SNAPSHOT FROM EUROSATORY 2010

Finmeccanica at Eurosatory 2010

Finmeccanica attended the Eurosatory 2010 exhibition in Paris held from 14 to 18 June, with its companies DRS Technologies, Elsag Datamat, Oto Melara, SELEX Galileo and SELEX Sistemi Integrati.

Finmeccanica’s presence at this exhibition aimed at highlighting the Group’s state-of-the-art products as well as the Group’s ability to offer a complete range of equipments and solutions to satisfy the needs of defence and security customers. DRS Technologies displayed a suite of its rugged and ultra rugged computing systems. Specifically, the JV-5 Vehicle Computer and Display System (FBCB2) which provides commanders and soldiers at tactical units, from brigade level to the individual soldier, to access to real-time information, allowing for better command and control decision making and enhanced situational awareness. DRS also displayed its Military Rugged Tablet PC, ARMOR X10 Tablet PC, RBM Notebook and RVT Vehicle computers. Along with its computing systems, DRS exhibited several of its thermal imaging and electro-optical products that help increase situational awareness in the field. On display were its Thermal Weapon Sights, Drivers Vision Enhancer, (DVE) and GS-410 stabilised gimbal which are found on military platforms and weapon systems.

Elsag Datamat presented the Operational Logistics System, which provides the various levels of command with a detailed overview of the logistics assets available, visibility on moving convoys and analysis of the sustainability of missions in progress. The Operational Logistics System also interacts in real time with both the C2 system, with which it shares the ‘Common Operational Picture’ and the logistics management system in Italy. Also on display were the Italian Air Force-Mission Support System (IAF-MSS) and the Search and Rescue Operations Management System (SAROMS). IAF-MSS is a complete planning system that can support different types of aircraft, for any weapons system and any mission, used first in mission planning for the Tornado and AM-X aircraft and now extended to C-130J, MB-339 and C-27J aircraft and the Italian Army’s NH-90 helicopters, while SAROMS supports the management and co-ordination of search and rescue operations.

From its range of security systems, Elsag Datamat presented the Patrol Support System (PSS), a palm-held patrol support device that contains all the functionality required for military, civil and law enforcement applications. Based on biometric technology, this portable multifunctional device was developed by the company to perform identity checks and a wide range of territorial monitoring and control operations. Oto Melara exhibited two vehicles manufactured by the Consortium Iveco-Oto Melara: the new VBM FRECCIA armoured vehicle with the HITFIST® 25mm turret, recently acquired by the Italian Army, and the Infantry Fighting Vehicle DARDO with special ballistic protection and the 30mm HITFIST® Overhead Weapon Station. In addition, there was the new 12.7mm HITROLE® Light installed on the Lince vehicle that in the same configuration will be employed in Afghanistan.

At Eurosatory, SELEX Galileo showcased a full range of solutions to enhance situational awareness and for the digitalisation of the battlefield. Particular emphasis was given this year to the Tactical Unmanned Aerial System Falco, ideal for both civil and military missions. The solutions showcased at the exhibition also included SELEX Galileo sensors, ranging from the latest-generation thermal imaging cameras (SLX Hawk, SLX Merlin, SLX Cobra, Erica Plus) to integrated electro-optical turrets (Janus) and AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radars. In the area of battlefield digitalisation, SELEX Galileo has developed an innovative suite of electro-optical equipment for the future soldier, which is generating increasing interest from the international markets. SELEX Galileo has also signed an agreement with Universal Engineering to supply its Ranger vehicle with a complete sensors and situational awareness solution. SELEX Sistemi Integrati displayed a demonstrator for the Forza NEC (Network Enabled Capability) programme, for which the Finmeccanica company signed a 238 million Euro contract on 9 June 2010, with the Land Armaments General Directorate — Italian ministry of defence. The five year agreement will allow the armed forces to use a digitalised system enabling the maximum exchange of operative, tactical and strategic information from and to every single vehicle and man deployed in the field.