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Persistent Systems Completes Phase I of Robotic Command Vehicles program; Readies for Phase III

Tuesday, August 18th, 2020

Company officials say mobile ad hoc network will shine in complex, multi-unit battlefield scenarios

For Immediate Release

NEW YORK, N.Y. – August 18, 2020 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) solutions, announced today that it has successfully completed Phase I of the U.S. Army Robotic Command Vehicles (RCV) program.

Run under the auspices of the Army Future Command’s Next Generation Combat Vehicles – Cross Functional Team, the RCV program aims to show the utility of manned-unmanned teaming with a future Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) being able to control multiple RCV “wingmen.”

During Phase I, a modified M113 tracked armored personnel carrier acted as an RCV surrogate while a modified Bradley infantry vehicle called the Mission Enabling Technologies-Demonstrator, or MET-D, served in lieu of a yet-to-be-built OMFV.

“We successfully networked the surrogate platforms in a point-to-point fashion with our Wave Relay MANET,” Brian Soles, VP of Government Relations & Business Strategy for Persistent Systems, said. “That means enabling the cameras, sensors and software as well as the command-and-control interface for control of the RCV and its gun systems.”

Persistent Systems is now working with the Next Generation Combat Vehicles – Cross Functional Team and other stakeholders, such as Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center and C5ISR Center, to review lessons learned and further adapt Wave Relay capabilities.

“We are really looking forward to Phase III of the Army RCV program,” Soles said, “because it’ll be a complex, RF-contested and -congested environment with multiple air, ground, and dismounted units, and that’s where Wave Relay’s scalability, resiliency and spectrum efficiency will shine.”

Posted in Comms, Contracts, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Persistent Systems Completes Phase I of Robotic Command Vehicles program; Readies for Phase III

ATLANTIC SIGNAL Receives Contract for All New York Emergency Services Units (ESU)

Tuesday, August 18th, 2020

Atlantic Signal was recently awarded and delivered the first of numerous orders for the NYPD ESU following extensive testing of the company’s exclusive ComTac V Patriot Headset, Invictus Push-to-Talk and ESU Speaker Mic with custom radio cable inline QD for quick change capabilities for their Motorola APX portable radios.

The Invictus push-to-talk was developed in 2017 to provide an updated/alternative to the old school U94 PTT option that had been prevalent since the late 1990s. The Invictus features both single and dual comm models with shrouded actuation switch(es) that allow the end-user to attach or detach protective shrouds. Both models include a blackened stainless steel MOLLE clip that allows the end-user to move the PTT switch(es) to the 3, 6 ,9 & 12 o’clock positions. Further, the Invictus MOLLE clip was designed to allow the user to remove the MOLLE clip from its normal ‘back’ position, which configures the PTT actuation switch(es) in an outboard position, and attach the clip to the ‘front’ of the Invictus PTT housing which positions the actuation switch(es) in an outboard orientation for left handed trigger-pullers.

The order includes the Atlantic Signal exclusive 3M/Peltor ComTac V Patriot headset featuring all-new ambient environment listening modes, ambidextrous noise canceling boom microphone, removable rubber headband and ARC rail mounts for the team’s Ops-Core protective helmets.

“We began working with ESU approximately 18 months ago after being notified they were looking to update what proved to be very outdated ancillary communications. As opposed to most other tactical communications suppliers/distributors, we design and manufacture our products and have in-house capabilities to customize our builds. ESU is a very demanding customer and are not the traditional part-time SWAT / tactical unit. Requirements for their needs included custom comms systems for Heavy Weapons and Tactics, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, SCUBA, EMT, High Angle Rescue, Vehicle and Train Extrication, Helicopter & HAZMAT. NYPD’s requirements are very similar to what we have done for the FBI Hostage Rescue Team. An example is, NYPD wanted its ESU operators to be able to quickly transition into tactical gear without having to unscrew, remove, re-position and screw back on their Motorola APX radio adapter. We provided an inline quick disconnect on the coiled radio cable assembly that allowed each officer to simply unplug his department issued shoulder mic cable from the radio and plug in his/her Atlantic Signal comms system without ever having to remove the actual radio connector. We had experience with this unique type of request having developed a similar inline QD system for Naval Special Warfare boat operators. We worked with each specialized team and developed comms solutions for their specific needs surrounding a single common headset, the Atlantic Signal exclusive ComTac V Patriot” stated Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal.

