News

September 15th 2008 - General Dynamics UK demonstrates Urgent Operational Requirement capabilities from idea to delivery

General Dynamics UK will this week display the latest rapid improvements it can deliver to the way soldiers live, communicate and protect themselves, responding to the urgent needs of British forces on operations. With Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs) delivering swift responses to emerging threats in Afghanistan and Iraq, the British Army is showcasing the latest UOR technology being developed with the defence industry, at a demonstration on Salisbury plain from 17-18 September, 2008.

General Dynamics UK has selected examples of its capabilities across the UOR process, from identifying a problem, to delivering the solutions it develops to the soldiers on operations.

“General Dynamics UK has a strong pedigree responding to the changing needs of the soldiers, working with other defence companies and the Ministry of Defence to bring together the best in technology and knowledge,” said Dr Sandy Wilson, President and Managing Director. “This event allows us to demonstrate a variety of our UOR capabilities, which include the full range of Armoured Fighting Vehicle integration and support through life , as well as integrating the most complex communications and data systems for the armed forces and security services.”

General Dynamics UK has a unique capability in military vehicle integration. Its team of hundreds of skilled specialists has the UK’s broadest and most recent experience in Armoured Fighting Vehicle integration, successfully digitising more than 12,500 vehicles across the entire range of the current British fleet, from main battle tanks to Land Rovers. The company is also developing electronic architectures that will allow military crews to fight and maintain the vehicles of the future.

General Dynamics UK is able to provide fully integrated, proven electronic architectures that are scalable for different operational roles and vehicle types. This technology integrates key vehicle and mission systems that allow crews to communicate, and keep the vehicle well protected and performing effectively.

Vehicle capabilities on display will include

• An electronic architecture (EA) for the Army’s future Operational Utility Vehicle System (OUVS). General Dynamics UK emphasises an open and scalable architecture, which allows soldiers to plug-and-play new systems to adapt quickly to new roles for their vehicle and unit.
• Key elements of an electronic architecture (EA) in the new Ridgback 4x4 protected vehicle, developed and integrated by General Dynamics UK’s AFV engineering team at its unique UK facilities. The company is a key player in integrating new vehicles such as the M-WMIK “Jackal” and Support Vehicle (SV) for rapid delivery to soldiers in Afghanistan, working as a team with other contractors at its facility.

As well as delivering the UK’s flagship digital communications system, Bowman, the company provides containerised solutions for the military, from force protection, command and communications to the vital life support systems on which personnel rely in their daily lives on operations.

Other UOR capabilities that will be demonstrated include:

• Urban ISTAR MASTHEAD technology which allows the military and security services to identify threats, “fly through” or rehearse virtual operations, and see inside buildings in a built-up area.
• Sensor technology. Deployed in specialised self-contained shelters with generators and operating technology to provide greater protection for soldiers in forward operating bases by giving them constant awareness of movement and threats in their area. General Dynamics UK provides easily deployable facilities in standard-sized shipping containers that can be delivered by road or air.
• In association with other industry players and members of the Force Protection and Mission Systems Working Group (FPMSWG), including Lockheed Martin, Selex, Thales and Echostorm, the demonstration explores new end-to-end Situational Awareness services such as imagery and video across Bowman.
• Flexible HQ Bowman installations and enhanced capabilities for the High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR). Bowman is the new tactical communications system delivering vital capabilities to the UK’s forces in hostile and challenging environments, giving them secure voice communications, situational awareness and a tactical internet. Bowman will be linked across the event’s demonstrations. On display will be new technology that enhances its deployability in headquarters, in partnership with AgustaWestland, and enhanced data capabilities, in conjunction with ITT.