₦airaland Forum

Ind.a Strikes ‘Big Deal’ With Armenia; To Export Indigenous Pinaka Missiles Amid Conflict With Azerbaijan

Ind is set to export one of its prized possessions, the “Pinaka” missile system, to conflict-ridden Armenia, just days after recording the highest-ever defense export that swelled by a staggering 334% over the last five years.

https://eurasiantimes.com/india-set-to-export-indigenous-pinaka-missile-system-to-armenia/

Paramount gets 50-unit order for newly launched Maatla light vehicle

Paramount Land Systems, a subsidiary of aerospace and technology company Paramount Group, has revealed that it has received two orders totalling 50 units of its Maatla 4x4 light protected vehicle (LPV) during the African Aerospace and Defence Expo 2022, that was held from September 21 to 23.

https://m.engineeringnews.co.za/article/paramount-gets-50-unit-order-for-newly-launched-maatla-light-vehicle-2022-09-27/rep_id:4433

Kikuyu1, seeing that it's Friday:

My beloved Art of Duplicity has made it to 88 on the top 100 of the world's best bars for 2022.
I know a few Nairobi boulevardiers who swear by the Hero Bar (68).
The top 50 comes out October 04.

davefurn:
Ohhhh, your sarcasms sometimes; he isn't a southie, but you understood what I meant. But I seriously felt, they offloaded at an extremely wrong timing which gave the results we saw. Better they made the mistake there than during the event

You were talking shite, and yes I understood.
As for the incident, I feel sorry for the troopers. They never should've been ordered to jump with that particular chute in those numbers in a built-up area.

jteku, you restless Saffer, you!

davefurn:
Now those southies can rest

What are you on about?

jteku:
They might cancel the paratroopers event, since I noticed they couldn't land in a designated spot inside eagle square

Why not give them steerable chutes and reduce the number to a section?

Nemesis4you:
Dhanush 155x45

They were at AAD2022.

Nigeria is preparing for a big Independence Anniversary parade on the 1st of October.

Army Paratroopers also seen practicing jumps.

I sincerely hope the guys that landed on cars and trees weren't badly hurt.

Sudan markets long range 122 mm rockets

Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation (MIC) is offering its 122 mm artillery rocket system to potential customers amongst a wide range of land and air capabilities.

For many years the MIC has been manufacturing the 122 mm solid propellant rockets for the widely deployed Russian 122 mm (40 round) BM-21 artillery rocket system (ARS) which is normally based on a 6×6 cross-country platform.

This is the most widely deployed ARS in the world and has been copied or manufactured under licence by many other countries.

The standard 122 mm unguided rocket has a maximum range of around 20 km but the MIC has developed and placed in production a new extended range rocket called the TAKA-03/GRL02 which is claimed to have a minimum range of 20 km and a maximum range of 40 km.

It is fitted with a high explosive blast fragmentation warhead (HE) which is activated by a nose mounted impact fuze to give a claimed lethal radius of 70 m.

In addition to manufacturing 122 mm rockets, the MIC, which was an exhibitor at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Pretoria this month, has also produced the TAKA MRL-01 122 mm (8-round) pedestal mounted rocket launcher which owing to its weight of 920 kg in unloaded configuration can be installed on a variety of land platforms and is also being marketed for naval applications such as coastal bombardment.

This has manual traverse of 45 degrees left and right and has elevation from minus 6 to plus 52 degrees and fires standard 122 mm rockets with a maximum range of 20 m plus the previous mention extended range rocket with a maximum range of 40 km.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/sudan-markets-long-range-122-mm-rockets/

India markets towed artillery systems for export

For many years India has been seeking to become self-sufficient in many year areas of land systems, including towed artillery systems.

The 155 mm/45 calibre Dhanush towed artillery system, which was marketed at the recent Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 exhibition, is now deployed by the Indian Army and is fitted with a power unit on the front of the split carriage which allows it to move in a confined space at a maximum speed of up to 5 km/h. It also assists in bringing the gun into action.

The 155 mm/45 calibre ordnance is fitted with a muzzle brake and maximum range depends on the projectile/charge combination but is claimed to be more than 36 km with a Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS) Zone 6 which gives a high muzzle velocity of 881 m/s. India is currently quoting a barrel life of 2 000 round equivalent full charge (EFC).

In addition to using the BMCS it can also use the older and less efficient bag charge propellant systems and types of 155 mm ammunition that can be fired include the widely deployed and old US developed M107 high-explosive (HE) projectile and Extended Range Full Bore Boat Tail (BT) or Base Bleed (BB) projectiles.

Maximum rate of fire is currently being quoted as a burst rate of three rounds in 30 seconds and an intense rate of 12 rounds in three minutes.

