THE VIPER STRIKES CHIMING IN ON BELL'S MIDDLE EAST CONTRACTS
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Insider knowledge for the discerning defence
and security professional
Issue #20 February 2019
VIRTUAL TRAINING TAKES UK CARRIERS EXTEND L-38NG TRAINER
THE NEXT LEAP COMBAT CONTRACT MARKET PROSPECTS
THE VIPER STRIKES
CHIMING IN ON BELL’S MIDDLE EAST CONTRACTS
INTERVIEW
AIRBUS ROTARY PLANS
FALCO TO MONITOR BRAZIL ADOPTS FRANCE PLANS
EU BORDERS ITALIAN LMVS 2019 SSN ORDER
ii :: Defence Industry Bulletin i
Land
Brazilian ARES eye to field trial its TORC30 RCWS Victor M.S. Barreira
A RES Aeroespacial e Defesa, a
Brazilian operation of Elbit
Systems is aiming to integrate and
launchers. Other main fittings
include Elbit Systems E-LAWS
laser warning system and the
armored vehicle. An initial batch
of 81 stations was previously
delivered. ARES has also developed
trial its TORC30 modular remotely- commander’s and the gunner’s the STARMAX portable training
controlled weapon station (RCWS) sights by Elbit Systems. Optionally, system to train gunners of REMAX
on 90mm-turreted EE-9 Cascavel it can include launcher for anti- 3. A new and updated version of
6x6 light reconnaissance tank of tank guided missile and gunshot REMAX is being developed.
Brazilian Army. detection kit. It is controlled by
10.4” LCD display of Elbit Systems The REMAX 3 mainly include
The TORC30 was jointly developed with gunner control handle unit. 7.62mm MAG58 or 12.7mm M2HB
with Army Technological Center machine gun, four smoke grenade
(CTEx) between 2012 and 2016 A project designated as the VBR- launchers and OIP Sensor Systems
for low-level air defence and MSR was launched in 2017 aimed EOPTRIS 2.0 electro-optical payload.
reconnaissance roles by tracked at to modernize the EE-9 Cascavel
or wheeled armoured vehicles. fleet as an intermediate solution Initial 13 UT30BR remote-
Development was financed by before the so-called VBR-MR 8x8 controlled weapon stations armed
Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP) vehicle project with 105mm-turret with Northrop Grumman MK44
through the Development and is re-activated. Brazil currently Bushmaster 30x173mm automatic
Innovation Support Foundation fields around 400 of the EE-9 cannon was earlier supplied by
of the Brazilian Army (FAPEB) in Cascavel in M II, M VI and M VII AREs for the VBTP-MSR Guarani
accordance with the contract by versions. vehicle. A UT30 Mk2 version is
CTEx. available in both manual and
Local company, Equitron remote configurations armed with
The low-profile two-axis gyro- Automação, previously modernized MK44 Bushmaster cannon, coaxial
stabilized turret incorporating one chassis and turret of the EE-9 MAG58 machine gun and launcher
modular armour package of NATO Cascavel in accordance with the for anti-tank guided missile.
STANAG 4569 level 2 standard with contracts of the army War Arsenal
potential grow up to level 4, is of São Paulo (AGSP). A small batch of ARES’ REMAN
armed with 30x173mm Rheinmetall manually operated weapon stations
MK30-2/ABM air burst ammunition ARES is currently supplying the were recently supplied to Brazilian
cannon with 150 rounds and 50 Brazilian Army with 215 REMAX Army for evaluation on VBTP-MSR
rounds magazines; coaxial 7.62mm 3 remotely-controlled weapon Guarani.
FN Herstal MAG58 machine gun; stations for the service’s Iveco
and eight 76mm smoke grenades VBTP-MSR Guarani 6x6 amphibious
TORC30 medium-calibre weapon station here mounted to EE-9 Cascavel tank. Source: ARES
1 :: Defence Industry Bulletin
Land
Thales unveils NUADA training platform Oliver Austin
T hales has begun showcasing
NUADA, its new platform for
coordinating networked training
believe NUADA will simplify the
process,” said Benoit Plantier, VP
Training and Simulation at Thales.
However, delivering coherent
training to all trainee participants
requires a networked synthetic
and simulation for military and training system comprising of any
security personnel. number of simulators, a network
to link them up and a whole set of
Training providers witnessed
the first public demonstrations
Demand for infrastructure tools and services
including exercise control tools,
in Orlando on November,
with programme managers
synthetic training computer generated forces and
role-player applications.
showing ways in which the
technology simplifies planning,
and the use of NUADA offers key functionality
preparation and delivery of
training in networked simulation
simulators to for geographically distributed
teams to coordinate networked
environments. train equipment training over distance, including:
management of requirements and
The platform intends to enable
teams to work seamlessly together
operators is rising resources to create a programme of
training events, automation of the
in a collaborative environment, deployment of multiple simulation
regardless of location. They can environments and enables
schedule, create and track an event The demand for synthetic training multiple events to be launched
programme in ways that may and the use of simulators to simultaneously; integration of third
be more effective than existing train equipment operators are party products, acting as the “glue”
methods, thereby using fewer rising as it provides increasingly to bring a large number of tools
resources and reducing the overall realistic models that are largely together; and allowance of events
cost of training. less expensive than traditional to be repeated and assets to be
methods. Networking is the saved, stored and reused.
“Deliverers of networked next generation of training and
simulation training have to simulation, offering collective
coordinate numerous work streams environments in which dispersed
using different tools and deliver military units can train and prepare
it all as a coherent package. We for missions together.
NUADA training cockpit. Image: Thales
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 2
Land
Streit Group showcases vehicle portfolio for UAE Oliver Austin
O n November 26, 2018, armoured
vehicles manufacturer
STREIT Group produced a live
the vehicle capabilities on land
and water. This was done in
conjunction with RAK SWAT teams,
has since expanded its presence
to 25 countries, including 12
manufacturing facilities. Beyond
demonstration of its range of undertaking manoeuvres in APCs military and local authority options,
vehicles for officials in the United and MRAPs, such as the Scorpion, it also has products in the Cash-
Arab Emirates, including the newly Typhoon, Gladiator, and other In-Transit, luxury and personal
launched Streit Marine, several mainstays within the portfolio. protection ranges.
armoured boats and the all-terrain
SHERP. The Canadian-owned company has
The demo battled a raft of PR issues in recent
The demonstration at Mina Al Arab, years, including being fined in 2015
Ras al Khaimah, was hosted by simulated assault by the US government for illegally
STREIT Group Chairman Guerman exporting vehicles to countries like
Goutorov, who welcomed His
Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr
attack situations Nigeria, UAE, Iraq, Afghanistan, and
the Philippines, and more recent
Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE
Supreme Council, International
demonstrating the accusations that their vehicles have
been spotted operating in Sudan
members of the Ministry of
Defence, Ministry of Interior,
vehicle capabilities and Yemen in spite of export bans.
