BAE Systems has assembled a team with the right skills, processes and technologies to deliver FRES. The team, including Cranfield University, GE Aviation, QinetiQ, SAIC and Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems, will compete for the role of Vehicle Integrator for the 'Utility' family of FRES.
BAE Systems Land Systems
Would lead the delivery of the Utility Vehicle family programme and act as UK design authority through life in an alliance structure headed by the MoD. It would transition offshore manufacture to the UK and carry out final assembly, integration and test of the vehicles at its Newcastle plant. Its Leicester site would lead engineering work, with support activity at Telford. It has designed, manufactured and supported more than 95 per cent of the UK armoured fighting vehicle fleet and will bring this know-how to the FRES programme. It is in the middle of a 60m transformation of its vehicle engineering, manufacturing, support, training and supply operations, primarily to ensure timely delivery of the FRES programme.
BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies (Insyte)
Has already worked on electronic architecture for FRES. It would harness its expertise in training system integration, crew station design, electronic architecture and Bowman integration, at sites including Dunfermline and Frimley.
Cranfield University
Based at the Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, has been active within the FRES project since its inception on electronics architecture, systems engineering support, military requirements, trials support and planning. It would analyse supportability trade-offs and how the FRES Utility vehicle integrates with other FRES roles and the wider force.
GE Aviation
Would provide detailed knowledge of vehicle health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), integrated computing, vehicle power management, crew station displays and controls and software management. The work would be performed by the Systems division of GE Aviation in Cheltenham and Eastleigh.
QinetiQ
From its Farnborough operation, would bring to bear expertise in survivability trades, ergonomics, whole-life costing, and assessment and management of emerging technologies to support sustainment of capability through life and lead on a number of key programme aspects, delivered in conjunction with team members. To date its work on FRES includes electronic architecture, local situation awareness, electric armour and long gap crossing technology demonstrator programmes.
SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation)
Would bring proven programme management, and complex systems engineering, including unique tools and processes to the team. SAIC plays a significant role in the US Future Combat System programme and would bring similar expertise to bear for FRES. SAIC has key leadership positions within the team.
Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems
A Finmeccanica company, would provide its expertise in the provision of integrated situation awareness, surveillance, target acquisition and survivability. This, together with the understanding gained from its investment in armoured fighting vehicle electronic architecture development, would be drawn from its facilities at Basildon, Luton, Edinburgh and Southampton.
