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Considerable Order in the USA: Rheinmetall to Develop 30mm x 173 Airburst Solution for the U.S. Navy

Thursday, June 30th, 2022

Rheinmetall to develop a new medium caliber ammunition for the U.S. Navy: The Group’s subsidiary American Rheinmetall Munitions, Inc. based in Stafford, VA has been awarded a $14.3 million (€13.5 million) contract under a U.S. Navy other transaction agreement (OTA) to prototype a low-cost engagement capability that increases the effectiveness of existing and future Naval gun weapon systems against air and surface threats.

The resulting prototype system will lead to an Initial Operating Capability for the 30mm x 173 MK 340 MOD 0 Kinetic Energy Electronically Timed (KEET) airburst munition. The MK 340 KEET is derived from the NATO-qualified Rheinmetall 30mm x 173 Kinetic Energy Timed Fuze (KETF) cartridge currently fielded by the Australian, German, and Hungarian militaries. The system will provide significant lethality improvements and a reduction in rounds fired due to the increased first-round hit probability.

“We are excited to deliver our next-generation lethality solutions to the U.S. Navy for the first time. This award further demonstrates American Rheinmetall’s ability to bring innovative technologies into the hands of our U.S. Joint Force,” said American Rheinmetall Munitions CEO John Somich.

The company is presently expanding its role as a major supplier of innovative, next-generation weapons and ammunition in the U.S., drawing on a global portfolio of world-class munitions and armaments offered by Rheinmetall and its affiliates. For example, American Rheinmetall Munitions is currently producing game-changing solutions including 40mm airburst fuzing for the U.S. Army and the PGU-48/B Frangible Armor Piercing cartridge for the U.S. Air Force F35A Joint Strike Fighter. The company has been producing and supplying high-performance practice and direct fire service ammunition for American military and law enforcement customers for several decades.

American Rheinmetall Munitions is part of the American Rheinmetall family of U.S. defense companies which includes American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford, ME, American Rheinmetall Vehicles in Sterling Heights, MI, and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston, VA.

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Air Force Selects Future Fixed Wing Aircrew Helmet

Monday, June 27th, 2022

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) —

The Air Force selected LIFT Airborne Technologies to continue with prototype development of a new helmet for Air Force fixed-wing aircrew.

The helmet prototype was chosen after Air Combat Command initiated the search for a next-generation helmet to address issues with long-term neck and back injuries, optimize aircraft technology, improve pilot longevity, and provide better fitment to diverse aircrews.

“The current helmet was based on 1980’s design. Since then, gains in aircraft technology and the demographic of pilots have changed,” said Scott Cota, ACC Plans and Requirements branch aircrew flight equipment program analyst. “The legacy helmet was not originally designed to support advances in aircraft helmet-mounted display systems, causing pilots to fly with equipment not optimized for them, especially our female aircrew.”

The implementation of helmet-mounted devices has added weight and changed the center of gravity, leading to discomfort for operators. In addition, a 2020 Air Force anthropometric study identified the need to add a size small helmet that better optimizes the fit for affected female aviators, Cota said.

The helmet requirement was one of the first initiatives to go through AFWERX, an Air Force organization focused on working with nontraditional defense companies to bring technological innovation, in 2019.

“To better understand advances in technology, seek innovative solutions to current helmet issues, and use vendor competition to drive the initiative, AFWERX was a natural choice,” Cota said.

As the lead, Cota worked with other major commands and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Human Systems Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to set the requirements of the new helmet for operators across the Air Force.

Key parameters identified were weight, pilot comfort, optimized fitment and protection, stability, optimized center of gravity, and integration with different helmet-mounted systems.

“Using a streamlined acquisition process to move the program, the AFLCMC took the AFWERX initiative and solicited over 100 different designs from industry. Promising designs were evaluated and submitted for further testing,” said Capt. Timothy James, AFLCMC Human Systems Division of Agile Combat Support Directorate program manager. “The innovative process has allowed us to move faster than a standard acquisition while providing checks and balances to ensure a quality product.”

The Air Force Research Laboratory performed a majority of the testing, but the AFLCMC also worked with the Airmen Accommodations Laboratory, the Life Support Systems Scientific, Test, Analysis, and Qualification Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB as well as the 46th Test Squadron and 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida, to narrow the finalist to LIFT Airborne Technologies.

“These new helmets will offer greater applicability and better fit for operators of all sizes, genders and ethnicities,” James said.

The helmet will undergo additional research, testing and improvements prior to the Air Force confirming the prototype design is successful and offering a production contract in 2024. Following production, ACC plans to take a phased approach to deliver the new helmet to all fixed-wing aircrew members across the Air Force, beginning with the F-15E Strike Eagle.

By Lemuel Casillas
Air Combat Command Public Affairs

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Rheinmetall Wins Major Air Starts Unit Order for the German Air Force

Sunday, June 26th, 2022

Rheinmetall has received a new and important contract for the German Air Force. The framework contract, awarded by the German procurement agency BAAINBw, is currently worth up to CAD 18 million (€13 million) and will run over the next three years.

Between 2022 and 2025, Rheinmetall will supply its customer with 16 new mobile start units with integrated ground power (MSU-GP). The contract also includes the retrofit of 48 MSU-E units currently in service to the most recent MSU-GP version. The German Air Force has been using the Rheinmetall MSU to start its entire fleet of aircraft, including the Eurofighter, since 2014. This contract hence continues a business relationship that has been successful for decades.

Rheinmetall MSU-GP, the only air start unit of its kind

Designed to prioritize reliability and versatility, the Rheinmetall MSU-GP is a dependable solution for any takeoff. As the only turbine-powered air start unit, it is lighter to deploy and more compact than a diesel engine unit. Air transportable and proven across the globe even in extreme weather environments, the MSU-GP delivers. And integrated ground power means 2-for-1: it saves critical space with both a bleed air and electrical power supply in a single unit, while improving cost effectiveness.

Rheinmetall’s mobile start units (MSU) have both military and commercial applications and a broad international appeal. These units are found in airports around the globe: more than 1200 have been sold in more than 40 countries. On the military side, Rheinmetall MSUs are not only used with the German Air Force, but are also in operation with the US Navy who employs them on all of their aircraft carriers. Trusted by civilian companies including major German aviation companies, British Airways, American Airlines, Air New Zealand, and FedEx, the MSUs can start even the most demanding aircraft, including the B777-300ER and A380.

Rheinmetall is participating at ILA Berlin – a leading innovative trade fair for the aerospace industry – taking place from 22 to 26 June, 2022. Visitors will learn more about the Rheinmerall MSU-GP, which will be on display at booth G001.

Innovating a sustainable future

As countries increase their commitments to reducing their emissions with higher standards and regulations, airports around the world need to pivot towards zero emissions solutions. To support those requirements, Rheinmetall recently introduced the Rheinmetall eMSU – the world’s first all-electric air start unit. The eMSU allows for carbon-free main engine starts and reduction in overall gound operations emissions. Easy to operate, it is the greenest air start unit solution on the market.

Rheinmetall will be presenting in September 2022 its latest version of the eMSU at GSE Expo Europe. Do not miss the opportunity to see it live in Paris and to learn more about the many advantages of this new zero-emission air start unit.

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AeroVironment Awarded $6.2 Million Puma 3 AE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Contract by United States Marine Corps

Tuesday, June 14th, 2022

• Puma 3 AE unmanned aircraft system delivers immediate tactical reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition in day or night maritime and land-based operations

• AeroVironment’s small unmanned aircraft systems comprise the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory; deployed by more than 50 allied governments

The Puma 3 All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft system is rapidly deployable via hand-launch and can land in salt water, fresh water or on land. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Gabino Perez) Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

ARLINGTON, Va., June 14, 2022 –AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced receipt of a $6,166,952 firm-fixed-price contract award for Puma™ 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) and spares on May 3, 2022, for the U.S. Marine Corps. Delivery is anticipated to be completed in July 2022.

“Puma 3 AE has proven itself as the ideal solution for low-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in any operational environment and continues to serve as the backbone of the U.S. Marine Corps Medium Range/Medium Endurance Forces,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for SUAS.

AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE delivers mission critical capabilities in all environments. Puma 3 AE has a wingspan of 9.2 feet (2.8 meters), weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) and can operate up to 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA). Multi-mission capable, operators can easily swap Puma 3 AE’s payloads quickly, selecting between the Mantis™ i45 and the enhanced night variant, Mantis i45 N. Puma 3 AE is launchable by hand, bungee, rail, or vehicle, and is recoverable by deep-stall landing, providing class-leading capabilities in challenging environments around the world.

AeroVironment’s SUAS comprise the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base numbers more than 50 allied governments, including the Ukraine. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

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U.S. Army Selects SIG SAUER Advanced Sniper Rifle Ammunition

Monday, June 13th, 2022

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 13, 2022) – Following the success of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy MK248 300WM Precision Sniper Rifle Contract, SIG SAUER is pleased to announce another U.S. Army award to manufacture the follow-on Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) 300 Norma Mag (NM) and armor piercing 338 Norma Mag (NM) ammunition.

“This selection by the U.S. Army to manufacture ASR ammunition reinforces SIG SAUER as the leading manufacturer of modern sniper ammunition for the U.S. Department of Defense, and demonstrates confidence in SIG’s ability to deliver the most precise ammunition in the world,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO SIG SAUER, Inc.

The U.S. Army ASR ammunition contract consists of two cartridges: M1163, a 300NM, 215 grain round, and M1162 an armor piercing 338NM, 300 grain round. The $157MM maximum value contract includes 4.5MM rounds for the first delivery order.

“Sniper ammunition must be manufactured to the most precise standards. This award, combined with our proven success in the MK248 300WM contract, further demonstrates our most important customer’s confidence in our ability to build and deliver the most precise ammunition,” concluded Cohen.

All SIG SAUER Ammunition, including the Precision Sniper Rifle MK248, the Advanced Sniper Rifle M1162 and M1163, and the new Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) 6.8mm Common Cartridge, is American made and manufactured at our state-of-the-art ammunition manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

sigsauer.com

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PCP Tactical Selected to Produce Lightweight Polymer Cased Ammunition for the U.S. Army

Friday, June 10th, 2022

PCP Tactical LLC, a defense contractor headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida has been awarded an Ordnance Technology Initiative Agreement (OTIA) from the National Armaments Consortium – DoD Ordnance Technology Consortium (NAC-DOTC) to produce 7.62mm lightweight small caliber ammunition for the US Army. This award directly supports Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS) efforts to reduce weight for Army soldiers over-burdened by their combat load. The introduction of lightweight small caliber ammunition in a polymer case material will improve the soldier’s mobility on the battlefield to increase soldier’s lethality and survivability.

“PCP Tactical/Gorilla Ammunition has been designing and delivering weapons and lightweight polymer cased ammunition solutions to the Department of Defense for almost a decade,” said Lanse Padgett, Chief Executive Officer of PCP Tactical and Gorilla Ammunition, “and we are extremely pleased to be chosen by the Army to collaboratively develop polymer cased ammunition.”

The agreement requires PCP Tactical to produce lightweight polymer cased 7.62mm M80A1 and M62A1 ammunition that can function properly at the extreme environmental conditions anticipated on the future battlefield. The ammunition is expected to meet or exceed the internal ballistic and terminal performance requirements of current brass cased ammunition, while reducing the weight by approximately 30 percent. The M240 machine gun is the primary weapon for this effort, but the lightweight polymer ammunition is also compatible with the M14 Semi-Automatic Rifle, M110 Rifle, and the M134 Mini-Gun.

“PCP Tactical has developed an incredible working relationship with the Army over the past ten years,” said Padgett, “we have provided legacy ammunition calibers as well as next generation calibers to include armor piercing rounds to the Army. We have also provided enhanced new weapons systems and barrel conversion kits for legacy guns to reduce weight while increasing lethality. Over the last several years polymer case technology has progressed tremendously, and we are anxious to get the ammunition qualified for use by our soldiers and allies.”

For questions feel free to call PCP Tactical at 772-564-0777.

Posted in Ammo, Army, Contracts, Press Release | 1 Comment »

US Army Awards SIG Contract for .300 NM and .338 NM Sniper Ammunition

Thursday, June 9th, 2022

The US Army has made the following announcement for a contract award for ammunition to be used in the Advanced Sniper Rifle, based on the Barrett Firearms MRAD:

Sig Sauer Inc., Newington, New Hampshire, was awarded a $157,300,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the production of .300 Norma Magnum M1163 ball ammunition and .338 NM armor piercing M1162 cartridges. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 7, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0019).

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Army, Contracts | 2 Comments »

Rheinmetall Supplies 35mm Ammunition to NATO Customers – Contract Value Around € 20 Million

Friday, June 3rd, 2022

Rheinmetall has been contracted by several NATO customers to supply 35mm calibre ammunition. Deliveries will take place in 2023 and 2024 and the contract is worth a total of around €20 million. Between 2023 and 2024, Rheinmetall will supply the customer countries with various types of ammunition in 35mm x 228 calibre for infantry fighting vehicles. Rheinmetall works continuously with the user nations to further develop the combat capability of the system.

Against the background of changes in the security situation, many NATO and NATO partner countries have an increasing need for modern ammunition. Rheinmetall offers its customers an extensive portfolio in this regard and is adapting to the higher demand.

Rheinmetall provides a comprehensive medium-calibre ammunition portfolio for its own and other cannons. The portfolio covers a broad range of mission profiles and targets and allows minimizing the number of required ammunition types balancing performance with logistics.

The ammunition combines a high penetration performance, versatility, reliability, low dispersion and handling safety. Corresponding target practice and drill rounds complete the portfolio.

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