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BlueBird Aero Systems Unveils MagiCam: Field-Proven Hi-Rez Tactical Mapping Solution – Day & Night

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

[Hepher Industrial Park, Israel, June 21, 2023] – BlueBird Aero Systems, a leading innovator in unmanned aerial Tactical systems (UAS) technology, proudly introduces MagiCam, a groundbreaking 3D Hi-Rez Large Area Mapping capability integrated with the renowned autonomous UAV, the WanderB-VTOL. This cutting-edge system revolutionizes large-scale mapping operations with its advanced Imaging payload, Smart features, stealthy operation and top-of-the-line actionable products.

MagiCam offers impressive specifications and delivers unmatched performance: It provides a projected footprint of up to 40 km2/hour (2D) and up to 12 km2/hour (3D) when flying undetected at 500 meters altitude, ensuring exceptional speed and efficiency. With a 3.2cm/pixel Ground Sample Distance (GSD), the system guarantees clear and detailed imagery, while its scalable processing time delivers quick results within hours of landing. Equipped with a uniquely designed gimbaled camera, MagiCam scans the area and captures multiple geo-tagged high-resolution images for precise mapping and 3D data. It also excels in detecting and marking changes between sorties, enabling users to track alterations over time, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.

The mapping mission is planed using intuitive interface and executed autonomously by the UAV, ensuring seamless operation.

In defense applications, MagiCam provides valuable 3D and tactical information for combat units and facilitates target positioning for smart munitions. It enables near real-time terrain and hostile situational awareness, aiding informed decision-making. The system also contributes to battle damage assessment (BDA), operational mission planning, high- accuracy measurement tools, and mission preparation 3D databases. Optional inclusion of IR thermal mapping adds versatility for night operations.

The MagiCam payload* features impressive specifications, including a 103 MP sensor, a 5-look projected image footprint, nadir imaging capabilities, an onboard processing computer, and high-speed storage in an amazing weight of 1500 grams. It supports geo- tagging and includes a calibrated lens for precise data processing.

BlueBird presents a comprehensive tactical mapping solution with MagiCam, combining high-resolution 2D and 3D mapping capabilities with autonomous, simple and undetected operation. The system excels in providing extensive coverage per flight hour, ensuring efficient mapping operations. Equipped with powerful intelligence analysis tools**, MagiCam enables advanced data analysis and interpretation, further enhancing its value.

*Payload developed by WaldoAir from Panama City Florida. WaldoAir is the main supplier of 3D mapping payload for FEMA and the Civil Air Patrol.

**Processing of images, creation of 3D database and the smart tools supported by Skyline Software Inc. software and are used by the US army geospatial centers and many other organizations around the world.

“We are thrilled to introduce MagiCam, a game-changing tactical 3D mapping solution,” says Ronen Nadir, CEO & Founder at BlueBird. “This innovative system redefines the boundaries of large area mapping, delivering exceptional 3D products, accuracy, efficiency and capabilities never seen before. MagiCam’s integration with our WanderB-VTOL UAV further enhances its capabilities, providing customers with an unparalleled solution for their mapping needs.”

www.bluebird-uav.com

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Introducing SpyX: BlueBird Aero Systems’ Revolutionary Loitering Munition

Tuesday, June 20th, 2023

Hepher Industrial Park, Israel June 19, 2023 – BlueBird Aero Systems, an Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Group Company, unveils its SpyX, a cutting-edge Loitering Munition UAV platform designed to empower military forces with unmatched tactical capabilities such as 50Km operational range, 1.5 hours mission time, autonomous electro-optical guided attack, optimal effect-on-target and tight integration with Bluebird’s VTOL ISR UAV family. This groundbreaking technology represents a significant milestone in the evolution of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and brings a new era of precision and efficiency to the battlefield, and in an extremely affordable price.

SpyX, developed by BlueBird Aero Systems, is an expendable electric mini-UAV, designed for loitering & strike missions, to enable tactical teams to organically detect, confirm and hit targets at ranges up to 50Km. To increase its target detection capabilities, the SpyX is integrated with a revolutionary belly-mounted dual-sensor stabilized payload and advanced video tracker, to enable autonomous and accurate electro-optical guided attack on the target. To increase its effectiveness, the 2.5Kg warhead (like combined Anti-Personnel, Anti-vehicles, or Anti-tank warheads) is loaded to the SpyX Loitering Munition just before launch, as per the required effect-on-target.