A load assist device is fitted as standard as is a load assist device which carries three 155 mm projectiles on the right side.

Standard equipment on the Dhanush includes a muzzle velocity radar mounted above the ordnance which feed information to the fire control system, artillery gun alignment and positioning system and Global Positioning System (GPS) aided inertial navigation system (INS).

It can also be integrated into the end users own existing artillery command and control system.

In addition to marketing the Dhanush 155 mm/45 calibre towed artillery system, India is also marketing Sharang 155 mm/45 calibre artillery system which is essentially an upgraded Russian 130 mm M-46 field gun which has been deployed by the Indian and many other countries for well over 50 years and with the Chinese equivalent being the Type 59-1, Both of these have a maximum range of just over 27 000 m.

Firing an ERFB-BB and using a BMCS Zone 6, a maximum range of 38 km is obtained for the Sharang which is a significant improvement with barrel having an EFC life of 1 500 rounds.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/india-markets-towed-artillery-systems-for-export/

Hensoldt South Africa launches new Quadome Land radar

Hensoldt South Africa has launched the latest version of its flagship Quadome radar, the Quadome Land, designed for air and surface surveillance and targeting.

The three-dimensional multi-mission radar was officially launched at Air Force Base Waterkloof on 22 September during the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition and goes a long way towards Hensoldt South Africa’s goal to become the leading manufacturer and exporter of air-surveillance and defence radars on the African continent.

The Quadome Land ground-based air and surface surveillance radar follows the launch of its naval Quadome counterpart at DSEi in September 2021, and supports the further internationalisation of the Hensoldt Group’s radar business.

Quadome Land is aimed at the global market for tactical ground-based air defence radar systems, deployed in the air defence or coastal surveillance roles. Because of its compact size, relatively low mass and good price-performance ratio, the radar offers 3D air surveillance and air defence capabilities that are highly mobile and easily deployable, Hensoldt South Africa said.

The entire radar system, including two-man operators’ console, can fit inside a standard 20 foot ISO shipping container, making it highly portable. Programme Manager of Hensoldt South Africa’s radar business unit, Jaco Botha, said Quadome Land offers a ‘radar in a box’ capability as it is completely self-contained, and it can be transported in a C-130 Hercules or similar aircraft. It has its own electric and hydraulic power for self-deployment, which takes 15 minutes.

The active electronically scanned array (AESA) C band radar has two main modes of engagement: air surveillance, and air defence for target engagement. Instrumented tracking range is up to 200 km and the radar can track 1 000 targets simultaneously. It features frequency hopping within its band.

World class product

“Quadome is a result of many man-years of engineering effort to develop a world-class product that will revolutionise the radar landscape worldwide,” said Rynier van der Watt, Managing Director of Hensoldt South Africa.

“Quadome is designed to maximise system performance, while minimising acquisition and life-cycle costs,” said Bennie Langenhoven, Chief Executive of the Radar Business Unit. As Quadome is a software-defined radar, it can easily be upgraded in the future as technology develops.

The development of Quadome has been undertaken in South Africa through a close collaboration between Hensoldt South Africa and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with over 40 engineers collectively working on this product since 2018. It is currently the largest defence radar development programme in South Africa.

“Not only is a Quadome a world-class product that will revolutionise the radar landscape worldwide, it also makes a significant contribution to the technology available to detect and protect our own borders and seas in the South African defence landscape,” said van der Watt.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/hensoldt-south-africa-launches-new-quadome-land-radar/

The exhibitor catalogue for AAD2022

https://impactsa.co.za/3d-flip-book/aad-2022/

CSIR showcasing security innovations at AAD

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is developing a C-Band phased array synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload with support from the Department of Science and Innovation and this is one of the technologies on show at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof this week.

The CSIR said the SAR payload has been developed in collaboration with South African space industry players, SCS Space and Dragonfly Aerospace. The payload (named SAR-C) is designed to support constellations of micro-satellites, while providing advanced SAR performance modes, including high-resolution wide-swath digital beamforming. The design boasts significant redundancy to extend life expectancy in the harsh space environment and lower manufacture costs through local SMMEs due to the highly scalable architecture based on PCB (printed circuit board) technology, the CSIR said.

At this year’s expo, which runs from 21 to 25 September, the CSIR is highlighting several technologies, including a locally developed biometric system for children, which identifies children from infancy to adulthood by using biometrics captured at birth or during infancy, to manage children’s identities in South Africa. The CSIR has also developed a contactless fingerprint recognition device that verifies an individual’s identity by comparing a captured fingerprint to one that is on paper or stored in memory.

