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Brigantes Presents – ECW/Winter Warfare Series – Shelter

Wednesday, November 25th, 2020

In this series, Brigantes brings you key products that offer the complete solution when working in the colder parts of the world. This week it is Hilleberg Keron 4GT Tactical.

When working in Arctic environments shelter, in what is the only environment where sitting still for a short period of time can lead to serious injury or even death, is absolutely critical. The Keron 4GT tactical provides the perfect solution to this problem.  

The construction of the Keron 4GT, like other Hilleberg tents, has the ability to leave the inner connected to the outer this makes it much quicker to erect and drop. Internally it is set out to allow for four adults to sleep alongside each other as well as small features such as well position mesh pockets and a drying line enable a better living and working environment.

The large “porch area” (or vestibule) makes administration at the end of day and cooking within a tented environment, much easier. Provided that there is snow it also gives the user the ability to dig a cold trench, increasing the usable space, as well as increasing the warmth within the tent. The tactical version of the tent uses a light blocking fabric in order to maintain good light discipline and reduce signature whilst operating in a tactical environment. This also includes using black guy lines and with all reflective elements removed it is the best solution for this most challenging of environments.

The Hilleberg Keron 4GT is used extensively by Artic and Antactric explorers and has now been used by UK and the Scandinavian nations in the far north for several years now as their go to tactical tent.

For a more in depth look at essential for ECW and Winter warfare deployment visit our YouTube channel www.Youtube.com subscribe to get updates of new product reviews and technical discussions.

For the full specs visit our website brigantes.com

Or contact us:

UK – [email protected]

Global – [email protected]

Posted in Guest Post, International, Mountaineering, Shelter | No Comments »

Rheinmetall Unveils Its New Mission Master – Armed Reconnaissance system: Enhanced Situational Awareness and Frontline Fire Support

Tuesday, November 24th, 2020

Rheinmetall’s game-changing Mission Master Autonomous – Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) family has just gained a new member: the Mission Master – Armed Reconnaissance. Equipped with intelligence-gathering technology and a Rheinmetall Fieldranger remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), the new Armed Reconnaissance module is designed to collect tactical intelligence in the area of operations while providing frontline fire support whenever necessary.

Crewless recon missions maximize troop security

Autonomous robotic vehicles offer countless advantages, including in a reconnaissance context. The Mission Master – Armed Reconnaissance is designed to execute high-risk scouting missions and deliver a real-time common operating picture without putting soldiers in danger. Since an enormous volume of data is gathered during missions of this type, Rheinmetall’s new A-UGV is equipped with resilient, highly reliable systems. Its payload consists of long-range EO/IR sensors, a surveillance radar, a 360° full ring camera, a laser rangefinder and a laser designator to identify potential threats. To further enhance the line of sight for the sensors while keeping a concealed posture, the reconnaissance payload is installed on a 3.5-metre expandable mast with a tilting mechanism. This convenient feature allows for increased and safe transportability on any platform, even a CH-53 or CH-47 Chinook.

The Armed Reconnaissance module also features radio-agnostic architecture, which means it can accommodate any type of radio that customers may need. The bidirectional communication system permits clear exchanges with HQ and other A-UGVs, giving commanders greater situational awareness. When engaging enemy forces, the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Light 7.62 mm RCWS will provide much more firepower than the usual man-carried section weapon. Engagement of targets is remote-controlled, never autonomous.

Safe operation at all times

As with the other modules of the Mission Master family, the Armed Reconnaissance owes its autonomous functions to the Rheinmetall PATH autonomous kit (A-kit). Proven, agnostic, trusted and highly autonomous, PATH is designed to enable military vehicles to operate in unmanned mode, freeing up soldiers for other duties and keeping them out of immediate danger. The A-kit provides a wide range of teleoperation options for the Mission Master, including a tablet, smartwatch, soldier system, and single-hand controller. These devices enable full access to advanced PATH features such as follow-me, convoy and autonomous navigation modes. Each control mode incorporates multiple layers of protection to ensure that the vehicle operates safely at all times. Moreover, Rheinmetall is committed to keeping a man in the loop in all kinetic operations, assuring that a human decides when to open fire, never a machine.

A comprehensive Mission Master family

The new Armed Reconnaissance module is the latest addition to the modular Mission Master family, widely acclaimed for its all-terrain manoeuvrability and ability to keep troops safe when deployed in harm’s way. The Cargo module can carry over half a ton of supplies, relieving the burden on troops keeping them fresh. The Fire Support modules boost the combat power of dismounted units, while the Rescue module autonomously evacuates casualties and carries specialized equipment for medical interventions in the field. In addition, every single module is equipped with a Blue Force tracking system that is fully compatible with NATO standards.

