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Denel are at the forefront of South Africa’s emergence as a key player in the development of next-generation military technology |
The next generation |
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Denel, South Africa’s largest manufacturer and supplier of military products, is embracing the future in global defence. Although state-owned, it operates as a profit-driven company and is pursuing international strategic equity partnerships. Denel’s 50-year defence capability makes it a renowned player in international defence. Systems sold and serviced worldwide include:
Leading ordnance systems Future artillery based on current ballistics technology is likely to be dominated for a long period by 155mm systems. To maintain its leading 155mm artillery position, Denel continues to invest in further developments. An example is the V-LAP projectile that increases the G5/G6/T6 range to more than 50km. Already qualified is a JBMoU standard bi-modular charge system (BMCS) for 39, 45 and 52 calibre systems. Designated M90, this system has special low-barrel erosion characteristics in addition to low muzzle flash technology, and has given excellent results during various evaluations overseas. During 1999 the M90 was selected by the UK MoD for upgrading its AS90 artillery. Development of a new ballistic system for the T6 turret is far advanced. This increases range beyond 40km, with base-bleed projectiles and V-LAP respectively, out-ranging all other 155mm systems currently available. Development of ballistic systems for Denel’s future artillery guns is continuing apace.
Landmine clearance Current and future low-intensity conflicts in many parts of the world will leave an increasingly serious landmine threat to civilian populations. Having developed a range of detection and clearance technologies, Denel recently unveiled the innovative VAMIDS system. This consists of a mine-resistant vehicle and a set of EOD equipment used to detect and neutralise ordnance ranging from land-mines to improvised explosives. The system is the first metal detector to give a real-time image of the surface and possible metal content that might exist in the form of mines or other devices. Data, stored for comparison with new sweeps over following days, allows for quicker detection and neutralisation of newly planted devices. Denel Mechem’s countermine philosophy for both conventional or non-conventional operations, is based on mine awareness; mine detection; mine neutralisation and mine protection. The new VAMIDS makes ample provision for operations conforming to this philosophy. Aerospace systems The Rooivalk attack helicopter is one of the most widely known aircraft developed by Denel in recent times. As a new generation, two-crew combat helicopter, Rooivalk is designed around high intensity operations in a high-threat environment. The design evolved from analysis and application of helicopters in conflict situations, covering vast distances in harsh environments with little or no infrastructure. New generation helicopters use the full potential of a fully integrated digital system with large-scale duplication (redundancy) on all critical systems. Rooivalk boasts the latest in digital avionics, visionics, night equipment, systems and weapons. Its rugged airframe was designed for extended operations with minimal ground support. UAVs Future conflicts will involve increased application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Denel’s systems have been used operationally by the South African National Defence Force for almost 15 years. Some of its UAV range, such as the high-speed Skua target drone and the Seeker observation platform (now substantially upgraded), have been exported. Missiles and guided weapons With many years’ experience of the development of state-of-the-art guided systems, Denel’s missiles have found ready export markets around the world. To meet the challenge of future short range air combat against next generation fighter aircraft in a very hostile ECM environment, Denel recently unveiled A-Darter, a fifth generation air-to-air missile. Umkhonto, a new vertically launched naval missile, is being developed for the South African Navy. Development work on the ramjet propulsion is continuing to support a future medium-to-long range upgrade. The development of Mokopa, Denel’s new generation anti-armour missile destined to be the main weapon system on the Rooivalk, is progressing well and meets the full spectrum of future operational requirements. Future conflicts are likely to be characterised by increasing deployment of stand-off weapons. Denel has been involved with the development of such modern systems for many years, often with international partners. With its key capabilities in systems design, development and production across all the major engineering disciplines, Denel has a unique strength in the industrial and defence fields. In an increasingly competitive defence industry, Denel aims to promote sound, long-term business relationships for the future. © |
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