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BAE Systems’ New CV90 Variants Add Capabilities and Combat Efficiency for Swedish Army

Thursday, November 17th, 2022

BAE Systems is launching two new variants of the CV90—the Forward Maintenance vehicle and the Combat Engineer vehicle—to support Swedish Army requirements

ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK, Sweden — Nov. 16, 2022 — BAE Systems has signed a follow-on contract worth $90 million with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for two new CV90 variants, which are being added to the Swedish CV90 RENO upgrade program.

The two new variants will be delivered by BAE Systems’ Swedish joint venture HB Utveckling AB, which brings together BAE Systems Hägglunds and Bofors manufacturing capabilities. The new variants are the Forward Maintenance vehicle, which will provide critical frontline support, repair, and recovery for other vehicles, ensuring improved overall combat vehicle availability; and the Combat Engineer variant, which will significantly grow the ability to ensure route clearance and deny enemy forces mission critical mobility. These two new variants will join the Swedish Army’s mechanized formations with deliveries scheduled between 2023 and 2027.

“We are proud to be producing these two new CV90 variants for the Swedish Army,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “The collaborative approach involved in the Swedish CV90 RENO program has been recognized as a key success factor in achieving a timely, balanced, and cost-effective solution to meet the customer’s capability requirements. We look forward to supporting our Swedish customer in increasing their combat efficiency.”

The two new CV90 variants will be produced at BAE Systems Hägglunds’ facility in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden and by Ritek in Levanger, Norway. Ritek is one of BAE Systems Hägglunds’ key industrial partners in the Norwegian CV90 program. Ritek’s role in this Swedish program is a significant milestone, moving Ritek into the international CV90 supply chain.

“Ritek has demonstrated that it has the industrial capability and skills required for such a program,” said Peter Sedin, BAE Systems Hägglunds’ director of operations. “As our production partner for a similar Norwegian Army program, it made sense to turn to Ritek when we were looking for the optimal industrial setup for this important FMV contract.”

There are approximately 1,300 CV90s in service with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. The vehicle has a combat-proven track record and is designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions. More recently, both Slovakia and the Czech Republic have selected CV90 to replace their legacy infantry fighting

vehicle fleets.

The CV90 will now be available in 17 variants and is designed to provide optimum mobility, with the highest level of protection in any terrain or tactical environment. The CV90 MkIV combines improved battlefield speeds and handling with an upgraded electronic architecture to support future growth capabilities as the complex battlefield evolves.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on BAE Systems’ New CV90 Variants Add Capabilities and Combat Efficiency for Swedish Army

Lindnerhof-Taktik Sets 16 November for Launch of New Adapter Sets and Harnesses

Wednesday, November 16th, 2022

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (15 NOV 2022)—Lindnerhof-Taktik GmbH will tomorrow round out a remarkable year of product introductions with the launch of several innovative adapters and harnesses designed to make the brand’s earlier gear additions more versatile and combinable.

The new products are:

• Waist Belt MX129
• Waist Belt Adapter 3-Rows MX345
• Waist Belt Adapter Quick Release 3-Rows MX346
• Hook Buckle Adapter MX498
• Plate Rig Harness Set MX731
• Chest Rig Harness MX732
• Chest Rig Adapter Kit LT266

“We believe that users of our 2022 product lineup will love these additional accessories because of the way they permit fast and easy transformation of bedrock Lindnerhof setups into entirely new load-outs offering increased utility and functionality,” said Chief Executive Officer Jakob Kolbeck.

Kolbeck offered as an example the brand’s beloved classic Plate Carrier LT025/5. “With these new adapters and harnesses, we’ve opened the door to turning the LT205/5 into a plate carrier suitable for more types of missions, for more of the increasingly challenging kinds of missions operators are today being sent out on,” he said. “Now, with ease, the good old LT205/5 gains a super-lightweight skeletonised waist belt that’s closable using our patented, cutting-edge hook- buckle system. All you need for this is our new Waist Belt Adapter 3-Rows MX345, Waist Belt MX129, and Hook Buckle Adapter MX498.”

Kolbeck described how those items are utilised. “Loop the MX345 in a crisscross manner on each end of the waist belt, then affix the waist belt to the back part of the LT025/5 carrier, just as you are accustomed to doing,” he said. “To close your new waist belt, fix the MX498 Adapters via the supplied Velcro® fasteners on the front part and close the hook buckle. That’s all there is to it.”

Each adapter is sold separately; however, there is also a special adapter available—Waist Belt Adapter Quick Release 3-Rows MX346—for use with the “Schutzweste Infantrie” protective vest from Mehler Vario System GmbH. Like the MX345, the MX346 skeletonises the waist belt.

“What we’ve attempted to do here is offer our users as much modularity as possible,” said Kolbeck. “Because we here at Lindnerhof are former end-users of tactical gear, our thinking about the development of products is guided by what we understand to be the needs of current end-users. However, that understanding does not come solely from our own past experiences but much more from feedback we solicit and receive from current end-users. We do not forget where we came from, but neither do we lose sight of where the current users are going—and that is on increasingly demanding missions.”

Beyond the new options for updating waist-belt systems into modern quick-release versions, Lindnerhof also is including in its product range several new harnesses.

Said Kolbeck: “If you already are using our Split Front Chest Rig MX266, you’ll know already the new Chest Rig Harness MX732, which is a classically designed, softly padded chest rig harness with extra MOLLE/PALS slots and loops to let you carry additional equipment, such as cable guides, hydration tube guides, and more.

“In combination with our newly released Chest Rig Adapter Kit LT266, you’ll be able to create and set up an individualised Lindnerhof Micro Rig. Also, this past April, we announced the availability of our new MX Panels—they have special loops that serve as attachment points for the Adapter Kit LT266 which, in turn, attaches to the new MX732 harness.”

Of the MX732-related Plate Rig Harness MX731, Kolbeck said: “It completes our new product launch and is an essential accessory if you’re a sniper or just need to carry a heavyweight backpack, sit in a vehicle while attired in body armour, or plan to tote our Backpack HL334. The MX731 is intended for use specifically with our Ultralight Plate Carrier MX244, when you don’t need a ballistic plate in the back, the MX731 can take the place of the back part and transform the carrier into a sort of plate rig that gives you an ultra-low profile with no loss of comfort and release options.”

Kolbeck indicated that the MX731 also includes a skeletonised waist belt that precisely fits into the patented hook-buckle system at the front of Ultralight Plate Carrier MX244.

“We are very confident that these final additions to our 2022 product range are not an end- point but are in fact just the beginning of a strong, uninterrupted stream of creative ideas and options to give users of Lindnerhof gear still greater freedom to set up and load out exactly the way they need in order to meet the unique demands of each mission, so please stay tuned.”

For more information about the new adapters and harnesses as well as other Lindnerhof-Taktik products, please visit the company’s web shop at www.hqg.de

Posted in International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Rheinmetall Takes Over Spain’s Expal Systems S.A. – Move Brings the Group New Ammunition Production Capacity

Tuesday, November 15th, 2022

Rheinmetall AG today concluded a purchase contract with MaxamCorp. Holding S.L. of Madrid to acquire the entire share capital of Expal Systems S.A of Madrid, a globally renowned ammunition maker. Completion of the transaction, for which a closing date in summer 2023 is sought, is subject to approval by the competition authorities and other regulatory checks. The purchase price agreed between Rheinmetall and MaxamCorp., which is due after closing, is based on an enterprise value of €1.2 billion.

In making this acquisition, the Düsseldorf-based technology enterprise is seeking to bolster its core weapon, ammunition and propellant business in a sustained way, with increased spare production capacity and an expanded product portfolio the prime focal points.

In a dynamic market situation propelled by massive demand for military equipment in multiple countries, the acquisition provides Rheinmetall with swift access to significantly greater capacity. Given the expected large increase in demand from numerous nations, Rheinmetall wants to position itself as strongly as possible to address the anticipated inflow of new requests for tender for ammunition purchases. Of special strategic importance to Rheinmetall in this context is the resulting access to extra production capacity for propulsions and charges, which are subject to bottlenecks in Europe in the meantime.

Because the product spectrums of the two companies complement each other so well, the acquisition substantially augments Rheinmetall’s existing range of products, especially in the fast-growing market for artillery and mortar ammunition as well as mortar systems. The buyout also adds to Rheinmetall’s portfolio in the field of fuses and rocket propulsion systems, for example, as well as in medium-calibre ammunition and aircraft armament, while simultaneously reducing the Group’s dependence on suppliers for some industrial intermediates and ammunition components.

In important areas like purchasing and sales, synergies will have a positive impact on costs, which will also benefit customers.

Thanks to this acquisition, Rheinmetall is gaining a valuable strategic foothold in Spain, and thus direct access to this important market. Rheinmetall sees maintaining the company’s existing technology and staff as essential; all operational locations (Trubia, Burgos, Navalmoral, El Gordo, Albacete and Murcia in Spain as well as Texarkana, Texas in the USA) are therefore to remain open.

Expal Systems S.A. expects sales in FY 2022/23 to be around €400 million.

The company’s total capacity offers scope for potential annual sales of €700 to €800 million.

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SORD Australia BDUs

Tuesday, November 15th, 2022

The all new Battle Dress Uniform is here! Made from 100% Invista Cordura Nyco Extreme in genuine MultiCam, the BDU ensemble has been expertly patterned to provide freedom of movement while eliminating excess baggy fabric.

Lighter, stronger, more breathable and faster drying than any uniform SORD has released before, the BDU is built for tactical professionals.

Coyote and Navy available soon.

www.sordaustralia.com

Posted in Clothing, International | Comments Off on SORD Australia BDUs

US, UK Explore Interoperable, Battlefield-Ready 3D Printing Capabilities

Saturday, November 12th, 2022

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Warfighters from all branches of service and allied nations will need to work together closely on future battlefields to outwit and outperform adversaries. As the U.S. military and its partners take strategic steps to expand interoperability in theater, they are also evaluating how to maximize operational dexterity — including through the clever use of advanced manufacturing.

Encompassing everything from 3D printing to robotics, advanced manufacturing harnesses innovative technologies to improve traditional processes. The military’s application of advanced manufacturing in operational environments offers warfighters the ability to fix issues and make repairs on location and on demand, without needing to wait hours or days for key parts to arrive.

At Project Convergence 22, a U.S.-hosted all-service and multinational experiment designed to improve future force interoperability and readiness, U.S. and U.K. forces are assessing how they can strengthen interforce support through collaborative advanced manufacturing activities.

“It’s enjoyable, the integration,” said British Army officer Maj. Alex Shand of the experience.

As part of PC22 experimentation, Shand and his colleagues were able to successfully print — for the first time ever — U.S. Army materiel replacement parts using a British Army 3D printer.

This functionality is important because it shows how a multinational partner could potentially assist the U.S. military in making rapid equipment repairs on the battlefield, Shand explained. The increased flexibility could prove beneficial if a nearby unit lacked a 3D printer, for example, or if supply chain disruptions were preventing the timely delivery of missing parts.

Aiding the ability of warfighters to execute on-the-ground repairs is the British Army’s development of extended reality goggles. The high-tech goggles can be worn by an individual tasked with making repairs and synchronized virtually with relevant subject matter experts. These experts can then view what the individual on the ground sees and offer detailed instructions on how to tackle complex repairs, including by sending files, drawing overlay pictures, or rendering 3D models.

While the technology is still in initial phases of development and has yet to be ruggedized for field use, its pairing with 3D printing capabilities and evaluation at PC22 shows promise for the future, offering what Shand described as “an understanding of the right mix of technologies and skills to conduct repair by repair on the battlefield as a joint force.”

By Maureena Thompson, Army Futures Command

Posted in Army, Disruptive Tech, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on US, UK Explore Interoperable, Battlefield-Ready 3D Printing Capabilities

InterRoC Research Project – Rheinmetall HX trucks Demonstrate Automated Driving Capabilities

Thursday, November 10th, 2022

On behalf of Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), Rheinmetall is currently conducting the InterRoC research and technology project. The abbreviation stands for Interoperable Robotic Convoy. In the last weeks, the impressive capabilities of this high-tech approach to autonomous driving were on display at two remarkable events.

The InterRoC project encompasses two HX2 military trucks from Rheinmetall, each equipped with an autonomy kit, and which alternate in accordance with the leader-follower principle. With this principle, the first vehicle is always driven manually, while the pursuit truck (or trucks) drives autonomously in its path. These are manned only by a backup driver, who can intervene in case of a malfunction. Here, it is not just the so-called primary functions, such as steering and accelerating, that are controllable; secondary functions like starting the engine, the lights, differential locks, etc., are as well. The current project uses an autonomy kit (A-Kit) furnished by the German authorities, and originally provided by the US government under a project agreement. Rheinmetall’s role in the programme includes modifying the basic vehicles and integrating the autonomy function, together with commissioning and testing.

Proven interoperability: a US-German convoy
As part of its Autonomous Ground Resupply (AGR) project, the US Army uses the same A-kits in its Oshkosh trucks that Rheinmetall uses for InterRoC. This makes mixed US-German convoys possible. This was tested in an operational demonstration (OPDEMO) from 26 September to 7 October at the US Army’s Grafenwöhr Training Area in Bavaria.

The intensive preparations paid off, with the first two-vehicle convoy already on the move the second day. During these two weeks, a convoy consisting of five vehicles tested every conceivable operating mode of the system in multiple variants. In the process, 1,051 km were driven autonomously. It is worth noting that the entire convoy overcame a gradient of 40 percent, with the A-Kit operating the differential locks.

Furthermore, the vehicles were able to operate continuously for over 75 minutes without manual intervention. The maximum convoy length was 1,100 metres.

Dynamic reconfiguration of the convoy proved possible with minimal idle time.
All in all, the tests turned out to be a complete success for everyone involved, resulting in numerous valuable findings.

Success at ELROB 2022
In early summer 2022, in the presence of German government officials, InterRoC vehicles had already taken part in the international European Land Robot Trial (ELROB) event.

ELROB is Europe’s toughest field test for unmanned systems. It is an open, multinational competition in the realm of robotics, sensors and autonomy, drawing participants from universities as well as civilian industry and the defence sector. It takes place every two years at a military installation. This year’s event was held at an exercise area near Vienna, 30 May to 3 June.

Participants have to contend with various scenarios and overcome multiple challenges, conceived in close cooperation with military users. Completion of the tasks is evaluated by a team of experts.

Participating for the first time with the InterRoC research and technology project in the event’s Convoying category, Rheinmetall’s small team took second place, finishing behind the University of the Bundeswehr in Munich.

This year’s challenges strained the specified capabilities of the vehicles and A-Kit alike, but the creative Rheinmetall team, reinforced by colleagues from RMMV Austria, largely succeeded in overcoming these.

In addition to the evaluated scenarios, Rheinmetall also carried out an autonomous driving presentation for a throng of interested visitors at the test site. The vehicles clearly captured the crowd’s imagination and proved highly popular.

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AirBoss Defense Group Receives $40.6 Million in Orders for Husky 2G Vehicles

Tuesday, November 8th, 2022

New Contracts Will Support User Survivability, Route Clearance and Threat Detection

JESSUP, Md., Nov. 07, 2022 — AirBoss Defense Group (“ADG”), a subsidiary of AirBoss of America Corp. (“AirBoss”) today announced that it continues to build business momentum with a $35 million order for ten (10) Husky 2G counter-improvised explosive device (“C-IED”) vehicles. The vehicles will be equipped with a full complement of detection systems and periphery subsystems including ground penetrating radar (“GPR”), M20 Interrogation Arms, Rollover Detection Systems, thermal cameras and RPG-defeat netting. ADG is also responsible for providing comprehensive operator and maintainer training as well as spare parts and sustainment supplies to the customer. Delivery of the vehicles will take place over the next 16 months.

Furthermore, ADG, through its partner, DCD Protected (“DCD”), will be providing three (3) Husky 2G C-IED vehicles, peripheral detection and survivability systems to support a customer in West Africa, valued at up to $5.6 million. ADG and DCD will also be providing spare parts and sustainment supplies as well as comprehensive operator and maintainer training. This contract, with deliveries taking place over the next six months, will provide a critical, best-in-class route clearance and threat detection and interrogation capability that will aid in the ongoing war on terror and efforts to counter a growing extremist threat in the region.

Patrick Callahan, CEO of AirBoss Defense Group said, “AirBoss Defense Group is growing its worldwide leadership in survivability solutions, ranging from IED detection to high-risk environment personal protective equipment. The Husky 2G is a cornerstone product in our portfolio of survivability solutions and is the most survivable vehicle available on the battlefield, providing unparalleled route clearance capabilities to U.S allies around the world. ADG welcomes the opportunity to continue our long partnership with DCD to provide the proven and tested Husky 2G vehicle in support of global route clearance missions.”

These new orders build upon previous U.S. and foreign government procurement from ADG of Husky 2G C-IED vehicles, equipment, spare parts, and training to counter growing IED and landmine threats around the globe. ADG and DCD vehicles enable a rapid response to the growing international demand for proven route clearance and survivability solutions delivered by ADG. Built with a unique V-shaped hull and modular design, the Husky 2G C-IED protects operators from blast impacts, small arms fire, and challenging terrain while supporting sensor systems for threat detection, identification, and mitigation.

The two-operator Husky 2G clearance vehicle was developed to meet the operational requirement for longer, more complex, mounted clearance missions and the employment of more sophisticated vehicle payloads. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as a U.S. Army Top Ten Invention, the 2G platform addresses evolving explosive threats while applying operationally proven survivability capabilities.

For more information, please visit www.adg.com.

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Aimpoint Awarded Fire Control Systems Contract for Canada

Monday, November 7th, 2022

MALMÖ, Sweden – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, has been awarded a contract for supply of the Aimpoint® FCS13-RE Fire Control System and TH-60 thermal sight systems to the Canadian military. The system will be used on deployed operations as the primary day and night Fire Control System (FCS) on Canada’s in-service M3 84mm Carl Gustaf produced by SAAB Dynamics. The contract was awarded through Twenty20 Insight Inc.

The FCS13-RE is a direct view, Dynamic Universal Reflex Sight, which utilizes an integrated laser range finder and ballistic computer to give the gunner an aiming point corrected for range, type of munition, terrain angle, and environmental conditions. The FCS13-RE provides a very high probability of first shot hit on both stationary and moving targets at extended ranges and utilizes a very intuitive user control interface. The system purchased by Canada MOD includes the TH-60 thermal imaging sight to allow full operational capability at night.

A proven system delivered to other NATO militaries, the Aimpoint FCS13-RE and TH-60 system was chosen for this program as it fully met or exceeded all of Canada’s strict technical performance requirements.

“The FCS13-RE with TH-60 provides Canada’s soldiers with huge increase in lethality. The FCS package being delivered will: more than double the effective range of the in-service M3 84mm Carl Gustaf; greatly increase first shot hit percentage; and make the weapon system fully day and night capable” said A.J. Lutes, Managing Director at Twenty20 Insight Inc.

Deliveries of the Aimpoint FCS13-RE and TH-60 are scheduled for 2023. The system will be fielded by the Canadian Army.

For more information, visit the company’s webpage: www.aimpoint.com.

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