Technology and Armament Review #01 - Page 7 - countries, France still stands on a major row, in all fields. Many French Industrial groups attended the Idex show 2009, among which 47 were gathered in the French Pavillon, to prove that we are trustworthy. What thoughts do you draw from the current evolution of theats, and from the conclusions of current conflicts ? The evolution of the incidence of conflicts imposes a reflexion. The Gicat cooperate closely with the land army to study the latest experience reports. We however keep to mind that it is hazardous to follow trends no matter how attractive they are. As part of Transformation, we try to find the balance between the contribution of technology and the need in soldiers. We thus try to fit to the closest the needs of our users, in an unstable world, this approach requires a great reactivity, and flexibility. Industrially, this approach leads to an intended policy of reliability, robustness, adaptability, interoperability and of upkeeping the équipments. how do the industrialists of the Gicat understand accuratly the operationnal needs of their customers? The needs of our customers are evolving, we want to adapt. The French products have always met a precise operational need in the area: thus shows the presence of Leclerc tanks, Nexter repair armored combat vehicles, Black Shaheen by MBDA missils, Mirage flithters by Dassault Aviation, Panther AS.565 and Eurocopter’s Puma helicopters, M3 and VBL by Panhard troop transport vehicles, and armored fore combat vehicles by Renault Trucks Defense. We have to capitalize over these assets. Currently, our main trend is the modernization of communication media, troops transportation, of artillery, and infantryman equipment. Concerning the Emirati land army, we have noted an increased demand on the digitalisation ground, as well as needs of unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, satellite surveillance systems, and goods and services intended to antiterrorism struggle thanks to electronic access controlling and identification systems. To do so, the Gicat and their industries rely on an excellent technology, and on the French army experience: the functionning and use of the French combat training center for infantry, the introduction to the use of the Felin system, the increasing use of drone for observation, surveillance, and identification purposes. Other major trend: the refocusing on systems dedicated to security, antiterrorism struggle, to border, port, airport, communication, facilities’ and human protection. These themes show the interest for detectors, radars, missiles and warning systems. We have notices and are very attentive these facts, making offer on all these markets. I could quote the information systems offered by Thales and EADS (i.e. communication system by satellite Yahsat), the tactic UAV programs Male by EADS Defense & Security, Sagem Défense Sécurité, Eurocopter or Thales, radars Cobra by the consortium Euro-Art, the artillery system Caesar by Nexter, le Atlas system de artillery guidance developped by Thales, the mini-drone by Bertin Technologies, or divers night vision systems offered by the industrialists of our group. Thus you are optimistic about the IDeX 2009 show ? Indeed, I am reasonnably however ! We are delighted to see that the French industrialists take up the challenge pretty well: althought there is a high competition, although the euro-dollar change liability, we answer well to the calls for tender, our products are recognized, and our concepts prove to be relevent. Not only do we sell systems, but we also guarantee a full service, based on a permanent attention to our customers’ needs. We are please to find out that this comprehensive service, out to which we point, is also to be found in the approach of the French government, and which results in an agreement between the political commitment and the global defence offer. The Gicat, and the Gican deeply wish to support this logic, relying on the skill and involvement of our industrialists. n Interview by Olivier Zajec TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01 (07) U.S. ARMY AWARDS COMBAT IDENTIFICATION CONTRACT TO THALES AND BAE SYSTEMS TEAM hales and Bae systems have been contracted by the U.S. Army to provide combat identification solutions for ground combat and combat support vehicles to minimize the risk of fratricide, commonly referred to as “friendly fire.” Under a $3.3 million contract from the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Life Cycle Management Center, the companies will study how millimeter-wave combat identification systems can address issues related to affordability, information security, and platform integration. The contract was awarded as part of the Joint Cooperative Target Identification–Ground program, an effort to develop a low-cost target identification capability for the Army and Marine Corps. “BAE Systems and Thales are working together to develop a systems approach that combines Thales’s expertise in combat identification equipment and BAE Systems’ expertise in platform integration and networkcentric combat identification capabilities,” said Paul Markwardt, vice president of identification and surveillance for BAE Systems in Greenlawn, New York. BAE Systems is the lead in the partnership with Thales that began in 2006. “Thales is proud to support this effort with