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General Dynamics To Provide FAA With Radios For Backup Emergency Air Traffic Control Communications

Sunday, March 14th, 2021

General Dynamics awarded $99 million contract to provide new URC-300E transceivers to the FAA to replace legacy emergency backup radios

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has chosen General Dynamics Mission Systems to provide new URC-300E transceivers as part of their Emergency Transceiver Replacement (ETR) program. The eight-year, IDIQ contract has a value of $99 million if all options are exercised.

The URC-300E will replace current legacy radios and provide both Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) operation for civil and military air traffic control (ATC) communications in the event of a catastrophic failure, such as a facility fire or natural disaster. ATC controllers will use the URC-300E to maintain essential ground-to-air communications with aircraft during the critical moments after such an event. The new URC-300E transceiver is specifically designed to maximize radio frequency (RF) performance and enable users to operate multiple URC-300Es as close as 6.5 feet apart without interference – an unprecedented capability compared to currently available man-pack radios which can require up to 50 feet of separation. This close proximity capability enables rapid grab-and-go, multi-channel operations during emergency situations.

“For the past three decades General Dynamics has provided ground-to-air radio systems to the FAA including the recent delivery of the 20,000th CM-300/350 (V2) radio as part of the NEXCOM 2 program,” said Bill Ross, a vice president of General Dynamics Mission Systems. “The URC-300E is another example of our team’s dedication to delivering technologies and products that support the FAA’s efforts to continuously improve the National Airspace and safety of flight.”

The URC-300E, the FAA variant of the URC-300 transceiver, is a versatile, software-defined platform that supports multiple waveforms with exceptional radio frequency (RF) performance to support ground-to-air, line-of-sight and other mission critical applications. It is designed with a flexible, core architecture similar to a commercial smartphone that enables additional features and functions to be added in the field via quick and simple software upgrades, as they become available. This enhanced technology, coupled with the radio’s ability to operate on standard lithium ion batteries, essentially makes the radio “future proof”, resulting in significant time and life cycle cost savings.

The URC-300 is the first ruggedized man-pack radio to achieve compliance with global standards and certifications including Radio Equipment Directive (RED), REACH, RoHS, ETSI EN 300 676 compliance, and it readily supports worldwide 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz deployments. The radio is also currently being certified by the Federal Communications Commission for civilian use and is sponsored by the U.S. Air Force for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Spectrum authorization. In addition to supporting emergency grab-and-go scenarios, the URC-300 supports many other applications including man-pack, vehicular, scalable deployment and rackmount applications as it is ruggedized and meets MIL-STD-810 requirements and is interoperable with its predecessor, the URC-200 (V2) radio, and many of its accessories. General Dynamics began delivering URC-300 radio systems to commercial and DoD customers in Q4 2020.

For additional information on the URC-300, please visit gdmissionsystems.com/URC300.

Posted in Aviation, Comms, Contracts, Press Release | Comments Off on General Dynamics To Provide FAA With Radios For Backup Emergency Air Traffic Control Communications

AeroVironment Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Arcturus UAV Awarded Approximately $7 Million Task Order for U.S. Special Operations Command Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

Wednesday, March 10th, 2021

• Competitive task order awarded for USSOCOM’s Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MEUAS) program

• Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) JUMP 20 unmanned aircraft system delivers true versatility and multi-mission capabilities without launchers or runways to USSOCOM and other customers

With a best-in-class operational range of 185 km (115 mi) and 14+ hours of endurance, AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 is the ideal solution for multi-mission operations. (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., March 9, 2021 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Arcturus UAV, now operating under the AeroVironment brand, was awarded a competitive task order valued at approximately $7 million from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The competitive task order is for a one-year period of performance, which started February 3, 2021.

USSOCOM selected Arcturus UAV as one of six companies qualified for the potential $975 million Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) MEUAS contract in June 2020. The contract enables awardees to compete for site-specific task orders and provide USSOCOM with unmanned aircraft systems services and support for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

“Part of AeroVironment’s expanded portfolio of medium UAS, the fixed wing JUMP 20 is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, making it completely runway independent,” said Rick Pedigo, AeroVironment vice president of global sales and business development. “Runway independence maximizes the ability of customers to deploy the JUMP 20 in a broad range of locations and environments, while minimizing the logistical footprint required to operate it. JUMP 20 is also capable of hosting multiple different payload options, delivering true versatility and multi-mission capabilities to support a wide array of customer requirements.”

