May 2021 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for May, 2021

USSOCOM Seeks Amphibious MC-130 & Remote Gunship

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

During a briefing by USSOCOM’s PEO – Fixed Wing, COL Kenneth Kuebler, USAF, at NDIA’s virtual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference, he mentioned that SOF is seeking several future aircraft initiatives. According to COL Kuebler, “In the future, freedom of maneuver may not be guaranteed.” Consequently, they need to consider new ways to get to the fight.

First, is an amphibious version of the MC-130 infiltration aircraft referred to as MAC for MC-139J Amphibious Capability with a goal of being able to take off and land from both land and a maritime environment on the same mission.

Next is High Speed Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL). This capability is an improvement over the current CV-23 Osprey by utilizing jet propulsion rather than propellers.

Finally, the last aircraft type SOCOM is investigating is a Remote Gunship.

In addition to future aircraft, SOCOM is also interested in developing several enabling technologies for their current and future airframes.

These include improved launch mechanisms for munitions, integrated swarming effects for unmanned systems and munitions as well as light aircraft radar which offers enhanced situational awareness.

In the near-term, SOCOM will be demonstrating a AC-130J High Energy Laser, a ~60Kw offensive laser which is low probability of detection and can target small vehicles and C3 nodes.

Posted in Aviation, SOF, SOFIC | 5 Comments »

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper Joins Epirus Board of Directors

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Esper brings deep strategic insight and operational excellence to support Epirus’ mission and build powerful, innovative products that further national security effortsWASHINGTON – (May 18, 2021) – Epirus, Inc., a Silicon Valley-backed, high growth technology company, today announced that Mark T. Esper, Ph.D. has joined the company’s Board of Directors. Dr. Esper served as the 27thUnited States Secretary of Defense from 2019 to 2020 and the 23rd Secretary of the Army from 2017 to 2019.

“History informs us that those who are first to harness once-in-a-generation technologies have a decisive advantage well into the future. At a time when new, low-cost technologies can empower our adversaries and make anyone a target, America must stay ahead of its rivals as we modernize and protect our national security interests for years to come. Epirus stands at the vanguard of those accelerating military and homeland security applications of game-changing technology to disarm drones used to launch lethal attacks against our service members and civilians anytime, anywhere. Addressing emerging threats and challenges was always a priority of mine at the Pentagon and will continue to be going forward. Epirus has proven itself able to rapidly innovate and adapt in ways that can make it a critical partner to the US government and our allies,” Dr. Esper said.

“Recent drone attacks targeting U.S. forces and concerns here at home underscore the urgent need for the deployment of effective Counter-UAS technology in the field of operations. At Epirus, we have made it our mission to meet this challenging problem by developing a solid-state, software-defined, high-power microwave to disable potentially harmful electronics. We cannot wait for the loss of human life to become the catalyst for change when technology exists that can stop threats today. Adding a visionary leader like Mark to the Board solidifies our ability to bring to market the technology we need to help protect the U.S. warfighter and develop other new applications of our technology for broad commercial use,” said Grant Verstandig, Epirus Executive Chairman and Co-Founder.

This appointment supports Epirus’ commitment to bring in experienced operators to its Board of Directors to guide the company through its next phase of development and growth. The company’s Board of Directors is led by its Executive Chairman and Co-Founder Grant Verstandig, Chairman of Rally Health as well as Founder of Red Cell Partners and an active entrepreneur, venture capital investor, and philanthropist; John Tenet, a Founding Partner at Red Cell Partners and previously a partner at 8VC; Alex Moore, a partner at 8VC as well as a founding employee and Director of Operations at Palantir and Co-Founder of NodePrime; Geoff Lewis, Founder and Managing Partner of Bedrock; Leigh Madden, Epirus Chief Executive Officer; and Bo Marr, Epirus Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder.

Dr. Esper joins the board following the company’s May 6 announcement of an advisory board of powerhouse leaders including: Michael Ovitz, Founder, CKE and Co-Founder, Creative Artists Agency and former President, Walt Disney Company; Sam Palmisano, Chairman, Center for Global Enterprise and former CEO/Chairman, IBM; Jerry Yang, Founding Partner, AME Cloud Ventures and Co-Founder and former CEO, Yahoo! Inc.; Richard Mattera, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, UnitedHealth Group; and Jeffrey Grant, Board Member, The Aerospace Corporation and former Vice President and General Manager of Space Systems Division, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

epirusinc.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | 4 Comments »

Invisio Announces New Platform and Tactical Communication Control Units

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

INVISIO today announces a new platform and generation of tactical communication control units – the INVISIO V-Series Gen II. Combined with INVISIO headsets, the platform sets a new standard for audio performance and hearing protection within the defense and public safety markets for years to come.

INVISIO has a long track record of providing industry leading solutions to the most demanding elite units in the world. The recipe for this is developing cutting-edge technologies and building on the experience of the users in field. Fueled by a range of new innovations and designed for defense and public safety professionals on critical missions, the INVISIO V-Series Gen II sets the bar for market leading audio performance and hearing protection.

The new capabilities include audio that automatically adapt to the surrounding noise levels, digital signal processing techniques to filter out all unwanted noise, and increased speech intelligibility. The removal of any constant radio noise when audio transmission is idle, and the smooth transition from noisy to quieter environments is also part of the new offering. Apart from improving communication and safety, all these new capabilities help to eliminate fatigue caused by noise.

The INVISIO Gen II platform brings several new, unique features to the tactical communication market:

Mission adaptive

Received audio volume automatically adapts to surrounding noise level for secure, uninterrupted intelligibility and seamless communication.

INVISIO Audio™

Unparalleled audio performance excluding all unwanted noise.

Market leading hearing protection

Increased protection levels and option of double hearing protection with hear through at a market leading 42 dB SNR / 34 dB NNR attenuation.

Flexible and intuitive

Limitless configurations, making Gen II suitable for all scenarios, and VOX functionality and voice prompts for intuitive operations.

A combination of the INVISIO X5 in-the-ear headset, the INVISIO T7 over-the-ear headset and the V60 Gen II control unit constitutes the market leading double hearing protection solution for extremely noisy environments.

www.invisio.com

Posted in Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on Invisio Announces New Platform and Tactical Communication Control Units

Reebok Revolutionizes Tactical Footwear with Nano Tactical Series

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Warson Brands, official licensee of Reebok for duty and uniform footwear, is proud to bring Reebok’s revolutionary cross-training Nano platform to the tactical footwear market this May.

Train to the max with this versatile tactical series with the Nano Tactical. With three distinct designs for different tactical environments, the series that has revolutionized cross-training brings its versatility to the military, law enforcement, and security fields. Built on sweat, strength, and solidarity, this trainer will impact your performance.

Lightweight and responsive are the two words most often associated with the Nano platform. Based on the Nano 2.0, this series features a minimal drop outsole for natural foot motion and responsive flexibility. Even though it is extremely flexible, it maintains excellent traction with a slip resistant rubber bottom. Cushioning helps shock and impact with the ever-comfortable MemoryTech Removable Cushion Footbed.

The Nano Tactical comes in three models. There are two black soft-toe options, the RB7100 in an oxford and the RB7120 in a 6” style. The RB7120 is co-branded with the Navy Seal Foundation logo and part of the proceeds from the sale of this model goes to the Navy Seal Foundation, of which Reebok is a strategic partner. Each of these models comes with Duragrip toe abrasion resistance. Finally, the RB7125 is an 8” coyote soft toe ideal for a variety of military environments.

“We are excited to bring an iconic training series like The Nano to the tactical market, where the stakes of performance training are never higher. We are also tremendously proud to partner with the Navy Seal Foundation in honoring those who have sacrificed as well as supporting their families,” states Brent Jennings, VP of Marketing at Warson Brands.

All three models can be purchased from www.reebokwork.com as well as tactical retailers across the nation. For product and lifestyle videos, images, and product information, visit warson.widencollective.com/portals/sodfkcat/NanoTactical.

Posted in Boots, Press Release | Comments Off on Reebok Revolutionizes Tactical Footwear with Nano Tactical Series

USSOCOM PEO-SOF Digital Applications Update

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Under the helm of COL Paul Weizer, USA, PEO-SOF Digital Applications serves as USSOCOM’s “One-Stop-Shop” for SOF software intensive digital applications. This new office was just announced during last year’s SOFIC and they’ve hit the ground running.

To set up this new PEO, they sought out “digital natives,” according to SOCOM’s Acquisition Executive Mr Jim Smith, who oversees all of the Command’s acquisition efforts. Bringing in the right talent, they assembled government personnel, contractors and so-called reimbursables, which are personnel who belong to outside organizations but accomplish work for SOCOM based on interdepartmental transfers of funds. That happened fairly quickly while they simultaneously looked at the Command’s acquisition portfolio to determine what exactly belonged in PEO-SDA.

They brought in programs that include Mission Command Systems, SOF Digital EcoSystem, Special Operations Mission Planning and Execution, and Tactical Assault Kit.

Mission Command Systems: Intelligence and Operations analytics systems that provide a unified SOF Common Intelligence Picture and Common Operating Picture (CIP/COP) and decision support to USSOCOM Commanders/Operators at all echelons. Delivers interoperability and integration required for synchronized SOF Global Situational Awareness. COL Weizer referred referred to this program as the, ” ring that binds them all.”

SOF Digital EcoSystem: Data Analytics Services and Tools

Special Operations Mission Planning and Execution: Mission planning & execution software tools (SOF Air, Ground & Maritime)

Tactical Assault Kit (TAK): Suite of Map-Based, Situational Awareness (SA) Software Applications across multiple platforms to include Android, iOS, Windows, Linux and HTML, that provides Tactical Capabilities for Military, Federal Government, and Civil 1st Responder operations

PEO-SDA has breathed new life into long-term programs such as mission prep which date back almost to the founding of USSOCOM. They look at the programs with a new set of eyes and move away from stovepipe approaches to capabilities to a more holistic operating environment.

With USSOCOM’s transition from looking at software as a component of a program to the glue that binds multiple capabilities together, they’ve taken charge of software development efforts on their own behalf rather than living with the software that comes on a system.

One of the challenges PEO-SDA is facing, is articulating what is “SOF Unique” about Software. This can be a sticking point of whether USSOCOM’s MFP-11 funds can be used to pay for a program. COL Weizer explained that use of and individual requirements for software can be SOF unique, but the code itself isn’t.

Even more challenging, is the lack of a current DevSecOps strategy which offers challenges when interfacing with other organizations within DoD and industry. However, it seems to be happening, if only because SOF personnel tend to get things done.

For those unfamiliar, DevSecOps is getting the developers, security and operators to work together from the outset of a software effort. Generally, it requires an integrated development environment.

The goal is to field new software every six months or faster. Although SOF are well known for their speed at fielding solutions, they have had to adapt to such an ambitious schedule. Already, they’re working with vendors to speed to integration of new SOMPE software from 18-24 months down to as little as four months. COL Weizer mentioned how the software acquisition pathway is adapting to commercial practices for development, which regularly rolls out software in support of their wares. Understandably, this faster process means that changes will become less substantial with incremental upgrades. Additionally, to mitigate configuration management issues across the enterprise which can come with frequent software updates, COL Weizer explained that his office is automating the process.

As part of instituting DevSecOps, the team has formalized a relationship with the user community, and Mr Smith tells us he is “most excited about the focus on the user,” which he went on to describe as, “a fanatical focus on the user.” Likewise, PEO SDA cuts across the entire SOF enterprise, including all of the other PEOs. Additionally, they look outside of the Command itself with customers at all of the SOF components as well as the Theater Special Operations Commands. In fact, they regularly utilize SOCCENT, co-located at MacDill AFB as a test element for new software before they release it to the field.

PEO-SDA has already made improvements on how quickly user software requirements are satisfied and it has only been a year.

Posted in Digitization, SOF, SOFIC | Comments Off on USSOCOM PEO-SOF Digital Applications Update

UF PRO to Debut Striker ULT Combat Pants Next Month—Garment has Same Characteristics as U.S. Army Improved Hot Weather Uniform

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

TRZIN, SLOVENIA (18 May 2021)—UF PRO today announced it will begin selling its new Striker ULT Combat Pants on 10 June. Weighing less than a kilogram, Striker ULT offers excellent durability, breathability, and quick-drying characteristics while maintaining low weight, the company said.

“We built the Striker ULT from the ground up with one objective in mind: to maximise the performance and comfort of those who wear it, whether they’re engaged in operations in a hot desert, tropical environments, or right here in temperate Europe,” said Armin Wagner, head of UF PRO product development.

“To help us achieve that objective, we use NyCo Extreme as our base material,” Wagner continued. “NyCo Extreme is a nylon-cotton ripstop fabric 17 percent lighter than regular NyCo. It also resists tears three times better, has 10 times greater breathability, and dries 35 percent faster.”

A unique feature of the Striker ULT Combat Pants is their new Waist/Flex System. According to Wagner, this system keeps the pants properly fitted to the wearer’s body.

The Waist/Flex system—made with Schoeller-dynamic stretch panels—includes an integrated under-belt (with space for the wearer’s unit insignia). “Waist/Flex System’s midsection is plastic-reinforced, button-secured, and adjustable to prevent upward shifting of the under-belt, even if a heavily laden battle belt is worn atop it,” Wagner indicated.

The likelihood of the Striker ULT Combat Pants developing folds or sliding down along the hips is virtually null owing to air/pac® pads inserted at the rear of the waist, he noted.

“The pads create adhesion where the body curves in, so the pants stay right where they’re supposed to as the wearer moves about,” Wagner explained. “Without the pads, there would be a gap between the pants and the wearer’s lower back—and the presence of that gap is what would allow the pants to slide down.”

Wagner contended that the Waist/Flex System not only makes a direct, significant contribution to the wearer’s performance in the field, but also increases comfort.

Comfort is enhanced in other ways too, Wagner assured. One is by means of strategically located vents.

“The NyCo Extreme material by itself is very breathable, but there will be times when they’ll want to bring more airflow inside the pants to further counter the heat,” said Wagner. “So we designed our Striker ULT Combat Pants with operable vents in the side pockets and lower legs.”

Wagner said there are a total of six side-pockets stitched into the pants. Each is ultra-large, which permits the wearer to carry sizable additional gear along on the mission.

“So that the gear carried in the pockets doesn’t shift around inside, each pocket comes with a bungee cord along the upper edge, plus additional elastic bands inside,” he revealed. “The pockets have a sealable flap secured with Canadian rubber buttons. We’ll be including an easy-to-use kit for wearers who want to replace the buttons with hook-and-loop strips. As well, the pockets feature a vertical zipper that makes gear retrieval simple and fast from a kneeling position.”

Another key feature of the Striker ULT Combat Pants is their built-in knee pockets. These pockets hold UF PRO’s battle-proven, knee-protection system that allows wearers to shield knees from either impacts or sharp objects, Wagner said.

The knees of the pants are adjustable, he added. “This lets wearers calibrate the pants to the shape of their body. Also, the interior around the knees is lined with moisture-wicking 37.5™ technology material to draw away sweat.”

The new Striker ULT Combat Pants also include boot hooks. “The boot hooks are attached to the bottom of each leg,” he explained. “When you connect the laces of your boots to these hooks, the pants stay put.”

Once the Striker ULT Combat Pants become available for purchase, buyers will be able to obtain them in two colors—Brown Grey or MultiCam.

The pants are expected to be priced at €239 per pair, said Wagner.

For more information about the UF PRO Striker ULT Combat Pants, go to www.ufpro.com/pants/combat-pants/striker-ult-combat-pants

For more information about other UF PRO combat pants, go to www.ufpro.com/pants/combat-pants

For more information about the full line of UF PRO tactical gear, go to www.ufpro.com

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Materials, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Active Protection System for Lynx IFV: Market Breakthrough for Rheinmetall’s New StrikeShield — €140 Million Order from Hungary

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

The 209 new Lynx infantry fighting vehicles recently ordered by Hungary from Rheinmetall of Germany will be equipped with Rheinmetall’s StrikeShield hard-kill active protection system, or APS. Hungary is the latest customer for this innovative technology, which has formed part of the Rheinmetall portfolio since 2006. It will be supplied by Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH. The order is worth over €140 million. Hungary’s decision in favour of StrikeShield was driven by the NATO member’s commitment to taking part in demanding missions where modern anti-tank weapon systems present a dangerous threat to own forces.

StrikeShield is the third and latest generation of Rheinmetall’s acclaimed Active Defence System (ADS) technology, a specific variant of hard-kill APS. It is a distributed system whose sensors and countermeasures are integrated into the contours of the entire vehicle. Among other benefits, StrikeShield has the lowest emissions in the electro¬magnetic spectrum on the market, as well as the fastest reaction time in ambush and multi-hit situations. It protects the vehicle from shaped charge warhead threats such as rockets or missiles by neutralizing incoming projectiles before they hit the platform itself.

The StrikeShield APS will be mechanically integrated into hybrid armour tiles on the Lynx. Instead of conventional passive add-on armour modules, the platform will feature spaced passive armour tiles that incorporate the components of the APS between an outer ply and inner tiles mounted on the vehicle’s hull.

“We see huge benefits from hybrid designs”, declares Dr Manfred Salk, CEO of Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH. “The effects that passive armour protects you from are standardized and well understood. Hybrid designs are different. They allow us to do a much better job of dealing with new effects and threats, such as residual energy from a disabled rocket hitting the vehicle and deflagrating. The combination of our passive and active technologies into hybrid systems therefore offer our customers unique benefits with regard to the protection capability, but also weight- and cost-efficiency.“
Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH is Rheinmetall’s center of excellence in survivability technologies, formed in 2019. Core of the product strategy is the hybridization of armor solutions, which provide the outlook to lighter and sensor based survivability solutions for armored platforms.

www.rheinmetall.com

Posted in Armor, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Active Protection System for Lynx IFV: Market Breakthrough for Rheinmetall’s New StrikeShield — €140 Million Order from Hungary

Jankel Delivers ‘Next Generation’ Guardian Counter Terror Assault Vehicle-Urban (CTAV-URBAN)

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, has delivered the first of their ‘next generation’ Guardian Counter Terror Assault Vehicle-Urban (CTAV-URBAN) to an undisclosed customer. Based on the latest 2020 Ford F-550 platform, the Guardian CTAV-URBAN features a new Mobile Adjustable Ramp System (MARS) from long-standing partners Patriot 3 who work exclusively with Jankel in the UK.

Firmly established as one of the premier global suppliers of armoured counter terror adapted vehicle systems, Jankel, with Patriot 3, have developed and integrated a new version of the MARS ramp system for Guardian CTAV-URBAN that delivers a narrower, lighter, single ramp, fully hydraulic variant that will allow counter terror teams to effectively operate in tighter spaces and more restricted city environments. Retaining the Ford OEM aluminium body, Jankel engineers have developed an armour suite that mounts within the vehicle without compromising structure, rigidity or durability. The integration of the new MARS ramp onto the Jankel Guardian CTAV-URBAN includes the flexibility to remove the MARS system, if needed, as well as the development of numerous other innovative enhancements in platform protection and tactical systems.

Jankel has a history dating back to the early 2000’s of providing the very best tactical counter terror platforms. With this new CTAV-URBAN variant, Jankel has customised the platform to meet the exact customer needs and tactics. The vehicle has been fully tested to prove the durability, reliability and maintainability but also to validate the advanced handling and performance characteristics expected of a truly tactical counter terror assault platform. Working closely together with Patriot 3, the CTAV-URBAN ladder system has been developed and refined to retain all of the MARS standard functionalities yet deliver additional options packaged in a single ramp configuration.

Charlie Fuqua, Elevated Tactics Sales Manager from Patriot 3 said: “we have had an ongoing working relationship with Jankel since the mid-2000s and have supplied numerous multi-mission vehicle solutions to defence and law enforcement end users around the world.” He went on to say: “Patriot3 looks forward to continuing our Jankel partnership with the introduction of the new CTAV-URBAN (complimenting the CTAV), as well as future developments to meet our customers ever evolving operational requirements.”

Andrew Jankel, Chairman at Jankel Group said: “we’ve worked with Patriot 3 for many years on a number of successful specialist vehicle-based projects so delivering the first of this next generation Guardian CTAV vehicles to an exceedingly important customer is a continuation of an already strong partnership”. He added: “Effective partnering is one of our key strengths here at Jankel and our partnership with Patriot 3 is another fine example of how we bring capability, innovation, flexibility and agility together to deliver and support the very best products and services, driving mission success”.

www.jankel.com

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Jankel Delivers ‘Next Generation’ Guardian Counter Terror Assault Vehicle-Urban (CTAV-URBAN)