Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
IBCS is a command and control system unifying current and future assets. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman tested its Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) with the US Army during advanced live fire flight tests in November.
During advanced live fire flight tests at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the IBCS demonstrated its ability to integrate sensors and effectors to the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), fusing data across the battlespace.
Northrop Grumman said that during the tests, the IBCS detected, identified and maintained an accurate composite track of incoming low- and high-altitude threats by processing LTAMDS data. It also engaged and defeated an air-breathing cruise missile surrogate and a theatre ballistic missile surrogate through fire control of a Patriot Advanced Capability.
The company also integrated the developmental LTAMDS sensor into IBCS, which seeks to enhance battlespace awareness. The IBCS-enabled LTAMDS will replace existing Patriot radars when fielded in 2027.
IBCS is a command and control system designed to unify current and future assets in the battlespace, regardless of source, service or domain, Northrop Grumman claimed. Through its modular, open and scalable architecture, IBCS gives can fuse sensor data for a single actionable picture of the full battlespace to provide informed decisions for shooter optimisation.
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
The development demonstrates how the platform could provide additional firepower and growth potential while the US Army progresses its long-term replacement for the Bradley.
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.