Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), acting as a sub-contractor for defence manufacturers for the introduction of materials to the MOD. This role is vital to the MOD’s ability to quickly turn-around defence acquisition contracts, carry out modification work where needed, and deliver prepared vehicles to the front line in the shortest possible timeframes. Everything from Landrovers to Challenger II tanks are managed through the depot, including the range of new in-to-service Mastiff, Husky and Jackal Protected Patrol Vehicles (PPVs). A wide range of utility and support vehicles are also processed through Ashchurch before being sent out to Front Line Commands or to Afghanistan as Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs).
UORs are a major priority for the
Ashchurch facility. Vehicles acquired for the UK armed forces under a UOR, such as the December 2008 contract between the MOD and Singapore’s ST Engineering for the delivery of over 100 Bronco All-Terrain Tracked Carriers (ATTCs), spend time at the Ashchurch
UORs are a major priority for the Ashchurch facility
facility for processing, which acts as the point of delivery between manufacturer and the MOD. Fast turn-around times are crucial when dealing with UORs, and when the Bronco ATTC was selected to replace the army’s Viking fleet for its proven increased protection against roadside Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), its robust articulated platform, exceptional mobility capabilities across a wide range of terrain and climate, and high survivability, modifications had to be carried out on the vehicle to meet MOD specifications. Designated ‘Warthog’, the Bronco ATTC was to be modified under contract by Thales to add theatre-entry specific equipment including additional armour, specialist electronic countermeasure equipment and communication systems; and the repair and recovery variant fitted with crane and winch.
This is the point where DSDA enters the supply chain. Vehicles must be delivered to the battlefield in full working order, able to be operated immediately. Military vehicles cannot move from industry to the end- user without a significant number of assessments being carried out, which take place at the Ashchurch facility. This is particularly important if modifications have been made to the original vehicle; additional capabilities are fitted and tested in order to provide
Keeping military vehicles in good order, either during peacetime, or
at different stages of the logistic supply process, is a challenging role
a vehicle that is genuinely fit for purpose.
The primary requirement for DSDA when dealing with UORs is speed; and according to DSDA this priming process can take up to five days, and vehicle priming can be carried out start-to-finish in 24 hours if required. In ensuring that every vehicle that is signed off at the gates of the Ashchurch facility is ready for the Front Line, the DSDA is serving the MOD in its most important role: the fast inspection, assembly and issuing of equipment as complete fighting vehicles to allow the MOD to significantly augment their capabilities within the shortest possible timeframes to the highest possible standards, and contribute to the operational readiness of the armed forces.
Claire Apthorp Editor G4 DEFENCE
Leyland DROPS vehicles awaiting preparation at Ashchurch. Crown copyright MoD
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G4 DEFENCE
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