The Danish Defence has since the late 1950's been supplying the naval artillery with flying and sailing target drones located at the Naval Weapon Centre (NWC) at Gniben, Sjællands odde (Zealands Point), Denmark. The drones are handled by Værnsfælles Droneafdeling (‘VFD’, in English ‘Joint Aerial Targets Branch’). VFD is currently operating Banshee 600 and Jet 40 Banshee air target drones from NWC but can also launch from outside the NWC as a mobile unit. VFD is flying in excess of 100 missions a year to service both the Navy and the Air Force.
At present, VFD is using a bungee launcher. This existing launcher has been in service since 1999 and is showing signs of wear and tear. Furthermore, the development of the target drones has caused an increase in weight of the drones and the existing launcher has reached its limits. DALO therefore wishes to acquire a Low Pressure Pneumatic Launcher (‘LPPL’) as replacement for the existing launcher.
The new launcher will primarily be operated from the NWC, but will also be supporting operations on board the Navy's vessels when needed. Furthermore, the Contract will contain an option for DALO to buy an additional Low Pressure Pneumativ Launcher (LPPL) on the same terms as the first one bought.
In addition to the acquisition of the LPPL, the supplier shall also be able to deliver spare parts, special tools and test equipment (if any) as well as training and technical support to DALO for a period of 7 years after commencement of the agreement.
For these services (spare parts, special tools and test equipment as well as training and technical support) the agreement contains 2 options for extension, in which each will cover a period of 4 years, meaning that the agreement may have a total duration of up to 15 years, cf. clause II.2.2 and 2.3.