03 April 2024
by Richard Scott
A screenshot showing the scaled demonstrator beached during testing. (Steller Systems)
UK ship design house Steller Systems has performed sea trials of a subscale concept demonstrator intended to prove a novel hullform that could be exploited as the basis for a future high-speed offshore insertion craft.
Funded by the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Novel Amphibious Craft competition, the demonstrator has “successfully proven the innovative features” of a full-scale craft designed to improve the performance and safety of beach landings, Steller Systems announced on 2 April. As well as revealing details of the trials, the company also released accompanying video footage.
Launched in January 2023 the DASA Novel Amphibious Craft competition has set out to demonstrate and de-risk a series of candidate concepts and innovative technologies potentially applicable to a future Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) planned to enter service later this decade. The CIC has been conceived as a new-generation medium-lift amphibious craft to replace the Royal Marines' current Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel Mk 5 landing craft.
29 April 2024
by Nicholas Fiorenza
The AA signed a second executive contract with Hanwha on 25 April for 72 K239 Chunmoo MRLs (pictured), several thousands of missiles, and technology transfer. (Hanwha Aerospace)
The Polish Armaments Agency (AA) signed a second executive contract with Hanwha Aerospace for 72 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) on 25 April, the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) and the South Korean company announced the same day. The USD1.6 billion contract also covers the delivery of several thousands of missiles with ranges of 80–290 km, including the 600 mm CTM290, and technology transfer.
The Polish MND said on its website that it expected the contract to have a significant impact on the development of the Polish defence industry, with the technologies acquired allowing the establishment of a capability to carry out repairs and modernisation, as well as produce spare parts for the MRLs and launch pods for 122 mm rockets produced by MESKO, part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ).
24 April 2024
by Jeremiah Cushman
Saab has developed an autonomy package for its CB 90 fast boat and demonstrated its ability to navigate the Swedish coast. Pictured above is a CB 90 that was delivered to Malaysia. (Dockstavarvet)
Saab has established a new business function to revamp how it develops and delivers products to meet changing customer requirements. Skapa, a Swedish word that means “to create, to make, or to shape”, will focus on solving customer and stakeholder problems at speed, Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the United States, told reporters on 23 April. “Skapa will accelerate the development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions to our warfighters” at pace, he said.
24 April 2024
by Giles Ebbutt
The XR Training consortium's USMC Amphibious Combat Vehicle driver simulator in its seat configuration with two DoF motion platform. The Vive HTC Elite headset is on the seat. The Instructor station laptop is on the table behind. (XR Training)
A consortium led by XR Training has been awarded a contract by the US Marine Corps (USMC) under an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to produce a driver training simulator for the new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). The value of the contract was not disclosed but Neil Levin, XR Training CEO, told Janes that it was “in the high seven-figure area”.
The consortium, which also includes Talon Simulations (hardware), 302 Interactive (software development), and Theory Studios (modelling and visuals), will deliver 81 simulators by the end of 2024, followed by a two-year training and sustainment period. Most simulators will be deployed to Camps Pendleton and Lejeune, with some for use for “schoolhouse” training and some for deploying units.
UK ship design house Steller Systems has performed sea trials of a subscale concept demonstrator int...
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