Like all members of the Mission Master family, the Armed Reconnaissance version is already networked to the Argus soldier system and Rheinmetall Command and Control Software, which can be installed in any user’s battle management system.

Power of the Wolf Pack

The addition of the Armed Reconnaissance to the Mission Master suite turns Rheinmetall’s groundbreaking Wolf Pack concept into a reality. The Wolf Pack consists of multiple Mission Master vehicles efficiently operating as a team in order to accomplish missions of all types, including zone surveillance, reconnaissance, target position transfer and slew-to-cue. All units communicate with each other and use artificial intelligence to maintain the total situational awareness necessary for carrying out their missions.

A genuine force multiplier, the entire Wolf Pack can be managed by a single operator from anywhere using the LTE network, SATCOM, or military cloud. It is an intuitive concept that enables one operator – rather than multiple uncoordinated operators – to focus on the overall mission rather than managing all the tasks of each A-UGV. As Rheinmetall continues to develop new modules for the Mission Master family, the Wolf Pack’s range of capabilities will only increase, significantly improving the military’s ability to achieve overmatch against increasingly capable enemies.

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, International, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »

Drone Pilot Academy Ready for Action as Drone Surveying Distributor for Microdrones

Monday, November 23rd, 2020

Rome, NY –Drone Pilot Academy, based in the United Kingdom, a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accredited training provider since 2015 and commercial drone retailer since 2017, has partnered with Microdrones as an authorized distributor of drone surveying equipment throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

As a Microdrones distributor, Drone Pilot Academy will offer Microdrones Integrated Systems that come with everything a commercial user needs to get started using drones for surveying and mapping – the UAV, the sensors, and the software and hardware. In addition, the Microdrones as a Service (mdaaS) sales model will allow Drone Pilot Academy to broaden the drone surveying market with convenient hardware and software packages at affordable monthly payment and rental options.

Drone Pilot Academy Managing Director, James Ixer, first took notice of Microdrones during a CAA training course for one of their customers. “We experienced the seamless Microdrones workflow, from the ease of mission planning with mdCockpit to reliable flight performance, and the end results of possessing and visualizing the data,” said Ixer. “At the end of the day, the data, combined with the mdaaS sales model, is what really sold us. Previously, drone LiDAR solutions were prohibitively expensive for most mainstream operators due to the large capital outlay required. We were drawn to Microdrones when we saw the mdaaS Rent-It option that allows customers to maximize their cash flow with manageable monthly payment options.

As their name implies, Drone Pilot Academy offers a variety of pilot, surveying, and mapping training courses to help their customers make the most of their drone surveying equipment. Ben Evans, the Business Development Manager, is ready to conduct demonstrations and show customers how easy it can be to get started with drone surveying. “Having a training academy,” Evans said, “means not only can we supply the drone but we can get them the appropriate qualifications and exemptions to integrate and operate the microdrones fleet into their business model. We’re ready, willing and able to conduct demos throughout the UK at a location of convenience for prospective clients.”

David Pendrill, the Microdrones regional sales manager for Northern Europe, looks forward to the new partnership with Drone Pilot Academy. “These guys are going to be able to offer the best of both worlds,” Pendrill explains. “With their vast experience training drone pilots combined with the ability to offer advanced drone surveying equipment from Microdrones they’ll be able to demonstrate to customers how easy it is to adopt the Microdrones workflow and create new business opportunities.”

The Drone Pilot Academy Limited (DPA) is a commercial drone retailer and a CAA authorized training provider for those who wish to use drones for both commercial or recreational use. They provide courses in PfCO CAA Drone training, surveying, thermal detection, safety, video editing, a drone cinematic masterclass and customized training courses.

Their instructors have an extremely credible background and are all ex-military aviators with a wealth of experience in training and instruction to help guide customers through the commercial course or the practical flight training.

