News & Media
Arnold Defense launches their new MLHS high-capacity rocket launcher
September 5, 2019
Arnold Defense, the St. Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, will be unveiling their sensational new high-capacity rocket launcher, the Multiple Launch Hydra System (MLHS) at DSEi London, 10-13 September 2019. Prior to the MLHS debut, Arnold Defense will also be attending the 27th International Defence Industry Exhibition, MSPO, taking place in Poland, 03-06 September 2019.
The MLHS is a new surface-based, 23-round, 2.75-inch/70mm precision-guided rocket launcher. When coupled with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), the most accurate precision guided weapon in its class, the MLHS is set to transform the surface defence world by delivering a low-cost, high-capacity surgical strike capability.
Whilst the MLHS is a new system, it represents a significant product development of Arnold Defense’s exceptional FLETCHER surface-based, laser-guided rocket launcher. Prior to the development of FLETCHER, the delivery of precision weapons in support of land-forces necessitated the deployment of air or aviation assets; assets that are expensive and not guaranteed to be available when needed. MLHS offers the same organic surface-to-surface precision effect with the versatility and utility demonstrated by FLETCHER, coupled with significant additional delivery capacity. Both systems meet the demands of modern surface-based, asymmetric warfare, optimized for use by both special and conventional forces.
Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense said “It is always great to be exhibiting at DSEi, where we had the privilege to reveal the FLETCHER concept in 2017. This year we take that concept a step further with our newest rocket launcher, the Multiple Launch Hydra System”. He added “Both DSEi and MSPO offer a fabulous opportunity to engage with our European and wider international partners and customer base; where Arnold Defense will be showcasing our continued innovation and dedication to providing only the best weapons systems to today’s modern warfighters”.
At MSPO, Arnold Defense will be exhibiting the LWL-12, another of their core products, at the Works 11 booth, E 38- E42. Meet the Arnold Defense team on their stand, F-47 in the USA Pavilion.
Arnold’s unveiling of the MLHS will take place at DSEi, where the system will be mounted on the UNIMOG LTTV on the Jankel Stand N6-350. Their FLETCHER rocket launcher will also be on display on BAE Stand S4-200, S4-240, mounted on the Level Peaks M205 tripod, with Capco mount plate.
Spectra’s SlingShot greenlit for US Army
September 3, 2019
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, having recently achieved safety accreditation from the US Army Test and Evaluation Command and completed the prestigious US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments (AEWE 2019), will be exhibiting their game-changing SlingShot communications system at DSEi 2019, taking place at Excel London 10-13 September 2019.
Spectra’s SlingShot, which was recently awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation, is a unique, lightweight system that enables existing, in-service tactical military and commercial VHF/UHF radios to utilise commercial L-band satellite coverage (COMSATCOM). The technology delivers Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Comms on the Move (COTM) with low-latency voice and data connectivity to radio networks for ground, vehicle, maritime and airborne platforms. SlingShot’s unique capability provides reliable, secure communications between widely dispersed military forces and/or civilian agencies operating in austere and hostile environments, without the cost, delay or logistical challenges of deploying additional infrastructure.
Invited to take part in AEWE 2019 by the US Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), SlingShot has been identified for integration opportunities into the US Army to gap battlefield capability shortfalls. AEWE places cutting-edge technologies into the hands of soldiers, providing bottom-up input to capability development through early and iterative feedback in a tactical setting. During AEWE 2019 SlingShot was extensively evaluated, providing BLOS voice and data connectivity from manpack recce sections to fast-moving, vehicle-borne forward observers and headquarters operations rooms. Additionally, vital interoperability between VHF/UHF commercial and military radios was repeatedly proven in a number of operationally challenging scenarios.
Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “Spectra is delighted to be exhibiting at DSEi 2019. We intend to maximize this fantastic opportunity to establish and deepen relationships with government departments, defence and security agencies and international businesses.” He added, “Launched in 2013, over 2000 SlingShot systems are now in operation with US SOCCOM alone. The system is used by over 20 different organisations, mostly NATO countries. Our recent participation in AEWE 2019 has cemented SlingShot’s reputation as the system of choice for tactical radio users needing increased range, flexibility and interoperability.”
