Latest News
Ocelot Successfully Completes its 41st Blast Test
Ocelot, a cutting edge light protected patrol vehicle, has successfully completed its 41st blast test Force Protection Europe announced today with the latest results
demonstrating not only the integrity of the vehicle but also its modularity and ease of repair.
The British designed and engineered solution has undergone a range of tests in the last twelve months including a variety of simulated mine and IED attacks. During each of these tests Ocelot has demonstrated improved survivability performance, fully meeting Force Protection Europe’s programme development expectations for this vehicle.
Key to Ocelot’s unique, modular design is the ability to easily repair the vehicle, following a blast, even in the austere confines of a forward operating base. One Ocelot pod has already undergone ten blast trials and established how easily it can be repaired - at low cost – and how quickly it can be back in service. The design has also confirmed the potential for significant through life cost savings on the vehicle because it does not include sacrificial elements as part of its protection package.
“We are delighted with the progress that is being made on the Ocelot development programme. The blast tests are just one of the areas that we have been testing, others have included manoeuvrability and cross country ability/off road agility and in all of these the vehicle has performed magnificently,” said David Hind, Managing Director of Force Protection Europe. “The progress that the engineers not only from Force Protection Europe and our partners Ricardo plc but also our supply chain, are making is awe inspiring and shows real commitment to provide a truly fit-for-purpose, high mobility, protected solution ready to be put in service with armed forces worldwide.”
Force Protection Europe has used its own facilities to provide a quick turnaround on the results, giving the programme team the widest flexibility. The facilities use the latest telemetry and high speed technology to capture data.
Ocelot has the flexibility to perform a range of roles including patrol, fire support and protected logistics. Innovative features include role-specific pods which can be fitted quickly to the core automotive armoured V-shaped hull in the field. The armoured hull houses the main fuel tank, drive line, batteries and generator as well as the powerpack, which includes the engine, gearbox, auxiliary fuel tank and associated ECUs (electronic control units). The vehicle has been designed from the outset to be easily repaired and maintainable in the austere environment of a forward operating base. Commercial off the shelf (COTS) components have been used to ensure maximum availability of spares worldwide.
Designed for exceptional manoeuvrability, Ocelot is equally effective in the tight confines of built-up urban areas and for tactical manoeuvre on difficult terrain typically found on current operations in Afghanistan.
The excellence of Force Protection’s survivability technologies are amply demonstrated by the performance of the company’s Mastiff and Ridgback Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The Cougar vehicles upon which they are based are recognised around the world as offering the highest levels of survivability.
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RAF to use Marshall Battery Charging Units
Development demonstrated real benefits of team working
Cambridge, 27th July 2010; The Royal Air Force is to use battery charging facilities supplied by Marshall SV, part of Cambridge based Marshall Land Systems, following the award of a contract by the UK MoD’s Deployable Test and Support Equipment (DS&TE) project team.
Six systems consisting of eight chargers and one discharger/analyser unit housed in a transportable shelter are being supplied, the first of which is being used for operator familiarisation training before the systems are deployed. The programme is being delivered six weeks ahead of schedule and includes the state of the art EFA 2000 Battery Charging systems.
“The development work to produce these battery charging units really demonstrates the benefits of provider and end user working together as a team. The combination of the Subject Matter Experts in the General Engineering Flight at RAF Coningsby, Air Command, the DE&S branch that look after all electrical GSE throughout the MOD and our project team has lead to an advanced, fit for purpose solution that is affordable and delivered early,” said Peter Callaghan, Chief Executive of Marshall Land Systems.
An example of the team work on this project was the validation of the Battery Chargers themselves, where Marshall SV organised a risk reduction exercise at the Battery Charger supplier’s premises with the Subject Matter Experts, including the Typhoon delivery team. This considerably reduced the lead time and provided an enhanced solution for the end user.
“Working together as has happened on this contract has real benefits for the MoD not only do we get a solution which matches our needs first time but we also save money as we only need to go through the development process once,” said Gary Daniels, Head of Deployable Mechanical Repair Systems (DMRS), DS&TE.
The state of the art EFA 2000 Battery Charging systems have been designed to maintain all in-service aircraft and ground use batteries, such as 12v lead acid batteries for vehicle and ground support equipment and both lead acid and alkaline 24v aircraft batteries (including Typhoon). The EFA 2000 are used to maintain the European Fighter Aircraft / Typhoon battery and is in service with the Austrian, Italian and Royal Saudi Arabian Air Forces, this contract will now see the charger being used by the RAF as it completely meets their charging requirements.
To meet the latest safety and environmental compliance requirements the shelter units are fitted with full separation of all acid and alkaline systems, and include safety features such as an external drench shower for use in an emergency should an operator become contaminated with either acid or alkaline. The system is fully air conditioned to maintain the internal environment with independent extraction systems for each charging area to ensure all fumes are vented safely to the outside atmosphere.
