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Whiskey Two Four – Accessory Panel 38

Tuesday, September 27th, 2022

WTF’s Accessory Panel 38 integrates with armor carriers and harnesses. Panel 38 accepts up 3x Magpul Industries Corp. 25rd 762 mags with one or more of our magazine inserts.

Acc’y Panel 38 has a large clamshell zippered pouch with loop lining to accept hook backed accessories. Panel 38 is made in the USA with Berry compliant textiles.

2×3 PALS panel on the bottom accepts smaller PALS compatible pouches, tourniquet holders, etc. Two male and four female SRBs are included to integrate with your carrier or harness.

Two drain holes offer quick water evacuation. 550 cord and ITW Cordloc limiter offer adjustable opening. 10.8oz / 304g.

Order yours here.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, International, Load Carrying | No Comments »

Hydrogen Strategy: Rheinmetall Presents Solutions in South Africa for Producing, Storing and Transporting Green Hydrogen

Monday, September 26th, 2022

At this year’s Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) expo at AFB Waterkloof in Centurion, the technology enterprise Rheinmetall AG is presenting innovative, turnkey, mobile modular solutions for producing, storing and transporting CO2-free hydrogen. The mobile solution offered by Group subsidiary Rheinmetall Denel Munition in South Africa assures climate-neutral energy security for stationary and mobile infrastructure in civil and industrial settings as well as for expedition and outdoor applications. Suitable for use in undeveloped terrain, it does not require an external power supply. Moreover, because the system can simultaneously produce oxygen, it offers an all-encompassing solution for mobile field hospitals. Armed with this technology, Rheinmetall is not only expanding its civil sector operations as part of its hydrogen strategy: the Group’s plant engineering skills have put it on the path to becoming an energy producer.

The concept is based on electrolysis technology, in which water molecules are separated into hydrogen and oxygen. The electricity necessary for this is produced with solar panels, making it CO2-free. Wind and Hydropower can also be used to produce the required electricity. The green hydrogen produced in this way is gaseous, meaning that can be stored indefinitely and transported anywhere worldwide.

Developed by Rheinmetall, all the components of this modular system can be combined into a fixed stationary system mode as well as into mobile applications of various scopes. With larger mobile set-ups, such as field hospitals, the conversion of solar power, electrolysis, storage of the hydrogen produced, and fuel cell based electrical generation takes place in separate containers. The necessary modules can all be concentrated in a single container, operated by solar panels for producing electricity as well as water, thus further enhancing its potential for mobile operations. Mobile production of green hydrogen lends itself to industrial, private and expedition contexts as a means of generating power and heat. Byproducts such as oxygen can either be used for their own requirements or sold into the global commodity market. Basically speaking, the hydrogen produced by the system can either be kept in situ or transported to a different destination, meaning that it can be stored at a distant location for subsequent use.

Production volume can be tailored to meet individual requirements. A container solution consisting of four standard sea containers can supply power for 30 to 40 households. The different systems, whether for tent cities, field hospitals, or stationary solutions, enable not just the production of green hydrogen as a future energy source, but also self-sufficiency and maximum mobility in undeveloped places or in off-grid commercial applications where electricity is lacking.

This technology solves one of the great problems of the Energy Revolution, the ability to store and transport energy. But it is also a sustainable, secure source of power, including in undeveloped areas. As well as expanding Rheinmetall’s portfolio as a reliable energy partner, this modular system adds a further element to its hydrogen strategy: a self-sufficient, customizable, mobile solution. The Group now offers solutions for completely solar-powered energy production. It is also a global supplier of green hydrogen and complete turnkey solutions as well as large-scale stationary H2 factories in addition to the mobile modular solutions outlined above.

At its locations in South Africa, Rheinmetall offers turnkey industrial solutions for renewable energy, extending from the initial concept to final commissioning, coupled with full lifecycle support, training, maintenance, and operator models. Regardless of the individual use, key objectives here include cutting carbon emissions, gaining independence from energy suppliers, and adapting to the needs of the user, while simultaneously assuring low maintenance costs and adequate scope for meeting individual customer requirements.

The African Aerospace and Defence Exposition takes place every two years at AFB Waterkloof in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa. A combined trade fair and air show, AAD Expo runs from 21 to 25 September 2022.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Power, Press Release | No Comments »

New Vehicle Autonomy System, Indigo Drive, to Revolutionise the Defence Industry

Friday, September 23rd, 2022

• Indigo Drive enables personnel to be removed from highly dangerous scenarios

• Existing vehicles to become driverless quickly and cost-effectively

• One system from a single supplier to provide everything needed to autonomise an entire fleet

Bradford on Avon, UK, 20th September 2022. Leading vehicle automation provider, ABD Solutions, has launched Indigo Drive, a software eco-system that enables any defence vehicle to be quickly and cost-effectively automated.

