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BAE SYSTEMS showcases firepower capability to meet Australia's future requirements

21 Oct 2002

Weapon systems and equipment that could significantly boost the Australian Army's mobile firepower capability will be showcased by BAE Systems during the Land Warfare conference in Brisbane this week.

The BAE Systems RO Defence business specialises in providing total firepower solutions including:

* weapon platforms - towed and self propelled howitzers, mortars and naval gun
* an ammunition capability which encompasses design and production of air, land and naval systems including high explosive, warheads, pyrotechnics, mortar and artillery natures from 4.6 mm to 155 mm

"Our product range makes us the world's leading designer and manufacturer of advanced artillery systems and, in conjunction with the wider BAE Systems, we are the only company in the world that can offer a complete firepower capability. This is backed by a total commitment to the highest standards of training, and through-life support," said Clive Richardson, Managing Director of BAE Systems RO Defence.

"We continue to lead developments in advanced artillery weapons systems with original and innovative concepts. We have developed competitive weapons solutions for unmanned turrets and for advanced mortar systems," Mr Richardson said.

To meet the potential needs of the Australian Indirect Fire Weapon System project, which is a corner stone of the Land 5000 programme, BAE Systems is offering the following solutions:

* Type 118 105mm Light Gun
* Laser Inertial Artillery Pointing System (LINAPS)
* XM 777 155 mm Lightweight Howitzer
* Lightweight Self Propelled Howitzer (LWSP)
* 120 mm Armoured Mortar System (AMS)

The re-commissioning of the Type 118 ordnances onto the Hamel light gun carriages and the introduction to Australia of the new more lethal intensive munition family of ammunition will provide an increase in range of approximately 50 percent to 17,300metres over the in-service Hamel and M2 guns.

"The Type 118 105 mm light gun weapon and ammunition improvements being offered to the Australian Army, will be complemented by the integration of LINAPS to produce a major increase in firepower which can be deployed by land, sea or air in support of future ADF operations," said Jonathan Pape, Marketing Manager - Combat Systems, BAE Systems RO Defence.

"The 120 mm AMS fitted to either the ASLAV or stretched M113 chassis will meet the operational requirements of both reconnaissance and infantry units for integral responsive fire support in all operational scenarios," he said.

"The continuous development of new products and the cost-effective technology insertion into well-established market leaders is underpinned by constant innovation in our range of ammunition systems," Mr Richardson said.