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GA-ASI Adds NIDV and NATO DIANA to Blue Magic Netherlands Agenda

Monday, September 30th, 2024

Dutch Industry Encouraged to Register Online to Propose Technology Pitches for Nov. 19 Innovation and Funding Conference

SAN DIEGO – 26 September 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has added Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defence and Security (NIDV), and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), to a growing list of speakers and panelists on the agenda for the first-ever Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event being held on November 19, 2024. Other companies participating in GA-ASI’s BMN event include Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), SPACENED, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.

“We’re excited to launch this event in the Netherlands, which will bring together the best of Dutch industry and innovation,” said Brad Lunn, Managing Director of Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. “We are already engaged with companies who have contacted us to pitch their capabilities for possible inclusion in Blue Magic and open up funding opportunities.”

Dutch businesses that would like to pitch their technology and capabilities at BMN 2024 are encouraged to register on the event website by no later than Oct. 28, 2024.

Blue Magic Netherlands will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries, who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next-generation dual-use solutions.

GA-ASI has organized several successful Blue Magic events in the past and is bringing that same concept to the Netherlands. Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space. GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.

Posted in Contracts, International, NATO, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Adds NIDV and NATO DIANA to Blue Magic Netherlands Agenda

Rheinmetall Wins Mid-Double-Digit Million Euro Order for Mortar Ammunition for International NATO Customer

Monday, September 30th, 2024

An international NATO customer has placed an order with Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall for the production of mortar shells for the NATO partner’s armed forces. The value of the order, which was booked at the beginning of the third quarter of 2024, corresponds to a volume in the mid double-digit million euro range.

In total, a six-digit number of mortar shells of various types will be manufactured by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions S.A.U., Spain. The order also includes various additional services as part of the product launch.

Delivery of the ammunition is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in summer 2026.

The order underlines Rheinmetall’s expertise in the production of state-of-the-art steep-fire weapons in the field of mortar ammunition.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Wins Mid-Double-Digit Million Euro Order for Mortar Ammunition for International NATO Customer

Draganfly Receives Military Purchase Order for Its Commander 3XL to be Used for Logistics Within Various Branches of the U.S. Department of Defense

Saturday, September 28th, 2024

Commander 3XL to be used as a primary transport vehicle for the TB2 Aerospace DROPS UAV Cargo POD for autonomous tactical resupply

Saskatoon Sask, September 24, 2024– Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, is pleased to announce that it has received a purchase order from TB2 Aerospace (TB2) for Commander 3XL Drones to be deployed with TB2 Drone Recharging Operational Payload System Pods (DROPS) within the DoD for various mission types. This order represents the beginning of the deployment and scaling of the DROPs system in conjunction with the Draganfly line of drones.

The Commander 3XL will be utilized to carry out various logistics missions. The Commander 3XL is well suited as a transport vehicle, as is the entire Draganfly drone product line for TB2 Aerospace’s smart logistics PODs, as Draganfly Drones are interoperable, providing operators a variety of aircraft size, payload capacity and weight configurations that utilize common communication, counter electronic warfare options, mission planning software, accessories, payloads and more. TB2 Aerospace and Draganfly have collaborated to integrate TB2’s DROPS Pods on Draganfly’s drones, positioning Draganfly as a primary transport vehicle for TB2 Aerospace deployments within the DoD.

“We are honored to be doing this exciting work with TB2 and to have been selected for this important work in the military logistics sector,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “Draganfly thrives at working to provide exceptional capabilities by integrating our line of drones, experience, and technology stack into mission profiles and use cases with our commercial and military partners—and doing it within time frames and at costs that few others can.”

“We chose Draganfly to be our launch and developmental partner as they have a fantastic series of UAVs,” said Hank Scott, CEO of TB2. “Their aircraft are very stable, easy to fly and set up, and we were impressed by the commonality between their three UAVs. Common controllers, batteries, motors, and parts mean that the DoD can train a Warfighter to operate three different-sized UAVs with a simple, standardized training package. The commonality and interchangeable components will reduce DoD operational and training costs, and standardize the supply chain. Adding the DROPS system will make each of their UAVs a Multi-Mission Payload capable system too. It’s a win-win.”

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Draganfly Receives Military Purchase Order for Its Commander 3XL to be Used for Logistics Within Various Branches of the U.S. Department of Defense

Barrett Secures First International Government Contract for MRADELR

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Murfreesboro, TN – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. has secured its first international government contract for the supply of the MRAD Extreme Long Range (MRADELR) sniper system.

Specific details of the transaction were not disclosed, however, Barrett confirms that the order for the US-allied nation will be fulfilled and delivered within the year, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to international defense organizations.

The MRADELR is a military-proven, extreme long-range system designed to meet the precision demands typically achieved only by custom-built rifles. As part of the renowned MRAD family this rifle features user-changeable barrels and calibers, allowing it to adapt to a range of operational needs. With its innovative technology, precision engineering, and high-quality materials, the MRADELR is the next step forward in extreme long-range marksmanship.

The rifle is available in multiple calibers including .416 Barrett and provides superior performance for target engagement beyond 2000 yards.

Recently recognized as the Ballistic Best Editor’s Select for “Best ELR Rifle,” the MRADELR had its first public showing at the 2023 King of 2 Miles competition where its performance clearly stood out above all other production rifles at ranges out to 3526 yards.

Barrett CEO Bryan James stated, “We are honored to provide these international organizations with the tools they need to secure their defenses and protect their interests. The MRADELR is yet another testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of long-range precision firearms.”

With this new contract and continued recognition in the industry, Barrett continues to lead the charge in advancing long-range shooting capabilities for both military and civilian markets around the globe.

The company recently announced a significant agreement to upgrade the NATO-allied Norwegian Armed Forces’ existing Barrett Model 82A1 rifle, in service since 1999, to the more advanced model M107A1.

www.barrett.net

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Barrett Secures First International Government Contract for MRADELR

Army Announces Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport Inc. II Contract Awards

Thursday, September 26th, 2024

Detroit Arsenal, Mich. (Sept. 24, 2024) — The Army announced the award of two Other Transaction Authority Engineering and Manufacturing Design contracts today to American Rheinmetall Vehicles, LLC, and HDT Expeditionary Systems, Inc., totaling a combined $22 million to provide eight prototypes each of the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport Increment II.

American Rheinmetall Vehicles’ S-MET Inc. II offering

HDT’s S-MET Inc. II offering

The S-MET was originally developed as a Directed Requirement meant to identify opportunities for the Army to quickly field existing platforms to improve the fighting force’s capability. The S-MET Increment I is a single radio-controlled, eight-wheeled platform designed to carry payload, generate power for organic electronic systems, and conduct unconstrained movement. In its first increment, the S-MET is capable of carrying 1,000 lbs. of equipment and provides enhanced capability primarily in Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and Security Force Assistance Brigades.

The second increment seeks to double that payload capacity while adding several improvements identified by Solders during evaluation and operation. Those improvements include:

Higher exportable power to enable modern mission payloads like Unmanned Air Systems and communications equipment
Improved audio signature reduction
A dismounted wireless mesh communication network
Increased reliability
Worldwide grid charging
Modular and open architecture allowing for easier and more cost-effective upgrades

“S-MET Increment II addresses capability gaps associated with excessive physical burdens, recharging batteries during continuous operations, and reducing sustainment burden for semi-independent operations. The S-MET reduces Soldier load and enhances small unit combat effectiveness by reducing fatigue and injury caused by excessive physical loads, shifting the burden to the robotic platform,” said Kyle Bruner, the Army’s project manager for Force Projection, Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support, headquartered here.

“S-MET supports the Army’s mission to implement robotic and autonomous system capabilities with urgency to lessen risk to Soldiers in multi-domain operations,” he added.

Successful S-MET Increment II developmental testing will lead to a production contract slated for late Fiscal Year 2027 for an Army Acquisition Objective of up to 2,195 systems.

By Sam Tricomo, Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support

Posted in Army, Contracts, Guest Post, Mobility, Robotics | Comments Off on Army Announces Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport Inc. II Contract Awards

Army Awards Information Collection Management Application

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) recently awarded ECS Federal a delivery order valued at $1.2M for initial acquisition, tailoring, integration and testing of the Information Collection Management Application (ICM). This is the first delivery order on the IDIQ which has a ceiling of up to $23M to support all development, integration, testing, training, license procurement and maintenance across the next five years.

The Information Collection Management App, a critical component of the Army’s modernization initiatives, is designed to digitize collection management workflows and provide a tactical, expeditionary toolset that addresses Commander’s information needs. With streamlined workflows, the app significantly reduces the burden of soldier operations, ensuring that our forces are equipped with the best possible intelligence capabilities to face the challenges of tomorrow’s complex battlefield environments.

“The awarding of the Information Collection Management App marks a significant milestone in our mission to develop and field modernized intelligence systems,” said Col. Chris Anderson, Project Manager for PM Intelligence Systems & Analytics. “This app is a testament to the exceptional work of our dedicated professionals who are committed to integrating best value solutions for the battlefield of tomorrow.”

PM IS&A is responsible for multiple Army Intelligence Foundation’s modernization initiatives and develops and fields modernized intelligence systems through an exceptional workforce of dedicated professionals, integrating best value solutions for the battlefield of tomorrow.

Posted in Army, CEMA, Contracts, ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on Army Awards Information Collection Management Application

Eonix Awarded Air Force Phase II STTR to Unlock Next-Gen Warfare with Scalable Ultra-High-Power Batteries

Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Leveraging the ATLAS platform, Eonix will accelerate battery materials discovery focused on powering Directed Energy, C-sUAS, and e-VTOL systems

Knoxville,TN — [Sept 18th, 2024] — Eonix, a pioneer in next-generation battery technology, has been selected by AFWERX for a PHASE II STTR contract with the University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering in the amount of $1.7M focused on ultra-high-power batteries for directed energy, counter drone swarms, and e-VTOL systems. The funds will be used to design high conductivity electrolytes that are drop-in compatible with batteries manufactured today and meet the ambitious DoD energy storage targets for next gen platforms.

“New technologies like Directed Energy, Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft (C-sUAS), and electric Vertical Take Off Landing (e-VTOL) Systems promise to transform modern air defense systems by offering cost-effective engagement, enhanced base resiliency, and advanced surveillance and attack capabilities,” said Eonix Founder Don Derosa. “Our ATLAS materials discovery platform will design a next generation battery chemistry that improves power density, discharge rate, and operational temperature…thus powering the Air Force to respond to a rapid evolution of aerial threats.”

Eonix is revolutionizing battery product development, leveraging their ATLAS platform which is 40x faster and 15x lower cost than traditional R&D methods. This groundbreaking platform, previously harnessed for projects backed by Army/DOE/NSF/Air Force, pairs real-time measurement of material behavior in batteries with quantum mechanics simulations to train AI models, significantly accelerating materials discovery. These models predict material performance and suggest novel material candidates, marking a significant leap forward in the quest for next-gen energy storage solutions.

The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on Eonix will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Posted in Air Force, Contracts, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Eonix Awarded Air Force Phase II STTR to Unlock Next-Gen Warfare with Scalable Ultra-High-Power Batteries

goTenna awarded $15M AFWERX STRATFI SBIR Contract for Air Force CoTS Connectivity

Saturday, September 21st, 2024

AFWERX selects goTenna for a Small Business Innovation Research contract to develop CoTS capabilities to enable communications connectivity solutions for the U.S Air Force.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (September 16, 2024) – goTenna, the world’s leading mobile mesh networking company, was awarded $15M through the Air Force’s Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) Program to provide enhanced Commercial Off-The-Shelf (CoTS) mesh capabilities. This award allows goTenna to develop and enhance the company’s already robust ecosystem of integrated, industry-leading CoTS communication equipment that enables connectivity in peacetime and wartime environments. goTenna’s solutions will directly contribute to the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) Strategic Need for Resilient Information Sharing through hardware and software over mobile ad-hoc mesh networks. goTenna’s technology will increase coordination across all Joint Force assets and partner forces through assured communications and shared situational awareness.

STRATFI is a joint initiative by AFWERX and SpaceWERX designed to assist Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) projects in bridging the challenging gap between development and full production. By providing a multi-year infusion of funds, this effort enables small businesses to attract necessary investors and continue their research and development efforts as they progress towards full-scale capability.

“This contract will enable goTenna to further optimize our commercial off the shelf mesh radio capabilities to better support Air Force and Department of Defense missions,” said goTenna CEO Ari Schuler. “The AFWERX program has been a critical driver for advancing goTenna’s support for the warfighter, and the STRATFI program is ideal for enabling small businesses to successfully transition new capabilities to market. We appreciate the amazing support of our end users in the special warfare community, the Hanscom Air Force base contracting activity, and the STRATFI program office in advancing critical communications capabilities for the US government.”

In addition to the STRATFI contract award, goTenna announced an investment by Vanedge Capital in goTenna’s ongoing Series 1 fundraise. Vanedge is an early-stage venture fund that invests in companies building foundational new technologies with transformational potential, focusing on disruptive hardtech platforms, analytics, and AI.

“goTenna’s resilient mesh networking technology solves vital connectivity challenges for the most demanding customers in the world, and has already proven its worth in critical operations,” said Moe Kermani, Managing Partner at Vanedge Capital. “We’ve been extremely impressed by Ari and the entire goTenna team, and are confident that their relentless focus on their customers’ missions will lead to more growth and greater success.”

Posted in Air Force, Comms, Contracts, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on goTenna awarded $15M AFWERX STRATFI SBIR Contract for Air Force CoTS Connectivity