This was in the following work on behalf of the When necessary, UK-specific product
recognition of the UK’s global influence wider HENSOLDT group’s capability variants will be designed and locally
in defence and security matters, and the portfolio: supported to assure UK sovereign
nation’s unique position post-Brexit. operation and support.
l Business Development and
Kelvin Hughes’ history can be traced Sales – close engagement with Last year HENSOLDT became a publicly
back to the 18th century and the UK stakeholders to understand listed company on the Frankfurt stock
company has been known for its requirements and inform solutions exchange. This was a key step in the
innovation, agility and integrity. l Proposal generation and management strategic development of the company
HENSOLDT therefore sought to benefit – from expression of interest through which was based on the understanding
from synergies associated with Kelvin request for information (RFI), pre- that value creation will continue to
Hughes’ radar portfolio, and to secure qualification questionnaire (PQQ), happen both within, and outside,
a UK based industrial facility with invitation to negotiate / invitation Germany.
potential for growth. to tender (ITN/ITT) and contract
negotiation The UK remains one of the biggest
The acquisition paved the way for l Programme Management and defence markets in the world after
targeted investment in HENSOLDT’s UK execution – in accordance with Brexit. HENSOLDT aspires to play a larger
business in order to bolster and extend Ministry of Defence (MoD) principles role in its success in support of the key
the range and depth of its capabilities, and documentary requirements tenets of HM Government’s Integrated
capacity and expertise. This better serves l System Integration, Systems Test and Review of 2021 and the Prosperity
the needs of HENSOLDT’s customers delivery Agenda.
and partners in the UK through the l Training
deployment of local resources. l Logistics support
l Engineering and Service support Current UK programmes
HENSOLDT UK was formally launched at
the DSEI exhibition in London in 2019. HENSOLDT is further investing in its UK RAF Typhoon
Since then an ambitious growth strategy branch to extend the range of tasks and
focussed on its UK headquarters in workshare undertaken locally in the HENSOLDT provides multiple advanced
18 HENSOLDT UK: Detect & ProtectAbove: HENSOLDT provides mission critical systems for RAF Typhoon.
avionics systems for the RAF’s coastal maritime surveillance, vessel Looking ahead – 2021
Eurofighter Typhoon, and contributes traffic management, offshore security and beyond
core technology as well as major sub- and for counter-drone applications at UK
systems for the aircraft’s CAPTOR-E airports. HENSOLDT UK offers a comprehensive
radar system. HENSOLDT remains in the portfolio of sensors and systems for
vanguard of cutting-edge aircraft radar missions in all the domains in which the
design. This was confirmed last July Mode 5 IFF UK Armed Forces and security agencies
when the German Government awarded operate. Some examples are outlined
HENSOLDT a significant contract to lead Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) systems below:
the development of the next generation allow military platforms to be identified
of radar for its own Eurofighter fleet. precisely by automatically sending In the Air
interrogation signals, which are answered
by transponders on board friendly units. Radar and Airborne Mission Systems
SharpEye – at sea and on land In June 2017, the MoD awarded a contract
to upgrade the IFF systems of 450 aircraft, HENSOLDT has developed a highly
HENSOLDT has further invested in ships and ground-based air defence capable and affordable airborne multi-
the SharpEye range of 2D radars and systems of the British Armed Forces. mission surveillance radar, designed for
Integrated Navigation Bridge Systems This is being rolled out by HENSOLDT Maritime Patrol Aircraft, helicopters
(INBS). These systems are used extensively in partnership with Leonardo as Team and UAVs. Named PrecISR, it translates
by the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Skytale. the latest achievements in active array
Auxiliary. Successes include the fleet-wide and digital receiver technology into
Navigation Radar Programme and new In its own right, HENSOLDT has delivered a scalable high-performance sensor.
builds such as the Tide Class Tanker INBS, IFF systems to 42 countries, including the PrecISR’s compact design is suitable for
River Class OPV and Dreadnought SSBN. majority of 29 NATO nations and their use on relatively small aircraft, where
allies. HENSOLDT has approximately 450 space and weight constraints are factors.
