Aim

The aim is to bring together the military, academia, and industry to discuss current and future developments in close combat and dismounted technologies and procedures. It will also consider current and future equipment pipelines. 

With thanks to Army HQ this years Theme:

Delivering lethal effect - how do we harness digital targeting to enhance the dismounted close combat kill web?

  • The Land Operating Concept has Recce-Strike at it’s heart. Not a new concept, and being played-out in real-time today, yet one which is a departure from how the British Army saw itself operating previously. How can we harness existing technology to immediately tighten the kill-web?
  • What are the new equipment and emerging concept opportunities to ensure the close combat fight is weighted in the British Army’s favour?
  • Automation offers opportunity, but could also be an anchor. How do we ensure we automate the correct parts of the close fight at the right time?
  • Dismounted Close Combat remains an inevitable part of modern warfare. How do we layer effects and capabilities at small team and platoon levels to ensure overmatch against adversaries?
  • The digital kill-web is rapidly evolving; where should we be setting our sights in terms of capability milestones over the next 3, 5 and 10 years?
  • Much of what could be achieved is reliant on an unassured energy supply. What can be done to balance technology’s demand versus the force’s ability to sustain it?
  • Enhancing lethality is as much about survivability as it is about calibre and rates of fire. How can we improve battlefield survivability now, and in the next 10 years?

Format

The event is planned to be held over three days.

1 July: Day 1 is at the Defence Academy of the UK in Shrivenham and provides insight from Army HQ and other customers on their intent for the future. This is supplemented by presentations from academia and industry.

2 July: Day 2 takes place at Cranfield University’s COTEC range facility on Salisbury Plain. This involves live-firing demonstrations from industry as well as an opportunity for delegates to fire small arms from different manufacturers and with different optics and technologies. There is also the opportunity to showcase and demonstrate autonomous and remote technologies.

3 July: Day 3 is back at Shrivenham and provides more technology briefs from industry and academia.

 

 

COTEC

COTEC performs independent Test & Evaluation on munitions, weapon systems, pyrotechnic and explosive stores, and conducts disposals and demilitarisation, although its extensive range facilities are suitable for testing other materials and equipment.

Situated on the edge of Salisbury Plain at Gore Cross near to West Lavington in Wiltshire and is a centre within the Cranfield School of Defence and Security at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. Cranfield Defence and Security is the Academic Provider to the UK MoD for a wide range of Defence Engineering and Scientific courses. COTEC itself is situated in Area 9 of Salisbury Plain Training Area and has the ability to fire munitions into the impact area (Areas 15 and 16). COTEC Staff are also well equipped to support research activities conducted by colleagues and students located at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.

Concessions

Delegate - £1175

Academic, Cranfield Alumni, UK Government, MoD Trading Funds, ADS - £1025

MoD UK Civil Servants, Dstl - £835

UK Military only - £485

Confirmed Speaker - £375 

 

Exhibitors

Shrivenham only

One Person - Single Display Space (3m x 2m) - SOLD OUT

Two Persons - Double Display Space (6m x 2m) -SOLD OUT

 

Shrivenham and Range

One Person - Single Display (3m x 2m) plus Range Day External Space (4m x 4m) - SOLD OUT

Two Persons - Double Display (6m x 2m) plus Range Day External Space (4m x 4m) - SOLD OUT

 

Range only

Two Persons - Range Day External Space (4m x 4m) - SOLD OUT

Extra Persons for Displays - £695

Single Display - One Person Maximum 

Double Display - Two Person Maximum 

Display to Delegate upgrade - £575

 

We are now operating a waiting list for Exhibition and Range Space, to be added please contact Leanne

 

We have been advised by the military authority(Army Trials Unit (ATU) responsible for conducting the range day that due to recent amendments to the governing regulations (DSA03, Part 1, Chapter 09 - Use of Non-Service Pattern Weapons on MOD Land), companies demonstrating live firing of their own weapons need to comply with the following:

1.  Preferably all weapons delivered to the Defence Academy, Marlborough Hall, Light Weapons Armoury for inspection 0830 - 1500 on Tuesday 01st July. ATU's armourer will then support the Defence Academy armourer to complete the pre and post-firing weapon checks required before the range day firing. Arrangements for this can be made through Liam Easton, the SME Light Weapons at Technology School on 01793 785582 / 07918338488 or email liam.easton@da.mod.uk

2. Please provide a list of all weapons and calibre of ammo your company wishes to fire by Friday 30th May so that ATU can arrange the Man Firing Advice (MFA) support from DOSG and design the firing templates for the range.

3. Please can you all provide all technical data for each weapon and ammunition including:

•         Firing Pin Protrusion Limits

•         Proof Markings if hidden under furnishings please provide pictures/locations on the weapons

4. Please can you supply Cartridge Head Space gauges to support the weapons and their documents?

5. Please also supply Bore Clearance/Straighteners Gauges

6. Finally, details of any lasers you intend to fire/use and the relevant eye safety certificates. 

Due to limitations on the supply of ammunition, please bring ammunition to suit your chosen firearm. 