The organisation is also demonstrating its cybersecurity early warning software system, which helps small, medium, and large businesses detect network intrusions and avoid the disclosure of sensitive information and eventual revenue loss. Featuring alongside these technologies is Meerkat, K-Line technology for fire disaster management and The Asset and Fleet Management System, a decision support tool developed by the CSIR to provide situational awareness around business operations to enable effective and efficient management of operational assets to personnel safety.

CSIR business development manager Tendani Malumedzha said the CSIR will use AAD to not only showcase technologies, but also engage fully with the public and private sectors regarding their technological needs.

“The CSIR is very excited to be showcasing a suite of technologies at this year’s AAD trade exhibition and conference. We have a track record of using our research and development capabilities in information and cybersecurity, command control and integrated systems, optronic sensor systems, as well as radar and electronic warfare to design unique solutions to enhance state security and strengthen the competitiveness of local industry. We also have a keen interest in engaging with the public and private sectors, listening to their needs, and responding by collaboratively designing integrated security solutions that can be commercialised,” said Malumedzha.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/science-a-defence-technology/csir-showcasing-security-innovations-at-aad/

Hensoldt launches GEW Skylark-N for naval surveillance

Hensoldt South Africa’s GEW business unit has launched a new electronic support measures (ESM) system for use on naval surface vessels. The launch took place at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 exhibition in Pretoria on 23 September.

GEW’s Skylark-N is designed for communications surveillance, emitter tracking and monitoring on smaller to midsize naval craft, such as Offshore Patrol Vessels.

Hensoldt said the system was recently put into service by several customers, but did not identify them. Earlier this year the SA Navy took delivery of the first of three in-shore patrol vessels built under Project Biro, the size of vessel which Hensoldt said would be suited to use of the Skylark system.

The system detects, locates, identifies and tracks radio emissions in the HF, VHF and UHF frequency bands, providing wide band monitoring of possible naval targets. Hensoldt said the system has exceptional sensitivity due to the use of advanced digital processing and direction finding algorithms. At the system’s core is the EW MRD7090 compact spectrum monitoring and direction finding system.

Hensoldt said the Skylark-N system is rugged, lightweight and low in power consumption. It can be installed on new ships, but a refit of a vessel is not required for its placement on existing naval platforms. Skylark-N can operate on a standalone basis, and can be integrated into existing on-board combat management systems. This would allow the automatic aiming of weapons at the targets Skylark-N acquires.

Skylark can be integrated into other Hensoldt solutions such as Hensoldt’s Quadome radar system for naval and target acquisition that was launched at the Defence Services Exhibition International (DSEI) in London last year.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/hensoldt-launches-gew-skylark-n-for-naval-surveillance/

Prominent Milkor presence at AAD 2022

As the Diamond Sponsor of the 2022 edition of AAD, Milkor is taking the opportunity to showcase all its products on home turf. Since exhibiting at the last AAD in 2018, Milkor has new developments to show, especially regarding unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and armoured personnel carriers (APCs).

Taking pride of place is the Milkor 380 medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) UAV, fitted with a multitude of weapons highlighting the versatility of the platform. These include the new X-series precision guided munition kit from the UAE’s AL TARIQ, HALCON Desert Sting DS-16 lightweight, air-launched precision guided munitions, and Thales Belgium FZ602 rocket launchers (the FZ602 is a two-tube reusable lightweight launcher).

The 18.6 metre wingspan aircraft is fitted with an L3-Harris gimbal system but gimbals of various sizes and weights can be fitted. The Milkor 380 at AAD 2022 is also being showcased with an Airborne Technologies SCAR (Self-Contained Aerial Reconnaissance) pod which Milkor says is ideal for things like maritime surveillance, especially when used on conjunction with the gimbal. The SCAR pod can be fitted with many different sensors, but at AAD is displayed with a ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging) optical radar system.

Milkor’s UAV can be fitted with guided weapons and various payloads to perform multiple operations, such as SAR/ISAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar/Inverted Synthetic Aperture Radar), Communications Intelligence (COMINT), AIS (Automatic Identification System), communications relay, and communications jammer. The airframe includes five hardpoints: two on each wing and one at the centre of the fuselage, with the ability to carry larger systems if needed.

Growing range of land systems

Since debuting its Milkor 4×4 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) at the previous edition of AAD in 2018, the company has further developed the vehicle to suit end-user requirements. The original vehicle was built with high ground clearance and high level offroad performance ideally suited to challenging African terrain. The vehicle’s operational capability has been expanded to deployment in the desert with the option of an inline central tyre inflation system and an upgraded cooling package. Multiple electronic sensors and remote-control weapons stations (RCWS), such as a 12.7 mm machinegun option, have been integrated to increase the mission capability, situational awareness, and personnel safety of the vehicle. Milkor also offers an anti-riot version of its APC – the latter was deployed during the July 2021 unrest in South Africa.