Spectra will be showcasing the SlingShot tactical communications range extension system on Stand N9-370
Jankel launches new Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV) at DSEi 2019
September 3, 2019
Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, will be launching their new Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV) at DSEi 2019, taking place at Excel London 10-13 September 2019.
The unveiling of the LTTV at DSEi follows on from the recent contract award for Belgium which will see Jankel deliver 199 of the Mercedes UNIMOG based vehicles to the Belgium Ministry of Defence (BeMOD). This contract follows the earlier production contract to supply the BeMOD with over 100 FOX Rapid Reaction Vehicles (RRV), based on a modified COTS Toyota chassis system.
Jankel’s LTTV is designed to provide a modular and configurable tactical support vehicle that benefits from unique, removable mission modules that enable the vehicle to be re-roled rapidly for operational platform versatility. With a payload of over 3 tonnes, dependant on the final vehicle specification, the LTTV has 3 core variants for Special Operations support, including an ambulance variant. Alongside a user-configurable, fully integrated suite of military sub-systems that includes a removable ballistic protection kit, a Roll-Over-Protection-System (ROPS), weapon mounts and communications fit, the platform will provide full interoperability with the Fox fleet of tactical vehicles.
The LTTV’s versatility already promises to be a world-leader, literally able to plug and play between rear bed configurations. Combining the strengths of a trusted OEM platform with militarised and mission specific tactical enhancements, Jankel’s LTTV has already attracted the attention of several other countries and is of particular interest to those already operating with the Mercedes Benz UNIMOG platform.
Dan Crosby, Commercial Director at Jankel said: “Our team is very excited to be showcasing the LTTV at DSEi this year. Having achieved Mercedes Benz Direct Partnership certification, the LTTV is a great example of Jankel’s ability to offer armoured, tactical and utility vehicles based on modified Mercedes Benz chassis systems.” He added: “We believe that the exceptional modular functionality of the LTTV will allow us to build on the significant milestone successes that Jankel has achieved in recent years”.
At DSEi Jankel will be exhibiting at Stand N6-350. As well as the LTTV, Jankel will have on display a Fox RRV and a wide range of BLASTech specialist seating solutions.
Jankel Tactical Systems announce the delivery of their largest ever single armored vehicle order
September 3, 2019
World-class specialists in the design and production of high-specification armored vehicles, US-based Jankel Tactical Systems (part of the global Jankel group of companies), has announced the successful delivery of their largest ever single order for armoured vehicles. The order for Chevrolet 3500 HD Suburban vehicles was called up off a 10-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) that was awarded to Jankel in 2017. This announcement coincides with the DSEi 2019 exhibition, taking place at Excel London 10-13 September 2019.
Jankel Tactical Systems is already well-established in North America. This order has seen Jankel’s already strong Civilian Armored Vehicle (CAV) business grow by a tremendous 250% in 2019. Also, this delivery secured a 130% growth in Jankel’s overall CAV production. Whilst Jankel are unable to specify vehicle numbers nor the exact end-user to whom this order has been delivered, Jankel’s core clients include the US Department of Defense; US Department of State; the Canadian Department of National Defense; and Global Affairs Canada. In addition, Jankel has secured new customer opportunities with the US Customs and Border Patrol, US Marshalls, and the US Drug Enforcement Agency.
Prior to acceptance, Jankel had to complete rigorous First Article Testing (FAT). This involved the production and delivery of one complete vehicle built to the demanding customer specification. The vehicle was then put through a series of mobility tests followed by blast and ballistic destructive testing. This process confirmed Jankel’s ability to deliver full compliance against the specification prior to the commencement of series production.