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Marshall Land Systems Comes to Farnborough 2010
UGVs, C-IED, ISTAR, Ground Control Stations and Integration presented on stand A11, Hall 4
Cambridge, 12th July 2010; Unmanned vehicles for Assisted Load Carriage, Counter-IED solutions, and ISTAR, and Ground Control Stations for UAVs and weapons will all be presented by Marshall Land Systems of Cambridge on stand A11 in Hall 4 during the Farnborough Air Show being held from 19th to 25th July 2010.
The company’s experience in unmanned air vehicles and weapons includes providing the ground control stations for Watchkeeper, BAE SystemsHerti and MBDA’s Fire Shadow. These are housed in transportable protected shelters or stand alone PC solutions which have their own power and air conditioning and are fully EMP and EMC protected. Marshall Land Systems also rapidly prototyped and constructed the airframe for the Fire Shadow munition that flew in 2008 and 2009.
On the ground, the company has a range of Unmanned Ground Vehicles including TRAKKAR which is a four wheeled vehicle with a 250kg payload that has both a logistic capability to reduce the burden on the dismounted soldier by utilising follow-me technology or can be remotely operated and fitted with a variety of ISTAR, CBRN or C-IED systems or be deployed as a remote weapon platform.
A second UGV, QUESTAR, was launched a month ago. A small agile fast UGV, its payload can be tailored to the operational requirements and can include communications re-broadcast; optical, IR or thermal imaging sensors; radar, CBRNE reconnaissance systems; and can be fitted with an extending mast to provide a remotely operated sensor platform with the ability to look over obstacles. QUESTAR can be configured to meet any number of operationally dangerous missions such as CIED work, CBRN Recce, Deployed/Detached/Roving surveillance, threat detection and sentry tasks and route reconnaissance. Its small size and speed make it a difficult target. Its simplicity makes it a life and manpower saver.
The company’s systems integration capability has been demonstrated through solutions delivered to customers in recent months. These have included a communications and surveillance control shelter which has work stations and server racks and was delivered jointly to the Deployable Support and Test Equipment (DS&TE) and the Imagery and Geospatial (IMaGE) delivery teams at the UK MoD; a mobile intelligence and analysis system housed in expandable shelters, which provides workspace for intelligence analysts to process data and deliver information to commanders to use in planning future activities.; and the command shelters for the UK’s new air defence system – Land Environment Air Picture Provision or LEAPP. On the export market solutions have included a mobile command centre for the Swedish Defence Forces.
Other examples of integration are demonstrated by the company’s work in the medical field providing field hospitals to the Norwegian Defence Forces together with a world first – a CT scanner mounted in a transportable shelter. In the field of support the company has provided workshops for the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, all of which have required working closely with the customer and the end user to ensure the most effective ergonomic layout and to deliver a fully integrated solution.
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HGI Shows Capabilities At DVD 2010
Wirksworth, 23rd June 2010; Harrington Generators International (HGI), one of the leading providers of military specification generators is demonstrating its capabilities on stand number OR 52 at DVD being held at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedford on 23 and 24 June 2010.
It will be participating on the stand with other companies from a newly established grouping called INFREG which has been set up to bring together small and medium sized companies focused on providing infrastructure solutions, training and security solutions to military, police and international aid organisations globally.
HGI will be presenting its abilities to provide a range of generators including:
• Small rugged, man-potable generators with very low ripple DC output
•The advanced 2 kW Light Field Generator (LFG) in service with the UK’s Armed Forces as the standard generator in its class
• Trailer mounted generators with power outputs from 5kW up to in excess of 25kW and used on equipments such as the Rapier air defence system or the ASTOR airborne stand off radar ground control station
• On board sets requiring specialist design skills to fit the generators into the often tight spaces available such as on the Saab Arthur weapon locating system and the Reacher satellite communications ground terminal
• The SKD range of super silent canopied diesel generators producing from 2.6kVA up to 12kVA based on COTS equipments to shorten delivery times and reduced costs
“HGI has over 30 years experience of designing, developing and producing high quality generator sets which meet or exceed military EMC and DefStd specifications and deliver the required power solution no matter how challenging the conditions” said Bryan Harris, Managing Director of HGI.
On the Marshall Land Systems stand, SP 06, HGI is demonstrating two generators. The first is a SKD 100, a COTS based solution generating 32 amps at 240v and the second a three phase 400v 32 amp set.
Amongst HGI’s customers are the UK MoD, overseas governments and defence prime contractors including Saab.