AeroVironment recently successfully demonstrated the JUMP 20 for the U.S. Army Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) “Rodeo”, which took place from February 22 through March 5 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

AeroVironment previously announced the closing of the Arcturus UAV acquisition in a press release on February 22, 2021. To learn more about AeroVironment’s expanded portfolio of unmanned aircraft solutions, visit www.avinc.com/uas.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, SOF, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Wholly-Owned Subsidiary Arcturus UAV Awarded Approximately $7 Million Task Order for U.S. Special Operations Command Mid-Endurance Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

Canadian Department of National Defence Releases Draft Tender for C22 Modular Pistol

Saturday, February 27th, 2021

Canada’s Department of National Defence has released a long overdue Draft Tender for the C22 Modular Pistol which is a 9mm striker fired, semi-automatic, recoil-operated, magazine fed pistol to replace their long serving Browning Hi-Powers.

Here is the tender’s definition of modular:

According to the draft, they are seeking a full sized pistol, with three grip sized housings: small, medium and large. This requirement can be achieved by offering a single frame with small, medium and large backstraps.

They also seek different models of right and left hand Level 2 polymer holsters for the pistol.

Here’s a smattering of requirements:

DND expects a 35,000 service life, with a mean rounds between stoppages rating of 2,000 rounds for Class 1 stoppages, 2,000 rounds for Class 2 stoppages, and 5,000 rounds for Class 3 stoppages.

The C22 FF pistol must be operable and able to fire three full magazines in 60 seconds without cooling the pistol.

The C22 FF pistol must have a separately demandable replacement slide configured to mount commercially available reflex/red dot sight (e.g. Leupold DeltaPoint® Pro, Trijicon RMR® or similar) at the rear of the slide in front of the rear sights.

The pistol must be Flat Dark Earth in color and offer a 17 round magazine.

In addition to offering a threaded barrel, the vendor must also offer a suppressor that can achieve an 18 dB noise reduction.

Yes, DND also has a drop test requirement, which is the same one used by US DoD:

The C22 FF pistol in its operational state (full magazine with a primed cartridge in the chamber) must not discharge when dropped 1.5 m, onto a concrete backed, 5 cm thick plywood surface, IAW TOP 03-2-045A section 4.8.2 1.5 Meter (5 Feet) Drop or AC/225(LG/3-SG/1)D/14 section 2.10.8 Safety Drop Test 1.5 Meter or an alternative test approved by the technical authority using the following drop orientations:

Muzzle Down: Muzzle must be the closest part of the pistol to the concrete floor;

Muzzle Up: Muzzle must be the farthest part of the pistol to the concrete floor;

Slide Up (Horizontal); Top of the slide must be the farthest part of the pistol to the concrete floor;

Slide Down (Horizontal): Top of the slide must be the closest part of the pistol to the concrete floor;

Right Side (Horizontal): Right side of the pistol must be oriented as the closest part of the pistol to the concrete floor;

Left Side (Horizontal): Left side of the pistol must be oriented as the closest part of the pistol to the concrete floor.

After each drop (3.21.1.1-3.21.1.6) each pistol must fire 15 rounds of ammunition.

Overall, it sounds an awful lot like the US issue Modular Handgun System which is manufactured by SIG SAUER.

Industry insiders expect pushback on the module requirement which can only be fulfilled by a couple of vendors such as SIG and Walther. Particularly after the SIG P320 was recently withdrawn from service by Canadian Special Operations Command (CANSOF). However, this draft tender was released after the CANSOF incident came to light, indicating DND is dedicated to obtaining a modular pistol.

Posted in Contracts, International, weapons | 32 Comments »

Gentex Announces Contract with Republic of Korea for Pilot Protective Clothing Set

Tuesday, February 16th, 2021

GENTEX PILOT PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SET II (PP-II) TO BE USED AS COMPLETE CBRN DEFENSE SYSTEM.