Ambassadors and other customers
from across the world.
on land and water
The demo simulated assault Founded by Goutorov almost
attack situations demonstrating three decades ago, Streit Group
Streit Group offerings include the Spartan APC, used by police and military. Image: wikimedia
3 :: Defence Industry Bulletin
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Land
The Austro-Asian artillery alternative Georg Mader
For smaller or (chronically) underfunded armies, heavy mortars – like those with 120mm calibre –have
developed into an acceptable alternative to ‘classic’ artillery. Today, a matured 155mm capability requires
a heavy self-propelled (and thus special) vehicle. This means spending several years in the procurement
cycle and one or two zeros added to the price tag. Recent combat experiences, such as the Ukraine conflict,
are however suggesting ‘swift’ firing position changes, a practice naturally challenging for drawn heavy
mortars. There are up to a few minutes to the enemy‘s fire response – at best. For this much-needed mobility,
an innovative niche concept-agreement for fire support was presented in Paris this year. Under Austrian
leadership and with ammunition from Hirtenberger (HDS), an unexpected joint weapon approach is emerging
from Singapore. HDS senior staff gave us the details…
A t Eurosatory, Hirtenberger
Defense Systems (est. 1860,
and often referring to itself as
Eastern Ukraine, where whole units
were literally wiped out by very
accurate indirect Russian MLRS-
support-vehicles are required to
carry a sustainable amount of
ammunition. And with CONFRAG
‘The Mortar Company’) presented artillery fire…” you need less ammunition, which
a product-related collaboration- Barth further underlined the will make a difference in the
project with ST-Engineering benefits of the concept with ST, 120mm mortar market.
Kinetics (their former Land- in that “the sophisticated recoil
Systems Department) from damping of the SRAM down to less “It’s a good situation for customers
Singapore, centred around their than 26 tons makes it possible to to not have to qualify everything
futuristic 120mm SRAMS or ‘Super be fired from a variety of wheeled from scratch – no qualification
Rapid Advanced Mortar System’. or tracked vehicles, already of the weapon and independent
Through HDS’s UK office, the introduced on the market or in the qualification of the ammunition.
organisation was targeting the inventory of various armed forces. We can therefore anticipate
European market, an otherwise The system can be installed on an increase in demand from
difficult prospect for a medium-size 4x4 platforms or ‘Hägglund’-type customers, while the market for
company from SE-Asia. The fire- vehicles retrospectively, as well as mobile and vehicle-mounted
control system and various types of of course on the whole range of 6x6 mortar systems and via third-
NATO-qualified ammunition have and 8x8 multi-purpose wheeled party vehicle manufacturers also
already been approved in Europe or tracked multi-purpose vehicles. looks convincing. Taking the recent
thanks to the Austrian element. Subsequently, for customers – success of the Rheinmetall/KMW
Among the munitions, in addition unlike with self-propelled artillery Boxer in Australia and the UK’s
to smoke, light- or IR-(parachute) – the budgetary and logistical effort interest, we’re closely following
bombs, they now offer a highly to tender, acquire and operate a these developments.”
explosive solution in the form of whole new and dedicated vehicle
HE CONFRAG Mk.3, with 60 percent is avoided. On the other hand, in Prior to the agreement with HDS,
increased splinter effect (or, using utilising a heavier system like a the SRAMS system already became
the technical term, lethality). 120mm, larger vehicles or more operational with the Singaporean
CONFRAG is also offered for the
60mm and 81mm launchers in the
HDS portfolio.
According to HDS Vice President of
Sales and Marketing, Carsten Barth,
“the background of this idea is to
provide the ability for accurate fire
support, while being mobile in a
short amount of time is essential,
as counter-battery fire capabilities
improve and the time between first
firing and response fire decreases
to just a few minutes. That is likely
too short for a towed system to get
away in time. This is what European
armies have learnt since 2014 in
The SRAMS lighter weight comes in response to the need for ‘shoot-and-scoot’
tactics. Image: G. Mader
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 5
Land
effector and opens up a range of small target-marking charge was
application variants. The computer- allowed to be used in these demos.
assisted fire control automatically Therefore expectations of intense,
takes the data from the handheld shattering firepower were replaced
of the forward observer – who may with tiny grey puffs that were
be out in the field dismounted or in barely visible to the naked eye
another vehicle (or a helicopter) – at observer distances. However,
and marks targets up to a distance what was demonstrated very well
of 9,000m out while computing the – thanks to two loaded grenades
relevant ballistic data. It uses laser during a fast-rate firing of up to 10
target acquisition, a GPS navigation rounds per minute – was the semi-
system and a digital map. automatic loading-system (ALS)
which lifts the ammunition along
Paris witnessed HDS-mediated and over the mouth of the 2.1 m
live firing demonstrations, which long barrel and its double-sided
would otherwise have been difficult muzzle blast diffuser in seconds,
to organize in Europe for the ST inserting it from the front. The
Demonstrations taking place in the team’s chief engineer James Teow diffuser reduces the high blast
Triesting valley. Image: G. Mader Soon Ng and General Manager overpressure to below the allowable
Chor Kiat Tan. Similar tests were limit for the crew to operate safely
Armed Forces on the Bronco all- witnessed in September at the during prolonged or rapid firings.
terrain tracked carrier (ATTC), Austrian Federal Army‘s firing
and with the UAE on its Denel range in Felixdorf, run by their Nevertheless, any trade-off between
OMC RG31 Mk.6E mine-protected department of armaments and mobility and firepower calls into
armoured vehicle (MPV), called the defence technology. At only a few question the size of the mortar
Agrab (Scorpion) MK2. The UAE kilometres from HDS head office and the concept of its operational
bought 46 Agrabs in a 2007 contract, and production site in the Triesting deployment. A heavier system – like
then worth 390 million Dirham valley south of Vienna, guests a 120mm – might require a larger
(US$ 106m). The 3-man operated included military, government and vehicle to carry a serious amount
10-ton vehicle carries 46 mortar industrial representatives from of ammunition. While SRAMS
rounds in two carousels and has countries such as Germany, Latvia, can be installed and operated on
two further racks for another 12 Estonia and Slovenia – all potential a 4×4, this case will likely require
rounds. While TV images captured customers that the Singaporeans a higher number of additional
the system deployed in the Yemen get less opportunity to meet. support vehicles for a successful
War, UAE’s ammunition is not from Defence Industry Bulletin was also deployment. This may in turn
HDS but from local manufacturer in attendance. lead to higher support costs and
International Golden Group. an increased number of crew to
Because of the rigid (yet operate a single unit. Therefore, to
HDS’s fully electronic Arc Fire fire understandable) safety introduce such a concept remains a
control system – with components requirements of the Austrian question of assessment.
from Rockwell Collins – allows a military, only (blue) training
completely autonomous use of the ammunition with a correspondingly
SRAMS SPECIFICATIONS
Main weapon calibre (mm) 120 Depression (degree) 40
Rate of fire (rds/min) 10 Traverse arc (degree) ± 40
Weight (kg) 1,200 Loading Sys Semi-
Barrel length, inclusive of Blast Diffuser 2,1 auto
(m) Recoil Force (t) < 26
Firing range (m) 9,000 First Round (sec) after 60
Elevation (degree) 80 Crew 3
6 :: Defence Industry Bulletin
Land
Italy sells Brazilian Army second-hand LMVs Eugenio Po
U nder a contract of
approximately $4.3 million
(16m Real), Brazil obtained 16
Sete Lagoas plant. The LMV was
introduced into the Italian Army in
2006 with the VTLM demarcation
purchased by the Army in 360
units. The VTLM-1 received all of its
improvements through feedback
second-hand 4x4 LMV (Light (Veicolo Tattico Leggero Multiruolo, from the operational employment
Modular Vehicle) LINCE (Lynx) Light Tactical Multi Role Vehicle). of the VTLM in Afghanistan. In
armoured vehicles from Italy. 2012, Iveco DV designed a further
These vehicles, designed and evolved variant called VTLM-1A
manufactured by Iveco DV
(Defense Vehicles) in Bolzano,
The LMV was (479 vehicles delivered to the
Italian Army, plus another 193
are former Italian Army LMV in a
VTLM-K2 configuration that will
introduced VTLM-1A under option) with
upgraded ballistic protection, crew
be completely reconditioned (for
a unitary cost of around 170,000
into the Italian compartment volumes, armament,
electrical system and other
euros). Army in 2006 characteristics.
These LINCE-K2 units will be
delivered to the Gabinete de
with the VTLM While waiting for the new VTLM-
2, the Italian Army started a
Intervention Federal en el Estado
de Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro’s
demarcation programme for the upgrade of the
older VTLM in 2014 in its initial
Federal Intervention Cabinet) configuration – as refitted vehicles,
and have no connection with the augmented with a few VTLM-
acquisition of the LMV by Brazilian The Italian Army acquired 1 and VTLM-1A improvements,
Army (VBMT-LR, Viatura Blindada more than 1,000 vehicles in this and named the VTLM-K2. The
Multitarefa – Leve de Rodas, initial configuration. The VTLM- modifications took these vehicles to
programme) locally produced 1 appeared in 2011 as the first a new standard “halfway between”
under licence by Iveco do Brazil upgrade variant of the LINCE, the VTLM-1 and VTLM-1A.
Brazil Army personnel attended a driving and maintenance course in Italy to manage the new LINCE-K2 armoured vehicle.
Source: Brazilian Army
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 7
Land
Market acceptability of HIMARS Debalina Ghoshal
T he Lockheed Martin-developed
M142 High Mobility Rocket
System (HIMARS) is a multiple
to South Syria for better combat
capability. This was the first time
the US used HIMARS in Syria. In
sensors, spare and repair parts, test
sets, batteries, laptop computers,
publications and technical data,
launch rocket system (MLRS) 2016, there were also reports that facility design and training
system that has been used during the Department of Defence was equipment – was worth US$1.25
Operation Enduring Freedom and planning to place HIMARS in Turkey billion. This deal would not only
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Several and Northern Iraq to prevent ISIS strengthen Romania’s defence
countries have since taken active cross-firing from Syria. HIMARS was capability but also strengthen NATO
interest in recent years, leading to expected to strengthen the combat conventional deterrence.
this technology making an impact capability of the Iraqi Security
on both the defence market and the Forces (ISF). Poland has also taken interest in
frontlines. developing a programme similar
Trends in HIMARS sales to HIMARS in cooperation with
The artillery piece can be the Polish Armament Group and
transported by C-130 aircraft and HIMARS has found a market in Lockheed Martin. Unlike Romania,
other large aircraft, and they are Asian – including West Asia and Poland is more interested in joint
used to fire Army Tactical Missiles South East Asia – and European production of the system rather
(ATACMs), as well as guided rockets. countries. In August 2017, the US than acquiring the same assets
According to Lockheed Martin State Department cleared a HIMARS or capability. This would be a
Missiles and Fire Control Camden sale to Romania for 54 units. lucrative offer for Lockheed Martin
Operations Director, Colin Sterling, Among Middle Eastern countries, as cost of production is relatively
the HIMARS launchers are “combat Jordan and the UAE have bought low in Poland. Aside from keeping
proven” and have been in services the HIMARS and amongst South costs low, Poland is seeking self-
since 2005. The weapon system East Asian countries, purchase sufficiency and promotion of its
is “all-weather, 24/7 lethal and has been made by Singapore. For local defence industry, a model
responsive, precision strike weapon all these countries, the desire to known as ‘Polonisation’.
system.” achieve long-range precision strikes
has been the key driver. All of these nations and prospective
The system was also used in customers have a common reason
the 2010 Operation Moshtarak, The sale of HIMARS to these to choose HIMARS – the system’s
the largest offensive against the countries fall under the US Foreign proven success rate in real-time
Taliban. In 2016, the US Pacific Military Sales (FMS) scheme, and war. But in addition, all these
Commander Admiral Harry Harris has been particularly appealing countries share strong alliances
has requested the US Army to to Washington as an approach with the United States and the
deploy the HIMARS in the South to promote political stability and purchase is as much a facilitator of
China Sea in response to the economic growth in regions where bilateral cooperation as it is an aid
growing Chinese assertiveness in there is American strategic interest. to defensive countermeasure.
the region.
