BAE SYSTEMS Unveils Innovative CATS Bid
11 Sep 2003
BAE Systems bid for the 250m-plus UK Combined Aerial Target Service (CATS) features an innovative approach to the provision of unmanned aerial targets for all three services. Included in the solution for naval live firings - and potentially for other users - is a proposal to launch targets from a leased civil platform support ship, instead of the current practice of relying on the use of a Royal Navy frigate.
Bid manager Martin Rowe-Willcocks says, This proposal offers improved flexibility for naval operations, avoiding disruption to normal Royal Navy ship operations and offering them potential savings worth more than 120m over the life of the programme.
We believe that use of our specially developed launch system, developed in conjunction with OY Robonic of Finland, provides further significant benefits for the customer. These include the opportunity to improve the element of surprise for training and the ability to launch up to four targets for simultaneous engagements. In addition, as air warfare weapon systems increase in energy, the safety traces for these systems grow. Our system is capable of launching targets for air-to-air engagements far out to sea at more locations worldwide.
CATS will be contracted as a 20-year Private Finance Initiative (PFI), to provide a threat emulation service for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and British Army. It will replace separate arrangements currently in force for the three services for training exercises and operational evaluation.
The BAE Systems bid is led by its Customer Solutions & Support arm (CS&S) which has a proven record of working in partnership with UK armed forces. It is supported on structure and finance by PFI specialists from BAE Systems Capital. The operation will be based at Warton and will draw upon BAE Systems experience in operating the Australian Kalkara target system through its US Flight Systems business unit.
Rowe-Willcocks points to BAE Systems engineering experience and understanding of complex systems as an area where its bid can add value for operational evaluation of new weapons systems. Citing the example of Eurofighter Typhoon, he points out, The aircraft has a tight schedule of operational analysis coming up and our design authority knowledge can be factored into the test programme through our CATS proposal.
By far the largest element of the requirement, by volume of target presentations, is for the ground based air defence (GBAD) component. The CS&S bid has put particular focus on meeting the GBAD requirement in the most cost-effective manner, while providing significantly increased realism with the flexibility to meet surge requirements and to train overseas. For the first time, the Army, including the new AH64 helicopter crews, will be able to train with a pop-up helicopter target, that will be available on land ranges such as that in Suffield, Canada.
Other features of the CS&S bid include: Improved Target Performance. The bids chosen suite of platforms (pop-up helicopter, Iris Prop, Iris Jet, Dornier DT35, Skua, Evader & Excalibur) together have better overall performance specification and endurance at lower cost than the current Jindevik, Mirach 100/5, Banshee & Falconet targets. More realistic threat emulation through improved visual augmentation, infra-red signature, radar cross section signature and electronic counter measures payloads. Improved safety, environmental and training benefits through the use of a pneumatic launcher. RATO (rocket-assisted take-off) launch is not required.
Notes to editors
Customer Solutions & Support leads one of three teams shortlisted for the CATS programme. According to MOD figures it is worth up to 710m over 20 years under a rolling agreement.
An Invitation to Negotiate was issued by the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) in September 2002 and the preferred bidder is expected to be announced in January 2004. Two operational evaluation trials are specified for October and November 2004 as part of the service transition plan. An initial service capability, with a subset of payloads and platforms is scheduled by 31 December 2004. An expanded service capability, including all target categories, is required by 31 December 2005.
The successful bidder will be required to operate day and night, 365 days per year, on up to five ranges simultaneously in the UK and overseas. The contract will include the preparation, maintenance, launch, operation & recovery of a range of off-the-shelf aerial target systems and payloads from land sites and at sea. It must provide targets which emulate fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, helicopters and missiles, including sea-skimmers.
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
About Customer Solutions & Support:
Customer Solutions & Support employs over 12,000 people at 30 locations and provides through-life support and services across the air, sea and land sectors. It carries out upgrades, maintenance, repair and overhaul of military aircraft and naval vessels. CS&S supports customers' capability in areas such as training; facilities management; spares and repairs; technical information services; manpower services; and supply chain and logistics management.
CS&S skills are deployed managing support and services projects worldwide including a broad range of contracts in Australia and the key Saudi Arabian Al Yamamah programme. CS&S is also working closely with the UK Ministry Of Defence to reduce the cost of support and training - without compromising front-line efficiency.
Support vessel image at: http://www.baesystems-css.com/library/ (no password search for CATS)
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