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Panther On The Prowl In Afghanistan
Arlington VA (SPX) May 18, 2009 The first batch of a fleet of versatile, protected vehicles has been delivered to troops on operations, complete with the latest battle-ready upgrades. Weighing over 7 tonnes, the Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle (PCLV) is fitted with the latest high-tech developments, including a remote-controlled weapon system that allows the user to operate a machine gun with a camera and joystick from inside its turret. It can operate in all weather conditions, day and night using thermal imaging equipment that "sees" in the dark and the vehicles are protected against a range of threats including small arms, blast and anti-personnel mines. Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said: "Panther is an extremely tough, air-transportable and agile vehicle which will provide commanders on the ground with a vital asset suited to a variety of roles and operational environments. "We have made a number of essential modifications since its entry into service which have been key to ensuring we deliver on our commitment to provide a vehicle which is fit for our frontline troops. "I am confident that through our work with industry we have a vehicle which will be very effective in all sorts of situations." Panther, which was delivered to 1 Mechanised Brigade for training last summer, has undergone design adjustments following a series of hot weather trials to make them ready for operations in Afghanistan. These include: + rear view camera for improved situational awareness; + protected engine compartment; + the addition of a fourth crew member; + theatre-specific Electronic Counter Measures (ECM). The vehicles will be first used by both the RAF Regiment and the Army's Close Support Logistics Regiment. More vehicles are en route to theatre later this month for deployment on the frontline. The modifications to Panther were carried out at BAE Systems Global Combat Systems' Newcastle production plant. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links BAE Systems Global Combat Systems The latest in Military Technology for the 21st century at SpaceWar.com
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye On-Track For Operational Evaluation In 2011Bethpage NY (SPX) May 18, 2009 In the blue skies over St. Augustine, Fla., Northrop Grumman's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye System Development and Demonstration program aircraft recently reached its 1,000th hour of flight testing. The aircraft, currently in flight testing at Northrop Grumman's East Coast Manufacturing and Flight Test Center, continues to successfully meet, or exceed, all major program and performance milestones. ... read more |
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