FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘International’ Category

Rheinmetall Supplying Portuguese Army with 1,500 LM-LowProfile Laser Modules

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

The Portuguese Army has awarded Rheinmetall an order for 1,500 LM-LowProfile laser modules. The contract, booked back in October 2020, calls for delivery of the devices in three lots. Delivery is to be complete by the third quarter of 2021. The order is worth a figure in the low single-digit million-euro range. In carrying out the order, Rheinmetall is cooperating closely with its local sales partner, NT Group Portugal.

Developed by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics of Stockach, Germany, the minute LM-LowProfile laser module is designed for use on compact assault rifles, but it is also suitable for other small arms. The device, weighing around 160 grams and 85 mm long, can be attached to any standard assault rifle via a standard interface as defined by MIL-STD 1913/NATO STANAG 4694. Owing to its low height (25 mm), it can be used in combination with daylight optics. Nor does it interfere with the line of sight. Owing to the alignment of the laser along the running axis, the device lends itself particularly well to weapons without removeable mechanical sights (rear and front sights). Powered by a CR123 battery, the LM-LowProfile features visible and infrared target markers as well as a focusable infrared illuminator. All of the integrated lasers can be regulated in parallel by means of block adjustment. They can be remotely controlled via a trigger cable or by means of a single push button directly on the device. The LM-LowProfile is watertight at depths of up to 30 metres for up to two hours. Adding a tactical weapon light further enhances the laser module’s operational effectiveness. Rheinmetall has already supplied the Portuguese Army with a weapon light in an earlier order.

In comparative trials conducted by the Portuguese military, the device outshone its various rivals with regard both to ergonomics and performance. Moreover, the LM-LowProfile offers the added advantage of not being subject to America’s strict ITAR export regulations. Laser engraving can be used to individualize the devices.

Delivery is already underway. This is the third order from Portugal in the space of three years, underscoring the great trust the Portuguese military places in Rheinmetall’s soldier systems expertise.

Australian Prime Minister Visits Aquaterro

Tuesday, May 25th, 2021


Behind the Scenes of one of the world’s leading Tactical Equipment Suppliers

Melbourne, Australia

20th May 2021.

Aquaterro is Australia’s leading provider of soldier and officer worn and carried equipment.

On Thursday 20th May, Aquaterro was proud to host the HON Scott Morrison, The Prime Minister of Australia, accompanied by Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety & Multicultural Affairs the HON Jason Wood, at the company’s purpose-built 50,000ft2 Defence Industry Facility built in 2020.

Founder & Managing Director, Graeme Bulte started Aquaterro 27 years ago in Tasmania, and has grown the business to be one of the world’s most successful Defence & Tactical Equipment Distributors.

In 2021 Aquaterro also provides one of Australia’s very few advanced prohibited-weapon and firearm Supply, Technical Inspection and Service Centres, as well as being a substantial product design and manufacturing house in its’ own right for its Peacemaker® brand products.


Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (centre), Assistant Minister for Customs Jason Wood (right) and Graeme Bulte Aquaterro CEO (left)

During the official visit to Aquaterro, the Prime Minister was provided the opportunity to inspect firsthand the company’s Textile Design Lab, Technical Sewing Workshop, Industrial Design Lab, CNC Advanced Rapid Manufacturing and Prototyping Workshop, Armoury & Technical Inspection Workshop, Indoor 100m/.50cal Range, Secure Vault Storage and substantial High Security Warehouse Storage Capability. The Prime Minister was among the first to see the new Combat Ballistic Helmet Technical Inspection and Refurbishment Workshop being built next door in a second 13,500ft2 dedicated Building 2.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also showed great interest in the many Aquaterro designed and manufactured products at the company HQ including, Ballistic Helmet Covers, Equipment Pouches & Load Carriage Systems, Body Armour Vests, and injection moulded parts for armour systems, equipment integration and small arms components.

Prime Minister Morrison said,

“what is happening here is self-sufficiency…” “…that here in our Defence industries that we have been building the capability and self-sufficiency year, on year, on year to ensure that companies like this have the capacity to meet the demands and needs of our significant Defence Force upgrades.” Supporting them so they can do the right job for Australia the job we need them to do, and more of that is being done by Australian companies like Aquaterro here in Melbourne.”

Mr Bulte said today that,

“it is a real privilege to have the Prime Minister and Jason Wood our local MP here today” “my team have a real passion for what we are doing, and we are growing.  As the Prime Minister has said here; what we are looking to is the confidence for the future and the confidence for jobs”, “in the next six months we are going to grow our workforce by 50%”

A unique advantage for Aquaterro is its “hybrid” approach, of ensuring access to the world’s best equipment coupled with local capability building.  This is achieved through Australian value-adding and participation with technology transfer, licensed manufacturing & assembly, engineering services, training, service & inspection for its leading brands. Providing both high-level access and high-level participation, without compromising one for the other.

The world’s leading brands such as Sig Sauer, Team Wendy, TYR Tactical, Wilcox, SureFire, Oakley, Mustang Survival, ChemringTS, and Safariland equipment, work collaboratively with Aquaterro in this way to meet complex customer requirements.

Working directly with State and Federal Government clients, as well as with other Australian businesses, to deliver world’s-best product and system solutions is a hallmark of Aquaterro’s approach.

In line with its already underway expansion plans, Aquaterro is the largest industry participant in the Australian Defence Force Project Land 159 – Small Arms Replacement Program, and a Major Contract Provider under Project Land 125 which is about to enter a new phase of acquisition.

Mr Bulte said in conclusion;

“The future for Australia and for medium size businesses like ours is very bright, I am optimistic about what that future holds and inspired by the passion our team has for the job ahead.”

PALS SOLAS Board from Jacobite Solutions

Friday, May 21st, 2021

Here’s mother one from Jacobite Solutions. The PALS SOLAS Board carries 4 x mini (1.5″) Cyalume sticks while only taking up a single PALS loop.

Also available for single sticks attached via Velcro or PALS.

jacobitesolutions.co.uk

LEAF and Parabellum Prime

Friday, May 21st, 2021

Arc’teryx LEAF, an industry leader in technical apparel and gear built to handle the harshest outdoor environments, is very excited to have Parabellum Prime join its select global distribution network as an authorized supplier of Arc’teryx LEAF products in Canada.

All LEAF products are available through Parabellum Prime’s location in Ottawa, Ontario, and via their website.

Parabellum Prime’s mission is to enhance the readiness of those responsible for the safety of all Canadians – whether at home or abroad. Parabellum Prime’s best-in-class customer services, market knowledge, and professionalism are a natural fit for LEAF. 

Parabellum Prime will be a valued extension to the LEAF family. For the complete list of authorized suppliers, please visit leaf.arcteryx.com.

Tardigrade Tactical – Low Profile Laminate Belt Pre-Order in Wolf Grey & Flecktarn

Friday, May 21st, 2021

Tardigrade Tactical’s Low Profile Laminate Belt is one of the thinnest belts on the market today.

It was designed for one specific purpose: ?? to keep your pants in place without causing discomfort – especially when wearing an equipment belt or backpack.

The deadline for pre-order is May 28th, 28/05/2021 (2359 DK time zone).

www.tardigradetactical.com/collections/edc-molle-and-inner-belts

Fresh Success for the Rheinmetall Mission Master: Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Order Four More Robotic Vehicles

Wednesday, May 19th, 2021

Rheinmetall has achieved another sales success in the United Kingdom. The British have ordered four more Mission Masters under the second phase (Spiral 2) of their Robotic Platoon Vehicle programme. Rheinmetall had already succeeded in placing its robotic vehicle in the Spiral 1 subproject of the UK’s RPV programme, which tests how unmanned vehicles can boost the firepower and capabilities of dismounted combat troops at platoon level.

Having already procured four Mission Master vehicles with cargo modules in the spring of 2020, the British military will now be acquiring four more Mission Masters, equipped this time with a fire support module to explore potential future capabilities.

The contract was awarded at the end of February. Delivery of the four Mission Master – Fire Support vehicles will take place between May and August 2021. The order, which will be handled by Rheinmetall Canada, also encompasses training and support activities as well as spare parts. Based in the UK, the joint venture company Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land will also be supporting the project.

Boasting a whole host of innovative features, the Mission Master’s nerve centre is the Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit. It comprises a suite of advanced sensors and perception algorithms that assure rich situational awareness, enabling the vehicle to find the safest route through the surrounding environment. This ensures that the vehicle can navigate challenging terrain safely and complete its mission successfully, without collisions.

Featuring a built-in security circuit board, a tablet computer running Rheinmetall command and control software lets the operator steer the platform and control the weapon station in a safe wireless way.
The Mission Master – Fire Support is armed with the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi, a remotely controlled weapon station. Targets are never engaged autonomously: there is always a human in the loop. Fully stabilized, the 7.62mm cal. Fieldranger Multi features a wide vertical and horizontal slewing range, thus assuring high accuracy and effectiveness even at long distances.

Rheinmetall Mission Master – Focusing on the future with robotics and autonomy

Robotics is already changing the modern battlefield. The Rheinmetall Mission Master is a modular, autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops tasked with carrying out a wide array of activities. Thanks to the Mission Master vehicle, soldiers can count on artificial intelligence and robotic muscle when performing dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks – the three Ds – and, more importantly, they can carry out their missions in greater safety.
Ready for deployment, the Mission Master can serve either as an autonomous or semiautonomous element of a combat team.

Designed for maximum flexibility, the Mission Master can be outfitted for a multitude of different operations thanks to modular, quickly mountable build-ons. Besides logistic tasks, it can perform in a variety of other roles, including surveillance, security, casualty evacuation and CBRN detection. The Mission Master can also serve as a mobile radio relay station.

Active Protection System for Lynx IFV: Market Breakthrough for Rheinmetall’s New StrikeShield — €140 Million Order from Hungary

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

The 209 new Lynx infantry fighting vehicles recently ordered by Hungary from Rheinmetall of Germany will be equipped with Rheinmetall’s StrikeShield hard-kill active protection system, or APS. Hungary is the latest customer for this innovative technology, which has formed part of the Rheinmetall portfolio since 2006. It will be supplied by Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH. The order is worth over €140 million. Hungary’s decision in favour of StrikeShield was driven by the NATO member’s commitment to taking part in demanding missions where modern anti-tank weapon systems present a dangerous threat to own forces.

StrikeShield is the third and latest generation of Rheinmetall’s acclaimed Active Defence System (ADS) technology, a specific variant of hard-kill APS. It is a distributed system whose sensors and countermeasures are integrated into the contours of the entire vehicle. Among other benefits, StrikeShield has the lowest emissions in the electro¬magnetic spectrum on the market, as well as the fastest reaction time in ambush and multi-hit situations. It protects the vehicle from shaped charge warhead threats such as rockets or missiles by neutralizing incoming projectiles before they hit the platform itself.

The StrikeShield APS will be mechanically integrated into hybrid armour tiles on the Lynx. Instead of conventional passive add-on armour modules, the platform will feature spaced passive armour tiles that incorporate the components of the APS between an outer ply and inner tiles mounted on the vehicle’s hull.

“We see huge benefits from hybrid designs”, declares Dr Manfred Salk, CEO of Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH. “The effects that passive armour protects you from are standardized and well understood. Hybrid designs are different. They allow us to do a much better job of dealing with new effects and threats, such as residual energy from a disabled rocket hitting the vehicle and deflagrating. The combination of our passive and active technologies into hybrid systems therefore offer our customers unique benefits with regard to the protection capability, but also weight- and cost-efficiency.“
Rheinmetall Protection Systems GmbH is Rheinmetall’s center of excellence in survivability technologies, formed in 2019. Core of the product strategy is the hybridization of armor solutions, which provide the outlook to lighter and sensor based survivability solutions for armored platforms.

www.rheinmetall.com

Jankel Delivers ‘Next Generation’ Guardian Counter Terror Assault Vehicle-Urban (CTAV-URBAN)

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, has delivered the first of their ‘next generation’ Guardian Counter Terror Assault Vehicle-Urban (CTAV-URBAN) to an undisclosed customer. Based on the latest 2020 Ford F-550 platform, the Guardian CTAV-URBAN features a new Mobile Adjustable Ramp System (MARS) from long-standing partners Patriot 3 who work exclusively with Jankel in the UK.

Firmly established as one of the premier global suppliers of armoured counter terror adapted vehicle systems, Jankel, with Patriot 3, have developed and integrated a new version of the MARS ramp system for Guardian CTAV-URBAN that delivers a narrower, lighter, single ramp, fully hydraulic variant that will allow counter terror teams to effectively operate in tighter spaces and more restricted city environments. Retaining the Ford OEM aluminium body, Jankel engineers have developed an armour suite that mounts within the vehicle without compromising structure, rigidity or durability. The integration of the new MARS ramp onto the Jankel Guardian CTAV-URBAN includes the flexibility to remove the MARS system, if needed, as well as the development of numerous other innovative enhancements in platform protection and tactical systems.

Jankel has a history dating back to the early 2000’s of providing the very best tactical counter terror platforms. With this new CTAV-URBAN variant, Jankel has customised the platform to meet the exact customer needs and tactics. The vehicle has been fully tested to prove the durability, reliability and maintainability but also to validate the advanced handling and performance characteristics expected of a truly tactical counter terror assault platform. Working closely together with Patriot 3, the CTAV-URBAN ladder system has been developed and refined to retain all of the MARS standard functionalities yet deliver additional options packaged in a single ramp configuration.

Charlie Fuqua, Elevated Tactics Sales Manager from Patriot 3 said: “we have had an ongoing working relationship with Jankel since the mid-2000s and have supplied numerous multi-mission vehicle solutions to defence and law enforcement end users around the world.” He went on to say: “Patriot3 looks forward to continuing our Jankel partnership with the introduction of the new CTAV-URBAN (complimenting the CTAV), as well as future developments to meet our customers ever evolving operational requirements.”

Andrew Jankel, Chairman at Jankel Group said: “we’ve worked with Patriot 3 for many years on a number of successful specialist vehicle-based projects so delivering the first of this next generation Guardian CTAV vehicles to an exceedingly important customer is a continuation of an already strong partnership”. He added: “Effective partnering is one of our key strengths here at Jankel and our partnership with Patriot 3 is another fine example of how we bring capability, innovation, flexibility and agility together to deliver and support the very best products and services, driving mission success”.

www.jankel.com