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Ministry of Defense (MoD) of Ukraine Orders Additional 300 Vector Drones from Quantum Systems

Friday, June 2nd, 2023

Germany, Munich, May 31st, 2023 – Quantum-Systems GmbH, the dual-use aerial intelligence company that provides multi-sensor data collection drones to government agencies and commercial customers, today announced an order of 300 additional mid-range reconnaissance drones type Vector™ in military support of Ukraine’s armed forces, funded by the German Government.

Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems is at the forefront of unmanned aerial system (UAS) development. Its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) systems boast industry-leading endurance, ease of operation, and reliability, exceeding the performance of conventional UAS platforms. Quantum Systems’ drones bring together the most robust and field-proven systems and commercial speed in development and innovation.

Aerial intelligence when it matters

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has placed a third order of 300 Vector™ systems, following two earlier orders of 105 Vector systems in January 2023, and 33 Vector systems in August 2022.

Since August 2022, Vector demonstrated its unprecedented performance under the most challenging conditions. Vector has been extensively used and intensively tested on the Ukrainian battlefield, where it has proven to be an asset for military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. The Vector offers unparalleled agility and rapid deployment capabilities. Ready to use in two minutes, it ensures continuous enemy target detection regardless of weather conditions, it achieves speeds of up to 72 km/h and sustains long flight times. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, the Vector empowers Ukrainian forces to swiftly gather critical intelligence and gain a strategic advantage.

The Ukrainian MoD’s third Vector order is a testament to Quantum Systems’ commitment to support the Ukrainian MoD in the defense of their country and signifies a crucial milestone in advancing defense capabilities and fostering innovation in UAS technology. The Vector system’s integration into the Ukrainian Armed Forces equips military personnel with advanced aerial intelligence and situational awareness, enabling enhanced decision-making and heightened operational effectiveness.

Quantum Systems proudly stands in solidarity with Ukraine, as highlighted by representatives of the Chief Intelligence Department of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in a recent statement. Quantum Systems is pleased to reaffirm its strong partnership and unwavering support for Ukraine by delivering cutting-edge Vector drones, as per Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense contract.

Advancing Vector through battle-tested insights

The direct and immediate feedback received from the operators in the Ukrainian battlefield, as well as Quantum Systems’ commitment to enhance security capabilities through technological advancements accelerated the system’s development processes.

With on-board Artificial Intelligence, Vector provides live aerial intelligence in an efficient and user-friendly manner. The system eases the operator from constant video monitoring. Built-in algorithms allow it to automatically identify objects and immediately transmit key intelligence information to the ground. The AI Board – an NVIDIA Jetson Orin – supports and enables GNSS-denied navigation, a feature that was developed with direct feedback from the battlefield.

The self-heating Smart Battery Pack manages the power supply during operation and will extend Vector’s endurance from 120 to 180 minutes. The Battery Management System transmits the battery status and warning messages to the operator, to prevent downtime and support uninterrupted detection of enemy targets.

Vector’s unique open systems architecture encompassing both the autopilot’s hardware and software modules, allows for seamless integration of new capabilities on an ongoing basis.

Supporting Ukraine “whatever it takes”

To further support the Ukrainian forces in their defense, Quantum Systems recently opened a Service-Training-Support and Logistics (SSTLC) Facility in Ukraine. This facility provides training for operators on the use and maintenance of the Vector™ system and is the local hub for procuring spare parts and repair services.

“Quantum Systems stands firmly in support of Ukraine and their democracy, and we are dedicated to assisting them in defending their country, whatever it takes. The trust of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense in our systems holds immense significance for us. We consider it a privilege to contribute to Ukraine’s defense, and we remain committed to delivering superior systems to their armed forces. Our unwavering belief in democratic values, coupled with the daily challenges faced by Ukrainian soldiers, fuels our motivation, and accelerates our development processes.”

Florian Seibel, CEO Quantum Systems

For more information about Quantum-Systems, visit www.quantum-systems.com.

