BAE Systems wins two Future Rapid Effect System Technology Demonstrator Programmes
04 Jan 2006
BAE Systems welcomes today the announcement that it has been awarded contracts by the UK Ministry of Defence for a Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) Chassis Concept Technology Demonstrator Programme (TDP) and a FRES Gap Crossing TDP as part of the FRES Integrated Technology Acquisition Programme (ITAP). The ITAP is focused on reducing risk around the latest technologies and their integration into FRES to ensure that FRES will deliver significant capability enhancement at Initial Operating Capability (IOC).
The Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) will provide the British Army with a family of medium-weight, network-enabled, air-deployable armoured vehicles to meet up to 16 battlespace roles. FRES will be the central pillar of a capable and highly deployable medium force which will be able to project power rapidly world-wide, complementing the UKs existing heavy and light forces. Current estimates indicate a potential requirement of over 3,500 vehicles.
Mike Turner, BAE Systems Chief Executive said The award of these two technology demonstrator contracts is an important step for BAE Systems and reinforces our commitment to the FRES programme. We aim to be able to deliver FRES within the timescales required by the customer and to demonstrate our ability to draw on the most innovative technologies from around the world.
The BAE Systems Chassis Concept TDP will build on work done on the successful Swedish SEP programme. SEP is a family of modular vehicles, utilising emerging technology and allowing different role modules to be configured with either a wheeled or tracked chassis. The purpose of the TDP is to examine the ability of the electric drive system, developed for SEP to meet the requirements of some or all of the envisaged FRES roles.
The TDP will address chassis concept development including electric drive technology maturity for FRES Initial Operating Capability (IOC) and Full Operating Capability (FOC).
The BAE Systems Chassis TDP effort will be led from facilities in the UK in close co-operation with BAE Systems colleagues in Sweden and will be focused primarily on reducing risk to allow a successful transition to the next phase of this important programme.
The BAE Systems Gap Crossing approach is based upon the companys world-beating bridging technology and light bridging concepts. Supported by QinetiQ, the TDP will focus on a new light-weight assault bridge based on 2 designs: a stretched version of current technology and a new design using hybrid materials. Both designs aim to provide better bridge packaging for air transportability together with fast under-armour deployment, recovery and re-deployment.
BAE Systems is the leading provider of equipment and support to the British Army and is responsible for over 95% of all the armoured vehicles currently in service. BAE Systems will bring considerable innovation to FRES from the expertise accrued over many years in delivering advanced systems to our customers.
BAE Systems will work closely with the FRES IPT and with Atkins, the FRES Systems House (SH), to ensure the success of the FRES TDPs. BAE Systems is the UKs leading defence company, with world class skills in systems engineering and project management. These capabilities, combined with the Companys broad domain knowledge in Armoured Fighting Vehicles and Integrated Land Systems, will deliver great benefits to the FRES Programme.
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, combat vehicles, 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 and 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 employs over 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 14.8 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
For further information, please contact:
Lisa Hillary-Tee
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384934 Mob: +44 (0)7801 718994
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com
Greg Trew
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384029 Mob: +44 (0)7736 810269
greg.trew@baesystems.com
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