NYPD ESU provides services analogous to the functions of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. ESU responds to high-risk, tactical operations involving barricaded suspects, hostage situations, high- warrant service, tactical crowd control and dignitary/VIP protective operations. ESU also provides operations and technician level response to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents involving the presence of industrial or illicit chemical, biological or radiological agents involving criminals or terrorists. ESU is also trained to rescue victims from structural collapse, high-rise structure, confined spaces, trench collapse, vehicle and rail car accident, and machinery accident entrapment. They may also respond to persons having difficulty breathing, heart attacks, and strokes as first responders, or along with local EMS.

NYPD ESU performs both surface and underwater victim rescue, searches and evidence recovery as well as to provide “crisis response” to incidents involving psychologically disturbed individuals. ESU members sometimes provide immediate fire suppression and victim rescue for fires occurring in massive and highly populated structural locations that are under the direct jurisdiction of a state or municipal authority. ESUs’ operations are often supported by a Canine (K-9) response capability and members often respond to incidents involving dangerous animals and reptiles. In some jurisdictions, ESU members may provide medical support and team member rescue during tactical operations and sometimes staff a dedicated ambulance.

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, thirty-one years later, the company’s clients include Customs and Border Patrol, Naval Special Warfare, LAPD, ATF, MARSOC, DEA, US Coast Guard, US Secret Service among thousands of military and law enforcement clients around the world.

atlanticsignal.com

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, Contracts, LE, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Contract Dispute Delays Fielding of New Dutch Combat Uniforms, Interim Solution Selected

Monday, August 10th, 2020

According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, a contract dispute for new combat uniforms for the Dutch Army (Koninklijke Landmacht) and ensuing analysis of tender documents has led to the withdrawal of a contract award to manufacture them. The newly designed uniforms, developed as part of the Defensie Operationeel Kleding Systeem (Defense Operational Clothing System) or DOKS program, were intended to be fielded in 2023, but now that plan has been pushed back.

Instead, the Dutch forces will continue to field MultiCam Combat clothing for those troops deploying to contingency areas.

Additionally, non-deploying Dutch Army personnel will be issued an improved interim clothing package in the new national camouflage, the Netherlands Fractal Pattern M-19. NFP is available in several colorations.

This ensemble will be based on the Dutch Marine uniform seen above which is currently offered in M81 Woodland. It combines the new NFP fabric with the Marine cut, utilizing a material substitution in current contracts. Fielding of these uniforms should begin by mid-2021.

DOKS also fields a new helmet (manufactured by Galvion) as well as other equipment. These portions of the program continue unabated, with helmets delivered in batches, beginning at the end of this year. Eventually, the full system will be fielded, including clothing in an entirely new cut.

Photos from Dutch MOD.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, Contracts, International | 4 Comments »

ATLANTIC SIGNAL Receives New US Army Security Force Assistance Brigade Order

Thursday, August 6th, 2020

Atlantic Signal was recently awarded an order for the 3rd SFAB following extensive testing of the company’s new Viper II Control Hub and Atlantic Signal exclusive ComTac VI headset.

Atlantic Signal began development of its new VIPER II Control Hub / Push-to-Talk in early 2019 with the input and assistance of several key customers. There had been a clear dissatisfaction with the design and capabilities, or lack thereof, of several of the PTT/control box options on the market that could interface with both standard and dual band radios along with various ancillary cable capabilities.

Further, Atlantic Signal introduced the Brigade to its 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.

