All articles by Grant Turnbull
Grant Turnbull
Virtual World Framework: the next collaborative training revolution?
The use of simulation tools for maintaining skills and readiness among military personnel is growing, especially as shrinking budgets constrain real-world training. Now, companies are looking at ways to utilise web-based technologies for simulation in an effort to lower costs, increase collaboration and harness the potential of developers outside the defence industry.
Women to be given go-ahead for British Army combat roles
The British Army could soon relax its rules preventing women joining elite frontline units like the Parachute Regiment or the legendary Special Air Service (SAS). That’s according to a recent report by the Sunday Times, which says a decision on lifting the ban could come as soon as this week.
Vietnam and the US: why former enemies became friends
After decades of bitter fighting during the Vietnam War, the US and communist-run Vietnam are now forging closer political, economic and military ties. The US partially lifted a weapons ban in October and Vietnam could soon become a big market for American weapons. The reason for this reconciliation? China.
British Army and Bloodhound project set sights on 1,000mph speed record
Next year, a team of British engineers led by Richard Noble aim to break the current land speed record with a jet and rocket-powered car called Bloodhound SSC. The team could smash the current record of 763mph, set in 1997, with a blistering 1,000mph run in South Africa. In a unique partnership, the British Army has joined with the Bloodhound project to make this dream a reality.
The Putin effect – increasing armoured vehicle lethality with anti-tank missiles
Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan has seen military planners are reassess their approach to future land warfare. Instead of fighting insurgents, western armies could soon come up against tanks or well-organised foot soldiers. It’s for this reason – dubbed ‘the Putin effect’ by some – that several countries are looking to boost the lethality of their armoured vehicles to properly reflect these shifting strategic priorities.
Ultra-light vehicles and armed drones: AUSA 2014 tech round-up
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition was held in Washington DC this week. Spanning three days, it’s one of the biggest land warfare expos in the world with manufacturers keen to show off their latest products and military officials on the look out for new tech. If you couldn’t make it, we’ve identified some of the most notable equipment on display this year.
Russian aggression spurs Eastern European vehicle modernisation
Recent geopolitical events triggered by Russia have led many European countries to think again about their military capabilities – that’s particularly true for those in Eastern Europe which were once allied to Russia through the Warsaw Pact. Now, as members of NATO, countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Poland are modernising their land forces to respond to this threat. But can they afford it and is it enough?
End of an icon: the rise and fall of the Humvee
For nearly 30 years the Humvee has been the workhorse of militaries across the globe. It has achieved iconic status and is now one of the most recognisable vehicles on the planet. But after criticisms that it can no longer protect troops in combat, the US Army is planning to replace it. Is this the end of the Humvee’s story, or is there more to come for this symbol of US military might?
BAE Broadsword: centralised batteries and wire-free textiles for soldiers
Unveiled this year, BAE Systems’ new Broadsword product promises to reduce loads and revolutionise how soldiers are powered on the frontline using smart fabrics, data management and centralised battery packs. But with numerous future soldier system programmes failing to deliver innovation on the frontline, and soldiers now carrying more than ever, what will make BAE Systems’ offering different?
Did the US’s secretive spy drone take part in Syria strikes?
Early Tuesday morning, US military commanders briefed reporters at the Pentagon giving details about airstrikes carried out in Syria the night before. The director of operations for the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. William Mayville revealed that stealth aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft had all been used to strike Islamic State (IS) targets. But one aircraft was left off the list; the US Air Force’s most advanced spy drone.