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Civil Air Patrol Awards $2.1 Million Contract to Persistent Systems to Supply AERONet system

Thursday, May 27th, 2021

Airborne Extensible Relay Over-Horizon Network will connect emergency managers to remote rescue and disaster relief teams

For Release on March 30, 2021

NEW YORK– March 30, 2021 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), an industry leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced today it has been awarded a $2.1 million contract to supply AERONet to Civil Air Patrol, the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

Persistent will outfit nine aircraft, 21 dismounted ground units, six vehicles and three tactical operations centers with AERONet, or the Airborne Extensible Relay Over-Horizon Network, an IP-based MANET capability that can facilitate:

• Disaster relief and emergency aid,

• Drug interdiction and other law enforcement missions,

• Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance,

• Personnel recovery operations,

• Close air support, and

• Joint force and joint nation operations.

The contract follows multiple earlier ones that included AERONet equipment for five aircraft, three dismounted units, one vehicle and one tactical operations center, along with spares.

“With AERONet, Civil Air Patrol will be able to conduct disaster relief and emergency aid missions far more effectively,” said Adrien Robenhymer, Persistent’s VP of Business Development for Air Force and Intelligence Community Programs. “Teams that otherwise would have had to operate in isolation can now connect back to a tactical operations center and be guided by medical professionals.”

Separate AERONet enclaves can also be federated at a regional hub, so different organizations can better coordinate their activities and avoid working at cross-purposes, Robenhymer added.

The AERONet kit for a Civil Air Patrol aircraft includes two MPU5 tactical networking devices, each operating on separate radio frequency bands and using a different set of multiple-input and multiple output antennas, said Gabe Pagliere, Persistent Systems project engineer and lead on the company’s AERONet efforts.

“When the tactical operations center and deployed ground teams are not in range of each other, they can relay their communication through the AERONet equipment on the airplane,” Pagliere said. “This enables their communication to extend across long distances, over terrain and around obstructions.”

Persistent Systems successfully conducted an AERONet demonstration in August linking an aircraft to a tactical operations center and a beyond-line-sight unit on the ground. The link delivered a live video feed to simulate how medical doctors could provide remote assistance from anywhere in the world. The demonstration proved that robust network connectivity could save lives during a disaster relief effort.

“Following that, we completed our first AERONet integration with an international customer,” Robenhymer said, “and we are already supporting multiple domestic and international implementations of this capability.”

www.persistentsystems.com

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Comms, Contracts, Press Release | Comments Off on Civil Air Patrol Awards $2.1 Million Contract to Persistent Systems to Supply AERONet system

Rheinmetall Supplying Portuguese Army with 1,500 LM-LowProfile Laser Modules

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

The Portuguese Army has awarded Rheinmetall an order for 1,500 LM-LowProfile laser modules. The contract, booked back in October 2020, calls for delivery of the devices in three lots. Delivery is to be complete by the third quarter of 2021. The order is worth a figure in the low single-digit million-euro range. In carrying out the order, Rheinmetall is cooperating closely with its local sales partner, NT Group Portugal.

Developed by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics of Stockach, Germany, the minute LM-LowProfile laser module is designed for use on compact assault rifles, but it is also suitable for other small arms. The device, weighing around 160 grams and 85 mm long, can be attached to any standard assault rifle via a standard interface as defined by MIL-STD 1913/NATO STANAG 4694. Owing to its low height (25 mm), it can be used in combination with daylight optics. Nor does it interfere with the line of sight. Owing to the alignment of the laser along the running axis, the device lends itself particularly well to weapons without removeable mechanical sights (rear and front sights). Powered by a CR123 battery, the LM-LowProfile features visible and infrared target markers as well as a focusable infrared illuminator. All of the integrated lasers can be regulated in parallel by means of block adjustment. They can be remotely controlled via a trigger cable or by means of a single push button directly on the device. The LM-LowProfile is watertight at depths of up to 30 metres for up to two hours. Adding a tactical weapon light further enhances the laser module’s operational effectiveness. Rheinmetall has already supplied the Portuguese Army with a weapon light in an earlier order.

In comparative trials conducted by the Portuguese military, the device outshone its various rivals with regard both to ergonomics and performance. Moreover, the LM-LowProfile offers the added advantage of not being subject to America’s strict ITAR export regulations. Laser engraving can be used to individualize the devices.

Delivery is already underway. This is the third order from Portugal in the space of three years, underscoring the great trust the Portuguese military places in Rheinmetall’s soldier systems expertise.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Lights, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Fresh Success for the Rheinmetall Mission Master: Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Order Four More Robotic Vehicles

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Rheinmetall has achieved another sales success in the United Kingdom. The British have ordered four more Mission Masters under the second phase (Spiral 2) of their Robotic Platoon Vehicle programme. Rheinmetall had already succeeded in placing its robotic vehicle in the Spiral 1 subproject of the UK’s RPV programme, which tests how unmanned vehicles can boost the firepower and capabilities of dismounted combat troops at platoon level.