Variants of SharpEye radars are also IFF systems under contract for more than Due to its software-defined radar modes
used by a number of UK customers for 80 different platform types. and electronic beam steering, PrecISR
Below: Royal Navy submarine – fitted with Kelvin Hughes radar. Below: XPELLER counter-drone system featuring SharpEye radar.
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 19Above: PrecISR installation on mission aircraft. Above: Typical PrecISR radar image.
can fulfil different tasks simultaneously. On Land observation system suitable for any type
It is able to detect, track and classify of armoured vehicle. This high-resolution
more than a thousand objects. Self-Protection and situational electro-optical vision system gives each
awareness for armoured vehicles crew member the possibility to stay
Platform integration is significantly securely inside without losing full visual
simplified due to its innovative design and The Multifunctional Self-Protection situational awareness, 360° around the
the fact that all radar related components System (MUSS) is a proven and in-service vehicle.
are located outside the airframe. soft kill Active Protection System. MUSS
can be designed into the platform’s The modular system accommodates
In 2019, HENSOLDT was awarded a layered protection, as with the PUMA two powerful sensor systems: very high
contract to deliver a PrecISR system for Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and fully resolution colour daylight cameras
aircraft conducting maritime surveillance integrated into the platform’s Battlefield and uncooled thermal imagers. The
and coastal range safety operations in the Management Information System. observation capabilities of the SETAS®
UK. Alternatively, it can be fitted as an can be further enhanced by integrated
applique system with a separate operator automatic image processing features like
PrecISR, along with other HENSOLDT controller, as demonstrated successfully Moving Target Indication (MTI), object
sensors such as the ARGOS II electro- when fitted to the Challenger 2 Main tracking and much more.
optical surveillance and tracking system, Battle Tank during the UK MEDUSA
can be seamlessly integrated into the Project.
new Xplorer Mission System, the latest Radar Systems
addition to the Avionics product family, The See Through Armour System (SETAS®)
in use for many years on board UK is an ITAR-free, ruggedized, day and HENSOLDT UK offers a range of
aircraft. night high performance local area radars to meet different operational
requirements in the land domain. These
Below: MUSS system installed on Challenger 2 tank. include Weapon Location, Ground Based
Air Defence (GBAD) and battlefield
surveillance.
HENSOLDT’s solution to counter
sophisticated threats posed by modern
artillery batteries is based on a layered
defence approach. At the heart of this
‘system of systems’ is a weapon location
derivative of its highly advanced 3D
sensor, TRML-4D. The following diagram
illustrates HENSOLDT’s concept by
showing each sub-system element in
context and how the overall solution
operates as a whole.
Traditionally, active radars have
been used for GBAD applications and
HENSOLDT offers a highly capable active
sensor, TRML-4D. In addition, HENSOLDT
offers a truly passive sensor that can
be used to augment an active system or
replace it when transmissions are not
possible.
20 HENSOLDT UK: Detect & ProtectAbove: Weapon location radar concept. HENSOLDT’s TwInvis is the world’s most provides an accurate 3D radar picture out less than 1Hertz. Unlike an active radar, advanced Passive Radar system and to several hundred kilometres. As there is TwInvis provides constant accuracy out works by utilising the RF broadcast from no antenna rotation, the update rate is a to the full effective range of the system. multiple systems such as FM/DAB radio function of the computing power in use This accuracy is sufficient for target stations and digital television. TwInvis and typically provides a refresh rate of indication without risking transmission. Below: TRML-4D GBAD radar. BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 21
Above: TwInvis Passive Radar.
HENSOLDT offers two portable radar l SPEXER 600 is a compact AESA facility and both utilize the latest
solutions for battlefield surveillance: antenna, designed to detect the advances in solid-state electronics and
smallest of targets at significant range. antenna technology.
l SPEXER 360 is based on a rotating
antenna housed within a rugged and Both of these radars are designed and
lightweight radome; manufactured in HENSOLDT’s Enfield
Below: SPEXER 360.
22 HENSOLDT UK: Detect & ProtectAbove: SPEXER 360. Above: SPEXER 600.
At Sea Management System, all locally supported In Summary
by UK personnel.
