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Logistik Unicorp – Extreme Cold Weather Mittens

Thursday, June 5th, 2025

As an internal R&D project, Logistik Unicorp has developed an extreme cold weather mitten which combines traditional materials with new high tech features. Designed to protect the wearer to -50°C and beyond, they are worn as part of a handwear system.

I bought up with the design team at last week’s CANSEC in Ottawa. The team explained that after having evaluated numerous materials, they found that beaver pelts are the optimal material for this application. They looked at several animal hides, including seal, but nothing held up to the Arctic temperatures quite like beaver pelts. In fact, the skins add Canadian content to the system, the pelts harvested and prepared by First Nation craftsmen.

While First Nation tribes live in the far north, they concentrate on survival, avoiding raising a sweat as much as possible. A Soldier on the other hand, isn’t going to be able to avoid moving and other hard work that causes sweat. Beaver not only insulates, but it is inherently waterproof. What’s more, it is extremely comfortable meaning you can use it to warm your face and if you wipe a runny nose, the frozen mucus just slides away, with no build up.

Although the beaver is combined with a Cordura shell and synthetic insulation, the team continues to consider other sustainable materials such as salmon skin, although there are currently challenges to keeping the material supple in such extreme conditions.

According to Logitik Unicorp designers, you might yet see salmon skin integrated into future iterations if they can get the material processing down to meet the challenge.

Editors Note: First paragraph updated to remove reference to DND Operational Clothing contract and clarify that the mittens are being developed in-house.

Posted in CANSEC, Clothing, International, Mountaineering | 4 Comments »

Ghost Robotics’ Manipulator Arm Debuts at CANSEC

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

During last week’s CANSEC conference in Ottawa I had the opportunity to observe the new Manipulator Arm in action.

A payload accessory for the Vision 60 Quadraped Unmanned Ground Vehicle, it offers seamless integration with 6 Degrees of Freedom. The arm will extend up to 1 meter.

It is designed to be back-driveable, mirroring the robot’s leg robustness while enabling direct force-sensing through the motors. This allows precise manipulation and even door opening. Despite 25 lbs of gripping force, with cameras in the pincers and force feedback, it won’t crush what it’s holding unless you want it crushed.

The control system automatically coordinates the arm with the body and legs to increase the reach and force capabilities of the combined system. This integrated arm finds applications in EOD, manufacturing, disaster response, and hazardous environments, enhancing productivity and safety.

In Canada, Ghost Robotics systems are available through Millbrook Tactical.

Posted in Advertiser, CANSEC, Robotics | No Comments »

Canadian Army’s New Advanced Protective and Load Carriage Equipment from Logistik Unicorp

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

In March, the Canadian Army awarded a $19.7 million (excluding taxes) to Logistik Unicorp to supply its light forces with 3,000 units of advanced protective and load carriage equipment under the Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) initiative.

At last week’s CANSEC, Logistik Unicorp exhibited the equipment. Some of the gear is based upon Logistik Unicorp subsidiary Australian Defence Apparel while the packs are from US manufacturer Stone Glacier.

Armour Carrier with 360° Protection

Mounted together, these components form a single vest that delivers both ballistic protection and load carriage capability. The PALS attachment system secures the user’s pouches as needed.

Designed to reduce total system weight, the Armour Carrier offers optimal protection while maintaining soldier mobility in both operational and training contexts.

Armour Carrier

  • Available in straight and contoured cuts
  • Breathable interior for optimal thermoregulation
  • 3-action quick-release system for swift removal
  • Front and back modular configuration: ballistic panels only, ballistic plates only, or both
  • Micro-adjustable Cummerbunds at front and back
  • Cummerbunds allow insertion of ballistic panels or stiffeners for a stable pouch platform

Modular Accessory Protector Panels

  • Deltoid Protector Panels adjustable to bicep circumference and height
  • Neck Protector Panel offers side and rear ballistic protection; shoulder bands ensure the proper positioning of the Deltoid Protector Panels
  • Throat Protector Panel offers front ballistic protection

3-IN-1 Combat Belt Modular System

Designed to provide the soldier with the benefits of a padded belt, as well as those of a traditional inner-outer tactical belt rig. It features independent PALS webbing for versatile configuration and accepts non-PALS attachment pouches when required.

The system distributes the weight of pouches at the waist rather than the shoulders. This configuration particularly benefits users carrying multiple pouches, reducing the load on the upper body and preserving mobility.