Whilst the initial target market was African militaries, interest and opportunities for the vehicle have come from outside the continent, including from the Middle East, South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, Milkor said.

For decades best known for its range of multiple grenade launchers, notably the SuperSix range, Milkor has over the last couple of years further developed and expanded its weapons range, with improvements covering the Milkor AGL (Automatic Grenade Launcher), UBGL (Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher) and new MAR (Multiple Anti-Riot) grenade launcher. The AGL is taking a standout position at AAD 2022.

Other equipment Milkor is keen to highlight it flagship naval vessel, the Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft). This is suited for any navy, coast guard or military. “The vessel is a one of a kind in the industry and is built for long endurance missions. Operations of up to five days can easily be accomplished through a unique design and layout that combines crew comfort with operational functionality that is suited for surveillance and potential engagement. Various features and configurations of the Milkor IPC will be on display at AAD 2022 highlighting Milkor’s marine design and manufacturing capabilities,” the company said.

The growing product range is in line with Milkor’s aim to become an established global leader in the defence industry, with a growing international presence. Milkor has opened offices in India, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. It has taken part in all the big international defence trade shows, including DefExpo in India, Defence Services Asia in Malaysia, Defence and Security in Thailand, and now Africa Aerospace and Defence.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/prominent-milkor-presence-at-aad-2022/

AL TARIQ debuts new PGM for UAVs, light aircraft

The UAE’s AL TARIQ has unveiled a new range of lightweight precision guide munitions (PGMs) suitable for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and smaller counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft like the Super Tucano and the locally designed Mwari of Paramount Group.

Debuting at AAD 2022 on the Milkor 380 medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) UAV, the new Al Tariq X-series guidance kit is designed to fit onto the standard Mk 81 (250 lb/110 kg) or Mk 82 (500 lb/226 kg) bombs without modification.

Theunis Botha, AL TARIQ Chief Executive Officer, explained that the X-series is a smaller and lighter version (around 80 kg for the kit) than the standard Al Tariq intended for fast jet combat aircraft, but still uses the same modular building blocks of the Al Tariq series.

“The tail fin span has been slightly reduced and by reducing the size and weight, we retained the aerodynamic balance. The Al Tariq X-series achieves a stand-off range of 40 km when launched at Mach 0.9 at 40 000 feet (12 000 m), but for lower and slower aircraft, ranges will be slightly reduced. Botha believes the X-series still has a very useful range for this class of weapon.

As with the standard Al Tariq, there are three main guidance configurations: GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System); GNSS with semi-active laser; and GNSS with imaging infrared with automatic target recognition, all fitted with sophisticated GPS anti-jamming solutions.

The X-series is a new product and development is progressing swiftly as the X-series is merely an adaptation of the existing Al Tariq. The formal flight qualification is currently in progress. The new variants should be ready for production in the second quarter of 2023.

“We are convinced that there is a substantial demand for a weapon of this class currently,” Botha said. “No other PGM can offer similar levels of operational flexibility and cost effectiveness to the modern war fighter due to the unique modularity of the Al Tariq family of precision guided munitions.”

The X-series also benefits from the Al Tariq Block II upgrades, which include a Height-of-Burst Sensor (HOBS), an improved navigation solution and various other newly incorporated features.

Growing bomb kit range

The existing Al Tariq range comprises guidance kits for the Mk 81 and Mk 82 bombs, but this is also being expanded to include the Mk 83/HSLD 450 (1 000 lb/454 kg) bomb. The winged Mk 83 version is being qualified through flight trials, with production expected from the second quarter of 2023, while the existing Mk 81 and Mk 82 kits are currently in production.

Speaking of the Mk 83, Botha said: “This is quite an exciting new addition to the family as it benefits from all the Block II operational features, fitted onto the larger explosive payload.” He added that there is definitely a demand for a weapon in this class providing a high accuracy, long range solution.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/al-tariq-debuts-new-pgm-for-uavs-light-aircraft/

SVI unveils six-wheeled Max 3

SVI Engineering has unveiled a new addition to its growing range of armour-protected vehicles, the MAX 3 six-wheel vehicle.

Displayed for the first time at AAD 2022 at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof this week, the MAX 3 six-wheeler is based on Toyota’s proven Land Cruiser 79 chassis, as with the 4×4 MAX 3. Both are powered by a 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel powertrain.

The six-wheel concept unveiled at AAD 2022 is based on the MAX 3 double cab body style, with the new axle configuration also available on the company’s MAX 3 single cab and MAX 3 troopy armoured personnel carrier.

