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HSI Awarded $1 million DND IDEaS Contract to Develop the Citadel Respirator Prototype

Monday, September 14th, 2020

Guelph, Ontario, Canada, September 2020 – HumanSystems® Incorporated has been awarded $1,000,000 through the Department of National Defence’s (DND) Innovation For Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program to continue its development of the CitadelTM (Pat. Pending) respirator designed to better protect soldiers in hazardous chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) environments.

This project follows a previous IDEaS contract to HumanSystems® Incorporated in 2019 to develop a proof of concept design. Working with the DND’s science and technology organization, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), the goal of this twelve-month project is to further develop the CitadelTM respirator design to the point where it can be tested in realistic operational environments.

“Recent changes to Canadian Armed Forces policies allow for short beards and longer hairstyles. This funding will bring the novel CitadelTM respirator concept closer to commercialization and to providing a more protective CBRN Respirator/Mask for individuals with various face/head shapes, hairstyles, and/or facial hair,” says Harry Angel, the HSI® CitadelTM project technical lead.

The proof of concept CitadelTM respirator was designed to mitigate any leakage of contaminants into the respirator mask caused by various face shapes and/or beards or facial stubble. In preliminary user testing, individuals with beards or facial stubble could not achieve an acceptable fit factor with the standard protective mask, meaning that they were susceptible to contaminants entering the mask. The CitadelTM respirator design was able to achieve an acceptable fit factor well above the minimum acceptable standard. These promising results showed that people with beards and facial stubble would be significantly less vulnerable to contaminants entering the respirator mask.

The HSI® technical team, Harry Angel and Jordan Bray-Miners, bring over 30 years of experience in human factors for personal protective equipment, biomechanics and instrumentation design.

“The HSI® team is proud to work with DRDC and to advance the HSI® CitadelTM respirator concept to better protect people in the armed forces and wherever such protection might be needed,” says Jordan Bray-Miners, Senior Consultant at HSI .

www.humansys.com

For more than 35 years, with clients in Canada, the U.S. and other countries, HSI® has been a leader in human factors and human system integration support. We work in sectors including defence, emergency responders, health care, occupational safety and utilities. Individually and for teams, HSI® helps integrate people, performance and technology so systems work effectively, efficiently and safely. HSI® services include research, design, validation and training management. We focus on user fit between the abilities of the people and the technologies that together make up any system. In this way, HSI® supports product and system developers as well as procurement decision makers to reduce risks, lower life cycle costs and benefit return on investment.

IDEaS supports the development of solutions from their conceptual stage, through prototype testing and capability development. The program includes several elements that promote collaboration between innovators, provides developmental resources and provides opportunities to interact with DND’s science and military members. Through which all innovators are on an even playing field to solve specific defence and security challenges. For more about the program, see here: www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/defence-ideas

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German Bundeswehr Selects CG Haenel’s MK556 Carbine to Replace H&K G36

Monday, September 14th, 2020

According to the German language publication Soldat und Technik, the German Army has selected the CG Haenel MK556 carbine to replace the G36. The MK556 is a short-stroke piston design in 5.56mm NATO.

This ends the service’s multi-year search for a G36 replacement. The program to purchase around 120,000 new rifles began in 2017 and suffered a slight set back in 2019 when testing had to be reaccomplished. The G36 entered service in 1997 and underwent two upgrades during its service.

The MK556 beat out the new Heckler & Koch HK433 which was developed specifically for this tender after the German government told H&K that their existing HK416 (adopted by the German Kommando Spezialkräfte or, Special Forces) was too expensive.

Interestingly enough, Haenel part of the Merkel Group, which is under Tawazun Holding (United Arab Emirates) (Caracal). So the Bundeswehr is essentially getting a lower cost HK416.

Posted in Contracts, International, weapons | 19 Comments »

DoD Funds Development of DroneShield’s C2 System

Sunday, September 13th, 2020

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has received funding from the United States Department of Defense (“DoD”) for targeted development of its DroneShieldCompleteTM Command-and-Control (“C2”) system.

The section of the DoD, which has awarded the contract, is a new customer for DroneShied. The funding was awarded through a sole source contract.

DroneShieldCompleteTM is an intuitive and feature rich C2, providing real time alerting, tracking and reporting information for native DroneShield as well as third party sensors. The DoD is working with DroneShield, providing funding for an agreed list of feature enhancements, for a project expected to span over several months. Importantly, following that period, the DoD is expected to make multiple purchases of DroneShield’s C-UAS equipment, which would run on the enhanced DroneShieldCompleteTM C2.

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO, has commented, “We are proud to be working with the United States Department of Defense, one of most demanding defence customers globally, on this project to ensure our DroneShieldCompleteTM C2 stays at the cutting edge of customer requirements. Further, this project underscores our leadership not only as a product/sensor manufacturer, but also as an integrator of fixed site and mobile C-UAS systems. This contract is a material milestone in cementing our close working relationship with the largest defence customer globally. In addition to expected purchases associated with this paid development contract, further orders for other DroneShield solutions are expected as part of developing a trusted supplier relationship with this customer.”

