August 2024 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for August, 2024

UNITY Tactical Launches WZL Full Magazine Indicator

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

WZL™ Provides Visual and Tactile Verification of Full Loadout and Intended Ammunition

BROUSSARD, LA. (Aug. 15, 2024) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced the launch of WZL™, a magazine enhancement that enables rapid visual and tactile confirmation that the magazine is fully loaded and easy differentiation between magazines with mixed loadouts.

When fully loaded with 30 rounds, a black, blue or orange indicator emerges from the baseplate, allowing the user to identify magazines with different rounds, such as ball, tracer, supersonic and subsonic. The three-color options provide the user with the ability to quickly and confidently identify three separate loadouts when utilized in conjunction with standard floor plate / lock plate combinations. The indicator features an indentation around its side for easy application of a paint pen for further distinction of round type.

“We identify overlooked problems and aim to fill those needs with products that give you an edge,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “WZL enables instant magazine to weapon readiness and status in any environment, ensuring you are always mission ready.”

WZL™ is compatible with all GEN M2™ and GEN M3™ Magpul® PMAG®s for 5.56 and .300 blackout. It also works with a Ranger Plate™ and a MagPod. It is not compatible with magazine limiters or round limited magazines, such as 10/30s.

Made of high-impact polymer, WZL comes in a three-pack of black, blue or orange. It includes a lifetime warranty andretails for $26. WZL is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 9 Comments »

Pincroft Invests £1+ in New Military Printing Tech

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

£1m+ investment to dramatically boost Pincroft’s camouflage printing capacity

(Adlington, United Kingdom): Global leader in military fabric printing, dyeing and finishing, Pincroft, has announced an investment of over £1m for the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for its factory in the United Kingdom that is set to increase the textile manufacturer’s camouflage printing capacity to over 8 million metres a year.

The new equipment boasts the latest technology in rotary screen printing, including a magnet combined system for uniform application across the width, digital synchronisation for better accuracy, short setup times, automatic repeat settings, design memory, and faster reproduction of re-orders.

It also includes a pre-bulk strike-off machine, which allows for preparation prior to the printing production process. This facilitates the development and verification of paste viscosities, colour concentration and magnet power adjustment.

Pincroft’s new rotary screen printer will allow the manufacturer to process a complex range of technical textiles, from lightweight fabrics for waterproof applications, to heavy weights for load carriage and equipment handling.

This new investment is Pincroft’s strategic move to continue its growth in the military fabrics segment and continue offering customers the best quality in camouflage textile printing.

Mike Collins, Pincroft’s Managing Director, says: “This investment is hugely important for our business. We expect delivery of the machine at the end of the year and aim to be ready for production at the start of 2025.”

Posted in Camo, Industry, International, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Pincroft Invests £1+ in New Military Printing Tech

US Army’s First TITAN Ground Station Prototype Delivered at JBLM

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

JOINT BASE LEWIS MCCHORD, Wash. — The Army’s need for a next generation intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system that rapidly processes sensor data from space, high altitude, aerial and terrestrial layers to provide real-time intelligence support for targeting and situational awareness is the impetus behind Project Manager Intelligence Systems and Analytics’ delivery of the Army’s first Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node, or TITAN, ground station prototype to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the Army’s capabilities to support multi-domain operations.

“Delivering the first TITAN prototype to JBLM is a pivotal step in enhancing our warfighters’ capabilities,” said Col. Chris Anderson, PM IS&A. “TITAN provides game-changing technologies that revolutionize how we collect, process, and disseminate intelligence across the battlefield, giving us a decisive edge.”

The system which leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies is a ground station that will significantly reduce the sensor-to-shooter timeline, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making in complex operational environments. This delivery is part of a broader effort to equip the Army with advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities that support the rapid and effective execution of multi-domain operations.

Product Director Intelligence Systems, Rich Licata said, “We are proud of the successful delivery of the first TITAN prototype. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with our partners in the development efforts to refine and expand these capabilities, ensuring our forces remain at the forefront of technological innovation.”

The prototype delivered to JBLM is one of ten being developed. These prototypes will undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure they meet the operational needs and will be used to refine the system through Soldier feedback obtained from a disciplined user-centered design process including extensive unit use of the prototypes.

“We are thrilled to move into the next phase of delivering these revolutionary capabilities to the Army,” added Anderson. “The feedback from our Soldiers will be invaluable in refining and enhancing the TITAN system to meet the demands of modern warfare.”

By Larry Glidewell

Posted in Army, Guest Post, ISR | Comments Off on US Army’s First TITAN Ground Station Prototype Delivered at JBLM

Aeronautics Secures Contract with NATO Member for Advanced Orbiter 3 UAS

Wednesday, August 14th, 2024

Agreement includes the new generation multi-platform system to a repeat NATO customer, enhancing fleet capabilities

August 12, 2024 – Aeronautics Ltd., a global leader in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for defense and HLS markets, announces a significant contract with a European NATO member country to supply advanced Orbiter 3 UAS systems.

This important contract includes the Aeronautics’ new generation multi-platform system to a NATO customer, increasing significantly the customers’ existing fleet. The Orbiter 3 is a small tactical unmanned aerial system, considered one of the leading systems in its class worldwide. It provides superior performance for both defense and HLS applications, making it an essential asset for modern military operations.

The Orbiter 3 stands out with its advanced ISTAR capabilities, runway-independent operation, long endurance, and ability to carry various types of payloads. Its advanced image processing, small logistical footprint, and navigation capabilities in GPS-denied environments further enhance its operational flexibility. The system’s ability to withstand harsh weather conditions ensures reliable performance across diverse scenarios.

The Orbiter 3 offers low life-cycle costs compared to similar systems, a lightweight design and extended endurance, making it a leading choice for many countries seeking to enhance their operational capabilities. The system’s combat-proven reliability, backed by thousands of flight hours, ensures it meets the rigorous demands of military operations. Its multi-platform compatibility allows for communal use of the same launching station and communication across various systems, facilitating seamless integration and expansion.

Dan Slasky, CEO of Aeronautics, stated, “This contract marks another important milestone with a long-standing customer.” He added, “The scalability of our system allows our partners to incrementally expand their capabilities over time, using the same proven infrastructure. This approach not only reduces costs and enables the most cutting-edge systems, but also streamlines operations for our customers.”

Posted in Contracts, International, NATO, UAS | Comments Off on Aeronautics Secures Contract with NATO Member for Advanced Orbiter 3 UAS

HENSOLDT Receives Further Fire Control Sight Order for the German Armed Forces

Wednesday, August 14th, 2024

Increase in first hit rate and system interoperability for deployed weapons

Wetzlar (Germany), 13 August 2024 – The sensor specialist HENSOLDT has received a further order for the delivery of “Dynahawk” fire control sights (FLV). The customer is the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The order includes deliveries this year and next, with an option for further systems in 2026. The order is worth several million euros. HENSOLDT has already supplied fire control sights in previous years.

“With the ‘Dynahawk’, we are significantly increasing the first-hit probability on dynamic and distant targets of the deployed anti-tank weapons,” says Josef Reif, Sales Manager in the Sights division. “Thanks to the FLV in conjunction with the HENSOLDT IRV-MR night vision attachment, we can also guarantee operational capability at night.”

The “Dynahawk” has a 5.5x glass optical magnification and a laser rangefinder. The ballistics computer of the fire control sight, which is equipped with sensors for environmental perception (temperature, air pressure, angular rate sensor), has several modes for engaging static and dynamic targets and automatically recognises the loaded ammunition and calculates the corresponding ballistics.

The FLV also has selection options for programming the firing point. This means that bursting or air-burst ammunition can also be used with pinpoint accuracy.

The unique selling point of the FLV is its interoperability with the two weapon systems introduced into the Bundeswehr, the “Wirkmittel 90” (DND RGW90) and the “leichte Wirkmittel 1800+” (MBDA Enforcer). Both weapons can be fired without changes to the configuration of the “Dynahawk”.

Posted in Contracts, International, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on HENSOLDT Receives Further Fire Control Sight Order for the German Armed Forces

Zapata AI to Deliver Real-Time Intelligence for Warfighters

Wednesday, August 14th, 2024

The collaboration aims to enhance real-time intelligence and decision support for USSOCOM’s Hyper-Enabled Operator and Force programs with state-of-the-art AI on the edge

BOSTON, Aug. 13, 2024 — Zapata Computing Holdings Inc. (“Zapata AI”) (Nasdaq: ZPTA), a leading provider of industrial-grade software for enterprise AI, has entered a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Special Operations Command (“USSOCOM”).

Key Highlights of the CRADA include:

• Empowering USSOCOM with advanced AI tools to enhance situational awareness, real-time decision-making, and operational readiness in challenging environments and contested spaces.

• Accelerating USSOCOM’s ability plan, create, and deliver AI-driven advantage to align closely with specific mission objectives and parameters.

• Deepening Zapata AI’s existing relationship across the United States Department of Defense innovation ecosystem.

Under the terms of the CRADA, Zapata AI will leverage its Orquestra® platform to speed up the model development lifecycle (MDLC) and create AI and ML applications that enhance mission performance for USSOCOM’s Hyper-Enabled Force (HEF) initiatives. The decision-support capabilities developed by the partnership will run on the edge in low connectivity environments on ruggedized high-performance computing (HPC) hardware.

“We are proud to support the brave men and women of USSOCOM in defending our national security around the world,” said Christopher Savoie, CEO and co-founder of Zapata AI. “Our battle-tested Orquestra platform, our ability to ingest and process vast amounts of streaming data in real-time, and our experience in rapidly deploying AI solutions in challenging environments will enhance USSOCOM’s operational readiness with cutting-edge intelligence capabilities.”

The collaboration with USSOCOM builds on Zapata AI’s success in supporting Andretti Global’s complex race intelligence and advanced analytics needs. In both cases, Zapata AI deploys an ensemble of small, specialized AI models at the edge, providing real-time analytics and decision support in environments with limited or unpredictable connectivity. Zapata has proven in its production solutions that deploying an ensemble of targeted models, rather than a single large, generalized AI model, delivers superior performance for mission-critical applications where speed and accuracy are paramount.

The CRADA deepens Zapata AI’s existing relationships across the United States Department of Defense landscape. As the only company participating across all tracks of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking program, Zapata AI has led the groundbreaking work to estimate the economic utility and resource requirements for high-value quantum computing applications. In June 2024, Zapata AI and its collaboration partners published the findings from Phase II of the program.

For more information on Zapata AI, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

Posted in AI / ML, Contracts, ISR, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Zapata AI to Deliver Real-Time Intelligence for Warfighters

USSOCOM Selects B.E. Meyers & Co for Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power Contract

Wednesday, August 14th, 2024

Talk about celebrating your 50th anniversary as a company right. Last night, United States Special Operations Command announced this contract:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Redmond, Washington, is being awarded a contract (H9240324D0009) for the acquisition of the Miniature Aiming Systems – Laser (MAS-L) Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP) and associated repairs. This indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is being awarded with a maximum total ceiling of $49,900,000 and a $500,000 minimum ordering guarantee in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This contract will have an ordering period of five years. Fiscal 24 procurement funds in the amount of $11,000,110 are being obligated at time of award on the first delivery order. USSOCOM, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

We believe this contract was won with DAGIR Multi-Platform Advanced Laser System (pictured above) which was announced during SOF Week.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Lights, SOF, Weapon Accessories | 6 Comments »

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Honors 50th Anniversary with Founders’ Day Celebration

Wednesday, August 14th, 2024

On the 26th of July, B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. celebrated a milestone few companies can claim, a half-century of business.

Those 50 years wouldn’t have been possible were it not for the company’s founder and namesake, Bradley Edward Meyers and his bride Nancy. Together, they created a legacy of innovation which currently operates in Washington state and provides critical technology to the United States and allied military and law enforcement activities as well as civilians.

The company celebrated their Founders’ Day* with over 100 family, friends and employees, with games, music and comraderie. In addition to a raffle, party goers were treated to food trucks featuring local favorites. It was also a time to reminisce on where the company had come from, with some considering where it will be in the future. A good time was had by all.

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business with beginnings in day and night long-range optical and digital surveillance systems for law enforcement, a natural path to their current role as a premier Defense Technology Manufacturer.

Everything they do is a Made In America story, from the initial design concept to delivery of the final product, all takes place at their Redmond, Washington headquarters.

Today the company is known for their innovative work in the field of advanced photonics, but founder Brad’s early endeavors were in an entirely different direction. Born in 1941, Brad sprang from humble origins. He worked with his hands his entire life, applying a keen mind to conceive new products and methods in every field he applied himself to. This led to a variety of experiences, one feeding the next, to establish a rich heritage of innovation. Take for example Brad’s company Controlled Dynamics which combined experience as an explosives technician with commercial diving.

Unfortunately, Brad didn’t get to celebrate the 50th anniversary with his company and family, having passed away in 2017. Regardless, his efforts live on as B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. continues to lead industry. His obituary sums this up well.

“Brads legacy is primarily known by many in the Special Operations community through his products such as the IZLID(tm), DIAL(tm), GLARE(tm), MK Ranger(tm), and GRI2P(tm) series of lasers, as well as the B.E. Meyers Flash Hider line. He cited that his special gift was in finding the right people to help him reapply existing technologies in new ways to help the Warfighter. He was terrifically proud of the tremendous team that helped bring his ideas to life, and his legacy will continue on as the company is propelled by his infectious enthusiasm for the new, the different, and the exciting.”

If you never got to meet Brad, this video entitled “The Optics of Optimism” is narrated by him and gives you some insight into the man behind brand.

* The company’s true Founders’ Day is 29 July, Brad Meyer’s birthday, but they celebrated a few days early this year due to the weekend.

Posted in Advertiser, Memorial | Comments Off on B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Honors 50th Anniversary with Founders’ Day Celebration