News

 

VAMTAC "Rebeco" tactical vehicle fire protection system 


February 2008 

The VAMTAC "Rebeco" (High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) represents the latest generation of Spanish 4x4 vehicles with an outstanding versatility for all types of tasks.

As part of the Spanish Government policy that decided to send more troops to Aphganistan along with these high mobility vehicles, which have enhanced protection for the troops.

The Spectrex SAFE system selected for this vehicle protects personnel from the hazards and effects of fire and fuel explosions, caused by hostile activities.

Following a comprehensive integration and testing process, these 4x4 high mobility command & control fighting-vehicles are now being provided with enhanced protection to address the threats of active duties wherever needed.

The SAFE Systems are comprised of modular components that are designed to meet the specific requirements of combat and tactical vehicles.

The system includes the new detector/controller, an additional optical detector and fast discharge extinguishing cylinder and a manual activation back up. This new system, being smaller in size provides a compact cost effective solution for vehicle and troops protection.



More MRAP vehicles to be equipped with SAFE systems


January 2008

Following previous SAFE systems orders received from BAE York for its MRAP RG33, Spectrex was recently commissioned to supply 668 SAFE systems for BAE Stuart & Stevenson category II MRAP vehicles. These SAFE systems were specifically developed for MRAP tactical wheeled vehicles and incorporate a compact combined detector/controller unit that saves space while maintaining the same SAFE system excellent performance. The MRAP program, being of high importance in providing the troops in Iraq with enhanced survivability protection, requires an increasing number of systems and faster delivery times that Spectrex is proud to provide.


SAFE system selected for the Swedish SEP Armoured vehicles

December 2007

Spectrex SAFE system was selected for the SEP Tracked 8x8 and Wheeled Modular Armoured family of vehicles that has been developed by BAE Systems Hagglunds and Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration to meet the needs of the armed forces of the future. 

SEP's innovative and advanced design has been based on the principles of commonality, flexibility and upgradeability, enabling a wide range of functions and roles on a uniform basic platform. Its versatility enables it to replace a wide range of armored vehicles including command and control personnel carriers, all-terrain logistics vehicles, sensor platforms, repair & recovery vehicles, ambulances and light combat vehicles. 

Meeting future requirements means making use of the latest technological developments in many areas including fire protection. High levels of protection are offered as standard and reliability and ease of maintenance have been built in from the outset. The SAFE systems selected for these vehicles protect engine, crew and role compartments. The fire extinguishing system's control electronics communicates with the vehicle's main computer via serial communication, providing components status and alarm indications as well as system's diagnostics features.

The Engine compartment system includes heat spot and wire detection as well as fire suppression cylinder, piping and nozzles. The Role compartment system includes optical flame detectors and fast discharge extinguishing cylinders. The crew compartment also includes an optical flame detector and a fast discharge extinguishing cylinder as well as the control system that is responsible for all the fire suppression systems.



Spectrex SAFE system candidate for Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) survivability upgrade


November 2007

A new fire detection system is available to enhance survivability of the troops and provide adequate fire detection capability for the BFV. This "drop-in" replacement detection system utilizes the existing components mountings and vehicle's electrical harnesses.

The system includes optical detectors which substantially improve the detection of small and slow growing fires and new control electronics that include advanced display and monitoring of system and components status, including BIT features and expansion to a double shot capability.

During comparison tests between the new SAFE system and original equipment (OE) performed by BAE, the OE detectors failed to detect 1 sq ft pan fire inside the vehicle whilst the SAFE detectors detected the same fire instantly.


 

BAE has selected Spectrex AFSS for its MRAP Vehicles


September 2007

BAE systems, a global defense and aerospace company, has selected Spectrex to supply specially designed Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) to its Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles recently supplied to the US Marine corps. BAE Systems is one of the major suppliers to the U.S. Marine Corps and the Army of Category I 4x4 and Category II 6x6 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) RG33 Vehicles.

BAE Systems' RG-33L is a 6x6, C-130 transportable, mine protected vehicle featuring a V-shaped hull and outstanding protection against improvised explosive devices. Its standard equipment includes: a hydraulic ramp, a gunner's protection kit, a robotic arm, on-board exportable power supply for C4I systems, survivability gear, mine protected seating, air conditioning, and dedicated space for equipment stowage. The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles provide an enhanced degree of mission flexibility offering both improved survivability and more volume under armor than any other mine protected vehicle , incorporating the latest designs in protecting against improvised explosive devices.

Advanced troops survivability is obtained through blast-resistant seating technology, transparent armor and specially designed Automatic Fire Suppression Systems (AFSS) protecting both engine and troop compartments. The crew compartment system is capable of detecting and suppressing all possible types of fires, i.e, small or large, slow or rapidly growing, limited in area or widely spread, as well as fuel explosions which are likely to occur during combat or training service of these military vehicles. The system protects against combat-initiated and slow-growth fires featuring high-speed optical detection in less than 3 milliseconds, explosion suppression within 150 milliseconds, multiple ultra fast extinguishing agent discharge and dispersion. Control electronics provide system activation; self and built-in test capabilities and system monitoring. System components are robust, comply with the latest Mil-Specs and provide for a highly reliable free of false alarm system. In the engine compartment – the system has the capability of detecting overheat and fire and of successfully extinguishing fuel fires.


SAFE system integrated in the SPRAT Bridge Vehicles


August 2007

The French Army has placed an order with CNIM for the development and construction of "SPRAT" (System for the rapid installation of bridge ways). This assault bridge includes a modular section of the MLC 70 category, measuring a total of 26 m in two sections, deployed by an off-road wheeled vehicle. For the user, this means improved operational efficiency at a lower cost.

The assault bridge being a critical element on the battlefield, is being equipped with the SAFE advanced fire protection system which includes fire protection for the cab as well as for the engine compartment. The cab system consists of an optical flame detector and fast discharge extinguishing cylinder.