Indigo Drive can significantly improve the safety of personnel by removing the requirement for drivers in dangerous situations, such as IED route clearance and logistics supply. Research shows that 52% of casualties in combat zones can be attributed to logistics and personnel delivering core supplies and that nearly 50% of US soldiers killed in operation between 2010 and 2020 were caused by IEDs.

“Our solution is unique in that it is vehicle-agnostic and retrofittable, this enables any existing land vehicle to be automated,” said Matthew Price, Managing Director of ABD Solutions. “This allows more personnel to be removed from dangerous situations, significantly increasing safety. On top of this, instead of driving, personnel can focus on much more valuable operational activities, allowing soldiers to be soldiers.”

Secure and certified, as a comprehensive system, Indigo Drive contains everything needed to create driverless fleets. From a user-friendly software interface for route-planning to the technology needed to create movement (such as drive-by-wire and driving robots), to communication (Radio, V2X, GPS/GNSS), obstacle detection (LiDAR, camera, radar) and vehicle health and diagnostics (OBD2, telemetry, sensors), what’s included can be tailored around the specific vehicles and environments.

The modular architecture allows for easy integration with systems already in use, such as fleet management software, meaning creating driverless fleets can be faster and smoother than ever before.

As well as increasing safety, automation reduces emissions and fuel consumption, which has a direct impact on the number of supply operations required. It also provides tactical advantages, such as running in the dark without the use of lights.

Price adds, “We work with our customers to provide tailored solutions for their environment by assessing the level and type of automation required enabling fleet transformation without investment in new vehicles, maximising the return on existing high-value assets.”

The hardware used to provide automation requires only minor modifications to the vehicle and is semi-permanent, allowing it to be moved from one vehicle to another should requirements change or if the vehicle needs maintenance. The equipment is non-intrusive to allow a driver to take control while it is fitted, significantly increasing the vehicle’s operational flexibility.

In a defence environment where tasks are often repetitive, the entire fleet can be synchronised to maximise productivity and efficiency. Task planning software ensures that all the vehicles take the most efficient route, reducing fuel consumption and the time to complete the operation. Vehicles that have the ability to detect obstructions can communicate them to the fleet management system to prevent others from encountering the same issue. Once the obstruction has been flagged the vehicle management system can generate an alternative route or a human can remote into the vehicle to immediately assess the situation.

A critical indirect benefit of vehicle autonomy is the digitisation of information from the vehicle. It creates new data streams that are invaluable to fleet operators. The vehicle’s speed, location, fuel level, diagnostic status, distance to target etc can all be relayed via the vehicle management toolset. Data analytics can automatically process this information to assist with operational decisions, fleet maintenance scheduling and logistics planning.

ABD Solutions used Indigo Drive to create the world’s first automated Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV). It was created in collaboration with NP Aerospace, an engineering authority for the UK MOD protected mobility fleet. The vehicle was demonstrated earlier this year at a defence technology innovation day held at the HORIBA-MIRA proving ground in the UK.

With sales and technical support offices across three continents, ABD Solutions is a global operation. It is a member of the AB Dynamics Group and benefits from its knowledge of developing and supplying thousands of driving robots to the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, proving grounds and regulatory authorities. The Group has decades of experience in vehicle autonomy and simulation.

“The AB Dynamics Group has been automating vehicles in one way or another for development and test purposes for decades,” continues Price. “Now, through ABD Solutions and the development of Indigo Drive, the defence industry can take advantage of this expertise to automate their existing fleets today.”

ABD Solutions will be showcasing Indigo Drive at DVD2022, one of Europe’s leading defence exhibitions, at UTAC Millbrook, UK, on September 21st – 22nd (Stand C3-413).

www.abdsolutions.com

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

Almost Half Million Dutch Soldiers To Wear Camouflage Fabric Developed In The UK

Thursday, September 22nd, 2022

ADLINGTON, United Kingdom — September 20, 2022 — Pincroft, the largest textile dyer, printer and finisher in the United Kingdom, developed a new camouflage pattern for the Dutch Ministry of Defence as part of their Defensie Materieel Organisatie’s (DMO) ‘STRONG’ programme that aims to supply combat clothing and equipment to all military personnel part of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Army, Air Force and Marechaussee.

Pincroft followed the guidelines of the new Netherlands Fractal Pattern (NFP) to create an eight-colour camouflage design that provides high levels of disruption to give soldiers better concealment when needed.

As part of the Pincroft’s team developing the camouflage pattern, Chris Durkin, explains: “The more colours are added to the design, the more disruption is created offering a greater degree of concealment. Our experience in Infrared Reflective Technology (IRR) and military printing has allowed us the opportunity to produce a product that we are very proud of.”

The fabric itself was created by global workwear textile manufacturer, Carrington Textiles, specifically following the Dutch MoD’s requirements on comfort and protection. The result is a lightweight yet durable textile of 210gsm with a composition of 50% cotton, 50% high tenacity nylon and Ripstop for added strength.

The high cotton content of the fabric creates a uniform that’s comfortable to wear due to its softness to the touch, and breathability, as well as providing moisture wicking properties, key elements for the tough conditions soldiers work in. The addition of high tenacity nylon to the fabric, provides added strength and durability, with the Ripstop properties of the fabric offering tear resistance.

The Dutch MoD’s DMO reported: “The 43 Gemechaniseerde Brigade of the Koninklijke Landmacht in Havelte was the first to receive the new interim combat clothing. The soldiers received the basic coats and trousers in the new camouflage pattern. This is the start of the large-scale issue to the entire armed forces! So far we are very proud with the results.”

Around 480,000 trousers and jackets will be delivered to officers from the Royal Netherlands Navy, Army, Air Force and Marechaussee, during a uniform roll out part of the Dutch MoD’s ‘STRONG’ programme that aims to equip the armed forces in the next 18 months with versatile uniforms and equipment that are adjustable according to the assignment. The pack also includes a raincoat, combat shirt and baseball cap.

The new NFP camouflage pattern is being manufactured in a green or woodland style for the Army, Air Force, Marechaussee and Marines, while the Navy receives a blue or marine style design.

Carrington Textiles Sales Director, Paul Farrel, added: “We were honoured to receive from the Dutch MoD a regimental plaque to commemorate the launch of their new uniform and recognise the work we’ve done in developing this new fabric and print.

This milestone marked the beginning of the issuance of a new uniform to the Dutch armed forces.

Congratulations to the DMO’s KPU company for all their hard work and immense achievements, and to everyone at Pincroft and Carrington Textiles for playing a key role in the delivery of this transformational uniform!”

pincroft.co.uk

Posted in Camo, International, Materials, Press Release | 10 Comments »

AeroVironment Secures $20.86 Million in Puma 3 AE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Foreign Military Sales Awards for Allied Nations

Wednesday, September 21st, 2022

• Portable, rugged Puma 3 All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft system provides immediate tactical reconnaissance capabilities for land and maritime operations

• Foreign Military Sales program promotes interoperability among U.S. and allied forces for joint operations

• Customers are among the more than 50 allied governments employing AeroVironment’s unmanned aircraft systems

The powerful propulsion system and aerodynamic design of the Puma 3 All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft system makes it efficient and easy to launch for ISR missions in the most challenging environments. (US Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Audrey Rampton) Disclaimer: The appearance of US Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 20, 2022 –AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems , today announced it received two firm-fixed-price US Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales ( FMS) contract awards totaling $20,868,105 to provide Puma™ 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS), initial spares packages, training and Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) to two allied nations.

“Deployed for well over a decade, our Puma UAS have continued to be a low-cost, man-portable, easy-to operate UAS for our customers,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for SUAS. “With each new generation of Puma, optimizations have been made for more robust flight, durability and operational flexibility but its purpose of providing reliable and persistent situational awareness, critical force protection and force multiplication capabilities to our customers remains the same.

“Our allies are continuing to adopt and deploy Puma 3 AE and other AeroVironment systems as they recognize the importance of equipping their frontline forces with lifesaving, force overmatch solutions,” Stevenson added.

AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE delivers mission critical capabilities in all environments. Puma 3 AE has a wingspan of 9.2 feet (2.8 meters), weighs 15.4 pounds (7 kilograms) and can operate up to 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA). Multi-mission capable, operators can easily swap Puma 3 AE’s payloads quickly, selecting between the Mantis™ i45 and the enhanced night variant, Mantis i45 N. Puma 3 AE is launchable by hand, bungee, rail, or vehicle, and is recoverable by deep-stall landing, providing class-leading capabilities in challenging environments around the world.

