British Army Powerful Demonstration of Military Equipment
(NSI News Source Info) Source: UK Ministry of Defence - September 21, 2008: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles scanned the horizon for enemy action. Jackal vehicles with their awesome firepower raced ahead using the latest surveillance and targeting systems. Infantry stood ready to strike with deadly sniper rifles, mortars and grenade machine guns - this wasn't a major operation in Afghanistan but the UK's largest demonstration of military equipment purchased urgently for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of pieces of equipment and over 500 people gathered on Salisbury Plain for a powerful demonstration of the advanced technology and cutting-edge equipment that is supporting our troops on operations. From the heavily armoured Mastiff patrol vehicle - a hero of recent operations in Afghanistan, to sophisticated thermal imaging sights and the latest state-of-the-art cameras and remote weapons systems - all were on site and demonstrating their effect to those present. Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support said: "The Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process is an undisputed success - over £3Bn of extra money has been spent on new equipment for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan - from new armoured vehicles like Mastiff and Ridgback to remote weapon systems which are protecting the soldiers in their bases. "Working with our partners in industry, we have responded quickly to the evolving and often unpredictable threats our soldiers face on operations. We have listened to the feedback from the ground and procured state-of-the-art kit to meet the urgent needs of our troops. The large display of equipment here today is testament to the effectiveness of that UOR process." All the equipment demonstrated today has been recently procured or upgraded through the urgent operational requirement process, with funds coming directly from the Treasury and separate to the defence budget. Major General Bill Moore CBE, Director General Logistic Support and Equipment, Land Forces said: "The Army is well equipped on operations. The equipment fielded in both Afghanistan and Iraq, when coupled with offensive tactics, techniques and procedures enables our soldiers to seize the initiative and conduct successful operations against the insurgents. It is also saving lives." BACKGROUND NOTES: 1. The operational demonstration gave those present the opportunity to view an impressive selection of weapons, vehicles and upgrades. In most cases the equipment has been sourced and delivered in record time, thanks to the UOR process. 2. Personal protection is a vital subject and so in addition to a scenario-based demonstration of the equipment and static stands, there were specific briefings on: a) CAMP PROTECTION: New Operational Base Remote Weapon System ENFORCER by Selex and the cutting edge CORTEZ. State-of-the-art threat detection systems such as aerostat mounted cameras and ground movement sensors can produce information overload - the CORTEZ system fuses these inputs and displays them on a single user friendly digital map. If the camp is under direct threat, the new ENFORCER remote weapons system is ready to respond. b) INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION: Dismounted Close Combat - infantrymen have undergone the most radical upgrade of all. A unique opportunity to compare a soldier from 2003 with the amount of personal equipment issued on current operations. The 2008 version now benefits from the latest target acquisition and night fighting technology that add as much to personal protection as the body armour. c) VEHICLE PROTECTION: The UOR process is inherently flexible and can be just as effective in adding upgrades to equipment when new threats are detected as well as procuring new vehicles. A Warrior Fighting Vehicle was compared and contrasted from its standard variant to the new Theatre Entry Standard (Warrior (TES)) which benefits from a large number of upgrades. d) TACTICAL PROTECTION: Armour helps and mobility can keep us safer but the best protection for our troops comes from knowing what the enemy intends to do. Tactical Commanders can now see the threats that lie over the next hill. The latest versions of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle such as Desert Hawk and Hermes were on display. As a recent addition to the armoury, industry representatives were on hand to explain their role in opening up this latest new tactical dimension. (ends)
Infantry Kit "Incomparable" With Five Years Ago
(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Sept. 18, 2008)