its Combat ID technology and integration experience proven on a range of platforms and coalition exercises” said Merry Michaux, director of Thales’s Communication Navigation Identification business line. The contract covers the program’s risk-reduction phase, focusing on groundto-ground combat identification between platforms. The program specifies a NATO-standard all-weather, millimeter-wave interrogate-and-respond system for use on U.S. fighting vehicles to signal the presence of friendly. The system must be day-and-night capable and not affected by camouflage or battlefield obscurants. n NEWS 01DB-METRAvIB T PILARW GUNSHOT DETECTION SYSTEMS (GDS): NEW ADvANCED vERSION FOR MOvING PLATFORMS IlaRw VehIcle configuration is a real-time situation awareness system providing the vehicle crew with a Gunshot alert in an instant. Operating up to high speed, it is providing also accurate information on the shooter location (azimuth, elevation and range assessment). This information can be transferred to a Remote Weapon System for observation and appropriate reaction or to the Battlefield Management System (BMS) for transmission at different decision levels. 01dB-Metravib will be present at IDEX with a new release of PILARw MK-IIw, providing advanced and unique features for “on the move” operation. This new version indicates the shooter position in GPS coordinates, allowing to share the information with other vehicles, with ground or aerial fire support.When the vehicle is moving and turning, the graphical display shows the current shooter position taking into account the motion of the vehicle since the time of the shot. This allows to keep track of the threat position when the vehicle is performing evasive action for example as well as to cue weapon stations and surveillance devices The first users of this configuration are the French Special Forces. Equipping many 4x4 and 8x8 vehicles programmes, PILARw has also been tested on tracked vehicles, demonstrating its versatility and capabilities on all platforms (it has also been proven on Fast Patrol Boats and Helicopters). n P (08) TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01 MODERN POWERPACkS FOR T-72 AND T-90 TANkS ntIl today, the T-72 remains one of the most popular MBTs worldwide. Introduced in the 70’s with a remarkably compact design, various modifications and upgrade programs (protection, night vision, etc) aimed at improving the combat effectiveness. However, the mobility of the vehicle typically remained at the original level, with a 780 hp engine, two separate manual transmissions and conventional steering with two manually operated brake levers. This driveline is the virtually unchanged for the T-90 which is considered as a modern tank but still uses two separate manual transmissions and the same old-fashioned steering system. The T-90 is equipped with a 1000 hp engine, but is no big leap forward in the mobility of the vehicle, as most of the 70’s design drawbacks persist: poor cooling system, slow manual gearboxes, difficult to handle for tired or inexperienced drivers, long vehicle downtime in case of repair, and a reliability which may fall below expectations. But modern powerpacks for T-72/T-90 are now available. Company SESM (France) offers a powerpack which improves drastically the mobility of the T-72/T-90 class. The powerpack (PP) fits into the existing chassis, only minor modifications are necessary on the inside. This way, the PP is an option for new-production as well as for upgrade programs. The PP comprises a fully automatic power-shift transmission, a high performance cooling system designed for hot climatic conditions and an engine with a maximum power of 1150hp. Various engine options are available. The complete PP can be exchanged in less than one hour in field conditions, a big advantage for the logistics, and also improving fleet availability and reducing fleet operating costs. One standard PP can equip a complete class of vehicles, incl. T-72/T-90 and their derivates ARV, AEV, AVLB, etc. The system is currently in serial production for the new Malaysian MBT PT-91M (Poland). This powerpack should be interesting for all existing and future users of T-72/T-90, as it overcomes one of the weak points of these tanks at reasonable investment. In return, it makes T72/T-90 an attractive option for many years to come. SESM also offers modern powerpacks for many other tanks, incl. a 1500 hp PP for Al-Khalid (Pakistan), and also for the AMX-30 (France, Saudi Arabia, etc.). n U TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01 (09) NEWS NExTER : THE DGA ORDERS 116 vBCI ARMOURED vEHICLES he FRench aRmament procurement agency issued a purchase order to Nexter for the delivery of 116 infantry combat armoured vehicles (VBCI). This order brings the total number of vehicles ordered to date to 298 VBCIs. The DGA has accepted the first 41 vehicles in accordance with the initial schedule. The VBCI is a fully developed product that meets current operational requirements in terms of projection capability, protection and growth potential. This 8 X 8 offroad armoured vehicle is designed to replace the AMX10P, and will offer armed forces a very significantly uprated performance. In the VCI (infantry combat) version, it can carry 11 soldiers into the combat zone. The VBCI is the right compromise between payload capability and fire power. It has a 25 mm