Light Belt Comforter

  • Reinforced pad to carry large pouches and heavy equipment
  • Channel system ensures a snug fit around the waist

Light Battle Belt

  • Two configurations: can be worn stand-alone or inserted into the Light Belt Comforter
  • Compatible with MOLLE system

Light Trouser Belt

  • Attaches to pants belt loops for added support of the Combat Belt

R3 Bag and Pack System

R3 3300 Bag

The R3 Frame System features a modular design with an integrated load shelf for carrying gear between the bag and frame, or directly on the frame. When paired with the R3 3300 Bag, it functions as a 72-hour assault pack with PALS webbing for customizable load configurations. The optional R3 Radio Harness secures the AN/ PRC-117G radio and allows quick battery access, ensuring both functionality and comfort in all operational conditions.

R3 Frame

  • Supports loads over 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Shoulder straps can be angled inward or outward to accommodate various shoulder widths, angles and additional environmental layers
  • Hip Belt attaches to the frame at five points for optimal load transfer to the hips
  • Two lumbar pad options for compatibility with the Armour Carrier

R3 3300 Bag

  • Capacity: 55 L
  • Top-load access and clamshell-style zippered opening
  • Communication port for antenna and cable routing

R3 Radio Harness

  • Two configurations: mounted on the R3 Frame and placed inside the R3 Bag

R3 7000 BAG

The R3 Frame System features an integrated load shelf, allowing gear to be carried between the frame and the bag, or directly on the frame. The R3 7000 Bag functions as a rucksack for missions up to 96 hours. R3 Side Bags can be mounted on either the R3 Bag or Frame, extending load capacity while preserving the mobility required for demanding operations.

R3 Frame

  • Supports loads over 150 lb (68 kg)
  • Adjustable shoulder straps and a 5-point hip belt attachment to the frame ensure optimal load transfer
  • Two lumbar pad options for compatibility with the Armour Carrier

R3 7000 Bag

  • Capacity: 90 L
  • Top-load access and clamshell-style zippered opening
  • Top hook-and-loop communication port for antenna and communication cable routing

R3 Side Bags

  • Capacity: 25 L (set of 2)
  • Expand the R3 3300 and R3 7000 Bags using non-PALS attachments

Modular Platform System

Chest Rig

The Chest Rig configuration allows access to munitions and mission-critical equipment over environmental dress. Designed to keep pouches low on the front of the torso, it preserves the soldier’s upper-body mobility. An optional Top Front Platform can be added to expand the PALS attachment surface.

Chest Rig

  • Front PALS webbing
  • Internal pocket for cable management, storage of 5.56 x 30 Rd magazines or miscellaneous equipment

Chest Rig Harness and Backstrap

  • Cable routing via webbing or hook-and-loop fasteners; excess cables may be stowed in the front pocket
  • Back rescue handle supports the soldier and equipment up to 227 kg

Combat Belt and Light Harness Modular System

When combined with the Light Harness, the Combat Belt System supports the carriage of heavy equipment or loads over environmental dress. The slim and discreet design of the Light Harness does not impede mobility or performance, while enabling 360-degree pouch attachment. Its adjustable webbing straps allow the user to position the Combat Belt at the desired height, ensuring proper integration with the R3 Frame System.

Light Harness

  • Slim webbing design prevents bulk and excess layering
  • Adjustable front and back webbing straps

Light Belt Comforter

  • Reinforced pad to carry large pouches and heavy equipment
  • Channel system ensures a snug fit around the waist

Posted in Armor, CANSEC, Load Carrying, Packs | 21 Comments »

NP Aerospace Canada Receives Order from Marshall Canada for Armoured Personnel Transport Modules

Thursday, May 29th, 2025

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour system design and manufacturer, has today announced the placement of a contract by Marshall Canada with NP Aerospace Canada, for the design and delivery of Armoured Personnel Transport Modules (APTM) as part of their wider Logistic Vehicle Modernization (LVM) program. NP Aerospace is exhibiting at CANSEC 2025 in Canada, at booth 1729.

The contract will see NP Aerospace design, develop, test, certify and produce the APTMs over a 3- year period as a major supplier to the Power Team – an industry consortium comprising General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, Marshall Canada, Mercedes-Benz (Daimler Trucks), Manac and Soframe. The Power Team was formally awarded the LVM contract by Canada’s Department of National Defence in May 2024.

The modules will provide a significant level of blast and ballistic protection to the internally transported personnel. With a fully integrated design, the system will deliver the functionality and protection required to safely and comfortably transport troops on the back of Canada’s new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, adding significant capability, protection, mobility and flexibility to deployed dismounted troops.

As a modular ISO compatible system, the APTMs will be interchangeable between multiple base LVM platforms, as well as being able to be ground-dumped when not in use. The ISO compatibility also means they can be easily and commonly handled for strategic logistic purposes, on trucks, ships and in aircraft.