In addition to the weapon inspection on 01st July there will need to be a five round check group and inspection of the discharged cartridges. This firing will take place between 0830 - 1030 on the 02nd July range day with checks made by the ATU armourer and SMI, and the Defence Academy armourer

 

Accommodation

 

Blunsdon House Hotel ****

Blunsdon House Hotel, BW Premier Collection is a 4* independent hotel with fantastic leisure facilities.  Surrounded by Wiltshire countryside, our hotel is set in 20 acres of beautifully maintained grounds with views to the Cotswolds.  Relax beside green fields and country views whilst still being conveniently located near Swindon and easily accessible from the M4 and M5.  

Your room is your place to rest and recharge.  We take this seriously and pride ourselves on providing all you need for a comfortable night’s stay, so you can switch off with ease and wake up feeling well rested.  You’ll find a Queen or King sized bed, powerful Aqualisa shower, flat screen TV with 50 channels, soft lighting and ample work space.  Our executive bedrooms located in the Pavilion also feature a private balcony or patio.  Open your door to the Wiltshire countryside and stargaze in comfort, metres from your warm bed.

Our chefs cook in house, using the freshest ingredients, full of flavour.  Choose from our distinctive onsite Flame restaurant, our modern all-day Carrie’s Bar or relax in the comfort of your own room with 24hour room service.  With stylish décor, inviting tub chairs and leather sofas complete with gorgeous countryside views, you will find space to relax. We also have an idyllic garden patio area for eating and drinking in the warmer months. 

Blunsdon Fitness+ gives you complimentary access to our extensive range of onsite leisure facilities to enjoy whilst staying with us.  Take a dip in our indoor swimming pool or relax in the poolside Jacuzzi with Scandinavian sauna and Essence steam room.  We’ve got the best indoor cycle studio in the area, with 20 professional bikes, state of the art LED lighting and a pumping sound system you’ve never had a workout like it!   A fully air conditioned cardio suite with state of the art Cybex equipment plus a resistance gym with extensive weight area for those wishing to work out.  Why not try a Les Mills class in our fully equipped fitness studio or enjoy a game of tennis on our professional standard outdoor court complete with stunning views.  Perfect for a game with colleagues on a summer’s evening.

You may wish to stretch your legs after a journey or clear you head at the end of a long day.  Our mile long nature walk makes for an invigorating stroll.  Our gardeners allow the planting to reflect the changing seasons so there is always something to appreciate.  

Our friendly and attentive team look forward to welcoming you soon.

- WiFi is complimentary and available throughout the hotel.
- 300 complimentary onsite parking spaces.

Our inclusive rate includes full English breakfast, complimentary use of our leisure facilities, free WiFi and free onsite parking.  Book direct via our website using the promotional code DACU.

£119 per standard room per night (based on 1 adult 2023), includes full English breakfast, use of our leisure club, free WiFi, free Parking and VAT 

T: 01793 721701. E: Web Booking SystemSAT NAV Postcode: SN26 7AS.Username and password: DACU

 

Leonardo Swindon

"At Leonardo Swindon we aim to make your stay exceptional. It starts as soon as you step inside the hotel and experience the warm welcome from our Reception team, to the well-stocked bar and the relaxed quality of the restaurant".

"Leonardo Swindon is ideally situated in the heart of the town centre. The hotel has its own car park and if this happens to be full then further, public, car parking is available within a couple of minutes. For anyone arriving by train, the main station is less than 10-minute walk away. The location is ideal for visiting the pedestrian shopping area, whilst the Designer Outlet Village is also within easy reach by either foot or car".

"The 229, spacious, non-smoking bedrooms all have at least a double bed. The well-lit spacious feel is designed around our guests comfort. All rooms have flat screen Freeview televisions, high speed internet access, generous work space, hairdryer, tea/ coffee making facilities and room service".

For 2025 the rate is £107.00 per room per night (Single Occupancy) This includes a Full Breakfast.

An Advance purchase discount of 20% is available to book on the best available rates. This is applicable 30 days prior to the arrival date. All bookings are to be pre-paid and are non-refundable.

Car parking is available at £6 per night (either on-site or at the adjoining Whalebridge car park); The hotel car park is accessible 24 hours and tickets are to be validated at reception.

Whalebridge car park is open 6:30am – 11:00pm – Please validate your ticket with reception for the discounted rate.

Free Wifi in the public areas and Free High Speed Internet Access in the bedrooms".

Should standard rooms not be available you may be offered a discounted Superior of Executive room.

"Booking is simple, just click on the link to the website and enter DACU in the promotional code section". Online Booking

Alternatively Quote DACU

T: 01793 445600
E: LeonardoReservations@leonardohotels.com
SAT NAV Postcode:SN1 2NG

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