News & Media
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”.
Alcon signs British Armed Forces Covenant at Goodwood Festival of Speed
July 8, 2019
Internationally acclaimed high-performance brake system design, development and manufacturing company, Alcon Components Ltd, signed the British Armed Forces Covenant at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday 5th July 2019.
In signing this covenant, Alcon undertakes a commitment to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces communities. It provides more formal recognition of the value serving personnel, both regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to the business and to the country.
The Armed Forces representative at the signing, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Coton, Commanding Officer of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery said: “On behalf of the Armed Forces I am privileged to be able to sign the Armed Forces Covenant with Alcon Brakes at Goodwood’s iconic Festival of Speed. In signing today, you join over 2000 organisations in the UK who have made a similar commitment”. He added: “The Armed Forces Covenant relies on those people, communities, and British businesses to actively support it in making a difference. So, the commitments you have made today formally enshrine what we know you have already done for many years and are doing every day – to support the employment of service leavers and reservists in your workforce, their spouses and families, the wounded, injured and sick. I thank you whole-heartedly for these commitments.”
Signing the Armed Forces Covenant has been a natural extension of the ‘Mission Automotive’ initiative, of which Alcon is a founding member. Mission Automotive helps companies to access and retain ex-forces talent and delivers sustainable and relevant employment opportunities for service leavers, veterans and their spouses. Mission Automotive is delivered by Mission Motorsport, the Forces’ Motorsport Charity in partnership with the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, with the support of the Ministry of Defence.
James Cameron, CEO of Mission Motorsport said: “Alcon are an accomplished and innovative company whose products have international impact in motorsport, in automotive and in other areas where their name is less well known – including military applications. They have for many years been staunch supporters of Service causes, looking to make a difference through their work to help those whose lives have been impacted by military service. A leader in their industry, their support of the wider Mission Automotive initiative, encouraging others to follow in their footsteps forms powerful advocacy and is to be celebrated.”
Alistair Fergusson, Group Managing Director at Alcon said: “We’re honoured to have been invited to sign the Armed Forces Covenant today and also, to announce our involvement in Mission Automotive. We’re committed to supporting the Armed Forces communities in any way we can. We recognise the considerable talent on offer as people leave the Armed Forces and the contribution they can make to a business environment such as ours, post-service”. He added: “Aside from our core motorsport business, Alcon has been solving braking problems in the defence and security sectors for over 10 years. We’re now the preferred supplier of bespoke performance braking systems to several major global defence vehicle manufacturers, helping to save lives across the world”.
Alcon innovation delivers bespoke braking solution to Protean Electric
June 27, 2019
Internationally acclaimed high-performance brake system design, development and manufacturing company, Alcon Components Ltd, has developed a bespoke braking solution with Protean Electric to be used in its market-leading in-wheel motor, ProteanDrive.
The challenge overcome by Alcon was to package a braking system around an advanced in-wheel motor design whilst retaining functionality for steering and suspension and maintaining a positive offset inboard of the motor. Whilst the ProteanDrive in-wheel motor supports regenerative braking, hydraulic friction brakes are also required to meet legislative requirements, and regenerative braking is also not available when the batteries are fully charged. To meet the performance and packaging requirements, Alcon effectively turned the braking system inside-out with the rotor disc mounted to the outside of the motor and the caliper mounted inside the disc. Using a cast iron caliper allowed Alcon to minimize wall thickness, pushing the disc as far outboard as possible, allowing for the largest disc possible. Amongst other innovative design tweaks, Alcon also integrated a parking brake mechanism. Working as a supplier to Protean, Alcon is able to deliver braking systems that enable future mobility solutions in low to medium volume.
Dr Chris Hilton, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at Protean Electric, said: “Our innovative ProteanDrive in-wheel motor design required a completely different approach for braking. By teaming with Alcon we were able to source a purpose-designed system that solved a multitude of interlinked engineering challenges. Alcon has become a trusted partner, consistently delivering the flexibility, innovation and quality we require.”
Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon, said: “We’re very proud of what has been achieved in delivering a bespoke braking solution to Protean Electric. It has enabled ProteanDrive in-wheel motors to be supplied to a number of customers to meet a variety of future-reaching needs”. He added: “As demonstrated on this project, if an off-the-shelf solution is not applicable then Alcon can tailor a braking system that solves all of the challenges faced in the most unconventional of vehicle system designs. As well as our established motorsport business, we’re receiving interest and achieving sales in a number of sectors, including defence, off-highway and other specialist areas where our innovative and tailored approach is solving problems.”
Arnold Defense to exhibit at the Paris Airshow for the first time with the State of Missouri
June 13, 2019
Arnold Defense, the St Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, will be exhibiting for the first time at the Paris Airshow on the State of Missouri stand (Hall 3 #C-148). The 53rd International Paris Air Show will take place from 17 to 23 June 2019 at the Exhibition Center of Le Bourget, a few kilometers North of Paris.
Arnold Defense will be showcasing the ultra-lightweight LWL-12 rocket launcher weighing in at just over 60 pounds (27 kg) empty. The LWL-12 is a new 12-round 2.75-inch (70 mm) rocket launcher that is designed to save weight but also deliver more firepower. The LWL 12 launcher offers a lighter weight option to the M261 which is a 19-round 2.75-inch (70 mm) launcher primarily used on attack helicopters such as the Apache. The participation with the State of Missouri is a first for Arnold Defense.
Arnold Defense is the world’s largest supplier of rocket launchers for military aircraft, vessels and vehicles; they have manufactured more than 1.2 million 2.75-inch (70mm) rocket launchers since 1961 for the U.S. Armed Forces and a number of NATO customers. They design and manufacture rocket launchers that can be customized for any size, weight, capacity or form factor for platforms in the air, on the ground or at sea.
The State of Missouri offers many assets for companies and has recently been recognized as one of the fastest growing States in the union for technical job opportunities. It can offer a business climate that encourages growth to a highly skilled workforce and offers exceptional transportation and infrastructure. Missouri offers a variety of unique business advantages. It is considered to be first in offering corporate facilities and has won 3 awards for corporate investment. As part of an ongoing program to promote the companies based in the State, the Paris Airshow is one of many international exhibitions the State have been present at this year. All of this has helped make the State of Missouri one of the top performing states for export.
Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense said “2019 has been a great year for Arnold Defense. Promoting our unique range of launchers at the prestigious Paris Airshow in collaboration with the State of Missouri, our home, will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase our continued innovation and dedication to providing only the best weapons systems to today’s modern warfighters”.
Meet the Arnold Defense team on stand # C-148 where you can see the LWL-12 and where Arnold Defense staff will be on hand to explain their systems to visitors and specific briefings and interviews can be facilitated.