A number of readers who were there have chipped in with photos and information so to all, thanks.
DVD will now be on a two year basis, timed to avoid DSEi, so either DVD or DSEi in any given year.
FRES
Plenty of news and information out there that is just a short Google away but the main attraction was the General Dynamics FRES Specialist Vehicle (SV) Protected Mobility Reconnaissance Support (PMRS) variant.
http://www.janes.com/article/40036/dvd-2014-general-dynamics-uk-completes-first-scout-pmrs
http://defense-update.com/20140625_scout_sv-recce.html
From the Janes article;
The PMRS is fitted with a Kongsberg Protector Remote Weapon Station (RWS) armed with a stabilised .50 M2 HB machine gun (MG) with a fire-on-the-move capability and banks of grenade launchers.
General Dynamics UK is quoting a combat weight of 38 tonnes for the PMRS but with a proven stretch potential to 42 tonnes to take into account any future requirements.
PMRS has a maximum crew of six including commander, gunner, and driver, plus three dismounts.
PMRS has a host of new features including a laser warning system; cameras for day/night situational awareness through 360°; flat panel displays for commander, gunner, and driver; electronic architecture; configurable modular armour system; electronic counter measures; and environmental control system for worldwide deployment.
I suppose you could loosely say this is the CVR(T) Spartan replacement.
It is of course a statement of the obvious to say the new girl is a bit lardy in comparison.
Also reported in the linked articles is that the PMRS will start a 3 years trials programme at the end of this year with a view to deployment in 2018.
On display were a few contenders for the upcoming FRES UV programme, or UV Wheeled as it is now known (H/T Monty)
Challenger and Warrior
Initial Gate for the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project looks like next year but the numbers are unlikely to match those currently in service, even post SDSR cull, if the costs don’t fit within the estimated budget.
All sounds very sad for Mr Challenger
Confirmation also that there will be no main gun change
The Battlefield Support Vehicle is also edging closer to fruition in tiny steps, always the bridesmaid never the bride. This will possibly utilise surplus Warrior in some of the roles currently being carried out by the ancient FV432 series, or more accurately Bulldog 2 and Bulldog 4.
On display at DVD was the a de-turreted Warrior equipped with a selection of protection and other upgrades, sporting a sand coloured paint job.
Apparently, the working number is 380 vehicles but hard to see that many being converted given the size of the fleet.
Protected Vehicles
We have discussed this programme several times the Multi Role Vehicle – Protected and it predecessor, OUVS.
MRV is a Land-Rover and Pinzgaur replacement with some level of protection in two flavours, short and long wheel base (with 6 variants)
This basic requirement should at least benefit from a wide variety of suppliers although commonality with Foxhound is obviously a dirty word.
Janes also reported that a support contract would be let for the two thousand odd Afhanistan/Iraq protected mobility vehicles after open competition, the manufacturers would not get an automatic support contract.
That might be interesting with regards to intellectual property issues.
After selling off the Ashchurch vehicle storage depot Janes reported that the MoD will be creating a new home for Army vehicles, continuing with the whole fleet management approach of storing the majority of a units vehicles in humidity and temperature controlled storage until they are needed.
Bridging
WFEL had their Dry Support Bridge on display
I suppose the choice of vehicle was no accident
More details on an earlier post about the BR90 bridging system upgrade/life extension project, apparently it is now called Project TYRO, BAE will be pitching an upgrade to BR90 but WFEL look as if they are positioning the excellent Dry Support Bridge as an alternative.
Further Reading
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/army-and-industry-join-together-at-military-vehicle-event