The U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) launched its new Defence Technology plan laying out long-term research plans and emphasizing the importance of science and technology (S&T) to the armed forces.
“Innovation is at the heart of our success on the battlefield and by launching the Defence Technology Plan we are looking to embrace and encourage novel, cutting-edge ideas to provide our future forces with the latest technological advances so they can stay one step ahead of the enemy,” Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Quentin Davies said releasing the plan Feb. 26.
It is more vital than ever that we exploit new and emerging technologies because the threats our troops face are always evolving. To do this, we need to make the best use of the Defence industrial base, as well as the wealth of ability and expertise found among small businesses, talented individuals and academia.”
Davies announced about $2.8 million for various research contracts:
Mindsheet was awarded about $39,500 for a month-long project to make their Unmanned Ground Vehicle robot, Testudo, more rugged and user-friendly.
Team Stellar–which won the MoD Grand Challenge–awarded an about $1.8 million contract to take their integrated Saturn system to the next level of capability.
Swarm Systems has been awarded approximately an $162,000 contract to develop their idea of a co-operative swarm of micro-UAVs.
Blue Design Ltd. has been awarded approximately $135,000 to develop its D3O shock absorbing material for troop helmet lining.
Teledyne Defence Limited has been awarded about $346,000 to research ways to help pilots operate in dust clouds caused by rotor blade downdraft.
Science and Technology Director, Paul Stein, said: “The Defence Technology Plan is the first time we have publicized most of our key our long-term defence challenges, where the development of new technology could lead to significant benefits for future combat forces.
The Defence Technology Plan is available on: http://www.science.mod.uk.
The plan also introduces five Capability Visions to stimulate new technologies and new uses of existing technologies.
Reducing the burden on the dismounted soldier–challenging industry to lighten the load on a soldier to 25kg while maintaining and improving personal protection levels.
Future Protected Vehicle–lightweight vehicles to achieve the effectiveness and survivability of a main battle tank.
Reducing operational dependency on fossil fuels.
Novel Air Concept–a cost effective, reusable uninhabited air system that operates within the urban landscape.
Electronics Defeat–understanding the threats–of and to–sophisticated electronic systems and information technology and how they can be protected against.
A variety of procurement methods will be used to acquire solutions to MoD needs.