New Warriors in Afghanistan

June 28, 2011 Think Defence

Although they have been in Afghanistan for some time, 70 Warriors have received a range of modifications called Theatre Entry Standard (Herrick) or TES(H). The total upgrade package has cost £30m and obtained under an Urgen Operational Requirement. 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 and to better meet local environmental conditions.

TES(H) updates and brings these together in a single package;

    A flexible modular armour system that can be adapted to meet changing threats and reduce vehicle weight

    Enhanced seating design and cushioning to further improve mine protection and comfort

    An improved driver vision system with an increase from one to three periscopes, providing a wider field of vision and a night-vision capability

    Increased low-speed mobility and climbing performance, enabling the vehicle to tackle tough terrain and get closer to a target or destination

    Motorsport-derived carbon fibre brakes, providing significantly reduced stopping distance

    Improved air conditioning for troop comfort in hot and harsh environments

    Wire cutters to protect the driver, commander and equipment on the vehicle from obstacles.

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)

The additional weight of the upgrades puts the Warrior into the 40 tonne plus bracket so many of the modifications are designed to improve reliability and mobility.