BAE Systems is offering thermal imaging technology to the British Army as part of its Team Challenger 2 bid to upgrade the army’s main battle tank, the company announced on 5 September.
The electro-optic technology, developed by Leonardo, would provide independent night vision for both the gunner and the commander, enabling the identification of potential threats in hostile situations and shortening reaction times.
Leonardo’s infrared camera senses heat emitted by all objects with temperatures greater than absolute zero (-273°C). The hundreds-of-thousands of individual pixels in the camera can detect temperature differences as small as one-fiftieth of a centigrade, allowing for better image quality.
Mike Gilbert, SVP optronics systems UK at Leonardo, said: ‘Our thermal cameras – designed and built in the UK – can see in total darkness as far as the horizon and the applications for this technology are endless – from helping improve our understanding of the natural world to improving the operational capabilities of the British Army’s Challenger 2 main battle tank.
‘Our infra-red technology plays a crucial role in supporting British troops in the most challenging environments and we’re pleased to be working alongside BAE Systems to offer this technology for Challenger 2, helping extend its life to 2035 and beyond.’
The new Bushmasters will be used by the Australian Army’s second long-range fires regiment, to be based at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia as part of the 10th Fires Brigade.
The British Army’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) has struggled to make it to competition but there are hopes progress will be made this year.
The aid stations are designed to be mounted onto trucks, such as the Rheinnetall HX family of vehicles, and will be in ballistic protected and unprotected versions.
The contract is for transmissions for the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima, Ohio for new tanks and overhaul and repair activities at Anniston Army Depot.
Jerusalem’s air defence capabilities procurement efforts will receive up to $190 million.
In the medium-term Lithuania has committed US$1.3 billion which includes Javelin ant-tank missiles, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), Black Hawk helicopters, missile systems and missiles.
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