Singapore received its first HIMARS Lockheed Martin has traditionally
In May 2016, the director of launcher in 2010, and in 2011 the outsourced the production of
international business development same was commissioned by the HIMARS to external manufacturers.
at Lockheed’s Missile and Fire Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) fleet However, with the growing demand
Control Unit, Tom Stanton had in 2011. For Singapore, as stated for HIMARS, the organisation may
identified the Asia-Pacific, Europe by Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng soon start domestic production of
and the Middle East as “fertile Hen, the HIMARS would enable the system. This would not only
grounds” for the sale of HIMARS. the SAF to “respond decisively help Lockheed to reassess the
As of May 2016, a total of 480 to new challenges and changing cost of the system but also enable
HIMARS were sold to domestic and circumstances in its operational the option of delivering weapon
international customers. environment.” systems within the stipulated time
frame without – something often
In June 2017, it was reported that Romania’s HIMARS deal – too dependent on the efficiency of
the HIMARS was moved by the including related support, such outside contractors.
US Army from the Jordan border as communication equipment,
8 :: Defence Industry Bulletin
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Defence Industry Bulletin :: 9Sea
France plans to order final Barracuda SSN in 2019 Victor Barreira
The French armament
procurement agency, the
In December 2006, DGA awarded
the overall Barracuda contract to
ship missile and 533mm Naval
Group F21 heavyweight torpedo.
Direction Générale de l´Armement Naval Group as the programme It will also includes provisions
(DGA) will order the sixth and final prime contractor and to for special operations forces
Suffren-class Barracuda nuclear- Technicatome as nuclear power deployment in immersion.
powered attack submarine in 2019 plant prime contractor. The firm
for the French Navy. order placed at the same time Other main equipment include
called for the development and SYCOBS (SYstème de COmbat pour
The submarines FS Suffren, FS construction of first-of-class FS Barracuda et SSBN) integrated
Duguay-Trouin, FS Tourville, FS De Suffren and initial through-life combat management system (CMS).
Grasse and FS Rubis were ordered support for all six submarines. Safran Defense Electronics and
in 2006 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2018 Thales are other major contributors
respectively, to progressively The final integration and testing to French Barracuda program.
replace the six existing Rubis-class activity of first-of-class FS
boats, thus contributing to the Suffren is currently ongoing, with The Barracuda type features
renewal of France’s naval forces. commissioning by the French Navy surface displacement of 4,700 tons
The fleet will integrate the navy’s scheduled for 2020. Commissioning and submerged displacement of
Oceanic Strategic Force, the FOST of units was initially due to take 5,100 tons, measures 99.9m in
(Force Océanique Stratégique). They place in 2017. length and 8.8m in diameter for
will be operated by the Nuclear a top speed of 25 kts, and hosts a
Attack Submarines Squadron, the The Barracuda will be armed with crew of 63.
ESNA (Escadrille des Sous-marins MBDA MdCN (Missile de Croisière
Nucléaires d’Attaque (ESNA) from Naval) tactical cruise missile, MBDA
Toulon naval base. Exocet SM39 Block 2 Mod 2 anti-
The six Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarines will be commissioned by the French Navy from 2020. Source: DGA
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 10Sea
Cyprus orders second OPV 62 from Israel M. Mazumdar
T he Cyprus Ministry of Defence
is understood to have signed a
contract with Israel Shipyard for a
Cypriot naval force as Commodore
Andreas Ioannides P61 in January
2018. Israel Shipyard has found
for the Greek Coast Guard, six for
the Azerbaijan Coast Guard and
now two to Cyprus. It is unclear
second OPV 62 (Saar 62) offshore considerable export success with if Cyprus will eventually move
patrol vessel to be delivered in the OPV 62 design with 13 hulls forward with an earlier plan to
early 2020. Earlier this year, the first sold to four customers – two for acquire a total of four Saar 62 hulls.
OPV 62 was commissioned into the the Equatorial Guinean Navy, three
Third US Navy DDG1000 destroyer launched M. Mazumdar
T he third and last ship of the
Zumwalt DDG1000 class
destroyer – Lyndon B Johnson DDG
install various weapons, sensors
and communications systems.
Lead ship USS Zumwalt DDG 1000
destroyers have also undergone a
mission reorientation since late
2017 from land attack to surface
1002 – was launched on 9 December recently completed this process warfare through the integration
at General Dynamics Bath Iron at San Diego and it is slated to of Standard SM-6 missiles
Works. Meanwhile, the second of undergo its Combat Systems and possibly other anti-ship
class – USS Michael Monsoor DDG Ship Qualifications Trials as missiles. This was brought about
1001 – arrived at its homeport of part of its ongoing Operational primarily by the lack of affordable
San Diego on 07 December where Test & Evaluation phase ahead ammunition for the ships’ much
it will be commissioned in late of a planned Initial Operational touted Advanced Gun Systems.
January 2019. Capability (IOC) in Fiscal Year 2020. In fact, the US Navy may remove
the AGS from the ships if it fails to
DDG 1001 will then begin its Overall, the (approximately) $23 develop a new round, according to
extensive combat system activation billion, three-ship project has top USN officials.
process – a lengthy ‘post-delivery been problematic and continues
availability’ dockyard phase to to experience cost overruns. These
11 :: Defence Industry BulletinSea
Taiwan awards missile corvette contract M. Mazumdar
T aiwan’s Lung Teh Shipbuilding
Co has been awarded contracts
to build 11 Tuo Chiang-class
by November 2021 according to
Taiwanese sources.
utility of these small craft from
Taiwanese lawmakers. These craft
are understood to be 21.4m, 45 ton
missile corvettes and four small, Taiwan’s Ministry of National stealthy craft whose design and
high-speed minelayers for the Defence also plans on ordering prototype building is to begin in
Taiwanese Navy. Deliveries of the 45 small missile boats against 2019 according to navy’s Chief of
catamaran hulled Tuo Chiang-class an earlier plan to order 60 of Staff Vice Admiral Lee Tsung-hsiao.
guided missile corvettes is slated these hulls. The reduction is The planned entry into service date
for completion by 2026 while the due to budgetary constraints for these craft would not be earlier
minelayers are slated for delivery and scepticism on the tactical than 2021.
