April 2019 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for April, 2019

AeroVironment’s New 360 Multi-Sector Antenna Expands Puma AE UAS Operational Capabilities for Maritime Missions

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

• Available in M3/4/6 operating bands, 360 Multi-Sector Antenna provides continuous 360-degree long-range command and control between naval operators and Puma AE UAS for maritime applications

• Auto-tracking function provides uninterrupted mission support by eliminating the need for the crew to redirect the vessel or reconfigure the direction of the antenna to maintain UAS link

• Automatically switches between antenna segments with greater margin, thus reducing operator workload and ensuring a strong and consistent link with Puma AE UAS

Rio De Janeiro, at LAAD 2019, Booth #O.70, Hall 4, US Pavilion, April 3, 2019 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV), a global leader in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for both defense and commercial applications, today announced the availability of a new 360 Multi-Sector Antenna (MSA) for its Puma™ AE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Specifically designed to support Puma AE maritime missions, the 360 MSA provides naval operators with immediate tactical situational awareness, while eliminating the need to redirect the vessel or reconfigure the direction of an antenna to maintain an effective communication link.

AeroVironment 360 Multi-Sector Antenna provides 360-degree long-range Puma AE command and control for maritime operations

Featuring an integrated array of 24 high-gain auto-selective antennas, the new 360 MSA analyzes downlink data quality and automatically switches between antenna patches with greater margin to deliver 360-degree continuous command and control coverage within a 20km nominal range. Commanding Officers (COs) can maintain complete control of the Puma AE aircraft and payload with the 360 MSA and access real time, decision critical ISR information. Additionally, it enables the bridge and combat team with mission planning, real time moving map, high resolution imagery, and contact status capability.

AeroVironment’s new 360 Multi-Sector Antenna (MSA) joins the company’s previously announced Long Range Tracking Antenna™ (LRTA) to provide operators with immediate tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities anytime, anywhere. LRTA’s 360-degree auto-tracking function enables land-based operators to expand the command and control range of Puma AE to approximately 60km, providing critical ISR data while being positioned further away from dangerous areas of interest. The LRTA features an automated two-axis positioner tracking function that ensures a secure and reliable link with Puma while it operates at extended ranges. This antenna gives Puma 3 AE’s Mantis i45 EO/IR gimbal capabilities similar to larger and costlier Group 2 or higher UAS.

“AeroVironment is committed to protecting and enabling allied armed forces and expanding the envelope of missions our Puma AE UAS can support,” said David Sharpin, Vice President, Sales and Business Development for AeroVironment. “The improvements made to the Puma 3 AE, combined with the enhanced capabilities from our 360 Multi-Sector Antenna and Long Range Tracking Antenna, demonstrate AeroVironment’s ability to provide customers with critical ISR data whether on land or at sea.”

The new 360 Multi-Sector Antenna (MSA) is currently available in M3/4/6 DDL operating bands. International customers can contact AeroVironment for capability demonstrations in early Summer 2019, and will begin taking orders Fall 2019.

For more information, customers can visit AeroVironment at LAAD 2019 (Booth #O.70, Hall 4, U.S. Pavilion), or contact AeroVironment Business Development Representative for pricing and availability in their region.

Posted in Comms, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment’s New 360 Multi-Sector Antenna Expands Puma AE UAS Operational Capabilities for Maritime Missions

Persistent Systems Awarded Network Modernization Agreement in Support of US Army Network Cross-Functional Team

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

Company officials say successful performance could position Persistent for larger network modernization contracts

NEW YORK, April 2, 2019 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that it has been awarded a Network Modernization Contract on behalf of the U.S. Army Network Cross-Functional Team (N-CFT) in coordination with U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) and PM Tactical Radio (PM-TR).

The contract represents a major step by the U.S. Army to modernize their integrated tactical network. The effort consists of a 12-month-long evaluation of Persistent’s MPU5 Networked Radio, which utilizes Wave Relay® mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology. The MPU5 is designed to provide an extremely scalable, flat, layer-2 network that delivers a seamless and robust network transport down to the dismounted soldier level.

The contract award represents a key example of the Army’s new network modernization acquisition approach, enabling the Army to Buy, Try, and Decide commercial off-the-shelf technologies and determine if they deliver improved capability to our soldiers (or can be adapted to do so). The contract is an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) which enables this acquisition flexibility and speed.

“As a commercial technology company, we are encouraged by the Army’s network modernization approach; specifically, their consideration of commercial technologies and their rapid acquisition strategy,” said Leslie Hulser, Director of Programs for Persistent. “We intend to focus over the next 12 months on delivering a scalable network to connect and empower the soldier with real-time situational awareness. We will also demonstrate automated PACE to provide soldiers with highly reliable communications in contested and congested environments.”

Integrating Persistent’s Wave Relay® MANET into the U.S. Army’s Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) architecture is intended to make the soldier the center of the network. Soldiers in the field will gain improved access to real-time situational awareness enabling informed decision-making and quick action during mission-critical scenarios. “It’s all about empowering the warfighter with robust communication in a fully networked battlefield,” Hulser said.

Under this Network Modernization contract, Persistent will deliver the following:

MPU5 MANET Radios;
Dual Push-to-Talk devices;
Sector antennas;
Additional accessories for full dismount and vehicle kits, with integrated Radio over IP (RoIP) capabilities and a Cloud Relay™ hub; and Field Support Services and User Training
The Wave Relay® MANET will be deployed across the RF spectrum.

“This demonstration will now give us the opportunity to showcase our tactical networking capabilities to the Army and prove that we are a serious contender for future tactical communication programs,” Hulser said.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, Press Release | 2 Comments »

TacJobs – Numerous Positions At Foreign Affairs Security Training Center In Blackstone, VA

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

As construction of the new Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) in Blackstone, Virginia is finalized this year, there will be State Department job opportunities posted.