gun and a 7.62 mm MG and weighs around 25 tons in operational configuration. The VBCI has a maximum speed of over 60 mph and will be air-transportable in the future A400M transport aircraft. The VBCI provides a real “life base” for the infantry soldier, offering a very high level of protection, including an NBC protection system. It is equipped with armour that resists medium calibre fire, shell shrapnel and improvised explosive devices (IED), together with a very high degree of protection against mines and an anti-missile infra-red decoy system. This protection will soon be reinforced by active protection (hard kill) against RPG rockets, HE shells and anti-tank missiles. The VBCI exists in a command post version (VPC) and infantry combat version (VCI). The vehicle design offers considerable growth potential, whether in terms of integrated systems, protection or motorization.The VBCI is produced by a group of companies, formed by Nexter Systems and Renault Trucks Défense. n T INDIAN ARMY OPTS FOR MBDA’S MILAN ANTI-TANk MISSILE he pRocuRement sectIon of the Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Indian defence contractor BDL (Bharat Dynamics Ltd.) for the supply of MILAN missiles to the Indian Army. Signed on 3rd December 2008, this contract will see BDL continuing its production under licence agreement with MBDA for the MILAN missile for at least another four years. BDL has already manufactured well over 30,000 MILAN missiles, in its various variants, under licence to MBDA in an unbroken business partnership that dates back to the 1970s. With the recent contract this partnership has now been further consolidated. Most of the components will be locally sourced and produced in India with BDL also responsible for final assembly. MBDA will be contributing part of the missile pyrotechnics. Antoine Bouvier, CEO of MBDA, said: « I am doubly delighted by the news of this contract. As well as confirming that MILAN continues to be the weapon of choice for many of today’s modern ground forces, this contract also further cements the close partnership MBDA has developed with BDL over the years ». n T (010) TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01 PANHARD AND SAGEM LAUNCH THE WASP n oRdeR to improve the protection of the forces on operations, Panhard and Sagem Défense Sécurité (SAFRAN Group) have together developed a new, remotely-controlled self-defence turret, the WASP, or Weapon under Armour for Self-Protection, equipped with a light machine gun coupled with an observation and infra-red sight.. The WASP is presented on the Panhard stand at Eurosatory 2008, integrated into a PVP armoured vehicle. The WASP turret incorporates the lessons of high-intensity engagements in several overseas theatres. It enables the crew to defend itself very effectively from the interior of the vehicle without being exposed to the threat. The ability to combine daylight and thermal images from the observation sight offers the capability for surveillance or reconnaissance missions by day or night in all weathers. The WASP also offers a remote firing function and a head-up display on a helmet. The turret functions via a SITEL terminal (tactical coordination, reception and exploitation of images, aiming and firing), already deployed with the forces. The WASP is light and compact, and presents a small visual signal. It is well-adapted to operations in built-up or mountainous areas, thanks to its large range of elevation (-40° /+90°). Panhard’s experience in designing armoured combat systems, associated with the technological innovations of the FELIN and SITEL programmes led by Sagem Défense Sécurité, as well as the use of off-the-shelf components, afford the WASP an excellent cost/effectiveness ratio. n I EUROCOPTER TO BUILD STATE OF THE ART FLAGSHIP HELICOPTER SERvICE AND SIMULATOR FACILITY IN ABERDEEN (Uk) uRocopteR uK is to build a major new helicopter service centre at Kirkhill Commercial Park in Dyce, Aberdeen. The centre will bring the most up to date helicopter support technology to one of the busiest off shore oil and gas helicopter maintenance hubs in the world. The facility, which will be designed and built for Eurocopter UK by Knight Property Group, will be ideally placed to offer state of the art logistical and technical support and flight simulator training for the UK’s main heliport for the offshore oil industry. Home to major offshore helicopter operators Bristow Helicopters, Bond Offshore and CHC, Aberdeen is already a maintenance centre for 59 Super Puma/ EC255 family helicopters which fly an average of 85,000 hours per year in offshore missions, representing some of the most intensive helicopter traffic in the world. The Eurocopter centre will comprise a 10,000 sq ft logistics warehouse and 5,000 sq ft of offices as well as 5,360 sq ft of flight simulator accommodation, which will house Eurocopter’s first UK-based EC225 Flight Training Simulator. Work at the site will begin with ground breaking in April, and it is expected that the facility will be completed by December 2009. The centre will occupy the 1.2 acre site four at Knight Property Group’s Kirkhill Commercial Park. n E TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01 (011) NEWS THE DGA ORDERS ExOCET BLOCk3 he FRench aRmament procurement agency (DGA) notified MBDA of an order for the conversion of 45 French Navy Exocet MM40 Block2 missiles