Iranian frigate progress M. Mazumdar
T he Iranian Navy has inducted
its third home-built frigate
under its Mowj programme. The
two in previous designs. The ships’
range is over 8000 nm. It also sports
a new single-barrelled CIWS called
submarines Ghadir 942 and 955 in
late November. There are conflicting
reports as to whether these are new
96m Sahand, built at Bandar Abbas, Kemand. The ship was inducted build hulls or modernized hulls or a
was inducted into the IRIN on 1 into service with what appears to combination of one upgraded hull –
December, 2018. Unlike the previous be a complete sensor fit though Ghadir 942 – and one new build hull
designs closely resemble the IRIN officials have noted that the Ghadir 955. IRIN officials also said
Vosper Mk design, the Sahand has frigate could be fitted with Iran’s that Ghadir 955 is the fourteenth
a ‘stealthier’ appearance with slab Asr phased array radar system. submarine built in Iran.
sided superstructure arrangement
as well as four engines – believed The IRIN also inducted into service
to Caterpillar diesels – instead of two Ghadir (Qadir) class midget
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 12Sea
Elettronica is working on a ‘naval DIRCM’ Eugenio Po
E lettronica Group (ELT) is working
on a naval application of DIRCM
(Direct Infra Red Counter Measures)
forces can engage their targets
with a variety of IR weapons (from
MANPADS to anti-tank systems)
cascade is the latest development
in laser technology, and represents
a step forward from conventional
technology for improving its soft against which a DIRCM system can semiconductor lasers. QCL energy
kill anti-missile capability. This be an effective soft kill solution. is generated directly in the band
‘naval DIRCM’ represents a new Even in conventional warfare of interest, optimising the power
development programme entirely scenarios a “naval DIRCM” can consumption at the same time as
built on the company’s internal be a game changer because of output beam.
funds. the spreading of some new light
anti-ship missiles equipped with The ‘naval DIRCM’ system is able
This new system is a spin-off of IIR seekers and because of the to coordinate a number of DIRCM
EuroDIRQM: an innovative DIRCM arrival of new generation anti-ship (each ship needs more than one
using the new QCL (Quantum missiles with dual-mode seekers DIRCM to protect the vessel on
Cascade Laser) technology, (IIR and radar). 360o) and to employ DIRCM and
developed primarily for airborne flares in close cooperation. Both
applications. According to The ‘naval DIRCM’ is composed by these capacities are the result of
Elettronica Group this represents electro optical sensors and large Elettronica studies and have been
the very first application of band DIRCM “effectors”. patented by the company.
a DIRCM system in a naval
environment. The Italian company DIRCM laser propagation can This technology has already been
decided to start developing the be obtained using ELT-designed, tested with success in naval
system after some internal studies multiple band, laser system. ELT scenarios with the support of the
devoted to figuring out future major laser, based on European Quantum Italian Navy. After another two/
threats. The results suggested that Cascade Technology, is able to three years of tests at sea (with
missiles with IR and IIR (Imaging generate beams from typical the Italian Navy support) and the
Infra Red) seekers will become far IR countermeasure, mid-wave, industrialization of the technology
more common in asymmetrical infrared bands up to the innovative may ready the system for the
conflicts. set of cold bands, designated export market.
to overcome specific maritime
In coastal operations irregular weather conditions. Quantum
ELT’s existing DIRCM solutions, such as its fiber-laser
turret, have so far been air-based. Source: ELT
13 :: Defence Industry BulletinSea
Mexico welcomes corvette launch M. Mazumdar
O n November 23, the Mexican
Navy launched its first
corvette the 107.14m, 2565 ton
shipyard in Salina Cruz, Mexico
using modules built both in the
Netherlands and in Mexico. The
years subject to funding, although
no further contracts have been
announced with Damen. The
ARM Reformador under its long heavily armed corvette – officially Mexican Navy also commissioned
range ocean patrol ship or Patrulla classed as an offshore patrol vessel its seventh Oaxaca class Offshore
Oceánica de Largo Alcance (POLA) - it is expected to be delivered to Patrol Vessel, ARM Jalisco PO-167
programme. Built to Damen’s the Mexican Navy by April 2020. on the same day. This OPV was
Sigma 10514 design, the ship was Currently, plans call for as many launched in July 2018 at ASTIMAR
assembled at the ASTIMAR 20 naval as 8 POLA hulls to be built over 20 20.
Australian oilers arrive M. Mazumdar
N avantia launched the first of
two large Supply-class fleet
replenishment oilers for the Royal
Australian Navy (RAN) in late
November. The 2016 contract to
build these vessels, valued at (US)
$494 million, calls for the delivery
of the first ship Supply in 2019
and the second Stalwart in 2020.
Towards this, Navantia commenced
work on the second ship in early
April 2018. These ships will replace
the RAN’s extant fleet oilers HMAS
Success and HMAS Sirius.
RoK Navy spend on submarine rescue M. Mazumdar
D aewoo Shipbuilding & Marine
Engineering Company (DSME)
announced in early December
that it had been awarded a $397
million contract by South Korea’s
Defense Acquisition Program
Administration (DAPA) to build and
deliver a submarine rescue vessel
under the ASR-II programme by
2022. The 5,200 ton rescue vessel
will have a ‘moon pool’ to launch
and recover deep sea rescue
submarines (DSRV) at wave heights
of 4m, a significant improvement
over the South Korean Navy’s
extant ASR 1 vessel which can
operate a DSRV at wave heights of
2m.
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 14Sea
Pakistan inducts MPAs M. Mazumdar
T he Pakistan Navy inducted the
first of two ATR 72 maritime
patrol aircraft which were fitted
charges. While Aerodata supplied
the mission systems, Germany’s
Rheinland Air Service, as the
in Karachi, Karachi Shipyards &
Engineering Works (KSEW) revealed
that the Chinese-origin Hangor
with mission systems by and prime contractor, performed the class submarines for the Pakistan
two refurbished Mk Sea King physical installation and aircraft Navy have a displacement of 2,800
helicopters – one Mk 3A Search & modifications. Delivery of the tons and a length of 76m. Eight of
Rescue variant and an Mk 4 troop second ATR72 to the Pakistan Navy these AIP equipped submarines
carrying variant – in December. The is scheduled for the first quarter are planned for induction with
Sea Kings are from a batch of seven 2019, according to Aerodata. four to be built at KSEW from 2020
surplus Sea Kings acquired from onwards.
the UK in 2016-2017. While two
of the airframes will be used for
spares, at least three including one
Delivery of the The Pakistan Navy also launched a
large 80.8m, 3,000 ton survey ship
more Mk 4 (and possibly five) are
being returned to service.
second ATR72 to at Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industries
Company Limited in Yang Zong,
The Pakistan Navy ATR72’s
the Pakistan Navy China. The survey vessel is
expected to join the Pakistan Navy
are fitted with an Aerodata AG
integrated mission system that
is scheduled for Fleet by August 2019.
is largely comprised of Italian
supplied systems including the
the first quarter
Seaspray 7300E radar, an ESM and
ELINT system from Ellectronica.
