Peter Luff praises TRaC Global at DVD 2012

Referring to the ‘wind of change’ that had blown through the defence sector in the past few years, Luff cited the Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Army 2020 vision and a balanced military budget as three major developments that were transforming the operational landscape.

After addressing his audience the Minister visited four trade stands at the event and spent a good amount of time chatting to personnel on the TRaC Global booth.

When TRaC personnel explained to Luff the company’s success in the military and aerospace markets, he replied: “Well, I’m really pleased to hear that. I can see the quality of services offered by TRaC Global is as good as, if not better than the rest of the world.”

Steve Hayes EMC & Safety Managing Director at TRaC presented a paper at the conference entitled, ‘EMC considerations bringing TES vehicles into Core.’ He discussed the vehicle types used in theatre, why EMC is important, why emission testing is needed and the dilemma faced by troops given the choice between jamming hostile signals to set off improvised explosive devices and maintaining communication with base and coalition forces operating within the same theatre.

Steve Hayes concluded that assessment was needed on current EMC and electrical performance and variability of results. Very difficult decisions need to be made to bring urgent operational requirement vehicles into core, particularly cost versus benefit.

Luff concluded his day at the DVD event at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, by confirming funding of £5.5bn for the Armed Fighting Vehicle pipeline, adding; “The army has perhaps paid a high price for lack of clarity in the past, with projects being cancelled or shelved at short notice. Our new planning regime will put an end to this.”

As proof positive of the new ‘open systems’ approach to vehicle procurement, as outlined in the Defence White Paper, Luff highlighted the British Army’s newest patrol vehicle, Foxhound. This vehicle is currently operational in Afghanistan and is an example of a UK designed and built vehicle – with 90 per cent of parts being sourced from UK suppliers, according to the Minister.

Organised by Defence Equipment and Support, DVD is one of the key European events in the defence diary, bringing together all relevant stakeholders supporting the UK’s Land Forces.