Primary Arms

Archive for the ‘Power’ Category

Gentex Corporation Announces Additional Order for Ops-Core RAILINK Power and Data ARC Rail System

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

Integrated Headborne Platform receives second USSOCOM order.

CARBONDALE, PA, March 5th, 2024 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today that they have received a second-round order for the Ops-Core RAILINK power and data system from US Special Operations Command.

“When operating within the unique SOF environment, there is no margin for error. With a second delivery order coming immediately after completion of the first delivery order, it is clear that our nation’s elite SOF operators see that RAILINK delivers on the features and benefits they specified at the beginning of the RAILINK development program” said Tom Short, Vice President of Ground Systems at Gentex Corporation.”

The RAILINK platform facilitates integration of a broad range of unique functionality on the headborne system. Powered by a central helmet power center, feeding power to, and sharing data between, an array of smart nodes and a VAS/NVG interface   RAILINK improves protection and lethality by increasing the effectiveness of the user and reducing their burden.

To learn more about RAILINK, visit:  www.gentexcorp.com/introducing-railink

Thales Defense & Security Inc. (TDSI) Awarded DIU Contract for Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat)

Monday, February 19th, 2024

The U.S Defense Department’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) awarded Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) a contract to develop and deliver a prototype family of Small Tactical Universal Batteries (STUB). The delivery of the STUB prototype is part of the DIU Family of Advanced Standard Batteries (FAStBat) initiative, one of the Army’s latest approaches to develop a standard family of batteries.

A standard family of batteries is needed to help reduce the service’s logistical burden and simplify the number of batteries that operational units must carry to power network and other systems. The STUB batteries have an innovative common USB-C Power Delivery (PD) interface and higher capacity NanoGraf cells, which facilitates battery charging by leveraging COTS chargers and reduces battery type inventories required throughout the Joint Services. TDSI’s focus will be on making the STUB batteries a successful program by focusing on key performance areas of thermal, power conversion efficiency, and ultra-low electromagnetic emissions, in order to meet stringent and demanding radio receive and transmit requirements.

The contract, awarded by Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), is one of the many efforts aiming to accelerate the adoption of leading commercial technology throughout the military. DIU’s FAStBat initiative helps meet the National Blueprint for Lithium Batteries 2021-2030 objective to develop form-fit-function battery standards for defense, electric vehicles, and grid applications as well as a 2030 objective to meet critical defense battery demand.

As part of the DIU contract order, TDSI will build hundreds of prototype batteries by 2025, using design, manufacturing and test processes already employed to support the AN/PRC-148 radio family of batteries.

“With expertise spanning more than 60 years, Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a global leader in the development and manufacture of combat-proven, tactical communications equipment including batteries and chargers. We have successfully delivered over 300,000 integrated handheld radios and over 1,000,000 batteries to the Department of Defense (DOD). We are proud to have been awarded this contract by DIU and are certain this strong partnership will continue.”

MIKE SHEEHAN, PRESIDENT & CEO, THALES DEFENSE & SECURITY, INC.

TDSI’s extensive experience and knowledge in radio and battery design throughout decades gives the company a strong advantage in STUB battery design and delivery. The TDSI effort will pave the way for STUB batteries to benefit soldiers, the acquisition community, and the personal logistics community, allowing them to focus on their missions.

www.thalesdsi.com

Galvion Invests in Quaze Technologies to Further Enable Wireless Charging as a Global Defence Capability

Monday, January 15th, 2024

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of intelligent power and data management systems and tactical head solutions, has announced the establishment of a strategic investment partnership with Quaze Technologies. Quaze Technologies, a Canada-based innovative technology company provides wireless power solutions that enhance the performance and functionality of unmanned systems. This newly announced strategic partnership combines the relative strengths of the technological innovation of both companies in providing future integration of wireless and autonomous charging capabilities to the dismounted warfighter.


Philippe Boulanger, CTO of Quaze, Jonathan Blanshay, Founder and Executive Chairman of Galvion, and Xavier Bidaut, CEO of Quaze, in Galvion’s Montreal office.

