May 2020 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for May, 2020

AeroVironment Awarded $2.6 Million Contract from U.S. Ally to Enhance Existing PumaTM Fleet with Puma LE Capabilities, Plus Existing Fleet Support

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

• Contract includes spares to support customer’s existing fleet of tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and adoption of Puma LE (Long Endurance)

• Puma LE provides Group 2 features in a Group 1 footprint, 5.5-hour endurance and

• Customer is one of more than 45 allied governments employing AeroVironment’s innovative family of tactical UAS

AeroVironment’s Puma LE tactical unmanned aircraft system is rapidly deployable and hand launchable with 5.5 hours of flight endurance and interoperable line-replaceable unit (LRU) components that can be shared with other Puma AE aircraft.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., at vSOFIC, May 12, 2020 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), today announced that a U.S. ally and longtime customer awarded the company a firm-fixed- price contract valued at $2,685,057 on February 20, 2020 for AeroVironment’s recently introduced PumaTM LE. The order also included spares to support the customer’s existing fleet of AeroVironment tactical UAS. The contract award period of performance is one year.

“Puma LE is the newest member of our combat-proven family of tactical unmanned aircraft systems,” said Rick Pedigo, vice president of sales and business development for AeroVironment. “Puma LE provides customers with Group 2 UAS endurance capabilities, nearly doubling the time on station of Puma 3, with cost savings and the footprint of a Group 1 unmanned aircraft.”

The AeroVironment Puma LE weighs only 22.5 pounds (10.4 kilograms), is launchable by hand or bungee and provides a dedicated secondary payload bay in addition to its Mantis i45 gimbaled EO/IR sensor. On-board batteries provide 5.5 hours of flight endurance with an operational range of 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) when used with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA). Puma LE’s economical dual- case mission pack contains everything needed to perform two complete 5.5-hour missions with a single aircraft and Ground Control System (GCS). Puma LE utilizes plug and play, interoperable line-replaceable unit (LRU) components that can be shared with other Puma AE aircraft.

AeroVironment’s family of tactical UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory and its rapidly growing international customer base numbers more than 45 allied governments.

Learn more about Puma LE by attending a virtual product presentation at vSOFIC www.sofic.org/vsofic, Tuesday, May 12th at 1 PM (EST) in the AeroVironment, Industry Showcase.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Awarded $2.6 Million Contract from U.S. Ally to Enhance Existing PumaTM Fleet with Puma LE Capabilities, Plus Existing Fleet Support

Crye Precision Announces G4 Hot Weather and FR Uniforms Now Available

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

Brooklyn, NY – Crye Precision®, one of the leading suppliers of uniforms and personal equipment to the military, law enforcement and public safety markets, has announced the availability of their G4 Hot Weather Uniforms and G4 FR Uniforms for purchase through their website, www.cryeprecision.com.

The G4 Hot Weather Uniforms are Crye Precision’s® lightest, most breathable uniforms to date. These garments incorporate attributes requested directly by users, built on a base-pattern designed to offer more mobility, a more custom fit and improved features. The G4 Hot Weather Field uniform is designed specifically for the demands of harsh jungle environments and the Combat line created for austere arid operations. Our G4 uniforms now offer even more to end users.

Further expanding the G4 uniform system is the release of the G4 FR Uniforms, made with High Strength Commando Twill, providing lightweight FR protection with a high strength-to-weight ratio. The fabric quickly self-extinguishes and maintains 8.5 times higher air permeability and faster dry time than 50/50 NYCO. Combined with the already extensive feature set of the G4 line, the FR uniforms are Crye Precision’s® most technically advanced apparel pieces to date.

Each of the uniforms are now available for purchase through the company’s website, www.cryeprecision.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release | 10 Comments »

Trillium Engineering Tests New HD55 Gimbaled Camera System for Tactical Drones

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

Replacing older HD50 model, HD55 houses sharper EO and IR cameras for better target ID

HOOD RIVER, Ore.—May 12, 2020—Trillium Engineering, an industry leader in gimbaled camera systems for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), announced today that it has begun airborne testing of its lightweight, high-definition HD55 system.

Designed for use on Group 2 and smaller Group 3 UAS, the new HD55 employs electro-optical (EO) and cryogenically cooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) cameras, as well as an onboard image processor – all in a gimbal just 5.5 inches in diameter and weighing 1750 grams.

“At Trillium, we are constantly on the hunt for state-of-the-art technology,” said Rob Gilchrist, cofounder and president of Trillium Engineering, “and the development of the HD55, the newest addition to our family of gimbaled systems, exemplifies this approach.”

The HD55 replaces the end-of-life HD50, which came in four configurations and was first delivered to customers in November 2014. The HD50-MV was the smallest cooled MWIR gimbaled camera system on the market.

The new and improved HD55 will have the same swept volume as its predecessor but will be slightly lighter and more capable than the trailblazing HD50. “The HD55 has a narrower field of view than the HD50, allowing the new system to get a closer, more actionable look at targets,” Gilchrist said.

Trillium personnel have been flight testing the HD55 on various airborne platforms, including a small multi-rotor drone and a manned Cessna aircraft, which serves as a surrogate for a fixed-wing tactical UAS. The next step, say company officials, is to begin testing on the real thing.

“We are already getting interest from major platform providers,” Gilchrist said.

trilliumeng.com

Posted in ISR, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Trillium Engineering Tests New HD55 Gimbaled Camera System for Tactical Drones

Dasco Storage Solutions – Bi-Fold Weapons Racks

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

Although they are based in Canada, Dasco Storage Solutions’ products are used around the world to secure valuable equipment. They offer a wide variety of options, like this easily configuarble Bi-Fold Weapons Rack.

It gets its name from the perforated steel bi-folding gates which save aisle space when open, yet keep weapons fully enclosed when locked up. Low-tolerance doors and a multi-point lock system ensures controlled access to the weapons inside. Their Bi-fold weapon racks can be bolted to the floor, side-to-side, back-to-back, to a wall and can stack on top of each other to accommodate most any space and inventory.

Swapping out configurations is simple
thanks to their universal back panel and over 55 components which allow you to create the weapon storage system your armory needs.

Offered in multiple heights, For more information, visit dascostorage.com

Posted in Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Dasco Storage Solutions – Bi-Fold Weapons Racks

DAF ACT Contracting Executes N95 Mask Production for DoD

Tuesday, May 12th, 2020

The Department of the Air Force’s Acquisition COVID-19 Task Force (DAF-ACT) executed a $126 million contract on May 1 for expanded production of N95 masks—26 million per month—starting in October. The contract, awarded to 3M, will increase the supply chain of N95 masks and resupply the Strategic National Stockpile following increased demand due to COVID-19.

Coordinated through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF), and funded through the CARES Act, the contract increases N95 mask production by at least 312 million within the next twelve months.

A team of contracting officers at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, finalized the deal.

“As an Air Force contracting professional, it’s always a great feeling when you are able to help secure a critical investment in U.S. manufacturing capacity for items that will serve a greater good,” said Nathan Shrider, AFLCMC contracting officer. “It’s an honor to serve with such a dedicated team that is making a difference.”

3M has already placed orders for raw material and two new N95 manufacturing lines. To meet increased production capacity, 3M plans to expand its facility in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and also perform initial production in Wisconsin.

“The Air Force is pleased to execute recent contracts to expand N95 mask production for our nation,” said Dr. Will Roper, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology, and logistics. “Our past initiatives to empower our acquisition workforce and to accelerate programs have put us in a good position to respond to the present crisis with speed and agility. We are proud to be an important part of the solution.”

Roper established the DAF-ACT across the service’s acquisition enterprise to execute requirements from the JATF and to collect and consolidate funding requests needed to recover programs from COVID-19 impacts.

“Our acquisition management and contracting professionals are working seamlessly as part of a whole-of-government response and with industry to ensure we effectively and expeditiously align resources with requirements,” said Maj. Gen. Cameron Holt, DAF-ACT director. “Our team is proud to support critical acquisition efforts that will continue to fortify our nation’s supply chain and resilience.”

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, COVID-19 Pandemic, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

First Colorado Agency Implements Viridian Gun Cameras

Monday, May 11th, 2020

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – May 11, 2020 – The Kit Carson County Sheriff’s Office has deployed the FACT Duty™ Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMC™). Sheriff Tom Ridnour has been working to equip his force for modern policing over the last year. Every sworn deputy of the Eastern Colorado county now has a Weapon-Mounted Camera in the field to compliment body cameras.

The rural force is responsible for patrolling over 2,000 square miles that includes the border with Kansas. Sheriff Ridnour has been working to implement Viridian gun cameras, and was able to get them deployed on March 1 of this year. That timing coincided with the first time footage from Viridian’s gun camera was used in an officer-involved shooting (OIS) trial in Texas. A jury quickly convicted the defendant of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a public official. The WMC provided the critical evidence in the case by showing the defendant pointing a sawed-off shotgun at Vernon, Texas Police Corporal T.J. Session.

“The Weapon-Mounted Cameras provide a new layer of visibility and perspective for our deputies,” said Sheriff Ridnour. “As a rural force, we cover a huge area with a limited number of personnel. The range of responsibilities our deputies have is equally as great—and knowing we now have the FACT Duty gun cameras in the field gives us even more coverage and awareness.”

Viridian has created an important category for law enforcement with the introduction of the Weapon-Mounted Camera. This distinctive camera provides an unobstructed view of critical use-of-force events from the end of the firearm, addressing limitations officers can face with body cameras.

“Sheriff Ridnour has been dedicated to bringing the latest technologies to his department, and we’re thrilled he added the FACT Duty,” Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen, said. “Our technology can be a supplement or alternative to body cameras as a mandatory evidentiary tool to provide the critical evidence in an officer involved shooting. We commend Sheriff Ridnour for being the first to deploy in Colorado and wish him and his deputies the best during these unprecedented and challenging times for all first responders.”

The highly advanced WMC employs a 1080p full-HD digital camera with a microphone and 500 lumen tactical light. Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON® technology automatically activates the camera and microphone whenever the officer draws the firearm from its holster. Not only does this eliminate risk of failure to manually turn on the camera during a critical event, but it also keeps the officer from fumbling with cumbersome equipment.

More information on the FACT Duty can be found here or by contacting Viridian directly at sales@ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Posted in LE, Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

Velocity Systems Basha

Monday, May 11th, 2020

IG user @redbeardtactical_de shared these photos of the Velocity Systems Basha and Mayflower Jungle Kit being used in the field in Germany.

Some of the multiple uses for the Basha are shelter, rain poncho, poncho raft to float your kit, etc.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Shelter | 5 Comments »

5.11 to Donate $25,000 from Proceeds of Police Week Patch to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Monday, May 11th, 2020

Irvine, CA (May 11, 2020) – – 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear announced today that they will be donating up to $25,000 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund from the proceeds of the brand’s limited edition ‘Honor Those Who Serve’ patch. Additionally, 5.11 is a sponsor of the NLEOMF Virtual Candlelight Vigil which will take place on Wednesday, May 13th. This donation and sponsorship are two of several activations 5.11 has executed honoring first responders during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The ‘Honor Those Who Serve’ patch launch occurs during National Police Week 2020. The patch features a thin blue line and eagle – both symbols honoring law enforcement officers everywhere. 100% net proceeds of the patch will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund up to $25,000. The patch can be purchased online at www.511Tactical.com as well as 5.11 retail stores across the country.

“We are honored to be working with the Memorial Fund to support law enforcement officers nationwide through our donation as well as the candlelight vigil later this week,” said 5.11 Chief Executive Officer, Francisco J. Morales. “We appreciate all of our first responders, and especially law enforcement officers more than ever during this year’s National Police Week as our nation navigates the unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic. Our gratitude for our police force has never been greater and our support of the Memorial Fund will impact so many officers and their families.”

This year, 307 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Due to the cancellation of public gatherings surround the COVID-19 pandemic, this National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil will be streamed via live webcast on Wednesday, May 13th at 8pm EST and available for anyone to join. To register for updates on the Candlelight Vigil and to light a virtual candle, please click here.

“We are grateful for 5.11, their partnership and generosity over the years,” said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Marcia Ferranto. “Partners like 5.11 allow us to properly recognize and honor the men and women and their families who make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and communities. The importance of saluting these individuals is greater than ever as we’ve come to ask more than ever from our officers and their families.”

In addition to the ‘Honor Those Who Serve Patch’ and donation to NLEOMF, 5.11 also launched the Inside The Blue Line video series in partnership with SIG SAUER produced by Ironclad Media this week. The video series follows Manchester, New Hampshire’s police department and highlights the realities of life as a law enforcement officer today.

For more information on 5.11, please visit www.511Tactical.com. For the latest on 5.11’s activations, follow @511Tactical. For more information on National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Fund, please visit www.NLEOMF.org.

Posted in Charity, LE, Press Release | Comments Off on 5.11 to Donate $25,000 from Proceeds of Police Week Patch to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund