Australian based Metal Storm ltd. has recently won two contracts for non lethal variants of its stacked, electronically fired weapon system. These wins underline the company’s recent shift into the developing market of non-lethal weapon and munitions, expected to rapidly grow in the coming years. The first contract was an order worth $3.36 million received from Papua New Guinea, to equip the island’s corrective service with 500 MAUL weapons and 50,000 non-lethal ammunition rounds. The second was a $1.48 development contract awarded by the U.S. Marine Corps in April 2010. This contract funds the development and demonstration of Mission Payload Module for the Non Lethal Weapon System (MPM-NLWS) based on Metal Storm’s FireStorm weapon system.


According to Dr. Lee J. Finniear, CEO of Metal Storm the two contracts indicate the company’s focus on non lethal weapon systems, realizing that its core technologies – lightweight, high firepower and capability to deliver accurate scalable response are essential capabilities for moderate warfare, peacekeeping and law enforcement applications. The employment of several payloads in succession without reloading is a unique advantage of the electrical firing method employed by Metal Storm. “This requirement is growing rapidly and few, if any technologies can compete with the clear advantage of Metal Storm.” Said Finniear.

The U.S. Army is fielding new, second generation Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) to units being deployed to Afghanistan. Photos: PEO Soldier, U.S. Army

The U.S. Army began fielding the new second generation Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), with first kits delivered to soldiers scheduled to deploy to the Afghan theater. Shipments will soon follow to units already in theater. “The latest design Gen-II IOTV vest includes 17 improvements over the Gen-I vest. The new IOTV is designed with more versatile, modular approach, allowing units to configure their gear to better confront multiple threat levels in their unique environment” said Major Craig Fournier from PEO Soldier.

The new and improved IOTV configuration gives the commander the flexibility to reduce the combat load while still maintaining increased fragmentation and 9mm protection. Photo: PEO Soldier, U.S. Army

Improvements include a totally redesigned and removable yoke and collar, reversible and detachable side carriers and universal side pouch, and equipment anchor points on the front and rear which interface with items such as hydration systems and the Tactical Assault Panel or (TAP). In addition, the new design has better adjustability in the shoulders and hips, to better fit all sizes. The newly designed location for the side-plate is also adjustable to the wearer. Given the enhanced flexibility and modularity of the new kit, soldiers will be able to wear a more comfortable vest, and carry just the equipment they need for a mission. When required or possible, they could strip the IOTV down to its basic function, becoming a light weight load carrying vest, retaining effective protection, maneuverability and flexibility.

“A mounted soldier manning an MRAP turret has the option to utilize all accessories such as deltoid, front, and back protectors for maximum protection, while a dismounted soldier in the mountains can strip the IOTV down to the base vest, removing the side pouch, side plates, and accessory pieces, slimming the IOTV down to a trim 9.86 pounds, minus the plates” Maj. Fournier added, “this configuration gives the commander the flexibility to reduce the combat load while still maintaining increased fragmentation and 9mm protection.” Kits are currently produced in Operational Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (Multicam) and the Universal Camo Pattern (UCP).

The U.S. Army is fielding new, second generation Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) to units being deployed to Afghanistan. Photos: PEO Soldier, U.S. Army

The U.S. Army began fielding the new second generation Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), with first kits delivered to soldiers scheduled to deploy to the Afghan theater. Shipments will soon follow to units already in theater. “The latest design Gen-II IOTV vest includes 17 improvements over the Gen-I vest. The new IOTV is designed with more versatile, modular approach, allowing units to configure their gear to better confront multiple threat levels in their unique environment” said Major Craig Fournier from PEO Soldier.

The new and improved IOTV configuration gives the commander the flexibility to reduce the combat load while still maintaining increased fragmentation and 9mm protection. Photo: PEO Soldier, U.S. Army

Improvements include a totally redesigned and removable yoke and collar, reversible and detachable side carriers and universal side pouch, and equipment anchor points on the front and rear which interface with items such as hydration systems and the Tactical Assault Panel or (TAP). In addition, the new design has better adjustability in the shoulders and hips, to better fit all sizes. The newly designed location for the side-plate is also adjustable to the wearer. Given the enhanced flexibility and modularity of the new kit, soldiers will be able to wear a more comfortable vest, and carry just the equipment they need for a mission. When required or possible, they could strip the IOTV down to its basic function, becoming a light weight load carrying vest, retaining effective protection, maneuverability and flexibility.

