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Introducing the British Army’s Latest Cap Badge: Ranger Regiment

Friday, November 26th, 2021

The British Army has unveiled the cap badge of The Ranger Regiment.

Who are The Ranger Regiment?

The Ranger Regiment is an important contribution of the Army’s new global posture and was established as part of Future Soldier, the biggest transformation of the British Army in over 20 years.

It is part of the newly established Army Special Operations Brigade. It will be routinely deployed alongside partner forces around the world to counter Violent Extremist Organisations and hostile state threats.

The Regiment, initially announced earlier this year, will stand-up on 1 December 2021, commencing cadres and training for its four battalions.

The Ranger Regiment cap badge

The Ranger Regiment is very proud of its new cap badge which takes inspiration and spirit from the Peregrine Falcon; fast, agile and fiercely loyal to its partner, it operates around the world in all environments including deserts, mountains and cities. It has been designed to demonstrate a new capability for the Army.

It follows a long history of birds being used as emblems and logos around the world. Peregrine derives from the medieval Latin word ‘peregrinus’ which means wanderer. It is the most geographically dispersed bird of prey, and can be found on every continent, less Antartica. The Peregrine Falcon is also the fasted bird on the planet, with a diving speed of over 200 miles per hour.

While many regiments have a cloth badge for officers and a metal badge for soldiers, everyone serving in the Ranger Regiment will wear a metal badge, irrespective of rank.

Beret and Belt

A unique gun-metal grey colour has been chosen for the regimental beret and stable belt, taking inspiration from the Peregrine Falcon’s grey plumage.

Stable belts will fasten at the front with a round metal buckle bearing the Peregrine Falcon insignia from the cap badge.

Army Special Operations Brigade Heritage

The Army Special Operations Brigade will contribute to collective deterrence by training, advising and if necessary, accompanying partner forces across the world.

The design for the Army Special Operations Brigade formation flash is inspired by the badge of the Special Service Brigade. The Special Service Brigade was a formation of the British Army during the Second World War.

On 17 July 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued a directive to wage irregular warfare. This established the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and a Directorate of Combined Operations, and in the Autumn of 1940 a Special Service Brigade was formed to command the numerous new Army and Royal Marines commando units. The staff of this new Brigade wore a flash featuring two Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knives.

Members of the new Army Special Operations Brigade will wear the updated version of the wartime Special Service Brigade flash in acknowledgment and recognition of this shared heritage and history.

Click here to discover more about Future Soldier.

Posted in Forces Focus, Guest Post, International, SOF | 15 Comments »

Schübeler Technologies Supports Visionary Project of ETH Zurich

Friday, November 26th, 2021

Students realize bionic inspired morphing concept for the aircraft of tomorrow.Rome, NY- A control concept inspired by nature and combined with morphing technology has now been realized by engineering students of ETH Zurich together with aviation experts. The eight-member student team is testing novel control concepts and construction methods in aviation. The aim is to reduce energy consumption and noise generation through reduced drag and to improve the maneuverability of the aircraft.

Schübeler Technologies actively supported this innovative project and provided both engines and technical expertise in an advisory capacity. “By participating in this project, we would like to contribute to the further development of aviation,” explains Daniel Schübeler, Managing Director of Schübeler Technologies. “The visionary approach of Bionic Flying Wing as well as the enthusiasm and creativity of the team excited us.”

The project aims to prove the feasibility of bionic inspired morphing concepts in the air. To this end, a deformable morphing wing structure with a three-meter wingspan was developed to be used in place of discrete flaps. A top speed of up to 100 km/h can be achieved with it. The wing structures are specifically deformed to replace conventional control surfaces. In this way, new design potential for the aircraft of tomorrow is opened up The main challenge of this approach is that the wing must be stiff – i.e., it must not flap – but still be able to be deflected. To achieve both, a healthy compromise had to be found. Because of its high strength and low weight, the team therefore opted for CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer) as the construction material.

The requirements for the drive system used were also high. In the search for an efficient impeller that delivers the greatest possible thrust in combination with low power consumption, the team quickly came across EDF market leader Schübeler. On Schübeler’s recommendation, the team decided on the DS-51-AXI HDS model with an 1125kv motor and 12 lipo cells. This drive offers a thrust of 5.5 kg (about 55N) with a current consumption of 85 amps, which was perfectly suited for an aircraft of this speed, size and weight. Two fans are used and provide a total thrust of approximately 11kg (110N)

The HDS fan is a quality product designed for durability. The lightweight and highly shortened rotor assembly provides efficient operation through high smoothness. The blades are made of high-temperature, fiber-reinforced polymer, operate highly efficiently, broadband, and quietly. Strength is provided by the carbon shroud.

In a successful first test flight in June of this year, the team proved that bionic inspired morphing concepts can be used to safely control a flying wing aircraft. This was the product of countless hours of engineering and manufacturing, paired with the support of strong sponsors such as Schübeler Technologies.

To learn more about Schübeler Technologies, visit www.schuebeler-technologies.de.

Posted in Aviation, Design, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Schübeler Technologies Supports Visionary Project of ETH Zurich

Royal Australian Navy Rolls Out Multi-Cam Uniforms

Friday, November 19th, 2021

The RAN began their rollout of the Maritime Multi-Cam Pattern Uniform in the warmer tropical areas of the Northern Territory and North Queensland last month and is expected to be delivered to all other units by the end of 2022.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, International, Multicam, Navy | 9 Comments »

Milrem Robotics Opens Its Central European Office And Introduces Upgraded THeMIS UGV

Thursday, November 18th, 2021

The European leading robotics and autonomous systems provider Milrem Robotics opened its office in the Netherlands today making the first step towards creating a Central European Robotics Center. Simultaneously the company introduced its upgraded THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).

One of the reasons the city of Best near Eindhoven was chosen as the location for Milrem Robotics’ Dutch office is to be closer to one of the company’s key customers – the Royal Dutch Army – and other relevant markets.

“The main reason, however, is our goal to establish a Central European Robotics Center where R&D, simulations, training, system integration and technical support are under one roof and where end-users can visit, but more importantly come to acquire knowledge for their own Robotics and Autonomous Systems development,” explained Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“Our office is situated in the middle of the Brainport Eindhoven technology region and is well connected by a large European Airport, and by a broad road network to access the rest of Europe. This allows us to efficiently provide training and coaching to officers and NCOs in tactical basic operations with unmanned systems,” said Julien den Ouden, Managing Director of Milrem Robotics Netherlands. “We will offer the “Milrem experience” in a comprehensive package where the UGV is integrated with various other third-party systems,” den Ouden added.

At the opening ceremony, Milrem Robotics also introduced their upgraded THeMIS UGV that was specifically designed to accommodate all hardware, software and the flawless operation of MIFIK – Milrem’ Intelligent Functions Integration Kit. MIFIK features wired and wireless follow-me, waypoint navigation and obstacle detection and avoidance. Considerable upgrades were also done to THeMIS’ camera system and overall user experience.

Milrem Robotics Netherlands is the company’s fifth office in Europe. The company has two offices in Estonia, one in Sweden and one in Finland.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope Unmanned Ground Vehicles and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The THeMIS supports dismounted troops while the Multiscope is intended for civilian use such as forestry and firefighting. The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is a wingman for mechanized units.

Milrem Robotics is the leader of a consortium that was awarded 30.6 MEUR from the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS).

During the project, titled iMUGS, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics Opens Its Central European Office And Introduces Upgraded THeMIS UGV

Cobalt Kinetics Hires Mikey Paez as Chief Operations Officer!

Wednesday, November 17th, 2021

November 17th, 2021: Cobalt Kinetics, a manufacturer of American Masterpiece firearms, is proud to announce the addition of its newest team member – Mike Paez. Mike is Cobalt’s new Chief Operations Officer for the brand. This position is vital to Cobalt’s continued promise of quality to the consumer and Mike brings years of industry experience with him to the role. Mike has shown a litany of successful accomplishments in his work history that made this choice easy. From spending 10+ years serving in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, to his most recent 5 ½ years at Sons Of Liberty Gunworks as Manager for the brand. He brings well over 15+ years of firearms related experience to Cobalt, and a laundry list of skills that will help shape the re-launched brand.

“I am excited for this opportunity extended to me by Aaron Quinn (Cobalt CEO), to come on board as Chief Operations Officer. I look forward to coming together with the rest of the team at Cobalt Kinetics and help push the company to great heights during its rebuilding phase.”

– Mike Paez (Chief Operations Officer)

Effective immediately Mike will be overseeing all Operations for the brand. If you have any inquiries regarding Cobalt operations make sure to reach out to Mike Paez (Mikey_P@CobaltKinetics.com).

“We are all extremely pleased to add Mike to our growing team. I first met Mike at an industry event when he was attending with SOLGW and we found common interest in well-made firearms almost immediately. Mike’s body of work with that brand has been un-deniable and we feel that his input will be extremely valuable in our house.”

-Aaron Quinn (Owner/ CEO)

For more information on Cobalt Kinetics and their products go to www.CobaltKinetics.com.

Posted in International, Press Release | 4 Comments »

RUAG International Enters into Exclusive Negotiations on the Sale of its Simulation & Training Business to Thales

Wednesday, November 17th, 2021

Zurich, 16. November 2021. RUAG International has entered exclusive negotiations with Thales to sell all business activities in the field of Simulation & Training (RUAG S&T). Thales has the strong intention to take over the entire business activities as well as all 500 employees of RUAG S&T.

RUAG S&T is a leading provider of simulation and training systems for security organizations and armed forces. The company employs around 500 people at various locations in Switzerland, France, Germany and the UAE. In connection with the realignment of RUAG International, the Group has decided to sell RUAG S&T. The business activities earmarked for sale are grouped within RUAG International in the RUAG MRO International Division.

The acquisition of the RUAG S&T business by Thales would mean another important step for RUAG International on its way to becoming a space company says André Wall, CEO RUAG International: “This is an exciting step not only for the RUAG S&T and all its employees and customers but for RUAG International as a whole. It brings us an important step closer to our goal of becoming a pure space company.” The sale of the business is in line with the divestment strategy approved by the Swiss Federal Council on March 15, 2019.

Thales’s Training & Simulation business (T&S) designs and delivers training capabilities for armed forces as well as civil and government helicopter operators worldwide. Thales T&S also acts as an industrial partner for the co-development of large-scale systems of systems for Defence programs. With 1,000 employees, the business has industrial sites in France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia as well as joint ventures and training sites in the USA, Middle East and Europe.

Felix Ammann, Executive Vice President RUAG MRO International, says: “We are very pleased to have found a leading industry partner in this field in Thales. With its experience and global presence, it brings with it the very best prerequisites to continue and expand the business activities in the Simulation & Training area and leverage the existing skills of our highly specialised training experts.”

Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President Avionics adds: “We are delighted to welcome RUAG Simulation & Training’s employees onboard. Together with Thales teams they will bring further expertise in the training and simulation field. With this acquisition Thales reaffirms the importance of its Simulation & Training activity to support our customers’ ambitions to face an ever more complex world.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on RUAG International Enters into Exclusive Negotiations on the Sale of its Simulation & Training Business to Thales

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Finds in Favor of Rampart International in Canada Military Handgun Procurement Dispute

Tuesday, November 16th, 2021

According to information received by SSD, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal recently found in favor of Rampart International Corp regarding two complaints against a recent Department of National Defense requirement for a new pistol, dubbed the C22. CITT is the governing body for disputes with government procurement in Canada.

Specifically, Rampart took issue with a draft pistol requirement published by the Department of Public Works and Government Services (Solicitation W8476-216392/B).

In their determination, CITT recommends PWGSC cancel the draft solicitation and issue a new version. In the revised solicitation, if PWGSC specifies a particular design, it should also include the words “or equivalent.”

As part of the determination, CITT also recommends that PWGSC reimburse Rampart for the reasonable costs incurred preparing their protest. Essentially, lawyer fees.

This action will likely result in another multi-year delay in replacing Canada’s worn-out Browning Hi-Power pistols (and SIG P-225 used by Military Police). The effort to procure a new gun has gone on for at least a decade with DND calling on the international arms industry in 2011 to offer up their Technical Data Packages for manufacture of their pistol designs by Colt Canada. Understandably, they didn’t have any takers.

Traditionally, Canada turns to its Munitions Supply Program to procure arms manufactured in Canada. One of the issues that has caused a hold up with the program is that there are no suitable domestically produced pistols. Hence, the earlier call for foreign designs. But that may have changed.

Ultimately, this is a huge boon for CZ who recently acquired Colt Canada. They could assert their right to include a CZ handgun on the Munitions Supply List and demand the Canadian military purchase it. This isn’t as bad for the Canadians as it might sound on its surface. CZ builds some great handguns, including the new P-10 as well as the P-09 which was competed in the US Army Modular Handgun System competition. This is significant because DND believes they require a Modular Handgun, somewhat similar to what the US purchased. However, with the MSL once again in play, they may get what they are offered, and like it.

Update: here is a link to the letter. decisions.citt-tcce.gc.ca/citt-tcce/p/en/item/516273/index

Posted in Contracts, Industry, International | 6 Comments »

Millbrook Tactical Inc. Exclusive Canadian Reseller for OAC Skinbased Military Products

Monday, November 15th, 2021

Ottawa, Ontario (November 15, 2021) – Millbrook Tactical Group Inc. CEO, Frank Paquette just announced a newly formed exclusive partnership with OAC Skinbased of Finland and their Canadian sporting goods representative Gamic Sports Agency.

“Millbrook and Gamic Sports have enjoyed a very fruitful business relationship since 2017 and we are delighted to build further and represent world class manufacturer OAC Skinbased in the military sales segment.”

OAC Skinbased has linked their knowledge of composites, ski R&D experience, latest and patented technologies to create a completely new kind of ski line for unlimited access to the backcountry. Their military line is the fruit of years of development and experience. Field repairable, NIR compliant and designed for heavy loads and pulling sleds, this system will contribute to mission success in complex and challenging environments.

Winter mobility has been at the forefront of our global effort to equip military, special operations and, special mission organizations for several years. After evaluating many potential solutions and long hours of rigorous testing, we are extremely confident and excited to announce we will bring AOCs military line of skis to Canada.

Through this newly formed partnership, Millbrook further establishes itself as the subject matter expert for global SOF solutions in the country.

This new range of winter mobility capabilities will complement our already existing line up of SOF centric offerings like Lost Arrow Project, Sitka Arrowhead, Acapulka, Clime & Place to name a few and, further consolidate our position as the Canadian leader in special mission equipment distribution & support.

In the coming months, Millbrook will start rolling out AOC Skinbased products to its retail locations in Ottawa, Petawawa & Quebec City as well as begin engagement with various end users. Please do not hesitate to contact us for information at info@millbrookcanada.ca.

Posted in Industry, International, Mobility, Mountaineering, Press Release | 2 Comments »