A
Aussie Digger
Guest
Well given I've made a RAAF and RAN Force enhancement thread, I thought it was time for an Australian Army one. The first articles outline new "spall liners" for our ASLAV (LAV-25) vehicles and new under armoured weapons mounts for vehicles without turrets. A new weapons training simulation system has also been announced.
Better Protection For Deployed Troops
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued June 23, 2004)
Defence Minister Robert Hill today announced two projects designed to significantly enhance the level of protection provided to Australian troops deployed in Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV).
The first of these projects will strengthen the interior lining of ASLAVs due to be deployed to Iraq in August, providing increased protection against rocket-propelled grenades and ballistic attack. 'Spall liners' made from a Kevlar-type material will be fitted to the vehicles at a cost of $2.85 million.
"The spall liners increase protection provided to soldiers by minimising the internal damage to the vehicles if the armour is penetrated," Senator Hill said. "The purpose-built spall liner uses world-leading technology to reduce the impact of shaped charges such as those attached to rocket-propelled grenades and will also provide the ASLAVs with enhanced ballistic protection."
The second project will fit Kongsberg's Remote Weapons Station to the Personnel Carrier variant of the ASLAV at a cost of $8.9 million. This will provide extra protection to the crew commander.
"Remote weapons stations equipped with thermal imaging cameras enable the crew commander to operate the vehicle's 50 calibre machine gun around the clock and from within the vehicle, minimising their exposure to enemy fire," Senator Hill said.
"In addition, the remote weapons station can be fitted with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and has the potential to incorporate the Javelin anti tank/bunker buster missile system."
Senator Hill said the Defence Materiel Organisation had worked closely with industry to rapidly acquire the two protective measures in response to capabilities required by soldiers on the ground in Iraq. "The recent introduction of the latest generation of ASLAVs into the 2nd Cavalry Regiment earlier this year coupled with these current rapid acquisition projects will ensure the next rotation of Australian troops will have the best equipped and protected light armoured vehicles to continue their valuable contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq," Senator Hill said.
There are currently about 240 personnel protected by the six ASLAVs which provide security for Australia's diplomats and deployed forces throughout Iraq. The next rotation of personnel is due in about September.
Weapons Simulation System for Army
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued June 23, 2004)
Four state-of-the-art weapons training facilities will be constructed for the Australian Army to enhance marksmanship training and weapon handling, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
The new Weapons Training Simulation Systems will be located at Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla in Victoria, Irwin Barracks in Perth and subsequently at sites in South Australia and Queensland.
The Army currently has nine facilities at Darwin, Townsville, Enogerra, Singleton, Duntroon, Holsworthy, Kapooka, Puckapunyal and Watsonia. The Royal Australian Air Force has two facilities at Williamtown and Amberley.
Senator Hill said the tender process would begin today with the release of the tender for the Bonegilla and Perth facilities. The project includes the acquisition of system hardware, software and modified weapons and installation at purpose built facilities. The total cost of the four new WTSS is estimated at $15 million.
“The Weapons Training Simulation System is a state-of-the-art laser-based small arms simulation system that is used to train Australian Defence Force personnel in marksmanship and weapon handling,†Senator Hill said.
“The facilities allow personnel to practice shooting with a range of laser-fitted weapons at computer-generated targets and scenarios. Trainers are then able to play back the exercise to provide feedback on accuracy and technique.â€
“The introduction of this simulation system in 1999 has proven to be a highly effective and efficient means of training ADF personnel in the handling and application of small arms.â€
The facilities in Victoria and Western Australia will be completed later this year, the extra weapons types will be delivered to eight of the existing sites and two of the new sites next year. The final two facilities in South Australia and Queensland are due to be completed by mid-2007.
ends.
Better Protection For Deployed Troops
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued June 23, 2004)
Defence Minister Robert Hill today announced two projects designed to significantly enhance the level of protection provided to Australian troops deployed in Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV).
The first of these projects will strengthen the interior lining of ASLAVs due to be deployed to Iraq in August, providing increased protection against rocket-propelled grenades and ballistic attack. 'Spall liners' made from a Kevlar-type material will be fitted to the vehicles at a cost of $2.85 million.
"The spall liners increase protection provided to soldiers by minimising the internal damage to the vehicles if the armour is penetrated," Senator Hill said. "The purpose-built spall liner uses world-leading technology to reduce the impact of shaped charges such as those attached to rocket-propelled grenades and will also provide the ASLAVs with enhanced ballistic protection."
The second project will fit Kongsberg's Remote Weapons Station to the Personnel Carrier variant of the ASLAV at a cost of $8.9 million. This will provide extra protection to the crew commander.
"Remote weapons stations equipped with thermal imaging cameras enable the crew commander to operate the vehicle's 50 calibre machine gun around the clock and from within the vehicle, minimising their exposure to enemy fire," Senator Hill said.
"In addition, the remote weapons station can be fitted with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and has the potential to incorporate the Javelin anti tank/bunker buster missile system."
Senator Hill said the Defence Materiel Organisation had worked closely with industry to rapidly acquire the two protective measures in response to capabilities required by soldiers on the ground in Iraq. "The recent introduction of the latest generation of ASLAVs into the 2nd Cavalry Regiment earlier this year coupled with these current rapid acquisition projects will ensure the next rotation of Australian troops will have the best equipped and protected light armoured vehicles to continue their valuable contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq," Senator Hill said.
There are currently about 240 personnel protected by the six ASLAVs which provide security for Australia's diplomats and deployed forces throughout Iraq. The next rotation of personnel is due in about September.
Weapons Simulation System for Army
(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued June 23, 2004)
Four state-of-the-art weapons training facilities will be constructed for the Australian Army to enhance marksmanship training and weapon handling, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
The new Weapons Training Simulation Systems will be located at Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla in Victoria, Irwin Barracks in Perth and subsequently at sites in South Australia and Queensland.
The Army currently has nine facilities at Darwin, Townsville, Enogerra, Singleton, Duntroon, Holsworthy, Kapooka, Puckapunyal and Watsonia. The Royal Australian Air Force has two facilities at Williamtown and Amberley.
Senator Hill said the tender process would begin today with the release of the tender for the Bonegilla and Perth facilities. The project includes the acquisition of system hardware, software and modified weapons and installation at purpose built facilities. The total cost of the four new WTSS is estimated at $15 million.
“The Weapons Training Simulation System is a state-of-the-art laser-based small arms simulation system that is used to train Australian Defence Force personnel in marksmanship and weapon handling,†Senator Hill said.
“The facilities allow personnel to practice shooting with a range of laser-fitted weapons at computer-generated targets and scenarios. Trainers are then able to play back the exercise to provide feedback on accuracy and technique.â€
“The introduction of this simulation system in 1999 has proven to be a highly effective and efficient means of training ADF personnel in the handling and application of small arms.â€
The facilities in Victoria and Western Australia will be completed later this year, the extra weapons types will be delivered to eight of the existing sites and two of the new sites next year. The final two facilities in South Australia and Queensland are due to be completed by mid-2007.
ends.