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US Army Awards FN America LLC Contract for M240L Machine Guns

Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

The Department of Defense recently announced the following contract award:

FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, was awarded a $49,973,579 firm-fixed-price contract for M240L medium machine guns and titanium receivers. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 27, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0010).

Developed in 2011, the M240L sheds five pounds from the standard model thanks to a Titanium receiver and polymer trigger frame. Additionally, it is equipped with a 4? shorter barrel and a redesigned collapsible buttstock assembly. The M240L variant is equipped with the forward-mounted MIL-STD 1913 rail kit.

Posted in Army, Contracts, weapons | 7 Comments »

SIG MOD-X9 Selected by USSOCOM as Mk27 Handgun Suppressor

Tuesday, February 1st, 2022

Last fall, USSOCOM selected the SIG MOD-X9 in 9mm as the suppressor for use with the Mk27 handgun, a SOF unique pistol which is known commercially as the Glock 19 and is currently in service in several variants.

The user configurable MOD-X9 Suppressor is comprised of seven, 3D-printed titanium baffles and an encapsulator with 21-points of impact adjustment. The length is adjustable from 3.25 inches to 7.5 inches, the weight is adjustable from 5 ounces to 8 ounces, and the sound is adjustable from 127.4dB to 145.3dB.

With a handgun suppressor requirement on the books for years, the capability was finally acquired via an Other Transactional Authority acquisition which saw several manufacturers offer commercially available suppressors compatible with the Glock handgun.

Participating vendors demonstrated their suppressors to the command during a private range event in 2020. Then, they selected two suppressors to move forward with operator testing and a technical evaluation at Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane which handles procurement of weapons for Special Operations Forces. The result was selection of the SIG MOD-X9.

Due to the nature of the procurement, traditional steps aren’t necessarily followed so unfortunately, there has been no public notice of the buy. Regardless, the first tranche of suppressors for the Mk27 handgun should be hitting units by this summer.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, SOF, Suppressors | 6 Comments »

Army Applications Laboratory Names Four Companies to Soldier Power Cohort

Tuesday, February 1st, 2022

Cohort Aims to Help the US Army Power Soldiers on the Move AUSTIN, TX – Four companies have been selected for the Soldier Power Cohort with the Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) through a program managed by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). Sourced from across the country, the selected companies are developing innovative power generation and power conversion, high-density energy storage, and intelligent management and distribution technologies that can support self-sufficiency, reduce burdens, and lessen dependence on resupply.

“Technology is a force multiplier for the Army, but with more technology comes more weight and the need for more power. We need to find a smart way to lighten that load for Soldiers who work in expeditionary environments for days at a time,” said Col. Jay Wisham, director of AAL. “While the commercial market for these technologies is relatively niche, both the Army and industry are facing similar challenges in how to maintain power for devices when away from the grid. This Cohort offers a way to join forces and move the field forward while keeping our Soldiers safe and effective in the harshest environments.”

Dramatic improvements in energy and power density for low-power commercial applications have increased the amount of output achievable while reducing size and weight. Intelligent power management and distribution solutions have also been instrumental in enhancing overall efficiency (as well as convenience) for consumers. As part of the Soldier Power Cohort, companies will earn $100,000 to develop conceptual designs that translate these existing solutions to address the Army’s specific problem. Cohort participants will learn about the Soldier Power problem set directly from key stakeholders, including Army Futures Command’s Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team; the Network Cross-Functional Team; and Combat Capability and Development Center Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Center.

The 8-week Soldier Power Cohort began on January 24, 2022, with concept design presentations planned for March 17, 2022.

The following companies will participate in the cohort:

Epirus, Inc.

Hawthorne, CA

Epirus is a high-growth technology company that develops directed energy systems and power management solutions for broad applications across industries. The nucleus of Epirus’ innovation is the company’s machine intelligent SmartPower technology platform, a multi-layered management solution that delivers precision control, unprecedented power density, and high-power efficiency to various devices.

Resonant Link, Inc.

Shelburne, VT

Resonant Link powers fleets and devices while they work by wirelessly charging medical devices, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles. Through a breakthrough wireless charging technology called the Multi-layer Self-Resonant Structure (MSRS), Resonant Link provides wireless power for multiple Fortune 500 companies and government agencies.

Spark Thermionics, Inc.

Emeryville, CA

Spark Thermionics is an early-stage energy startup developing a “powerplant on a chip” — lightweight and fuel-flexible electricity generation based on a thermionic energy conversion. Spark is led by world leaders in thermionic technology and has received recognition in Physics Today, Fortune, the Official White House blog, and elsewhere.

Xerion Advanced Battery Corp.

Kettering, OH

Founded in 2010, Xerion Advanced Battery Corporation is a fast-growing battery company located in Dayton, OH, that works with Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries. Through its patented battery technologies, the company aims to revolutionize the energy industry by introducing a step change in innovation in Li-ion batteries for portable electronics, power tools, and unmanned aerial systems (UASs).

Posted in Army, Contracts, Guest Post, Power | Comments Off on Army Applications Laboratory Names Four Companies to Soldier Power Cohort

Mission First Tactical (MFT) & Precision Technic Defence A/S Awarded Contract from the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO)

Thursday, January 27th, 2022

MFT will supply the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) with its BATTLELINK™ Minimalist Stock through Precision Technic Defence Group.

Horsham, Pa. (January 2022) – 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 from the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) to supply it with MFT’s BATTLELINK™ Minimalist Stock. The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) is responsible for procurement, supply, maintenance, development, and decommission of material capabilities, IT, and services for the armed Danish forces. The contract award is specifically for weapon-mounted accessories NAR for the next seven years.

The Danish Defence operates in various environments across the globe, which means that the Danish Defence uses a variety of different small arms and light weapon systems during combat and training. The Danish Defence procures equipment based on the various environments and the different needs from the operators for flexible parts to personalize and modularize the individual weapons to these environments and/or needs.

The BATTLELINK Minimalist Stock adapts and changes to the environment or operational needs by utilizing custom accessory mounts and accepts a new optimized sling configuration. All of the functional requirements are met while keeping the weight of the stock under six ounces, making it the lightest stock of its kind on the market.

The BATTLELINK Minimalist Stock is a slide-on replacement for a collapsible buttstock. The angled, non-slip, rubberized removable buttpad allows for faster presentation, even when donning body armor. It has multiple sling slots with single-point mount points, with the Quick Detach Sling mounting point positioned for optimum usage, including ambidextrous shooters. The upper section provides an enhanced cheek weld. Available in Black and Scorched Dark Earth.

For more information on Mission First Tactical, visit www.missionfirsttactical.com.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Mission First Tactical (MFT) & Precision Technic Defence A/S Awarded Contract from the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO)

ArmorSource to Provide U.S. Army With Next Generation Crewman Helmets

Thursday, January 20th, 2022

The U.S. Army has awarded Hebron, Ohio based ballistic helmet manufacturer, ArmorSource LLC., a contract to supply 14,000 Advanced Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmets (ACVC-H) at a value of $6M. ArmorSource presented the U.S. Army with a modernized version of the crewman helmet based on its Next Generation ballistic solutions that utilize some of the most advanced Honeywell ballistic composite materials available. The first deliveries of the new ACVC GEN II model are expected to ship in early 2023.

HEBRON, Ohio, Jan. 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — “It is a huge honor to be selected by the U.S. Army to supply our troops with such an innovative product,” says Brad Grunden, ArmorSource President. “We are extremely excited for all of the men and women who will soon be equipped with the most advanced combat vehicle crewman helmet technology available in the industry. ArmorSource’s ACVC GEN II helmet exceeds the ballistic and fragmentation performance of the legacy ACVC but at a much lighter weight. We believe this product sets a new standard of safety and comfort for these users.”

The ACVC GEN II is one of ArmorSource’s Next Generation helmet solutions scheduled to be formally introduced to the public at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas on January 18-21, 2022. In addition to the ACVC GEN II, ArmorSource will also present its ACH GEN II ‘AS-501-G2’, a Next Generation military helmet, and the ‘AIRE LE’, a Next Generation law enforcement helmet.

To learn more about ArmorSource’s Next Generation helmets please click here.

Posted in Contracts, Helmets, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Saab Provides Camouflage Systems to France

Thursday, January 20th, 2022

Saab has signed a framework contract for the supply of its Barracuda multispectral camouflage systems with the French defence procurement agency, Direction générale de l’armement (DGA). The contract includes the delivery of new camouflage systems as well as a system adaptation phase in cooperation with the DGA. The contract is for eight years and provides for annual deliveries.

With this cooperation, the DGA and the French Army will benefit from Saab’s global network and more than 60 years of expertise in the field of advanced camouflage systems. This programme has a pioneering character and is organised in different cooperation phases. In addition to the delivery of the most advanced camouflage systems for the operational areas of the French Army, the order includes a joint work phase during which the Barracuda camouflage solutions will be specifically adapted to the French Army’s operational requirements.

“The first phase of this programme will fine-tune the specification of the multispectral camouflage nets in order to meet the specific requirements of the French Army. The provided technology will enhance the user’s ability to remain undetected in the battlefield where the development of more capable and accessible sensors drastically increases the need for efficient camouflage,” says Henning Robach, head of business unit Saab Barracuda.

Solarmtex S.A.S, located in Vierzon, will be the local industrial and distribution partner for Saab’s Barracuda signature management and camouflage products in France. Saab’s Barracuda advanced camouflage systems have been delivered to more than 45 countries. Saab offers a unique package of advanced state-of-the art Barracuda camouflage systems and protection solutions, designed to limit the enemy’s detection and attack capabilities. Various solutions and configurations are available to protect camps, individuals, vehicles, weapon stations, sensors equipment and other assets in any type of terrain or environment.

Posted in Camo, Contracts, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Milrem Robotics Awarded Contract to Support the Development of the Italian Army’s Robotics Program

Sunday, January 16th, 2022

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded the European leading robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) developer and system integrator Milrem Robotics a contract to provide RAS Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) Services to the Italian Army.

The scope of the multi-year campaign is to explore RAS technology in order to update the Italian army’s RAS strategy and outline an implementation roadmap for the introduction of unmanned systems and related technology into service.

Milrem Robotics will support the Italian army in developing a clear path to how RAS technology, systems and architectures can generate operational advantages and ground armed forces benefits when operating in urbanized environments.

“Milrem is proud to be selected as the partner for supporting the Italian Armed Forces in one of the most advanced and challenging RAS CD&E initiatives in the world. This program is well in line with our core competencies as a system integrator for autonomous and robotic technologies,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

The Italian CD&E level of ambition is to exploit prototyping skills and technological capabilities to demonstrate future operational benefits and finally, to identify short to mid-term (5-15 years) transformational initiatives for the development of operational RAS capabilities.

The scope of the cooperation is to capture, analyse and deliver decision support data from all stages of the experimentation process, stemming from field activities, war-gaming, modelling and simulation, innovative technologies, etc., that will respond to the challenges set forth by the problem statement.

The deliverables of the contract include a Command and Control (C2) System, an autonomy engine, systems integration of 3rd party capabilities, several unmanned ground and air vehicles and a variety of sensors and effectors.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope Unmanned Ground Vehicles and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The THeMIS supports dismounted troops while the Multiscope is intended for civilian use such as forestry and firefighting. The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is a wingman for mechanized units.

Milrem Robotics is the leader of a consortium that was recently awarded 30.6M (EUR) from the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS).

During the project, titled iMUGS, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics Awarded Contract to Support the Development of the Italian Army’s Robotics Program

Lithuania Joins Framework Agreement on Carl-Gustaf

Thursday, January 13th, 2022

Saab has signed a framework agreement with the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence for the Carl-Gustaf® M4 weapon and ammunition. A first order for ammunition with a value of approximately SEK 150 million was placed by the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency in connection with the signing of the framework agreement.

The signing means that the Lithuanian Armed Forces will join the same Carl-Gustaf framework agreement as Sweden, Estonia and Latvia.

“It’s a great milestone to have Sweden and all the Baltic countries in the same agreement for the Carl-Gustaf system. Now we look forward to delivering this ammunition and providing Lithuania with the fantastic Carl-Gustaf M4 system,” Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Since the Carl-Gustaf M4 launch in 2014, Saab has signed contracts with fourteen different nations for the system. The wide range of ammunition provides extreme tactical flexibility, ready for any combat situation, delivering faster engagement, increased hit probability and greater effectiveness.

Lithuania has been a user of the Carl-Gustaf system since the mid-1990’s.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Lithuania Joins Framework Agreement on Carl-Gustaf