UAE plans field tests for new Marconi radio

The UAE Armed Forces will undertake trials of the new Marconi H4855 PRR (personal role radio) next month. The PRR, which has also been procured by the British Armed Forces, is the first new generation radio to be designed for individual soldier use, according to the Show Daily.

PRR uses commercial official off-the-shelf technology that has been ruggedised. "It has been developed from the bottom up," sales director Michael Winter said. "That includes the unique feature of a remote wireless press-to-talk button that means the soldier does not have to take his hand off his weapon to speak to other members of the unit.

The system is deployed without the need for supporting structures, has a universal connection to combat net radios and a confirmed range of 500 metres.

Advanced Electronic scores major success in Canada

Advanced Electronic Systems, part of the ADCOM group and the only manufacturer of third generation aerial target systems and other remotely piloted vehicles in the UAE, has achieved significant success in Canada. In January, the AES target system was qualified by and successfully performed required tasks for the Canadian armed forces in the extreme weather conditions of the Canadian winter, reported the Show Daily.

The trials were the result of cooperation between AES and Canadian company Schreiner Target Services, which jointly fielded three versions of targets, collectively known as the Ptarmigan family. This comprises an economic visually piloted target, and the more advanced autonomous, pre-programmed models with sea-skimming, long-range, low altitude capabilities.

AES and Schreiner Target Services, both present at Idex intend to extend their cooperation to cover other markets, and to other technical areas of common interest.

Helicopter trainers enter service in UAE

Following the signing of a contract last year, Eurocopter has begun deliveries of a dozen AS350 B3 helicopters intended for training duties in the UAE.

The helicopters will supplement and eventually replace Gazelle helicopters currently used for this task. The B3 version of the Ecureuil was chosen for its excellent hot and high performance, as well as the protection against sand provided on this particular model.

Openfire Warrior launched in the Gulf

Australian company Opentec recently launched its logistics support centre in Sharjah, which will be responsible for the support of its range of rugged portable computers, the Openfire Warrior.

The initiative is a key step in displaying the company's commitment in the region, said Opentec's defence customer support manager, Pearl Stuart. Opentec has been working with the UAE Armed Forces for some months, resulting in orders from GHQ Armed Forces (UAE) with delivery planned for April 2001.

The similarities in harsh environmental conditions shared between the UAE and Australia has been the driving force in the company's efforts to ensure its range of rugged IT is propagated throughout the Gulf.