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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

AeroVironment Introduces Standardized Modular Payload Interface Kits for RQ-20B Puma Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Kits Under Order by USSOCOM

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

• Enables third-party payload manufacturers, as well as U.S. DoD and international partners, to develop and integrate payloads onto RQ-20B Puma

• Utilizes the Modular Payload Standard initiated by USSOCOM to create a modular architectural standard for payloads on unmanned aircraft systems Groups 1 through 3

AeroVironment’s standardized modular payload interface kit enables customer-driven payloads to be quickly and easily integrated into RQ-20B Puma (Photo: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 4, 2021 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced the introduction of its standardized modular payload interface kits for RQ-20B Puma™ tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The Modular Payload Standard was established by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in order to create a modular architectural standard for a wide variety of payloads on Groups 1 through 3 UAS. The kits enable third-party payload manufacturers, as well as United States Department of Defense and international partners, to quickly and easily develop and integrate payloads onto RQ-20B Puma. AeroVironment’s standardized modular payload interface kit is a self-contained unit that provides all of the mechanical and electrical interfaces required to enable RQ-20B Puma to mate with new payloads, regardless of whether or not they were developed specifically for the RQ-20B Puma platform. This interface kit not only allows for more rapid integration of new payloads, but it also reduces time and complexity for operators to swap them on the flight line and reduces government cost for new integrations.

“AeroVironment’s standardized modular payload interface kits enable customer-driven payloads to be rapidly and effortlessly integrated into the thousands of digitally enabled Puma systems already deployed, resulting in a more capable solution that is adaptable to more mission sets at a fraction of the cost of a new system,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

AeroVironment received an initial firm-fixed price order for modular payload standard kits from USSOCOM on May 12, 2021. Delivery of the kits is anticipated by November 2021.

AeroVironment’s family of tactical UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base of more than 50 allied governments. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

Rheinmetall to Equip the Dutch Army’s Fennek Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle with New Aiming Device

Wednesday, August 4th, 2021

Rheinmetall will be equipping the Dutch military’s Fennek wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle with a new gun carriage-adaptable aiming device. The new device, the Lafettenadaptierbares Zielgerät 400, or LaZ400 for short, will replace the vehicle’s existing thermal imaging system, significantly enhancing the Fennek’s reconnaissance and target engagement capabilities. An order to this effect for 246 devices has been awarded to Rheinmetall Electronics through Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, the Fennek general contractor. The order is worth around €36 million, including value added tax. Due to be delivered through to 2027, the devices will be fabricated at the Rheinmetall Electronics plant in Ismaning in Bavaria.

The Lafetten¬adaptierbares Zielgerät 400 retrofit forms part of the Dutch military’s Fennek midlife upgrade programme. The Dutch armed forces will mount the LaZ400 on the vehicle’s 1530-type gun carriage. The new sensor system will supersede the thermal imaging device currently in use.

Already used in the Bundeswehr’s FLW200 remotely controlled weapon station, the LaZ400 is a tried and tested system. Its colour daylight sensor, thermal imaging sensor and laser rangefinder enable outstanding reconnaissance performance around the clock as well as precise engagement of targets.

Now official, the current order will bring the number of LaZ family devices now in use to over 2,700.

The order underscores once again Rheinmetall’s exceptional expertise in the world of advanced electro-optical sensor technology.

Luminae Shooter Belt

Friday, July 30th, 2021

Luminae claims that their Shooter Belt is the most rigid shooters belt on the market. It is a low profile, extra stiff and ultra light belt system, made from a carbon based composite. It comes with an inner velcro belt as standard and is PALS compatible.

One interesting feature is the Luminae Custom Multicam Polymer Cobra Buckle.

The belt is fully adjustable from sizes 28″ waist to a 38″ waist.

www.luminae.co.uk

Canadian Department of National Defence Awards Tulmar Safety Systems for Emergency Passenger Oxygen Systems

Tuesday, July 27th, 2021

Tulmar Safety Systems is pleased to announce the award of Contract No. W8485-216379/001 by the Canadian Department of National Defence for the exclusive supply of  Essex Industries Emergency Passenger Oxygen Systems (EPOS) to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Air Forces such as the USAF and RCAF utilize the EPOS smoke hood for trained individuals in military aircraft emergencies such as decompression, fire, evacuation, rescue, smoke-filled cabins, toxic fumes or hazardous cargo spills.  The EPOS smoke hood utilizes compressed aviation grade oxygen and CO2 scrubbers to furnish up to 60 minutes of oxygen for someone at rest.

Founded in 1992, Tulmar has become Canada’s leading supplier of Aviation Life Support Equipment for defence and commercial aviation markets.

DroneShield – Australian Army Deployment

Friday, July 23rd, 2021

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to advise that it has sold a quantity of its RfOne MKIITM long-range sensors to the Australian Army.  The capability is being delivered immediately to allow the Australian Army to assess its future counter-drone requirements and options.

The deployment of these long-range sensors will highlight the flexibility, resilience, and capabilities of DroneShield equipment in a dynamic field environment, while also assisting the Australian Army in establishing its counter drone requirements and future capability options.

Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, commented, “DroneShield is immensely proud to support the Australian Army with its long-range counter-drone strategy.”

Agilite K19 Plate Carrier-Brand New Version

Thursday, July 22nd, 2021

Agilite just released a brand new version of their popular K19 plate carrier that has a series of upgrades. Check out the video below that explains the new features:

agilitegear.com

Operator Expo

Wednesday, July 21st, 2021

Operator Expo will hold its inaugural show September 29-30 2021 at the Infinity Convention Centre, Ottawa, Ontario.

OpEx is a 2-day event focused on supporting the operational requirements of Military, Law Enforcement and Corrections end-users in Canada.

In addition to showcasing some of the best new products, OpEx will provide training for attendees.

The dates puts OpEx right after the Rampart Range Day in nearby Stittsville for those of you who will be in town.

Booth space remains for those companies who wish to exhibit and Canada’s borders will be open for discretionary travel by fully vaccinated individuals as of 9 August, according to Canada’s Public Health Agency. This is a great opportunity for American companies wishing to exhibit their wares in Canada.

I plan on being at both events of Canada opens up to foreign visitors without quarantine.

For details, visit www.operatorexpo.com

Note: OpEc is open ONLY to active Military, Law Enforcement, and Corrections personnel.

Rheinmetall to Supply the Bundeswehr with Laser Light Modules

Wednesday, July 21st, 2021

The Bundeswehr has selected Rheinmetall to supply laser light modules for the German armed forces. A corresponding framework contract has now been signed, which envisages delivery of up to 130,000 laser light modules. To begin with, 2,460 devices worth a total of €3 million will be delivered. For Rheinmetall, the framework contract represents up to €178 million in potential sales. This is the largest order for laser light modules ever booked by the device’s maker, Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics of Stockach, Germany. The framework contract is initially set to run for seven years.

Because the devices can be mounted via a standard inferface onto all assault rifles, submachine guns, machine guns and sniper rifles currently in the Bundeswehr inventory, they will greatly improve the ability of German troops to fight at night. Delivery will begin this year. The Bundeswehr will initially take delivery of 360 devices earmarked for integrated verification management. These will be followed by the remaining 2,100 laser light modules now on order.

The device selected is a version of the Rheinmetall’s latest-generation LLM-VarioRay laser light module. Intended primarily for small arms carried by infantry and other soldiers who fight on foot, it is used for detecting, identifying and marking targets.

Weighing around 250 grams including the bracket, the LLM-VarioRay can be mounted on any assault rifle with a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white lamp, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. The light source can be selected with a rotary switch and is infinitely adjustable. The device has a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block, enabling easy adjustment and alignment of the aiming device and weapon. Together with night observation and thermal imaging devices, it lets German troops perform a full range of operational missions around the clock and in all weathers.

Among other things, the LLM-VarioRay product family forms part of the German soldier system “Future Soldier – Expanded System” (IdZ-ES). It is also in service with the British Army, which calls it the Laser Light Module MK3, and with the Swiss Army, where it is known as the Laser-Licht-Modul 19.

Rheinmetall offers an extensive portfolio of infantry equipment, including a variety of aiming and illumination modules. These were developed in order to enhance the tactical effectiveness of modern small arms. One of these products is the LM-VTAL. Standing for “Laser Module – Variable Tactical Aiming Laser”, it is used by Bundeswehr special operators. Rheinmetall’s aiming and illumination devices are compatible with all standard night observation devices and can be coupled with the “TL-MissionLight”, a separate modular weapon lamp also made by Rheinmetall. Another top-of-the-line Rheinmetall product is the “FCS-TacRay Ballistic”, a rangefinder/ballistic computer for snipers and machine gunners.