into the Exocet MM40 Block3 standard. The conversion will take place at MBDA’s production site in La Selles-Saint-Denis (Loir-etCher), for delivery in 2011 and 2012. These missiles will enter service on board the «Horizon» frigates - Forbin and Chevalier-Paul – on which integration work on the associated firing installations was also completed in 2008. In the longer term, the MM40 Block3 will be the principal anti-ship weapon of the multi-role frigates (FREMMs). The changes required to move to the Exocet Block3 standard are mainly characterised by the turbojet engine which replaces the solid propellant motor of the previous versions, as well as the integration of a latest-generation avionics system which also features a GPS receiver. With these changes, the missile’s operating range is doubled, the missile can now vary its angles of attack against naval targets and can also attack targets in the littoral which have been designated by their by their geographic coordinates. Following the DGA’s notification, Antoine Bouvier, Chief Executive Officer of MBDA said: «This order is in addition to the three export orders we have received for the Exocet Block3. It confirms the strength of the Exocet family of which around 3,500 units have already been produced in various versions for more than 30 armed forces worldwide». n T EADS DEFENCE & SECURITY TO PROvIDE BULGARIAN FIRE BRIGADES AND CIvIL PROTECTION SERvICES ads secuRe netwoRKs (sn), an integrated activity of EADS Defence & Security, has been awarded by the Bulgarian Ministry of Finance a contract to deliver a TETRA radio communication solution to the National Fire Safety and Protection of Population Service (NFSPPS). The NFSPPS is a special service at the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior. It is responsible for state fire control, fire fighting and emergency rescue operations. The TETRA solution delivered by SN will provide advanced voice and data services for NFSPPS personnel. In particular, the Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) system will enable NFSPPS to further improve their operational efficiency and their services to the Bulgarian citizens. The network is planned to become fully operational by the end of 2009. The new advanced AVL system allows the control centre to track the positions of the units on the field. It will both equip each of the 28 territorial units from the National Civil Protection Service and be deployed as a centralised AVL system in Sofia. “The main goal for us in this is to make a difference for the future. Our solution helps to mount a faster, more co-ordinated response to an emergency. This can help the Bulgarian emergency services in their demanding tasks to protect the citizens» said Hans Holmberg, SN Sales Vice President. Bulgarian institutional capacity-building comes to a new stage with this development and the corresponding investment on the national security infrastructure is key for reaching the European Union standards. n E (012) TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01 Zodiac has originated most of the major concepts that have led the development of the modern inflatable boat since the 1930’s. Since those early days Zodiac has become the largest manufacturer of inflatable boats, RIBs and emergency life rafts for military, professional and leisure markets in the world, manufacturing to all major recognized. Considered the finest craft of their type in the world, the Zodiac Hurricane range of Rib are mission specific and are used by the most knowledgeable and discriminating operators who demand the utmost in ruggedness and reliability. All Hurricane models have removable collars for ease of maintenance as well as the capability of interchanging with DuraRIBtm foam collars. Zodiac Hurricane first supplied large fiberglass assault RIBS with diesel/waterjet propulsion in the mid 1990’s. Since that time, various propulsion system and seating options have been refined to meet the requirements of various military organizations worldwide. Seating is fitted with Quikfit attachment system to allow the deck to be quickly reconfigured for various mission options. The feature of the sea Ribs Hurricane range is his customize solutions. new !!! • the zodiac mach II The Zodiac Hurricane Mach II (Military Air Channeled Hull II) was created to offer a high speed fully versatile boat that is at ease in all activities and all sea conditions. The patented Mach hull design reduces resistance and enhances directional stability for increased speed, fuel economy and safety. These features combine to provide superior seaworthiness, shock mitigation, stability and manoeuvrability required to operate reliably and effectively in extreme conditions The Mach II hull design is available with inflatable collar or DuraRIB foam collar. The Mach II hull design exist in different engines and hull configurations: Engines: • Out Board with triple Out board engines of 300HP each. Speed 65 knots • In Board with twin In Board engines of 450HP each. Speed: 55 knots Hull: • Fiber Glass Hull • Aluminium Hull The BOAT DEMONSTRATED is an In board version: ZH1100 MACH2 In Board Features : Aluminum hull • 2x435hp Volvo D6 engines Arnesson Surface Drive • 12 shock mitigations seats 700 l of fuel • Boat empty: approx 5630 kg plus fuel Max speed SS 0/1 with 930 kg of payload (50% fuel + 7 persons at 90 kg Each) = approx 57 