“SpyX is a game-changer in the field of military UAV platforms,” says Ronen Nadir, CEO of BlueBird Aero Systems. “We are proud to introduce this advanced system that combines innovative technology with unmatched versatility and cost-effectiveness. SpyX not only enhances situational awareness and enables precision and effective strikes, but also revolutionizes tactical battlefield superiority through its tight integration with our VTOL ISR UASs. It is a testament to our commitment to provide our customers with cutting-edge solutions that meet their evolving needs of tactical military operations”.

Key Features and Benefits of SpyX:

• Operational Range: An impressive operational range of up to 50km.

• Endurance: An impressive endurance of 1.5 hours, ensuring persistent surveillance and the ability to strike when targets are discovered and identified.

• Versatile Warhead Options: Multiple types of warheads, including anti-tank and anti-personnel/lite vehicle, ensuring optimal effectiveness against different target types.

• Agility: With a weight of only 10 kg, SpyX is a compact and agile platform, enabling rapid deployment and maneuverability in dynamic scenarios.

• High Attack Speed: With an attack-speed of 250 km/h, SpyX ensures efficient engagement of targets. The Target will not see nor hear it coming…

• Separate Warhead Storage: SpyX unique design allows the warhead to be stored separately, to enhance logistic storage capabilities, reduce the required space for safe bunker storage, and simplifies the transportation and handling of the system.

Advanced Military Operations:

SpyX revolutionizes the way tactical military operations are conducted, providing an unparalleled advantage in various scenarios:

• Precision Strikes: With a designed Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 1 meter, SpyX ensures exceptional precision in targeting to minimizes the risk to ground forces and reduces collateral damage.

• Reconnaissance and Surveillance: With its advanced dual-sensor payload, the SpyX provides real-time enhanced situational-awareness, enabling better target detection capabilities and decision-making in the field. Additionally, BlueBird’s unique open architecture design allows for joint reconnaissance and target detection efforts by integrating SpyX with BlueBird’s VTOL ISR UASs such as WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL UAS. This collaborative approach enhances the mission effectiveness by allowing target detection before launching SpyX, while covering larger areas for longer time using VTOL UAVs, maximizing operational efficiency.

• Force Protection: Safeguard military personnel and critical infrastructure by identifying and neutralizing threats efficiently and effectively. SpyX’s versatile warhead options allow for adaptable mission planning, enabling precise engagement of both armored targets and personnel or light vehicles.

For more information about SpyX and BlueBird’s range of UAS solutions, please visit www.bluebird-uav.com.

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Canadian Armed Forces Transitions to SIG SAUER P320

Monday, June 19th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 19, 2023) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has officially transitioned to the SIG SAUER P320 and received the official designation of C22. The initial delivery of 7,000 pistols is complete and soldier fielding of the C22 is in progress to replace the Browning 9mm adopted in 1944.

“The selection process for the C22 was extremely competitive with safety, reliability, and accuracy at the forefront – the P320 delivers on all fronts and ensures operational readiness and effectiveness for the Canadian Armed Forces,” began Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “For the first time in nearly eighty years our northern allies will field a modern, reliable pistol to support and carry out their mission.”

The C22 is a P320 modular, full-size, 9mm striker-fired pistol. The C22, contract pistol enhancements including improved ergonomic design, 17-round capacity, and a loaded chamber indicator that is visible to the user at any angle. Additionally, the C22 features the SIG SAUER P320 innovative 3-point takedown safety for pistol disassembly which does not require a trigger pull for disassembly and the five-point safety system making it the safest and most dependable pistol available.

“SIG SAUER is honored that the P320 is the official sidearm of the Canadian Armed Forces, and proud of the positive feedback we are receiving throughout their transition to the P320,” concluded Jankiewicz.

