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FROG.PRO – HAWK Plate Carrier

Sunday, April 30th, 2023

(GATTATICO (RE) – ITALY) – FROG.PRO®, the Italian reference brand for tactical tailoring, is proud to announce the launch of its new and long-awaited plate carrier: the HAWK.

“The last years marked big steps in our endless journey towards innovation. After the renovation of our website and our catalogue in 2021, we were still missing a fundamental piece: a new combat plate carrier, that could inherit the place of our previous models and answer the needs of contemporary warfare.

A year-long process of researching and development, supported by the advancing of our machinery and manufacturing techniques that made us reach soaring heights in terms of finishing and performance, finally resulted in a product that we can safely define a combat plate carrier of excellence: the HAWK plate carrier.

For creating the HAWK plate carrier, we took the strength points of its predecessors and reshaped them in a new advanced form.

Like our low-profile ergonomic plate carrier LC-AWPC, the HAWK plate carrier opens from the top side. This choice ensures a snug fit for all models of ballistic plates, and also gives an easy access to the frontal part, letting the user operate smoothly on the MOLLE PALS system when setting up the equipment.

The front is reinforced with Tegris® technopolymer, one of the latest additions to our roster of materials; a way to give sturdiness, but without the downside of added weight. This gives stability to phone and NAV boards, enhancing instrument usability while moving.

The LC-Hagakure was the more protective, armor-like of our former combat plate carriers. We choose to integrate its particular shoulder shape into the HAWK carrier’s shoulder pads, designed to distribute evenly the weight on the back area.

Both wings of the shoulder pads feature MOLLE system, so that the gear can be completely secured on it, essential for equipping LPU. It allows as well for passing cables, consenting their exit in every position.

The HAWK plate carrier also takes after the LC-Hagakure’s level of comfort, given by the internal closed cell foam padding panels. Fits like a t-shirt, but protects like an armor.

We placed QR buckles on the shoulders and the cummerbund, so that wearing and removing the plate carrier would be a fast, hassle-free deal even with an helmet on. The offset position of the QR buckles on the cummerbund also maximizes the front space, with an easier access to side mag pouches.

Last, but absolutely not of least importance, the HAWK plate carrier is designed to support our new U-LOK Modular Magnetic Attachment System; a new concept of modularity that brings countless advantages. To mention some, we go from instantaneous configuration changes to field repairability and the possibility to mount and dismount the panels autonomously with the plate carrier on. A system straight from a New Generation.

In any mission, whether it is a military operation or the development of a project, knowing your goal is fundamental. We had a clear vision of what we had to achieve: a combat plate carrier with the most minimal bulk to give freedom of movement, but also with an extreme modularity and capacity to support the loadout weight.

And we think we reached our goal pretty well.”

The new HAWK Plate Carrier, together with new cummerbunds and pouches, are now available on www.frogpro.eu.

For those who are not aware, they offer free shipping to USA on orders over 200 EURO (220 USD).

Posted in Armor, International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Sky Soldiers Train to Defend the Skies with NATO Allies

Sunday, April 30th, 2023

PULA, Croatia — A small group of 173rd Airborne Brigade paratroopers, or “Sky Soldiers,” traveled to Croatia take part in a multinational air defense and electronic warfare exercise from April 19 through 21, 2023 called Exercise Shield 23.

Exercise Shield is an annual Croatian air defense exercise that aims at strengthening the execution of air defense tactics against low and medium altitude moving aerial threats.

During the exercise this year, units from the United States, Croatia, Poland and Slovenia collectively trained on air defense and electronic warfare tactics, techniques and procedures, including air-space control, synchronization, surveillance, threat detection and live fire engagements against flying objects.

The exercise strengthened air defense interoperability between NATO allies by combining multiple air defense platforms in the same area of operations.

Capt. Mitchel Hess, the 173rd Airborne’s air defense officer, has attended the last two Shield exercises.

“The relationship we have built with the Croatians is of great importance to our collective security,” said Hess. “Through allied training and collaboration, we have developed a strong partnership. The Croatians have demonstrated their dedication and professionalism, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them for years to come.”

Croatian Army 2nd Lt. Jure Brkic, Croatian Air Defense Regiment, has been one of the lead officers on the Croatian side for building a successful partnership with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

“From the initial planning to final planning, we had a lot of brainstorming of ideas for training,” said Brkic. “And of course, the relationship between allies is important in many ways. Such as getting familiar with different doctrines, problem solving, interoperability and learning new weapon systems.”

Each country brought a different air defense platform to the seaside training area near Pula and utilized basic drones and flares to simulate detecting and engaging enemy targets. The Sky Soldier air defenders brought Dronebuster 3Bs, while the Croatian Air Defense Regiment used the QR-07S3 Drone Jammer System.