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Trucks, Shelters, Workshops and UGVs On Marshall Land Systems Stand At DVD 2010
Marshall Land Systems shows its range of capabilities on stand SP-06
Cambridge, 23rd June 2010; Trucks, shelters, workshops and unmanned ground vehicles are all featured on the Marshall Land Systems stand, SP-06, at DVD being held at Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford on 23 and 24 June 2010. The company is also exhibiting on the MAN Trucks and Bus UK, Iveco and DS&TE stands.
Marshall VE, part of Cambridge based Marshall Land Systems, will be showing its capability in building load beds for military logistic vehicles on a number of stands across the show. On the Marshall Land Systems stand will be a Renault Sherpa Light Tactical Utility vehicle fitted with a load bed capable of carrying four pallets and a payload of 5,000 Kg.
On the Iveco stand, OR 18-20, and the cross country course there will be a 4 seater LMV Protected Utility (PU) vehicle, which has been fitted with a load bed able to carry two NATO pallets and is aimed at meeting evolving requirements world wide for small high mobility and highly protected utility and logistics vehicles. There will also be a Trakker 6x6 heavy duty logistic vehicle fitted with a 20ft ISO compatible loadbed and cargo system. These vehicles, together with an upgraded Iveco Panther will be undertaking a co-ordinated demonstration on the mobility area.
On the MAN Truck and Bus UK stand, OR 35-38, and cross country demonstration area a MAN TGM logistic vehicle is being exhibited with an in-service UK MOD HX60 6 tonne loadbed and dropsides. This combination of a lightweight high performance military loadbed and militarised commercial vehicle, which utilises the same automotive components as the HX60 tactical vehicle, offers users a cost effective solution for training fleets without the need for additional or different, driver and/or maintainer training.
Launched at DVD is the Support Workshop Hub or SWHUB. This is a new concept in maintenance and support. It is a fully fitted transportable workshop housed in a Marshall SV shelter. It can be deployed to major customer sites where maintenance and support facilities are constantly required rather than a visiting engineer arriving in his van. It provides space for the engineer to work protected from the weather and with all the tools and facilities close to hand. This will ensure that the customer’s fleet of vehicles has reduced downtimes and less disruption.
The multi-role TRAKKAR UGV will be demonstrating its ability to follow its operator as he/she moves across the battlefield. The 4x4 platform, which can carry a 250kg payload, is fitted with a receiver on the vehicle which is linked to the vehicle control system whilst the soldier has a small transmitter and a PDA sized control unit. The soldier is presented with a simple three button interface for common commands, such as “follow me” “catch up” and “return to last RV”. TRAKKAR can also follow a pre programmed route.
A second UGV, QUESTAR, launched at Eurosatory 2010 will be on display. A small agile fast UGV, its payload can be tailored to the operational requirements and can include communications re-broadcast; optical, IR or thermal imaging sensors; radar, CBRNE reconnaissance systems; and can be fitted with an extending mast to provide a remotely operated sensor platform with the ability to look over obstacles. QUESTAR can be configured to meet any number of operationally dangerous missions such as CIED work, CBRN Recce, Deployed/Detached/Roving surveillance, threat detection and sentry tasks and route reconnaissance. Its small size and speed make it a difficult target. Its simplicity makes it a life and manpower saver.
On the Deployable Support and Test Equipment (DS&TE) stand, OR 03, Marshall SV is displaying with the IPT a Deployable Machine Shop (DMS), the last of which was delivered six months early in the first quarter of 2010; the Power Pack Refurbishment Facility (PPRF); and a recently delivered battery charging facility which is being trialled by the RAF.
The Marshall Land Systems Plasan Joint Venture will also be present on stand SP-05.
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Marshall Land Systems Shows Full Array at Eurosatory 2010
New UGVs, Vehicle Load Beds and Protected Workspaces on stand F171
Cambridge, 8th June 2010; New unmanned vehicles, vehicle load beds and protected workspace capabilities are all being featured by Marshall Land Systems at Eurosatory, Paris 14 – 18 June, 2010 on stand number F171 on the outside area.
Shown for the first time will be a new Marshall SDG reconnaissance and surveillance UGV – QUESTAR. It is an agile vehicle, either tracked or wheeled, which can be remotely, semi or fully autonomously operated. QUESTAR can be configured to meet any number of operationally dangerous missions such as CIED work, CBRN recce, deployed / detached / roving surveillance and sentry tasks, and route clearance. Its small size and speed make it a difficult target. Its simplicity makes it a life and manpower saver.
The Marshall SDG TRAKKAR platform fitted with a novel ‘follow me’ capability is being unveiled for the first time. TRAKKAR, a 4 x 4 platform able to carry a 250kg payload, has been fitted with ‘follow-me’ technology which enables the vehicle to follow its human controller as he/she moves across the ground. Fitted to the front of the vehicle is a receiver linked to the vehicle control system whilst the soldier has a small transmitter fitted to his back and a PDA sized hand held control unit. The soldier is presented with a simple three button interface for common commands, such as “follow me” “catch up” and “return to last RV”. TRAKKAR can also follow a pre programmed route.
On stand D501, IVECO Defence Vehicles will be showing two variants of the Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV) fitted with Marshall VE load beds. The first of these is the LMV Protected Utility (PU) vehicle which has been fitted with a load bed able to carry two NATO pallets and aimed at meeting evolving requirements for lightweight protected utility and logistics vehicles in many markets. The second variant will be a short cab version which is fitted with a lightweight load bed and able to carry four pallets.
Central to the Marshall Land Systems stand will be an extended shelter demonstrating the company’s capabilities in providing protected workspaces. The shelter is fitted with display screens showing the company’s overall capabilities including its work on treating wounded soldiers from the front line back to a base hospital, its expertise in developing unmanned airborne vehicle ground stations, and workshop solutions which the company has been successfully delivering to the UK Ministry of Defence.
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Italian Arthur WLS from Saab gets HGI Auxiliary Power Units
Repeat Order Confirms HGI’s Capability
Wirksworth, 11th May 2010; The Italian Army ARTHUR WLS (Weapon Locating System) Radars, delivered by the defence and security company Saab, are to be powered by Harrington Generators International (HGI) compact military auxiliary power units.
HGI and Saab worked closely together to accommodate the power plants into the very restricted space envelope while still ensuring full access for maintenance was possible. To achieve this, the power unit is fitted with slides so that the main assembly can slide out of the vehicle.
“We are delighted to have won this repeat order as it confirms that we provide quality, reliable solutions which meet our customers’ requirements,” said Bryan Harris, Managing Director of HGI.
The power units have undergone extensive military compliance testing including Mil-Std EMC testing and 
environmental trials. The units produce 30kW, 3-phase, 400V in environments from - 40ºC to + 55ºC and at altitudes up to 3000m above sea level. The design of the units has been optimised to minimise weight whilst ensuring compliance with the shock, vibration and acoustic specifications.
Saab's ARTHUR is a highly mobile and transportable medium-range WLS with radar, climate control and power generator integrated on a single all-terrain vehicle. The main components are a C-band doppler radar with phased-array antenna, data processing unit, operator workstations, communication equipment and inertial navigation unit. The ARTHUR system search for and locates incoming enemy projectiles. The system provides information about the firing position and point of impact, and can simultaneously direct countermeasures.
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MoD to buy two Ocelots for further LPPV testing
Leamington, 27th April 2010: The Ministry of Defence has placed a contract with Force Protection Europe Ltd for the purchase of two Ocelot light protected patrol vehicles. The acquisition has been made to enable further testing in respect of the MoD’s Light Protected Patrol Vehicle programme.
David Hind, Managing Director of Force Protection Europe, said: “We are very pleased with how our own testing and development schedule has been progressing. Ocelot has been performing well in tests since the middle of last year and has demonstrated that it offers unprecedented levels of survivability and manoeuvrability for a vehicle of this size and weight.”
Graeme Rumbol, Global Vehicle Product Group Director for Ricardo plc, added: “The MoD has already completed a number of their own tests on two of our vehicles so we’re delighted that they are now investing in these vehicles so that they can carry out further trials. Ocelot is building upon our existing long-standing relationship with the UK MoD which has most recently seen Ricardo carrying out extensive fleet upgrades to create the new RWMIK Plus standard of WMIK vehicle.”
Ocelot has the flexibility to perform a range of roles including patrol, fire support and protected logistics. Innovative features include role-specific pods which can be fitted quickly to the core automotive armoured V-shaped hull in the field. The armoured hull houses the main fuel tank, drive line, batteries and generator as well as the powerpack, which includes the engine, gearbox, auxiliary fuel tank and associated ECUs (electronic control units). The vehicle has been designed from the outset to be easily repaired and maintainable in the austere environment of a forward operating base. Commercial off the shelf (COTS) components have been used to ensure maximum availability of spares worldwide.
Ocelot is equally suited to operations in desert, jungle, mountainous or urban environments and meets the needs of military and internal security forces around the world.
The excellence of Force Protection’s survivability technologies are amply demonstrated by the performance of the company’s Mastiff and Ridgback Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The Cougar vehicles upon which they are based are recognised around the world as offering the highest levels of survivability. Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world's transportation and clean energy sectors. Its highly successful defence vehicle engineering operations in both the UK and north America are based upon the company's thorough understanding of vehicle operational requirements and access to the very latest in automotive technology.