For more information about Drone Pilot Academy visit www.dronepilotacademy.co.uk

Posted in International, Press Release, Training, UAS | No Comments »

RUAG International Implements Full Remote Supervision Support for Live Simulation & Training System to Include AAR

Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

Bern, Switzerland, 16 November 2020. RUAG Simulation & Training has confirmed its capabilities for full remote monitoring and supervision support for Live training systems on behalf of a European customer. The comprehensive event specifically featured the inclusion of after-action review (AAR) reporting and analysis and was provided to full customer satisfaction. The remote supervision was supported from Switzerland and enabled the customer’s scheduled training to proceed in keeping with pandemic guidelines. RUAG Simulation & Training supported army and police forces, deploying force-on-force and Mobile Combat Training Center (CTC) services featuring Gladiator Modular Tactical Engagement Training System.

RUAG Simulation & Training’s competency for full remote supervision, including data transfer necessary to AAR, was proven within the scope of laser-based force-on-force training exercises. The implementation of the remote protocols was a prerequisite to ensuring highest training fidelity despite COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Remote supervision offset the need for the standard on- site presence of two to four professional supervisors, assuring that international travel from Switzerland was avoided. The customer experienced a reliable and realistic training and a thorough and accurate AAR debriefing, all within their protected training-site environment.

The scheduled training, featuring a special operations program, proceeded according to plan, with multiple units and their various specialisations included within the Live system. RUAG’s Gladiator Supervision Equipment ensured the data transmitted from positioning and interaction sensors, from the various modules, components and participants comprised in the Mobile CTC Live system, was recorded and analysed for an effective AAR.

This achievement strengthened collaboration in an ongoing series of comprehensive laser-based force-on-force trainings commissioned by the customer. The Training-as-a-Service approach included full rental of Gladiator Modular Tactical Engagement Training System components and local consultants for operational system checks and servicing. Together with the customer, the team from RUAG Simulation & Training defined system configuration and component needs to target highest training fidelity and performance accuracy within budget guidelines.

RUAG Simulation & Training AG is a professional and trusted partner for Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) simulation & training solutions. Combining cutting-edge technology with an unparalleled depth of experience, RUAG develops affordable products tailored to training goals and designed for saving lives and protecting assets in the complex environment of today’s and tomorrow’s battlefields. Gladiator Modular Tactical Engagement Training Systems enable live conflict scenario simulations to proceed at the highest levels of fidelity.

Posted in International, Press Release, Training | No Comments »

Introducing the WNDSN Telemeter Dog Tag in Brass

Monday, November 16th, 2020

BERLIN, 2020-11-12 – Your tools should last longer than you do.

Brass, used since prehistory, is the ever-classic. Its malleability, durability, antimicrobial properties, and sheer cosmetic appeal makes Brass stand out among flashier, more modern materials and WNDSN reaches for it again and again when creating new products, this time bringing it to their signature Dog Tag Telemeter Pendant.

The core tenant at WNDSN is “The best tool is the one you have with you, on you.” and they mean it literally when it comes to the dog tag. The Brass Dog Tag Telemeter Pendant is the newest product in their line of distance measuring and range finding instruments. The Brass Dog Tag retains the classic military format, sized according to specifications and matching current U.S. Dog Tags. A heavier material, the Brass Dog Tag weighs in at 1oz (33 g). Now available in Brass, this Telemeter will become an heirloom item for the next generations of explorers.

The WNDSN Brass Dog Tag Telemeter pendant fixates the distance to the measuring scale by way of creating a necklace that is holding the scales at a set distance from the eye, thus enabling accurate measurements. The simple instructions are, as always:

Find an object of known size at the distance you need to measure and determine the angular size which you can subsequently convert to distance.

The new WNDSN Brass Dog Tag Telemeter pendant features two sets of scales; on the left-hand side, a standard angular size scale with a maximum of 10° graded in 0.2° increments, and on the right-hand side, a special multiplication scale that allows the user — knowing the dimension of the object to be measured — to directly multiply the value for the distance.

Further design elements and features are:

1 Both sets of scales have extra-long marks, extended from the edges to be visible with dog tag silencers installed.

2 The dog tag itself features instructional icons to create a self-contained tool.

3 The backside is intentionally left blank to either sandwich the Telemeter dog tag to the back of regular dog tags, or alternatively for the end user to add additional information, velcro, or marker tabs.

The WNDSN family of Telemeters are wallet-size distance and altitude nomographs developed in the WNDSN applied science lab. They combine a thousand years of civil engineering, surveying, navigation, and astronomy in durable, low-tech, high utility instruments that can be brought anywhere, are self-containing, and independent of external, modern technologies.

Under certain conditions or in cases where laser rangefinders tend to fail or result in errors, WNDSN Telemeters prevail and can be used as primary or “second opinion” tools, to cross-check values obtained with different means, or in austere situations when other methods fail or are unavailable.

