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Archive for the ‘Mobility’ Category

Tyron And Global Wheelto Supply Run Flat Wheel Assemblies For Springbuck APC

Sunday, September 13th, 2015

Reduces production time and enhances vehicle capability

Loughborough, UK, 15th September 2015: The Springbuck Armoured Personnel Carrier manufactured in South Africa by DCD Defence, is fitted with complete runflat wheel assemblies provided by Tyron and its South African partner Global Wheel.

The initial contract for three complete sets of wheels are fitted with the Global Wheel bolt-together rim, Tyron multi-part All Terrain Rubber Runflat inserts and Continental tyres. These systems will be exposed to extreme harsh African terrains.

“By providing the complete assembly, DCD Defence can reduce the production line assembly requirements. The end user is provided with a proven, highly reliable solution which will keep the vehicle moving safely in the event of a sudden tyre deflation. The wheels can be changed without any special tools even at the roadside,” said Richard Glazebrook, Managing Director of Tyron Runflats Ltd.

Tyron ATR wheel assembly has a unique multi-part rubber runflat fitted to the Global Wheels two part bolt-together steel wheels. This system is locally manufactured specifically for the Springbuck APC.

The Tyron All Terrain Rubber runflat is not only a multi-piece unit but also successfully passed ballistic tests. Emphasis was placed on the connections to ensure that under severe ballistic attack the ATR is not compromised as rubber absorbs far more energy than hard materials from kerb strikes and IEDs.
The Global Wheels bolt-together wheels are available in both steel and aluminium, the rubber of the ATR is enhanced to ensure beadlock, which offers a guaranteed high level off-road flat tyre performance which is not possible with composite runflats.

With Tyron ATRs fitted, the Springbuck APC can be driven for a minimum of 50 km even with all tyres being damaged.

The Springbuck APC features a powerful MWM6 cylinder diesel turbo charged engine and carries a driver and ten personnel. With B6 ballistic protection upgradeable to B7, the all-steel armoured V-shaped hull is designed to withstand a TM57 mine directly under the hull and two under any wheel. The standard configuration can be easily adapted to suit various applications and end user requirements.

Tyron is exhibiting its range of ATRs on stand N9-300 during DSEI 2015 in London from 15 to 18 September. DCD Defence is exhibiting its range on stand N3-110.

www.tyron.com

Tags: DCD Defence, DSEI, Tyron
Posted in International, Mobility | 2 Comments »

QinetiQ Wins DARPA Electric Hub-Drive Design And Development Contract

Wednesday, September 9th, 2015

7 September 2015: QinetiQ is to develop an electric hub-drive to improve survivability and mobility of future military ground vehicles for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The contract, worth $1.5m with an option for a further $2.7m, is part of DARPA’s Ground X-Vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) programme. Under this programme, participants will investigate technologies that could help to significantly improve capability in the next generation of vehicles.

QinetiQ’s hub-drive seeks to improve mobility through enhanced power, torque, integral braking and high efficiency, in a unit that can be contained within a 20” wheel rim. It aims to increase survivability by removing drive shafts and gearboxes, which can become lethal to occupants in the event of an IED detonation beneath the vehicle. The absence of these components could also reduce weight and open up future design possibilities, such as fully independent suspension with significantly increased travel.

Dr David Moore, Director of Research Services at QinetiQ, said: “Like cavalry horses throughout history, vehicles risk becoming less mobile as they are loaded with more armour and weaponry to meet the evolving demands of warfare. Our hub-drive tackles that threat by combining optimum performance with a significant weight saving, which is critical for mobility. It also introduces a far greater degree of architectural flexibility, enabling vehicles to be configured in ways which offer greater protection to their occupants.

“For us, this contract offers an opportunity to show how our expertise, built through 17 years of developing electro-mechanical transmissions for tracked and wheeled vehicles, can help customers de-risk the future.”

www.qinetiq-blogs.com

Tags: DARPA, QinetiQ
Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release | 13 Comments »

Land Rover Is Now Offering The Armor-Plated Range Rover Sentinel

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

Land Rover recently unveiled the Range Rover Sentinel, a made-to-order armored SUV based on the Range Rover Autobiography. The vehicle was developed and is manufactured by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations department, and it shows through its various capabilities.

The Sentinel features a 360-degree, 6-piece armored passenger safety cell made of high-strength steel and multi-laminated bulletproof glass, which, according to the manufacturer, allows the Sentinel to withstand 7.62mm high velocity, armor-piercing incendiary bullets, lateral blasts from up to 15kg of TNT, and two DM51 hand grenades from the roof and underfloor. The Sentinel also has an anti-tamper exhaust, self-sealing fuel tank, and discreet heavy duty run flat tires. As expected of a Land Rover, it’s also designed to comfortably handle off-road terrain.

www.landroverusa.com

Tags: Land Rover
Posted in Mobility | 24 Comments »

First Time: Polaris DAGOR On Display At DSEI

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 8, 2015) — Polaris Defense and Polaris Britain Ltd., divisions of Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), are displaying a full line up of highly mobile, tactical air transportable vehicles at the Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) show Sept. 15-18 in London. Polaris will be showing its newest production vehicle, DAGOR, along with the well-established MRZR and MV850 vehicle platforms. These vehicles are in service worldwide in more than 20 countries, which streamlines service and support and provides a high degree of interoperability and commonality among allied forces.

“Polaris Defense and Polaris Britain Ltd. bring game-changing resources in off-road mobility as part of a larger, commercial company,” said Doug Malikowski, Director, International Business, Polaris Defense. “DAGOR is here at DSEI to help demonstrate how well Polaris understands ultra-light mobility needs for armed forces around the world.”

