August 2022 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for August, 2022

DroneShield Delivers Handheld Counter-UAS Solutions to U.S. Government

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

Image: RfPatrol MKII body worn system antennas

Warrenton, VA — DroneShield (U.S. subsidiary of DroneShield Ltd – Australia) has received and delivered upon a follow-on order by a U.S. Government agency for the company’s portable and handheld Counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions.

DroneShield, a leading developer of artificial intelligence based multi-mission solutions, known for its industry leading C-UAS (“Counter-drone” or “Anti-drone”) systems such as RfPatrol and DroneGun MkIII, has received previous contracts from DoD, DHS, Federal and State level Law Enforcement agencies.

Tom Branstetter, Director of Business Development for DroneShield, commented, “We’re grateful for the continued trust that this organization has placed in us to help address a unique set of operational challenges. Our customer relationships are what fuel our commitment to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the counter unmanned space,” he added. “Every teammate at DroneShield understands the significance of the problems we’re solving for our end-users and it’s something we’re proud to support.”

Matt McCrann, U.S. CEO of DroneShield added, “We’re a mission driven and user focused team here at DroneShield. Strengthening our partnership with an existing user and being able to deliver in full, within days, on an order like this is the direct result of that commitment to our users, their needs and mission.”

“Our team emphasizes operating with speed and purpose, and speed doesn’t just apply to tech development; it applies to the ability to deliver end to end, from factory to field,” McCrann added. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with our U.S. Government partners.”

DroneShield also recently announced deployments of its solutions for high profile events such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, and IRONMAN Texas 2022.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »

Trailblazer Firearms Announce New President

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

Shooting Sports industry veteran, Ron Dan joins Trailblazer Firearms, bringing a wealth of experience and strategic knowledge to the North Carolina firearms company.

Fletcher N.C. (August 2022) – Trailblazer Firearms is excited to announce Ron Dan as President of Trailblazer Firearms, effective August 1, 2022.

Ron Dan will be joining the team at Trailblazer Firearms, bringing over 15 years of professional experience in the firearms industry. In his previous roles, Ron has overseen various functions of business including sales, marketing, customer service, product development and strategic planning. He has worked for some of the top companies in the industry such as RSR Group, Chattanooga Shooting Supplies, Vertx and Stryk Group USA.

“We are incredibly happy to bring Ron onto the team at Trailblazer,” said Aaron Voigt, Founder and CEO of Trailblazer Firearms. “Ron’s experience and reputation as a long-standing professional in our industry will be a valuable asset to our efforts at Trailblazer; all of this coupled with his strategic knowledge as both a professional and end-user, Ron will help bring Trailblazer to its fullest potential.”

“I have been following Trailblazer Firearms since the commercial release of the LifeCard in 2017. They have always been on the leading edge of innovation and passion for some of the most unique firearms designs in our industry,” states Dan. “With the release of the Pivot rifle, Trailblazer has once again demonstrated their innovation and passion in one of the most revolutionary designs our industry has seen in decades. I look forward to working for the team at Trailblazer to provide the best available technology and designs to armed professionals and responsible citizens.”

trailblazerfirearms.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

ATAK 4.7 Available Now

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK-CIV) is an open source app providing mission planning, geospatial, Full Motion Video (FMV), and system administrator tools that reduces the operational footprint from a tactical laptop, to a commercial mobile device. The geospatial engine and communications component support Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial sector standards. Extensibility of the core platform is supported by the Software Development Kit (https://takmaps.com/), which enables any partner to develop mission-specific capability or contribute to the advancement of the baseline. Data can be pre-loaded into ATAK or downloaded from the network when available.

Civil use capabilities of ATAK-CIV include:

• Online and offline mapping (most standard formats), with a blazing fast rendering engine

• Support for very high-resolution imagery (sub 1 cm resolution)

• Collaborative mapping, including points, drawings, locations of interest

• Extensive and customizable set of Icons

• Overlay Manager which allows the Import and display of KML, KMZ, GPX overlays, maps and imagery including both online and offline sources with adjustable transparency. These overlays can be treated as Gridded Refrence Gaphics.

• Location marking, sharing, history

• Chat, file sharing, photo sharing, video sharing, streaming

• Navigation-walking/hiking, driving, also useful flying and air-ground coordination

• Elevation Tools, heat maps, computed contour maps, viewsheds, routes w/DTED, SRTM, including dynamic profiling

• Hashtags and Sticky tags

• Center on Self, Center on other objects (e.g. another person in the network)

• Range, bearing, and other measurement tools

• Network-aware geofences with triggers

• “Bloodhound” destination tracking, including on moving objects

• Team Emergency Beacons

• Customizable Toolbar

• Radio controls and Integration

• Photo to map capability (aka Rubber Sheeting)

• Casualty evacuation tool

• Icon support for a wide variety of First Responder missions with further extensible Icons

• 3D perspective and ability to display 3D geospatial models

• Useful for First Responders, Hunting, fishing, ornithology, wildlife site survey

Get it here.?

Posted in Tac Apps, TAK | 1 Comment »

Persistent Systems Delivering Thousands of Networking Radios to QinetiQ US in Support of US Army’s Robot Program

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

July 27, 2022

Persistent Systems, QinetiQ US collaborate on ongoing Common Robotic System – Individual, or CRS(I), program

Persistent Systems, QinetiQ US also renew Wave Relay® Ecosystem industry partnership for another five years

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced that it has received additional orders from QinetiQ US to provide thousands of Wave Relay networking devices in support of the U.S. Army’s Common Robotic System – Individual, or CRS (I), program.

CRS (I) is the Army’s continuing effort to provide dismounted troops with a lightweight, highly mobile unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. In 2019, QinetiQ was selected to provide its SPUR platform for CRS(I). Persistent Systems, in turn, supplies the communications and command-and-control element of the UGV.

“The MPU5’s robust, low-latency networking capability allows the operator of the SPUR platform to send commands to the UGV as well as receive video and other sensor data back, which can also be shared with everyone else on the network,” said Nick Naioti, VP for Business Development for Persistent. “To date, Persistent Systems has supplied hundreds of radios for CRS(I) and we are just entering full-rate production for the program.”

The company’s new, state-of-the-art production facilities will meet the increased demand as well as those of other programs, he added.

QinetiQ US renews partnership with Persistent Systems

In addition to the CRS(I) orders, QinetiQ US is renewing for another five years its partnership in the Wave Relay® Ecosystem, an industry alliance of sensor, UGV, and unmanned aircraft contractors all using Persistent’s MANET as their default network. Ecosystem partners enjoy such benefits as competitive pricing, on-site expert training, product integration support, and access to the Persistent technology roadmap.

During last the five years, Persistent Systems collaborated closely with QinetiQ US. Besides supporting QinetiQ US in its early CRS(I) deliveries, Persistent has helped its Ecosystem partner on the Tactical Adaptable Light Ordnance Neutralization (TALON) family of robotic systems for the U.S. Army, providing an upgraded communications package for the UGVs.

The two companies have, as Ecosystem collaborators, won some $500 million worth of business. “We are excited to extend our partnership with QinetiQ US,” Naioti said, “and look forward to backing the company on future initiatives.”

Posted in Comms, Industry, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Persistent Systems Delivering Thousands of Networking Radios to QinetiQ US in Support of US Army’s Robot Program

Sneak Peek – Kitanica Scorpion Pack Coming to Kickstarter

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

Kitanica’s lumbar pack, the Scorpion, is coming August 9th to Kickstarter. Lots of features.

But if you really want to get a jump on this, and a chance at winning one for free, visit preorder.kitanica.com/contest. You’ll have an opportunity to get 40% off on launch and entered for a chance to win a free pack.

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying | 4 Comments »

US Army Awards MATBOCK, LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, $6.9M pOTA to Develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV)

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

Virginia Beach, VA: MATBOCK is an industry leader in bringing paradigm shifting technologies to the market and is excited to announce this partnership with the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) to develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV) prototype that will utilize a M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carrier JLTV as the base platform.

In March 2022, the RCCTO awarded MATBOCK a $6.9M, including options, pOTA (Prototype Other Transaction Authority) to develop and deliver a JLTV HEV. The primary purpose of this project is to validate or negate the feasibility of prototyping a tactical Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The goals of the project are to increase the overall automotive performance and operational range, increase the availability of on-board and off platform power, and increase the vehicle’s overall operational effectiveness by adding additional capabilities.

In addition to being able to generate additional power, the JLTV HEV will have a new capability over the non-hybrid JLTV variants by being able to operate in a ‘silent mobility mode’ that only utilizes the battery pack, increasing the silent watch capability over the non-hybrid JLTV variant.

MATBOCK has set up a new 4,000 sq-ft space directly attached to their existing space dedicated to military hybrid-electric vehicle efforts to include the JLTV HEV. MATBOCK has nearly 30 people dedicated to making this project successful. At the helm from the MATBOCK side is Mike Pilotte. Mike is an Armor Officer in the North Carolina National Guard and an experienced Project Manager having most recently completed a successful Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II with the Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

MATBOCK will be pushing past current limits of battery and automotive technology integration and engineering results with these performance enhancements, but MATBOCK is known for tackling tough challenges like this. “Without a doubt this will be the most complex project MATBOCK has faced in our 12 years in business, but we have the right team and core technologies to produce a successful outcome.” said MATBOCK’s Co-Founder & President Zach Steinbock.

To learn more about MATBOCK and our extensive product line, check out matbock.com or email us at admin@matbock.com

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Power, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on US Army Awards MATBOCK, LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, $6.9M pOTA to Develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV)

USSOCOM Selects L3 Communications Integrated Systems AT-802U Sky Warden for Armed Overwatch Aircraft

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

USSOCOM has made a decision for it’s Armed Overwatch program which will add 75 aircraft to provide dedicated Close Air Support, precision strike, and airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) from austere locations in a permissive environment.

It’s the Sky Warden from the L3 / Air Tractor team.

DoD made this announcement on 1 August:

L3 Communications Integrated Systems, Greenville, Texas, was awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (FA8637-22-D-B001) in the amount of $3,000,000,000 (maximum ceiling value) in support of Armed Overwatch. Research, development, test, and evaluation; and procurement funds in the amount of $170,000,000 were obligated at time of the award. Armed Overwatch will provide Special Operations Forces deployable, affordable, and sustainable crewed aircraft systems fulfilling close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, requirements in austere and permissive environments for use in irregular warfare operations in support of the National Defense Strategy. The contract will be a mixture of firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, time and materials, and cost reimbursement no-fee for the procurement of up to 75 aircraft, training systems, mission planning systems, support equipment, spares, and logistics support, with a period of performance from July 2022 to July 2029, including all options. The majority of the work will be done in Greenville, Texas. This action is a follow-on production contract in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 4022(f) authorized or required by statute. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 31, 2022)

Here is the L3 Harris Press Release:

L3HARRIS AND AIR TRACTOR SKY WARDEN TEAM SELECTED FOR USSOCOM ARMED OVERWATCH CONTRACT

Highlights:

• Sky Warden™ system to expand SOCOM’s irregular warfare capabilities

• SOCOM weapon system testing begins in 2022

• Six new aircraft will be delivered under the low-rate initial production Lot 1

MELBOURNE, Fla. — U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has selected L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) and Air Tractor, Inc.’s AT-802U Sky Warden™ system for its Armed Overwatch program. Award of the Indefinite Quantity, Indefinite Delivery contract includes a cost ceiling of $3 billion. The program includes delivery of up to 75 manned, fixed wing aircraft, with an initial program contract award of $170 million.

The fleet of modern multi-mission aircraft will address SOCOM’s need for a deployable, sustainable single-engine fixed-wing, crewed and affordable aircraft system. It will provide close air support, precision strike, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), strike coordination and forward air controller requirements for use in austere and permissive environments. The aircraft will be used in irregular warfare operations.

“An important part of our Trusted Disruptor strategy is listening closely to combatant commanders’ needs, and responding faster than the evolving threats,” said Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, L3Harris. “We want to deliver game-changing, modular solutions to U.S. special operators for their hardest missions, and Sky Warden does just that.”

L3Harris expects to rapidly modify last summer’s Armed Overwatch prototype demonstrator into the production configuration and provide for customer weapon system testing in approximately six months. Production of new, fully-modified, Armed Overwatch mission-configured aircraft will begin in 2023 at L3Harris’ Tulsa, Okla. modification center, following initial production at Air Tractor’s Olney, Texas aircraft manufacturing facility. Six new aircraft will be delivered under the low-rate initial production Lot 1.

“Sky Warden will bring powerful and affordable close air support, precision strike, armed ISR, and command and control capabilities directly to special operations forces in the battlefield,” said Sean Stackley, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “We are ready now to begin work on this modern, multi-mission system for the SOCOM Armed Overwatch program.”

The production-ready Sky Warden system is tailorable for a variety of mission requirements to meet U.S. mission needs.

“The Sky Warden design reflects our commitment to America’s national security and the AT-802U will be equipped with everything we’ve learned manufacturing aircraft over the past 46 years,” said Jim Hirsch, President, Air Tractor, Inc. “The L3Harris team is an excellent partner, and our production and engineering staff are ready to immediately deliver this world-class product to our nation’s special forces.”

Learn more about Sky Warden at www.L3Harris.com/SkyWarden.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, ISR, SOF | 21 Comments »

ERDC, Transatlantic Division Team Recognized with USACE Innovation Award

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

VICKSBURG, Miss. – A team from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Transatlantic Division and the USACE Protective Design Center was recently recognized with the 2022 USACE Innovation of the Year Award.

The team developed simple and effective bunker enclosure door designs for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) to help reduce risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) to bunker occupants. The new designs sought to reduce the peak pressures experienced by an individual seeking shelter in a bunker by more than 90 percent.

CENTCOM’s area of responsibility encompasses more than 4 million square miles and stretches from Kazakhstan to Yemen.

“The ERDC team, in coordination with the Transatlantic Division, developed modifications to existing bunker designs to reduce TBI vulnerability and provide design recommendations to the Army to address force protection challenges concerning current personnel bunkers,” said Bart Durst, ERDC-GSL director.

Throughout the research and design process, team members leveraged the Department of Defense’s High Performance Computing systems at ERDC to conduct more than 120 high-fidelity simulations of door designs and configurations.

The innovative solution was developed within a very short timeline using the survivability knowledge maintained through ERDC’s Expedient Passive Protection program and their computational capabilities. The team was able to deliver the project in six months.

“I am extremely proud of ERDC-GSL’s contribution to this team and this project,” Durst said. “These innovations will tremendously benefit warfighters across the globe in the execution of their mission. These retrofits provided rapid solutions to address an urgent need for expeditionary force protection to reduce TBI vulnerabilities.”

ERDC Public Affairs

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Medical, Research | 1 Comment »