Category Archives: Ground Warfare

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

Leading manufacturer of light tactical vehicles, AM General, together with the Jeep Brand of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), introduced a new light tactical concept vehicle at the Annual Meeting and Exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA). The Jeep Gladiator Extreme Military-Grade Truck (XMT) by AM General is the first phase of a collaboration that reunites two companies whose histories trace back to World War II. In creating the Jeep Gladiator XMT, AM General leveraged the Gladiator’s class-leading capabilities and customized the truck to meet global customers’ needs for a light-weight military truck. AM General is mostly known for turning the military-grade Humvee into the civilian Hummer, that behemoth gas guzzler that almost every person with money drove in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

AM General identified the all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator – the most capable midsize truck ever, with 7,650 pounds of towing capacity and up to 1,600 pounds of payload capacity – as the ideal platform on which to develop the Extreme Military-Grade concept vehicle. The all-new Jeep Gladiator boasts unmatched functionality, versatility and especially capability – including two advanced 4×4 systems, locking differentials, skid plates, tow hooks, and incredible approach, breakover and departure angles – the perfect foundation for this ultra-capable military concept vehicle. The Jeep Gladiator XMT has been upfitted by AM General with both custom-built and commercially available military-grade parts to create an even more rugged truck that can traverse the toughest of terrains in adverse conditions and is ready to meet varied military customer requirements.

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

As with the iconic, proven and versatile Humvee, AM General can also apply its manufacturing and engineering expertise to convert the Gladiator XMT into mission-specific and purposeful light-weight tactical trucks based on customer requirements. Whether the need is to have a rugged personnel transport carrier or a command and control truck, the company has demonstrated through the Enhanced Tactical Kit (ETK) offerings on Humvee, its ability to deliver solutions that are customer-driven, and cost-effective. Pending feedback and interest in the military marketplace, production could begin in the second half of 2020. In addition to the gas model, Gladiator XMT would be offered to military customers as a diesel version.

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

All Gladiator models are Trail Rated with a badge indicating that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording. Gladiator Rubicon models are equipped with signature red tow hooks, Rock-Trac® 4×4 system, featuring a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, front and rear heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok® electric front- and rear-axle lockers, segment-exclusive electronic sway bar disconnect, cab and bed rock rails and standard 33-inch Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain off-road tires.

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

Built on more than 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with various gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Jeep is part of the portfolio of brands offered by global automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

AM General Jeep Gladiator XMT Light Tactical Concept Vehicle

If the U.S. Army places an order for the Gladiator XMT which would be the first American military use of what we would regard as a Jeep in decades. The CJ-5-based M38A1 was in production until 1971. And if the project receives the green light, it would mark the first time the two companies have worked together in decades as well. Production could begin in the second half of 2020. While AM General is best known for making the Humvee, which famously spawned the civilian Hummer H1 released in 1992, it owes its existence to former Jeep parent company American Motors Corporation (AMC). AMC purchased Jeep from Kaiser in 1970 and split it in two the following year. The namesake brand continued making off-roaders like the Wagoneer and the CJ for the general public, while its military-oriented General Products Division morphed into AM General Corp.

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BAE’s $10 Billion Howitzer Project Improves After Years of Flaws

BAE Systems Plc may win U.S. Army approval as soon as next month for full-rate production of self-propelled howitzers after the $10 billion program was hobbled by several years of delays over defects. The company has been assembling the weapons system since October 2013 under low-rate contracts as it produced the vehicles late and with numerous welding defects. Deliveries were halted for six months in 2017 because of welding flaws that required the return for repairs of 50 of 86 vehicles already delivered. Since then, London-based BAE has invested $200 million in improvements at its factory in York, Pennsylvania.

BAE’s $10 Billion Howitzer Project Improves After Years of Flaws

BAE’s $10 Billion Howitzer Project Improves After Years of Flaws

The 155mm Paladin howitzer and the ammunition carrier that accompanies it are the centerpiece of the Army’s artillery plans as it shifts its focus to countering Russia after 18 years of emphasizing the defeat of terrorists. It’s part of the service’s “Long-Range Precision Fires” capability, which tops its list of modernization priorities. The weapon is scheduled to be upgraded in the next few years with a new Extended Range Cannon designed to match Russian systems in Europe. BAE Systems “is slowly making progress” by “providing high quality vehicles at improved production rates,”.