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Deployable Machine Shops Delivered Ahead of Schedule
“Completing this contract early was a great feat of excellent project management and manufacturing skills”
Cambridge, 22nd April 2010; 44 Deployable Machine Shops (DMS) have been handed over to the Deployable Support and Test Equipment Team (DS&TE) at the UK Ministry of Defence by Marshall SV, part of Cambridge based Marshall Land Systems, six months ahead of schedule.
The DMS under went successful user trials during the middle of 2009 and were then manufactured rapidly in order to get the new facilities to users across the world. This process reduced the cost for the MOD too. The shelters are now entering service to much acclaim.
“Completing this contract early was a great feat of excellent project management and manufacturing skills,” said Peter Callaghan, Chief Executive of Marshall Land Systems. “It was made possible because of the close working relationship between DS&TE, the end user and our project team at all stages with everyone being focused on delivering a quality solution. The engagement started early in the project which allowed us all to see what was needed by the end users and then to sign up to the design”
The DMS are being used by Royal Marines, REME, Royal Engineer and Royal Air Force mechanical and electrical engineers wherever engineering support is required. The units have been designed for easy deployment by road, rail, air (by C-130J&K, C17 and Chinook), or sea to wherever they are required in the world.
The DMS will enable the maintenance specialists to carryout front line support milling, turning and finishing mechanical parts and provide space for basic testing and repair of electrical equipment and servicing of much of the complex equipment now in service.
“DMS was delivered 6 months ahead of schedule on a 24 month contract, within budget and with enhanced capability. This excellent example of all round Value for Defence was only possible due to the ‘partnering approach’ taken between MSV and the MOD. Constant user involvement has ensured that this capability is definitely what the wide ranging user community wanted. Early feedback is extremely positive from all” said Col John Abbott, DS&TE Team Leader
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NEW FORCE IN FUEL CELL POWER GENERATION ESTABLISHED
Nordic Power and Marshall Land Systems Collaborate for Unique Fuel Cell Technology
Cambridge, 15th April 2010; A new force in environmentally friendly, fuel cell technology has been established in the UK following the signing of a co-operation agreement between Marshall Land Systems of Cambridge, UK and Nordic Power Systems of Hoyanger, Norway.
The new team will be focussing on delivering high quality, efficient, ruggedised and silent diesel fuel cell generators for the land and naval defence environments in the UK. Development of the generators will take place in both Norway and the UK.
Tor Geir Engebretsen, Chief Executive of Nordic Power Systems, commented: “We are delighted to be teaming with Marshall Land Systems as they have both the technical skills and market knowledge to help us deliver our unique power solution to the UK. This agreement is a great vote of confidence in our company and our technology.”
“Marshall Land Systems is always interested in new technologies and innovations, Nordic Power’s fuel cell generators are a very good fit with our present solutions and we see many opportunities to exploit this technology in the defence market. Not only are the generators efficient but they significantly reduce logistic costs and are an excellent match for the needs of the armed forces,” said Peter Callaghan, Chief Executive of Marshall Land Systems.
He added: “This announcement is confirmation of our commitments to provide the best solutions we can for the armed forces and to meet our Offset obligations in Norway and comes rapidly on the heals of our announcement of the establishment of a new office at Torp Airport in Norway.”
The fuel cell generators are based on a patented Nordic Power technology, named “Cool Flame” and adapted for the demands of defence users. The generators will be capable of producing a range of power outputs to drive a wide variety of electronic equipment and provide auxiliary power units.
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MARSHALL CELEBRATES FORMATION OF NORWEGIAN BUSINESS
Reception for Norwegian defence organisations and industry welcomes new business
Oslo 25th March 2010; Celebrations at the Residence of the British Ambassador to Norway last night marked the establishment of Marshall SV Norway. At a reception hosted by the Ambassador, Mr David Powell, guests from the Norwegian defence organisations and Norwegian defence industry joined with Sir Michael Marshall, Chairman of the Marshall of Cambridge Group, and the Ambassador to welcome the new business.
During the celebrations Sir Michael Marshall said, “We are proud to be here in Norway, which has such long ties with United Kingdom, to support the establishment of Marshall SV Norway as it builds on the major offset opportunities which have become available since we supplied our mobile hospitals and operating theatres.”
Mr David Powell commented, “Norway has much to offer to British companies and I am delighted to see Marshall establishing its new entity and showing commitment to the country, after it has done so well on supplying and supporting the field hospitals now in service with the Norwegian Defence Forces. The new organisation is a tangible commitment by the company to meeting its offset liability.”
Marshall SV Norway will provide in-country support for the hospitals and co-ordinate support to deployed units including arranging training, support and maintenance to ensure that the facilities are kept to the highest levels of quality expected of medical units. Wherever possible much of this work will be contracted to Norwegian companies.