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

Apollo Ranger Bio-Fin – Stealth Black

Friday, June 2nd, 2023

For when you need more than one tactical fin option!

The Apollo Ranger Bio-Fin was engineered for a particular mission set. Designed to provide a tough, light & compact fin offering performance without compromise. It provides nearly all the benefits and 80% of the thrust of a full-sized Stealth Bio-Fin but without the length. It is now also available with stealth black stainless-steel spring.

Ideally suiting dives where a long fin is either undesirable or simply gets in the way of operations. Inclusive tactical divers wearing Patriot3 Jet Boots, DDV pilots, parachutists conducting water jumps, helicopter or ship SAR swimmers or divers, Police dive teams, standby divers and white water rescue teams to name a few.

• Fits both Amphibious boots and standard Military footwear.

• A tough Natural rubber blade provides exceptional manoeuvrability and explosive thrust.

• Propeller-fin technology – proven to reduce fatigue and maximise endurance.

• Secure stainless steel spring strap eliminate strap, lug or buckle breakage and are quick & easy to don and remove.

• Soft comfortable foot pocket with anti-slip high traction sole (easy to walk in).

• Negatively buoyant, if the operator is required to discard the fin it will sink to the bottom; so as not to alert others of the operator’s presence.

• The rubber’s flexibility still gives a powerful thrust, while reducing the risk of surface splashing. The comfortable foot pocket accommodates most military and amphibious footwear, for example jungle boots.

Uncompromisingly made of the best natural rubber and fittings in Japan.

Stealth Black military only version is NSN’d for all size ranges.

NSN # and Size options are available from www.apollomilitary.com/products/bio-fin-ranger-stealth-black-spring-strap

Posted in Guest Post, International, Maritime | No Comments »

Bundeswehr Orders Another 57 Heavy Tractor Units – Contract Worth Over €50 Million

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

Rheinmetall has received an order from the German Bundeswehr to supply a further 57 heavy tractor units in the 70-tonne payload class. Known as the “SaZgM 70t mil” in German military parlance, the unprotected heavy-duty trucks are scheduled for delivery in 2023 and 2024. The total value of the order is worth just over €50 million, including value added tax. The German armed forces use the trucks primarily for transporting heavy armoured vehicles like the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer.

Just booked, the current order is the last call-off from a framework contract signed in 2018 for the delivery of up to 137 SaZgM 70t mil trucks. Under the framework agreement, which had a 7-year lifetime, eighty tractor units have already been ordered and delivered to the Bundeswehr.

Rheinmetall’s HX81 tractor units are powered by an eight-cylinder 680 hp diesel engine. This gives the high-mobility all-wheel-drive truck a top speed of 89 km/h and the ability to climb gradients of 60 percent. The Gross Train Weight of the system is 130 tonnes. The HX81 tractor unit has the same driver’s cab as Rheinmetall’s UTF family of vehicles. If necessary, the cab can be exchanged for a protected version. It comes with a Rotzler double action winch system, with a combined maximum tractive force of 40 tonnes, enabling the all-terrain tractor unit to tow vehicles onto the trailer.

Important contribution to reinforcing the Bundeswehr’s logistic capabilities

Logistic vehicles play a crucial role in assuring the operational effectiveness of combat units, enabling a rapid response and subsequent sustainment in the field. Being able to transport heavy combat vehicles is a key capability in national and alliance defence. The HX81 complements the Bundeswehr’s SLT heavy transport vehicle. Besides the unprotected HX81, Rheinmetall also supplies the Mammut protected heavy transport vehicle, along with the UTF unprotected transport vehicle and the WLS hook loading system.

Since 2018, Rheinmetall has supplied the Bundeswehr with over 4,000 military trucks. Together with the UTF and WLS, the SaZgM 70t tractor unit forms the logistic backbone of the Bundeswehr.

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

OpEx 23 – Direct Action Combat Performance

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

Founded by MMA fighter and Canadian Army Veteran Randy Turner, Direct Action Combat Performance provides training in the full spectrum of combatives from fighting with small arms, to edged weapons to hand-to-hand.

Studying around the world exposed Randy to a wide variety of styles and he fought professionally for 10 years in MMA, becoming the Canadian Bantamweight Champion in 2012. He trains military, LE and citizens in his methods and has developed a signature knife which we’ll cover soon.

I only got to spend about 20 minutes with Randy but his story is fascinating and I’ll be following up soon with him to tell more about what he and his company does.

Posted in Combatives, International, OpEx | No Comments »

OpEx 23 – Milburn Mountain Defense

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

Milburn Mountain Defense Ltd is a small family owned business which manufactures all of their ballistic plates and soft armor in their facility in Alberta. In addition to Armor they also offer tactical gear including plate carriers and will work with the customer to customize the gear.

Posted in Armor, International, OpEx | No Comments »

OpEx 23 – 911 Supply

Thursday, June 1st, 2023

911 Supply has introduced a new product line to their offerings. Cosmas by Jolly Scarpe is an Italian boot brand.

This boot is the Chamoix GTX. It features a Nubuck leather upper with GORE-TEX lining, and rubber rand as well as an antistatic, oil and hydrocarbon resistant sole with anti-perforation characteristics.

Additionally, they announced that they are opening a new retail shop in the Bells Corners District of Ottawa.

911supply.ca

Posted in Boots, International, OpEx | No Comments »

Rampart Range Day 23 – InfiRay Outdoor

Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

InfiRay Outdoor had their range of thermal optics on display including the Thermal Imaging Riflescope Holo HL25 which features a 12 ?m 384×288 sensor.

It is Pic Rail compatible. Above you can see the 2.69”AMOLED display screen which has the capability of Picture in Picture display with the target at 2x magnification.

It also can integrate a laser range finder on the side Pic Rail and 32GB of Built-in Memory to store screen images.

This and other products shown at Rampart Range Day are available for unit and agency orders in Canada and the US through Rampart.

Posted in International, Optics, Rampart Range Day | No Comments »

Multifunctional Flame Retardant Fabric with Comfort at its Core by Carrington Textiles

Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

Adlington, United Kingdom: Flamestat 250, a flame retardant fabric with antistatic properties developed by global manufacturer Carrington Textiles, is a product which main attribute is its lightweight features while maintaining the company’s usual high standard in protection and performance.

At a weight of 250gsm, and with a high cotton content in its composition, Flamestat 250 provides a soft handle for comfort to the wearer, while the polyester in it offers durability and strength.

Regarding the reasons that drove this development, R&D Manager, Kirsty White, explains: “We are able to adapt quickly to market requirements, and as we have been seeing a growing trend for wearer comfort which has transitioned from workwear to flame retardant fabrics, we created Flamestat 250. We also wanted to develop a lighter weight quality to complement our Flamestat 290 without impacting product performance.”

Flamestat 250 is the latest addition to the Flamestat family, industrially launderable and guaranteed to last the lifetime of the garment due to its robust construction. With 75% cotton, 24% polyester and 1% antistatic, this fabric’s flame retardancy is to the standards EN ISO 11612, EN ISO 14116 index 3 and EN ISO 11611; while its antistatic properties are to the EN 1149-3-5 standard.

Available in a range of colours that include high visibility yellow, black and navy, just to name a few, Flamestat 250 also provides electric arc and chemical splash protection to the EN 61482-1-2 and EN 13034 standards respectively.

Flamestat 250 is a perfect flame retardant fabric with antistatic for workwear jackets, trousers and coveralls in industries that require protection against flash fire and electrostatic discharge like electric vehicle manufacturing, oil and gas as well as engineering.

For more information about Flamestat 250, visit the Carrington Textiles’ website.

Posted in FR, International, Materials, Press Release | No Comments »