DAGOR was specifically designed for light infantry, expeditionary and special operations forces. It is easily transported by tactical air, carries enough payload to be mission effective and carries full payload (1,474 kg) in extreme off-road terrain. DAGOR meets those requirements in a robust and modular off-road vehicle platform that can be configured to carry up to nine soldiers with full kit. By traversing more concealed and unpredictable routes over terrain usually traveled on foot, DAGOR allows Warfighters to move quickly to the objective with mission-critical equipment. DAGOR is supported with a COTS supply chain, anywhere in the world, making it easy to use and easy to maintain, even when deployed.

The vehicle curb weight is less than 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) to maximize tactical aircraft operational range. The width of DAGOR facilitates rapid loading into the CH-47 platform – without modification – and the weight allows it to be sling loaded under the UH-60 and NATO helicopters with similar lift capabilities. The vehicle has completed certification testing for CH-47 Internal Air Transport (IAT), air drop and UH-60 Sling Load. DAGOR is currently under contract with U.S. and allied Special Forces.

The MRZR 2 and MRZR 4 are highly mobile off-road platforms that are internally transportable in a variety of U.S. and allied military aircraft and can be configured a number of ways to help expeditionary forces meet mission requirements for emerging threats, while forward deployed. Some common tactical features of these off-road platforms include increased payload, standard winch, electronic power steering, aircraft tie-downs, fold down rollover protective structures (ROPS), large cargo boxes, IR light capability and blackout mode.

Polaris provides a wealth of engineering, production and sustainability resources that come with being a recognized leader in the off-road vehicle industry. Polaris maintains a robust global network of dealers, distributors, and subsidiaries, providing dedicated full life-cycle support for these vehicles throughout the world. And with a proven and well-established defense team, the company works closely with military customers to gain a thorough understanding of their off-road mobility needs.

www.polaris.com/en-us/military

Tags: DSEI, Polaris
Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Voilé Vector BC Skis White Top/Base

Tuesday, August 25th, 2015

Proper Kit for mountain warfare is coming from industry. In this case it’s a militarized version of the classic Vector BC.

The ski incorporates the Voilé Traction Pattern Base which aids in long approaches although you’ll probably still need skins for steep terrain.

Offered in 160, 170 and 180 cm lengths.

www.voile.com/voile-down-range/voile-vector-bc-skis-white

Tags: Voile
Posted in Mobility, Mountaineering | 6 Comments »

Polaris Defense MRZRs Now Delivering Under New $83 Million IDIQ Contract

Tuesday, August 25th, 2015

MINNEAPOLIS (August 24, 2015) — USSOCOM has awarded Polaris Defense a new, sole source, firm-fixed-price contract for the MRZR off-road vehicle platform and vehicle delivery started earlier this month. The $83 million, five year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, signed in July, continues delivery order options on MRZR 2 and MRZR 4 vehicles – along with contractor logistics support (CLS) for spares, training and support as part of the light tactical all-terrain vehicle (LTATV) program. Since 2013, Polaris Defense has been delivering MRZR vehicles to USSOCOM under a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) against a GSA contract.

“We’ve been providing the MRZR for three years to USSOCOM and this contract reiterates that ultralight mobility is still a critical component of Special Operations Forces missions,” said Rich Haddad, Polaris Defense General Manager. “These are extremely configurable platforms, providing operators the ability to quickly prepare for missions even in the most extreme terrain. MRZRs provide extreme mobility SOF can count on, that deploys in tactical air, providing maximum flexibility.”

The MRZR is a highly mobile off-road platform that is CV-22 internally transportable and can be configured a number of ways to help expeditionary forces meet mission requirements for emerging threats, while forward deployed. Some common tactical features of these off-road platforms include increased payload, standard winch, electronic power steering, aircraft tie-downs, fold down rollover protective structures (ROPS), large cargo boxes, IR light capability and blackout mode.

“Our customers appreciate that we use robust commercial off-the-shelf components for intuitive operation and easier maintenance worldwide,” said Haddad. “Our MRZRs are in service in more than 20 countries, providing a high degree of interoperability and commonality among U.S. and allied forces.”

Polaris Defense brings game-changing resources to the military in the area of ultra-light off-road mobility as part of a larger, commercial company. Polaris provides a wealth of engineering, production and sustainability resources that come with being a recognized leader in the off-road vehicle industry. Polaris maintains a robust global network of dealers, distributors, and subsidiaries, providing dedicated full life-cycle support for these vehicles throughout the world. And with a proven and well-established Defense team, the company works closely with military customers to gain a thorough understanding of their off-road mobility needs, as well as their support requirements when they operate globally.

www.polaris.com/en-us/military

Tags: Polaris Defense
Posted in Contracts, Mobility | 1 Comment »

SWINCAR Spider Electric 2 Video

Tuesday, August 4th, 2015

Check out this video of the SWINCAR electric off-road vehicle. It’s unique pendular suspension system allows it to effortlessly take terrain that other vehicles couldn’t traverse. Available in both two wheel and four wheel drive, with a single-seat version available for order and a two-seat version available to order starting in October.

swincar.s17.moncms.com

Tags: SWINCAR
Posted in Mobility | 3 Comments »

Polaris E-Bike Line

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2015

Polaris, a company well-known for their outdoor vehicles, has collaborated with electric motor manufacturer EVantage to produce an upgraded line of electric bikes. The bike featured in the image above, the Sabre EV505, features a 6061 T-6 aluminum frame, and a 750 Watt EVantage DuoDrive engine with a top speed of 20 MPH and a ~25 mile range. It can fully charge in 3-4 hours, and weighs roughly 58-63 lbs depending on the model and features. The E-Bike line includes models built for recreation and for use with Law Enforcement and security services.