B5 Systems

Archive for April, 2024

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GA-ASI Adding AESA Antenna to EagleEye Radar

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

New Antenna Will Double Range and Enable Additional Radar Enhancements

SAN DIEGO – 24 April 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is continuing its support of EagleEye multi-mode radar development with a company investment to add an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna and associated software that will increase range and deliver significant mode enhancements. AESA will be a “drop-in” hardware upgrade to the existing EagleEye radar and could be an option for the new Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M) aircraft assembly when ready.

“We expect the AESA antenna to more than double the range for EagleEye,” said Jeff Hettick, GA-ASI vice president of Agile Mission Systems. “The increased range and optimized multi-mode performance of the radar are perfectly tailored to provide deep sensing capability in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). That will allow the aircraft to operate well outside Weapons Effects Zone of most threat systems adding a layer of survivability supporting the Stand-Off survivability with Stand-In effects of long-range sensors. This is a key component of the Gray Eagle 25M Unmanned Aircraft System being developed for the U.S. Army.”

AESA antennas replace the mechanically steered dish antennas of earlier-generation radars with a solid-state, all-electronic emitter. In addition to enhancing the radar’s performance, by replacing the motor and other components that physically move the radar dish, AESA greatly improves repairability and reliability.

As part of the EagleEye development, GA-ASI will improve target detection range using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML). GA-ASI expects to have a working lab prototype of the new AESA component by the end of this year, with plans to conduct flight tests in 2025 and operational demonstrations on GE 25M after that.

EagleEye is a multi-mode radar that builds on years of pioneering expertise by GA-ASI. Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Eagle Eye enables operators to look in detail through clouds, smoke, dust, haze, or other conditions that might obscure a purely visual sensor. And for the first time on the Gray Eagle platform, EagleEye delivers radar-based Full Motion Video (FMV) called “Video SAR,” which enables live visual tracking of moving targets via the radar system.

The EagleEye radar performs Moving Target Indication (MTI), detects changes, builds strip maps, and yields other precise insights to analysts, commanders, and operators. With its Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode, EagleEye also provides a dedicated maritime MTI mode for tracking and targeting vessels and further supports the MDO mission set of the U.S. Army, particularly in support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) mission, but also in Europe, Africa and the Middle East where there is an increased need for maritime reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition, which is critical to achieve information dominance and overmatch.

Posted in Aviation, ISR, Press Release, UAS | No Comments »

V-22 Internally Air Transportable Flyer 60 Vehicle Uniquely Positioned to Meet Marine Corps Needs

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April. 30, 2024) – Flyer Defense is introducing Marines to its Flyer 60 light tactical ground mobility vehicle at the 2024 Modern Day Marine Exposition in Washington, D.C. At 60” wide and tall, the Flyer 60 is internally air transportable in rotary and tilt wing aircraft, including the V-22 Osprey.

The Flyer 60 is the narrow variant of the Flyer 72, USSOCOM’s Program of Record Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.1, sharing modular commonality with the combat proven platform.

“Flyer vehicles are unique in their modularity,” said retired USMC Colonel and Flyer Defense Director of Business Development, Robert Rice. “Like the 72, the Flyer 60 is configurable for a wide variety of mission profiles and uniquely positioned to fill existing mobility gaps for Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) and Marine Littoral Regiments (MLRs).”

Flyer vehicles are internally and externally transportable in rotary and tiltwing aircraft including the V-22, CH-53, CH-47 and C-130. They also provide maximum ship-to-shore payload on the Landing Craft Air Cushion Aircraft (LCAC) which can fit up to 10 Flyer vehicles and 60 Marines.

Flyer Defense will display the Flyer 60 at Modern Day Marine in Booth #2607.

To learn more about Flyer Defense, please visitwww.flyerdefense.com.

Posted in MDM, Mobility, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Black Powder Red Earth 28mm Game to Present at Connections Wargaming Conference

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

We are pleased to announce that Echelon – Design Team Ember has been selected to present Black Powder Red Earth 28mm at the Connections Wargaming Conference hosted by the U.S. Army War College, at the Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, PA, on June 27, 2024.