Following improvements to the Urgent Operational Requirement system in recent years the personal kit of infantry soldiers has changed dramatically reflecting the needs of fighting counter-insurgencies in hot environments. The equipment issued to infantry soldiers has needed to develop fast over the last five years as the threat against them has continued to evolve. Urgent Operational Requirements can, in some cases, mean that kit is bought off the shelf rather than being procured and tailor made to order, speeding up the process considerably. In just five years, according to one Royal Marine, the Dismounted Close Combat Capability of the individual soldier has moved forward in "quantum leaps". Lieutenant Colonel Paul Kearney has served with the Royal Marines for 14 years and deployed to Afghanistan last year and Iraq the year before: "It's absolutely incomparable what we used five years ago to what we use now," he said. "The problem now is we have so much kit you have to choose what to take out with you each day and tailor what you need." The most important weapon system in any war is ultimately the infantry; in a modern counter-insurgency their role is even more fundamental and their personal protection an issue of strategic importance. The Osprey Body Armour is just one of the pieces of individual kit that have been developed in the last five years. It includes a fragmentation jacket with ballistic plates designed to stop armour piercing rounds which covers the entire torso and includes the capability to add side ballistic plates to protect the kidney and side profile. There are now detachable collars and epaulettes to protect the neck, upper arms and armpit area from fragmentation. Lt Col Kearney said of Osprey: "Before you had a little plate that covered your vital organs, Osprey fills your whole body and having something as robust as Osprey gives you an awful lot of confidence." ESS or OAKLEY goggles and glasses have also now replaced plastic goggles and plastic sunglasses, offering much greater fragmentation protection and the Mark 6 Helmet gives far better ballistic protection than the general issue helmet worn in 2003. Clothing has also improved significantly in the last five years, with lightweight material including Microfibre fast-wicking tee shirts and Microfibre fast-wicking socks which pull water away from the skin. In Afghanistan, explained Lt Col Kearney, troops drink 10 litres of water a day causing a lot of sweating and the possibility of chafing which this clothing prevents. In 2003 troops were issued with standard issue socks, cotton/ polyester mix tee shirts and 'desertised' standard combat boots: "The boots now are good," added Lt Col Kearney. "LOWA and MEINDL are the boots of choice and up until a couple of years ago the lads were buying them themselves as they were so good! But it's good to see the system now buying the kit the guys really want." The weapons systems for infantry soldiers have also improved significantly over the last five years with many more different types of firepower available for an eight man infantry team. The challenges of today's operational theatres mean that teamwork has never been more important and the infantry section reflects the variety and skill mix required within any great team. The idea of a generic infantryman is consigned to history as modern infantrymen each have a specific role within the team. The equipment issued reflects this more modern approach and so, in addition to the generic protection levels, they are issued with the more specific kit mix required to achieve their more specific role. Lt Col Kearney explained further: "Five years ago everyone had an SA80 Rifle and occasionally a Light Support Weapon. Now we have MIMIMI Light Machine Guns, and Under-Slung Grenade Launchers which give us the ability to pop things over hills rather than fire straight. It's much safer to fire from behind a rock. "The thing about weapons systems now is they are much safer for us as it allows us to choose the best weapon for every specific situation. "The UOR process has also upgraded the SA80 A1 Rifle, which had some criticism, to the SA80 A2 which is an excellent weapon, very robust and rarely breaks down." For Lt Col Kearney though the most impressive change in the last five years for the individual soldier has been the increased capability in Surveillance and Target Acquisition: "Protection and firepower have increased immeasurably but it is a genuine night fighting capability that takes modern infantrymen to the next level," he said. Five years ago individual soldiers were issued with Sight Unit Small Arms Triluxs, Image Intensified Common Weapon Sights and Binoculars. Now they also get Advanced Combat Optical Gun sights, Thermal Imaging Systems, Head Mounted Night Vision Systems, VIPER 2+ Thermal Imaging Weapon Sights, and Target Locating Systems. "Target Acquisition and night fighting capability. That's the thing that really sets us apart. You can go in at night and they can't see you. Being able to hit the enemy where it is really vulnerable, that saves lives. "In a low tech counter-insurgency it is technology that gives British soldiers the edge in combat. This ability now means that routine infantry soldiers now have a capability that was previously the exclusive preserve of Special Forces." (ends)
Security, surveillance and 'Super Sangars'
(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Sept. 18, 2008)