“We listened closely and carefully to several of our most demanding Federal LE and Military Special Operations customers in an attempt to better understand how their needs had changed and or broadened since several of our competitor’s dual band PTTs had come to market. Without divulging the detailed reasons as to why our VIPER I and VIPER II Control Hub/PTT is different from our competitors – some of those design changes are immediately recognizable but just as important are the tasks the VIPERs can perform and how easily each individual can program the VIPER for a personal end user experience. Nothing is complicated from the operator’s engagement perspective but a Control Hub / PTT that is VERY powerful both from the outlook of what it can do now and how it can be utilized in the future. After nearly 18 months in development and dozens of generations / modifications of both VIPER models in the field, we’ve received orders ranging from dozens to hundreds to over a thousand in a single purchase.” states Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal.

The first SFAB was raised in 2018 at Fort Benning, GA, On May 18, 2018, the Army announced that the Security Force Assistance Command (SFAC) would be established at Fort Bragg. This division-level Command, led by a Brigadier General, will oversee the Army’s six Security Force Assistance Brigades, as well as the MATA for SFAB training and oversight.

3rd SFAB tested and evaluated the Atlantic Signal combination of the VIPER II PTT, ComTac VI headset and an assortment of custom cables both CONUS and OCONUS and decided upon this product mix to replace their current communication systems.

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, thirty-one years later, the company’s clients include NYPD ESU, CBP, NSW, LAPD, ATF, DEA, MARSOC, USCG, USSS and the FBI among thousands of military and law enforcement clients around the world.

atlanticsignal.com

Posted in Advertiser, Comms, Contracts, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Leupold’s Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 M110 Riflescope Issued Nato Stock Number

Thursday, August 6th, 2020

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear riflescopes and reflex sights, is pleased to announce that its award-winning Mark 5HD riflescope selected for use with the United States Army’s M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System has been issued Nato Stock Number (NSN) 1240-01-690-1728. Like all of Leupold’s riflescopes, the Mark 5HD is designed, machined, and assembled in the company’s Beaverton, Ore. factory.

The Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 being built for the M110 will come in a proprietary flat dark earth coating and utilize the Army’s patented Mil-Grid Reticle. The Mark 5HD has been crafted to redefine accuracy, precision, and optical performance for long-range shooters. Three models – a 7-35×56, 5-25×56, and 3.6-18×44 – are available in both milliradian and MOA configurations.

Leupold proudly provides its optics to the United States military, law enforcement, and government agencies across the country, and to the armed forces of many of our nation’s closest allies.

Waterproof, fogproof, and guaranteed to perform for life, the Mark 5HD is backed by the company’s legendary Lifetime Guarantee. For more information on Leupold products, please visit us at Leupold.com.

Join the discussion on Facebook at Facebook.com/LeupoldOptics, on Twitter at Twitter.com/LeupoldOptics, or on Instagram at Instagram.com/LeupoldOptics.

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

Mountain Horse and NP Aerospace Selected for US Navy Maritime Body Armor Contract

Thursday, August 6th, 2020

LASA LWB III+ IC06 MBP Maritime Buoyant Plate

Mountain Horse Solutions, a U.S. Defense and Mission Critical Equipment Supplier, based in Union City TN, and NP Aerospace, a ballistic hard armor company, have been awarded a four-year U.S. Navy Maritime Buoyant Plate body armor contract framework valued at over $20m.

Mountain Horse and NP Aerospace will supply up to 11,000 of the LASA LWB III+ IC06 MBP Maritime Buoyant Plates, which are lightweight and feature a highly durable waterproof Polyurea coating. The contract framework is for a four-year period and has a maximum value of $20,599,334. Mountain Horse and NP Aerospace were selected due to their ability to meet U.S. Navy strict performance requirements.

Mountain Horse, a key supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces and Government Agencies, selected NP Aerospace as hard armor manufacturer due to the company’s extensive experience working with global defense organizations including Canada’s Department of National Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence. NP Aerospace has supplied over 200,000 body armor plates to British and Canadian Armed Forces, more than 1 million ballistic helmets and armor systems for over 2,000 NATO vehicles used in overseas operations.

