September 2019 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for September, 2019

Rheinmetall Presents the World’s First Unmanned Ground Vehicle Equipped with Micro Combat Unmanned Air Vehicle at MSPO 2019

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

One of the most innovative systems on display at this year’s MSPO exhibition is the latest version of the Mission Master UGV from Rheinmetall, armed with the WARMATE Loitering Munition System. Rheinmetall has partnered with WB GROUP, Poland’s foremost defence contractor in the field of advanced technologies, to provide dismounted troops with high-precision strike capabilities.

As with other versions of Rheinmetall’s flagship autonomous vehicle, this new Mission Master – Protection is based on an 8×8 all-terrain platform capable of performing dangerous missions in hostile weather conditions, with the specific purpose of enhancing combat effectiveness. The integrated WARMATE micro combat unmanned air vehicle (UAV) opens up a range of new offensive and observation capabilities. It is capable of scanning the battlefield, detecting and determining exact enemy positions and, when the decision is made, engaging them. When an attack is aborted, the WARMATE can be recalled, can continue loitering, or be directed at another target.

Even more exciting, the new Mission Master – Protection features the first ever tube-launched system equipped with several WARMATE UAVs for performing surgical swarm attacks. This dramatically increases the unit’s combat power, while simultaneously augmenting the safety of dismounted troops in close combat operations as the whole system can operate out of the line-of-sight. “The use of micro combat UAVs on our Mission Master UGVs is an incredible opportunity for ground commanders” says Alain Tremblay, Rheinmetall Canada’s vice-president for business development. “Being able to observe hidden targets and conduct precise identification before initiating a surgical strike with minimal collateral damage is a real tactical advantage on today’s battlefield. And since both the Mission Master and the WARMATE are able to conduct certain autonomous operations, it reduces the number of military personal required and lets troops focus on mission success”, explains Tremblay.

Operators can command both the UGV and UAV from a mobile ground control station; a modern soldier system such as Rheinmetall Argus; or with Rheinmetall Command and Control Software installed in any user’s battle management system.

Visitors to MSPO 2019 won’t want to miss this opportunity to see for themselves the brand-new version of the Rheinmetall Mission Master – the future of unmanned ground vehicles, on display today.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 2 Comments »

Terrain 365 Mini-Butterfly

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

Unique Mini Balisong Knife Collaboration

This Tuesday September 3, 2019 Terrain 365™ launches their unique Mini-Butterfly knife in collaboration with Darriel Caston of D Rocket Design. A blending of design concepts from Terrain 365 and the CAD and engineering expertise of D Rocket Design, this compact balisong functions just like its bigger cousins in this genre, but in an uncommon size. Signature design details characterize this Mini-Butterfly and adds a new direction in folding knife models to this brand’s line up of products. Smooth bushings, billet pocket clip, and a latch round out the features. This first production run is being offered in the Böhler M390 blade steel.

The Mini-Butterfly will be available first in Böhler M390 stainless steel blades with future runs to also include their Terravantium™ super alloy.

“This basic design concept is actually from the other half of Terrain 365, Patrick Ma. It has his characteristic design language and the original design concept is actually a larger size with a 3.5″ weehawk blade. The concept design was sitting around for a few years and seemed like a great place to start. What is of note here is that we wanted to see how many blades we could cut out of our standard sized Terravantium bar stock. There’s actually quite a bit of waste when cutting larger folder blades and as the material itself is quite costly, we wanted to achieve a maximum yield from the Terravantium. From there we determined the overall working dims of the knife and Darriel Caston was able to integrate the Invictus style blade, adjust and shrink down the original size into the mini size it is now in CAD. Mike has known Darriel for many years and as most of us know, Darriel is a very talented designer in CAD as well as an engineer. Darriel’s skills were ideally suited for turning a concept into an actual working version in this different size or scale.”

Terrain 365™ launches the Mini-Butterfly on their website at 12:00pm PDT, Sept 3, 2019.

Posted in Knives, Press Release | 3 Comments »

5.11 Tactical Announces National Preparedness Month Lineup

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

Programming extends from events at retail to online promotions, a web series, giveaways and more

Irvine, Calif. (September 3, 2019) – 5.11 Tactical®, the global leader in innovative tactical apparel, footwear and outdoor gear, is celebrating National Preparedness Month in September by putting forth a series of activations spanning the brand’s reach across retail, online, partnerships, a nine-part web series and giveaways. The brand will host preparedness trainings nationwide through its in-store ABR Academies, a video series with former Navy SEAL and survivalist Clint Emerson, as well giveaways online and at their 53 retail locations across the US.

5.11’s largest activation during National Preparedness Month will be a series of Always Be Ready® (ABR) Academy classes in 5.11 retail stores nationwide. ABR Academies are free classes led by experts in trauma care, self-defense, overall preparedness, everyday carry and outdoor adventure.

“Preparedness is a significant part of 5.11’s brand DNA,” says Deb Radcliff, Chief Marketing Officer of 5.11. “Our ABR Academy is just one of the ways 5.11 provides consumers with the knowledge, gear and pertinent skills necessary to always be ready for their next challenge. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity for us to honor the first responders and servicemen and women in our country, as well as educate our consumers so they’re better prepared on-duty, while training, or on their next adventure.”

At 5.11’s National Preparedness Month’s ABR Academy events, subject matter experts lead an interactive and educational class open to all experience levels. Participants are able to meet and learn from local law enforcement officers and medics, professionally trained survivalists, veterans, and active duty servicemen and women. In addition to empowering individuals, the ABR Academy serves to build camaraderie within our local communities.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, 5.11 has partnered with Retired Navy SEAL and best-selling author, Clint Emerson, on an educational video series. Emerson has spent a lifetime surviving the most difficult situations on earth and wholeheartedly embodies 5.11’s Always Be Ready ethos. In the new video series, 100 Deadly Skills presented by 5.11, Clint will teach everything from go-bag basics to escaping a kidnapping and what to know for every situation in between. With the right equipment, mindset, and training, 5.11 gives you what you need to Always be Ready.

As an added bonus throughout September, 5.11 customers online and in-store, will receive a copy of Emerson’s best-selling book, 100 Deadly Skills, a hands-on, practical survival guide, with purchases of $125 or more, while supplies last. In addition, as a special gift to 5.11’s National Preparedness Month ABR Academy attendees, 5.11 will be giving away copies of Emerson’s book as well as a free pouch with pack or bag purchase during ABR Academy in-store events.

Emerson will personally be making special guest appearances hosting Go-Bag Building ABR Academies in Frisco, TX and Arlington, TX in September.

For a full list of ABR Academy events this National Preparedness Month, click here or view below:

Posted in Press Release, Training | Comments Off on 5.11 Tactical Announces National Preparedness Month Lineup

Wild Things, LLC Announces the Promotion of Dawn West to Chief Operating Officer

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

VIRGINIA BEACH, September 3, 2019 – Wild Things, LLC (“Wild Things” or the “Company”), an ASGARD Partners & Co. (“ASGARD”) portfolio company, is pleased to announce the promotion of Dawn West to the role of Chief Operating Officer (“COO”).

West joined Wild Things in March of 2019 as Director of Program Management for the Company. Since that time, she has been instrumental in the successful execution of the company’s strategic growth objectives, taking on a pivotal role in significantly advancing the company’s scope of production planning, demand planning, and ERP system utilization and integration. In this new elevated role, West will oversee daily business operations as the company continues to experience growth and expansion.

With over 14 years of defense industry experience West has held several leadership roles in many facets of the defense market and tactical industry. She has an extensive background in defense program management having had responsibility for management of several large IDIQ equipment contracts for ADS, Inc. valued at over $500 million. West also led in various management positions in operations and sales management with Blue Force Gear, a leading industry supplier and manufacturer of high-quality tactical gear.

“I have known Dawn for over 10 years and have always been impressed with her drive and commitment to remove obstacles and confront challenges while staying focused on the larger mission to support the operational effectiveness of the End User by providing reliable protective products in a timely basis,” said Amy Coyne, CEO of Wild Things.

Addressing her newly appointed position, West stated, “I am honored to support the continued revitalization of this legacy brand that has dedicated 38 years to protecting extraordinary people taking extreme risks in uncertain conditions.”

www.wildthingsgear.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

SIG SAUER Selected by U.S. Army for Next Generation Weapons with New Ammunition Technology, Lightweight Machine Gun, Rifle, and Suppressors

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (September 3, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the official award of a contract by the U.S. Army in the down-select process for the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW). The award encompasses the complete SIG SAUER system consisting of 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, a lightweight machine gun, rifle, and included suppressors. SIG SAUER will provide single source manufacturing for ammunition, weapons, and suppressors allowing for less risk and increased capability for the U.S. Army.

“The U.S. Army is leading the world in the first significant upgrade to small arms in decades to meet the growing demands of soldiers on the battlefield. We are honored to have been selected for the Next Generation Squad Weapons program bringing increased lethality to the warfighter over the legacy weapons,” began Ron Cohen, President & CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “At the core of our submission is our newly developed, high-pressure, 6.8mm hybrid ammunition that is utilized in both weapons, and is a significant leap forward in ammunition innovation, design, and manufacturing.”

The SIG SAUER 6.8mm hybrid ammunition is designed for increased penetration at greater distances. Cohen continued, “using patent-pending technology the SIG SAUER Ammunition division has engineered a completely new cartridge resulting in a more compact round, with increased velocity and accuracy, while delivering a substantial reduction in the weight of the ammunition.”

The primary objectives set forth by the U.S. Army for the NGSW-AR was a weapon with the firepower and range of a machine gun, coupled with the precision and ergonomics of a rifle. The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR submission is an ultra-light, medium caliber machine gun with AR ergonomics, and chambered in 6.8mm hybrid ammunition. Features include quick detach magazines, side opening feed tray, increased available 1913 rail space for night vision and enablers, folding buttstock, and suppressor.

Additionally, the Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) requirements were inclusive of an NGSW-Rifle. The SIG SAUER NGSW-Rifle submission, also chambered in 6.8mm hybrid, is lightweight and features a free-floating reinforced M-LOK™ handguard, side-charging handle, full ambidextrous controls, folding buttstock, and suppressor.

“The U.S. Army challenged the industry to bring forward significant improvements to the legacy weapons. The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR is lighter in weight, with dramatically less recoil than that currently in service, while our carbine for the NGSW-Rifle submission is built on the foundation of SIG SAUER weapons in service with the premier fighting forces across the globe. Both weapons are designed with features that will increase the capabilities of the soldier,” commented Cohen. “The final component of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Weapons System is our suppressor, which through exhaustively researched design enhancements, reduces harmful backflow and signature.”

As outlined in the recent award issued by the U.S. Army, SIG SAUER will deliver a complete SIG SAUER system inclusive of the SIG SAUER 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, lightweight machine gun, rifle, and suppressors.

“SIG SAUER has designed the most comprehensive solution to meet the requirements of the Next Generation Squad Weapons to enhance mission effectiveness. We are looking forward to partnering with the U.S. Army throughout this process and ensuring our soldiers are equipped for the demands of the modern battlefield,” concluded Cohen.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 39 Comments »

WTF Turnkey 19 for 762 Mags

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

WTF’s Turnkey 19 holds three 762, 308, PMAG, LR 25, SCAR H, FAL, HK91, G3, and similar magazines. The rig is backed with hook to accept WTF’s Omni Bag and similar.

Turnkey 19 is made with laser cut ACRONYM (Advanced Composite Rugged Optimized NYlon Material) laminate fabric. WTF’s ACRONYM is made using solution dyed fabrics and genuine Crye Multicam fabrics. 5″ wide MIL-W-5664 elastic securely holds magazines. Solution dyed webbing made with Invista Cordura yarn and ITW hardware are used throughout.

The Turnkey 19 is made in the USA from USA made materials. Turnkey 19 is a bundle (a $10 savings) of WTF’s Accessory Panel 19, Waist Strap 01, and Harness 02 ***Bag 07 not included***

11.1oz / 314g.

www.wtfidea.com/turnkey-rig-19-762-308-pmag-lr-25-scar-h-fal-hk-91-g3-magazines

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | 6 Comments »

SAFRAN Optics 1 STERNA

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

STERNA is a non-magnetic based target acquisition system. STERNA offers Plug and Play capability for SAFRAN Optics 1 handheld surveillance/reconnaissance equipment, like the HRTV previously featured here. In fact, swapping payloads only takes five seconds.

Because it is non-magnetic, it will not be disturbed if used right by a heavy armored vehicle and will operate in a hardened concrete environment, such as indoors in heavy urban terrain.

Based on known or surveyed reference points, the system achieves consistently an accuracy of better than 1 mil 1) at any latitude. If reference points are not usable, the STERNA will use its internal gyroscope to determine the True north. That accuracy is typically of 2mil, up to ~ 60°, and typically 3 mil at 65°.

Using reference points gives a typical TLE95 2) of less than 6 m at 1.3 km. That makes STERNA a CAT-I capable system at that range – with all Vectronix payloads.

Thanks to its integrated gyroscope, STERNA provides True North capability, even in GPS denied environments and once it finds North, STERNA will display the figure of merit of its accuracy at one sigma.

STERNA also includes a “Dangerous Distance” function to protect the operator and avoid friendly fire.

STERNA operational mode supports missions lasting for up to 72 hours with its internal batteries. It can be used on most common Tripods with use of a Tripod Adaptor and weighs in at below 3 kg.

STERNA has been fielded by the US Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force along with other international military units.

www.optics1.com/north

Posted in Advertiser, Optics | Comments Off on SAFRAN Optics 1 STERNA

Army Closer to Delivering New Infantry Squad Vehicle

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019

DETROIT — The Army is one step closer to fielding a new infantry squad vehicle after naming three industry leaders to develop prototypes, Aug. 23, 2019.

The $1 million mock-up contract makes strides toward the Army’s goal of producing new ISVs in 2020.

“The modernized vehicles will provide enhanced tactical mobility for an infantry brigade combat team to move quickly around the battlefield,” said Steven Herrick, Ground Mobility Vehicle product lead, U.S. Army Program Executive Office Combat Service & Combat Service Support, adding the vehicles will have ability for “repositioning operations to provide commanders greater freedom of movement and action.”

In February 2019, the Army approved a procurement objective and plans to purchase 649 ISVs.

A nine-Soldier infantry squad, along with associated equipment, will comfortably maneuver in the vehicles up to 5,000 pounds, Herrick added.

The scheduled delivery date for all three competing teams is Nov. 13, at Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland for initial assessment. The competing teams include Oshkosh Defense/Flyer, GM Defense, and SAIC/Polaris.

“Upon their arrival at the Maryland proving ground, all designs will compete in several performance, operational, and characteristics tests. Evaluations are scheduled to run through December,” Herrick said.

Following their early trials, the vehicles will be moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to undergo their second round of testing. Once there, they will be subject to operationalized assessments through a series of tests on how effective the prototypes work for Soldiers.

“The Army plans to down select to one company for production in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020,” Herrick said. “This selection will be based largely on Soldier input and response to a formal request for proposal for production.”

The ISVs have been intended to provide ground mobility vehicle capabilities to the Army since the original model.

At first, the Army started looking toward industry to develop the new ISV in September 2018. Lightweight vehicles are essential to increase speed in combat and provide ability to be transported by helicopter into austere locations, Herrick said.

“Ground mobility vehicles provide flexibility for entry operations, permissive and non-permissive, to counter threat anti-access strategies through the use of multiple entry points — air-drop, air-land, and air-insertion,” he said.

By Thomas Brading, Army News Service

Posted in Guest Post, Mobility | 2 Comments »