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Royal Danish Air Force Brings Deployment Tradition to Shaw AFB

Friday, June 25th, 2021

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFNS) —

With 49 years of tradition in the making, the Royal Danish Air Force hosted their first Danish Contingent, or DANCON, march on U.S. soil at Shaw Air Force Base, June 5.

More than 60 participants from the RDAF, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), 20th Fighter Wing, U.S. Army Central and other coalition forces had six hours to carry a 22-pound ruck for 15.5 miles.

“The history of the DANCON dates back to 1972, where it was held for the first time at a U.N. mission in Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea,” said Royal Danish Air Force Lt. Col. John Roland Pedersen, the Danish detachment commander. “Ever since, it has become tradition that Danish contingents on a mission around the world have arranged a march similar to this one, which we are doing today.”

The march not only gives participants the opportunity to demonstrate their physical abilities, but it also allows them to build camaraderie within their own units and with members from other military branches and countries.

“At some point my legs were cramped up pretty bad,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Layelquinn Ferguson, a forward observer assigned to the 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, USARCENT. “I was actually unable to stand until a coalition member stopped and helped me stretch and that was a huge help. To be honest, I would not have been able to get up by myself if he did not stop and help me up. And that’s what this is all about, coalition forces helping each other out.”

The DANCON march is not just about showing how fast you can finish and who finishes first. This traditional ruck reinforces teamwork and shows how military members take care of each other. They have great pride in upholding traditions and honoring legacies.

“The purpose of the DANCON is to challenge your physical, mental endurance and determination, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to meet new friends, have a few laughs and a pleasant break in the daily routines,” Pedersen said.

Members from the RDAF recently deployed to Shaw AFB as part of the recent transition of the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, known as “Kingpin,” from Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, to Shaw AFB. DANCONs, previously held at deployed locations overseas, are a legacy that will continue by the RDAF at Shaw AFB and other places around the globe.

By TSgt Elysia Wray, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, International, Profession of Arms, Training | 6 Comments »

Under Contract to EMSA Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Supports Finnish, Estonian and Swedish Coast Guards

Thursday, June 24th, 2021

Vienna, 21 June 2021 – The Finnish Border Guard is once again operating the CAMCOPTER® S-100 for implementing coast guard functions in the Baltic Sea. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) service is offered by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Based at a coast guard station in Hanko, Finland, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 is supporting the Finnish authorities in carrying out Coast Guard functions, such as maritime border surveillance, search and rescue, monitoring and surveillance, ship and port security, vessel traffic monitoring, environmental protection and response, ship casualty assistance, as well as accident and disaster response. The information collected in the Baltic Sea from the on-board RPAS system is shared in parallel with multiple Member States, allowing for a common maritime picture and more comprehensive coordination. The operations will continue until end of July.

The S-100 will execute these tasks equipped with an L3 Wescam Electro-Optical / Infra-Red (EO/IR) camera gimbal, an Overwatch Imaging PT-8 Oceanwatch, a Becker Avionics BD406 Emergency Beacon Locator and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.

This deployment comes on top of two other CAMCOPTER® S-100 operations for EMSA currently being carried out in Estonia and Romania conducting maritime surveillance. It is also the third deployment for the Finnish Border Guard, after a trial in 2019.

Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, said: “Another great example of enhanced maritime surveillance and information sharing capabilities of our CAMCOPTER® S-100. Since contract begin, we have conducted operations all over Europe and are proud to play such an important role in EMSA’s services for its member states.”

www.schiebel.net

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Under Contract to EMSA Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Supports Finnish, Estonian and Swedish Coast Guards

WFEL to Supply Philippine Army with Rapidly Deployable DSB Mobile Military Bridges

Thursday, June 24th, 2021

UK Military Bridge manufacturer, WFEL, is to supply a number of its Dry Support Bridges (DSB) to the Philippine Army under the Horizon 2 phase of the revised AFP Modernisation Programme.

The DSB systems can be deployed in around 90 minutes to provide temporary infrastructure and will be supplied with pedestrian walkways, for use in Disaster Relief operational situations, as well as other military scenarios. The Philippine Army, having a choice of launch vehicle chassis for its bridges, opted for the Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) 45m 10 x 10 systems.

Intended for use by the Philippine Combat Engineers, the Dry Support Bridges will be manufactured at WFEL’s production facility in Stockport, UK; delivery will begin during 2023.

An Integrated Logistics Support package is also included in the contract for this new Combat Engineering Equipment, ensuring back-up and support from WFEL’s Technical Engineering Teams and giving confidence to the Combat Engineers of continued through-life support and spares availability.

Ian Anderton, WFEL’s Managing Director, commented, “We warmly welcome the Philippine Army into our ever-growing user base of DSB Military Bridging Systems. We are proud of the fact that the Dry Support Bridge is the world’s most technically advanced, rapidly deployable military bridge of its type and has proven its worth in both Combat and Disaster Relief situations time after time.

“By adopting the Dry Support Bridge, the Philippine Army is ensuring it has the future capability to quickly manoeuvre across wet and dry gaps in complex, physical terrain, including man-made gaps, ravines and rivers, as efficiently as possible and under the widest possible operational scenarios.”

With a 120 tonnes Military Load Classification, the Dry Support Bridge was initially designed and developed by WFEL for the US Army. Offering full interoperability with any other DSB bridging system, it has been adopted by various countries worldwide, including USA, Turkey and Australia. Switzerland has also acquired a number of Dry Support Bridges and is known to have extensively deployed the DSB as temporary infrastructure following flooding and other natural disasters.

This increasing worldwide user-base provides an off-the-shelf, low risk military bridging solution. The DSB is currently being evaluated by UK MoD as a replacement for their BR90 bridging systems.

www.wfel.com

Posted in Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on WFEL to Supply Philippine Army with Rapidly Deployable DSB Mobile Military Bridges

A New Member in the Family: Rheinmetall Mission Master XT, an Extreme Terrain Autonomous UGV

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

Rheinmetall proudly announces the release of the Mission Master XT, the latest member of its successful Mission Master family of Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs). Unlike the Mission Master SP platform, which is already introduced to the market, the Mission Master XT has a diesel-powered engine. Responding to a new set of needs, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is highly mobile even in the toughest terrain and capable of carrying impressive payloads. The Mission Master XT was developed by Rheinmetall Canada.

A true companion when the going gets tough
The Rheinmetall Mission Master XT thrives in extreme terrain. It easily tackles ice, snow, and sub-zero weather conditions, 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 2217 kg, this powerful A-UGV can carry a 1000 kg payload in all scenarios, allowing troops to transport special equipment to hard-to-reach locations. The diesel-powered engine allows it to travel 750 km without refuelling, while lithium-ion batteries enable up to 6 hours of silent watch operations.

Another remarkable feature of the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT is its continuous tire inflation system, which adjusts the tire pressure as needed based on the terrain. Featuring high endurance and survivability, the A-UGV keeps moving on even with 2 cm-holes in the tires.

Autonomous, intelligent and easy to control
Like the other platforms in the Rheinmetall Mission Master family, the Mission Master XT is optimized to take on dull, dirty and dangerous tasks, allowing soldiers to focus on their core missions more effectively and in greater safety. It is driven by Rheinmetall PATH, a proven autonomy kit (A-kit) that enables a wide range of autonomous driving and navigation capabilities.

The Mission Master family is fully compatible with NATO-standard battle management systems and can be controlled through a variety of teleoperation options. “The most multifunctional of these is a smart tablet developed by Rheinmetall, which allows the operator to control any Mission Master platform and payload through a single interface, a first for the market”, explains Alain Tremblay, Vice-President of Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. “For instance, users can monitor camera feeds or direct a weapon station, then quickly program the platform to navigate itself autonomously to a desired location, all from the same device”, adds Mr Tremblay.

If necessary, this robust, tried-and-tested mechanical platform can operate in manned configuration, with an integrated joystick and emergency seat.

Multi-mission capabilities
Thanks to its modularity, the Rheinmetall Mission Master XT can take on multiple missions in any situation. The scope of activities the A-UGV can conduct includes logistic transport, surveillance, fire support, rescue, medical evacuation, CBRN detection, communication relay and a multitude of other client-specific requirements. Rheinmetall is committed to maximum operational safety at all times, keeping a human in the loop in all kinetic operations.

A powerful component of Joint All Domain Operations
As enemy capabilities become increasingly advanced, the ability to quickly leverage large amounts of data in order to make informed decisions in the field is more critical than ever. Foreseeable force deployments are likely to take the form of multinational Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) that encompass every dimension of the modern battlefield: land, air, sea, cyber and information space as well as outer space.

Just like the other members of Rheinmetall’s Mission Master family the new Mission Master XT features a unique NATO standard battle management system (BMS) integrated into every platform. This allows each system to process large amount of tactical data. The Mission Master XT thus becomes an integral member of the tactical combat team able to share and exchange information from its vehicle and module sensors to improve the team’s common operating picture. The BMS also uses information in the network from other contributors to improve its own situational awareness with regard to terrain as well as the location of friendly and enemy forces. The built-in BMS allows many Mission Master platforms to operate as an UGV team when carrying out standard military missions in direct support of troops on the ground.

Finally, the Mission Master XT will also benefit from the systematic integration of new artificial intelligence applications, allowing it to evolve and continue contributing to successful outcomes in the complex JADO battlespace of tomorrow.

Renaming of the existing Mission Master
To make room for the newcomers in the Mission Master family, the existing Mission Master platform now becomes the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP. Named for its role as “silent partner”, the Mission Master SP remains an invaluable asset for dismounted troops in a wide range of missions, including high-risk situations.

www.rheinmetall.com

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, Robotics | 2 Comments »

Elbit Systems of America Awarded $29 Million in Orders Under ID/IQ Contract to Upgrade US Army Pilots’ Night Vision Systems

Thursday, June 17th, 2021

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – JUNE 17, 2021 – United States Army active duty and National Guard rotary-wing aviation units will receive an upgrade to their AN/AVS-6 Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging Systems (ANVIS) with high performance white phosphor image intensifier tubes to be provided by Elbit Systems of America – Night Vision. The upgrade comes through recent orders with an aggregated value of approximately $29 million by the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier under an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (ID/IQ) contract issued in 2020. The orders will be executed from the Elbit Systems of America facility in Roanoke, Virginia with deliveries through September 2021.

Under the orders, Elbit Systems of America will upgrade the U.S. Army active duty and National Guard rotary-wing aviation units’ AN/AVS-6 Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging Systems (ANVIS) with high performance white phosphor image intensifier tubes. The night vision upgrade to the U.S. Army fleet’s legacy ANVIS goggles will replace the existing green image intensification with high performance white phosphor image intensifier tubes. White phosphor enhances the ANVIS goggles as it presents visuals in black and white detail, which may appear more natural to the eye. The new image intensification tubes will also provide better contrast, along with high image resolution at greater distances for Pilots.

“Our U.S. Army Pilots can successfully achieve their mission and fly with confidence in any light conditions. Upgrading the U.S. Army aviation fleet’s goggles to high performance white phosphor provides improved clarity,” said Raanan Horowitz, President and CEO of Elbit Systems of America. “Whether Soldiers are on the ground or in the air, our team is committed to providing advanced capabilities to the U.S. Army to suit their evolving night vision needs.”

More on Elbit Systems of America – Night Vision: www.elbitsystems-us.com/night-vision.

Posted in Army, Aviation, Contracts, International | Comments Off on Elbit Systems of America Awarded $29 Million in Orders Under ID/IQ Contract to Upgrade US Army Pilots’ Night Vision Systems

Tacteris Selected by DND to Develop military Logistics Software

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021

Tacteris to provide adaptive logistics planning technology in support of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) mission

CALGARY, Jun. 14, 2021 – Tacteris Systems (“Tacteris”), today announced that it was awarded a Phase 1 contract by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) to develop and deliver a software solution for the “Fast and adaptive logistics planning military missions” challenge of the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.

Tacteris will develop Forte™, a secure, cloud-based application purpose-built for military logistics planning. Forte™ will address key capability gaps identified by DND, enabling planners to create baseline logistics plans and investigate the effects of foreseeable issues on those plans. The Forte™ application will be fully integrated with Tacteris’s existing Maestro™ technology which provides 3D mission planning, battle management, and situational awareness capabilities.

“By combining the logistics capabilities of Forte™ with the operational planning capabilities of Maestro™, we can deliver a solution at a mature technical readiness level,” said Sean Dunn, CEO of Tacteris. “We have exciting plans to develop novel visualizations, predictive algorithms, and other decision-support capabilities to support logisticians across the full-spectrum of the CAF mission.”

www.tacteris.com

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

Brigantes Presents – Extreme Cold Weather Portfolio

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

Brigantes have an extensive range of brands in our extreme cold weather capability portfolio.

They are proud to be working with industry leading brands, assisting in the development of layering systems and kit that are vital when working in arctic environments. From shelter to cookery, from insulation to movement, understanding how the kit works is of great importance, particularly in the ever-changing polar regions.

To find out more about how the team can assist in your procurement needs, contact warrior@brigantes.com or visit brigantes.com to view the full range of products.

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on Brigantes Presents – Extreme Cold Weather Portfolio

Boxers for Britain – Series Production Starts Exactly According to Plan at Rheinmetall’s Kassel Plant

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

Britain’s Boxer programme is on a roll: exactly according to plan, welding work began today for the fabrication of prototypes and subsequent series production of the Mechanized Infantry Vehicle (MIV).

Under the aegis of Artec GmbH, a joint venture of Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW), this vital British wheeled armoured vehicle project is thus entering a decisive phase. Development of the four British configurations of the tried-and-tested 8×8 fighting vehicle began at the end of 2019. First milestones were already achieved in autumn 2020. As to the modular design of the Boxer vehicle the MIV Programme made use of already qualified solutions and design where ever possible. Therefore production of the first parts can be started already now.

Contracted by Artec, Rheinmetall will develop and fabricate first prototypes at its plant in Kassel, Germany. The prototypes will have content supplied by the United Kingdom, such as the remotely controlled weapon stations, generic vehicle architecture components, the local situational awareness system or the vehicle emergency lighting system. In addition, the first series vehicles will also be produced in Kassel.

Though series production will begin in Germany, the bulk of manufacturing activity will move to the United Kingdom in 2023, principally at the British plants of Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) and the KMW subsidiary WFEL. The vast majority of Boxer vehicles destined for the British Army will be built in the UK. Rheinmetall’s Kassel plant is actively pursuing the transfer of know-how – specifically its special welding expertise – to British colleagues at RBSL.

In total, the British Army is procuring over 500 Boxer vehicles, including Infantry Carrying Vehicle, Command & Control, Field Ambulance and Specialist Carrier variants. Delivery of the highly protected 8×8 armoured vehicles is slated to begin at the end of 2022.

Britain decided in 2019 to return to the family of Boxer user nations. In November of that year, the British Ministry of Defence placed an order to this effect with Artec GmbH via the European armament agency OCCAR. The order is worth around €2.6 billion (£2.3 billion). Artec GmbH is a consortium of Rheinmetall and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). It will carry out the project on behalf of the British armed forces, with 50 percent of total order volume accruing to each partner.

The Boxer – versatile and battle-tested

The Boxer is a heavily protected 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle. Its modular architecture enables a variety of variants unmatched by any other vehicle system. This multifaceted diversity underlies the Boxer’s rapid growth. Already today, new variants and upgrades are being planned. To date, some 1.200 vehicles in more than 20 different configurations are under contract by four NATO nations: Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania and the UK. Moreover, Australia – a close partner of NATO – has ordered a total of 211 Boxer vehicles in several different versions.

Kassel – Rheinmetall’s centre of excellence for wheeled tactical vehicles

The German city of Kassel is home to Rheinmetall’s centre of excellence for wheeled tactical vehicles, whose expertise extends from development and prototyping to full-scale series production and logistical support throughout the product entire lifecycle.

High-performance wheeled armoured vehicles like the Fuchs/Fox transport vehicle and the jointly produced Boxer will continue in future to form the backbone of modern armed forces, thus contributing to the credibility of national and allied military readiness. Rheinmetall’s Kassel plant upholds a long and proud tradition of developing and producing first-class fighting vehicles. As they have for decades, state-of-the-art wheeled tactical systems continue to roll off the assembly lines at the Kassel-Mittelfeld industrial park – destined for the German Bundeswehr as well as the armed forces of friendly nations and partners like the Netherlands, Lithuania, Australia and the United Kingdom.

Posted in Armor, International, Mobility | 1 Comment »