Whilst the Company is unable to precisely quantify the follow up orders, it expects the orders to be material and will in due course provide an update on the dollar amounts to the market, when available.

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Aeronautics and its American Partner, Prevision, have been selected by the BIRD Foundation for a joint development project

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

The BIRD Foundation is to invest in an initiative to develop a Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) sensor with an automated interface to an electro-optics payload on Aeronautics’ platforms.

Yavne, Israel, September 7 2020. Aeronautics Group – a leading provider of integrated turnkey solutions based on unmanned systems platforms, payloads and communications for defense, HLS and civil applications – has been awarded a special grant from the BIRD Foundation to promote a joint development project with American company, Prevision

Projects submitted to the BIRD Foundation are reviewed by evaluators appointed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Israel Innovation Authority.

The joint project will see the two companies develop a real-time persistent surveillance system (WAMI) with an automated interface to an electro-optical camera. Designed specifically for use with unmanned aerial vehicles, the system will automatically detect any change that occurs in the field, and alert the operator to the exact location of the target, handing over the target to the EO/IR payload to meet the mission objectives.

“We are proud to have been selected as the defense company leading this joint development project with our American partner,” says Moshe Elazar, Aeronautics’ CEO. “This project will continue to strengthen the bond between the two countries in the interests of maintaining security, especially in these challenging times. Aeronautics Group’s goal to be at the forefront of technology is reflected in this future development.”

www.aeronautics-sys.com

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Arbor Arms Now Available Through GSA Advantage

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Has your unit been wanting to purchase Arbor Arms kit but been limited by what could fit on an Government Purchase Card? Have they wanted to use a different source of funding? Arbor Arms is Now on GSA! This allows your unit or department to purchase using budgetary funds without the problems of GPC limits. We are on a GSA Schedule 84, what does that mean? It basically means that through the GSA Advantage link below Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement as well as all components of the Department of Defense Can purchase from us. Tell your unit supply section or purchasing official to put your Unit/Agency’s surplus end of year funds to into quality innovative gear that will increase your units lethality and survivability for years to come.

www.gsaadvantage.gov

Also we now have a direct email for short timeline faster team level orders or quote requests, please contact us at Quotes@ArborArmsUSA.com

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ATLANTIC SIGNAL Receives Second Consecutive Multi-Year / Multi-Million Dollar Nationwide FBI Tactical Communications Contract for Special Operations Units and Hostage Rescue Team

Wednesday, September 9th, 2020

Atlantic Signal has been awarded its second consecutive multi-year contract to supply tactical communication equipment to both the FBI Special Operations Units (SOU) around the country as well as the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) located in Virginia.

Having been awarded its initial nationwide FBI tactical communications contract in 2015, Atlantic Signal was challenged in 2019 with developing the next generation of tactical communications to meet a very different set of expectations.

To address an ever-changing radio landscape, the company developed a new multi-application, programmable push-to-talk that can be set up and customized for each individual operator’s specific preferences. The PTT, known as ‘THE SHIELD Push-to-Talk’, allows the Bureau to operate multiple radio platforms, ICS systems, smart phones, chat programs along with cross- banding capabilities. Additionally, custom plug and play cable accessories were designed for ‘THE SHIELD PTT’ systems.

In an effort to save the Bureau key financial resources, the Bureau-specific ‘SHIELD PTT’ model was designed to be compatible with Atlantic Signal radio and accessory cables already being used in the field from the previous 5 year contract purchases.

In addition to ‘THE SHIELD PTT’, Atlantic Signal co-developed an in-the-ear communication system known simply as ‘THE SHIELD’. While other two-way radio, in-the-ear, tactical communication systems utilize transmit microphones in the ear that pass TX via a bone or air microphone located inside the ear, it was Atlantic Signal’s desire to provide a system that utilized a micro-thin, yet robust, noise canceling boom microphone that could be positioned on either the right or left side of user’s face. Further, rather than use high-priced, multiple sized, regularly replaced ear tips, Atlantic Signal is providing custom earmolds for every operator with a secondary back up included as well. This allows for an individualized custom fit with little to no ear fatigue or dislodging issues. While ‘THE SHIELD’ was designed to also allow for multi-sized, disposable ear tips, the Bureau chose the custom earmold model recommended by Atlantic Signal.

The ‘SHIELD PTT’ was designed to allow the Bureau to ‘launch’ multiple comms systems from a single PTT model – thus, in addition to ‘THE SHIELD’ in-the-ear communication system, the Bureau selected Atlantic Signal’s 3M/Peltor exclusive ComTac VI headset featuring the all new NIB feature. The ComTac VI offers a new way to adjust the auditory settings of the headset for each mission. Traditionally, a headset has a set frequency response, and the operator can only increase or decrease the volume. The MAP function provides new advanced ambient listening modes that allow access to a variety of gain settings, but with frequency shaping, to enhance auditory performance in five conditions. The MAP Profiles have been designed with a variety of combat and combat support operations in mind.

NIB enables short-range, headset-to-headset communication in high noise environments, without the use of an external communications radio. The NIB function allows for 4 team members to speak simultaneously, and over 60 people, within a 10 – meter radius, to listen at any given time. Audio transmit is activated by either a voice activated switch (VOX) for hands free operations or by push-to-talk. The VOX switch is adaptive, meaning the threshold to activate will adjust automatically to the noise environment. To help reduce user burden, a tactile button has been added to the left ear cup that allows the user to easily turn on or off the function / and switch from VOX to PTT settings. The Bureau tested the ComTac VI extensively before choosing as there was a strong desire to utilize the NIB technology / capability as a wireless intercom – avoiding the expense and installation of additional hardware albeit it hardwired in a vehicle or aircraft or provided as a mounted/dismounted portable solution. The Bureau also selected the company’s wireless, gun mounted push-to-talk, Lo Vis R23 single and dual ear patrol kits and wired HAHO switch.

“It is an honor for our company to continue to provide two of America’s elite tactical units communications equipment that meets their most stringent requirements. We began this relationship in the early 2010s when the Bureau’s previous supplier simply failed them. We spent nearly two years fine-tuning a multi-comms solution for them back then which resulted in a 5-year nationwide contract being awarded to our company in 2015. We are honored to receive our second consecutive 5-year contract after once again facing considerable competition during the selection phase,” stated Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal.

Atlantic Signal is based out of Topeka, KS where they develop, design, manufacture and sell tactical communications and accessories. The company started in 1989 with a focus on tactical law enforcement. Today the company’s clients include NYPD ESU, LAPD, ATF, USMS, CBP, NSW, MARSOC, USCG and the FBI among thousands of military and law enforcement clients around the world.

atlanticsignal.com

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L3Harris Technologies Equips the US Army’s Second Unit with Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular

Tuesday, September 8th, 2020

Highlights:

• U.S. Army unit receives more than 1,000 L3Harris high-tech devices

• Continued collaboration with the U.S. Army to deliver a combat-ready solution for the soldier

• Technology integrates smart data directly into the google enhancing situational awareness

LONDONDERRY, N.H., Sept. 3, 2020 — L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has completed delivery of more than 1,000 combat-ready Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) systems to the U.S. Army. This delivery fully equips the Army’s second unit with next generation night vision technology that enhances the soldier’s ability to locate and engage threats and access common operating environment imagery, thus improving the soldier’s situational awareness, mobility and protection.

“The ENVG-B is designed to give soldiers unmatched capability on the battlefield and utilizes our high performance, white phosphor night vision tubes with a thermal channel, enabling a soldier to see and maneuver in zero and low-light situations,” said Lynn Bollengier, President, Integrated Vision Solutions, L3Harris. “Our L3Harris team is proud to continue our collaboration with the U.S. Army to deliver this game-changing, combat-ready system that meets the urgent operational needs of our close combat troops.”

This delivery is part of the initial order the company received under the $391 million ENVG-B Directed Requirement contract from the Army in 2018.

The ENVG-B delivers imagery and data from the battlefield directly to the soldier’s eye. The system includes a new, high-resolution display and an embedded soldier wireless personal area network, rapid target acquisition and augmented reality algorithms to interface with the Army’s Nett Warrior. The complete system will interface with the Army’s family of weapon sights, while enhancing interoperability and data sharing.

Posted in Contracts, Optics, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Tectonica Australia Secures Over $25 Million in Land 400 Phase 2 and Global Supply Chain Contracts

Friday, September 4th, 2020

Tectonica is pleased to announce that it has secured a major contract with Rheinmetall Defence Australia for the manufacture of sophisticated camera technology for Army’s new Boxer 8×8 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRVs) delivered under the Commonwealth of Australia’s Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability project (LAND 400 Phase 2).

Under this contract, Tectonica will deliver its ALTERA Local Situation Awareness System (LSAS) on all BOXER 8×8 CRVs to be manufactured at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) from 2021.

The LSAS uses visual technologies to provide vehicle crews and operators with improved situational awareness by enabling them to see their surrounding environment by day and by night while remaining protected under armour.

This is the second LAND 400 Phase 2 contract awarded to Tectonica, following on from the September 2019 award to install LSAS on vehicles on the early capability delivery fleet of BOXER 8×8 CRVs currently being built in Europe.

Contributing to the Australian Government’s focus on becoming one of the world’s top 10 defence exporters, Tectonica has also secured a significant export contract to design, develop, manufacture, and export its BANTAM data and power distribution system to the German Army under a contract with Rheinmetall Electronics. The technology will be deployed through the Bundeswehr’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) and is fitted to every soldier wearing a computerised backpack.

Developed in Australia, with the support of the Defence Science Technology and Australian Defence Force to reduce the bulk and weight carried by soldiers, the BANTAM power system distributes power from a central source and gives the dismounted soldier the freedom to concentrate on their mission, confident that the modular high-tech power management device will last the duration of their mission.

The total value of these contracts awarded to Tectonica is over $25 million.

Tectonica’s Managing Director, David Levy said, “Our partnership with Rheinmetall is a great example of industry working together to strengthen the Australian Defence Force and build sovereign industry capability”.

www.tectonica.net

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