ALLENTOWN, PA (August 27, 2019) – Mack Defense is partnering with Truck-Lite Co., LLC to provide lighting systems for the M917A3 heavy dump truck (HDT). Truck-Lite is a worldwide leader in heavy-duty lighting, telematics, engine protection, safety and visibility systems.
“To meet the demanding specifications of the U.S. Army, Mack Defense assembled a world class team of suppliers to develop a best-in-class vehicle,” said Jack Terefinko, Mack Defense acquisition program manager. “That includes working with partners like Truck-Lite, which has years of experience in developing military-spec equipment.”
Since 1998, Truck-Lite has produced military-spec lighting that meets or exceeds the military’s strict lighting standards. Mack Defense partnered with Truck-Lite to bring that expertise to the M917A3 HDT program in the form of its blackout drive lights, front and rear composite lights and auxiliary lighting.
“Truck-Lite has supported the U.S. Army for more than 20 years through the development and release of forward and signal lighting that withstands the harsh environments of defense settings,” said Jacques Baudeloque, military sales director for Truck-Lite. “We’re proud to continue our relationships with both Mack Defense and the Army to provide the toughest and best lighting for the M917A3 HDT.”
The U.S. Army awarded Mack Defense a firm-fixed-price $296 million contract in May 2018 to produce up to 683 M917A3 HDTs. Based on the commercially-available Granite® dump truck, the Mack Defense M917A3 HDT has been optimized meet the demanding requirements of the U.S. Army with heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive, increased suspension ride height and other rugged features.
The Swedish police have announced in two contract award decisions that they intend to sign two framework agreements with INVISIO regarding communication equipment. The contract award decisions are not to be regarded as signed agreements.
The agreements include communication equipment with active hearing protection and are framework agreements valid for two years with the possibility to extend for another two years. No volume is guaranteed during the contract periods; call-offs will be made when the need arises.
The tendering process may be subject to review within ten days of the award decision.
INVISIO intends to provide additional information when the company has such and when the agreements are signed.
Hunt Valley, Maryland. August 30, 2019 – Textron Systems, a business of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), announced today its selection by the U.S. Army’s Project Manager Soldier Weapons as one of three organizations to deliver Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) based on the company’s mature, high-performance cased telescoped (CT) technology. Under this award, Textron Systems will deliver 43 6.8mm CT NGSW-Automatic Rifles and 53 NGSW-Rifles, as well as 845,000 rounds of CT ammunition during a 27-month period of performance.
To support the NGSW prototype program, Textron Systems leads a world-class team that offers decades of trusted small arms experience and includes Heckler & Koch, as well as Olin Winchester. Heckler & Koch provides renowned small arms design, research and development, and manufacturing capabilities, while Olin Winchester brings renowned small caliber ammunition production capabilities.
“We have assembled a team that understands and can deliver on the rigorous requirements for this U.S. Army program with mature and capable technology, reliable program execution and dedicated user support,” says Wayne Prender, Textron Systems’ Senior Vice President, Applied Technologies and Advanced Programs. “Together, we are honored to support America’s soldiers with the next-generation capabilities they need in their most dangerous missions.”
Textron Systems has successfully demonstrated its high capability and low-risk 6.8mm CT system that provides significant performance enhancements over current Army systems. The design features improved accuracy and greater muzzle velocity for increased performance, as well as weight savings of both weapon and ammunition over current Army systems. It also incorporates advanced suppressor technology to reduce the firing signature and improve controllability.
Under earlier development programs, Textron Systems successfully scaled its lightweight CT technology into numerous calibers and configurations, demonstrating its technical maturity, as well as scalability for future growth to support U.S. close combat forces against current and future adversaries.
Posted in Contracts, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Textron Systems Leads Experienced Team Selected by U.S. Army to Participate in the Next Generation Squad Weapons Prototype Program
Last night, the Army announced the three companies which will proceed to Phase 2 of the Next Generation Squad Weapons Program. This solicitation is a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON), a Other Transaction Agreement under Section 804 Authority.
The PPON called for each vendor to develop two weapon variants under the NGSW program and 6.8 millimeter ammunition common to both weapons. This is NOT the 6.8 SPC cartridge evaluated by USSOCOM in the early 00s, but rather more akin to 270 WSM.
The three companies selected are:
W15QKN-19-9-1024 – General Dynamics-OTS Inc. – Williston, VT
W15QKN-19-9-1025 – AAI Corporation Textron Systems – Hunt Valley, MD
W15QKN-19-9-1022 – Sig Sauer Inc. – Newington, NH
Although the Army has tried over the years to find a replacement for the M-16 family of weapons, which the M4A1 Carbine is the latest iteration of, none have been successful. Each and every time, the Army has found that the candidate weapons did not result in a great enough improvement in lethality to replace the status quo. This time, the Army called a new effect on target, driving the development of both cartridge and weapon.
Specifically, the Army is seeking a Next Generation Squad Weapon-Rifle (NGSW-R) and Next Generation Squad Weapon-Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR). The NGSW-R is the planned replacement for the M4/M4A1 Carbine and the NGSW-AR is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in the Automatic Rifleman Role in the Close Combat Force.
According to the solicitation, the duration for each prototype OTA is estimated to be up to eight years. The first 27 months will be for prototyping the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and ammunition. Following this prototyping effort, there may be additional iterative prototyping efforts for the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and ammunition. These iterative prototyping efforts will each have separate durations and will occur within the eight year duration.
Furthermore, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2371b(f), and upon a determination that the prototype project (or any subsequent iterative prototyping efforts) was successfully completed under the competitively awarded OTA(s), a follow-on production contract(s) or OTA(s) may be awarded without the use of competitive procedures.
Because of the duration of the OTA, and that prototype OTA will undergo two prototype test events including Soldier Touch Points, they are asking for a lot more weapons and ammunition than in the current NGSAR PON. Deliverables for each prototype OTA include 53 NGSW-R weapons, 43 NGSW-AR weapons, 845,000 rounds of ammunition, spare parts, test barrels, tools/gauges/accessories, engineering support, and iterative prototyping efforts as defined in the Statement of Work.
The follow-on production award(s) is planned to be an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contract with Firm Fixed Price Delivery Orders up to ten years or a fixed amount OTA up to ten years. The production award(s) may include 250,000 total weapons system(s) (NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, or both), 150,000,000 rounds of ammunition, spare parts, tools/gauges/accessories, and engineering support. The value of this follow-on production award(s) is estimated to be $10M in the first year and estimated $150M per year at the higher production rates.
GD comes in partnered with True Velocity ammunition and their polymer case design. However, the ammunition for this program features an entirely new case and is called the True Velocity Composite Munition.
Additionally, we hear that GD submitted a bullpup carbine, which several sources have claimed is what the Marine Corps hopes to get from NGSW. Considering the 6.8mm requirement, rumors that they are using the Desert Tech MDR seem like a good bet. Update: it’s not the MDR, but rather a new bullpup design.
AAI Textron is seen by many as the government solution as their weapon and Case Telescoping technology has been funded for years under the Lightweight Small Arms Technology program.
It is the most radical departure of the three from currently fielded weapons. This is a video of their technology demonstrator shown at a recent industry meeting.
LAPD’s SWAT team rescues dozens of hostages and manages 120-plus high-risk warrants and approximately 100 barricaded suspect cases per year. It responds to barricade or hostage incidents where the suspect is believed to be armed or an extreme threat to public safety. Typical situations include the presence of weapons, suspected gang activity and heavily fortified locations.
LASD is the largest sheriff’s department in the world. The Special Enforcement Bureau, newly equipped with Team Wendy helmets, is a full-time unit of tactical paramedics and rescue specialists, including a canine detail and a special weapons team. It works hand-in-hand with the department’s arson/explosives and hazardous materials details and coordinates security for visiting dignitaries and politicians, including the United States President and Vice President. SEB responds to an estimated 200-300 tactical operations every year, including barricaded suspects, high-risk warrants and hostage situations.
Team Wendy CEO Jose Rizo-Patron said the company exists for the sole purpose of protecting officers like these.
“The men and women of the LAPD and LASD put their lives on the line every day and we take pride in knowing we play a role in their safety,” he said. “This is why we do what we do.”
Joe Nagy, who works with law enforcement agencies around the country on behalf of Team Wendy, said the EXFIL Ballistic SL is built to do exactly what these agencies need.
“We spent a long time engineering this helmet so it would perform at a high caliber,” he said.
The EXFIL Ballistic SL is the fifth helmet in Team Wendy’s EXFIL line. It has a complete system weight of 2.2 pounds, meets a ballistic rating of NIJ Level III-A (according to NIJ STD 0106.01/0108.01) and exceeds ACH blunt impact protection requirements. It features the newer, lighter EXFIL Rail 3.0 for more efficient accessory mounting and the boltless CAM FIT™ Retention System for individualized fit and superior weight distribution.
LAPD and LASD join Orange County Sheriff’s Office and more than 20 other law enforcement agencies in southern California that wear Team Wendy helmet systems.
NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg, PA has issued a Request for Information to industry for Suppressors compatible with the M2A1 .50 Machine Gun.
In addition to being resistant to a maritime environment and having no impact in barrel life, the Navy desires these capabilities as well:
Back in May we told you of the Marine Corps’ desire to field a Squad Common Optic for the M27 Infantry Assault Rifle which is becoming the standard weapon for Marines in the Infantry Squad. The Marines envision the SCO as a magnified optic to improve target acquisition and probability of hit P(h) between 0-600 meters (m). The SCO includes a non-caliber specific reticle, is variable power, and incorporates a user selectable illuminated or non-illuminated aim-point.
Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), Portfolio Manager Ground Combat Element Systems (PfM GCES), Program Manager Infantry Weapon just released a pre-solicitation to industry, which serves as a Warning Order that they plan to open a Full and Open Competitive solicitation for the SCO on or about September 13, 2019 with proposal due date on or about October 21, 2019.
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has selected INVISIO to provide a suite of hearing enhancement solutions over the coming years that will protect Marines’ hearing while increasing their situational awareness in a variety of training and combat environments. A first order of SEK 43 million has been received that will be delivered during the next 6 months.
The INVISIO systems are compatible with Marine Corps radios and the Marine Corps Enhanced Combat Helmet. The systems consist of both communications enabled versions and as well as hearing protection only. The Program Manager for Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE) at Marine Corps System Command is the procuring office.
The new headset systems will allow Marines to wear hearing protection, yet still provide the opportunity to communicate and understand what is going on around them. Infantry, artillery, reconnaissance and combat engineer Marines decided on INVISIO systems based on fit, form, function and comfort. PM ICE will field a suite of hearing protection systems, and Marines will get what they need based on their specific role and unit.
The headset systems are rugged and capable of operating in a wide range of environments a Marine might encounter, from cold weather to extreme heat. In the future, MCSC will release new weapon systems that could potentially cause a greater risk to Marines’ hearing. To be prepared, PM ICE wants to ensure Marines ears are protected in advance. The goal is to field a hearing system that will help Marines communicate better and increase their capabilities on the battlefield.
”We are very excited and pleased to have won the competition for the Marine Hearing Enhancement Program. We look forward to providing Marines with a suite of hearing protection and tactical communications systems combining both protection and capability”, said Ray Clarke, CEO of INVISIO Communications Inc. in the U.S.
“Winning the Marine Hearing Enhancement Program is a milestone for INVISIO and a further strengthening of our already market leading position in the U.S. We are very proud and ready to support the United States Marine Corps over the coming years”, said Lars Højga?rd Hansen, CEO of INVISIO Communications.