Hundreds of pieces of new equipment and over 500 people have been massing on Salisbury Plain for a powerful demonstration of the advanced and cutting-edge technology which is supporting troops on operations. From the heavily armoured Mastiff patrol vehicle - a hero of recent operations in Afghanistan - to sophisticated thermal imaging sights and the latest state-of-the-art cameras and Remote Weapons Systems (RWS) - all have been on site today, Thursday 18 September 2008, all demonstrating their effectiveness to those present. They are all key players in the Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process, funded by extra Treasury money to provide the fast equipment solutions that ever-changing operations demand. UORs deliver the speed and flexibility needed to adapt and respond to requirements specific to particular operational environments and emerging threats. Two examples of this newly unveiled equipment which really caught the eye during the Salisbury Plain demo are expected to really improve the safety of Service personnel on operations. When it comes to the protection of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and Contingency Operating Bases (COBs), a robust approach to security has proved effective. By using soldiers to physically patrol bases and monitor activity around the perimeter using low range radar equipment, although very effective, this requires a lot of manpower which could be used elsewhere on the base. Each base has a Sangar which is in effect a barricade and look-out station monitoring the overall security for military personnel on site as well as in the surrounding areas. Sangars are fortified positions and standby base entrances to improve the level of security. Those manning the Sangars have to physically raise their bodies into the direct line of fire to either survey the area or return fire, which causes significant safety risks. A new 'Super Sangar' was unveiled at the UOR Day which plans to eradicate many of the security risks that can leave a base open to attack, creating a multi-layered surveillance and integrated strike capability. The Contingency Operating Base in Basra is acting as the testing ground for some revolutionary new equipment, the same as the systems used in Warrior and Bulldog vehicles, which have day and night Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities combined with effective weapon systems. Five Sangars around the perimeter of the COB have already been fitted with RWS's, which allow the operator to control not only return fire without physically putting themselves at risk, but also by being able to see a small screen inside the Sangar, the operator can monitor the area from a position of much greater safety. Capability Integration Manager at the Equipment Directorate Land Forces, Major Donald Hodgson, explained: "We have three ISO containers stacked on top of each other with the RWS fitted on top of that. In total, they come in at around 10 feet with a daylight camera and a thermal imagery camera to allow soldiers to sit inside the structure protected by bullet-proof windows. This gives us the method of providing enhanced optical capability as well as being able to fire weapons from inside a protected area. "So far we have found that the 'Super Sangar' has been effective overcoming the challenges we needed it to and we've recorded less break-ins, as well as significantly less indirect fire attacks. There is a feeling that when people see the capability of the 'Super' Sangar that it may be rolled out in Afghanistan." The 'Super Sangar' was trialled, tested and legally approved within four months and became operational at the COB Basra in July 2008. To ensure full capability is achieved with the new equipment, troops already in theatre will undergo additional training, although Bulldog operators will only require refresher training as they have already used the equipment in the vehicles. A full programme will also be included in pre-deployment training. Another addition to base protection in the form of camp surveillance is currently being developed at the Land Warfare Centre in Netheravon, and is planned to be rolled out to Afghanistan throughout 2009. Cortez is a force protection asset which uses sensors to protect FOBs, large camps, Observation Posts and Patrol Bases, and includes cameras and balloons to execute this. The new breed of Cortez should be an improved version of the existing equipment by fusing together a variety of monitoring devices into a single source of display. Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Falkner, from ISTAR Operations and Training, said: "Bases spend a lot of time guarding themselves which is vital to the security of the base. The new system will allow soldiers to do what they do best. "Manpower will be slashed and will allow troops to be released to do other things. Operators will be able to watch troops on the ground from further distances with the new and improved equipment which will significantly extend the range of visibility." The new Cortez will be manned by Subject Matter Experts (SME's) from the Territorial Army (TA) who will provide specialist advice to operators from the regular Army. It is expected that the latest generation of Cortez will be up and running by 2009 and will be syndicated across bases throughout the year.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
