Products for use in harsh environments

HUBER+SUHNER, a leading international manufacturer and supplier of components and systems for electrical and optical connectivity, demonstrates its wide range of defence products and solutions at stand 08-B30. Providing a complete offering that meets current and future requirements, the Swiss company is revealing why its turn-key approach is a major differentiator in the fast-growing defence market. It is exhibiting its products for use in harsh environments, focusing on solutions for Command and Control, Airborne, and Convoy Jamming. Among the Airborne solutions displayed at the HUBER+SUHNER stand are its self-locking connectors, a simple and easy to use solution that eliminates the need for lockwire and safety wire that can lead to potential foreign object debris in an aircraft. The EACON (EAsy CONnection) assemblies is also on display, showcasing a simple solution for a flexible and fast field-termination of microwave cable assemblies, without compromising high performance. The HUBER+SUHNER direct GPS-over-Fibre solutions perfectly address the power supply challenges within a GPS system by making use of its newly developed Power-over-Fibre technology. This new technology not only enables system improvements by eliminating all copper within the link, but also reduces the amount of hardware within the system by integrating the transmission functionality into the antenna. Also on display at the stand is the SENCITY shield, which is specifically developed to meet today’s challenging requirements for electronic countermeasure (ECM) missions in military and security applications. The low profile, shark fin design ensures low visibility while still providing exceptional electrical performance in terms of horizontal gain and high power capabilities. “As HUBER+SUHNER expands its airborne and defence portfolio, IDEX presents a unique platform for us to establish and strengthen relationships with government departments, businesses and armed forces throughout the MENA region,” Patric Keller, Market Manager Aerospace+Defense, said.

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FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH (FFG), as part of the German pavilion, having further developed its activities in the field of protected vehicles and protection systems against current threat scenarios, is exhibiting the LEOPARD 2 based WiSENT 2, one of the world’s most modern multifunctional vehicle platform in Armoured Engineer Vehicle (ARV) configuration, and the G5 multirole vehicle, which FFG developed with the aim to create best possible protection for a maximum load and for a largest possible compartment.

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Building upon the on-time and on-budget delivery of 2x72m High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV) to the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) in 2016, the Australian shipbuilder Austal has announced an expanded HSSV design portfolio that includes a 113m variant – on display for the first time at NAVDEX 2017. Like the US Navy’s proven 103m Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform – designed and constructed by Austal and now operating with the US 5th Fleet in the Middle East – the HSSV’s sealift capabilities support a broad range of naval logistics operations and may be customised to add even greater mission flexibility. The all-aluminium, high speed catamarans feature a shallow draft that enables the fast, effective deployment of hundreds of personnel and equipment, wheeled and tracked vehicles and cargo, with medium-lift or heavy-lift (CH-47 CHINOOK, V-22 OSPREY) aviation support options available; for joint force military operations and other missions, such as search and rescue, humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

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At IDEX 2017 on stand #09-A10, Rheinmetall is showcasing its OERLIKON FIELDRANGER 20, a versatile, high-precision, remotely controlled first of a new family of weapon stations that delivers impressive firepower. The family includes the stabilised, fully digital AMAROK for light and medium machine guns, and the QIMEK for heavy machine guns, both of which are on show as well. Forming the system’s core element is a 20mm x128 cal. OERLIKON KAE automatic cannon. This gas-operated weapon has a maximum rate of fire of a thousand rounds per minute, but in rapid single-shot mode can  operate with a programmable rate of fire between 100 and 300 rounds per minute. The ammunition is belt fed.

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Leonardo and Abu Dhabi-based IGG (International Golden Group) have signed a strategic collaboration agreement to supply cyber security capabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at IDEX. The companies will collaborate to identify and implement advanced solutions including Security Operations Centres (SOCs). The agreement’s aim is to integrate the solutions and the market knowledge offered by IGG, which will be the local prime contractor and which already provides high-level security to national customers, with Leonardo’s state-of-the-art know- how, in a long-term strategic and international partnership. Recently, the UAE underlined cyber security as a key factor in the country’s development, with the aim of identifying prestigious partners with which to develop cutting-edge solutions and infrastructures. Leonardo can meet this requirement, through state-of-the-art solutions and thanks to its ability to set up complex real-time monitoring and reaction centres, advanced information technology infrastructure and key management services. This will permit customers to prevent, identify and oppose sophisticated and persistent cyber threats, safeguarding the most delicate assets of an organisation: data and information.
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Saab has launched CoastControl, a comprehensive solution to make the work of coast guards around the world more efficient and more effective. It combines a full suite of surveillance and communications products with a strong workflow management tool that helps coastal security personnel to stay ahead of any situation. CoastControl integrates proven Saab solutions in a new way to bring a new level of control. This includes tools for structured incident management, decision support, management of personnel, smart deployment of critical assets such as aircraft and ships, and round the clock surveillance of the area of responsibility. It automates many user tasks, allowing personnel to focus on their jobs and get more done faster. “People often do not realise the breadth and intensity of coastal security work,” Tomas Hjelmberg, Head of Maritime Traffic Management said during IDEX. “It often involves tasks such as search and rescue, law enforcement and environmental protection. Situations can evolve rapidly and accurate decision support from CoastControl has the potential to save lives.“
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NIMR Automotive and VOP CZ signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement for the marketing, distribution, production and after-sale support of the complete range of NIMR armoured vehicles to the Visegrád 4 countries – Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. The agreement was signed during a formal ceremony at IDEX in the presence of senior defence officials from the UAE and Czech Republic. The NIMR AJBAN440A, a highly mobile 4×4 protected vehicle incorporating the latest technologies in ballistic and blast protection will be presented to representatives of the Czech Ministry of Defence and the Czech Armed Forces at the end of February during an industry day event being held in Vyškov. The intention is to showcase the joint capability to the Czech Armed Forces, particularly modern, light armoured vehicles with industry leading specifications, which can be used as a platform for chemical, reconnaissance, logistics, medical and other versions, thereby providing a common platform for multiple operational needs with a common logistic support base and lower lifecycle costs. VOP CZ already enjoys a strong supplier relationship with NIMR and has been manufacturing armoured cabins for the AJBAN 440A for more than two years. This provided the catalyst for expanding the engagement to explore sales opportunities for the full NIMR vehicle range within the region, chiefly in the Visegrád Group of countries.
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