“A mounted soldier manning an MRAP turret has the option to utilize all accessories such as deltoid, front, and back protectors for maximum protection, while a dismounted soldier in the mountains can strip the IOTV down to the base vest, removing the side pouch, side plates, and accessory pieces, slimming the IOTV down to a trim 9.86 pounds, minus the plates” Maj. Fournier added, “this configuration gives the commander the flexibility to reduce the combat load while still maintaining increased fragmentation and 9mm protection.” Kits are currently produced in Operational Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (Multicam) and the Universal Camo Pattern (UCP).

Turkish army newly modernized M-60T tanks roll with F-4E fighter jets fly over as Turkey celebrate 'Victory Day' - the 88th anniversary of the end of the 1919-22 War of Independence. Both the tanks and fighter jets were modernized to modern standards by IMI and IAI. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

Turkish Army displayed it’s newly upgraded M-60T main battle tanks for the first time at the 88th ‘Victory Day’ parade in August 2010. The M-60T is an upgraded M-60A1, modernized by Israel Military Industries (IMI) under a $687.5 million turnkey project. considered to be one of the world’s largest tank upgrade programs, bringing the M60A1 tank to level of the world’s leading main battle tanks. IMI delivered the last of 170 upgraded M-60A1 tank to the Turkish Army on April 7, 2010.

The M-60T modernized by IMI for the Turkish Army. Photo: IMI

The program was launched in 2002 as a multi-year program that included establishment of production facilities, training and logistic support infrastructure in Turkey, and transfer the technology to local industries enabling local production of part of the systems. The modernization of the 1960 vintage M-60A1 transformed the tank into a modern weapon system, integrating modern and combat proven protection, firepower, propulsion and vectronic systems. The design implemented in the Turkish program utilized systems already proven in modern armored vehicles in service with the Israel Defense Forces, such as Israel’s Merkava 4 main battle tank.

Through the upgrade program the tank’s original 105mm rifled gun was replaced with a new 120mm smooth bore gun, all-electric turret drive, sophisticated optronic and fire control systems. The armor suite was enhanced with advanced hybrid armor system protecting the crew. A modern power-train was also introduced, including a more powerful 1000 hp MTU diesel engine with matching transmission, a final drive and advanced suspension system derived from the Merkava design, provided by IMI.

The M-60T represents a significant potential for the upgrading of a large number of M-60s class tanks that remain in operational service worldwide. Turkey itself has over 1,000 such tanks awaiting further improvements. Other M-60 operators are also considering such upgrades, extending the life span of this proven tank for decades to come.

The Australian Bushmaster armor and mine protected vehicle. Photo: Thales

Two companies the Australian subsidiary of Thales and U.S. based Textron Marine & Land Systems have confirmed as qualified for the next stage in the Canadian selection process for future acquisition of about 600 Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), to replace the current RG-31, LAV-2 (Coyote) and some of the light protected G-Wagon utility vehicles.

Mobile Survivable Vehicle from Textrone Marine & Land Systems. Photo: Tamir eshel

Textron plans to offer the ‘Mobile Survivable Vehicle‘ – a special 4×4 wheeled armored vehicle specifically designed to provide survivability, mobility and versatility in full spectrum operations over the toughest of landscapes. A typical configuration was displayed last year at the AUSA annual meeting. The armored hull is shielding troops from roadside bombs and blasts while providing large power reserves for future electronics enhancements with an ergonomically designed interior for optimum comfort and payload.

“Our team has been working diligently to develop and test this modern combat vehicle for the Canadian military to achieve the highest possible level of crew protection while maintaining the mobility and reliability of our combat-proven Armored Security Vehicle,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley. “We are offering the Canadian military the ultimate balance of survivability, mobility and lethality in a modern, ergonomically designed platform. It is a cost effective game-changing solution for Canada’s national security requirements for the next 25 years.”

The combat proven Bushmaster family of protected mobility vehicles includes patrol, command, ambulance, surveillance and target acquisition, direct fire support weapons and mortar vehicle variants and provides solutions for a wide variety of mission roles and applications including logistical support. Bushmasters have been deployed to Afghanistan for the past several years, where they are operated by the Australian and Dutch forces. For the TAPV program Thales intend to offer the base vehicle with various weapon systems, such as a remote weapons station, sighting and vision systems and several C4I options.

Anticipating the significance of local workshare in the program, Thales has entered an exclusive teaming agreement with DEW Engineering and Development ULC, on the assembly of the Bushmaster. In addition, Thales will be looking at further maximizing its Canadian Content Value and will be meeting with potential suppliers across Canada over the next several months. Thales’ first official supplier sourcing session will be during DEFSEC Atlantic 2010, in Halifax, September 9 – 10, 2010.

Other teams that competed for the program included Oshkosh offering the M-ATV, and the French Nexter offered the Aravis. Although the Canadians were explicitly seeking ‘Military off the Shelf’ (MOTS) vehicles, two companies preferred to submit new vehicles – BAE Systems offered the South African designed RG-35 and L-3, teamed with Israel’s Hatehof and Elbit Systems offered the new Xtrem.

