Moog Inc., in collaboration with vehicle primes Supacat and KNDS, will be presenting new configurations of its innovative Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) event, scheduled from January 21-23, 2025, at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre.
For the first time in the UK, Moog will operate a production model of the RIwP turret, identical to the technology currently deployed by the US Army in its Maneuver Short-Range Air Defence (M-SHORAD) programme, known as SGT Stout.
Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to witness the RIwP integrated onto two different vehicle platforms. The first is an HMT Armoured Closed Cab platform manufactured by British vehicle specialists Supacat. The second integration showcases the RIwP mounted on a KNDS DINGO 3, a highly protected and operationally proven 4x4 vehicle.
These integrations are particularly significant as they demonstrate the RIwP's potential to meet the British Army's Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) and counter-small aerial target (C-SAT) requirements. These capabilities are crucial components of the UK Ministry of Defence's Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) programme. Both RIwP turrets at the event will be equipped with the British Army's preferred SHORAD missiles, the Thales HVM/LMM. This configuration underscores RIwP's suitability as the base launcher for the next-generation UK SHORAD capability, especially as the Army's Stormer vehicle approaches the end of its service life.
To further demonstrate the turret's versatility, Moog will showcase one of the turrets fitted with a 30x113mm Bushmaster cannon and a 7.62mm machine gun. This configuration allows for a 'layered' air defence capability, fulfilling both SHORAD and C-SAT roles from a common base platform.
The RIwP stands out from single-capability turrets due to its ability to act as a weapon’s 'hub'. This feature allows armed forces to easily swap weapons and sensors to meet emerging threats or changing operational requirements. The turret can be reconfigured within hours to match mission-specific needs while maintaining commonality across turrets. Underpinning the RIwP are Moog's specialist technologies, including precision motion control, stabilisation, and fire control. The platform's open physical and digital architectures reduce costs and enable continuous upgrades to sensors and effectors throughout its lifecycle.
As explained on FW MAG in 2024, Moog has committed to further developing its existing UK capabilities with full British production for RIwP, serving both domestic and export contracts. If selected for the British Army's requirements, Moog plans to significantly expand its presence in the UK. This expansion would include investment in local manufacturing, replicating the mature facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Moog currently manufactures RIwP for the U.S. Army's M-SHORAD requirement.
The potential selection of RIwP for British Army requirements could bring significant economic benefits to the UK. These include skills and knowledge transfer, job creation, and increased investment in Britain's onshore defence industrial base. The collaboration between Moog and UK vehicle manufacturers Supacat and KNDS Deutschland demonstrates the potential for creating highly effective and affordable air defence systems.
Phil Applegarth, Director and Head of Supacat, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the potency of two world-class defence companies working together.
Stefan Fontanari, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at KNDS Deutschland, emphasized how the collaboration showcases an affordable yet highly effective air defence system. The integration of the Moog RIwP weapon system with Thales' STARSTREAK HVM and sensors on the DINGO 3 platform provides a modular, flexible solution that combines top-tier protection with exceptional off-road mobility.
Privacy Policy
Powered by © Mobilbyte s.a.s. Information Technology