knots Max speed SS 0/1 with 1230 kg of payload (full fuel + 7 persons at 90Kg each) = approx 56 knots Navigation range at full speed = approx 210NM Cruise speed (3000 tr/min) - 45 knots • Navigation range at cruise speed = 330 NM (10% reserve) For more information, please visit our website : www.zodiacmilpro.com NEWS kUWAIT ORDERS PANHARD vBL Mk2 he KuweItI Ministry of the Interior has just ordered 20 light armoured vehicles (VBL) Mk2 to equip its special forces. This is the first order of a programme to equip these units. The Mk2 version of the VBL includes many improvements on previous models: the power of the vehicle has been greatly increased thanks to a Steyr engine of 125 hp, while its cross-country mobility has been improved by a ZF four-speed automatic gearbox and larger tyres. The central tyre inflation system also contributes to improving the mobility of the vehicle in soft ground, especially in sand. In addition, the VBL Mk2 retains its amphibious capability and is NRBC protected. These VBL, which will be used for patrol and surveillance missions, will be equipped with hefty firepower thanks to a remotely-controlled turret capable of operating a 12.7mm machine gun. This weapon, useable in all conditions and especially at night, will reinforce the offensive capabilities of the VBL. The first deliveries of the VBL Mk2 to the Kuweiti Ministry of the Interior will take place during the second quarter of 2009. The Ministry of the Interior is the second Emirates customer to choose Panhard as the National Guard is already using the VBL. Panhard, which is an historic supplier of armoured vehicles to the Gulf States, has already delivered VBLs to the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. n T DCNS DELIvERS ROYAL MALAYSIAN NAvY’S vERY FIRST SUBMARINE oday, DCNS delivered the Royal Malaysian Navy’s first-ever submarine. This on-time delivery follows Malaysia’s decision to set up a submarine force comprising two Scorpene-type conventional-propulsion boats. The Royal Malaysian Navy took formal delivery of Scorpene submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman at today’s official handover in Toulon. The guests of honour included RMN Chief of Staff Admiral Dato’Sri Aziz Hj Jaafar. KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is the first of two Scorpene submarines ordered by Malaysia in June 2002 and developed jointly by DCNS and Spanish naval shipbuilder Navantia. In addition to the submarines proper, the contract calls for associated logistics and training. The submariners have been training in the Naval Training Center of DCI/NAVFCO since 2005, among a total of 146 Malaysians. This major milestone for the RMN follows the completion, in late December 2008, of KD Tunku Abdul Rahman’s final sea trials demonstrating remarkable operational and combat system capabilities. These trials included successful firings of Black Shark heavyweight torpedoes and missiles. KD Tunku Abdul Rahman is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia early in the second half of 2009. The second of the series, KD Tun Razak, is scheduled for delivery in late 2009. Manned by Malaysian crews of just 31, the boats offer an endurance of 45 days for a displacement of 1,550 tonnes and a length overall of 67.5 metres. Scorpene represents the state of the art in submarine design and construction and benefits from the latest technologies developed for nuclear-powered classes operated by the French Navy, particularly as regards acoustic discretion and combat system performance. Excellent endurance makes the Scorpene one of the few medium-displacement designs suitable for extended ocean patrol duties. The modular design can also be readily tailored to each customer’s specific mission profiles and other requirements. This programme confirms DCNS’s know-how as a leading prime contractor for sophisticated warship programmes. With ten units ordered to date (two for Chile, two for Malaysia and six for India), Scorpene is truly an international benchmark in SSK design. n T (014) TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01 EADS DEFENCE & SECURITY DELIvERS 5,000 T/R MODULES FOR MEADS RADAR he joInt us-ItalIan-GeRman meads (Medium Extended Air Defense System) air defence programme gains momentum. As reported by EADS Defence & Security (DS) on Monday, its Defence Electronics business unit has delivered a first batch of 5,000 transmit / receive (T/R) modules and related electronics for the MEADS Multifunction Fire Control Radar (MFCR). EADS DS is thus the first European company to mass produce the core components for the new AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar technology on an industrial scale. The MEADS programme thereby obtains a global strategic lead in the deployment of AESA technology. Within the framework of the MEADS design and development programme, Defence Electronics had been awarded a contract worth about € 120 million for the production of approx. 