A commitment to providing leading-edge power and data solutions and protective equipment that enhance the overall agility and survivability of the warfighter was central to Galvion’s decision to invest in Quaze. The development and rapid-fielding of advanced concepts and integrated systems is critical to meeting the challenges of tomorrow’s battlefield, and drives Galvion’s forward-thinking growth strategy.

The Quaze wireless charging technology has applicability across a wide spectrum of land, air and sea domains, with intelligent solutions that can provide opportunities for the warfighter to quickly and easily charge systems before, during and after missions.

As well as receiving investment, Quaze Technologies has appointed Galvion’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Jonathan Blanshay, to their board of directors. Said Blanshay: “We have spent the past 22 years driving innovations in soldier systems in order to provide integrated solutions that can adapt to the ever-changing operational needs of the modern warfighter. We understand the challenges faced, and the speed with which things are changing, and we have identified some really interesting opportunities in the groundbreaking wireless charging technologies being developed by Quaze.”

Blanshay added: “Lessening the burden on the individual operator and unit, whether physical, cognitive, or logistic, drives everything that we do at Galvion, and we are excited to be collaborating with Quaze’s innovative team to deliver industry advancements that will give battlefield edge to our military and tactical teams.”

Xavier Bidaut, CEO at Quaze Technologies said: “This strategic partnership is an exciting milestone for Quaze. We are focused on providing innovative wireless power solutions that liberate unmanned systems from traditional power constraints, enabling seamless operations across diverse sectors.

Galvion is a market-leading soldier systems company with an outstanding track record of delivering innovative technologies into defence and security sectors, worldwide. There is unlimited potential for synergy and development here, and Jonathan’s considerable industry expertise is a welcome addition to our board, and a clear demonstration of his commitment to supporting and promoting pioneering technologies that serve the industry.”

Fischer KEYSTONE Tactical Hub: Expanded Cable Assembly Portfolio Connects More Soldier Digital Gear

Wednesday, October 25th, 2023

Saint-Prex, Switzerland | October 25, 2023 – Fischer Connectors released an expanded set of cable assemblies for the KEYSTONE tactical hub, including three cables for L3 Harris, Silvus and Bittium tactical radios and two device cables for Safran Vectronix’s MOSKITO TI target locator and STERNA True North Finder.

Designed to US Army Next Generation Hub (NGH) standards, Fischer KEYSTONE™ gives dismounted soldiers an easy way to manage the flows of data (USB 2.0 and SMBus) and power (100 W – 5 A max) between sights, sensors, night vision devices, radios and digital equipment.

“Reliable, simple, does what it’s expected to do: that’s the feedback we receive from customers who have field-tested Fischer KEYSTONE,” explains Olivier Thormann, Product Manager for Fischer KEYSTONE. “Soldiers already know how to use it – they clip it on, plug it in, and it just works.”

More extensions to the Fischer KEYSTONE tactical connectivity solution are coming in 2024. The next KEYSTONE hub – Fischer KEYSTONE™ 4 – is a 4-port hub designed for soldiers who need only basic power and data connections. KEYSTONE 4 will be showcased on Fischer Connectors stand 5 L 085 at Milipol in Paris, France, from 14 to 17 November 2023.

>> Full technical specifications in Fischer KEYSTONE™ Tactical Connectivity Solution

AUSA 23 – AZAK

Tuesday, October 10th, 2023

Every trade show I see something extraordinary and for AUSA, AZAK is it. This small company has developed an electric drive train which is contained within the wheel. The wheels can be combined with simple frame systems to create vehicles like this self propelled trailer or a bike.

Each wheel weights about 50 lbs with most of the weight below the hub. The next generation will add about 8 lbs to that. That offers a great deal of torque with independant power to each wheel. There’s also room at the top of the inside of the wheel to double the size of the battery. Additionally, they are considering ways to armor the wheel assembly.

It currently uses the Tomahawk Robotics controller for steering inputs and changes the speed of different wheels to facilitate actual steering. Finally, the range is currently about 60 miles at a top speed of 11 mph.

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle on Display at AUSA

Monday, October 9th, 2023

With Executive Order 14057 requiring the Department of Defense to transition its non-tactical vehicles to a 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) fleet, including 100% of light-duty acquisitions by 2027 and 100% of medium- and heavy-duty acquisitions by 2035, there’s an increased interest in Commercial Off The Shelf electric vehicles.

Polaris will be showing their Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle at AUSA in booth

The RANGER XP Kinetic is an electric version of the Polaris RANGERs already in the motor pool which are primarily used for off-road, on-base transportation, hauling and towing.

It offers 110 horsepower, 140lb-ft of torque and the ability to tow 2,500 pounds and haul 1,250 pounds with three drive modes, Eco+, Standard and Sport.

Offered in two models, the RANGER XP Kinetic’s drivetrain features fewer moving parts for lower maintenance costs and more uptime for increased productivity. Plus, the quiet electric powertrain means easier radio and face-to-face conversations as well as greater situational awareness. The RANGER XP Kinetic also boasts a rigid one-piece chassis, full-body skid plate and large front bumper to deliver maximum protection to the operator and vehicle. Ground clearance of 14 inches, 10 inches of suspension travel and 29-inch Pro Armor X-Terrain tires further increase durability of the RANGER XP Kinetic in even the roughest terrain.

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium – 14.9kWh battery (Li-Ion technology) delivering up to ~45-mile range

XP Kinetic Ultimate – 29.8kWh battery (Li-Ion technology) delivering up to ~80-mile range

RANGER XP Kinetic Features:

– All-electric powertrain gives customers a sustainable option for off-road work

– The RANGER XP Kinetic has the ability to decrease total cost of ownership, reduce CO2 emissions and operate quietly

– Polaris UTVs have been replacing full-size trucks and vans for decades

– A full-size EV averages $66,000

– A budget-friendly alternative to full-sized vehicles, Polaris UTVs are less expensive to purchase, operate and maintain.

– This all-new, all-electric RANGER XP Kinetic is a significant offering for our government customers that need to incorporate more electric vehicles into their fleet without sacrificing utility, performance or durability

– Meets mandates for customers with limitations on combustion fleet expansion

– Provides full accessories of gas-powered, e.g. winch, cabs, cargo, etc.

– Class-leading 110 horsepower

– 140lb-ft of torque

– 2,500 lbs towing

– 1,250 lbs payload in the rear cargo box – 25% more than any other side-by-side

– 14” ground clearance

See the Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic All-Electric Utility Vehicle in booth #2917.

Quaze Technologies Bring Wireless Power Transfer Technology to the US Defense Sector at AUSA 23

Monday, October 9th, 2023

Quaze Technologies, a Canada-based innovative technology company and the creator of wide-surface wireless power transfer, is introducing their revolutionary autonomous wireless power transfer capabilities to the US defense sector at AUSA 23. Quaze will have a senior team on the ground at AUSA in Washington DC and can arrange meetings to demonstrate their ground-breaking technology, on request. Quaze are interested in reaching out to the research and development agencies across the US DoD as well as sparking interest in the wider US user community, regarding their unique wireless charging technology.

This US announcement follows on from DSEI in September where the Quaze concept demonstrator remote charging solution, named Drone Swarm Tactical OverWatch (DSTOW™), was featured as part of Rheinmentall’s innovation portfolio. The Quaze DSTOW was displayed on the Mission Master SP autonomous unmanned ground vehicle. It was active and wirelessly recharged 3 Parrot ANAFI USA drones.