CARBONDALE, PA February 9, 2021 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today that it has signed a contract with the Republic of Korea for the Gentex Pilot Protective

Clothing Set II (PP-II) to be used as a Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defense system. The PP-II includes complete head to toe CBRN protection including CBRN suit, gloves, socks, and the Tacair respirator for F-15 and F-16 pilots.

The $20.6M production contract of the TACAIR product line provides the Republic of Korean Air Force with a system that seamlessly integrates mission essential equipment such as the Gentex oxygen mask, optical and communications devices. The contract also includes extensive training on product operations and maintenance, as well as testing and storage for up to 10 years shelf life. The Gentex TACAIR Hood Assembly incorporates the MBU-20/P oxygen mask technology for positive pressure breathing (PPB) protection for both altitude and high G levels. The comfortable lightweight system is completely man-mounted and requires no aircraft modifications or power.

“For over 60 years, Gentex has been the leader in aircrew protection solutions,” said Robert McCay, vice president at Gentex, “This contract brings our industry-leading protection to the Republic of Korea, and we are proud to continue to protect global defense forces.”

Gentex’s portfolio of air products includes helmets, optical protection, respiratory, and situational awareness solutions. For more information visit, www.gentexcorp.com/gentex/defense/air.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, CBRNE, Contracts, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Rheinmetall Modernizing 27 More Boxer Command Vehicles for the Bundeswehr

Sunday, February 14th, 2021

Rheinmetall is currently bringing another 27 Boxer command vehicles of the Bundeswehr up to the latest A2 standard. Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded the order at the end of January 2021. The 27 vehicles are to undergo modernization at the Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH plant in Kassel, Rheinmetall’s centre of excellence for tactical wheeled vehicles. Work is set to begin in March 2021, with return of the vehicles to the Bundeswehr slated to take place during the 2022-2024 timeframe. For Rheinmetall, the order is worth a figure in the lower two-digit million-euro range.

The command vehicle, or FüFz in German military parlance, is one of four variants of the tried-and-tested, high-mobility Boxer armoured transport vehicle currently in service with the Bundeswehr. The FüFz is found in mechanized formations, where it serves as a mobile tactical operations centre or command post. The vehicles feature a full panoply of radio equipment and advanced C4I systems.

The upgrade to A2 status encompasses an extensive array of modernization measures, including (among other things) the driver’s visualization system; the exhaust emission and air-conditioning ducts; the towing gear; the driver’s station; the headlight technology; as well as software and system security modifications. In addition, the vehicle’s satellite communications capability, voice and data transmission and IT equipment will all be improved.

Now official, the latest order forms a sequel to the modernization to A2 status of the first lot of 38 Boxer command vehicles that commenced in 2017. The current combat performance upgrade of the second lot will ensure that the Bundeswehr’s entire fleet of 65 Boxer command vehicles reflects the latest tactical and technical state of the art.

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Gentex Announces Ops-Core FAST Helmet System Passes US Government First Article Testing for Higher Level Threat

Thursday, February 11th, 2021

CARBONDALE, PA February 10, 2021 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced that one of its Ops-Core® FAST Helmet Systems passed U.S. Government First Article Testing (FAT), a first for a helmet providing protection against a prevalent higher level threat.

The helmet utilizes the most advanced protective shell ever produced by Gentex, providing a level of protection that could previously only be achieved with the addition of a ballistic applique. The FAST Helmet System features the same total headborne system solutions as the Ops-Core FAST SF Helmet, the preferred helmet of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), global special operations forces, and elite law enforcement. Maintaining the Ops-Core modular design approach, it is compatible with products including the STEP-IN® Visor, AMP® Communication Headset, and FAST ballistic mandibles.

“For over 75 years, Gentex has built a proud history of protective headborne system innovations and a series of firsts,” said LP Frieder, Chief Executive Officer at Gentex Corporation. “With this significant achievement, we are proud to continue leading the way in ballistic protection solutions.”