The P320 pistols for the Canadian Armed Forces are distributed through MD Charlton. For more information about the SIG SAUER P320 and the safety features visit sigsauer.com.

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Industry Ready to Answer Call to Arms

Thursday, June 15th, 2023

NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa says it’s time for Australia to step up and win the industrial capability battle.

In a blunt warning to the nation’s premier defence gathering in Canberra last night (Eds: Wednesday, June 14), Mr Nioa said the consequences of outsourcing military production could be dire against a backdrop of the most critical period in decades.

While the challenges are enormous, so too is the ability of Australian industry to meet them, but it needs to be brought into the fight – and soon, he said.

Before an audience including Australia’s most influential decision-makers across Government, Defence and the ADF, Mr Nioa said the potential for conflict in our region was “at a scale that we have not seen since World War 2”.

“This is industrial scale conflict that requires a capable and fully mobilised Australian industrial base to deter it,” Mr Nioa told the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) dinner.

“If we are to deter aggressors we need to demonstrate that we can win the industrial battle. The people that can do that for Australia are in this room.”

But the head of Australia’s biggest privately-owned supplier of munitions to the ADF said industry investment in building sovereign capability would be stymied by an over dependence on Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

“The biggest risk to getting Australian industry into the fight, is outsourcing all of our immediate requirements to FMS. That will pull the rug out from under us quicker than anything,” he said.

“If we have nothing to do we can do nothing. We need to start now. The Ukraine war has highlighted the significant industrial challenges in sustaining and winning large scale conflicts.

“And it has exposed significant limitations in the current scale of the combined allied defence industrial base.

“Previous conflicts have shown us that a nation must start to mobilise its defence industrial base around four years before it can mobilise its defence force. Our adversaries have done precisely that and more.”

Mr Nioa singled out key points in the recently-released Defence Strategic Review (DSR), including:

That Australia is facing “the prospect of major conflict in our region that directly threatens our national interest”.

It signalled the end of strategic warning time for that conflict to occur, and said “ending warning time…necessitates an urgent call to action…”

“Defence’s current approach to defence acquisition is not fit for purpose”.

That “procurement risk must be based on minimum viable capability in the shortest possible timeframe”.

That “Australia must be more self-reliant so that we are able to contribute more to regional security”.

And that will require a shift to “strengthening Australia’s sovereign military and industrial capabilities”.

“I urge the Government and Defence to engage more urgently with the Australian industrial base and industrialists,” Mr Nioa said.

“I suspect I speak for the room when I say there is a sense that Australian industry is currently sitting on the sidelines, waiting to be brought into the fight.

“I also don’t think it is well understood how commercially draining and unrewarding it is to build new industrial capabilities.

“From a commercial point of view that represents years of development, construction and commissioning effort, all while losing money, taking on risk and forgoing alternate opportunities.

“That needs an industrial base that is solely focused on the national interests of Australia. That industrial base is sitting in this room and ready.”

www.nioa.com.au

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

São Paulo Brazil Awards B&T USA Contract for APC9-G PRO Models

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

Tampa, FL (June 12th, 2023) – B&T USA is proud to announce the São Paulo Brazil Civilian Police have purchased 700 B&T APC9-G PRO models equipped with MBT folding and telescoping stocks, Glock compatible lower receivers, RQD suppressors and Aimpoint ACRO P2 optics. This acquisition is part of its plan to modernize the equipment of its security forces. These compact weapon systems are chambered in 9mm, allowing cartridge commonality between the divisions service pistols and its new submachine gun.

“We are very pleased the Government of São Paulo and the Secretariat of Public Security have selected B&T APC9-G PRO models, reinforcing its commitment to provide firearms of high quality and efficiency to units within its institution” stated Chris Mudgett, Vice President of Marketing, B&T USA. “This contract marks our company’s second contract for US-produced APC submachine gun models for the professionals of São Paulo, Brazil — the first being APC40 models to the country’s Military Police.”

The APC9 PRO utilizes a hydraulic buffer system to drastically reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise and is the workhorse of the APC PRO line. The platform features functional updates include dual auto-folding, non-reciprocating and ambidextrous charging handles, improved lower receiver ergonomics that include a side positioned bolt hold open/release, removable M4 compatible grip, and Magpul M-Lok accessory slots located on the forend. Additionally, the APC9 PRO is compatible with standard B&T, Glock and SIG P320 magazines.

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Rheinmetall Reinforcing NATO Partner Nation: Norway Orders Almost 300 More Trucks Worth Over €150 Million

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Rheinmetall is making another important contribution to strengthening NATO’s European member nations: starting in late 2026, Norway will be taking delivery of almost 300 advanced TG3 MIL 8×8 military trucks, worth over €150 million. The contract was signed on 31 May 2023 in Oslo by Gro Jeare, director of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), and Michael Wittlinger, chairman of the board of management of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV).

In terms of volume, it is the largest single call-off of trucks to date under the framework contract concluded between Rheinmetall, Norway and Sweden. Earmarked for the Norwegian armed forces, the package encompasses multiple vehicle variants, including hook loader trucks, special vehicles with crane and hook loader systems as well as trailers and flatracks.

The primary purpose of the vehicles will be to enhance the transport capacity and operational capabilities of the Norwegian military. The latest call-off represents less than half of the necessary logistic vehicles covered by the framework contract, meaning that follow-up orders from Norway and other Scandinavian nations are likely.

“We see this follow-up order as clear proof of the professional and partner-like cooperation in recent years as well as the compelling performance of our products”, declares Michael Wittlinger. “As we see it, the fact that more and more NATO armed forces are opting for our TG and HX vehicles is an important step toward greater interoperability and resilience. We take our responsibility to supply the best possible systems here very seriously.”

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Green Force Gear – The PUZZLE

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

Made from laser cut laminate, the PUZZLE from Green Force Gear can be used to build chest rigs or chest rig components using MOLLE pouches. Base set 55€. Additional QR and zipper components available. NIR-compliant and a lifetime guarantee.

Posted in International, Load Carrying | 4 Comments »

Artillery Ammo Deal to Deliver Ongoing Capability Edge

Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

NIOA has confirmed an extended partnership with Defence which it says will “future proof” supply surety of advanced artillery rounds for the Australian Army.

At a time of unprecedented worldwide demand for 155mm ammunition, the Australian-owned Defence prime has locked in another five-year term to supply the Assegai suite of munitions under the LAND 17-1C.2 Future Artillery Ammunition (FAA) program.

The modular Assegai ammunition system of projectiles, propelling charges, fuzes and primers can be configured in many ways to increase lethality and range for training and operational purposes.

Over the past five years, NIOA and supply partners JUNGHANS Microtec GmbH, Nitrochemie Aschau GmbH and Rheinmetall Denel Munitions have worked in close collaboration with Defence to deliver and integrate this artillery system into the Army’s M777A2 howitzers and are preparing for integration into K9 Protected Mobile Fires platforms.

Projectile variants include conventional HE, Insensitive Munition High Explosive (IHE), IHE Pre-Fragmented (PFF), screening smoke, illumination (infrared and visual), base-bleed and Extended Range Velocity Enhance (V-LAP), practice and inert projectiles.

A key recommendation of the recent Defence Strategic Review (DSR) was to accelerate and shore up supply of critical munitions and projectiles which have been included in a $2.5b investment in Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO).

Reliable sources such as the joint venture Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions (RNM) shell forging factory in Maryborough, Queensland, which recently shipped its first consignment of export 155mm shells to Germany, are likely to become more critical.

NIOA Australia and New Zealand CEO Ben James welcomed the LAND 17-1C.2 deed extension, saying the new partnership would capitalise on a highly successful LAND 17 Program and a key period for ADF capability.

“The LAND 17 FAA program will deliver a step change in reach, coverage and flexibility for the ADF’s artillery capability,” he said.

“NIOA welcomes this significant deed extension and looks forward to working with Defence to deliver against accelerated preparedness objectives.

“The DSR identified the need to rapidly acquire additional ammunition stocks from existing suppliers and contractors and rapidly establish a domestic GWEO manufacturing capability.

“This LAND 17 deed extension provides the opportunity for NIOA to deliver on both of these objectives for Government and for the ADF.”

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