The Australian Bushmaster armor and mine protected vehicle. Photo: Thales

Two companies the Australian subsidiary of Thales and U.S. based Textron Marine & Land Systems have confirmed as qualified for the next stage in the Canadian selection process for future acquisition of about 600 Tactical Armored Patrol Vehicle (TAPV), to replace the current RG-31, LAV-2 (Coyote) and some of the light protected G-Wagon utility vehicles.

Mobile Survivable Vehicle from Textrone Marine & Land Systems. Photo: Tamir eshel

Textron plans to offer the ‘Mobile Survivable Vehicle‘ – a special 4×4 wheeled armored vehicle specifically designed to provide survivability, mobility and versatility in full spectrum operations over the toughest of landscapes. A typical configuration was displayed last year at the AUSA annual meeting. The armored hull is shielding troops from roadside bombs and blasts while providing large power reserves for future electronics enhancements with an ergonomically designed interior for optimum comfort and payload.

“Our team has been working diligently to develop and test this modern combat vehicle for the Canadian military to achieve the highest possible level of crew protection while maintaining the mobility and reliability of our combat-proven Armored Security Vehicle,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley. “We are offering the Canadian military the ultimate balance of survivability, mobility and lethality in a modern, ergonomically designed platform. It is a cost effective game-changing solution for Canada’s national security requirements for the next 25 years.”

The combat proven Bushmaster family of protected mobility vehicles includes patrol, command, ambulance, surveillance and target acquisition, direct fire support weapons and mortar vehicle variants and provides solutions for a wide variety of mission roles and applications including logistical support. Bushmasters have been deployed to Afghanistan for the past several years, where they are operated by the Australian and Dutch forces. For the TAPV program Thales intend to offer the base vehicle with various weapon systems, such as a remote weapons station, sighting and vision systems and several C4I options.

Anticipating the significance of local workshare in the program, Thales has entered an exclusive teaming agreement with DEW Engineering and Development ULC, on the assembly of the Bushmaster. In addition, Thales will be looking at further maximizing its Canadian Content Value and will be meeting with potential suppliers across Canada over the next several months. Thales’ first official supplier sourcing session will be during DEFSEC Atlantic 2010, in Halifax, September 9 – 10, 2010.

Other teams that competed for the program included Oshkosh offering the M-ATV, and the French Nexter offered theAravis. Although the Canadians were explicitly seeking ‘Military off the Shelf’ (MOTS) vehicles, two companies preferred to submit new vehicles – BAE Systems offered the South African designed RG-35 and L-3, teamed with Israel’s Hatehof and Elbit Systems offered the new Xtrem.

Luxembourg will get Scania G480 all-terrain 8x8 trucks, similar to this G420 used by the Dutch Army. Netherlands bought 555 trucks from Scania in 2003.

Scania announced receiving new orders for 8×8 all-wheel drive, mine protected trucks from the NATO military procurement & sustainment agency (NAMSA), to deliver 13 Type 8×8 G 480 trucks for the Luxembourg Army.

The new, add-on mine-protected V-hull was presented at Eurosatory 2010 by Akers Krutbruk's. The armor system for the Scania truck was launched at Eurosatory in 2008, and was since installed on several hundred trucks. The design implements ballistic protection in an internal installation, thus maintaining a 'non aggressive' look. At the 2010 Eurosatory Akers introduced an additional facet of this system - an add-on V-shaped hull, attached to the standard chassis, improving the cab's protection from mine blast and IEDs. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

Scania will also deliver 18 additional trucks without mine protection. According to Scania, this is the first application of the new STANAG Level 3 armor on a 13 ton truck. These new trucks will mostly be used on peace-keeping missions. Scania in cooperation with Swedish armor expert Akers Krutbruk has developed an add-on mine protected V-hull tailored for these trucks. 28 of the trucks will be fitted with hooklift bodywork and three with recovery body. Deliveries will take place during 2011.

In addition, Scania announced another order for 88 logistics trucks from Sweden, part of an ongoing delivery agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The new order includes 80 three-axle Scania G 400 6×2 logistics vehicles with hooklift bodywork. Four vehicles to be used for driver training are specified with four individual seats in the cab. FMV has also ordered eight four-axle Scania P 400 8×2 with crane and platform bodywork. These vehicles are fitted with the Scania Communicator 200 on-board data collector for remote follow-up of vehicle and driver performance via a web portal. Deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. Scania introduced military vehicles built to meet NATO standard in 1998. Mine and ballistic protected vehicles were introduced in 2001.

