BAE Systems
has previously developed and produced over 70 UOR (Urgent
Operational Requirement) modifications for Warrior to
prepare them for operations in Kosovo, Iraq and now Afghanistan.
These were designed mainly to enhance protection to the
vehicle crews in the face of rapidly-changing threats
and to better meet harsh local environmental conditions.
Approximately
30 new upgrades, known as TES(H) (Theatre Entry Standard
- Herrick), have now been designed, developed, manufactured
and fitted onto Warrior vehicles. Their primary aims were
to further improve crew protection and restore vehicle
mobility that had been reduced as a result of increases
in vehicle weight from under 30 to around 40 tonnes.
TES(H) was
developed, tested and managed by the Vehicles Readiness
& Sustainment team at BAE Systems’ Telford site.
BAE Systems co-ordinated fitting the new parts at the
nearby DSG (Defence Support Group), Donnington facility.
All vehicles have now been delivered for use in training
and on operations.
The roll-call
of British sub-contractors on the programme includes Allen
Vanguard (Tewkesbury), Astrum, Remown (both Co Durham),
Caterpillar Defence Products (Shrewsbury), Dana Spicer
(Birmingham), GKN Driveline (Telford), Icon Plymer (Nottingham),
MTL (Rotherham) Thales Optronics (Glasgow), Thyssen Krupp
(Birmingham), Tinsley Bridge (Sheffield) and W A Lewis
(Shrewsbury).
Lt Col Tony
Marinos of Headquarters Infantry said: “With the
dynamic nature of operations in Afghanistan, partnered,
timely approaches such as this project, which quickly
take on board lessons learned from the front line, can
give our troops the fine-tuned equipment they need to
do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible.”
BAE Systems’
business lead for Warrior David Jones commented: “The
fast pace on TES(H) has been made possible by our knowledge
of Warrior and painstaking planning between DE&S,
DSG, ourselves and our supply network to ensure that these
vehicles were ready for the front line as quickly as possible.”