British Army Powerful Demonstration of Military Equipment
British Army Powerful Demonstration of Military Equipment
(NSI News Source Info) Source: UK Ministry of Defence - September 21, 2008: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles scanned the horizon for enemy action. Jackal vehicles with their awesome firepower raced ahead using the latest surveillance and targeting systems. Infantry stood ready to strike with deadly sniper rifles, mortars and grenade machine guns - this wasn't a major operation in Afghanistan but the UK's largest demonstration of military equipment purchased urgently for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Hundreds of pieces of equipment and over 500 people gathered on Salisbury Plain for a powerful demonstration of the advanced technology and cutting-edge equipment that is supporting our troops on operations. From the heavily armoured Mastiff patrol vehicle - a hero of recent operations in Afghanistan, to sophisticated thermal imaging sights and the latest state-of-the-art cameras and remote weapons systems - all were on site and demonstrating their effect to those present. Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support said: "The Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process is an undisputed success - over £3Bn of extra money has been spent on new equipment for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan - from new armoured vehicles like Mastiff and Ridgback to remote weapon systems which are protecting the soldiers in their bases. "Working with our partners in industry, we have responded quickly to the evolving and often unpredictable threats our soldiers face on operations. We have listened to the feedback from the ground and procured state-of-the-art kit to meet the urgent needs of our troops. The large display of equipment here today is testament to the effectiveness of that UOR process." All the equipment demonstrated today has been recently procured or upgraded through the urgent operational requirement process, with funds coming directly from the Treasury and separate to the defence budget. Major General Bill Moore CBE, Director General Logistic Support and Equipment, Land Forces said: "The Army is well equipped on operations. The equipment fielded in both Afghanistan and Iraq, when coupled with offensive tactics, techniques and procedures enables our soldiers to seize the initiative and conduct successful operations against the insurgents. It is also saving lives." BACKGROUND NOTES: 1. The operational demonstration gave those present the opportunity to view an impressive selection of weapons, vehicles and upgrades. In most cases the equipment has been sourced and delivered in record time, thanks to the UOR process. 2. Personal protection is a vital subject and so in addition to a scenario-based demonstration of the equipment and static stands, there were specific briefings on: a) CAMP PROTECTION: New Operational Base Remote Weapon System ENFORCER by Selex and the cutting edge CORTEZ. State-of-the-art threat detection systems such as aerostat mounted cameras and ground movement sensors can produce information overload - the CORTEZ system fuses these inputs and displays them on a single user friendly digital map. If the camp is under direct threat, the new ENFORCER remote weapons system is ready to respond. b) INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION: Dismounted Close Combat - infantrymen have undergone the most radical upgrade of all. A unique opportunity to compare a soldier from 2003 with the amount of personal equipment issued on current operations. The 2008 version now benefits from the latest target acquisition and night fighting technology that add as much to personal protection as the body armour. c) VEHICLE PROTECTION: The UOR process is inherently flexible and can be just as effective in adding upgrades to equipment when new threats are detected as well as procuring new vehicles. A Warrior Fighting Vehicle was compared and contrasted from its standard variant to the new Theatre Entry Standard (Warrior (TES)) which benefits from a large number of upgrades. d) TACTICAL PROTECTION: Armour helps and mobility can keep us safer but the best protection for our troops comes from knowing what the enemy intends to do. Tactical Commanders can now see the threats that lie over the next hill. The latest versions of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle such as Desert Hawk and Hermes were on display. As a recent addition to the armoury, industry representatives were on hand to explain their role in opening up this latest new tactical dimension. (ends)
Infantry Kit "Incomparable" With Five Years Ago
(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Sept. 18, 2008)