Chris Witts, Director, Mountain Horse Solutions, said: “We are thrilled and honored to be awarded this contract. Supplying the U.S. Navy with a top-quality critical safety product, like the Maritime Buoyant Hard Armor plate, is a significant achievement. Mountain Horse Solutions is an expert in supply chain management and prides itself in providing the US Armed Forces with the highest quality and most innovative equipment available. This award confirms the strength of Mountain Horse Solutions’ partnership with NP Aerospace and our commitment to supplying rapid response innovative solutions to the military.”

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, said: “Being awarded the U.S. Navy Maritime Buoyant Plate body armor contract is a testament to our experience in composite armor technology. Our personal armor has been used by frontline allied forces for over 25 years. We are proud to be supporting Mountain Horse and the U.S. Navy in supplying our troops with the lightest weight, highest performing, top quality products in the market. The LWB III+ IC06 MBP Maritime Buoyant Plate is able to comfortably meet the ballistic threat required by the U.S. Navy and delivers the wearability and buoyancy required in maritime operations.”

NP Aerospace is a global armor manufacturer with extensive experience in complex, military programs. The company’s body armor portfolio includes a range of ballistic plates to meet demanding defense requirements from NIJ Level III plates for standard military operations to NIJ Level IV plus special threats plates.

Mountain Horse Solutions and NP Aerospace were awarded the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) contract N61331-20-D-0014, as an ID/IQ (Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity) to provide Maritime Buoyant Body Armor (MBP), both in torso and side configurations.

Posted in Armor, Contracts, Maritime, Navy, Press Release | 1 Comment »

The United States Air Force Awards Gentex Corporation Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) Daytime Spectacle Contract

Monday, August 3rd, 2020

CARBONDALE, PA July 16, 2020 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, aircrew, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today that it was awarded the United States Air Force Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) Daytime Spectacle contract to develop and produce its laser protective eyewear for aircrew, the Block III Day Spectacle.

This order includes 10,000 Block III Day Spectacles over the next 18 months including development and full rate production. The Gentex lenses integrate the latest laser protective filter technology developed by the Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL) for daytime applications. The lightweight, aviator-style frames fit comfortably on the face and feature contoured temple arms that integrate well with helmets and helmet components. The Gentex Block III Day spectacles joins our unique product line of other LEP spectacles developed for F-35, U.S. Navy EDU series and laser dazzle spectacles.

“With over 40 years of experience creating the highest quality vision protection for aircrew, this contract recognizes our continued innovation and evolution in the eyewear and visor market,” said Robert McCay, vice president at Gentex Corporation, “We’re proud to have won our second consecutive Delivery Order under Block III to develop products and technology that meet the challenges of ever-advancing technologies.”

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

Posted in Advertiser, Air Force, Contracts, Eyepro, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Federal Awarded High-Performance Ammunition Contract for US Army Next Generation Carbine Technologies Program

Friday, July 31st, 2020

ANOKA, Minnesota – July 31, 2020 – Federal Ammunition is proud to announce a contract award to supply high-performance 7.62x51mm NATO and other novel ammunition for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Carbine Technologies (NGCT) program. This suite of ammunition utilizes a specialized alloy cartridge case allowing for elevated chamber pressures and a reduction in ammunition weight as compared to legacy brass-cased ammunition. These performance benefits deliver a significant increase in overall weapon system effectiveness for the NGCT program.

“We are a company committed to providing ammunition support to the U.S. military, as defined through our mission statement to ‘Build better ammunition in America, to create community, power defense, and conserve our heritage’,” said Jason Vanderbrink, President of Federal Ammunition. “We are extremely pleased with this prestigious contract award, as it validates the high level of trust the U.S. military has with our new and innovative products.”

“Our use of a proprietary high-performance alloy cartridge case will provide the U.S. Army NGCT Team with an excellent ammunition platform for evaluation of advanced Next Generation weapon concept performance. Program results will serve to inform the direction of future Next Generation weapon technology decisions for the U.S. Army,” said David Leis, Federal’s VP of Law Enforcement, Government and International Sales. “Ammunition products utilizing this specialized alloy cartridge case technology will be made available for commercial and foreign sales in the near future.”

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

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