Jankel’s rapid growth in North America has focused on ‘Hot Formed Armored’ discreet platforms and the delivery of niche armor requirements for platforms indigenous to the country within which they operate; including the Chevrolet 3500 HD Suburban, Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series Double Cab (4×4 and 6×6) and Mercedes Sprinter 3500 XD. In addition to their wide range of vehicle protection capabilities, Jankel is targeting the provision of specialist seating and survivability systems. Jankel sales programs increased significantly in 2018/19 with the provision of BLASTech Seating solutions for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) and new production vehicles for the US and allied nations.
Cody Baker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Jankel Tactical Systems said: “delivering this order and achieving such growth is the result of a monumental effort from our entire team here at JTS as well as our ever-supportive supply chain. I’m very proud of all those involved”. He added: “The successful delivery of a major order such as this further underlines Jankel’s agility, reliability and understanding of our clients’ needs and priorities. We’re looking forward to continuing this growth trend as our North American and global client base increases”.
At DSEi Jankel will be exhibiting at Stand N6-350.
Alcon launches new CIR46 medium to heavy armoured vehicle brake caliper at DSEi
September 3, 2019
Alcon Components Ltd, the acclaimed global specialist brake and engineering company, have launched a brand new bespoke armoured vehicle brake caliper. The new CIR46 has been designed and developed to fit 4×4 and 6×6 type military vehicles operating at 12-25+ tonne GVM. Offered to the global defence and security market, this caliper allows OEM’s, fleet managers, maintainers and vehicle modification companies to fit an off-the-shelf, military special brake system. The CIR46 significantly increases braking performance and reduces both weight and cost in comparison to existing alternatives.
Developed to fill a gap in their current defence and specialist vehicle brake range, the newly launched CIR46 brake caliper sits between their existing CIR15 and CIR55 calipers. Alcon can now offer bespoke braking solutions for every type of defence and security vehicle from armoured SUV’s, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, all the way up to 8×8 type armoured giants, such as the Patria AMV. The new CIR46 is expected to be used on military vehicles based on commercial off the shelf chassis, such as the Ford F550 and Mercedes UNIMOG.
The caliper has been designed to enable as many configurations, with regards to torque capacity and installation, as possible. Both lug mount and radial mount options are available to be machined from a single set of castings. 10 different piston configuration options are available giving maximum working torque values from 9,513Nm to 15,561Nm (piston diameters from 47.6mm to 57.2mm). The caliper is centre split to allow fitment over a variety of disc thickness with disc diameters between 370mm and 410mm. The fully hanging, high friction pads are fitted with an anti-rattle system and the caliper and seals are protected to cope with the harsh military environment. The six-piston arrangement gives a lower profile than existing four piston calipers in this torque range allowing them to be fitted in tighter wheel envelopes. The caliper will be available for both brake fluid and mineral oil systems.
Visitors to the DSEi exhibition will be able to see Alcon calipers fitted to a wide variety of defence and security vehicles including those from Jankel, Supacat & Patria, to name a few. The DSEi show is taking place in London, 10-13 September 2019. Alcon staff will also be in attendance and will be available for meetings, on appointment.
Already firmly established in the defence and security vehicle marketplace, Alcon braking solutions have been sought out by some of the world’s finest Special Forces vehicle manufacturers. Amongst other key defence players, Supacat, the designers of the Jackal vehicle, BAe, Ricardo, Patria and Jankel have turned to Alcon to obtain bespoke, tailored braking systems that fully meet the demanding requirements of the challenging, high-performance, modern-day battlefield.
Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “this new caliper fills a gap we had identified in our range of brakes. We’ve already successfully developed and delivered bespoke solutions to both the light and heavy ends of the defence market but the new CIR46 will allow us to also solve braking problems in the medium weight range”. He added: “as well as marketing our brakes directly to vehicle developers and manufacturers, we see our customers for CIR46 being axle manufacturers who are selling their axles to the defence and security OEM’s. Using the technology and capabilities we’ve developed in motorsport allows us to offer significant performance benefits to the military and specialist markets, including crucial weight savings. Our automotive production experience allows us to deliver quality and value for money to our customers, globally”.