Rheinmetall Canada Chooses ELSAT-2100
Elbit Systems Ltd. to Supply Satellite On-the-Move Systems to Canadian Armed Forces
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced on March 3, 2020, that it was selected by Rheinmetall Canada Inc. to provide satellite on-the-move (SOTM) communication systems to the Canadian Armed Forces, as part of the Land Command Support System Life Extension (LCSS LE) program. Elbit Systems will supply the Canadian Armed Forces its triple-band ELSAT 2100 SATCOM on-the-move systems that enable a reliable, real-time, on-the-move broadband communication solution. Using military and commercial satellites, including the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network of the U.S. Department of Defense, the ELSAT 2100 SATCOM on-the-move systems will enable the Canadian Armed Forces to maintain long-range voice and data connectivity between mobile command vehicles, liaison elements, high-priority sensor vehicles as well as tactical headquarters or command posts, providing them with high-capacity network services and battle command-on-the-move capabilities.
OCR Global Inc. Builds .50-Caliber Ammo for NSWC
NAVSEA Awards Second Contract for Reduced Range Ammunition
On March 31, 2020, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded OCR Global, Inc. (OCR) the second delivery order contract to supply .50-caliber Reduced Range Ammunition (RRA). This delivery order falls under the $47 million USD, single-award, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity, Base Contract which was awarded to OCR in June 2018 by the Naval Surface Warfare Command (NSWC) Crane Division.
OCR has partnered with one of the world’s largest ammunition manufacturers, Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC), headquartered in Ribeirão Pires, Brazil. CBC’s expertise in production of small and medium calibers, extending back to 1926, has made the company one of the most formidable ammunition producers in the world, with a wide range of products exported to over 100 countries. “We are honored to have this opportunity to support NSWC’s mission,” said Rhonda Irby, President of OCR. “OCR has not only secured an important win for the company but also a wonderful partnership with CBC and NAVSEA.”
The .50-caliber (12.7x99mm) RR cartridge is designed for use on training ranges and for combat where ricochet and stray bullets travelling beyond standard target distances may cause collateral damage. The .50-caliber RRA has a maximum range roughly 50% shorter than that of conventional M33/M17 ammunition. This is a major advantage when operating near urban areas, since users can fire the .50-caliber RRA on a 7.62mm range, without changing the maximum distance of the safety template. The RRA cartridge functions normally when fired from machine guns without auxiliary equipment. The .50-caliber RRA ammunition will be manufactured specifically to meet NAVSEA’s quality and performance requirements as well as the DoD’s safety requirements.
BAE Systems Awarded $339M Contract
U.S. Army to Get 48 sets of M109A7 SPH and M992A3 CAT Vehicles
BAE Systems announced March 24, 2020, that the U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems a $339 million contract modification for the production of 48 vehicle sets of the M109A7 Self-propelled Howitzer (SPH) and its companion, the M992A3 Carrier, Ammunition, Tracked (CAT) vehicle, which includes post-delivery support and spare parts.
The M109A7 SPH and M992A3 CAT vehicle set is a vital program enhancement for increased combat capability and sustainment of the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs). The program offers enhanced indirect-fire artillery capabilities to the ABCTs with new technologies for power generation and survivability.
The new M109A7 addresses long-term readiness and modernization needs of the M109 Self-propelled Howitzer family through a critical redesign and production plan that leverages today’s most advanced technology. Its state-of-the-art “digital backbone” and power generation capability provide a more robust, survivable and responsive indirect-fire support capability for ABCT soldiers. The M109A7 is a significant upgrade over the M109A6 as it enhances reliability, maintainability, performance, responsiveness, lethality and crew survivability.
The initial contract was awarded in 2017 for low-rate production. This most recent order brings the total number of M109A7 and M992A3 vehicle sets to 204, with a total contract value of $1.5 billion. The award follows the Army’s decision, announced in February 2020, to commence full-rate production of the vehicle.