The addition of a third axle means MAX 3’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) can be safely increased to 5 500 kg, opening the door to military and security applications, including the fitment of various weapon systems, cargo carrying options and even field ambulance concepts. Although the drivetrain is standard, the MAX 3 gains wheels and tyres with an improved load rating as well as upgraded suspension and an additional rear anti-roll bar.

To keep cost and complexity of the system in check, the additional axle is non-driven. “Even so, the already impressive go-anywhere ability of the standard vehicle is enhanced as the extra axle provides increased flotation over soft surfaces. The proven, highly capable powertrain remains untouched, simplifying servicing requirements and sourcing of spare mechanical parts,” SVI said.

The six-wheel modification includes a track width correction to align the track of the rear wheels with that of the front (a Land Cruiser 79 anomaly) as well as an upgrade to disc brakes on the twoback axles (in addition to the standard items at the front) to improve the stopping performance at full GVM.

Counter-drone solution

The six-wheeler version of the MAX 3 double cab at AAD 2022 is fitted with a counter-drone solution offered by SVI and manufactured by Reutech. This employs radar to locate, identify and track hostile incoming drones. Information is relayed to the battle management system (BMS) connected to an automated grenade launcher (AGL). The BMS determines trajectory and distance to the drone, intercepting and disabling the pilotless device via close-proximity grenade explosions. The vehicle at AAD also has an off-road motorcycle for personnel to speedy retrieval of evidence from downed drones.

SVI explained the conversion process to create a MAX 3 entails removing the soft-skin body of the donor Land Cruiser 79 and replacing it with a hull designed in-house and manufactured from armoured steel plate. The construction of the multi-role vehicle provides a minimum protection level of EN1063 BR6 (assault rifles) with additional protection against anti-personnel grenades. The vehicle is furthermore upgradeable to BR7.

SVI has a prominent display at AAD 2022, and Benny Jiyane, Chairman of SVI Engineering, said the sheer size of the company’s stand at this year’s show is indicative of how SVI has grown – locally and internationally – over the past few years.

“SVI has long been the leading the way in South Africa when it comes to providing class-leading armouring solutions to the civilian, security and military industries. We’ve ramped up operations significantly over the past few years and our massive stand at AAD2022 – the largest defence and aviation exhibition in Africa – is a showcase of how far we’ve come and where we’re going.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSP8xPyfeCQ

Also from Evotex Engineering...

66-EGL

The 66mm EGL is a grenade launcher designed and developed for the British MOD (special forces). The product was developed from design brief into production units.

The EGL66 enable a soldier to fire the range of electrically primed 66mm grenades from the shoulder. These grenades are typically fired from a vehicle mount, making the 66-EGL a unique infantry weapon.

Evotex turrets emerge from the shadows

Although having supplied numerous South African defence companies with design and manufacturing solutions in the weapons systems area for many years, Pretoria-based Evotex is a first-time exhibitor at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 exhibition this week.

On display at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof is the company’s flagship Thebe (‘Spear’) dual-axis gyro-stabilised remote controlled weapon station. According to Gert Rossouw, chief executive, Thebe can be fired from land vehicles or patrol boats on static or mobile platforms.

“The recoil mitigating cradle can be configured to fit a range of weapons, such as 12.7 mm BMG and 14.5 mm KPV, and we have even fitted a 30 mm machine gun,” he explained. “The cradle also features a mounting mechanism to enhance accuracy and to allow for quick change of weapons.”

He said the weapon, with a rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute, can be operated for single or automatic firing, with an auto-tracking system ensuring high hit probabilities. It has an electric trigger and cocking mechanism.

The compact turret weighs 175 kg, which makes well suited for even a fairly light vehicle or boat platform. It traverses through 360°, with elevation from -20° to +55°.

Grenade launcher solution

Also on display is the Vikela, a 40 mm multi-barrel grenade launcher system designated RMB-40. Like the Thebe system, it is a dual-axis remote control weapon. The Vikela system at AAD 2022 is the six-shot variant, with Evotex also offering it in a three-shot variant. The RMB-40 can fire low, medium and high velocity rounds, as well as less lethal grenades and is designed to fire single shots or bursts.

Grenades are chambered into the barrel and can be reloaded in seconds.

Evotex offers an optical payload and sensor pack for its weapon systems configured to client requirements. In the case of the RMB-40, the optical pack operates independently from the turret due to the higher launch angle required for grenades. While the Vikela system can be fired from land vehicles and patrol boats, it is also suitable for mounting on a drone.

Paramount launches Maatla light vehicle

Paramount Group subsidiary Paramount Land Systems is for the first time unveiling its new Maatla 4×4 Light Protected Vehicle (LPV), which is aimed at the rapidly growing lightweight and more affordable segment of the armoured vehicle market.

The Maatla (meaning Power in Setswana) has already received orders for 50 vehicles from two customers, Paramount said.