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

Rolling Filling Stations: Rheinmetall Wins Bundeswehr Order for Airfield Fuel Tank Trucks

Wednesday, September 21st, 2022

Rheinmetall has won an important order for special vehicles for the Bundeswehr. The German Armed Forces have contracted with the Düsseldorf-based technology group to supply a total of 48 fuel tank trucks for use at numerous German Army and Air Force airfields. Moreover, an option exists for procurement of five more vehicles of this type.

Booked in June 2022, the order is worth a figure in the mid-two-digit million-euro range. In winning this order, Rheinmetall continues to strengthen its strong ties with the Bundeswehr, especially with the company in charge of supporting and maintaining its fleet of vehicles. Now, two years after the Bundeswehr ordered 342 roll-off tippers from Rheinmetall, the utilization spectrum continues to expand.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) succeeded in overcoming the competition in a public request for tenders. Delivery starts in July 2023; per customer specification, the last vehicles will ship before the end of 2024. The order encompasses not only the vehicles but also the supply of fuelling components for the tank build-on as well as special tools. Furthermore, a service contract was concluded for a period of twelve years beyond the delivery period.

Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading makers of military trucks of many different types with a huge variety of special build-ons. The TGS 8×4 airfield fuel tank truck was developed in close cooperation with Esterer GmbH & Co. KG of Helsa near Kassel, a renowned producer of build-ons for tank trucks for civil and military use.

Several features set the vehicle apart, including a very high tank volume of up to 22,000 litres, a latest-generation filter, and a digitized build-on that can be linked to information systems. Extensive vehicle and spare part documentation is available in digital format, backed by a global military service and support network.

This order is important to Rheinmetall not only because it deepens the Group’s business relations with the Bundeswehr; it is also the first time it has been able to demonstrate – in cooperation with Esterer – its special expertise in the field of military tanks trucks.

A component of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems division, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles is the Group’s centre of excellence for specifically military and militarized logistic vehicles.

Headquartered in Munich, the joint venture is co-owned by Rheinmetall AG, with a 51% stake, and MAN Truck & Bus SE, with 49%. It is one of the world’s top suppliers of defence solutions in the logistic land mobility domain. Together with its predecessor companies, RMMV can point to over a century of building trucks that meet the most exacting military standards. All Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles are produced at the company’s plant in Liesing near Vienna.

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Kosovo Security Force Members Make History, Earn U.S. Air Assault Badge

Saturday, September 17th, 2022

JOHNSTON, Iowa– Two Kosovo Security Force members made history by becoming the first KSF soldiers to graduate from a U.S. Air Assault course Sept. 9, 2022, at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.

Maj. Gen. Ben Corell, the Adjutant General of Iowa National Guard, along with representatives from the Des Moines Consulate of the Republic of Kosovo and senior KSF leadership, were present to congratulate Pvt. Sead Berisha, a psychological operations soldier, and Staff Sgt. Lorik Ramaj, a civilian affairs soldier, on earning their U.S. Air Assault badges. Sead and Ramaj stood at attention alongside U.S. Soldiers and Airmen as their mentors and loved ones pinned them with their “wings” on graduation day.

On the first day of the course, Berisha described feeling strange being in a different uniform from the U.S. service members surrounding him, but said that his fellow students were approachable and encouraging.

“It’s my first time in the U.S. and in Iowa, and I feel really special to be here,” said Berisha.

Berisha and Ramaj represent their countrymen in their admirable achievement but also the flourishing National Guard State Partnership Program that joins Kosovo and Iowa in military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals and cooperation objectives that also foster cultural exchange.

Over 290 service members converged at the post to earn the coveted Air Assault Badge, Pathfinder Badge or title of Rappel Master throughout August and September.

It was the first time in four years that Mobile Training Teams based out of the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled to Camp Dodge to teach the courses. The cadre led the Soldiers and Airmen through grueling tasks that were both physically and mentally challenging.

The U.S. Army Air Assault course trains service members across all branches in sling load operations and rappelling, as well as being a true test of grit. It includes phases that test not only their technical aptitude, but their ability to negotiate a tough obstacle course between repetitions of various exercises and — for those who pass all other tests — finishes with a timed 12-mile ruck march.

As for the Pathfinder course, a 2020 Army Times article stated the course would get the axe as projected at the time, but Sgt. 1st Class Josh Ludecke said that’s not the case. Ludecke is the primary Pathfinder instructor assigned to Company B, ARNG WTC.