2019
A US supplied FLIR systems Star
Safire III electro-optical system
is fitted as well. These aircraft At the recently concluded 2018
are fitted with pylon mounted edition of the International Defence
lightweight torpedoes or depth Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS)
15 :: Defence Industry BulletinSea
UK QE carriers extend QinetiQ combat system support Oliver Austin
Q inetiQ has confirmed Queen
Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers
have been added to the Naval
“The success of the NCSISS
has enabled us and our
partners to ensure the UK Royal
two Aircraft Carriers will cover a
range of advanced communications
systems for the planning and
Combat Systems Integration Navy’s surface fleet is at peak delivery of joint air and maritime
Support Service (NCSISS) it provides operational performance at all activities and other critical
in partnership for the Royal Navy. times. Receiving confirmation operations. The work will also
of the contract extension which cover the Combat Management
Confirmation of the $11.3 million includes the largest warships Systems and weapon control
contract extension follows the in the Fleet demonstrates the systems, as is already the case
company’s announcement earlier unique capabilities, resources and with other platforms in the Royal
this year of a $29m redevelopment expertise we have at Portsdown Navy’s surface Fleet. Engineers
project to create a new UK Centre Technology Park. from QinetiQ and its NCSISS
of Excellence for Maritime Mission partners will use the sophisticated
Systems near Portsmouth. “It is also very timely news as we shore based test environments at
progress with our plans to extend Portsdown to evaluate the complex
The NCSISS was first signed in our capabilities and create a truly mission systems of the two Carriers
2012 and is delivered by QinetiQ world class centre for innovation, to minimise the amount of testing
and BAE Systems in collaboration integration and testing of Maritime on the platforms themselves and
with Defence Equipment & Support Mission Systems.” to maximise their operational
(DE&S). The service removes risk in availability and deployment.
the development, integration and Jo Osburn, Head of Maritime
testing of ship mission systems and Combat Systems at Defence QinetiQ’s new development
enables the Royal Navy to deploy Equipment and Support programme at Portsdown
and take full advantage of the latest said: “Extending the NCSISS Technology Park is being
technologies. arrangement to include the Queen undertaken in partnership with the
Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers Solent Local Enterprise Partnership
The new contract extension will has provided a facility to test and and will include the formation of a
see the Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS assure new capabilities ahead of new Innovation and Collaboration
Queen Elizabeth, and its sister installation into the platform. Hub for other specialist maritime
ship, HMS Prince of Wales, added businesses. Construction and
to the advanced systems testing “QinetiQ’s role in supporting refurbishment work is due to begin
and evaluation programmes being the Combat System Enterprise on the site in 2019. Following an
delivered by the QinetiQ and its through NCSISS will enable agile earlier NCSISS contract extension,
partners’ team of specialists based Operational Support to this new QinetiQ engineers at Portsdown
at Portsdown Technology Park. class of warship for her current are already undertaking test and
equipment, as well as de-risking evaluation programmes for the
“We are passionate about delivering the addition of the new systems Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global
world-class systems for the UK and equipment planned in the near Combat Ships, which are due to
front line,” says Steve Fitz-Gerald, to medium term” enter service in the 2020s.
QinetiQ Managing Director of
Maritime, Land and Weapons. The contract extension for the
Image: UK MOD
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 16Sea
NATO deploys IoT satellite tech for oceanography research Oliver Austin
S cientists from NATO’s Science
and Technology Organisation
(NATO STO) are deploying an IoT
solutions to address defence
and security needs of the NATO
Alliance. The data is helping CMRE
which includes an integrated GPS
receiver, simplex transponder
and motion sensor. Leveraging
solution using GPS trackers and to measure and understand sea Globalstar’s fast-moving LEO
satellite communications to further currents with the aim of gaining spacecraft and SPOT Trace’s long
their understanding of the world’s a deeper understanding of the battery life, research teams hope
oceans. changing sea environment and to to benefit from high frequency
inform NATO operational planning. sampling, up to every five minutes,
Research teams from the NATO and more precise, granular tracking
STO Centre for Maritime Research The research examines horizontal than has been possible with other
and Experimentation (CMRE), based motion in the sea and how solutions.
in La Spezia, Italy, are embedding surface properties are transported
low-cost SPOT Trace devices – deeper into the water column. NATO STO CMRE is conducting
conventionally employed as mobile, This will lead to a greater several studies in parallel. One,
anti-theft devices – in freely drifting understanding of changes in sponsored by the US Office of
buoys and setting them afloat in maritime characterisations such Naval Research, is using SPOT
the Mediterranean and in Arctic as temperature change, acoustic Trace-equipped drifters to conduct
waters to monitor surface drift propagation, and the movement oceanographic studies in the
behaviour. SPOT Trace tracks the of biogeochemical properties (e.g. Alboran Sea in the Mediterranean,
movement of these ‘drifters’ and phytoplankton) and pollutants such between the Iberian Peninsula and
transmits their position data over as plastic. North Africa.
a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite
network provided by With a requirement to track large In addition, CMRE’s own studies of
Globalstar Europe Satellite Services. quantities of drifters, SPOT Trace’s drift movement in the seas of the
low device cost and affordable data Arctic will see buoys deployed in
The CMRE carries out oceanography charges were understood to be key the Barents Sea and further into
and ocean acoustics studies factors in NATO’s procurement Arctic waters in mid-2019.
as part of innovative and field- decision. Buoys are fitted with a
tested Science & Technology (S&T) tiny (7x5 cm) SPOT Trace device
The technology will help to study glacial changes in the Arctic among other areas relevant to NATO forces. Image: USN
17 :: Defence Industry BulletinAir
INTERVIEW: Bell to complement the ‘Zulu’ with a light-attack 429
Georg Mader
Following the confirmation of
Bahrain’s order for 12 Bell AH-1Z
Vipers, Bell Helicopters managing
director of the Middle East &
Africa, Sameer Rehman, spoke to
Defence Industry Bulletin about
the wider scope and current
status of Bell’s various platforms
and projects.