As part of its wider offset activities Marshall, through Marshall Land Systems – Marshall SV Norway’s parent, will be partnering with other Norwegian companies to assist them in marketing their services to the UK and in some circumstances, other parts of the world. Amongst these are CSI, who manufacture deployable camp infrastructure; LENCO, a leading supplier of integration software; Nordic Power who are developing fuel cell generator technology, NODIN suppliers of medical CASEVAC and MEDIVAC solutions and MRE, who develop and manufacture medical patient care solutions.
The company has opened its new office close to Torp airport at the newly constructed Hangarveien buildings, from where there is good access to road, rail and air transport facilities across Norway and to the rest of Europe.
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Rear Admiral Morton Jacobson, Commander Systems Management Division Norwegian Defence Logistics (right),Mr David Powell, British Ambassador to Norway, Sir Michael Marshall, Chairman of Marshall of Cambridge Group, and Major General Trond Karlsen , Commander Norwegian Defence Logistics, lead celebrations to mark the formation of Marshall SV Norway at the British Ambassador’s Residency in Oslo.
SYMBIOTICS ASSIST CAE TO SELECT CANDIDATES FOR AIRASIA MPL PROGRAMME
ADAPT Assessment Tool Helps to Select Appropriate Candidates as Future Air Crew
Tewkesbury, 22 March 2010; Selection of air crew to operate AirAsia’s A320 aircraft is being supported using ADAPT, an advanced assessment tool developed by human performance company Symbiotics. ADAPT was used by CAE, a global leader in civil aviation training, to help evaluate candidates for a beta program to train AirAsia A320 pilots to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards for the Multi-crew Pilot Licence (MPL).
ADAPT has been developed to provide organisations with a detailed assessment of candidates not only covering their suitability for the role but also ability to self-manage the range of tasks they will have to perform in their future job and how they will fit into the culture of the organisation.
“We are delighted to be working with CAE on the selection process for future aircrew. The ADAPT system will enable AirAsia to be confident that they have selected the most appropriate candidates who will be able to complete the course and become assets to the airline in the future,” said Nikki Heath, Chief Executive of Symbiotics Limited.
The Symbiotics ADAPT is integrated into the CAE Aircrew Selection System (CASS), a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary, multi-step managed process which is equitable and unbiased. The CASS process is designed to address the needs of the airline, the flight school, and the cadet by enabling informed knowledge of a candidate's "thinking and doing" simultaneously in a contextual environment and under stress.
ADAPT is an immersive context-specific process, in this case for air crew though it could be used in a range of other working environments. Its five assessment elements create an in-depth understanding of an individual’s behaviour when performing under pressure or in tasks where concurrent thinking and doing are necessary. During the assessment a candidate undergoes a structured interview process and a comprehensive series of physical skills tests which include cognitive and psychometric testing and are measured on their abilities in these areas, their communications skills and their ability to recognise their own strengths and weaknesses under pressure.
Using a combination of specially trained observers and data from ADAPT's computerised analysis, cadets and alternates were selected by a final selection board. In early March, the successful students began a 56 week programme which will qualify them to safely fly and operate a modern multi-engine, multi-crew, turbine-powered commercial aircraft in all expected operational environments.
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Picture
The ADAPT system configured for assessing future air crew. The three screens in the centre are a simulated flight view from the cockpit, the screen on the left is used for candidates to do psychometric testing whilst controlling the aircraft and the screen on the right provides map data. Candidates are rated on their ability to manage all aspects of communications and cognitive skills.
ISTAR Control Shelter Delivered In Only 28 Days
Project demonstrates how integrated teams can deliver
Cambridge, 22nd March 2010; A new communications and surveillance control shelter has been delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence in only 28 working days by Marshall SV part of Cambridge based Marshall Land Systems. The order placed just before Christmas was delivered in early February.
The ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) container was designed, manufactured and tested before being delivered to the Deployable Support and Test Equipment (DS&TE) IPT and the Imagery & Geospatial Systems (IMaGE) Delivery Team at the MoD earlier than the contract had called for.
Mr Gary Daniels, Head DRMS, DS&TE Team commented, “The MODs DS&TE & IMaGE Teams have worked together combining their own specialist gatekeeper roles to facilitate expeditious delivery of this UOR. This has offered Value For Defence (VDF) and helped to ensure that the end user gets what they want, when they want it and at the cost that they want. The ‘partnership’ between MSV, IMaGE and DS&TE teams was phenomenal in achieving the unachievable.
“This was a fantastic achievement and shows how effectively project teams, consisting of the customer and ourselves, can work together to support the front line by delivering a quality solution quickly and efficiently. Using the expertise and experience of both parties where they are best employed assisted in the requirement capture, design, delivery and rapid production” said Peter Callaghan, Chief Executive of Marshall Land Systems.