NP Aerospace is already fully established as a trusted global supplier of vehicle-related products and services including integrated vehicle armour systems, such as the APTM, with a proven and resilient track record in delivering armour system design and cutting-edge lightweight armour materials technology. This contract will result in the recruitment of up to 20 more staff at NP’s Ontario base, continuing their successful growth trajectory and further contributing to the London and Southwestern Ontario region.

Alain Gauthier, Marshall Vice President – North America, said: “we are delighted to be growing our strategic relationship with NP Aerospace while investing in our Canadian supply chain under the LVM program. NP Aerospace is already a trusted supplier and partner, and we know the team possesses the required facilities, skills, knowledge, procurement and processes in place to provide the next generation of armoured personnel transport modules for the Canadian Armed Forces.”

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “we’re proud to have been selected by Marshall Canada to design and deliver the APTM systems. The LVM program is a major procurement for Canada’s Department of National Defence and for NP Aerospace to be in the ‘Power Team’ supply chain is significant for us. The APTM requirement set is demanding but we have the skills and the know-how to design, develop, test and deliver a first class and compliant system”. He added: “our Canadian business is growing fast having doubled in staff in the last 12 months, and this contract will enable us to further develop our on-shore capability to serve our customers, both domestically and as a Canadian exporter. The future is bright, and I thank everyone who has been involved in this success story to date as we look forward to a continuation and expansion of our collective achievements in Canada and beyond.”

Posted in CANSEC, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

See The GHOSTROBOTICS Vision 60 in Action at CANSEC

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Meet the future of operational readiness — the GHOSTROBOTICS Vision 60.

Rugged. Adaptable. Mission-ready.

Visit us at CANSEC 2025 (28-29 May) in the Millbrook Tactical booth #421, and see how this ground-breaking tech can elevate your edge.

Posted in Advertiser, CANSEC, Robotics | No Comments »

Catch Up With Hudson Supplies At These May Events

Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Hudson Supplies May Events:

Rampart Range Day (May 27th)

OpEx (May 28-29)

Cansec (May 28-29)

Posted in Advertiser, CANSEC, OpEx, Rampart Range Day | No Comments »

See The Latest From Gentex/Ops-Core In The MillBrook Tactical Booth at CANSEC

Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

Posted in Advertiser, CANSEC, Guest Post | No Comments »

FORC3 Partners with Calian to Bring a World-Class Combat Vehicle Virtual Training System to the Canadian Army

Thursday, May 30th, 2024

The FORC3 team, comprised of multiple Canadian industry-leading land defence solution providers, continues to develop its comprehensive solution for the upcoming Land Vehicle Crew Training System (LVCTS) program. As FORC3 prepares for the final stage of the program, its partners are pleased to announce that Calian Ltd., a well-established integrated training solution provider, has joined the team.

Calian is a preferred provider within the Canadian defence community, as well as for numerous NATO allies. With 25 years of experience delivering robust and relevant simulation and training services for the Canadian Army and NATO, Calian is on the forefront of innovative exercise design and execution support in a rapidly evolving defence environment. 

In addition to its military training expertise, Calian is an industry leader in customized multi-domain data interoperability and integration support that enhances both learning and operational decision-making. With a range of products including the Virtual Command and Control Interface (VCCI)) Tool Suite, Calian can federate multiple simulation, C4ISR, and AI-enabled data analytics systems to support cutting-edge training and deliver comprehensive after-action reviews.

The FORC3 partnership

FORC3 includes leading Canadian defence, service, infrastructure, and simulation companies: Rheinmetall Canada (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu), Lockheed Martin Canada (Ottawa), the ADGA Group (Ottawa), Bluedrop Training and Simulation (Halifax), EllisDon Construction and Building Services (London), and REDspace Incorporated (Halifax). Now joined by Calian Ltd., the FORC3 team is strategically positioned to offer the very best training technology and develop Canada’s exportable, industrial, and operational capability.

Collectively, the FORC3 partners currently operate more than 40 global training centres to Canada’s key allies, including NATO and the Five-Eyes Alliance.

“Calian complements FORC3’s technical and operational capabilities. We are very excited and confident that our combined solution and experience represents a compelling value proposition for the Canadian Army” says Pietro Mazzei, CEO of Rheinmetall Canada.

“Calian is thrilled to bring its advanced simulation and interoperability solutions to the forefront of the FORC3 partnership,” stated Donald Whitty, President of Learning at Calian. “With our proven track record in designing and executing comprehensive, multi-domain training environments, we are uniquely equipped to enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Canadian Army.” 

Posted in CANSEC, International, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on FORC3 Partners with Calian to Bring a World-Class Combat Vehicle Virtual Training System to the Canadian Army

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