“The latest addition to Paramount’s family of protected vehicles is already in production for an African country with one of the most challenging, rugged and remote environments for land forces to operate in,” the company stated.

Eric Ichikowitz, Senior Vice President, Paramount International, stated: “Our customers can now take full advantage of three decades of armoured vehicle innovation, engineering excellence and market leadership, but in a lighter class vehicle designed in response to changing customer requirements. We are very excited to offer border patrol, gendarmerie, police units and armed forces in Africa and around the world with best-in-class technologies and capability. The vehicle’s lighter weight and commercial components ultimately enables greater customer affordability and faster production rates.”

The Maatla has been manufactured on a commercial vehicle chassis for proven reliability and low cost. It features “Smart Floor” technology, enabling the seating to be quickly removed and the vehicle to be configured as either an ambulance, command vehicle or customisable for other mission requirements, such as border patrol, military support, policing, or peacekeeping missions. Day/night vision devices and extra sensors can also be fitted to provide 24/7 operability.

The Maatla provides ballistic and blast protections to STANAG 4569 Level 1, and can protect against handguns and other small calibre ball rounds. It also provides underbelly protection against M26 hand grenades or a blast equivalent.

Mobility and agility

The Maatla can reach a road speed of up to 100 km/h, with a cruising range of up to 600 km when traveling at 80 km/h, and a fording depth of up to 750 mm without preparation. The vehicle is fitted with a 2-speed transfer case and 3 differential locks for difficult terrain. The vehicle can be operated in environments with temperatures ranging from -10°C to + 55°C.

Deon Grobler, CEO of Paramount Land Systems, stated that, “We are very excited to diversify our product range, compete in this new class of Light Protected Vehicles, and introduce customers with these requirements into our world beating family of protected vehicles. The Maatla is a light armour, multi-purpose vehicle, offering excellent cross-country performance and reliability. Designed to handle a two-tonne payload, the Maatla offers near infinite-configurability in terms of onboarding mission specific equipment, weapons, and armour scalability.”

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/paramount-launches-maatla-light-vehicle/

Avior Labs unveils new VTOL UAV

Centurion-based unmanned aerial system designer Avior Labs unveiled a prototype of its new Elevation VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).

Elevation is a versatile, multi-role VTOL fixed-wing drone allowing for optimal utilisation and reduced fleet requirements, the company said. Fully electric with 90 minutes useful flight time in standard configuration, it is well suited for surveying areas of land parcels of larger than 200 ha as typically found in sub-Saharan Africa. At these larger areas the endurance of a VTOL drone is increasingly beneficial.

With a 2.54 metre wingspan, the drone is typical quadcopter configuration for a VTOL design, unusually using a novel single pitching motor (tilting propeller) on the nose for flight efficiency, creating a low noise footprint.

“The reduced noise of a single tractor configuration is a big plus, especially in some conservation applications, but there is also significant performance advantage in terms of endurance for given battery capacity,” Dr Bennie Broughton, Managing Director of Avior Labs said.

The maximum take-off weight is 4.6 kg, allowing a payload of up to 750 g while meeting all applicable safety standards for legal operations.

Outer wings are detachable for transport and ease of assembly, allowing the drone to be packaged in a convenient box that fits in the boot of a car.

Multiple payload options are available, such as the Basler Ace Visual HD camera, FLIR Vue Pro thermal camera, MicaSense RedEdge multispectral camera, a SONY RXR II digital camera and the Basler Ace and FLIR Vue Pro combination.

Avior Labs said typical applications include the mining, energy, construction, agriculture and conservation industries.

Established in 2019, Avior Labs specialises in development and manufacture of efficient commercial unmanned aerial vehicles, associated technologies and software.

The company has designed and built aerial vehicles to develop and validate technologies, these have also been used in support of computational modelling on behalf of its clients. Elevation is the first drone designed by Avior Labs for commercial drone operators and service providers.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/avior-labs-unveils-new-vtol-uav/

Aselsan and Denel cooperating on MEROPS gimbal

On the Turkish Pavilion at Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 Aselsan is showing its ‘MEROPS’ next generation air surveillance and targeting gimbal sight. The MEROPS (Multi-spectral Extended Range Optical Sight) system was displayed for the first time in June at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris, France.

Aselsan Chairman, President and CEO, Haluk Görgün witnessed the live demonstration at Air Force Base Waterkloof of the MEROPS system designed and developed entirely by the company’s Aselsan South Africa (ASA) branch. It is intended for large-scale series production in Turkey for both the Turkish Armed Forces and export customers around the world.

The South African branch supports the Turkey based company with design and development services. “We aim to establish long-term relationships and local partnerships here,” ASA general manager Sencer Sahin stated. “To date our design facility has provided advanced camera systems to Denel’s OTR test range and other local customers, including the Institute of Maritime Technology, Paramount Technologies, and Reutech Radar Systems.”

This is testimony to the company’s aim to continue its active role in establishing strategic partnerships with local entities for both South Africa’s and third-country requirements in the African region.

The MEROPS system is the latest product in the family of reconnaissance and surveillance systems from Aselsan.

South Africa’s state-owned Denel Group and Aselsan reached an agreement this week at AAD 2022 to work towards integration of the MEROPS system on Denel’s flagship aerospace systems, the Rooivalk attack helicopter and possibly on the Seeker 400 drone. A MEROPS gimbal is being displayed alongside the Rooivalk in the static area.

Aselsan SA is a wholly owned branch of Ankara headquartered Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS, a global defence and advanced electronics company established more than 50 years ago. The local branch, staffed with a pool of highly trained and experienced South African engineers and technicians, serves as a centre of excellence for the mother company in Turkey.

Thanks to its significant investment in ASA since 2011, the branch not only provides design and development, but also acts as the hub for Aselsan’s business development strategy in markets in sub-Saharan Africa and the establishment of long-term relationships.

The MEROPS system was specifically designed for extreme combat situations, particularly in low light and the difficult light encountered at dawn and dusk. Among the roles envisaged for MEROPS are medium to long range observation and reconnaissance, pointing, area illumination and target designation at medium altitude.

The sight incorporates the latest in image processing technologies, including traditional image enhancement, as well as the latest in machine vision and AI based algorithms. Its mission enhancement capabilities include moving target identification, isotherms, false colour identification and threat identification.

The MEROPS is a self-contained single LRU (line-replacement unit) with quick-release connections. Payloads can be exchanged without calibration. Electronic bore-sighting is done before a mission, and it boasts an embedded web server for setup, control, and maintenance. According to Kobus Coetzee, ASA’s Engineering Manager, the MEROPS is easy to maintain.

Its next-generation software functionality includes multi-target auto-tracking with target re-acquisition, artificial intelligence (AI) threat detection classification and background automatic see-spot detection. The MEROPS operates at temperatures from -40°C to 70°C.

Aselsan as a global company operates in a wide range of disciplines, from communication and information technologies (ICT), micro-electronics, guidance and electro-optics to radar, electronic warfare, and defence systems technologies. It is also active in transportation, security, energy, and automation systems.

AAD 2022 is giving the company the opportunity to show a wide range of systems in South Africa. Among the field proven solutions are military and professional radios, the KALKAN mobile medium altitude 3D air defence radar, ALKAR 120 mm mortar weapon system, border security solutions, laser guidance kit, the FOPRAD foliage penetration radar, electro-optic solutions, and anti-drone RF jammer system.

Earlier this year, Aselsan South Africa revealed a range of its life support and medical imaging solutions. Whilst these innovative products were designed primarily for use in healthcare facilities in the commercial and civil environments, they would be equally useful in the military field.

The company’s personnel now total over 7 000 with a high proportion of these being engineers and technicians. It invests substantially in R&, allocating more than 7% of its annual revenue towards these activities.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/aselsan-and-denel-cooperating-on-merops-gimbal/

Hensoldt launches new EO system, laser range finders

Hensoldt South Africa launched a new light-weight electro optical system and laser range finders for use on small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition.

The Argos-8 is an 8-inch-class electro-optical system weighing less than 6 kg. It offers day and night capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.

The MP10-1 laser range finder can fit into the palm of a hand and can be mounted on light weight UAVs or used with multi-sensor land-based imaging systems.

The Argos-8 airborne surveillance and targeting system was jointly developed with Estonian company Threod Systems, which focuses on UAV systems. Hensoldt and Threod have a development and co-production agreement for the Argos-8.

The MP10-1 laser range finder can be used for targets up to 15 kilometres away, with an accuracy better than a metre. It is a self-contained unit consisting of laser transmitter, laser receiver and power and control electronics needed to operate the laser range finger. Hensoldt plans to begin production in South Africa in the first quarter of next year.

For shorter ranging requirements and mounting in a smaller space, Hensoldt unveiled the NP1 laser range finder on the first day of AAD 2022 (21 September). It can reach a vehicle size target over three kilometres away (maximym range is up to 6 km). Production of the NP1 for international customers began in South Africa a few months ago.

ASTUS UAV

These electro optical systems and laser range finders can be integrated into Hensoldt’s ASTUs unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). ASTUS has an endurance of eight hours and is certified to fly up to 16 000 feet.

The UAV is designed to meet the requirements of African and other countries that lack budgets for high-end solutions. The ASTUS UAV is the result of the capability Hensoldt obtained from the purchase of local defence company, Tellumat.

Hensoldt South Africa is the German defence company’s largest industrial footprint outside its home country. It produces solutions for electronic warfare and optronics, spectrum monitoring and security solutions, including radar, identification friend or foe and datalinks.

Hensoldt South Africa developed a wide range of products over the years. Its location in South Africa means local products are not subject to US and European export regulations.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/hensoldt-launches-new-eo-system-laser-range-finders/

Rooivalk pilot at AAD2022: "I can do anything the jetties do."

Sherq Engineering setting its sights on turrets

A Pretoria based engineering firm is designing and producing custom built turrets for customers as far afield as Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE as well as numerous African countries.

Sherq, which is based in Pretoria but has decentralised manufacturing operations with its partners across the world, has been in operation for the last seven years. It has designed turrets that are uniquely South African in IP, but totally platform and weapons systems agnostic.

“We pride ourselves on working very closely with our customers,” explained technical director Rolf Dieterich, “we have developed unique features on our turrets that we can customise to their specifications or put into production immediately if they are standard.”

Three of the turrets were on display at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022 last week. The KS1 is the basic gunner protection turret capable of being scaled up in size and ballistic protection to mount anything from a 5.56 mm weapon all the way to the much heavier .50 calibre machine gun or Russian KPVT 14.5 x 114 mm.

Then there is the KS2 one-man turret, which can handle 5.56 mm all the way to the 30 x 133 mm cannon as used on the Apache attack helicopter or mount the Russian 14.5 x 114 mm, while maintaining 200 rounds per minute in controlled fire.

The KS3 is a low profile turret with a very high rate of fire, carrying 500 rounds for the main weapon and 1 000 rounds for the co-axial machine gun, while the KS4 is a low profile, fully electric, stabilised high tech turret that is a rival for the current turret being produced for the SANDF’s long overdue Project Hoefyster IFV fleet replenishment project.

“We have learnt a lot in the development of these turrets that goes much further the engineering of them,” Dieterich told defenceWeb. “We have developed unique building blocks which have allowed us in many cases to actually improve the weapons systems that are mounted in them, adding features to them that they were not designed with and extending their life of service because our firing platforms are much smoother and gentler.”

Some of Sherq’s building blocks include improving muzzle breaks and buffering to allow for the KS3 and the advanced KS4 turret to be fully stabilised, meaning that the accuracy of the main weapon and its rate of fire is unaffected by the behaviour of the vehicle, which in turn does not need to slow down or come to a complete stop for effective accurate fire to be laid down.

The turrets are electric with manual back-ups should the electric circuity become disabled in combat situations. They can also be fitted with a wide range of options should the customer desire them, from the entire range of external sensors from thermal cameras to laser pointers and blue force trackers to automatic grenade launchers.

Sherq’s hallmark innovation and agility was necessitated by the nature of the market, said Dieterich. Most defence procurement deals are government to government negotiations, but increasingly there is a need not to be behlden to a single supplier in an ever changing and increasingly contested geo-political situation.

“Our business model throughout has been to foster a close working relationship with the customer. We support them to empower themselves to take charge of the product. We want to partner with them for years to come, not just chase on a once off deal.”

Just as the turrets can be fitted to carry western or eastern European systems and fitted to either kind of hull, so too is the pricing highly adjustable – and the level of localisation.

“We can make the turrets anywhere in the world, we comply with whatever level of localisation they want and we can either design a custom solution for them or go straight into production the very next day if it is something we designed.

“To make sure the client is absolutely certain of what they want, we give them the turret and the weapon system to test themselves and then we start modifying from there.”

The KS4 is a case in point, as there three different versions in Azerbaijan, Italy, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sherq-engineering-setting-its-sights-on-turrets/

jl115:
naaahhh never mind bru... Thought this comment was directed at me ignore

I'm the cause of the confusion. My bad.
I was using Odunayaw's sage words as a pointer on what to do with BS.

GreenandGold:
@Lurker4Long

It seems like someone beat you to it.

That's a lovely bunch of guys there, with such an inspirational story. They all come from poor neighbourhoods on the Cape Flats, where most people put to sea only as fisher-men.
I sometimes see them at the Royal Cape Yacht Club when I go for my sailing lessons.

BTW, I'm nowhere close to their level.

Odunayaw:
I'm more irked by those who give them audience

Like WTF are we men for if we can't ignore these fucktards

Wise words that some aren't heeding. cough...jl115...cough.

Odunayaw:
St. Vawulence is on his way

If one knows to expect the weekly idiocy, no vawulence necessary.
Yapping dogs and caravans and all that.

Meanwhile, in Mozambique.

We interrupt this broadcast for the weekly idiocy!