The WNDSN Brass Dog Tag Telemeter is made in Germany, its scales are laser-engraved and precision-cut into 3 mm raw, unpolished brass. The device carries the WNDSN maker’s marks; scientific instructions are engraved and supplemented by a printed how-to in both English and German. An abridged manual is included as a PDF and a 400-page printed comprehensive manual is available separately at WNDSN or via bookstores.

Available at store.wndsn.com/products/wndsn-telemeter-dogtag-10×6-brass.

Posted in Gadgets, International, Press Release | No Comments »

TheFull9 x Kurmaz Gear – Custom Made Camo Uniforms

Saturday, November 14th, 2020

Dear SSD reader,

Ever wanted a combat shirt or pants in a camo pattern that simply isn’t being manufactured by anybody at all? Seen just a tiny quantity of uniforms that you’d love to own but all of which sold out long before you could get to them? I may possibly have some information that could be useful for you.

When using traditional fabrics of nylon and polyester blended with cotton the cut of the Crye G3 uniform is widely regarded as being just about as it good as it gets, but they tend to have a bit much going on features-wise for those folks who want to own a combat cut uniform, but aren’t in SOF. There’s also a demand out there for all sorts of unusual and interesting camo patterns that aren’t popular with military forces and simply don’t warrant mass production from large defence contractors. Combining those two issues I went to my buddy Roman Kurmaz with my idea for a uniform style based on the G3s but at a lower weight and available in just about any camo that most people could ever desire.

I won’t go in to full detail in this post because my website now has a new lengthy and detailed page for all that (link above), but the base idea is this: offer a ready-made package of features based on my many years of buying, owning and using Roman’s product that refines the G3s. Aimed at the commercial, sporting and recreational end user who wants the best aesthetics as well as a lighter, more comfortable uniform at a lower price without compromising anything in terms of material or stitching quality and durability i.e. no bargain-basement Chinese fabrics or stitch work.

After surveying a wide range of people from police and ex-military to paintballers, airsoft players and even just simple collectors, I did away with what I found to be the least used and least popular features of the G3s while fixing the most common complaints of Roman’s other custom production.  As an example, reducing the combat pants from a rather excessive 10-pocket design down to 6 pockets, which is still more than most people will ever need, but with the fabric saved we re-aligned the material on the knee pad pockets and main cargo pockets to bring the camo pattern all in to line, as depicted below.  That is usually an added extra that will increase the cost of your uniform when ordering the original G3 cut from Roman, while F9 Edition combat pants from Roman are actually slightly cheaper than the G3s he makes in the patterns that Crye doesn’t (or has only offered in incredibly limited quantities that sell for absurd sums on eBay).

You’ll also be in good company if you pick up a set because Eric of SSD himself was the very first person to order a set of the F9E fatigues and his uniform in Tigerstripe is shown here as the demonstrator example. There has been some misconceptions in the past that there are only available in Tiger, which is not the case. Any camo fabric that you can get your hands on can be used in the F9 Edition uniforms, *including* woodland and desert variants of Tigerstripe with any colour option you like able to be built in in terms of torso, velcro and stretch fabric colouration.

If you’re interested be sure to head to my site at the link below to get all the nitty-gritty details and if the F9 Edition Uniforms are for you just get in touch with Roman and place your order – links are all there on the page.

Thank you

Full9

thefull9.net/f9e

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, International | 20 Comments »

Australian Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Unveiled for Land 400 Phase 3 Program

Thursday, November 12th, 2020

Rheinmetall has unveiled the first of three Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicles designed, developed and manufactured for the Commonwealth of Australia’s $AUD18.1 billion (11.1 MrdEUR) Land 400 Phase 3 program.
Lynx is a next generation tracked, digitised and highly protected Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) built to meet the stringent military requirements of Land 400 Phase 3. The Australian Army needs a new IFV for close combat to close in and defeat an enemy in the most dangerous and lethal environments for Australian soldiers.

Rheinmetall is delivering each of the Lynx vehicles to compete in the test and evaluation trials as part of the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) to be conducted around Australia over a 12 month timeframe from November 2020. If successful, the Lynx fleet will be manufactured in Queensland at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) at Redbank south-west of Brisbane.

The RMA trials will incorporate a range of tests including lethality, mobility and protection. The vehicle unveiled will be the focus of blast testing at a dedicated Commonwealth facility in coming months.