Mission System Capability Rohan Dearlove,
The Integrated Navigation Bridge Business
HENSOLDT UK can configure a mission System moves on Development
system suitable for all types of vessel Director UK and
ranging from an offshore patrol vessel HENSOLDT UK recently completed the Ireland, commented:
(OPV) through to a complex auxiliary delivery of a fully type approved Kelvin
vessel or frontline warship. This portfolio Hughes Integrated Navigation Bridge “This year the
includes 3D surveillance and target System (INBS) for Polar-class logistic ship Government published
acquisition radars, IFF, electro-optical HMNZS Aotearoa for the Royal New the Integrated Review
surveillance and gun fire control, self- Zealand Navy. This is one of the most which set out the UK’s
protection, electronic warfare and complex bridge systems delivered by role in the world over
data links. HENSOLDT can provide these HENSOLDT UK and will be the basis of the next 10 years. This was followed by
capabilities separately, as a sub-system, HENSOLDT UK’s INBS offering for future the Defence Command Paper outlining
or as part of a comprehensive Combat surface ship programmes in the UK. plans to modernise the armed forces
to meet the demands of the Review.
Below: HMNZS Aotearoa fitted with Kelvin Hughes INBS. HENSOLDT UK is now well placed to help
the Government meet the challenging
requirements that have been set out in
those documents.
With our ability to draw on top
quality products and systems from
across the HENSOLDT group, we can
ensure that deployed personnel,
undertaking operations in challenging
conditions, have access to equipment
which delivers maximum operational
advantage.
The Government’s strategic plans
ensure the UK’s armed forces are at the
forefront of technological development.
In this context we recognise the need
to assure operational independence
whilst at the same time investing in the
UK economy. HENSOLDT’s UK strategy
delivers on both.”
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 23Hanwha to Establish Fires Centre of
Excellence in the UK
The UK MoD is at a critical time in its These smaller agile artillery platforms that can promise most future work for UK
planning for future conflicts. Warrior are designed to receive target data companies. By casting the net wider for
CSP has been cancelled, Ajax is being automatically and engage the target with the MFP competitors the MoD can take
reviewed and the new Challenger 3 effective fire before moving quickly to advantage of the innovations already
upgrade programme is embryonic. a new location. The Integrated Review happening in allied partner countries. It is
Boxer looks promising but with so many was all about integrated multi-domain time for a fresh approach and Hanwha’s
variants in mind there is a danger it could operations. MFP is a crucial part of that Team Thunder offers that.
become a jack of all trades and master of integration jigsaw, with its position as
none. AS90 is old and out of date and the a digital node in the network enabling Hanwha is offering the UK an advanced
UK Land Strategy has yet to be published. non line of sight fires – all part of the version of the K9 Self-Propelled
It was into this environment that the concept of operational advantage that Howitzer, which is already deployed
Mobile Fires Platform programme (MFP) information superiority brings – which in most other regions in the world and
was announced as part of the Integrated underpins the whole purpose of the as such there will be on the ground
Review in March 2021. digital transformation. It is the epitome of support ready to support the UK K9s in
modernising land fires. operation. K9 was selected by several
MFP will involve up to 116 self- propelled countries including Norway, Estonia,
howitzers at a cost of around £800m. Given the problems with the MoD’s Finland and India because it can move
current programmes, Team Thunder, led faster for longer, which is optimal for a
by Hanwha Defense, believes it should dispersed battlefield. Australia is another
consider a different approach to investing potential customer for the K9, which
long term in UK sovereign land systems was shortlisted as the preferred solution
capabilities. Global Britain is all about for the Australian Army’s LAND 8116
establishing meaningful relationships with
non-traditional suppliers in the regions
24 Hanwha to Establish Fires Centre of Excellence in the UKprogram. An upgrade variant of the K9, In addition, Hanwha Defense will need of future development programmes.
the K9A2 can shoot and scoot quicker to have a robust UK supply chain to The F-COE will be supported by a
over all terrain, not merely flat terrain establish a firm footprint as they have no national supply chain and a range of
thereby persistently enhancing the close current base in the UK. The work will be academic, educational, skilling and
fight. A wheeled vehicle would have to placed where it can create most benefit, research partnerships. It will be Hanwha
stop and deploy stabilisers or be rocked in this case Newcastle upon Tyne and Defense’s home within UK to perform
by the significant recoil of the 155mm Ampthill. Similar to the industrial and manufacturing, testing, logistics,
gun. Hanwha’s K9A2 SPG will be fitted technology transfer that is taking place management, and other functions
with composite rubber tracks (CRT), on the Australian programme, Hanwha necessary to fulfil the realization of
which give it improved mobility while would maximise the transfer of the K9A2 a sovereign UK Mobile Fires Platform
retaining all the advantages of a tracked build to the UK through its industrial capability.
armoured vehicle. programme for MFP.
Hanwha Defense and its Team Thunder
In combat the K9A2 Thunder will Hanwha Defense has a plan to establish partners are exhibiting at DSEI. Hanwha
be supported by the K10 automatic a Fires Centre of Excellence (F-COE) in Defense is on Hall 7 Stand 217 in and it
Ammunition Re-supply Vehicle (ARV), the UK through deep engagement with would be pleased to meet all interested
the world’s first automated robotic existing industrial capability and a range parties.
ammunition carrier. The K10 carries
104 rounds of ammunition, which are
passed directly into the K9 ammunition
storage magazine automatically along
a motorised conveyor. The K9A2 crew
remains under armour throughout the
ammunition reload process. K9A2 can
already carry more rounds (40 to 48) than
a wheeled gun, which means it can fire
more missions before resupply is required.
The logistic support of the robotic K10
ARV ensures operational capability of
the guns is maintained by a continuous
supply of ammunition.
BATTLESPACE C4ISTAR TECHNOLOGIES 25The Escalating Threat of GPS Jamming to
Allied Mission Success
By Phil Froom, International Business Development Director, Navigation and Sensor Systems
(NSS), BAE Systems. Visit BAE Systems booth (#H7-310) at DSEI for additional information.
For almost forty years, Western armed systems – with over 139,000 GPS guided and GPS spoofing.
forces have relied upon the U.S. weapons alone deployed by U.S. forces
NavStar global positioning system (GPS) since 2014, mainly in Middle East and Jamming is the deliberate interference
constellation to guide them both on and Central Asian theatres of operation. with signal reception, whilst spoofing in
off the battlefield. Initially, GPS was fairly simple terms is the intentional deception
rudimentary and GPS user equipment was The major powers have now become reliant via signal recording and rebroadcasting,
large, unwieldy for combat operations and upon GPS in military operations. From causing GPS receivers to provide erroneous
power-hungry – all enemies of dismounted dismounted troops navigating from point locational data to users. The aim of both
troops. to point, to the ability to place a precision jamming and spoofing is to miss-locate
guided weapon through a specific window enemy forces and especially precision
However, initial man-portable GPS in a target building. The problem is, our guided munitions (PGMs). Military Y-Code
receivers began to be fielded in 1988, with adversaries know this and are constantly receivers are extremely well-protected
some 1,400 manpack receivers produced striving to counter the effectiveness of GPS from spoofing by their SAASM (Selective
and fielded during Operation Desert Storm and weapons precision. Availability Anti-Spoofing Modules)
– bringing an invaluable improvement in technology, which leaves just the GPS
navigational accuracy to U.S. and Coalition Whilst GPS is suitably accurate for all jamming challenge.
forces in the featureless Iraqi desert. military operations (actual accuracy
figures of the military (P/(Y)) Code vary It is easy to consider GPS jamming as
Since this initial success, Western armed dependent upon source) the signal itself is little more than an inconvenience.
forces have become increasingly reliant extremely weak by the time it is received If GPS location data is unavailable,
upon GPS in all fields of military navigation on Earth. This poses a number of challenges inertial navigation systems (INSs) or in
– dismounted troops, ground vehicles, to military users. Two of the most obvious the case of dismounted troops or vehicles,
aircraft, ships, and especially weapon and important challenges are GPS jamming paper maps and compasses, can provide
26 The Escalating Threat of GPS Jamming to Allied Mission SuccessYou can also read
