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.
Darpa has introduced a new Squad X Core Technologies (SXCT) programme aimed at developing integrated systems for land infantry, it announced on 9 February.
The programme is aimed at speeding up the development of new, lightweight, integrated systems that will provide unprecedented flexibility, adaptability and awareness in complex environments. It will enable dismounted soldiers and marines to understand and control their mission environments more intuitively.
Major Christopher Orlowski, programme manager, DARPA, said: ‘SXCT aims to help dismounted infantry squads have deep awareness of what’s around them, detect threats from farther away and, when necessary, engage adversaries more quickly and precisely than ever before. We are working towards advanced capabilities that would make dismounted infantry squads more adaptable, safe and effective.’
Building on two earlier requests for information, SXCT plans to explore four key technical areas: precision engagement of targets out to 1km, non-kinetic engagement with the use of unmanned assets, squad sensing to detect threats out to 1km and squad autonomy using embedded unmanned ground and air systems.
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.