The control centre consists of two work stations and four server racks. It is fully air conditioned to maintain a sensible working environment even if outside the temperature rises to nearly 50ºC or drops to below -30ºC. It has been Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) approved and is transportable by land, sea or air including by C-130.
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A NEW FORCE IN ARMOURED SYSTEMS ANNOUNCED
Marshall Land Systems and Plasan form Joint Venture
Cambridge, 2nd February 2010; A new force in vehicle and armour systems is announced today at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference being held at the Excel Conference Centre on 2nd and 3rd February 2010. Marshall Land Systems and Plasan announce the formation of a joint venture to design, manufacture and market armoured solutions to the UK land, naval and where appropriate air domains.
The 50:50 JV will be based in the UK with both companies having an equal number of board members. It will be a free standing company reporting to the boards of both Marshall Land Systems and Plasan. It is intended that the JV will be MLS’s main centre for armouring excellence capitalising on Plasan’s undoubted world leading capability in armour.
“This JV is a major step in the development of Marshall Land Systems’ offering to the defence and security community and enables us to provide an even more integrated solution to our customers, with Plasan, a world leader in survivability and armour solutions” said Peter Callaghan, Chief Executive of Marshall Land Systems.
“Marshall Land Systems expertise and knowledge, and the respect with which it is held, makes it the ideal partner for Plasan, as we seek to provide even better armour protection to our defence customers in the UK,” said Dani Ziv, Chief Executive of Plasan .
The JV will be working to provide a credible alternative solution for the supply of armour solutions to the end user, vehicle prime contractors and OEMs.
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Marshall Carries Out Field Assessment of Equipment Prime Mover
“Vehicle exceeded all expectations”
Cambridge, 16th December 2009; Marshall Vehicle Engineering, part of Cambridge based Marshall Land Systems, has carried out a successful second round of field assessments of its Equipment Prime Mover (EPM).
The EPM, configured on this occasion as a gun towing vehicle (GTV), was put through its paces on Salisbury Plain towing a BAE Systems M777 155mm Lightweight Field Howitzer together with ammunition and gun crew.
“We were delighted with the performance of the vehicle during the assessment. It met or exceeded our expectations passing all the tests that we set for it including the ease of hitching the gun, self delivery of ammunition and the all important requirement of crew safety and comfort. Of equal importance was the advice and experience we gained as a result of the military user’s input much of it the result of recent operational experience. This will allow us to further refine our offering prior to a further assessment in the spring of 2010,” said Peter Callaghan, Chief Executive of Marshall Land Systems.
The EPM is designed to be used for a variety of tasks where the user requires a vehicle system to tow and provide integral support to equipment such as a gun, a missile launcher, surveillance equipment or even something simple such as defence stores. The vehicle capitalises on Marshall’s knowledge of load beds, chassis dynamics and systems integration and demonstrates how an in-service chassis, such as the MAN 6 tonne HX60, can be put to different uses.
The concept has been developed as a private venture which has been supported by MAN through the provision and maintenance of the chassis. It is based on the six tonne MAN HX60 Support Vehicle, which is entering service with British Forces, though the capability could equally apply to larger vehicles such as the nine and 15 tonne variants as well as other military medium or improved medium mobility vehicles. In the GTV configuration, it carries a detachment of eight together with two 1.5 tonne NATO ammunition pallets giving either 34 ready to fire 155mm rounds or 72 105mm rounds and is fitted with a crane. The load bed over hang has been configured to accommodate the human factor requirements for a prime mover allowing rapid and easy hitching of guns, radars or similar.
The vehicle cab, with space for up to three, is air conditioned, fitted for military radios and can be fitted with appliqué armour; vehicles with integral armoured cabs can also be configured as EPMs. The crew module is designed to offer the same level of blast, ballistic, environmental, CBRN protection and safety characteristics as the driver and commander enjoy. The unit is EMC compatible with the host chassis. It can also be EMI sealed if required for C4ISTAR applications.
Based on a proven chassis design, which can be waterproofed or winterised for cold weather or amphibious operations, this concept offers a low risk and cost effective means of increasing the capabilities of specialist Users whilst minimising the deployed logistic foot print and, in some cases, will lead to an enhanced capability and a reduction in vehicle numbers.
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Marshall TRAKKAR UGV Launched at DSEI 2009
TRAKKAR, a lightweight, autonomous high-mobility vehicle shown for first time
Cambridge, 8th September 2009; An autonomous, lightweight, high mobility unmanned ground vehicle is launched today. On stand 755 at DSEi, being held at the Excel Centre in London from 8 to 11 September 2009, Cambridge based Marshall Land Systems is showing TRAKKAR for the first time.
