Unveiled: Singapore Technologies Engineering, one of the world's
top arm developers, got to shrut its stuff at the recent aerospace
show
By Felix Soh
THE enemy can run - but can't hide.
The new products by its subsidiary companies - ST Kinetics, ST
Marine, ST Electronics and ST Aerospace - were unveiled for the
first time at the recent Asian Aerospace 2004 show.
They reflect the growing technological sophistication and
ground-breaking innovation of made-in-Singapore weapons.
One that created a buzz at Asian Aerospace was the Stars Wars-like
Squad Support Weapon (SSW), which integrates a 40mm grenade
launcher into a rifle as a single, seamless handheld weapon.
The revolutionary dual-calibre weapon, still under development, is
designed for urban warfare, which is easily the most deadly and
difficult type of combat operations today as the ongoing conflict
in Iraq shows.
The SSW equips foot soldiers with lethal firepower. Its
next-generation programmable 40mm Air Bursting Munition, a world's
first in cutting-edge technology, can hit enemy troops concealed
behind windows or on rooftops.
The weapon's ability to hit targets beyond the reach of
conventional ammunition extends to enemies hidden in bunkers and
caves.
Another product that attracted much attention at the air show was
the Fantail, a mini-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ideal for use in
urban missions.
It can hover over an area to give a 'god's-eye' perspective to
infantrymen in a variety of battlefield scenarios.
Equipped with a day, low-light or night camera, the Fantail
provides over-the-hill, around-the-corner and
over-the-next-building surveillance and reconnaissance. When fitted
with chemical sensors, it can detect a chemical attack and track
the source.
And it is not just for war fighting. The mini-UAV has law
enforcement and civil defence applications as well. For example, it
can observe a forest fire from positions that would be too risky
for humans.
Also well-received at the air show was the launch of Maps -
Maritime, Aviation and Port Security Solution - which generated
much interest from visitors because of concern over the
vulnerability of ports to terrorist attacks from the sea.
The integrated Maps system provides vital installations such as
ports, petroleum refineries, seaside resorts and oil rigs with
automated surveillance, detection, assessment and immediate
response to threats.
It offers 24-hour, all-weather surveillance cover for ports and
their cargoes with a panoply of sensors like radars, sonars, day
and night video cameras - and even intelligent fences with
intrusion and motion detectors.
'Maps is a cost-effective system because it reduces manning
levels,' said Mr Lee Fook Sun, ST Electronics' president of defence
and international business.
'Only a limited number of people are needed to manage multiple
threats.'
One new product that made many heads turn was the Spider Light
Strike Vehicle.
The six-seater is probably the world's only centre-wheel drive
vehicle - with the steering wheel and driver's seat positioned in
the centre in the front, with two other seats on either side.
What next? Even smarter weapons and systems.
Said Mr Sew Chee Jhuen, ST Kinetics' executive vice-president for
defence business: 'We are developing smarter munitions, guided
weapons and putting more intelligence into vehicles.
'We are also more network-centric, that is, further enhancing the
situational awareness of commanders.'
Stealthy, unmanned weapons and systems will also be a main area of
focus. 'The future will see more autonomous vehicles and other
equipment that can navigate by themselves and give soldiers a
forward view without endangering any lives,' said Mr Sew. 'Robots
will be big.'
--ST
the SSW truly sounds interesting! too bad canot post the picture
here.