Last year, the Sky Soldiers brought FIM-92 Stinger missiles to engage launched flares. This year, Polish air defenders brought their Piorun Portable Anti-Aircraft Missile System or “Thunderbolt” and demonstrated two live missile launches.

Distinguished visitors from each participating country’s military came to oversee the training at the end of the exercise. The culminating event was an incredible display of NATO air defense. All countries’ militaries demonstrated their capabilities by engaging aerial targets with their respective platforms. From Dronebusters to missiles to anti-aircraft guns, the point got across — the air defenders are truly stronger together.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

Story by MAJ Robyn Haake

Photos by SGT Mariah Gonzalez

Posted in Army, Guest Post, International, Training | 1 Comment »

Major Order Worth Over €200 Million: Rheinmetall Supplying European Country with Ammunition for Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Friday, April 28th, 2023

Rheinmetall has booked an important order for ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles. The Group is supplying a European country with medium-calibre ammunition, with order volume exceeding €200 million net. Shipment is due to take place in 2023-2025.

Rheinmetall is the sole single source supplier of newly made 20mm-35mm ammunition for medium-calibre automatic and antiaircraft cannon of the Marder, Gepard, Puma and similar systems; of 105mm ammunition for the Leopard 1 and 120mm ammunition for the Leopard 2; as well as 155mm artillery shells. Moreover, the Group has the capacity to make large-scale deliveries at short notice.

The Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise is one of the world’s top makers of weapon and ammunition systems. Its product portfolio ranges from medium-calibre ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles and air defence systems right through to aircraft cannon and high-energy laser applications. Rheinmetall is currently building an additional production line for medium-calibre ammunition at its plant in Unterlüß, which will enable it to meet heightened demand for air defence munitions starting this summer.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Major Order Worth Over €200 Million: Rheinmetall Supplying European Country with Ammunition for Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Cansel Partners with GeoCue to Offer TrueView Drone LiDAR and LP360 Processing Software

Thursday, April 27th, 2023

Canada’s leading provider of field technology solutions, Cansel, and advanced drone LiDAR innovator GeoCue join forces to deliver high-quality geospatial solutions across Canada.

Burnaby, BC, Canada – Cansel, a leading technology solutions provider for industries including engineering, surveying, construction, and utilities, today announced a partnership with GeoCue, a global provider of 3D LiDAR imaging sensors and geospatial software.

Now as a distributor of GeoCue, Cansel will offer the full product line of TrueView LiDAR 3D imaging sensors and LP360 processing software throughout Canada. TrueView is an innovative drone LiDAR and photogrammetry solution integrated into lightweight payloads, allowing for fast, easily automated generation of true 3D colourized point clouds, oblique imagery, and orthophotos from a single drone flight. LP360 is an advanced desktop LIDAR software package that makes easy work of extracting information and generating deliverables in an intuitive GIS environment.

“Cansel is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality, leading-edge technology,” said Martin Trudelle, Cansel’s CEO and President. “That is why we’ve partnered with GeoCue, a company that shares our commitment to excellence. We know that our customers can trust that GeoCue’s products and software meet our rigorous standards, and we’re confident that this partnership will help us exceed their expectations.”

According to Vincent Legrand, Vice President, Global Sales at GeoCue, his company builds partnerships with distributors who have high standards of excellence. “With Cansel’s proven track record in technology solutions, we can both maintain our focus on innovation and growth while achieving superior results for our valued customers.”

Mike Hogan, Cansel’s 3D Reality Capture Segment Manager, leads the charge of helping clients capture, transform, and manage data. “The products and software available from GeoCue are a very good fit for our surveying customers,” Hogan said. “Together with the support of our professional services team, we’ll help our customers onboard these products, add them into their workflows, and employ these tools to grow their business.”

Kris Kelly, the GeoCue regional sales manager for Canada, is excited about the opportunity to grow the TrueView and LP360 footprint throughout Canada and California. “Cansel’s team of geospatial professionals has years of surveying and engineering experience,” said Kelly. “They also have a deep understanding of the applications for GeoCue’s LiDAR technology and software. This makes them an ideal partner to reach new customers and meet their geospatial needs.”

More information about the TrueView product line and LP360 software is now available on the Cansel website. Cansel is also a Gold sponsor for this year’s LiDAR CANEX, a virtual B2B event matching reality capture lidar vendors with practicing 3D professionals from Canada and beyond. TrueView products GeoCue will be featured in presentations and workshops for the event on April 25th and 26th.

Learn more at www.cansel.ca.

Posted in International, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on Cansel Partners with GeoCue to Offer TrueView Drone LiDAR and LP360 Processing Software

SPIE 2023: SCD to Launch the SWIFT-EI Solution – a World-First “Two-In-One” SWIR-based Event and Standard Imaging Detector, for a Broad Range of Applications

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

The revolutionary image detector will enable SWIR capabilities for SWaP and large distribution defense applications, such as man-portable systems, weapon sights, autonomous or semi-autonomous platforms, drone payloads, laser-guided weapons, as well for commercial applications, machine vision and industrial applications.

SPIE, Orlando, FL, May 2-4, Stand 813

SCD Launches Revolutionary SWIR Detector for Defense Applications.

24 April 2023- SCD, a global leader in the development and manufacture of cooled and uncooled infrared detectors and high-power laser diodes, announces the launch of its latest product, the SWIFT-EI. This groundbreaking SWIR detector is designed as a very low Size Weight and Power (SWaP) and low-cost VGA format 10-micron pitch SWIR detector. It will be showcased at the upcoming SPIE exhibition in Orlando, FL, May 2-4.

The SWIFT-EI is the world’s first SWIR detector integrating event-based imaging capabilities, making it a revolutionary addition to the defense and industrial sectors. Its advanced FPA level detection capabilities enable tactical forces to detect multiple laser sources, laser-spots, Hostile Fire Indication (HFI), and much more. Its state-of-the-art ROIC imager technology offers two parallel video channels in one sensor – a standard imaging SWIR video channel, and a very high frame event imaging channel.

The SWIFT-EI offers SWIR imaging that supports day and low-light scenarios, enabling 24/7 situational awareness, better atmospheric penetration, and a low-cost SWIR image for tactical applications. Furthermore, its event-based imaging channel provides advanced capabilities, such as laser event spot detections, multi-laser spot LST capabilities, and SWIR event-based imaging, broadening the scope of target detection and classification.

The SWIFT-EI also opens up new capacities for machine vision applications in fields such as production line sorting machines, smart agriculture, and more, where analysis of high-level SWIR images is required for automatic machine decision-making. The SWIFT EI enables a full frame rate of more than 1200 Hz, which is essential for machine vision and machine AI algorithms.

Kobi Zaushnizer, CEO of SCD, elaborates on the company’s latest innovation: “SCD is proud to launch the SWIFT-EI – the world’s first SWIR imager to enable event-based imaging. This new product is part of our value to be ‘always a step ahead’ and our promise to our customers to ‘be the first to see’. The SWIFT-EI event-based imaging enables the next generation of AI-based systems, offering the multi-domain battlespace multi-spectral infrared imaging for better situational awareness, advanced automatic target detection and calcifications, and target handoff across platforms and forces, while increasing warrior lethality. It also enables Hostile Fire Indication (HFI) detection, and all of this at a price point that makes it possible for SWIR cameras to be integrated into high-distribution applications, such as weapon sights and clip-ons, drones, man-portable target designators, and more. The advanced detector is already being delivered to initial customers around the world, and we expect to see a significant production ramp-up in the coming months.”

Posted in International, Optics, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on SPIE 2023: SCD to Launch the SWIFT-EI Solution – a World-First “Two-In-One” SWIR-based Event and Standard Imaging Detector, for a Broad Range of Applications

Dessert Night Camo by Ventumgear

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

Germany’s Ventumgear comes up with some wild stuff, like their new Dessert Night Camo.

Posted in Camo, International | 3 Comments »

Germany Buys 227 Additional BAE Systems BvS10s Through Framework Agreement

Tuesday, April 25th, 2023

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — April 24, 2023 – Germany is investing in an additional 227 ultra- mobile, protected, all-terrain BvS10 vehicles from BAE Systems. The German contract, worth around $400 million, follows the joint procurement by Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom in support of Arctic operations for the Collaborative All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program, with Sweden as the lead nation. This will extend the deliveries from the framework agreement, which are to begin in 2024, out to 2030.

“This framework agreement streamlines the process by allowing prospective and existing customers to acquire vehicles at previously negotiated terms, while also benefiting from the joint development,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, which manufactures the vehicles in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. “This will secure Germany’s access to these highly capable vehicles for decades to come, and demonstrates the strong relationship between BAE Systems and our customer.”

BAE Systems’ military all-terrain vehicles are designed for operations in the harshest and most remote environments, and this agreement signals the company’s position as the defense industry’s leader in these capabilities. The new contract is for additional troop transport vehicles and armored personnel carriers (APCs), as well as three new German BvS10 versions; Command and Control (C2), and two logistics variants that will add combat support to the German Armed Forces.

The BvS10 (and Beowulf) are world-leading all-terrain solutions. Their articulated mobility systems provide optimal maneuverability across varying terrains including snow, ice, rock, sand, mud, swamps, and steep mountain environments. The vehicles’ amphibious feature also allows them to swim in flooded areas or coastal waters. The vehicles can deliver personnel and supplies to sustain strategic, tactical, and operational mobility.

BvS10’s unprecedented mobility is based on terrain accessible North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standards. Its modular design allows it to be reconfigured for varying missions and can be delivered in multiple variants that include carrying personnel, command and control, ambulance, vehicle repair and recovery, logistics support, situational awareness, and a weapons carrier with additional mortar capability.

The vehicle is currently operated by Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. BAE Systems’ Beowulf, the unarmored variant of the BvS10, won the U.S.

Army’s competition for its Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program in August. The U.S. Army will receive 110 vehicles over a five-year period.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Germany Buys 227 Additional BAE Systems BvS10s Through Framework Agreement

SPARTANAT Presents: An Interview with FROG.PRO

Tuesday, April 25th, 2023

The SPARTANAT Interview with FROG.PRO: “WE DON’T SET OURSELVES ANY LIMITS” was originally posted in their native German language at www.spartanat.com/2023/02/interview-fabio-von-frog-pro It is a great follow up to the tour of the factory we posted yesterday.

FROG.PRO is gear with function and design from Italy. During our home visit in Parma we talked to FROG.PRO founder Fabio Casali and got into gear-philosphing with the classic questions: Where are you from? Where are you going?

Happy birthday Fabio, FROG.PRO is getting 10 years old. Where are you actually standing as gear company?

Time to party! Ten years have gone by very quickly. I started out as a craftsman offering repairs and custom products and I’m now running a little gem. FROG.PRO today is a small company with less than 15 employees, organized and managed to obtain a very high value for the user and for those who work in the company.

Value in terms of product, as we are committed to offering different solutions from the rest of the market and with attention to the smallest details (that’s why you at SpartanAt nicknamed us “Armani Gear”, right?). When we design a new piece of equipment we don’t set limits: we use the best materials and integrate all the features that can improve the use of the product. Savings policies are then adopted by limiting fabric waste in cutting operations, optimizing sewing processes, taking care of supply logistics, but never at the expense of the product.

Value also in terms of quality of life for those who work with us. We have always invested in the implementation of technologies to facilitate and improve everyone’s work; and in the improvement of the workplace, as I believe that to create excellence you need to live in an excellent way, to breathe beauty and feel it deeply. For this reason we have always kept the manufacturing in house, guaranteeing 100% made in Italy products.

Therefore, I do not feel like expressing a judgment on the positioning on the market, as we are a unique reality in our field, aimed at those who share our values.

Ten years ago: where did it start?

The idea of founding an equipment manufacturing company came to my mind during my military service in the 2º RGT Alpini. Immediately after the leave, I looked for a temporary job that could make me earn some money and in 2013, overcoming the skepticism of relatives and acquaintances, I finally started the company FROG.PRO. I was alone. I rented a 70s workshop of about 80 square meters near my parent’s house: it wasn’t nice, but it was my laboratory, where I could finally give free reign to my creativity. Although I had already learned how to sew, I immediately collided with many problems related to the management of an entrepreneurial activity. I had to learn how to manage sales through social media and website, use a camera and photo editing softwares, create administrative documents, managing the relationships with banks, etc. Luckily, I am a very resilient person and I managed to take advantage of all the obstacles that stood in front of me to draw positive experiences and enrich my cultural background.

What was your experience in those 10 years?

During these ten years I lived through beautiful experiences alternated with really bad and stressful moments. In the company I celebrated with my team the goals achieved. I got angry at myself and at them for failures. I shared with them looks of satisfaction after very intense periods in which we all gave our best. I laughed a lot. I cried. I met many people and with some of them I formed friendships that still last today. I had a lot of different experiences. Looking back, I can say that I enjoyed every single moment of this awesome journey.

What can we expect from FROG.PRO? What is upcoming?

Over the past two years we have expanded our workshop to nearly 600 square meters as well as optimizing and automating many internal processes to structure the company for future growth. The products we make today are the result of these organizational efforts combined with all the passion we always put into our work. Recently, we finished the development of the new HAWK plate carrier, new cummerbunds, new pouches and we also patented a new quick detach system for modular panels called U.LOK. In addition to this, we will dedicate this year to completing the offer of our current catalogue. The best is yet to come…

FROG.PRO on the Internet

SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

Posted in Guest Post, Industry, International | 1 Comment »