eQuorum is proud to share with you some of our customers’ latest developments. eQuorum supports several General Dynamics divisions with workflow and document management software critical to engineering design and development.

General Dynamics formed in 1954 with the merger of Electric Boat and Canadair. For decades it has been one the United States’ go-to defense contractors and is now the sixth-largest defense contractor in the World. General Dynamics provides a vast array of specialized military equipment for both the United States and its allies with the mission of reinventing bounds of innovation to advance their customers’ missions.

E-Drive Foxhound

Recently, General Dynamics Land Systems – UK (GDLS-UK) announced they have been awarded a contract by NP Aerospace, under the UK Ministry of Defense Mobility Fleet Vehicle Programme. Its intent is to showcase the abilities of the e-drive Foxhound Vehicle.

The e-drive Foxhound is a hybrid vehicle, developed by Magtec, and will be installed in co-operation with General Dynamics and Supacat, which is the prime contractor for the vehicles. General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) currently delivers the AJAX family of vehicles, in addition to the Stryker family of vehicles. These range from the famously used Abrams battle tank to the Cougar Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) tank.

The new vehicle delivers silent watch capabilities and is even capable of moving silently over rough terrain. The vehicle includes off-board electrical power for light infantry soldiers and has increased onboard power for the insertion of the latest technologies. The need for onboard power increases as we develop new technologies, and electric vehicles provide an innovative solution. The British Light Infantry Vehicle (LAV), the Foxhound is the perfect candidate for an e-drive demonstration, since its architecture enables electrification.

Further Reading: Top 3 Engineering Trends You Need to Know

PIRANHA 5 VCR

In late August this year, the Spanish Ministry of Defense awarded €1.74 billion to a joint venture of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and Santa Bárbara Sistemas (SBS - a Spanish defense contractor based in Madrid). The program intends to deliver 348 8x8 Wheeled Combat Vehicles (VCR) and is expected to grow to approximately 1,000 vehicles.

The vehicle is known as “Dragón” by the Spanish, and it is based on the GDELS 8x8 PIRANHA 5’s VCR. The PIRANHA 5 is among the world’s most advanced 8x8 VCRs and is considered to be the top end of the PIRANHA vehicle family. The vehicle utilizes an all-wheel drive, hydro-pneumatic suspension capable of providing best-in-class maneuverability through challenging terrain. It has a significant payload capacity and even includes a spacious crew compartment for added comfort and mobility.

The joint venture will manufacture the vehicles at GDELS sites in Trubia and Seville and will require the participation of approximately 650 direct employees and 1,100 indirect employees. GDELS-SBS and three other companies will deliver the vehicles, along with maintenance and lifecycle support, as well as support their international commercialization.

Further Reading: Version Control - Why Is It Important

Virginia-Class Submarine

In December of last year, General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB – a business unit of General Dynamics) was awarded a contract valued at $22.2 billion for the construction of 9 new Virginia-class submarines. These Navy submarines are capable of transporting 15 officers and 117 enlisted military personnel and are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons systems. The Seawolf-class submarines were intended to succeed the Los Angeles-class of submarines; however, production was canceled due to budgeting restraints at the end of the cold war, creating an opening for the new successor.

GDEB and Newport News Shipbuilding have already delivered 18 Virginia-class submarines to the U.S. Navy and all 10 Block IV submarines are under construction. The subs displace 7,800 tons and have a hull length of 377 feet and a diameter of 34 feet. Using their nuclear propulsion systems, the vehicles are capable of reaching speeds exceeding 25 knots. And, since it uses a single-shaft nuclear reactor, there is no need for the submarine to refuel throughout its service life.

The Virginia class has several innovations that enhance its fighting capabilities. These include quieting technologies for the engine room, a new large vertical array, and additional quieting coating materials for the hull. These innovations will allow the vehicle to remain undetected in or near an enemy coastline while detecting enemies at farther ranges than adversaries can. By the mid-2020s, the submarines will be used for a wide range of applications from intelligence collection and surveillance to the deployment of tomahawk missiles.

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