40,000 T/R modules and associated electronic components, so-called manifolds, which will make the MEADS fire control radar the most powerful radar of its type in the world. These modules are key elements in the new generation of radar systems which are based on AESA technology. AESA radar systems use electronic beam scanning, which is made possible by thousands of T/R modules. This concept offers completely new possibilities for deployment and will therefore be used for most of the future military radars in the world. EADS DS staff from Defence Electronics, Defence and Communications Systems and LFK are cooperating closely on this to ensure the success of the MEADS programme. LFK GmbH / MBDA Germany are responsible for the complete radar antenna. “The high demands placed on the capabilities of the MEADS radar cannot be met without AESA technology,” declares Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics. “The joint efforts of the various EADS Defence & Security partners have advanced this development to a point where we can supply the participating countries with tens of thousands of deployable modules within a relatively short period.” MEADS is a mobile air and missile defence system that will incorporate the hit-to-kill PAC-3 MSE missile in a system that includes 360-degree surveillance and fire control sensors, netted-distributed battle management / communication centres and high-firepower launchers. The system will combine extensive flexibility with superior protection for forces deployed and critical infrastructures against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft. MEADS’ open architecture will provide for 21st century air and missile defence system-of-system integration capabilities that allow operational mission-tailoring for homeland defence or defence of manoeuvre forces in various theatres countering air-breathing and tactical missile threats. MEADS is intended to provide significant operation and support cost savings. In May 2005, MEADS International signed a definitized contract valued at $2 billion plus €1.4 billion for MEADS design and development. A multinational joint venture headquartered in Orlando, Florida, MEADS International’s participating companies are MBDA in Italy, LFK in Germany and Lockheed Martin in the United States. Together, these companies have focused an international engineering team in Orlando to develop systems and technologies for the MEADS programme, which is closely watched as a model for collaborative transatlantic development. The MEADS programme is financed by the three partners in the NATO Medium Extended Air Defense System Management Organization (NAMEADSMO), which are the United States (58 percent), Germany (25 percent) and Italy (17 percent). The programme’s management agency NAMEADSMA is located in Huntsville, Alabam. n T TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01 (015) EADS NORTH AMERICA RECEIvES U.S. ARMY CONTRACT FOR FIvE ADDITIONAL UH-72A LAkOTA LIGHT UTILITY HELICOPTERS he u.s. aRmy awarded EADS North America a contract for five additional UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) Jan. 15, 2009, bringing the total number of aircraft on contract to 128. Production of the UH-72A at the American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, Miss. continues to meet U.S. Army and Army National Guard requirements for a highly capable, multirole helicopter in missions that range from homeland security and medical evacuation to drug interdiction, support and logistics operations. The Army expects to acquire a total of 345 Lakotas through 2016. More than 54 UH-72As have been delivered by EADS North America, all which have been provided on time or ahead of schedule in one of the most rapid introductions of a new aircraft in the U.S. Army’s history. “EADS North America remains committed to excellence in program management and execution for the UH-72A, which has received high marks from the U.S. Army,” said EADS North America Chairman and CEO Ralph D. Crosby, Jr. “We understand the Lakota’s importance to the Army’s helicopter fleet modernization, and our top priority continues to be providing America’s warfighters with the very best equipment to accomplish their important mission.” More than 8,000 flight hours have been logged by the Army’s UH-72A fleet to date, and the Lakota is now in service at bases and facilities across the nation, including the Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS) in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.; Fort Eustis, Va.; Fort Polk, La.; Fort Irwin, Calif.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Morrisville, N.C.; Pineville, La.; Tupelo, Miss.; and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. In addition to the 128 Lakotas ordered to fulfill Army and National Guard missions, five Light Utility Helicopters have been ordered by the U.S. Navy for pilot training at the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Md. UH-72A production averages three to four helicopters per month – with the capability of reaching five aircraft monthly at the Columbus, Miss., production facility of American Eurocopter, an EADS North America business unit. This state-of-the-art production site is a 220,000 sq. ft. addition to American Eurocopter’s Mississippi rotary-wing aircraft center of excellence, which is located adjacent to the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The facility has brought high-value jobs into the region with total program employment planned to surpass 200 as the UH-72A program reaches its full production and final assembly capability. n NEWS T (016) TECHNOLOGY AND ARMAMENT REVIEW • MARCH-APRIL 2009 • N°01
Technology and Armament Review #01 - Page 7
Technology and Armament Review #01 - Page 8
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