Our presentation, The Fundamentals of Close Combat Abstraction, details the process and considerations that drove the design of the game. The presentation will be followed by a short question + answer session as well as game demos and an open social to talk with designers Jon Chang, and Michael Durao.

Learn more and register to attend at the Connections website.

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms | No Comments »

Inspiring Story: Tactical NAV Helps Ukrainian Man Save His Family

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

The Tactical NAV app was created by a US Army fire support officer to help simplify MGRS-based navigation and map use on an iPhone. The app is available via the App Store.

The creator, Jon Springer, received this email and passed it on to me. I agree with Jon that it’s worth a share.

Apparently, some of Roman’s family not only used Tactical NAV to get to safety in Poland, but others are using it in combat in Ukraine.

Posted in Tac Apps | 4 Comments »

Whiskey 5 – Man Lift USA

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

Who:

Man Lift USA designs and manufactures specialty aerial access and material handling solutions. We have been providing lift and access equipment for the most unique, hazardous, and challenging environments since 2000.

Our material handling equipment is designed to boost productivity and ensure safety in demanding work environments. We offer a range of products such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, material lifts, and mobile cranes to develop tailor-made solutions for your facilities, aircraft, ship, or rocket construction and maintenance.

What:

Our flagship products are our Explosion Proof (EX) rated articulating boom and scissor lifts. However, we also offerseveral other electric, electrically insulated, Track-Driven, and more traditional Material Handling Equipment (MHE) solutionsfor customers in addition to our EX rated line of products.

Man Lift USA’s equipment is recognized as the gold standard and utilized extensively across the aerospace, shipbuilding, chemical, and construction industries in addition to aircraft maintenance, facilities maintenance, painting, fuel cell work, or any environment where explosion hazards may exist. Our EX rated lifts meet and exceed safety requirements working in and around enclosed spaces, ordinance, paint vapors, or volatile fuels and chemicals.

Our lifts have longer run times between charging cycles than the competition and offer essential options such as aircraftprotection kits, collision protection kits, omnidirectional steering, and vertical access platform accessories as well.

When:

In business since 2000 Man Lift has a long and storied history serving the following customers:

                           

 

                   

     

 

 

Where:

Headquartered in Shelby North Carlonia Man Lift is proudly made in the USA and services military and commercial customers both domestically and internationally.

Why:

Quality: Our equipment is built to last and work flawlessly in the most demanding environments. We use only the highest-quality materials and components in our systems and conductrigorous quality control checks to ensure that every product meets our exacting standards for safety and performance.

Safety: We have an enduring commitment to safety, and it shows in everything we do. We understand the imperative to prioritize safety at every stage of the process–from the design, manufacture and testing of our equipment, to routinemaintenance and service. We are laser-focused on safety and meet or exceed all industry standards.

Customer Service: At Man Lift USA we believe that exceptional customer service is the key to building lasting relationships with our clients. Our team of customer service representatives are dedicated to providing timely and personalized support to ensure that your needs are always met.

Tailored Solutions: From aviation to construction, we understand the requirements and have the expertise to provide solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require a custom platform size, lifting capacity, mobility capability or safety feature, our team of experts will work with you to design and manufacture the perfect solution.

Industry Expertise: Our team has decades of experience working across a wide range of industries. We are experts and operators with experience that spans the breadth of industries from aerospace to manufacturing in both defense and commercial arenas. We understand the required standards and unique challenges that different industries face and can provide the solution to help you improve safety and productivity in your environment.

For sales inquiries or additional information please contact:

James@manliftusa.com

Billy@manliftusa.com

www.manliftusa.com

Posted in Advertiser, Whiskey 5 | No Comments »

Vivobarefoot – Jungle ESC

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

The new Jungle model is the latest in Vivobarefoot’s Eco Survival Collection.

Designed to surmount the challenges posed by the jungle, namely inescapable heat, 100% humidity and unpredictable hazards, the boot is the result of nine years of R&D with a testing team including the likes of Stuart and Ben McNutt.

They have dealt with these challenges by building a boot that drains everywhere, not just through a couple of drains. Additionally, water can flow in and out, but debris and sediment stay where they belong, outside the boot.

McNutt went on to say this about the environment, “the jungle is so hostile, if you’ve only ever worn this boot there, you won’t appreciate how much better it is than anything else on the market.”

Dave Strachan, Military Officer and Expedition Medic, said “These are, without a doubt, the best pair of jungle boots I have used; functional when walking, adept at shedding moisture and critically comfortable and blister free, even with the demands of arduous days carrying heavy loads. They were light – around half the weight of a pair of US ‘issue’ boots… the whole boot sheds water and breathes, allowing rapid drying after immersion. The rubber ‘scales’ which give the boot its distinctive ‘look’ give some abrasion resistance, and help to shed the mud from the fabric as the boot moves.”

Like all footwear in Vivobarefoot’s ESC, the Jungle Boot uses the core barefoot design principles: wide, thin, and flexible for strength, flexibilit, and natural stability. There are, however, some unusual and highly functional design features in there too. For instance, the mesh lining is the right level of fluorescence so that insects can be detected but won’t be attracted.

Along with the launch of the boot, is another innovation, an in-depth online educational course from Vivobarefoot, led by wilderness experts Ben McNutt and Debs Nickolls, who bring decades of experience to the table. This course equips learners with proven knowledge on how to safely explore the tropics, ensuring harmony with the jungle environment.

Filmed in the vibrant and teeming tropical rainforests of Borneo, the course is structured into the following modules:

– Understanding the Jungle: Offers insights into the geography, weather patterns, and the unique ecosystem of the jungle biome.

– Planning and Preparation: Covers essential planning for the jungle environment, including what to pack, acclimatization strategies, and common illnesses.

– Campcrafting and Trail Skills: Teaches crucial camping skills for the jungle, such as navigation, search and rescue operations, knot tying, tropical tracking, fire building, and water collection.

– Wilderness Travel Safety and Emergency Techniques: Includes lessons on swimming, river crossings, 4×4 skills, emergency camp setup, and procedures for dealing with various wildlife hazards.

According to Vivobarefoot, this is the third launch in the collection, behind the Forest ESC and Hydra ESC, and ahead of the Desert and Tundra, which will launch later this year.

To learn more, visit www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/collections/esc.

Posted in Boots | 13 Comments »

DCMA Launches Radars and Sensors as Newest Systems Command

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va.   –  

Defense Contract Management Agency established its newest contract management office, Radars and Sensors, during a standup ceremony at agency headquarters April 17.

The new CMO consolidates contractor oversight activities of six disestablished offices and is intended to more closely align the agency’s work to the requirements of the military services.

Navy Capt. Nicola Gathright, commander of DCMA Eastern Regional Command, expressed her excitement for the new effort and said the official ceremony was a long time coming.

“We started the planning in the first week of October 2023, and I have personally witnessed the collaboration and communication that went into it,” she said. “There was a good amount of communicating with the workforce and getting them comfortable with change.”

Gathright labelled the change as an opportunity and said a workforce that embraces change becomes stronger as fresh ideas and fresh perspectives are shared with employees from multiple offices now under a single organization.

“I’m excited about the future. I’m excited for the future of DCMA Radars and Sensors,” Gathright said.

Radars and Sensors is the first CMO established that is described as a systems command: an organization that provides a focal point for all contract management and surveillance activities of a class of systems for which DCMA maintains responsibility.

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gregory Masiello, DCMA director, expressed his excitement for the warfighter support the new office will provide.

“This is a broad portfolio in technology and all the things that go into,” he said. “I think this is an ideal (opportunity).”

Masiello said DCMA Radars and Sensors, which will be headquartered in Boston, is an example of the future of the agency and how it is adapting to fulfill warfighter needs while meeting the challenges of budget constraints.

“This is a good thing. We’re evolving here at DCMA,” Masiello said. “As we talk more in our portfolios, we’ll see the interconnectedness of the supply chains.”

Army Col. Jonathan Patrick, DCMA Radars and Sensors commander, thanked the teams and individuals who helped make the establishment of the new CMO possible.

“Together, we traversed through numerous milestones to get here to the establishment of DCMA Radars and Sensors today,” Patrick said. “It’s a privilege to lead this remarkable team.”

DCMA’s ongoing reorganization is part of an aggressive plan to build an organizational structure that matches the agency’s specialized skills with the unique needs of customers across product aligned and geographic offices.

The contract management agency’s current continental United States structure is primarily organized with three regional commands overseeing 45 subordinate contract management offices. When the reorganization is fully realized, these offices could be consolidated to as few as eight geographic offices and 10 product offices.

By Jason Kaneshiro, DCMA Eastern Region Public Affairs

Posted in Contracts, Guest Post | No Comments »

MDM: SMARTSHOOTER to Present Its SMASH Family of Fire Control Systems and Demonstrate Its Effectiveness in Air Defense

Monday, April 29th, 2024

In collaboration with DRS RADA and HDT Global, the companies will present an end-to-end remotely controlled solution for air defense which includes theMHR radar for tracking the threat and the SMASH Hopper for precisely eliminating it

Modern Day Marine, Booth 533

[April 24, 2024]: SMARTSHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy andlethality of individual and crew-served weapons, will participate at the Modern-Day Marine event and showcase its SMASH 2000L, already under review by the Marine Corps, and the SMASH Hopper Light Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (LRCWS) integrated with the DRS RADA Technologies RPS-42 radar and mounted on HDT’s Hunter WOLF.

This innovative solution offers an end-to-end air defense solution for countering drones and shortening the sensor-to-shooter cycle. The RPS-42 radar’s long-range detection and tracking capabilities allow the SMASH Hopper LRCWS to engage targets at a safe standoff distance. At the same time, the SMASH Hopper’s high hit probability promises precise, swift, safe, and simple hard-kill elimination of the threat. Mounted on HDT Global’s Hunter WOLF, a highly maneuverable hybrid electric UGV, this joint solution has already completed several successful trials and demonstrations and is ideal for use by the US Marine Corps on the MADIS system.

SMARTSHOOTER will also display the SMASH 2000L, its lightest handheld-operated fire control system used extensively against both ground and aerial targets in the current HAMAS conflict. Using AI, computer vision, and advanced algorithms, SMASH 2000L maximizes force lethality, operational effectiveness, and situational awareness throughout every engagement, in both day and night. SMASH 2000L ensures precise target elimination against ground and aerial targets, making it an ideal hard-kill solution against drones and sUAS. The SMASH 2000L is already in use by the US Marine Corps, as well as by the IDF in its current operation, “Iron Swords.”

Michal Mor, SMARTSHOOTER CEO, stated:  “Fielded and operationally deployed by forces worldwide, theSMASH systems continue to redefine counter-UAScapabilities and demonstrate that precise kinetic elimination of drones and small UASs is essential. Integrating our SMASH Hopper with the RPS-42 radar provides a very effective end-to-end solution to neutralize drones swiftly, ensuring the protection of personnel and critical assets. Shortening the sensor-to-shooter cycle, this advanced solution enhances the force’s situational awareness and survivability and takes air defense to a new level”.

Deployed and combat-proven by different forces worldwide, including the US Marine Corps, SMASH is a weapon Fire Control System (FCS) equipped with an onboard computer to perform complex targeting solutions. Once the user identifies the target (independently or using the detection system guidance) and locks on it, SMASH tracks its movements and synchronizes the shot release to ensure a fast and precise hit on the target. The SMASH Family of fire control systems uses Artificial Intelligence, computer vision, and advanced algorithms to ensure precise hit capabilities, enhance forces’ situational awareness and lethality, and reduce collateral damage. It enables the platoon to be smart, precise, and connected.

Posted in MDM, Optics, Press Release, UAS | 1 Comment »

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