Dedicated drone munitions could unlock modular mission potential
Top attacks have proven effective against heavily armoured vehicles in Ukraine. A new family of uncrewed aerial system-delivered munitions is looking to press that advantage further.
ArmorSource is set to commence deliveries of its Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet (LW-ACH) to the US Army with First Article Testing (FAT) now complete.
The company will deliver 105,000 helmets to the army throughout 2016.
The LW-ACH is designed to provide advanced protection while alleviating the head and neck weight burden on the soldier, weighing in four ounces (113 grams) lighter than the current Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH).
The ArmorSource LW-ACH, model AS-505, provides protection against multiple projectile and fragmentation threats, back-face deformation, and blunt and shock impact resistance.
Yoav Kapah, CEO, ArmorSource, said: ‘The LW-ACH FAT was challenging. It presented extensive and evolved ballistic test protocols. But the vigorous process assures the army and the soldiers that the helmet delivers improved and enhanced protection.
‘ArmorSource's progressive R&D, engineering and production readiness capabilities are fully engaged to begin supporting the US military with a lighter and more robust combat helmet. And we are very proud to do so.’
Top attacks have proven effective against heavily armoured vehicles in Ukraine. A new family of uncrewed aerial system-delivered munitions is looking to press that advantage further.
The Israeli company hopes that producing its Sigma artillery system wholly in the US will help it win a key US Army contract, but it will be up against the popular CAESAR Mk II wheeled weapon and the K9 tracked.
Germany has ordered 84 RCH 155 self-propelled guns, as system incorporating Boxer 8×8 vehicles and the Artillery Gun Module, and 200 Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles while the UK has committed to a single Early Capability Demonstrator RCH 155.
While integration of guided weapons on modern armoured vehicles usually takes the form of a podded launcher on the turret exterior, recent developments suggest the concept of firing missiles from a tank’s main gun could be seeing a revival.
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.