U.S. Army extends contract for Bradley Fighting Vehicle upgrades

The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract modification worth up to $269 million for continued production of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV). The award for an additional 168 upgraded Bradley A4 Infantry Fighting Vehicles is part of the Army’s combat vehicle modernization strategy and helps ensure force readiness of the Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT).

The Bradley A4 is equipped with an enhanced powertrain that maximizes mobility and increases engine horsepower, providing rapid movement in reaction to combat or other adverse situations. Wide angle Driver’s Vision Enhancer, improved Force XXI Battle Command Bridge and Below (FBCB2) software integration improves friendly and enemy vehicle identification, enhancing situational awareness. The addition of a High Speed Slip Ring, greater network connectivity and Smart Displays that simultaneously display classified and unclassified information also improve situational awareness.

U.S. Army extends contract for Bradley Fighting Vehicle upgrades

U.S. Army extends contract for Bradley Fighting Vehicle upgrades

“The Bradley is one of the most critical vehicles in the Army’s ABCT today because it allows the Army to transport troops to the fight, and provide covering fire to suppress enemy vehicles and troops,” said Scott Davis, vice president of combat vehicle programs for BAE Systems. “Upgrading to the A4 configuration provides soldiers with more power to increase their speed and ability to integrate enhanced technology to ensure they maintain the advantage on the battlefield.”

Previously awarded funding for initial production of 164 Bradley A4 vehicles allowed BAE Systems to begin production. The award of this option brings the total production funding to $578 million. It includes upgrades and associated spares of two Bradley variants: the M2A4 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M7A4 Fire Support Team Vehicle.

BAE Systems is a premiere supplier of combat vehicles to the U.S. military and international customers. The company has an extensive manufacturing network across the United States and continues to invest in it. Work on the program will take place at Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas, and BAE Systems’ facilities in Aiken, South Carolina; Anniston, Alabama; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Jose, California; Sterling Heights, Michigan; and York, Pennsylvania.

First Grkpbv 90 self-propelled mortars delivered to Swedish Army

The Swedish Army received its first four series production Granatkastarpansarbandvagn 90 (Grkpbv 90) self-propelled mortars on 19 September. This follows the delivery of the first four Grkpbv 90 pre-production vehicles to the FMV in February 2019 for training, testing, and validation Deliveries of all 40 vehicles are expected to be completed during 2020. In only 2 years, the Grkpbv90 has come from contract to delivery.

Grkpbv 90 self-propelled mortars

Grkpbv 90 self-propelled mortars

The head of Army materiel at FMV, Brigadier General Mikael Frisell, was very pleased to be able to hand over the first four vehicles. “In just two and a half years, the project has gone from contract to delivery, which is a very short time, not to say completely unique. This has been possible through close collaboration between FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces and the industry. The army now gets a top-class grenade launcher system.

Grkpbv 90 self-propelled mortars

Grkpbv 90 self-propelled mortars

The Granatkastarpansarbandvagn 90 (Grkpbv90) is a grenade launcher carrier expected to act as an artillery battalion and is based on combat vehicles 90 (CV90) which are a family of Swedish tracked combat vehicles. These vehicles will be equiped with their own navigation system, the POS2. In 2016, the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) had signed an agreement with HB Development (HB Utveckling AB, the joint venture between BAE Systems Bofors AB and BAE Systems Hägglunds AB) for the building and delivering of 40 120mm mortar carriers GRKPBV 90 to the Swedish army.

Grkpbv 90 self-propelled mortars

Grkpbv 90 self-propelled mortars

BAE Systems unveils new ARCHER Mobile Howitzer

BAE Systems is unveiling a new ARCHER Mobile Howitzer at DSEI today that is highly adaptable to diverse terrains and battlefield conditions, giving it the flexibility needed to meet a wide range of mission requirements for militaries around the world.
The key is a modular design that allows it to be integrated onto different truck chassis and then seamlessly introduced into existing vehicle fleets. The ARCHER’s modularity makes it a cost-effective solution that provides critical battlefield capabilities. The ARCHER system displayed at DSEI 2019 is mounted on a Rheinmetall RMMV HX2 8×8 truck – meaning it could be common to systems already in service with the British Army. The original ARCHER, first delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces in 2013, is mounted on a Volvo A30 6X6 articulated hauler.

“This new international version of the ARCHER can be easily integrated onto a variety of different chassis, allowing the customer to specify the vehicle best suited to their needs,” said Ulf Einefors, director of marketing and sales at BAE Systems Weapon Systems business in Sweden. “We’re pleased to display this new version at DSEI to demonstrate the versatility that ARCHER could add to any allied military force.”

The long-range, self-propelled ARCHER brings speed, mobility, and high rates of fire to support ground troops. From the safety of ARCHER’s armored cabin, a three-person crew needs less than 30 seconds to deploy or displace the system, making ARCHER the ultimate shoot-and-scoot artillery system. As the most advanced wheeled 155mm, 52-calibre system in operation today, ARCHER features a 21-round auto-loader and onboard ballistic calculation. The system can fire up to eight rounds per minute at ranges approaching 40 kilometers with conventional 155mm ammunition and 60 kilometres with precision guided munitions such as Excalibur.

BAE Systems unveils new ARCHER Mobile Howitzer

BAE Systems unveils new ARCHER Mobile Howitzer

MBDA showcases Brimstone application on Milrem Robotics Unmanned Ground Vehicle

MBDA has unveiled at DSEI 2019 how the Brimstone precision strike missile can equip unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to serve as an organic force-multiplier for the tactical commander. This development, utilising the Milrem Robotics THeMIS UGV, adds to Brimstone’s ‘One Missile, Multi-Platform’ versatility.

Carrying six Brimstone missiles per UGV, the development comes in response to the British Army’s ‘Prototype Warfare’ drive, which includes a renewed need to counter massed armour formations in high-intensity warfare and to ‘fight differently’. Such operational requirements demand long-range, all-weather performance, ability to defeat all-known defensive aid suites (DAS), salvo-firing and moving target capability. Brimstone is uniquely able to meet these challenges.

The THeMIS is a versatile and robust unmanned system with low noise and heat signatures that can negotiate demanding terrains while keeping the operator in a safe distance. Using digital targeting data provided by the remote operator over standard secure military networks, the system will be capable of engaging line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight targets, with a choice of radar and SAL (semi-active laser) engagement modes.

MBDA showcases Brimstone application on Milrem Robotics Unmanned Ground Vehicle

MBDA showcases Brimstone application on Milrem Robotics Unmanned Ground Vehicle

This cassette magazine, with its high weapon loadout, is optimised to counter mass armour. Pairing the combat-proven MBDA Brimstone missile with a flexible and mission deployed UGV such as the Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS provides the tactical commander with the capability to rapidly and remotely deliver high volumes of precision anti-armour effects, importantly in all weathers, against all known DAS and at extended ranges. This land vehicle adds to the Brimstone suite of platforms (fast jet, rotary, RPAS) and underscores its ‘One Missile, Multi-Platform’ versatility.”

The modular elevating launcher has a high load-out to provide the assurance of immediate fire support for multiple targets. The integration solution will take advantage of the high off-boresight agility of the Brimstone missile to avoid the complexity of rotating turrets.Integrating Brimstone to THeMIS follows on from previous work to fit the MMP missile to the UGV. The two weapons offer complementary solutions for delivering organic/battery-level precision anti-armour effects at medium and extended ranges.

China unveils Dongfeng-41 Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

China unveiled Dongfeng-41 intercontinental strategic nuclear missiles, the country’s most advanced and powerful deterrent, in a National Day military parade in central Beijing Tuesday. A formation consisting of 16 new-type strategic nuclear missile launchers carrying Dongfeng-41 passed through Tian’anmen Square in the massive parade in celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
Dongfeng-41 missiles, the mainstay of China’s strategic nuclear strength, play a vital role in strategic counterbalance, deterrent control and in winning decisive victory. The formation is made up of two missile brigades from the rocket force.

China unveils Dongfeng-41 Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

China unveils Dongfeng-41 Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

The Dongfeng-41 (DF-41, East Wind-41) is a Chinese solid-fuelled road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile reportedly has an operational range between 12,000 to 15,000 kilometres (7,500 to 9,300 mi), capable of reaching the contiguous United States within 30 minutes. This would make it the world’s longest-range missile, surpassing that of the US LGM-30 Minuteman, which has a reported range of 13,000 kilometres (8,100 mi). It is believed to have a top speed of Mach 25, and to be capable of MIRV delivery (up to 12). Though there have been reports that the DF-41 can carry 6 to 10 warheads, analysts think it most likely carries only three warheads, with the additional payload used for many penetration aids.