29 Septembre 2009
Thales's next generation Hawkei vehicle is specifically designed to meet the
unique needs of the Australian Defence Force and key export customers.
This new lightweight Protected Mobility Vehicle achieves high levels of blast
and ballistic protection at a mass that allows increased levels of tactical and
operational mobility. "In developing the Hawkei, we have taken the lessons
learned building the highly successful Bushmaster and, in combination with our
partners, applied that thinking and experience to the new vehicle," said Ian
Irving, Thales Australia's Land & Joint Systems Division Vice President.
"Hawkei is a new, next generation vehicle representing a genuine advance in
design and innovation. All of the technology building blocks are battle proven
and validated through operations, and have now been incorporated into a low risk
design representing the next generation of vehicle system."
The new ground-breaking design meets the ADF's performance and capability
requirements, including systems that allow the Hawkei to become a fully
integrated node on the network centric battlefield. The Hawkei is designed to
accommodate the future system demands of adaptive campaigning, with C4I
(Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) capabilities a
fundamental part of its DNA.
A systems approach to vehicle protection includes high levels of mine blast
protection integrated into the Hawkei's hull design, while its adaptable
ballistic protection technology is designed to be easily removed for air
transportation and then refitted by a two-person crew in less than 30 minutes
without using specialised equipment. This innovative design allows the Hawkei to
be operated in full protection configuration that can then be reconfigured and
upgraded for specific mission threats.
The Hawkei also delivers significant manufacturing and through life support
cost savings over current ADF platforms. Thales has worked closely with the PAC
Group to design a flexible production capability, and with numerous SMEs to
maximise value for money across the supply chain.
"Evidence from other Australian defence industry programs suggests that large
vehicle fleets based on imported technologies have significantly raised through
life support costs. This is not the case with the Hawkei, which efficiently uses
existing through life support systems and performance-based contracting models,"
Mr Irving continued.
"The Hawkei program contributes to the retention of skilled competitive
suppliers capable of supporting and repairing sophisticated equipment for the
ADF. It also brings more Australian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into the
support pipeline, generating an effective support system that an overseas-based
solution simply could not match."
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Space, Defence,
Security and Transportation markets. In 2008, the company generated revenues of
12.7 billion euros (equivalent of AUD22.1 billion) with 68,000 employees in 50
countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique
capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that
meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional
international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers
as local partners.
Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is
also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to
security systems and services. Employing around 3,500 people in over 35 sites
across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of more than AUD1 billion
in 2008.
Press contacts
Libby Noble
Thales Australia
+61 (0)2 9562 3150
+61 (0)434 155 881
libby.noble@thalesgroup.com.au
Aude Colas des Francs
Thales, Land & Joint Systems
+33 (0)1
46 13 20 86
aude.colasdesfrancs@fr.thalesgroup.com