Since the introduction of the first aramid-based PASGT helmet in the late 1970s to the first ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) FAST XP helmet in 2008, Gentex has been on the forefront of ballistic innovation for over 50 years. Part of Gentex Corporation’s portfolio for defense, emergency response, and security forces, the focus and dedication of the company’s Ops-Core brand remains the same – protecting elite forces. The modular, scalable, open-architecture design of Ops-Core products allows for seamless integration and true system level performance.

www.gentexcorp.com

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Mission First Tactical Awarded Contract with Mexican National Guard

Tuesday, February 9th, 2021

MFT will supply the Mexican National Guard with its Rapid Strike Personal Protection Spray.

Horsham, Pa. (February 2021) – Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™), a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract with the Mexican National Guard to supply it with MFT’s Rapid Strike Personal Protection Spray. Manufactured with the same formula used by the U.S. Army and Airforce in a Department of Defense approved facility, it was proven to be the very best in a blind test conducted by the U.S. Military. The Mexican National Guard chose it because of its quality and delivery.

There are three delivery methods to provide the maximum effectiveness and stopping power: stream, gel, and fog. The stream delivery method is a focused pattern that has the longest distance, good wind resistance, and minimal cross-contamination. The gel delivery method is a focused pattern with long-distance and the least chance of cross-contamination. It is recommended for use where cross-contamination could be an issue. The fog delivery method creates a wide pattern with mid-distance and is the fastest disbursement. Wind can affect it; however, it is the easiest to aim. The fog delivery method will cross-contaminate indoors.

The Rapid Strike Personal Protection Spray allows the user to identify their attacker with an ultraviolet dye, visible only under black light. It has been tested with an Independent High Performance Liquid Chromatography to ensure consistent performance.

It is available in two stocked formulas, OC Pepper/UV DYE or CS TEAR GAS and OC PEPPER/UV DYE, and is available in black or pink. Any formula can be created for contracts. Mission First Tactical Rapid Strike Personal Protection Spray has a five-year shelf life. For more information on Mission First Tactical, visit www.missionfirsttactical.com.

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Federal Resources Awarded $2B Contract to Provide COVID-19 RT-PCR Testing Solutions

Tuesday, February 9th, 2021

Stevensville, MD (February 9, 2020) – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on November 6th, 2020 that Federal Resources has been named as one of four awardees under a contract to supply COVID-19 testing solutions to DHS. The contract is an indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with a one-year base period and four additional one-year option periods with a shared ceiling amount of $2 billion dollars.

Since 1986, Federal Resources has been supporting the nation’s military and first responders with safety and security equipment. As the COVID-19 pandemic surged, Federal Resources responded and has delivered billions of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) in support of the federal government’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts. This latest award expands Federal Resources’ COVID-19 offering with a contract to provide Molecular Diagnostic Test Kits and Testing Services to DHS customers.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shift, Federal Resources remains vigilant in the support of our nation’s first responders and those in need of life saving equipment. To continue to support those who protect us all, COVID-19 RT-PCR test solutions will allow our customers comfort in adapting to the current climate to prevent transmission and lower the risk of spreading infection.

“Our team continues to support our customers and their missions by providing the necessary equipment and solutions to keep them safe. That is why we are pleased to partner with Fulgent Genetics for these PCR test solutions,” said Larry Gwaltney, Federal Resources’ CEO. “This recent contract award effectively aligns with Federal Resources’ everyday mission of providing the latest technology and solutions to federal government personnel, the military, first responders, and health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic..”

“Fulgent Genetics (FLGT) is excited to support the Department of Homeland Security’s need for COVID-19 testing. It has been our mission to deliver rapid results for RT-PCR testing, with results available within 24-48 hours of receipt. We have also been hyper-focused on continued capacity expansion. We believe the combination of our turnaround time, capacity and technology platforms designed to deliver COVID-19 testing at-sale makes us uniquely positioned to support the tremendous demand for testing,” said Brandon Perthuis, Fulgent’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Testing is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling early detection and contact tracing. RT-PCR testing provides the highest sensitivity and specificity and continues to be the gold-standard test for COVID-19. We look forward to applying our expertise in testing to help the Department of Homeland Security”.

Federal Resources is proud to continue its support of DHS and its components by providing multiple mission critical solutions. For a more comprehensive review of Federal Resources’ equipment and procurement solutions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit us at www.federalresources.com/COVID.

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