DCNS and Quickstep sign Memorandum of Understanding

07 Juni 2016

Manufacturing of Barracuda submarine (photo : DCNS)

DCNS and Quickstep have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a first step for cooperation in the field of components and assemblies for Australia’s Future submarines.

The MoU was signed in Canberra by Marie-Pierre de Bailliencourt, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, DCNS Group, and David Marino, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Quickstep Holdings Limited.

Through this MoU, Quickstep will produce representative demonstrator components to validate their technology for naval applications with DCNS.

“DCNS has commenced building a supply chain in Australia that will support the submarine capability on a sustainable basis,” said Sean Costello, CEO DCNS Australia.

“Ultimately this supply chain will comprise several hundred companies across Australia and form the Future Submarine Enterprise.”

DCNS has been selected as the Australian Government’s preferred international partner for the design of 12 Future Submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

Quickstep is an Australian listed company at the forefront of advanced composites manufacturing and technology development. Quickstep currently partners with some of the world’s largest aerospace/defence organisations, including the US Department of Defense, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Airbus, Thales and BAE.

About DCNS 

DCNS is the European leader in naval defence and a major player in marine renewable energy. The Group’s success as an advanced technology company with global reach is built on meeting customer needs by deploying exceptional know-how, unique industrial resources and an ability to develop innovative strategic partnerships. DCNS designs and builds submarines and surface combatants, develops associated systems and infrastructure, and offers a full range of services to naval bases and shipyards. The Group has also expanded its focus into marine renewable energy. Aware of its corporate social responsibilities, DCNS is a member of the United Nations Global Compact. The DCNS Group generates annual revenues of €3.04 billion and employs 12,953 people (2015 data).

(DCNS Australia)

Rheinmetall Lynx Infantry Vehicle Targets Australian Market

Rheinmetall new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (photos : Rheinmetall)

PARIS — Rheinmetall took the wraps off it’s new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle at the Eurosatory show in Paris on Tuesday, signaling not just the entry of a new contender in world export markets for this type of platform but that Australia was one of the German company’s main early sales target.

“As we launched it in Australian camouflage it’s a pretty good indication that we are targeting it as one of the key starting markets for the Lynx,” said Ben Hudson, the head of Rheinmetall’s vehicle systems division.

The company is already expecting to hear in the next few week whether its Boxer 8x8 armored personnel carrier bid has been successful as part of Australia’s Land 400 requirement.

Hudson said the vehicle was already generating considerable interest among potential infantry fighting vehicle purchasers other than Australia.

“Several potential customers in Europe are already discussing it with us,” he said.

In partnership with Krauss-Maffai Wegmann, the company already produces the Puma infantry fighting vehicle for the German Army but its high-end requirements help make it a costly machine compared to the Lynx, which is planned to be a more affordable and flexible offering for export customers.

The Lynx comes in two tracked variants. The KF31, which was revealed at Eurosatroy on Tuesday, can carry six troops and three crew members, while the KF41 is able to carry eight soldiers and three crew members.

The vehicle revealed Tuesday had a 35mm cannon, but Rheinmetall offers a 30mm weapon as an option. The KF31 also had an anti-tank missile launcher holding two Spike LRs (Long Range).

The KF31 weighs up to 38 tons. KF simply stands for Kettenfahrzeug, or "tracked vehicle," in German.

The platforms can be configured for command-and-control, armored-reconnaissance, repair-and-recovery, and ambulance operations.

"Lynx is an advanced, new modular family of vehicles that offers our customers the highest levels of survivability, mobility, lethality and capacity while utilizing proven technologies to deliver a compelling value proposition for our global customers," Hudson said.

(DefenseNews)

Australia Selects Raytheon ELCAN Weapon Sight for Land Forces

ELCAN Specter® DR 1-4x dual role weapon sight (photo : snitactical)

PARIS/PRNewswire/ -- Australia's Department of Defence has selected Raytheon's ELCAN Optical Technologies division to supply the ELCAN Specter® DR 1-4x dual role weapon sight. The $54 million contract award followed an open competition.

The ELCAN Specter® dual field-of-view (1X and 4X) sight will replace the ADF's standard 1.5X magnified sight on the new Enhanced F88 rifle in the Land 125 Phase 3C program. The dual magnification provides both long-range targeting and short-range rapid aiming in a single package.

"Our Specter DR 1-4x sight will significantly enhance the soldiers' ability to observe and effectively engage targets," said Cameron Perry, vice president Sales, Marketing and Business Development at Raytheon ELCAN. "We look forward to delivering this critical capability to Australia's land forces."

As part of the contract, Raytheon ELCAN will begin deliveries later this year.

About Raytheon ELCAN Optical Technologies 

Raytheon ELCAN Optical Technologies, a thought and technology leader in the global optics industry, specializes in technologically sophisticated and superior-quality optical solutions that meet strict military and commercial specifications. Raytheon ELCAN offers superior design and engineering capabilities, proprietary production technologies and fully integrated manufacturing to provide custom, turn-key solutions.

Raytheon ELCAN also offers ELCAN Specter® rifle sights – a complete line of battle-tested, premium-quality military tactical weapon sights. Well over 600,000 ELCAN Specter® Sights have been fielded with allied forces around the world. For more information about Raytheon ELCAN Optical Technologies, visit www.raytheon.com/ELCAN.

(Raytheon)