Following improvements to the Urgent Operational Requirement system in recent years the personal kit of infantry soldiers has changed dramatically reflecting the needs of fighting counter-insurgencies in hot environments. The equipment issued to infantry soldiers has needed to develop fast over the last five years as the threat against them has continued to evolve. Urgent Operational Requirements can, in some cases, mean that kit is bought off the shelf rather than being procured and tailor made to order, speeding up the process considerably. In just five years, according to one Royal Marine, the Dismounted Close Combat Capability of the individual soldier has moved forward in "quantum leaps". Lieutenant Colonel Paul Kearney has served with the Royal Marines for 14 years and deployed to Afghanistan last year and Iraq the year before: "It's absolutely incomparable what we used five years ago to what we use now," he said. "The problem now is we have so much kit you have to choose what to take out with you each day and tailor what you need." The most important weapon system in any war is ultimately the infantry; in a modern counter-insurgency their role is even more fundamental and their personal protection an issue of strategic importance. The Osprey Body Armour is just one of the pieces of individual kit that have been developed in the last five years. It includes a fragmentation jacket with ballistic plates designed to stop armour piercing rounds which covers the entire torso and includes the capability to add side ballistic plates to protect the kidney and side profile. There are now detachable collars and epaulettes to protect the neck, upper arms and armpit area from fragmentation. Lt Col Kearney said of Osprey: "Before you had a little plate that covered your vital organs, Osprey fills your whole body and having something as robust as Osprey gives you an awful lot of confidence." ESS or OAKLEY goggles and glasses have also now replaced plastic goggles and plastic sunglasses, offering much greater fragmentation protection and the Mark 6 Helmet gives far better ballistic protection than the general issue helmet worn in 2003. Clothing has also improved significantly in the last five years, with lightweight material including Microfibre fast-wicking tee shirts and Microfibre fast-wicking socks which pull water away from the skin. In Afghanistan, explained Lt Col Kearney, troops drink 10 litres of water a day causing a lot of sweating and the possibility of chafing which this clothing prevents. In 2003 troops were issued with standard issue socks, cotton/ polyester mix tee shirts and 'desertised' standard combat boots: "The boots now are good," added Lt Col Kearney. "LOWA and MEINDL are the boots of choice and up until a couple of years ago the lads were buying them themselves as they were so good! But it's good to see the system now buying the kit the guys really want." The weapons systems for infantry soldiers have also improved significantly over the last five years with many more different types of firepower available for an eight man infantry team. The challenges of today's operational theatres mean that teamwork has never been more important and the infantry section reflects the variety and skill mix required within any great team. The idea of a generic infantryman is consigned to history as modern infantrymen each have a specific role within the team. The equipment issued reflects this more modern approach and so, in addition to the generic protection levels, they are issued with the more specific kit mix required to achieve their more specific role. Lt Col Kearney explained further: "Five years ago everyone had an SA80 Rifle and occasionally a Light Support Weapon. Now we have MIMIMI Light Machine Guns, and Under-Slung Grenade Launchers which give us the ability to pop things over hills rather than fire straight. It's much safer to fire from behind a rock. "The thing about weapons systems now is they are much safer for us as it allows us to choose the best weapon for every specific situation. "The UOR process has also upgraded the SA80 A1 Rifle, which had some criticism, to the SA80 A2 which is an excellent weapon, very robust and rarely breaks down." For Lt Col Kearney though the most impressive change in the last five years for the individual soldier has been the increased capability in Surveillance and Target Acquisition: "Protection and firepower have increased immeasurably but it is a genuine night fighting capability that takes modern infantrymen to the next level," he said. Five years ago individual soldiers were issued with Sight Unit Small Arms Triluxs, Image Intensified Common Weapon Sights and Binoculars. Now they also get Advanced Combat Optical Gun sights, Thermal Imaging Systems, Head Mounted Night Vision Systems, VIPER 2+ Thermal Imaging Weapon Sights, and Target Locating Systems. "Target Acquisition and night fighting capability. That's the thing that really sets us apart. You can go in at night and they can't see you. Being able to hit the enemy where it is really vulnerable, that saves lives. "In a low tech counter-insurgency it is technology that gives British soldiers the edge in combat. This ability now means that routine infantry soldiers now have a capability that was previously the exclusive preserve of Special Forces." (ends)
Security, surveillance and 'Super Sangars'
(Source: UK Ministry of Defence; issued Sept. 18, 2008)