DIB: Mr Rehman, what was agreed and these aircraft have been placed same can be said for the Czech
between Bell, US DSCA (Defense in storage. Furthermore, the AH-1Zs Republic.
Security Cooperation Agency) and that have been built for Pakistan
the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF)? is not the same aircraft that is DIB: You mentioned Japan. That is a
being built for Bahrain. The RBAF very interesting market.
S. REHMAN: The RBAF Air Vice is receiving a completely different
Marshal, Sheikh Hamad bin aircraft. S. REHMAN: I agree. But, it is a well
Abdullah bin Al Khalifa, confirmed known market for Bell. We were
12 AH-1Z Zulu Cobras for the air DIB: What is the market potential the first OEM to deliver military
force. This procurement comes six for the ‘Zulu Cobra’? helicopters in 1954 to the JGSDF
months after the US Department and since then, we have delivered
of State approved the deal under S. REHMAN: We are hopeful that 1,500 aircraft in Japan, including
the FMS process. In fact, that is we can build on Bahrain‘s export the UH-X and V-22 for the JGSDF
why LtGen Hooper was also in success. There is interest in the AH- programs. Did you know that the
attendance. 1Z from the UAE, Australia, Brazil, BELL-505 is already operated by the
Croatia, Czech Republic, Japan, Japanese Coast Guard for training?
This deal – which is the first export Malaysia, Poland and Thailand. In In addition, the Bell-429 is used by
of its type – has a value of $911.4 addition, Romania has issued a air medical teams like Naka Nikhon
million and the aircraft will be letter of request to buy 21 Bell UH- Air Services and Nishi Nippon
delivered in the second half of 2022. 1Y ‘Venoms’ and 24 AH-1Z ‘Vipers’. Airlines. Both, Japan and Thailand,
Furthermore, CEO of Bell, Mitch From what we hear, Romania’s’ are operators of legacy Bell models
Snyder, also surmised that the Zulu leadership is acting with a level of - presenting an obvious path to
represents one the most advanced speed and rigour that is unmatched future sales.
helicopters in production and they across Europe.
would help protect the Kingdom for Bangkok intends to replace its
many decades. Amongst its most In October 2017, our CEO spoke to fleet of eight AH-1F Cobras;
sophisticated features include a Romania’s defence minister in DC meanwhile, Tokyo will phase out
weapon-system that is proficient to discuss future collaborations the 71-strong inventory of AH-1S
in engaging air-targets and a with the Romanian Armed helicopters - built by former Fuji
target-acquisition-system that is Forces, with a focus on our H-1 Heavy Industries [now Subaru] -
one of the most precise systems platform around overhauled and under its recently launched AH-X
integrated within a rotary-wing transferred AH-1W. His delegation contest. Any deal with Japan is
platform. was also briefed on our innovative likely to include a significant
technologies focus on Advanced industrial component. Its previous
Tiltrotor Systems. UH-X competition for 150 utility
DIB: Aren’t Pakistan also planning helicopters was won by a Bell/
to use the aircraft? It’s safe to say Romania has a Subaru team with a modified
robust aviation industry, and we version of the 412EPI, which will
S. REHMAN: The US government are interested in working with IAR also be locally manufactured.
halted all FMS-deals to Pakistan, Brasov for the H-1 program. The
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 18Air
DIB: Can you tell us about the autopilot and a very powerful geography by Swiss EMS ‘Air
market in Australia? P&W207 engine-package. The fleet Zermatt’ in an alpine SAR role!
has seen a mix of public, corporate Also, the Canadian Coast Guard
S. REHMAN: From what I hear, and military usage. Our base for uses a mix of 16 ‘429’ and ‘412’ in
there will be strong competition. this model is well diversified. very extreme conditions. Another
As Canberra considers options to operator is Jamaica. Two ‘429’s were
replace its fleet of 22 Airbus ‘Tigers’ In our region, the ‘429’ is operated delivered to the Jamaica Defence
in the mid-2020s, expectably, there by several agencies in both training Force (JDF) in summer 2018, with
will be competition from Airbus and law-enforcement capacities. a third scheduled for 2019. They
and Boeing, the latter with the For example, a Kuwaiti agency is will be used to complete a range
AH-64E Apache. However, the AH- flying it in the EMS-role. In addition, of missions including, search
1Z has a built-in ‘marinisation’ the aircraft can be configured and rescue, medical evacuations,
from the expeditionary operations with a hoist, clamshell doors and natural disaster relief, national
of the USMC. That could be a key a variety of customer-defined security and military training.
consideration for the Australians, equipment. But most importantly,
who want the aircraft to operate it is a full IFR helicopter, which can DIB: Is Australia a governmental
from their amphibious assault be safely operated by one pilot and
user?
ships. which is instrumental in navigating
Category-A conditions with an
S. REHMAN: Yes, the Royal
DIB: What can you tell us about the integrated avionics glass cockpit.
Australian Navy uses the ‘429’ as
Bell-429, regarding governmental a training helicopter. Other police
and military use? DIB: The ‘429’ may be a possible forces include the Indonesian
solution for other European Police, the Swedish National Police,
S. REHMAN: The ‘429’ was designed countries such as Austria. The and the Philippine Police, the
to be a multi-mission helicopter, full-IFR capabilities would be Royal Thai Police, the NYPD, the
not only for corporate charter particularly beneficial with twin- Turkish Jandarma and the Slovak
but for law-enforcement and engines because of the high- Police service. Indeed, the ‘429’ is
coast-guards etc. Accumulatively, altitude, mountainous topography a success story all over the world,
all 300 delivered ‘429s’ recently as well. embedded in more than 920 law
accomplished 330.000 flying-hours. enforcement or governmental
It was certified to amendment 44 of S. REHMAN: Indeed. The ‘429’ is configured Bell aircraft.