Luxembourg will get Scania G480 all-terrain 8x8 trucks, similar to this G420 used by the Dutch Army. Netherlands bought 555 trucks from Scania in 2003.

Scania announced receiving new orders for 8×8 all-wheel drive, mine protected trucks from the NATO military procurement & sustainment agency (NAMSA), to deliver 13 Type 8×8 G 480 trucks for the Luxembourg Army.

The new, add-on mine-protected V-hull was presented at Eurosatory 2010 by Akers Krutbruk's. The armor system for the Scania truck was launched at Eurosatory in 2008, and was since installed on several hundred trucks. The design implements ballistic protection in an internal installation, thus maintaining a 'non aggressive' look. At the 2010 Eurosatory Akers introduced an additional facet of this system - an add-on V-shaped hull, attached to the standard chassis, improving the cab's protection from mine blast and IEDs. Photo: Noam Eshel, Defense Update

Scania will also deliver 18 additional trucks without mine protection. According to Scania, this is the first application of the new STANAG Level 3 armor on a 13 ton truck. These new trucks will mostly be used on peace-keeping missions. Scania in cooperation with Swedish armor expert Akers Krutbruk has developed an add-on mine protected V-hull tailored for these trucks. 28 of the trucks will be fitted with hooklift bodywork and three with recovery body. Deliveries will take place during 2011.

In addition, Scania announced another order for 88 logistics trucks from Sweden, part of an ongoing delivery agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The new order includes 80 three-axle Scania G 400 6×2 logistics vehicles with hooklift bodywork. Four vehicles to be used for driver training are specified with four individual seats in the cab. FMV has also ordered eight four-axle Scania P 400 8×2 with crane and platform bodywork. These vehicles are fitted with the Scania Communicator 200 on-board data collector for remote follow-up of vehicle and driver performance via a web portal. Deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2011. Scania introduced military vehicles built to meet NATO standard in 1998. Mine and ballistic protected vehicles were introduced in 2001.

Caiman MTV. Photo: BAE Systems

BAE Systems will upgrade 1,700 Caiman Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, under a $629 million contract awarded by the MRAP Joint Program Office (JPO).

The upgraded vehicle will include a refurbished and improved armored capsule, derived from existing Caimans. Unlike the classic ‘floating floor’ blast-protected floor, the new capsule is integrated with ‘enhanced monolithic floor’, strengthened frame and blast protected seats, improving the survivability of the passengers and crew. The new vehicle uses an uprated automotive power train, chassis and independent suspension. The upgraded interior also includes an upgraded HVAC temperature control system to protect soldiers and critical computer equipment from hot and cold extremes. The vehicle’s improved mobility is achieved with a greater vehicle track width, a strong independent suspension and an upgraded powertrain.

The upgraded vehicle is designated ‘Caiman Multi-Terrain Vehicle (MTV)‘. These enhancements will provide greater levels of mobility and survivability required in Afghan theater of operation. “The Caiman MTV is a very adaptable configuration that can be customized to meet a variety of missions” said Dennis Morris, president, BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems.

BAE Systems introduced the Caiman MTV earlier this year following a rapid design and development program. The new award is the first order of the new vehicle. BAE Systems will deliver the first Caiman MTVs from its production line at Sealy, TX in November 2010. Further integration will continue by the Navy.

Caiman MTV. Photo: BAE Systems

BAE Systems will upgrade 1,700 Caiman Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, under a $629 million contract awarded by the MRAP Joint Program Office (JPO).

The upgraded vehicle will include a refurbished and improved armored capsule, derived from existing Caimans. Unlike the classic ‘floating floor’ blast-protected floor, the new capsule is integrated with ‘enhanced monolithic floor’, strengthened frame and blast protected seats, improving the survivability of the passengers and crew. The new vehicle uses an uprated automotive power train, chassis and independent suspension. The upgraded interior also includes an upgraded HVAC temperature control system to protect soldiers and critical computer equipment from hot and cold extremes. The vehicle’s improved mobility is achieved with a greater vehicle track width, a strong independent suspension and an upgraded powertrain.

The upgraded vehicle is designated ‘Caiman Multi-Terrain Vehicle (MTV)‘. These enhancements will provide greater levels of mobility and survivability required in Afghan theater of operation. “The Caiman MTV is a very adaptable configuration that can be customized to meet a variety of missions” said Dennis Morris, president, BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems.

BAE Systems introduced the Caiman MTV earlier this year following a rapid design and development program. The new award is the first order of the new vehicle. BAE Systems will deliver the first Caiman MTVs from its production line at Sealy, TX in November 2010. Further integration will continue by the Navy.