The DSTOW addresses a critical need in the world of drone operations, enabling the continuous aerial support of tethered drones with the flexibility and freedom of untethered flights. With just one Quaze DSTOW, drones of any make or model can charge wirelessly and simultaneously, ensuring reliable charging even in the most hostile environments. This reduces the constraints associated with battery levels, connecting charging cables, or swapping batteries. It’s seamless, efficient, and paves the way for autonomous and uninterrupted drone missions. The DSTOW’s versatility extends across platforms and applications. Whether mounted on various vehicles or employed in static operations, such as mobile command centers, the DSTOW remains a dynamic solution. Its adaptable form factor accommodates UAVs of all sizes and seamlessly integrates onto diverse platforms, ensuring the readiness of drones for extended missions or remote swarm operations.

Quaze’s Surface Power Technology revolutionises the way devices are powered, enabling easy and reliable wireless charging for remote or autonomous devices on land, sea or air. Powered by magnetic resonance this technology offers a safe, secure and seamless solution to efficiently charge multiple devices with variable power demands across a wide platform surface area.

Quaze remote charging surfaces are scalable to suit various demands and the potential applications in defense are vast, by freeing technology from the constraints of cables and redefining how electronic systems access power. Quaze have designed and developed their solid state volumetric technology to be compliant with relevant Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards.

Xavier Bidaut, CEO at Quaze Technologies said. “We were overwhelmed by the amount of interest shown in our technology when we introduced our DSTOW to the European defense sector at DSEi. He added:

“Together with Rheinmetall we have already showcased one particular charging application. However, there are many more potential applications being developed and as interest grows across the defense environment, more and more applications are becoming apparent.”

LIQUIDPISTON Hybrid Power System Technology Awarded $35M U.S. Air Force Contract

Saturday, October 7th, 2023

Funding supports development of a lightweight, portable, modular, and scalable heavy-fueled Rotary Engine Hybrid Power System™ for multiple mobile power applications

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Oct. 05, 2023 — LiquidPiston, a leading innovator of compact, efficient engine technology and hybrid power systems, announced today that it has been awarded a three-year, $35 million contract to support hybrid power system development. The contract was awarded by AFWERX, a Technology Directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, in partnership with AFLCMC, the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

This award builds on an ongoing Phase II SBIR program supporting the 144th Fighter Wing, which is developing an Adaptive Basing Trailer to support rapid deployment of fighter jets. The new $35 million contract includes $15 million in SBIR funding from the prestigious STRATFI program, announced in June 2023. The funding reflects growing acknowledgment of LiquidPiston as a driver of smaller, lighter, more efficient engines and hybrid power solutions for military applications.

With this award, LiquidPiston will design, develop, and qualify a 90+ horsepower heavy-fueled rotary engine, which will be incorporated into a modular Rotary Engine Hybrid Power System™. This engine and platform can serve as the “power pack” for a variety of applications of interest to the Air Force, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) propulsion, human- and cargo-carrying Organic Resupply Bus (ORB) capabilities, mobile operating bases, and vehicle auxiliary power units (APUs).

“Increased mobility and rapid deployment of power are important to the Air Force as we support our forces in complex multi-domain operations across the globe,” said Lt Col John Tekell, AFWERX Agility Prime Lead. “Hybrid power systems and compact rotary engine technology have the potential to provide a disruptive modular power solution for a variety of critical support and tactical applications.”

LiquidPiston’s STRATFI award continues the company’s noteworthy momentum as a leader in custom power solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense. In the last year, it has also received a $9 million development contract from the U.S. Army to develop a prototype “core engine” based on its XTS-210 design, as well as an $8.3 million award to revolutionize battlefield power generation, also for the U.S. Army.

“By working with the Air Force, we’re laying the building blocks for a new portfolio of engines in the 100-horsepower class,” said Alec Shkolnik, Founder and CEO of LiquidPiston. “We’re excited to work with the Air Force on this program, providing logistical advantage to the warfighter. The technology being developed will have dual-use application, ultimately being scalable and adaptable to meet a spectrum of military – and soon commercial – needs.”

To view LiquidPiston’s media kit, please click here. For more information about the STRATFI program, visit afwerx.com/divisions/afventures/stratfi-tacfi.

The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.