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A Game-Changer That Redefines Future Battlefield Capabilities: The Type-X RCV, The First Robotic Combat Vehicle Equipped With A Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

A Game-Changer That Redefines Future Battlefield Capabilities: The Type-X RCV, The First Robotic Combat Vehicle Equipped With A Mixed Reality Situational Awareness System.

Europe’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics will present the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), the first-of-its-kind equipped with a mixed reality situational awareness system (MRSAS) at DSEI 2023 in London.

The Vegvisir Remote MRSAS enhances the decision making of Type-X operators by giving them a 360-degree virtual dome with EO/IR sensor fusion for both close and medium proximity vision and target engagement capabilities in any condition. The system is optimised for lower bandwidth for remote use and connects the operator into a digital hub to interact and consume digital data.

“Milrem Robotics continues the development of the Type-X RCV by integrating cutting edge technologies to address the requirements of many countries interested in intelligent robotic systems, especially the Nordics and Western Europe, but also the US,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

In addition to the new cutting-edge situational awareness system, the Type-X is equipped with KONGSBERG’s latest and best PROTECTOR Medium Calibre Turret that is changeable to specifically meet the particular needs of various end-users. The combination, that has passed several live firing tests, gives mechanized units the means to breach enemy defensive positions with minimal risk to their own troops.

The Type-X is also integrated with the QUADBOX by Elistair, that consists of a tactical tethered UAS for ISR, and communications relay designed to further enhance situational awareness for extended periods whilst on the move.

The Type-X RCV along with other Milrem Robotics’ products can be found at stand no H4-122.

The Type-X RCV is an organic part of mechanized units that can take the most dangerous positions and provide equal or overmatching firepower and tactical usage compared to traditional Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

It was developed to navigate the battlefield autonomously, with a human-in-the-loop control system and artificial intelligence (AI) as an integral part of the operating algorithm. With the Type-X Milrem Robotics also introduces a feature called Indirect Drive that allows remote controlled operations on higher speeds.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the US. The company is known for their THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle and the MIFIK autonomy kit.

Vegvisir Set to Unveil Its Disruptive Situation Awareness System at DSEI

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

The Estonian-Croatian defence industry start-up Vegvisir will be presenting its first ready-made products at this year’s DSEI exhibition in London. Following two years of development and rigorous testing, the company is prepared to showcase Vegvisir Core as the situational awareness system for manned vehicles and the Vegvisir Remote for unmanned platforms.

Vegvisir’s innovative situational awareness system uses vehicle-mounted cameras, an immersive ultra-low latency headset, and supplementary data overlay capability to provide the vehicle personnel a comprehensive 360-degree view of the surrounding environment. This heightened awareness equips troops with the tools to navigate complex scenarios and make well-informed decisions on the battlefield.

According to Ingvar Pärnamäe, the CEO of Vegvisir, the company has successfully completed three product demonstrations with the Estonian and Croatian armed forces within the last year.

“We have received a lot of positive feedback from end users who confirm that we are addressing a critical problem often encountered by armoured vehicle personnel on the battlefield. As the cornerstone of our concept is our team members’ first-hand experience from military missions, we know that an adequate understanding of the surroundings can significantly enhance the capabilities of armoured vehicles and their personnel,” said Pärnamäe.

The company is set to showcase two versions of the solution at DSEI – Vegvisir Core and Vegvisir Remote. Vegvisir Core is designed to deliver a comprehensive 360-degree view with the lowest possible latency on infantry fighting vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, combat support platforms, engineering vehicles, and main battle tanks. It connects the crew into a digital hub allowing seamless interaction and access to digital data.

Vegvisir Remote offers a similar experience to Vegvisir Core but is optimized for lower bandwidth, making it ideal for remote use. Its primary application is on optionally manned or unmanned platforms that require remote operation.

The company will be presenting the product demo at the Estonian Pavilion (stand H4-120). Vegvisir Core will be integrated to Patria AMV XP 8×8 at stand H7-120 and Vegvisir Remote will be exhibited live on Milrem Robotics Type-X RCV at stand H4-122.

“For our team, having our product assembled on the platforms of some of the most renowned players in the defence sector is also a significant achievement. We aim to send a strong signal that the Vegvisir solution is a valuable addition to the most advanced platforms within the defence industry, and we are capable of introducing substantial innovation to the field of situational awareness technology,” Ingvar Pärnamäe added.

Vegvisir technical features:

•             4 sensor system modules attached to the vehicle (front, sides and rear)

•             360 degrees field of view  by combining different layers of sensor system

•             Ultra low latency

•             Military grade casings with cleaning system

•             Optional thermal sensors

•             Head or helmet mounted display(goggles)  for MR experience

•             Intuitive user interaction panel

•             Custom 3D virtual engine to support multi user and channel input

•             Additional interfaces available: CAN, ETH

•             Custom UI to effectively show data from vehicle or other systems

•             Battlefield management system integration with data virtualisation and visualisation

•             Vehicle information visualisation

For organising a meet-up at DSEI or receiving additional information please contact:

Karl Kaju, CMO

karl.kaju@vegvisir.ee

www.vegvisir.ee

The Australian Combat Assault Rifle by Lithgow Arms

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

Australian small arms manufacturer Lithgow Arms has formally launched their Australian Combat Assault Rifle line with two current models, the ACAR 5.56/300BLK and the ACAR 7.62. Both feature Direct Impingement operating systems. However, Lithgow Arms continues to develop the line and we should see a piston gun next year.

Designed and manufactured in a collaboration between Thales’s Lithgow Arms and Australian small arms specialist Wedgetail Industries, the ACAR series delivers high quality and mission flexibility for defence and law enforcement customers.

This video gives a quick overview of the ACAR.

We offered a sneak peek during last year’s Land Forces conference and will check these latest versions out during next week’s DSEI in London.

To learn more, visit www.lithgowarms.com/defence-law-enforcement

Rheinmetall Supplies Norway with a Mission Master XT After Demonstrating Its Capabilities in Hostile Nordic Conditions

Tuesday, September 5th, 2023

Rheinmetall has supplied Norway with its very first Rheinmetall Mission Master XT, an extreme-terrain unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) capable of thriving in sub-zero temperatures. 

The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (the prime institution responsible for defence-related research and development in Norway) awarded Rheinmetall the contract after it won a competitive bid with challenging mobility and schedule requirements.

A tried-and-tested solution for Nordic countries

This contract comes just months after Rheinmetall took part in the Artic Mobility Trials in Finland, where the autonomy and mobility of the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT were put to the test. Despite a challenging environment and -30°C weather conditions, the vehicle successfully navigated through icy rivers and climbed up slippery banks.

The Rheinmetall Mission Master XT during the Artic Mobility Trials in Finland

“We are proud to have developed systems that can withstand some of the world’s harshest conditions. These recent trials have proven that we are in a strong position to meet the needs of Nordic countries that face similar challenges to us here in Canada,” stated Alain Tremblay, vice president for business development and innovation at Rheinmetall Canada.

Rheinmetall Mission Master XT, an extreme terrain UGV

Developed by Rheinmetall Canada in 2021, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT can tackle ice and snow, as well as sandy, rocky and mountainous topography. Its advanced amphibious capabilities allow it to float and swim while maintaining its full payload capacity. Weighing in at 2,217 kg, this powerful A-UGV can carry a 1000 kg payload, allowing troops to transport special equipment to hard-to-reach locations. The diesel-powered engine allows it to travel 750 km without refuelling, while internal batteries enable up to 6 hours of silent watch operations. Another key feature of the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is its high-performance continuous tyre inflation system, which adjusts the tire pressure according to the terrain.

Like other platforms in the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, the XT vehicle is driven by Rheinmetall PATH, an AI-powered navigation system that can be installed on any vehicle. This agnostic suite of advanced sensors and perception algorithms enables Mission Master vehicles to navigate autonomously through challenging environments, while keeping soldiers out of harm’s way.

The Rheinmetall Canada team took part in the Norwegian Army Technology Days 2023 on August 23 and 24, where it has delivered a presentation on “How to speed up the adoption of and trust towards UGVs”.

For more information on the family of Rheinmetall Mission Master UGVs, please visit rheinmetall.ca.

Agilite Appoints Michael Litwin as Business Development Director of Government Sales

Tuesday, September 5th, 2023

Agilite USA has announced the appointment of Michael Litwin as Business Development Director of Government Sales.

Michael previously served on the senior team at Noble, having risen through the ranks of TSSi where he won and managed multiple federal government contracts, managed TSSi’s largest customer accounts and developed custom TACOPS products and kits for many of his customers. Within his last two years he had the unique experience of going through two mergers, NOBLE and Federal Resources, where he participated in the development and management of a variety of business development and sales teams, assisted in process improvement, and strategy planning. During Michael’s tenure he developed lasting relationships within the DoD, Federal Government, State and Local, and Education spaces with clients, but also developed lifelong friendships within the industry as he worked to take the best products to the right customers over his almost eight years with TSSi/NOBLE.

“I’m honored to join the freight train that is Agilite.” said Litwin. “Anyone who’s ever done business with Agilite knows that both the products and the people are extraordinary and it’s exciting to join this industry-leading team.”

Michael’s role is part of the expansion of the team at Agilite USA in order to meet demand from US Forces and other North American clients.

Contact Michael at Michael.L@agilitegear.com

DTC Showcases The Sentry 6161 Soldier Radio at DSEI 2023

Monday, September 4th, 2023

Ashburn, VA, Aug. 30, 2023 — Sentry 6161

Domo Tactical Communications (DTC), a CODAN company based in Southampton, UK, is excited to announce that is showcasing the Sentry 6161 Soldier Radio at DSEI 2023.

The Sentry 6161; a rugged, lightweight, military grade radio that incorporates DTC’ robust MIMO MANET Mesh IP technology is designed to meet the requirements of the modern dismounted solider.

The compact radio features DTC’ MeshUltra™ tactical waveform in a frequency range of 1.2 – 1.7GHz, 2W adjustable power output and Ethernet & USB connectivity for plug & play MOTS/COTS peripherals. Weighing only445 grams, with a low power consumption, the Sentry 6161 is the latest generation ‘best in class’ MANET Mesh Soldier Radio.

DTC’ unique MeshUltra™ waveform operates in narrow channels within a single, robust and scalable network. This technology is proving effective in real-time environments where interference avoidance is critical for deployment teams who require rebroadcast, high-speed, long-range, reliable video, audio, and data.

Unmanned Systems

DTC continues to expand the BluSDR family range of radios for Unmanned Systems and is showcasing several new features and hardware variants at DSEI. The BluSDR range is built on DTC’s renowned SOL8 software defined radio platform and provides both OEM and boxed radio solutions tailored specifically for UXV applications. The outstanding Size Weight and Power advantages of the platforms, together with DTC’s unique software functionality,provide a proven and fit for purpose communication solution for UXV platforms.

Driven by market demand for Unmanned Systems solutions, DTC has designed a 2x5W sled as a lightweight 620g addition to the BluSDR™-90 family that provides the same capabilities as the 2.5kg boxed product. This is a great alternative for UAV integration when long-range communications of up to 90km is required.

For customers who wish to evaluate our lightweight BluSDR™-6, we now offer a boxed evaluation kit with all necessary components for a user to integrate in their UXV system. This product offers up to 2x200mW output power, using DTC’s MeshUltra™ waveform technology.

A comprehensive range of Video and IP products will be on stand H2-218 during DSEI 2023. For more information, please visit domotactical.com or email info@domotactical.com.

Rheinmetall and WilNor Governmental Services, Together with Experienced Norwegian and German Companies, Will Collaborate to Remove Unexploded Ordnance in German Waters

Friday, September 1st, 2023

By combining maritime and technical expertise, the partners will answer the request for quote issued by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, for ordnance removal. 

With reference to an earlier statement by German Naval Yards, Rheinmetall bring together partners to answer the request for quote (RFQ) issued by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). Complimenting experience and infrastructure make for a strong constellation between Rheinmetall, WilNor Governmental Services, and an extended group of companies. Together, the constellation brings extensive experience and technology to remove unexploded ordnance safely and responsibly.

Rheinmetall has extensive and long-standing expertise in this domain, having planned and implemented concepts and facilities for ammunition disposal for many years.¬
WilNor Governmental Services, a subsidiary company of the Wilhelmsen group, brings the logistics and maritime operations element. The Wilhelmsen group, based in Norway, is the world’s largest maritime network, with activities concentrated on providing products and services to the maritime industry, offshore logistics and technology, renewable energy, ship management, and complex logistical solutions for operating under difficult offshore conditions.

The partners plan to jointly develop and operate an innovative offshore platform for ammunition disposal. Contaminated sites will be cleaned up in a safe and responsible manner, with ammunition disposal taking place offshore at the innovative offshore platform, minimising the danger to marine life and the natural environment.

Future ocean plans
Plans for future offshore wind turbine parks in the same waters, demands a safe seabed. Enabling that reality requires responsible and safe removal of millions of tons of unexploded ordnance first. “We want to assure a cleaner and healthier marine environment. Unexploded ordnance and substances can be unstable and dangerous, and we will avoid the risk of transporting these. It is therefore important that we can safely and responsibly recover unexploded ordnance and render it harmless on the spot. We also aim to minimise the impact on the underwater world and its inhabitants, and prevent future hazards,” says Dr. Deniz Akitürk, managing director of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH. “Time is of the essence because the condition of the ammunition is deteriorating. Effects on the environment are already visible.” 

The constellation of companies is ready to build a reliable unexploded ordnance value chain and look for quick implementation to start surveys and preparations early in 2024. Once all preparation and necessary regulatory processes are completed, the constellation is ready to construct the innovative offshore platform. 
The constellation companies are able to expand from pilot to a full-scale industrial level value chain that can handle more efficient multiple platforms in several operational areas simultaneously.

Brinyte – Finding a Groundbreaking Hunting Light for Your Shotgun

Thursday, August 31st, 2023

Introducing the Brinyte T28 Hunting Light ,3-in-1 Center Axis Rotational Color LED module with LED Position Detent Lock. To put it simply, you can effortlessly choose any of the 3 colors (such as Red, Green, or White) by gently turning a knob. Your selected LED color will then securely stay aligned along the central axis of the light body and the spherical lens.

Why is the ‘center axis’ such a crucial factor, you might ponder? Well, firstly, if the LED isn’t precisely aligned along the central axis of the spherical lens, it won’t achieve its utmost potential in terms of light output (measured in LUX). Depending on how far off-center the LED is, it could also create anomalies or distortions in the light beam, which might impact your field of view when peering through a scope. Nevertheless, the primary rationale for having selectable and repeatable center axis alignment comes into play when you mount your light onto your scope. When dealing with a conventional, single-colored LED that’s centered within the light, you’d adjust the windage and elevation so that the light sits at the center of the scope’s field of view (and consequently aligns with your crosshair).

brinytestore.com/products/brinyte-t28-3-color-in-1-night-hunting-kit-for-coyotes-foxes-bobcats-and-hogs