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Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense Win Contract for the First Phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck Program

Monday, January 30th, 2023

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) and GM Defense LLC (Washington, DC) have won a contract for the first phase of the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) Program.

The aim of the multi-phased program is to replace the Army’s family of heavy tactical trucks with production of up to 40,000 trucks valued at up to $14 billion. The two powerhouse defense companies formed a strategic collaboration in 2022 to compete in the program; bringing together two world-class engineering and manufacturing giants to deliver a modern, tactical truck that enhances Soldier capability through advanced technologies including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for safety, increased off-road mobility, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, improved survivability and fuel efficiency, among other emerging technologies.  

The team offered the HX3 Common Tactical Truck (HX3-CTT). The HX3 is the latest generation of trucks in the highly successful, combat proven, HX family of trucks which are in service with a number of NATO and U.S. allied nations. The HX family of trucks derives from MAN Truck and Bus commercial truck offerings bringing a high degree of commerciality to the fleet, a priority for the Army in the CTT program. The HX3-CTT next-generation system has enhanced on and off road mobility, integrated survivability, and an open digital architecture supporting ADAS and enabled for autonomous vehicle operation. Combined with the open architecture, the commercial backbone of the HX3-CTT will support persistent modernization and allow for rapid increases in capability as technologies mature. With a global footprint of both current military user nations and commercial dealer networks, the HX3-CTT provides a basis for optimized lifecycle costs and service support to the Army across the globe. 

“Both American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense look forward to providing competition to the Army’s CTT Program. We are committed partners to the Army, bringing tremendous operational capability coupled with advanced safety features, ensuring our Soldiers can achieve their mission safely and effectively. Together our team will deliver a transformational truck that leverages the commercial strenghths of our partners, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles and General Motors, and the commonality of the HX3-CTT design,” said Matthew Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles. 

“Winning the CTT prototype phase demonstrates the undeniable value that the strategic collaboration between GM Defense and American Rheinmetall Vehicles brings to this important, next-generation Army program,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “We are excited to bring our advanced technologies and manufacturing prowess into this important collaboration and deliver a proven, modern solution to enhance warfighter capability. We look forward to continuing our work with American Rheinmetall Vehicles to execute the first prototype phase, while gaining the necessary insights to strengthen our position to win future phases of the program.”

HX3 Common Tactical Truck
Technology for the future: The HX3-CTT features an advanced, interchangeable protected cab design, ADAS, and drive by wire operation. The new open systems electrical architecture allows rapid integration of leader-follower, tele-operation, and fully autonomous capabilities that focus on protecting our most valuable combat asset – the Soldier.

Common platforms and parts to support a family of vehicles: The HX3-CTT is the new, next-gen variant of the globally successful HX family of military-off-the-shelf tactical trucks. It possesses an extremely high level of commonality and modularity across variants: cargo, load handling systems, tankers, and line haul tractors. With an HX family that can scale from 4×4 to 10×10, the HX can meet any military need.

Commerciality in its DNA: The HX3-CTT leverages best-in-class advances in commercial truck technology, safety, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. Ruggedized for the stresses of military service, the HX family provides an “off the shelf” capability. This commercial backbone reduces obsolescence risk/cost, expands parts availability and reduces sustainment demands.

Allied interoperability: The HX family of trucks have been sold to 20 customers globally including an active allied user group consisting of United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, creating common global supply chains, training opportunities, and integrated operations among key allies operating around the world. 

ManTech Wins $57 Million Navy Contract to Deliver Next Generation Expeditionary Weapon Systems Capabilities for US Special Operations Forces

Monday, January 30th, 2023

HERNDON, Va., Jan. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ManTech has been awarded a five-year $57 million contract by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane to develop world-class technology solutions that support advanced expeditionary weapon systems for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). ManTech won this contract under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle.

NSWC Crane manages the research, development, prototyping, acquisition, test, evaluation and delivery of expeditionary weapon systems for SOCOM Program Manager-Special Operations Force Lethality (PM-SOF Lethality).

David Hathaway, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ManTech’s Defense Sector

“Our mission is to deliver state-of-the-art, next generation technology solutions that enhance the capabilities of all NSWC-managed SOCOM platforms,” said David Hathaway, Executive Vice President and General Manager of ManTech’s Defense Sector. “We are proud to support SOCOM forces with world-leading technology solutions that help ensure real-time mission success in every conceivable environment, challenge and domain.”

Under this task order, ManTech is Bringing Digital to the Mission® with next generation integrated weapon systems and ISR capabilities for manned and unmanned air, ground, surface, subsurface and maritime mobility platforms. SOCOM systems and associated subsystems that will benefit from the program include: weapons ammunition; optics; validation equipment; production equipment; sensor and fire control systems; mounts; rocket, missile and gun systems; integrated pilot and operator displays; crew-served weapon systems and associated mounts; and airframe integration systems. As importantly, the program will deliver quick-reaction and engineering analyses for total life-cycle management of expeditionary weapon systems.