Part-27 rotorcraft. With that comes operated successfully in high-
advanced technology, a four-axis altitudes and mountainous
Royal Australian Navy Bell429 in rope-exercise. Image: G. Mader
19 :: Defence Industry BulletinAir
RBAF AH-1E. Image. G. Mader
DIB: There was a sand-brown DIB: What weapons can be laser-guided rockets [See DIB #19 p.
model of an armed ‘429’ at the last mounted on the ‘429’? 18-24]. A similar package on a ‘429’
IDEX in Abu Dhabi. If customer would be great to see.
requests weaponisation, would it S. REHMAN: We have a long-term
be similar to the UAE’s ‘407MRH’, plan to develop a militarized ‘429’, S. REHMAN: Interesting! How was
with an integrator like ‘Northstar’? but we are still focusing on our the demonstration?
twin-engine light-attack helicopter
S. REHMAN: There are armed configuration. With the ‘heavy DIB: Not as loud as I anticipated!
‘407’s in use by nations all over the punch’ solution we officially But, the laser-guided ‘Hydra’ was
world, such as Iraq. In Iraq’s case, confirmed today with the 12 AH-1 very precise. And the flares were
October saw the US DSCA delivered ‘Zulu’ for the RBAF, we want to nice, of course. Where will newly
the required certification notifying complement that with the light- manufactured ‘429’ aircraft be
Congress of a possible FMS-sale to attack element based on the ‘429’. manufactured?
Iraq of five Bell 407GX helicopters, It is a big subject not only with
together with the associated rocket countries in Europe but also here S. REHMAN: The airframes of
launchers, machine guns and in the Middle-East. We are able our ‘429’s are all manufactured
countermeasures. This will help to respond to such RFPs with our in Canada, since the production
compensate for the combat loss of variety of platforms. certificate is held by our Canadian
seven IA407 helicopters in recent facility. However, they can be
years. DIB: Like to the demand for door- outfitted or customized to specific
guns, for example? requests in our Prague-facility and
The ‘GX’ is an upgrade from Singaporean-facility.
the current IA407 configuration S. REHMAN: There are door-guns
and also includes the Advanced on the ‘407’. A standard package DIB: Mentioning Prague, didn’t
Precision Kill Weapon System of armament for a military or Bell recently secure its first export
(APKWS) launchers known from weaponized helicopter could sale of the UH-1Y ‘Venom’ in the
the AH-1Z. I should also add we involve .50 calibre, or 7,62mm guns country?
have recently completed successful and ‘Hellfire’-type missiles like on
Bell 407GXP high-altitude the AH-1Z. The ordinance you see S. REHMAN: 12 UH-1Y ‘Venom’
demonstrations on the Chinese on a ‘Zulu’, you may also see on a aircraft were selected by the Czech
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Without light-attack platform proposed by Republic in 2017 to replace their Mi-
a doubt, the 407 is a helicopter Bell. 24s, but after elections and changes
designed for harsh environments, in the administration to the current
whether it is cold, hot or high DIB: We witnessed a live-firing in Czech government, the process
altitude, the aircraft is consistently Hungary of Airbus’ H-145M, with towards finalisation has been re-
reliable and efficient. guns and unguided as well as started and we are supporting this.
Defence Industry Bulletin :: 20Air
Similarly, in October 2017, the S. REHMAN: The Bell-525 at Arlington. What exactly is the
US State Department cleared the ‘Relentless’ super-medium purpose of this facility?
sale of the platform, associated helicopter was on a good path, but
weapons and other equipment to in July 2016 one of the flight-test S. REHMAN: Indeed. This facility
Prague to satisfy its requirements. aircraft suffered a fatal break-up in is our expanded Flight Research
This approval arrived 17 flight, forcing postponement of the Center (FRC), where state-of-the-art
months after a memorandum of test campaign for 12 months. Since facility developments such as new
understanding (MOU) was signed then, the program resumed and we cockpit interfaces are developed
between Bell and Czech industrial expect a fifth airframe to join the and tested. It houses many of our
partners. flight-test fleet in the first quarter newest technology and innovation,
of 2019. The program remains on such as the V-280 ‘Valor’, 525
DIB: The successor for the Bell 206 track for certification before the end ‘RASIL’, V-247 ‘Vigilant’ – with a
Jet-Ranger is the Bell-505. What can of the year. simulator to be installed in the
you tell us about the platform? coming years for this unmanned
DIB: One other fascinating project solution – and the Autonomous Pod
S. REHMAN: The ‘505’ has over Bell is undertaking is the tilt-rotor Transport (APT).
400 orders as of now, with 100 V-280 ‘Valor’. What is the status of
delivered. We just hit 10,000 hours this programme? It was at this site on which Bell
on the whole fleet. It has a full pioneers completed some of our
two-screen glass-cockpit and it S. REHMAN: I’m not in the ‘Valor’ numerous aviation milestones. For
enables cost-effective training. It is programme myself, but it was example, the AH-1T+ ‘Super Cobra’,
a turbine powered platform with recently communicated that it was the backbone of the USMC attack
a dual-channel FADEC, so you can recognised in Popular Science’s helicopter fleet for decades, made
skip the piston engine era once and “Best of ‘What’s New’ Award in the its first flight there in 1983. That
for all. Aerospace category” for 2018. The same year the Bell OH-58-Armed
award recognises the rapid progress ‘Kiowa Warrior’ prototype also
DIB: Interesting. Can you tell me being made to bring revolutionary achieved first flight. FRC also was
more about the training facilities? aircraft to the battlefield. Similarly, the focal point for early tiltrotor
the Society of Flight Test Engineers research aircraft, that innovative
S. REHMAN: Bell has a training awarded the team working on V-22 concept that combined the
academy in Texas where we offer Valor the best paper award in the best features of the helicopter
‘flight transition training’. For category “Certification at Warp achieved first flight at this same
instance, if a buyer goes for the Speed,” at their 49th International location in 1989.
‘505’, we would provide a two- Symposium. The programme has
week standard training course. achieved high-performance with
Many organisations around the the latest in vertical and fixed-wing
world are looking into the ‘505’ flight in fewer than five years.
as the entry-level trainer aircraft
for more complicated aircraft like As part of a government technology
‘412’, ‘429’ or ‘525’. The ‘505’ is very demonstration partnership, the
easy to fly, even for beginners to Bell V-280 Valor has been flying
rotary aviation, and that is one of since late 2017 and is making
the major reasons it has garnered steady progress through flight
global attention. With regards to the tests, including multiple flights
flying-hours needed, it all depends with Army test pilots. In less than
on the pilot’s proficiency. a year of flight-testing, the V-280
has already has flown more than 70
DIB: Can you tell us about Bells hours and reached speeds that far
other projects. In 2016, a super- outpace similarly sized helicopters,
medium ‘525’ was lost in a crash. while showcasing extraordinarily
What has happened to this low-speed agility.
program?
DIB: Bell has opened a new facility
Bell Helicopter types. Image. G. Mader
21 :: Defence Industry BulletinYou can also read