“We’re still here for the Army National Guard, and our training center has absorbed executive agency of the Pathfinder school,” said Ludecke. “We’re doing things that we can to fit [the course] more toward the force we need.”

1st Lt. Tanner Potter is an Iowa National Guard Soldier currently serving on active duty orders as the executive officer of Company B, ARNG WTC. He explained the difference between the Army’s Pathfinder and Air Assault courses.

“Pathfinders are able to be off on their own establishing drop zones and can go in ahead of a unit,” said Potter. “It’s just extremely in-depth, almost like college-level classes. Air assault is much easier for younger Soldiers to understand, strictly focusing on tower rigging and rappelling, that sort of thing.”

Each course has overall objectives and knowledge that culminates with each skill level. Air Assault is meant to lay the foundation for Pathfinder as well as the Rappel Master course, which is currently being held at Camp Dodge.

Sgt. Briton Ensminger, a cavalry scout with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, IANG, said the Pathfinder course involved “very, very rigorous studying.” Yet, the long hours of mental strain paid off when he earned his badge on graduation day alongside his twin brother, Sgt. Bergen Ensminger, and was pinned by the primary Air Assault instructor. The Ensminger brothers are from Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

“The non-commissioned officer-in-charge of Air Assault is an old squad leader of mine [from] when I deployed,” said Ensminger. “He got to pin on my torch for me, so that was pretty cool.”

The Rappel Master course at Camp Dodge, which also offers a valuable and specialized set of skills focusing on aircraft rigging and rappelling, is set to graduate approximately 27 service members Sept. 15. This will close out a significant joint training event that gives service members a chance to both stand out and stand together with others who’ve earned these skills and badges.

Story by SSG Samantha Hircock

Photos by SSG Tawny Kruse

Posted in Army, Guest Post, International, Training | 2 Comments »

Rheinmetall and Helsing – Partners for the Next Generation of Armed Forces

Friday, September 16th, 2022

Rheinmetall, a longstanding, tried-and-tested partner of digitized armed forces around the world, and Helsing, the leading European provider of software and AI for defence systems, have announced a strategic partnership to transform land defence capabilities.

Through the joint development of software-based defence systems and retrofitting of existing platforms, this partnership will provide the armed forces with advanced and future-proof capabilities, enabling them to meet current and future challenges.

The unprovoked attack on Ukraine has forced Europe into a new era of land-based warfare. With the return of peer-to-peer conflicts and the emergence of novel, digital capabilities on the battlefield Europe must modernise its armies at speed. One of the key lessons of the Russo-Ukrainian War is that digitization and AI-supported mission systems can give armies a meaningful edge on the battlefield. They are destined to play a key role in defensive operations.

The Rheinmetall/Helsing partnership combines world-leading, battle-tested components, platforms, systems and software with modern, military-grade AI capabilities in order to deter and, if necessary, successfully take on an adversary. By investing in technology development upfront and delivering new products at speed, this partnership will provide the armed forces with fast access to the latest technological innovations.

“Rheinmetall has been supplying advanced networked products, systems, software and technologies in the defence and security realm for many decades, for which we are very grateful. Our partnership with Helsing will further augment our capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence, enabling us to equip our products with the latest technologies faster than ever. This lets us modernize legacy platforms and systems, providing our customers with new, world-leading capabilities”, states Christoph Müller, CEO of Rheinmetall Electronic Solutions.

Dr Gundbert Scherf, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Helsing adds: “Helsing is a new type of defence company, focused purely on software and AI, funding our own product development. We are therefore delighted to partner with Rheinmetall and combine our advanced AI capabilities with their world-leading land platforms. Recent geopolitical events have shown that democracies need to be able to protect and deter. But democracies also need to out-innovate and out-pace autocratic regimes. We believe this partnership has the potential to do that, equipping land forces for the future at pace.”

About Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH
Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH supplies the world’s armed forces, government agencies and civilian customers with mission equipment and learning and training solutions. The company, which belongs to Rheinmetall AG’s Electronic Solutions division, has been in the business for decades.

Working in close cooperation with customers, Rheinmetall Electronics develops high-end products and integrates advanced system solutions.

Its Integrated Electronic Solutions portfolio encompasses reconnaissance, fire control, soldier systems and command and control technology as well as training, learning and development applications for individuals, groups and entire customer organizations. Security solutions and specific IT and cyber systems round out the company’s portfolio.

Customers in over forty countries place their trust in technology from Rheinmetall Electronics. Eager to be close to its customers, the company maintains a significant international presence, with multiple subsidiaries around the world as well as an extensive supplier network.

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