Moog will present its Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) in a UK-specific SHORAD configuration at DVD 2024.
~
Press Release, Reading, 16 September 2024: Moog will present its Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP) – a unique weapon system that allows users to add and change weapons and sensors when needed – in a UK-specific short-range air defence (SHORAD) configuration on a British Army vehicle at Defence Vehicle Demonstration [sic] (DVD) 2024. The Moog RIwP is open and modular by design and is sensor, weapon, and vehicle agnostic, giving end users the choice to outfit the turret with their preferred equipment.
RIwP will be shown mounted on a British Army Ridgback 4×4 protected mobility vehicle in the NP Aerospace off-road display area. This debut configuration marks the first time RIwP has been displayed on a vehicle outside of the US.
The vehicle-mounted RIwP being shown is specifically configured for the British Army’s current SHORAD requirement within the Land GBAD Programme. The exhibit includes missile canisters for the in-service High Velocity Missile (HVM) and the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM), as well as an advanced gunner’s sight. Additional lethality – and an example of RIwP’s versatility – is provided by a 30x113mm main gun and an M240 7.62mm machine gun, which can co-exist on the same turret as the missiles with no degradation in effector performance.
Visitors will also be able to view a 1/3 scale model of RIwP in an anti-armour ‘overwatch’ configuration featuring twin dual-Brimstone rails in the indoor Moog stand at DVD. This configuration will also include the 30x113mm main gun and an M240 7.62mm machine gun. The two different displays at DVD demonstrate how end users can configure RIwP with the weapons and sensors required for their specific mission set while retaining commonality between turrets.
RIwP is a proven and low-risk design that is already in service by the US Army in both SHORAD and Counter-UAS (Counter-Small Aerial Target) roles, giving British forces the opportunity to benefit from the maturity of RIwP’s development and to increase interoperability with the UK’s closest ally. RIwP also leverages open physical and digital architectures that drive down costs and allow spiral sensor and effector upgrades throughout the host platform’s life, which could be multiple decades.
As part of its UK industrial strategy, Moog is committed to building RIwP in the UK and will significantly expand its existing British footprint. Moog already employs over 1,000 people in the UK and supports upwards of 10,000 jobs across its supply chain, with a £65 million annual spend with UK small and medium-sized enterprises. If successful with the UK MoD, Moog will manufacture RIwP in the UK and export from there to other key defence markets.
Richard Allen-Miles, EMEA Capture Lead at Moog, said: “RIwP is a powerful capability that leverages our vast experience in precision motion control, stabilisation, and fire control. We believe this innovative weapon system is capable of meeting and exceeding the British Army’s current and future requirements.
“This is a true game-changer and provides excellent cost effectiveness with over 85% hardware commonality. We are also highly supportive of strengthening and transferring skills to the UK industrial base and are looking to build our footprint further through facility expansion,” said Allen-Miles.
~