Lynx was unveiled at a closed ceremony with selected Australian industry partners at the MILVEHCOE. Each of the Lynx vehicles delivered into the RMA trials will incorporate a significant level of Australian industry content and local partners to the Rheinmetall offer for Land 400 Phase 3 will be announced in coming weeks.

“Rheinmetall looks forward to demonstrating the capability of this next generation infantry fighting vehicle,” said Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Gary Stewart. “We believe Lynx is the best vehicle in its class and sets a new standard in protection and the lethality needed to survive and defeat any adversary.

“Lynx has been developed so it is positioned at an ideal level of maturity when Australia needs it to enter service – and it will have a growth path to extend these capabilities through its 40-year life.”

Lynx has been selected by the Hungarian Armed Forces for the delivery of more than 200 vehicles in the first launch order for the vehicle globally. Rheinmetall Defence Australia will export turrets to the value of $150 million manufactured by Australians – and will soon announce further export orders into the Hungarian program including orders for Australian SMEs.

Rheinmetall is delivering 211 8×8 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) to the Australian Army after the vehicle was selected by the Commonwealth after 12 months of RMA trials by Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in 2016-2017.

The company is establishing a local industrial capability in Australia for the design, development and manufacture of military vehicles that creates high technology enduring jobs for hundreds of Australians by localising design and manufacturing expertise in electro-optics, weapon systems, fire control and sensor systems, turret manufacturing, variant design and manufacture, integration, armour systems, simulation, training and fleet sustainment.

“Design, development and manufacture of the Lynx in Australia for the ADF will build on the advanced manufacturing jobs at our new MILVEHCOE, as well as a strong industrial network of SMEs across Australia,” Mr Stewart said.

Both the Boxer and Lynx are modular. That means the vehicle can be split in two, with a mission module sitting on a common drive module. This allows for swap out of mission modules for operational needs, reducing through-life cost for the introduction of new technology, and ongoing fleet management.

“Rheinmetall has taken all of the significant benefits of the Boxer and ensured they are part of the Lynx KF41 package,” Mr Stewart said.
“Our partnership with Army and the Commonwealth to deliver the Boxer for Land 400 Phase 2 presents the opportunity to deliver develop a complete armoured vehicle fighting force for the ADF.”

www.rheinmetall.com

Posted in Advertiser, Armor, Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | No Comments »

PPSS Group: Critical Advancement in Knife Protection

Thursday, November 12th, 2020

Based on a comprehensive understanding of today’s most realistic threats faced by homeland and private security professionals, PPSS Group have today announced an official replacement for their highly acclaimed polycarbonate-based stab resistant body armour.

The firm’s product video, featuring the CEO Robert Kaiser being beaten and stabbed wearing the body armour is widely regarded as ‘physical evidence’ of its precise performance level and quality.

Kaiser said: “Following years of relentless R&D we have concluded that Polycarbonate as a raw material is, or at some point will no longer be good enough. Its lack of certified spike protection resulted in it becoming ‘morally’ very difficult for us. We learned to accept that improved protection from knives, machetes, razor blades, shanks and indeed spikes was needed.”

“We concluded that carbon fibre composites are the only real reliable and forward-thinking solution. Carbon fibre is enabling us to offer truly superior levels of stab protection alongside substantial weight reduction, lower thickness, and finally also fully certified spike protection. This at no extra cost”

According to their CEO, certified spike protection is crucial, especially to correctional and prison officers who face some of the cruellest makeshift weapons, such as shanks and spikes daily.

Spike protection has now also become of equal importance to private security professionals, simply due to the type of weapons appearing on the streets in recent years.

Comparing it with the company’s highly successful polycarbonate-based stab resistant vests, the new body armour is even lighter, thinner, more effective and more functional.

Certified Performance Levels:
• CAST KR1/SP1 Stab & Spike – (CAST Body Armour Standard 2017)
• NIJ Level 1 Stab & Spike – (NIJ Standard 0115.01)
• VPAM K1 Stab & Spike – (VPAM KDIW 2004 – Edition 18.05.2011)
• VPAM I1 ‘Needle Protection’ – (VPAM KDIW 2004 – Edition 18.05.2011)
• VPAM W1 ‘Impact Protection’ – (VPAM KDIW 2004 – Edition 18.05.2011)

Over the past ten years, PPSS Group’s body armour have been offering the most reliable levels of protection from edged, protecting security professionals and law enforcement, prison, immigration, and customs officers worldwide.

www.ppss-group.com

Posted in Armor, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »

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