About the DOD IAC Program
The DoD IAC, sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center, provides technical data management and research support for DoD and federal government users. Established in 1946, the IAC program serves the DoD science & technology (S&T) and acquisition communities to drive innovation and technological developments by enhancing collaboration through integrated scientific and technical information development and dissemination for the DoD and broader S&T community.

Additional information on ManTech can be found at www.mantech.com.

Saab Receives Order for AT4 from France

Friday, January 27th, 2023

Saab received an order in mid-December 2022 for the anti-armour weapon AT4 from the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). The order value is approximately EUR 24 million and deliveries will take place in 2023. The order was booked in Q4 2022.

The AT4 family is a range of lightweight, man-portable, disposable weapons characterised by ease of use. AT4 can be used against tanks and heavy combat vehicles as well as threats in buildings and fortifications and to protect fixed installations, supply points and other vital assets.

“We are proud to yet again be chosen to deliver our world class single-shot AT4 system to France. Our future ready AT4 will ensure the French armed forces have the necessary firepower to give them the advantage on the battlefield,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab´s business area Dynamics.

France has previously ordered Saab’s AT4CS ER (Extended Range), the AT4CS HE (High Explosive) and the AT4CS AST (Anti-Structure). The AT4 family is known as the Roquette NG (Nouvelle Génération) in France.

G-Form in Cooperation with Crye Precision, Develops Innovative Protective System for United States Marine Forces, Special Operations Command

Thursday, January 26th, 2023

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 26, 2023 — G-Form®, the innovative protection manufacturing brand, reveals the development of an all-new body protective system for the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Teaming up with Crye Precision, G-Form strategically designed a product that met MARSOC’s niche performance needs, enhancing both mobility and lethality.

“It is an exciting time for G-Form as we continue to advance knee and elbow protection, utilizing our cutting-edge SmartFlex technology to generate innovative product solutions for our warfighters,” explains Glen “Gava” Giovanucci, G-Form CEO, “We are honored to be partnering with the Crye Precision team on this remarkable collaboration for MARSOC operators who require enhanced protection product improvements to deliver exceptional performance capabilities.”

“Crye Precision is proud to support G-Form in their initiative to provide capabilities and protection to MARSOC and the Warfighter in general. It’s these sorts of collaborations that reinforce the concept that one plus one can certainly be greater than two especially in the world of product innovation,” adds Gregg Thompson, Crye Precision CEO

“MARSOC Operators require constant improvements, technological innovation capability, and high-quality systems to perform in a fierce competitive environment,” shared Greg Snyder, G8 United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command, “G-Form had great vision to leverage their proven capability and then worked with industry partners to provide operators an increased level of protection.”  

The product has been designated with National Stock Numbers (NSN) and has been added to the Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) contract.

Rheinmetall Wins Contract for Regenerating Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Equipment

Friday, January 20th, 2023

Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has contracted with Rheinmetall for the conversion of modular medical equipment (MSE).

Worth a figure in the mid-single-digit million-euro range, the order will be complete by December 2023.

MSE containers comprise a family of modular ambulance facilities manufactured by Zeppelin Mobile Systeme. In the 1970s, various user states procured rescue station, rescue centre light, rescue centre and emergency hospital variants, which are now undergoing a comprehensive overhaul.

MSE rescue centres and field hospitals are used in Bundeswehr areas of operation. Individual systems are designed for special tasks such as the generation and supply of medical gases in the equipment supply container, or GVC. In deployed operations, the technical and medical equipment of the GVC supports the adjacent operating theatre. The container systems are CSC-classified, stackable and thus suitable for transport on container ships. The systems and their equipment are adapted in terms of scope and functionality.

Responsible for mobile deployable mission solutions, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH has been pooling resources and capabilities for mission support since 2019. Rheinmetall AG created the company to handle services and projects for mission support. It provides customers with long-term mission support via specific services.

Dr. Deniz Akitürk, managing director of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, is proud of the new project: “Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, in association with Rheinmetall Zeppelin Mobile Systeme, delivers comprehensive mission support. In addition to the construction and operation of forward operating bases, we also bundle protection and surveillance capabilities as well as medical expertise for our customers. As a system provider, we are pleased to be supporting the regeneration of medical equipment. In future, we could be modernizing a further 350 accommodation containers.”

The order underlines Rheinmetall’s high level of competence in mission support for the German Bundeswehr in the medical domain.

Thermal Sighting Systems For The UK Army’s General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)

Friday, January 13th, 2023

Precision Technic Defence Limited are proud to announce the award of multiple 7-year contracts by the UK Ministry of Defence to supply and support a range of thermal weapon sights for the GPMG weapon platform. A total of three separate Framework contracts to supply sights for the Army’s GPMG Fleet have been placed by the Dismounted Close Combat project team. The contracts have the scope to provide capability to all branches of the UK Ministry of Defence.

 

“We are extremely proud to have been selected to supply this capability to UK Ministry of Defence. For us as a company it’s a big milestone to have been awarded with contracts of this scale and significant value. We have worked closely with our industry partners to bring together a battle winning solution which will increase lethality and survivability of UK personnel on the battlefield,” says Bill Chapman, Managing Director at Precision Technic Defence Ltd.

ptdefence.co.uk/home

SMARTSHOOTER Moving Past the Final Milestone on ASD SO/LIC IWTSD’s Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) Program using the SMASH Advanced Fire Control System

Wednesday, January 11th, 2023

Now ready for hands-on – New SMASH IWOO system combines an advanced optical system, including automated detection and targeting of traditional ground targets as well as small UAS hard-kill capability, all to make the force stronger, faster, more accurate and lethal

[January 11, 2023]: In February 2020, the Department of Defence ASD SO/LIC’s ’Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) selected SMARTSHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, to develop the solution for its Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) project.

This month, SMARTSHOOTER reached its final milestone by successfully passing the IWOO Technology Readiness Review (TRR). Two prototype systems were taken through a series of live-fire tests by IWTSD to ensure the system met the contract performance requirements.  The systems performed well and were also tested at night using clip-on night vision devices.  This means the IWOO final design configuration has been approved by IWTSD and will now move into low-rate production.  In addition, the options for more IWOO systems under the contract with IWTSD were exercised.    

The IWOO program was initiated by IWTSD to provide tactical operators with overmatch capability against long-range static and moving targets, both day and night. SMARTSHOOTER won the competition and began development using proven technologies from its SMASH line of Fire Control Systems and inserting new capabilities such as a variable x1- x8 zoom – all stitched together with combat-proven fire control algorithms to assure the hit.

The IWOO system automatically detects, highlights, and tracks potential targets – including drones – using a see-through display which enhances the user situational awareness. Built-in fire control processing continuously calculates the optimal firing solution to provide the user with clear, discreet guidance, firing only with the best chance of neutralizing the target, delivering first-round hit capabilities time after time.

“We are delighted to announce that the SMASH IWOO system, developed uniquely for the US Department of Defense IWTSD Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic project, has completed another milestone, and is now ready to move into low-rate production. Based on the unmatched capabilities of the SMASH Fire Control Systems, the SMASH IWOO solution will enhance force’s lethality, survivability, and situational awareness” Ms. Michal Mor, CEO of SMART SHOOTER said.

“It was good to see the first two IWOO prototypes in action,” said Michael Trexler, Special Operation Forces Combat Support Coordinator / Tactical Offensive Support Program Manager, at IWTSD. “There are a few minor adjustments being made to optimize performance; we are pleased with the progress demonstrated and look forward to conducting operational testing and evaluation using the dual-capabilities of IWOO prototypes in 2023 against ground targets at increased ranges and to take-down drones.”  

Click on link below to view ASD SO/LIC IWTSD C-sUAS Training Video

www.iwtsd.gov/NewsArticles/07-08-21-sUAS

Integrated Visual Augmentation System 1.2 Development Task Order Awarded

Monday, January 9th, 2023

Washington – On Dec. 20, 2022, the U.S. Army awarded a task order to Microsoft Corporation to develop the 1.2 variant of the Integrated Visual Augmentation System.

This task order is the latest step in the process that began in March 2021, when the Army awarded Microsoft a firm-fixed-price Other Transaction Authority production agreement to manufacture IVAS. Under that agreement, the Army envisioned improving the system through an iterative process, and this task order will provide improvements based on completed test events.

The IVAS will provide Soldiers with a single device to fight, rehearse and train by integrating next-generation situational awareness tools. To date, the Army has conducted over 30 Soldier test events and more than 100 technical sub-tests, with more than 1,000 Soldiers contributing nearly 100,000 hours of IVAS user feedback. These tests validated the system’s continued progress while identifying areas for focused improvements.

IVAS will begin incremental fielding in September 2023. IVAS 1.0 provides baseline warfighter capability, and the IVAS 1.1 features an improved low-light sensor to aid maneuver and positive target identification. In addition to the IVAS 1.1 improvements, IVAS 1.2 will include a new form factor to address Human Systems Integration, including physiological impacts identified during testing, and a lower profile heads-up display with distributed counterweight for improved user interface and comfort. IVAS 1.2 will also include software improvements for increased reliability and reduced power demand.

Delivery orders for IVAS 1.2 production systems will be placed after qualification and operational testing.

The Army will continue to work with its IVAS industry partner, Microsoft, to execute the IVAS program in a rapid and innovative manner. The iterative and Soldier feedback oriented developmental process for IVAS will result in fielding substantial capability several years ahead of traditional acquisition program timelines. The Army is fully committed to IVAS and the leap-ahead capability it will provide for Soldiers to prevail on the battlefield.

By U.S. Army Public Affairs