Having already procured four Mission Master vehicles with cargo modules in the spring of 2020, the British military will now be acquiring four more Mission Masters, equipped this time with a fire support module to explore potential future capabilities.

The contract was awarded at the end of February. Delivery of the four Mission Master – Fire Support vehicles will take place between May and August 2021. The order, which will be handled by Rheinmetall Canada, also encompasses training and support activities as well as spare parts. Based in the UK, the joint venture company Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land will also be supporting the project.

Boasting a whole host of innovative features, the Mission Master’s nerve centre is the Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit. It comprises a suite of advanced sensors and perception algorithms that assure rich situational awareness, enabling the vehicle to find the safest route through the surrounding environment. This ensures that the vehicle can navigate challenging terrain safely and complete its mission successfully, without collisions.

Featuring a built-in security circuit board, a tablet computer running Rheinmetall command and control software lets the operator steer the platform and control the weapon station in a safe wireless way.
The Mission Master – Fire Support is armed with the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi, a remotely controlled weapon station. Targets are never engaged autonomously: there is always a human in the loop. Fully stabilized, the 7.62mm cal. Fieldranger Multi features a wide vertical and horizontal slewing range, thus assuring high accuracy and effectiveness even at long distances.

Rheinmetall Mission Master – Focusing on the future with robotics and autonomy

Robotics is already changing the modern battlefield. The Rheinmetall Mission Master is a modular, autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops tasked with carrying out a wide array of activities. Thanks to the Mission Master vehicle, soldiers can count on artificial intelligence and robotic muscle when performing dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks – the three Ds – and, more importantly, they can carry out their missions in greater safety.
Ready for deployment, the Mission Master can serve either as an autonomous or semiautonomous element of a combat team.

Designed for maximum flexibility, the Mission Master can be outfitted for a multitude of different operations thanks to modular, quickly mountable build-ons. Besides logistic tasks, it can perform in a variety of other roles, including surveillance, security, casualty evacuation and CBRN detection. The Mission Master can also serve as a mobile radio relay station.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Fresh Success for the Rheinmetall Mission Master: Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Order Four More Robotic Vehicles

Active Protection System for Lynx IFV: Market Breakthrough for Rheinmetall’s New StrikeShield — €140 Million Order from Hungary

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

The 209 new Lynx infantry fighting vehicles recently ordered by Hungary from Rheinmetall of Germany will be equipped with Rheinmetall’s StrikeShield hard-kill active protection system, or APS. Hungary is the latest customer for this innovative technology, which has formed part of the Rheinmetall portfolio since 2006. It will be supplied by Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH. The order is worth over €140 million. Hungary’s decision in favour of StrikeShield was driven by the NATO member’s commitment to taking part in demanding missions where modern anti-tank weapon systems present a dangerous threat to own forces.

StrikeShield is the third and latest generation of Rheinmetall’s acclaimed Active Defence System (ADS) technology, a specific variant of hard-kill APS. It is a distributed system whose sensors and countermeasures are integrated into the contours of the entire vehicle. Among other benefits, StrikeShield has the lowest emissions in the electro¬magnetic spectrum on the market, as well as the fastest reaction time in ambush and multi-hit situations. It protects the vehicle from shaped charge warhead threats such as rockets or missiles by neutralizing incoming projectiles before they hit the platform itself.

The StrikeShield APS will be mechanically integrated into hybrid armour tiles on the Lynx. Instead of conventional passive add-on armour modules, the platform will feature spaced passive armour tiles that incorporate the components of the APS between an outer ply and inner tiles mounted on the vehicle’s hull.

“We see huge benefits from hybrid designs”, declares Dr Manfred Salk, CEO of Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH. “The effects that passive armour protects you from are standardized and well understood. Hybrid designs are different. They allow us to do a much better job of dealing with new effects and threats, such as residual energy from a disabled rocket hitting the vehicle and deflagrating. The combination of our passive and active technologies into hybrid systems therefore offer our customers unique benefits with regard to the protection capability, but also weight- and cost-efficiency.“
Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH is Rheinmetall’s center of excellence in survivability technologies, formed in 2019. Core of the product strategy is the hybridization of armor solutions, which provide the outlook to lighter and sensor based survivability solutions for armored platforms.

www.rheinmetall.com

Posted in Armor, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Active Protection System for Lynx IFV: Market Breakthrough for Rheinmetall’s New StrikeShield — €140 Million Order from Hungary

KONGSBERG Awarded Extension of US Army CROWS Frame Contract

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KONGSBERG) has been awarded an extension to the CROWS IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) frame contract with the US Army first announced September 14, 2018. This extension is valued at approximately 500 MUSD and is contingent upon future demand and annual allocations.

KONGSBERG continues the development of new, advanced versions of remote weapon station systems as well as serial deliveries to the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Air Force.

“CROWS has become an essential capability for military platforms and soldier safety within the United States Armed Forces. This contract extension enables us to continue delivering systems that are advancing operational capabilities and effectiveness together with the team at Picatinny Arsenal”, says Pål Bratlie, Executive Vice President, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.

Meeting tomorrow’s requirement together with our customer

With more than 20 000 systems delivered worldwide and 14 years of CROWS experience, KONGSBERG will continue to support the soldiers with new systems, capabilities and features meeting tomorrow’s requirements while maintaining, supporting and keeping up to date a wide range of CROWS variants and support equipment.

All CROWS and RWS systems are produced in the KONGSBERG Johnstown, PA facility. Continuing the execution of this contract secures 3,000+ jobs, both directly and through the KONGSBERG U.S. supply chain.

With more than 20,000 systems sold to 26 nations, KONGSBERG is the world-leading provider of remote weapon stations.

Image of CROWS by Staff Sgt. Alexander Burnett, US Army 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) was added to this press release by editor for context.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on KONGSBERG Awarded Extension of US Army CROWS Frame Contract

Gentex Awarded Aviation Contract for Groundcrew Communications Headset System by UK MoD

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

THE UK MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SELECTS THE OPS-CORE ADAPTIVE MISSION PLATFORM (AMP®) COMMUNICATION HEADSET FOR ITS AIRCRAFT MAINTAINERS

CARBONDALE, PA May 12, 2021 –

Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces and emergency personnel, announced today that it has been awarded the contract for Groundcrew Communications Headset System (GCHS) by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense for the Ops-Core AMP® Communication Headset. Beginning in Fall of 2021, groundcrew aircraft maintainers will wear the connectorized AMP® Communication Headset with Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) earplugs.

The AMP® Communication Headset was vetted for both fixed and rotary wing applications by MoD groundcrew aircraft maintainers working in high noise environments. It will integrate into existing communications systems. The AMP® Communication Headset’s 3D Hear-Through (3DHT) technology allows aircraft maintainers to retain situational awareness while meeting UK requirements for hearing protection.

“We are proud to have been chosen by the UK MoD to protect their aircraft maintainers,” said Robert McCay, Vice President at Gentex Corporation, “It is a continuation of our longstanding relationship with the UK armed forces, both air and ground.”

The AMP® Communication headset is CE approved EN352.

Gentex’s portfolio of products includes helmets, optical protection, respiratory, and situational awareness solutions. For more information visit, www.gentexcorp.com/gentex/defense/air.

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

Darley Awarded Nee DLA Medical Supplies Contract

Friday, May 7th, 2021

Itasca, IL, May 7, 2021 – On April 28, 2021, DLA Troop Support awarded W.S. Darley & Co. (Darley) contract SPE2DS-21-D-0006. This award is a Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Medical/Surgical (med/surg) supplies to support the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customer base. The contract consists of a one-year Base Ordering Period and four (4) one-year unilateral Option Ordering Periods and is estimated at $258,476,856 over 5 year total.

This is Darley Defense’s third DLA Tailored Logistics Support award which also includes the Fire & Emergency Services Equipment (F&ESE) which the company has held since 2008 and Special Operational Equipment (SOE) which was renewed in January 2021 – 10 year IDIQ with a $33 Billion Contract Cap.

TLS contracting enables customers to order commercial off-the-shelf, brand specific products through a streamlined acquisition process with a global distribution.

Darley has been a family owned and operated business since 1908 with over 300 employees committed to serving the world’s first responders and tactical communities by providing high-quality, safe and innovative products with unmatched service.

“We are truly honored that DLA has again allowed us to play a role in the mission of supporting our troops”, said Paul Darley CEO. “Our team looks forward to expanding our supply chain and sales support of medical equipment in the locations around the world where it is needed the most.”

Learn more about Darley Defense here.

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Major Order for HENSOLDT Optronics

Thursday, April 29th, 2021

Oberkochen-based sensor specialist supplies sight systems worth almost 75 million euros for Dutch armoured reconnaissance vehicles

Oberkochen, Germany, 28 April 2021 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has received an order from Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) worth nearly 75 million euros to equip the Royal Netherlands Army’s “Fennek” armoured reconnaissance vehicles with visual systems. The scope of the order includes 188 BAA II NL observation and reconnaissance systems as well as a number of spare parts.

“Our optronic solutions combine sensors from different technologies to provide armoured vehicle crews with an excellent situational awareness,” said Andreas Hülle, CEO of HENSOLDT Optronics. “In the field, this capability is essential to fulfil the mission and ensure the protection of the crews.”

The BAA II NL is the logical further development of the BAA II JFST, which is already in use in the Joint Fire Support Team (JFST) of the German Armed Forces. The external dimensions have remained the same and the use and menu navigation have also been left unchanged in order to keep the training effort for the crew as low as possible.

The scope of the contract also includes adjustments to the YellowKite camera, which will be optimised to become a day-vision/near-infrared (NIR) camera with colour vision and will receive a near-infrared cut filter. In addition, HENSOLDT provides a digital outlet.

HENSOLDT will deliver the observation and reconnaissance systems to Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), which will handle the integration of the BAA II NL and its command and control system into the Fennek reconnaissance vehicles. Deliveries to KMW will begin in autumn 2022 with the qualification systems. Series delivery will start in 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by 2027.

Posted in Contracts, International, ISR, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Major Order for HENSOLDT Optronics