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Avon Protection Awarded Contract to Supply Respiratory Protection for NATO

Friday, August 21st, 2020

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded Avon Protection a 10 years contract to supply a complete CBRN personal respirator system. This procurement was led by Finland and Norway to establish technical requirements and demanding end user testing. The framework contract will enable NATO countries and partners to purchase Avon Protection’s market leading respirator system, based around FM50, full suite of filters, MP-PAPR, (Powered Air Purifying Respirator), ST53 (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and accessories.

Understanding the operational flexibility required by NATO forces, Avon Protection have designed a unique modular respirator system to protect NATO troops in the most demanding environments.

The FM50 respirator and a suite of filters are at the core of the respirator protection system selected by NSPA. Developed in conjunction with the United States Department of Defense to counter the multiple CBRN threats met in modern war fighting, anti-terrorist and peace-keeping operations, the FM50 is the most operationally proven and widely deployed battlefield respirator in the World.

Commenting, James Wilcox, President, Military at Avon Protection, said:

“We are proud to be awarded this strategically important contract from NSPA and we look forward to working with NATO and their partners to continue to support world leading military capability. This contract demonstrates NATO‘s continued confidence and reliance on Avon Protection to supply product of the highest quality and performance to protect its troops for the forseeable future.”

Posted in Contracts, COVID-19 Pandemic, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Avon Protection Awarded Contract to Supply Respiratory Protection for NATO

Hungarian Armed Forces Establish Joint Venture with Rheinmetall to Produce Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Wednesday, August 19th, 2020

Deal helps the Hungarian Army meet its NATO commitments through continued modernization of the country’s defence industry

Key facts

Major order: Hungary intends to procure the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle

Order volume expected to exceed €2 billion

New Joint Venture for the production of the Lynx in Hungary

First NATO and EU customer for Rheinmetall’s innovative Lynx IFV

With the signing of an agreement in Unterlüss on 17 August 2020, the government of Hungary has embarked on a massive programme worth over two billion euros to modernize the country’s defence industry and military capabilities. The move was announced by Hungary’s Secretariat of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology and the Commissioner for Defence Development. Rheinmetall, Europe’s foremost maker of army equipment, will be cooperating with Hungary to create a joint venture and production facility in Hungary to manufacture the most modern Lynx infantry fighting vehicle.

Hungary is the first NATO and EU member state to choose the Düsseldorf-based Group’s innovative new IFV. The step is of central importance in Hungary’s ongoing programme of military and industrial development, which aims to transform the Hungarian Army as quickly as possible into a world-class fighting force capable of actively addressing security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic region.

In the words of the joint statement read by László Palkovics, Minister of Innovation and Technology, and Gáspár Maróth, Commissioner for Defence Development: “As part of its commitment to NATO, Hungary is replacing its heavy ground forces equipment. Following the tanks and artillery, it is now the turn of the infantry combat vehicles, which form the backbone of the capabilities set. As the most advanced system of its kind, the Lynx has demonstrated its suitability for a central role in the Army’s capabilities spectrum for decades to come. In keeping with earlier promises by the Hungarian government to enhance the nation’s armed forces, this cooperative endeavour extends far beyond the modernization of military technology. Partnering with a major European corporation will result in the modernization of our defence industry and thus to the expansion of our industrial portfolio.”

As Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG, explains: “The Lynx’s market breakthrough is a major success for us. And the fact that we were able to convince Hungary – an important EU and NATO partner – to choose this innovative vehicle makes this success all the greater. In making this forward- looking procurement decision, Hungary’s top political and military officials have demonstrated real leadership. Not only does the move place Hungary at the forefront of European army technology. It reaffirms the Hungarian government’s commitment to being a reliable, more militarily effective partner of its NATO allies, a policy which it is pursuing with systematic energy.”

“We’re very proud”, said Mr Papperger, “to be able to make an important contribution to the sustained expansion of Hungary’s defence technology capabilities in cooperation with local industry. We look forward to working together with our Hungarian friends and partners, and will do everything in our power to assure the long-term success of this venture.”

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Contracts, International, Press Release | 7 Comments »

ATAC Wins Air-to-Ground Training for Air Force

Wednesday, August 19th, 2020

Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) to Deliver JTAC Training to Air Force Special Operators

Washington, DC — August 13, 2020 — Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), part of the Textron Systems segment of Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT), announced today that it has been selected to provide live contract close air support (CCAS) training for Joint Terminal Air Controllers (JTACs) under the U.S. Air Force’s Combat Air Forces Contracted Air Support program.

A team flying ATAC’s L-39 Albatros and Valkyrie Aero’s A-27 Tucano aircraft will support Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) JTAC training at numerous bases and locations throughout the continental United States. The contract calls for approximately 900 sorties and more than 1,100 flight hours on tactical ranges annually, with flight operations commencing in the summer of 2020. This is the first CCAS award the Air Force will grant the contracted air services industry for what could be up to 10 locations under the Combat Air Forces Contracted Air Support program.

“ATAC is proud to support the training of AFSOC JTACs, the gold-standard in their field”, said Scott Stacy, ATAC General Manager. “This work expands on ATAC’s previous air-to-ground training and positions the company for future growth in this important training area”.

The ATAC-Valkyrie team also supports JTAC training under the U.S. Navy’s Terminal Attack Controller Trainer (TACT) program, and recently completed an evolution for the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) on the Fallon ranges. The ATAC-Valkyrie team was competitively selected to participate in the TACT program in April 2019.

ATAC is the global leader of tactical airborne training, having pioneered much of what are now contracted air services industry standards with a fleet of over 90 aircraft, over 60,000 flight hours, and 20 years of operating experience. ATAC has provided a wide range of contracted air support capabilities to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in locations world-wide, including the continental United States, Hawaii and the Western Pacific region. ATAC has helped train crews from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps and regularly operates out of as many as 25 different air bases per year.

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Contracts, Press Release, Training | 1 Comment »

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.

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