Positions will include Firearms and Explosive Countermeasures training SME and Firearms Training/Use of Force Instructor.

Those interested in these positions would be wise to set alerts on USAJobs and Monster.com for keywords “Blackstone, VA, Ft. Pickett and/or Diplomatic Security”

Additionally, there are positions being offered through primary support contractor All Native Group. In addition to numerous instructor positions, Some of these may be good fits for family members.

Posted in TacJobs | 2 Comments »

Warfighter Countdown – Meet MMA Fighter Tim Kennedy at ADS Warrior West

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

The ADS Warrior West is just six weeks away, May 14 & 15 at the San Diego Convention Center.

In addition to the great exhibits and education available at the show, attendees will have an opportunity to meet MMA Fighter and Army Special Forces NCO, Tim Kennedy. Not only that, he is also going to teach a class on Sheepdog Response.

Don’t miss out. Make sure you register at warriorexpo.com/register.

Posted in ADS, Advertiser, Warrior Expo | 1 Comment »

Brigantes Presents – High Angled solutions – Snigel Designs – Beast Pack Board

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

The Beast Pack Board solves countless carrying needs ranging from ammunition and weapons through containers and bulky items to oddly shaped burdens not easily fitted into a regular backpack.

Featuring the same proven and sturdy carrying harness as the classic Snigel 90/120 Litre Backpack, the Beast Pack Board will stand up to heavy loads while still being ergonomic, comfortable and fast to handle.

The Pack Board is developed with tactical considerations in mind and is excellent for burdens such as e.g. 84mm munition cases, 60mm and 81mm mortars. There is a dedicated bottom hole for wider barrel ends securing the burden centered and close to the carrier. The inside of the pack board flap is protected by Hypalon™ CSM, rendering a tough lining also resistant to chemicals, temperature extremes, and ultraviolet light.

Each Pack Board is delivered with a set of long, sturdy straps to cover almost any need conceivable. In addition there are PALS/MOLLE webbings all over the Pack Board and the belt, where straps, pouches and packs will further extend the versatility of this excellent carrier.

For sales contact international@brigantes.com

For UK sales contact warrior@brigantes.com

Posted in Guest Post, International, Load Carrying, Mountaineering | 1 Comment »

Land 400 Phase 2: Australian Government inspects first Australian Boxer vehicle at Rheinmetall in Kassel, Germany

Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019

The Australian Ambassador to Germany, H. E. Lynette Wood, senior Australian military representatives and senior Rheinmetall representatives have attended an official inspection ceremony in Kassel, Germany. The first Boxer Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), being delivered to the Australian Government under the LAND 400 Phase 2 program, was inspected prior to being shipped to Australia in the coming weeks.

Rheinmetall will deliver 211 Boxer vehicles to the Australian Army under its contract with the Australian Government. The first vehicles will be operated by the Australian Army by the end of this year.

Gary Stewart, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia, said: “These first Boxer vehicles will enable the Australian Army to develop training programs for soldiers who will operate the vehicles out of bases in Townsville, Adelaide and Brisbane.”

The Boxer vehicles will enable Army to locate, monitor and engage with enemy forces and ensure Australian soldiers are protected in combat. The vehicles will fill seven different roles on the battlefield: reconnaissance, command and control, joint fires, surveillance, multi-purpose, battlefield repair and recovery. The reconnaissance variant – accounting for 133 of the 211 vehicles – is equipped with Rheinmetall’s cutting-edge Lance turret system and armed with a 30mm automatic cannon.

Once in Australia, these first Boxer vehicles will receive a number of Australia specific modifications prior to final delivery to the Army. Modifications include installation of Australian Army specific communications and computing equipment, a remote weapon station, and Australian Army paint.

Armin Papperger, Corporate CEO Rheinmetall AG, said: “Work on these first vehicles in Germany will help Rheinmetall transition the know-how necessary to establish a sovereign military vehicle industry in Australia and enable the local manufacture of combat vehicles. This, in turn, will underpin the enduring partnership with the Government to design, manufacture, deliver, support and modernise this world-leading capability.”

The Boxer CRV was selected after rigorous trials conducted by the ADF. Under Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 2 selection process, the Boxer CRV was chosen in 2016 as one of two candidates for Risk Mitigation Activity trials where the 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle performed convincingly in the categories of survivability, mobility, firepower, and command & control.

www.rheinmetall.com

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 3 Comments »

SIG SAUER P320 XCOMPACT Now Shipping

Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 2, 2019) –SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the P320 XCOMPACT is now shipping and available in retail stores.

The new SIG SAUER P320 XCOMPACT is a modular, striker-fired, 9mm pistol with a serialized trigger group that combines concealability, with full-size XSERIES features. The redesigned grip module features an improved beavertail, fastback profile, contoured magwell, and a deep trigger guard undercut fitted with a subcompact slide and barrel.

Additional features of the SIG SAUER P320 XCOMPACT include X-RAY3 day/night sights, a flat trigger, and night sight rear plate making it optic ready. The intuitive 3-point takedown of the pistol requires no trigger pull for disassembly, and safety features include a striker safety and disconnect safety. The P320 XCOMPACT comes standard with two 15-round magazines.

P320 XCOMPACT:

Total length:7”

Barrel length:3.6”

Weight (incl. magazine): 25.3 oz.

Height:5.3”

Width:1.3”

Sight radius:5.5”

To learn more about the P320 XCOMPACT and the entire SIG SAUER P320 series of pistols visit sigsauer.com.