Hundreds of pieces of new equipment and over 500 people have been massing on Salisbury Plain for a powerful demonstration of the advanced and cutting-edge technology which is supporting troops on operations. From the heavily armoured Mastiff patrol vehicle - a hero of recent operations in Afghanistan - to sophisticated thermal imaging sights and the latest state-of-the-art cameras and Remote Weapons Systems (RWS) - all have been on site today, Thursday 18 September 2008, all demonstrating their effectiveness to those present. They are all key players in the Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process, funded by extra Treasury money to provide the fast equipment solutions that ever-changing operations demand. UORs deliver the speed and flexibility needed to adapt and respond to requirements specific to particular operational environments and emerging threats. Two examples of this newly unveiled equipment which really caught the eye during the Salisbury Plain demo are expected to really improve the safety of Service personnel on operations. When it comes to the protection of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and Contingency Operating Bases (COBs), a robust approach to security has proved effective. By using soldiers to physically patrol bases and monitor activity around the perimeter using low range radar equipment, although very effective, this requires a lot of manpower which could be used elsewhere on the base. Each base has a Sangar which is in effect a barricade and look-out station monitoring the overall security for military personnel on site as well as in the surrounding areas. Sangars are fortified positions and standby base entrances to improve the level of security. Those manning the Sangars have to physically raise their bodies into the direct line of fire to either survey the area or return fire, which causes significant safety risks. A new 'Super Sangar' was unveiled at the UOR Day which plans to eradicate many of the security risks that can leave a base open to attack, creating a multi-layered surveillance and integrated strike capability. The Contingency Operating Base in Basra is acting as the testing ground for some revolutionary new equipment, the same as the systems used in Warrior and Bulldog vehicles, which have day and night Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities combined with effective weapon systems. Five Sangars around the perimeter of the COB have already been fitted with RWS's, which allow the operator to control not only return fire without physically putting themselves at risk, but also by being able to see a small screen inside the Sangar, the operator can monitor the area from a position of much greater safety. Capability Integration Manager at the Equipment Directorate Land Forces, Major Donald Hodgson, explained: "We have three ISO containers stacked on top of each other with the RWS fitted on top of that. In total, they come in at around 10 feet with a daylight camera and a thermal imagery camera to allow soldiers to sit inside the structure protected by bullet-proof windows. This gives us the method of providing enhanced optical capability as well as being able to fire weapons from inside a protected area. "So far we have found that the 'Super Sangar' has been effective overcoming the challenges we needed it to and we've recorded less break-ins, as well as significantly less indirect fire attacks. There is a feeling that when people see the capability of the 'Super' Sangar that it may be rolled out in Afghanistan." The 'Super Sangar' was trialled, tested and legally approved within four months and became operational at the COB Basra in July 2008. To ensure full capability is achieved with the new equipment, troops already in theatre will undergo additional training, although Bulldog operators will only require refresher training as they have already used the equipment in the vehicles. A full programme will also be included in pre-deployment training. Another addition to base protection in the form of camp surveillance is currently being developed at the Land Warfare Centre in Netheravon, and is planned to be rolled out to Afghanistan throughout 2009. Cortez is a force protection asset which uses sensors to protect FOBs, large camps, Observation Posts and Patrol Bases, and includes cameras and balloons to execute this. The new breed of Cortez should be an improved version of the existing equipment by fusing together a variety of monitoring devices into a single source of display. Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Falkner, from ISTAR Operations and Training, said: "Bases spend a lot of time guarding themselves which is vital to the security of the base. The new system will allow soldiers to do what they do best. "Manpower will be slashed and will allow troops to be released to do other things. Operators will be able to watch troops on the ground from further distances with the new and improved equipment which will significantly extend the range of visibility." The new Cortez will be manned by Subject Matter Experts (SME's) from the Territorial Army (TA) who will provide specialist advice to operators from the regular Army. It is expected that the latest generation of Cortez will be up and running by 2009 and will be syndicated across bases throughout the year.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment