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Milrem Robotics Revealed Type-X RCV with John Cockerill CPWS II Turret

Thursday, June 18th, 2020

Tallinn, June 17, 2020 – Milrem Robotics and John Cockerill Defense today showcased the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle with the Cockerill Protected Weapons Station Gen. II (CPWS II) to select military forces from around the world.

The Type-X vehicle chassis is a revolutionary design for a mobile modular multi-mission vehicle that provides a platform for a family of unmanned armored vehicles. It is the first combat vehicle that is purposefully designed to be unmanned intended to be an integral part of mechanized units.

The Type-X is designed to deploy at a weight below the 12-ton mark for rapid deployment into the combat theater, either by parachute or by heavy lift helicopter.

A combination of augmented Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a remote system operator, the Type-X is a tracked vehicle with armor protection that can supplement troop formations or operate independently, in unmanned formations.

“The Type-X is modular and will accept larger turrets, but current turret designs are optimized for operations under armor,” Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics stated. “The CPWS II is a step in the right direction, as it is designed from the beginning to be a remotely controlled configuration (unmanned) and easy access from the outside of the turret, allowing for reload and maintenance,” Väärsi added.

Simon Haye, the Chief Marketing Officer for John Cockerill Defense adds: “One of the first realistic roles for unmanned fighting vehicles will be convoy defense and perimeter or base defense. The Type-X with the CPWS can be placed in the front and rear of a convoy to provide additional eyes and firepower for the convoy. Rarely does a convoy have available 25mm firepower and given the system is unmanned, tactics like rushing an ambush site, or maneuvering on the enemy’s position are now legitimate options for a convoy under fire. The lead / follow functions of unmanned vehicles is well developed technology and spreading some operator stations through the convoy can provide redundancy and quick response. Further FOB security can now be in the form of a mobile unmanned fighting vehicle. Instead of putting soldiers at risk on the wire, these Guardian Systems can provide relentless observation and the capability to maneuver and disperse an attack instead of just absorbing it.”

The CPWS II is a low profile, light weight turret, with a revolutionary hatch opening and can mount the M242 25mm X 137mm Bushmaster cannon or the 230LF, 30mm X 113mm cannon. The CPWS II is a remotely operated turret, designed to fit onto 4X4 and 6X6 vehicles. It is the revolutionary hatch, which can operate in three modes that makes the turret a desirable selection for unmanned vehicle operations.

The opening roof capability will allow a rapid reloading of the unmanned vehicle from the outside. Equipped with a 360-degree panoramic sight, with CCD, thermal and fused imaging, the CPWS represents a suitable partner to the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The turret can come with Anti-Tank Missiles such as Alcotan, MMP, Javelin or SPIKE.

“Eventually, combining self-driving unmanned logistics vehicles with the Type-X and you can reduce the personnel required for a convoy to a few operators, while actually increasing the capabilities of defending the convoy,” Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics said. “This is not just a leap forward in force protection but a force multiplier.”

During the demonstration Milrem Robotics unveiled their Intelligent Functions Kit (IFK), which converts any vehicle into a self-driving or remotely controlled one. Milrem Robotics’ IFK is a modular hardware and software kit providing ROS2 based environment for different functionalities, which can be provided by Milrem Robotics, the customer or a third party. The IFK has been developed for Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV and Type-X but can be adapted to any other vehicle with drive-by-wire integration.

Both companies are excited about the future cooperation. “We are looking forward to developing a wide range of solutions with John Cockerill, as they have experience, not only in the medium caliber range but they are known for their expertise in the 90mm and 105mm cannons.” Väärsi stated.

Posted in Armor, Mobility, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics Revealed Type-X RCV with John Cockerill CPWS II Turret

TYR Tuesday – IDTOUR VTS |Virtual Trade Show| PICO-DS & DSX Plate Carriers

Tuesday, June 16th, 2020

Our mission has always been about protecting those who run towards the threat. To that end, we created the Innovate or Die® Tour and Mobile Showroom. Over the past couple years it has allowed us to meet you face-to-face, gather your feedback and answer your questions.

Life has been put on hold for many people around the world, but you have not stopped risking your safety and health against all the threats we face today.

We can’t wait to meet you on the road again.

Thank you to the men and women of the armed forces, first responders and health care professionals who continue to put their lives on the line. You haven’t stopped working and neither will we.

Introducing the Innovate or Die® Tour Virtual Trade Show #IDTOURVTS. New episode launching every Tuesday.

Episode One:

IDTOUR VTS |Virtual Trade Show| PICO-DS & DSX Plate Carriers

IDTOUR VTS |Virtual Trade Show| Preview

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Guest Post | Comments Off on TYR Tuesday – IDTOUR VTS |Virtual Trade Show| PICO-DS & DSX Plate Carriers

Premier Body Armor Offers Custom Armor Inserts with Tru-Spec Concealed Armor Shirt

Friday, June 12th, 2020

GASTONIA, N.C. – June 12, 2020 – Premier Body Armor announces a new solution for low-profile personal protection: Custom Armor Inserts for the Tru-Spec Concealed Armor Shirt. Premier Body Armor’s new Level IIIA inserts have been designed especially for the Tru-Spec Concealed Armor Shirt. At just .8 pounds per panel, the whole package weighs roughly 2 pounds and allows for protection without the bulk of a vest or the need for extra or specialized clothing.

“At Premier Body Armor, we provide complete body armor systems to defend against handguns, shotguns and rifles,” said Alex Stewart, Vice President of Operations at Premier Body Armor. “We are committed to finding new ways to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers. Tru-Spec’s Concealed Armor Shirt offers a solid, yet subtle foundation for personal protection. Our new Custom Armor Inserts are the first of their kind to be made especially for the Tru-Spec shirt, and we’re proud to offer this new pairing to our customers.”

Premier Body Armor’s Level IIIA panels are designed and tested to NIJ Standard-0101.06. Though they are just .22” thick, these panels will stop 9mm, .40, .45, and .44 magnum rounds. Panels are Special Threat Tested to withstand 12 gauge buckshot and slugs, Liberty Civil Defense 9mm, and FN 5.7×28. Premier Body Armor’s panels are also stab and slash resistant. Each Custom Armor Insert is guaranteed by a 5 year Incident Replacement Warranty.

Tru-Spec’s Concealed Armor Shirt is constructed from TRU-DRI™ moisture wicking 85% polyester/15% spandex compression fabric. The top-loading pockets on the front and back are bordered by polyester mesh and 2mm of foam and have reinforced corners to prevent plate shifting.

For those who already own a Tru-Spec Concealed Armor Shirt, Panels are available separately.

Learn more at premierbodyarmor.com.

Posted in Armor, Press Release | 3 Comments »

US Army Adopts New Path Forward for Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle

Friday, June 5th, 2020

OMFV adopts new path forward from lessons learned

FORT MEADE, Md. — The Army’s G-8 discussed a new strategy for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, following lessons learned after its first request for prototypes was canceled earlier this year.

The OMFV, which will replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, remains on track to be fielded to both active and National Guard armored brigade combat teams starting in fiscal year 2028.

About $4.6 billion is currently invested in the program from fiscal 2020-2026, said Lt. Gen. James Pasquarette during a presentation for the Future Ground Combat Vehicles virtual conference Thursday.

“The initial solicitation required a very aggressive set of initial capabilities on an equally aggressive timeline beyond what our partners in both government and industry could provide,” he said. “To be clear, the Army is absolutely committed to the OMFV program.”

Despite the adjustment costing the Army about $23 million in unrecoverable funds, he said it was still important to reset the program’s azimuth in the right direction.

“Rarely than fail late after spending billions of dollars, like we’ve done in the past many times, the Army learned early and inexpensively,” he said.

After pulling the solicitation, the Army garnered feedback from government and industry partners to chart the next move.

Army Futures Command then adjusted the traditional requirements approach by defining a set of nine characteristics to better focus efforts, he said.

The characteristics — survivability, mobility, growth, lethality, weight, logistics, transportability, manning, and training — will further be refined through a cooperative and iterative process with industry, digital design competitions and Soldier touchpoints to produce the final prototypes for testing, AFC officials said in February.

“The Army believes that this adjusted requirement strategy preserves flexibility much longer into the acquisition process before necessitating significant hardware investments,” Pasquarette said.

The general said the new strategy will spark innovation and competition through a collaborative process that offers several opportunities for Soldiers to provide input.

“Throughout this process, Soldiers will assist the Army and industry partners in refining the vehicle’s characteristics in design and forming the most feasible and acceptable set of technical requirements for final production,” he said.

While there will be challenges due to the complexity of such a program, he said he believes some industry partners will thrive in the non-traditional acquisition setting.

“This strategy is an approach the Army must take to harness the power of innovation of worldwide industry partners, drive new ideas through competition and produce a new infantry combat vehicle that Soldiers must have to fight and win against a near-peer threat in the future,” he said.

In the meantime, the Army has also invested $915 million from fiscal 2020-2026 to develop and field the latest A4 versions of Bradley vehicles to armored units starting in the second quarter of the next fiscal year, he said.

The A4 version will have upgrades to the suspension and track, powertrain, electrical system, mission command features, plus other enhancements and accelerated technologies, he added.

“The U.S. Army is committed to providing our Soldiers the best ground combat systems in the world,” he said. “And under Army Futures Command’s direction and oversight, I’m confident that the armored brigade combat team will remain the dominate ground combat formation for decades to come.”

By Sean Kimmons, Army News Service

Posted in Armor, Guest Post, Mobility, Robotics | 4 Comments »

Hendrick Motorsports’ STEED Supporting Rapid Recovery Efforts

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020

The last trip I was able to take before the nation started to lockdown over COVID-19 was to the ADS Warfighter Expo at Ft Bragg in mid-March. While there I had the chance to catch up with Rhegan Flanagan of Hendricks Motorsports who was exhibiting the Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount or STEED.

As a quick reminder, STEED is a lightweight, all-terrain wheeled platform which carries 500 pounds and have a range of 15 to 30 miles on one battery pack. This unit is manually operated by a thumb-controlled throttle at speeds up to 6.5 miles per hour in both forward and reverse. It has a zero degree turn radius, is tactically silent, has zero emissions and is completely submersible.

That’s the textbook answer. But what STEED really is, is a force multiplier enabling one to carry the load of many. Think about it; up to 500 lbs at 6.5 miles per hour, over varied terrain for up to 30 miles. What’s more, it’s electric, so it’s silent and has a zero turn radius for tight spaces.

By that time COVID-19 was definitely with us and it was a matter of time before the nation began to fully mobilize its medical infrastructure to deal with the task at hand. We discussed the many uses of the STEED in possible scenarios from mass casualty events to civil unrest. To be sure, moving casualties and equipment around while wearing full PPE or MOPP gear can be taxing and the STEED’s power assist would sure help. Fortunately, we didn’t see such extreme measures, but the sick certainly needed to be moved at a great than normal rate in the hit zones.

Three months later it turns out, the STEED looks like a great option for the riots currently underway around the US. Bring supplies to the line and evacuate casualties. Hendrick Motorsports has also teamed with TYR Tactical to armor the STEED.

For full details, visit adsinc.com/steed-supporting-rapid-recovery-efforts.

Posted in ADS, Advertiser, Armor, COVID-19 Pandemic, Medical, Mobility | Comments Off on Hendrick Motorsports’ STEED Supporting Rapid Recovery Efforts

Qore Performance Stocks IcePlate MOLLE Combo in Black and Ranger Green

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020

STERLING, VA – Qore Performance now has in stock a limited production of their IcePlate MOLLE Combo in Black and Ranger Green. This one-time run of these two color options is in response to customer demand with 90% of the run sold in pre-order. The IMS Flex is a low profile hydration sleeve for the IcePlate Curve that is compatible with any system that uses a MOLLE attachment panel. The IcePlate MOLLE Combo packages these two products together for a simple, turn-key hard cell hydration solution. This is the final production run of IMS Flex using traditional nylon material.

Qore Performance Co-founder and CEO, Justin Li, commented, “Qore Performance has made this the final production run of the IMS Flex as we know it now. This summer, we will release an all-new design called IcePlate Sleeve using our exclusive High Molecular Weight Polyethylene [HMWPE] laminate, which is far more durable, lighter weight, and absorbs no water at all. The IcePlate Sleeve will have laser-cut MOLLE attachment points, identical to IcePlate Exo, which further reduces weight and improves ventilation away from the body.”

In addition to the IMS Flex in Black and Ranger Green, Qore Performance has also released a one-time run of their popular EDC Coin Purse in Black. The EDC Coin Purse is constructed from their exclusive HMWPE laminate material, using leftover fabric from the construction of IcePlate Exo. Excess fabric from future productions of IcePlate Exo will be used for a newly designed MOLLE Cummerbund that will be backwards compatible with all IcePlate Exo models.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Press Release, Sustainment | 1 Comment »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – OEM Partner Series – LionHeart Alliance

Friday, May 29th, 2020

Today we have another edition of the FirstSpear OEM Partner Series where we take a look at an all new product or company FirstSpear manufactures equipment for. This series highlights LionHeart Alliance and the Hot Pursuit Series of vests featuring FirstSpear Rapid-Release Tubes and Laser Fused 6/12 platform.

Why/How did LionHeart begin?

LionHeart began with a need for a company to focus on the needs of the Law Enforcement community. There are many companies that sell equipment to the government and some do it really well. However, those companies all chase the larger DOD business and do not give the LE community the customer service or time that they deserve. With our focus being on Federal, State, and Local LE Communities we have a greater understanding and knowledge base on what equipment works, and how best to procure this equipment that many of the other companies lack.

Why was the Hot Pursuit Vest created?

The Hot Pursuit series of vests was created to fill a void we saw in products tailored towards the Law Enforcement market. There are many features that make the Hot Pursuit series stand out, but the main feature that everyone sees from the start is the ability to accept both MOLLE compatible pockets as well as QASM placards. While there are other carriers on the market that accept just MOLLE pockets as well as those that accept just QASM placards there was no off the shelf carrier that could accommodate both. This feature is huge for issuing departments as it allows the end users to run their loadout the way they want to vice having to run it a certain way based on the carrier that was issued. Likewise, we have added ample Velcro loop on the front and rear of the carrier to accommodate identifier patches so that the end users are clearly marked during highly dynamic environments. One of the best but often overlooked feature is the rear pull up panel that exposes the ends of the cummerbund and allows the user to make micro adjustments to the fit of the cummerbund quickly and easily. During those early morning raids in which jackets must be worn, the user can doff the garment and adjust the cummerbund fit tighter and get back to the fight much sooner than with other carriers, all the while not giving up MOLLE real estate. The Hot Pursuit series in SAPI Cut, MBAV Cut, or Crime Suppression Cut are perfect options for issuing to Agencies, Departments, or Teams.

Why did you choose to use Tubes and 6/12?

These products have been industry leaders for years now. While other companies have tried to come up with comparable options, you just can’t beat the originals.

Why did you ultimately choose FirstSpear OEM manufacturing?

Was there any other option? We have had a long-standing relationship with the team at FirstSpear for many years and the visions at both companies are co-aligned in that at the end of the day all the matters is the end users and making sure they have the Gear To Give Them The Edge. With a shared vision and FirstSpear’s industry leading technology and manufacturing capabilities it was a no brainer that we wanted to develop the Hot Pursuit series with them.

Why was Made in the USA important to the brand?

Made in the USA was very important to us. While many companies are going overseas to keep the prices down on their products we decided that it was more important for us to keep it made in the USA to ensure that quality was were where we needed it to be for our customers on the streets. Will we lose out on some business due to price? Yes. But those who understand the Hot Pursuit series will see past the price and be happy with their purchase for years to come.

Any new products on the horizon between LionHeart and FirstSpear?

I know we at LionHeart and FirstSpear are always listening to our customers and adapt products to continue to fill voids in their operational equipment needs. So, all we can say is the gears are always turning, so stay tuned.

lhagear.com/dynamic-assault-systems-hot-pursuit-plate-carrier-mbav-cut

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – OEM Partner Series – LionHeart Alliance

BAE Systems Selects Kongsberg’s MCT-30 Turret for U.S. Marine Corps ACV Program

Friday, May 15th, 2020

May 13, 2020 – Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (Kongsberg) has been selected by BAE Systems, Inc. to design and manufacture the remote Medium Caliber Turret (MCT) for the United States Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) -30 program. Kongsberg will deliver up to 150 MCTs in a phased program as part of this contract. Test article delivery will commence early 2021 followed by production phases.

The Kongsberg MCT-30 is the first remotely operated 30mm turret to be qualified and fielded in the United States. The system provides highly accurate firepower for wheeled or tracked combat vehicles. It is remotely controlled and operated from a protected position inside the vehicle compartment for optimized crew safety.

The MCT-30 leverages a link-less medium caliber cannon providing lethality, extremely high reliability and multi-user functions to the Marine Corps ACV and other platforms.

“The ACV-30 with Kongsberg’s MCT-30 turret signifies a powerful lethality capability for the Marine Corps, representative of a new era in U.S. amphibious operations,” said Pål E Bratlie, Executive Vice President Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.”

The U.S. Army, in 2015, chose Kongsberg’s MCT-30 to increase the lethality of the Stryker Brigade in Europe. The system has been fielded and operated with the Army as part of the European Deterrence Initiative since 2018.

It is the primary armament and fire control system for the Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon (ICV-D) Strykers. All MCT-30s, and any remote weapon stations, bound for U.S. customers are manufactured in the Kongsberg Johnstown, Penn. facility leveraging a U.S. supply base located in over 30 states.

Posted in Armor, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »