TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Contracts’ Category

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

Safran Optics 1 selected to provide Panoramic Sight to General Dynamics Land Systems for the US Army’s Mobile Protected Fire Program

Thursday, December 29th, 2022

Safran Optics 1 Selected to Provide Panoramic Sight to General Dynamics Land Systems for the US Army’s Mobile Protected Fire Program

Bedford, NH, December 28, 2022.

The U.S. Army selected General Dynamics Land Systems’ (GDLS) all-new Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle with Safran Optics 1’s PASEO Commander’s Independent Tactical Viewer (CITV) long-range panoramic targeting sight. The Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) award, valued at $1.14 billion, will provide the U.S. Army with 96 vehicles over the next four years. The award also includes test support, logistics support and systems technical support.

“We are proud to have partnered with GDLS to offer our best-in-class PASEO CITV sight for the groundbreaking MPF, all for the ultimate benefit of those who will serve on the vehicle,” said Joseph Bogosian, President & CEO at Optics 1.

The PASEO is one of the most innovative surveillance and targeting sights for infantry vehicles and battlefield tanks. It provides an above-armor integrated sight enhancing situational awareness to the Commander and crewmembers.

MPF is a lightweight, direct-fire combat vehicle that is highly lethal and survivable to dominate ground threats on the multi-domain battlefield. The MPF vehicle employs a four-person crew and features an enhanced thermal viewer (PASEO CITV), a large-caliber cannon, a lightweight hull and turret, and a modern diesel engine, transmission and suspension system. This new tank will be the first newly designed vehicle for the Army in over 40 years.

www.optics1.com

Finland Places Order for Saab’s RBS 70 Missiles

Monday, December 26th, 2022

Saab has received an order from Finland regarding missiles for the RBS 70 ground-based air defence system. The order value is approximately SEK 800 million and deliveries will take place 2023-2026.

The order includes Saab’s latest version of the RBS 70 missile, Bolide, which enables engagement with airborne armored targets and drones. The missile will be used with Finland’s current RBS 70 systems, which have been in use in the country for more than 15 years. In Finland the system is referred to as ITO05 and ITO05M (Ilmatorjuntaohjus 05).

“We are proud to continue contributing to Finland’s air defence capability with our future-proof Bolide missile, which can be used against a wide range of threats,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.   

Saab’s portfolio of short-range, ground-based air defence missile systems includes the RBS 70 and the latest version, RBS 70 NG. The RBS 70 has an impressive track-record on the market with more than 1,600 launchers and over 18,000 missiles delivered to 19 nations. 

RCMP Seeks New Sidearm

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

This week the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued an RFI for Pistol Modernization to industry regarding a new sidearm to replace the currently issued Smith & Wesson 5946.

General Requirements

Determining that the current weapon has exceeded its life expectancy, they are looking for a modern design offering reduced trigger pull weight, various frame sizes, and a reduction in overall weight as well as the ability mount both a weapon light and Red Dot Sight (RDS).

While they are sticking with 9mm, the RCMP desires a mechanically locked, recoil-operated, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol with polymer frame which can accommodate at least three grip sizes. The pistol must also be matte black, corrosion resistant, and equipped with iron backup sights in addition to the RDS.

While the pistol must have no external manual safety levers, grip safeties, and push-button safeties, it must fireable without a magazine installed.

This requirement is fairly unique, each pistol must come with a ceremonial lanyard loop that can be attached to the pistol magazine’s base plate. Additionally, the slide must be steel.

Ancillaries

a) Red Dot Sight (RDS)

b) Weapon Light

c) Carrying Case

d) Holsters (Regular and Plain Clothes)

e) Three magazines per pistol

Dimensions

Dimension requirements are a maximum length of 190.5 mm and a maximum overall height of 140 mm with the magazine and any MRDS removed along with a maximum length of 190.5 mm (7.50 inches) when measured from the muzzle to the rear of the beavertail. The pistol barrel must have a minimum length of 99 mm (3.9 inches) and a maximum length of 108 mm (4.25 inches). It must not weigh more than a maximum of 808 grams (28.5 oz) when the magazine is empty, and no accessories are attached.

Accuracy

As far as accuracy goes, the requirement stipulates that the pistol must be capable of shooting a 15.25 cm (6 inch) grouping from 25 m (27.34 yards) away.

Reliability

The service life on major components (i.e. frame, slide and barrel) that exceeds 20,000 rounds and the RDS must have a minimum warranty period of two (2) years. Additionally, the LED weapon light must have a minimum warranty period of two (2) years on switches and electronic components and the holster must have a minimum warranty period of five (5) years.

https://canadabuys.canada.ca/en/tender-opportunities/tender-notice/pw-bm-039-28894

DroneShield Receives a Record $11 million Order

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield or the Company) is pleased to advise it has received an all-time record purchase order for approximately A$11 million.
 
The order includes several different types of DroneShield counterdrone/C-UAS equipment. A substantial part of the order is expected to be delivered shortly, with the remainder in late March 2023. A$11 million corresponds to the combined value of both phases of the project. Payment for each batch is expected to be received within a month of each delivery. The proceeds are expected to be received across March and June 2023 quarters. 
 
DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “With this transformational next step in DroneShield’s growth, and as the counterdrone industry continues to rapidly grow, we look forward to rapidly fulfilling this contract.”
 
“From the start of the Company 7 years ago, DroneShield has demonstrated a consistent progression, first by building and then refining its product suite along with global distributor network, then moving to customer demos, followed by initial smaller sales, repeat $1m+ sales, and now moving into $10m+ sales territory.”
 
“Over last 24 months, we have made a significant investment in scaling our operations, to ensure we continue to meet delivery expectations of our customers as we rapidly scale up.”


Image: DroneGun MKIII

This large contract win follows a number of other recent wins for DroneShield in last couple of months. Other significant advancements include recommendation by the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) as part of the SAIC Team’s offering for deployment of its Counter-UAS as a Service across US DoD, a SBIR project awarded by US DoD with partner Quantum Research International, the first US airport deployment among other deployments across US, European and other Government customers, and appointment to the Australian Department of Defence Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Standing Offer Panel.
 
Additionally, last month, DroneShield welcomed a A$3.7 million investment from Epirus Inc, a high-growth U.S. defense technology company developing software-defined directed energy systems that enable unprecedented counter-electronics effects and power management solutions to optimize power efficiency in defense and commercial applications. This includes the Leonidas solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) technology to enable unmatched counter-electronics effects for a range of use cases. Additional information about Epirus can be found at https://www.epirusinc.com. Epirus was founded in California in 2018 and has raised approximately US$300 million (approximately A$450 million) in funding since inception.   

Saab Receives Order from Latvia for Carl-Gustaf Ammunition

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022

Saab has received orders from the Latvian Ministry of Defence for ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf® recoilless rifle. The order value is approximately SEK 185 million.

The order is placed within a framework agreement between Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) which enables Latvia to place orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons and ammunition over a ten-year period.

“We are pleased to continue delivering our world-class ground combat capabilities to Latvia. This order will support the Latvian National Armed Forces’ ability to meet a wide range of challenges on the modern battlefield,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, the Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types available for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation on the battlefield, whether it is to destroy an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night-time operations.

Gentex Corporation Announces Contract to Supply Headborne Solutions to NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)

Wednesday, December 21st, 2022

Multi-Year Contract to Supply Helmets and Headborne Systems Accessories to NATO and Partner Nations

CARBONDALE, PA, DECEMBER 19, 2022 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders and industrial personnel, announced today an agreement to supply helmets and a catalogue of accessory products to NATO and Partner nations through a multi-year outline agreement contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

Gentex will supply variants of its industry-leading Ops-Core® FAST® RF1 and XP ballistic helmet systems to NATO members through the administration of the NSPA. Along with helmet systems, the contract also includes many Ops-Core market-leading headborne accessories including the AMP® Communication Headset and PTTs, ballistic and non-ballistic mandibles, STEP-IN® Visors, and Special Operations Tactical Respirator (SOTR) respiratory products.

“Being able to supply the Ops-Core FAST RF1 and XP helmet systems and accessories through NSPA means that NATO member countries can offer their soldiers and operators the best possible protection through a streamlined process,” said Jim Clarke, Gentex Sales Director for EMEA.