TRAKKAR is a multi-role autonomous platform with a 250 kg payload. In its present configuration, it carries six fully laden military bergens (each weighing 40kg) and follows troops as they move across ground on foot and reduces the weight burden that an individual soldier needs to carry.
“TRAKKAR has been designed to reduce the burden on dismounted troops, giving them greater freedom of movement and reduce the stress on hip, knee and ankle joints from carrying 40kg or more loads,” said Peter Callaghan, Chief Executive of Marshall Land Systems. “Our expertise in designing UGVs has enabled us to shorten the design process and to ensure that it is simple to operate and adds real benefit to the users,” he added.
TRAKKAR is a 4 x 4 vehicle with outstanding cross-country mobility. Its electric transmission is battery powered and can be supplemented as a hybrid with a diesel power source. It has a 1.5 metre square footprint, and can operate at ground pressures as low as 35 kPa (5 lbs/sq in). Its unladen weight is 250kg.
As well as its role as a cargo carrying platform, TRAKKAR can be configured for a wide range of roles including a Communications Rebroadcast Station, Casualty Evacuation and Re supply.
The UGV requires minimal operator intervention. In its ‘follow me’ mode, it is instructed from a simple handheld device which maintains TRAKKAR at a set distance from the operator, using its onboard GPS and inertial navigation system. The operator can park it for a period before instructing it to catch up, or can return it to a rendezvous point if needed. Alternatively it can be sent along a different route using a designator so that it can avoid insurmountable obstacles.
Fitted with a driving camera if the operator wishes to control it directly, TRAKKAR also has a laser scanner to detect and avoid obstacles.
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New UAV Makes Appearance at DSEI 2009
1.5m diameter craft for ISTAR, logistics or comms relay on show
Peterborough, 8th September 2009: A new Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Airborne Vehicle (UAV) is making its first public appearance on the AESIR
Ltd stand, 2607, at DSEi being held at the Excel Centre, London, from 8 to 11 September 2009.
ASK is a 1.5 meter diameter craft fitted with an internal combustion engine. It has been designed to operate as an ISTAR platform, a logistics craft or as an aerial communications re-broadcast station.
Also on the stand is VIDAR, a 300 mm, man portable craft designed to provide surveillance and situational awareness inside buildings and in-close-confined spaces. It has an electric engine, 15 minutes endurance and can carry a 100g payload.
EMBLA is being shown in its counter IED role on top of a Northrop Grumman Remotec Mk 8 EOD Wheelbarrow, which has been adapted by having its manipulator arm removed and replaced with a platform for the UAV. EMBLA is a 600mm diameter electric engine craft which has been developed to show the capabilities of a Coanda effect VTOL UAV.
HODER is a heavy lift craft capable of carrying a one tonne payload. It is primarily intended for cargo transport but can easily be adapted to become a long endurance craft by reducing the payload and increasing the fuel. HODER is in the early stages of development but is expected that it will be multi-engined.
The VTOL craft utilise the Coanda effect to generate lift and have inherent stability as a surveillance platform. The design has no external rotating parts and can survive low speed impact with the ground, buildings and other fixed objects.
The AESIR UAVs provide a sustained hover capability, have a large payload capacity when compared to similar sized fixed wing craft and have been designed to use “plug-and-play” payloads resulting in considerable flexibility. Designed into the craft is an effective perch-and-stare capability.
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Detecting IED's May Have Got One Stage Easier
Joint Northrop Grumman and AESIR display demonstrates how UGV and UAV work together
AESIR, developers of a family of Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs, and Northrop Grumman an industry leading developer and manufacturer of UGVs for police, military and industry applications worldwide, have come together to show how the UGV can deploy the UAV into the designated area and provide a firm platform for the UAV to deploy from.
The Unmanned Vehicles demonstrating the capability are the AESIR development craft, Embler a 600mm diameter electric engined craft, and Northrop Grumman’s Wheelbarrow Mk8 Plus II UGV which has been adapted by having its manipulator arm removed and replaced with a platform for the UAV.
The AESIR Embler has been developed to demonstrate the capabilities of a Coanda effect VTOL UAV in particular the inherent stability, its ability to survive low speed impact with the ground, buildings and other fixed objects and its sustained hover characteristics.
Northrop Grumman through its Remotec subsidiary based in Coventry, is an industry leader in unmanned ground vehicle systems for police, military, and industrial applications and has nearly 2,000 UGVs in service in more than 52 countries worldwide. The Wheelbarrow Mk8 UGV was originally developed for the disposal of improvised explosive devices in Northern Ireland. Today the Wheelbarrow Mk8 is in service with EOD units around the world, including variants designed for mine clearance.
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