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Brigantes Announces New Stock of Hilleberg Tactical Equipment Available for Immediate Order Fulfilment

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

Brigantes, a leading extreme cold weather supplier of tactical on-the-soldier equipment and apparel, has recently announced the procurement of a high volume of tactical stock from esteemed global tentmaker, Hilleberg. This move toward increased production capacity marks a significant chapter in Hilleberg’s story and an exciting development for Brigantes’ partners and clients.

Whilst a portion of the Hilleberg stock has been pre-allocated to orders from key military units, a large quantity is available for immediate order fulfilment. The range encompasses several of Hilleberg’s cutting-edge shelter solutions, including those with military specific adaptations, designed specifically for tactical end users. By expanding their inventory with Hilleberg stock, Brigantes are positioning themselves to be able to fulfil urgent operational requirements for cold weather deployments.

Matthew Williams, Brigantes CEO, commented:

“I can’t overstate how exciting it is to be in a position where we can hold such substantial volumes of Hilleberg tactical stock in our warehouse. Hilleberg is renowned as the unrivalled leader in the design and development of superior quality tents – they’re complete sticklers for quality and won’t accept anything less than the highest standards possible. With the rapid increase in cold weather deployments, this investment means that we can ensure units have immediate access to this vital product range.”

Widely respected as the leading tentmaker in the game, Hilleberg was established in 1971. Founded upon a keen passion and intrinsic understanding of everything outdoors, this family-run business is still going strong over 50 years later. Their range of military-specific tents have been designed for enhanced durability and superior performance in challenging tactical environments, making them an obvious choice for armed forces personnel.

For more information or to discuss placing an order, please contact Brigantes: brigantes.com/contact

Posted in International, Press Release, Shelter | No Comments »

Mehler Protection’s Key Showcases at SEECAT and Future Forces 2024

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

FULDA, GERMANY (21.10.2024)

As the 2024 trade show season concludes, Mehler Protection proudly showcased its comprehensive range of ballistic protection solutions at both SEECAT in Tokyo and Future Forces in Prague.

At SEECAT, Japan’s premier counter-terrorism event, Mehler Protection emphasised the importance of enhancing security measures in today’s global climate. The booth featured an extensive array of personal ballistic protection solutions, including ballistic panels, waistcoats, covert vests, helmets, and the adaptable M.U.S.T. system. Additionally, the innovative PROTEC3D line was highlighted, showcasing a 3D-printed armour sensor case that underscores the integration of advanced technology into protective solutions.

At Future Forces, a critical platform for international defence and security networking, Mehler Protection displayed advanced ballistic solutions tailored for military and law enforcement. Key offerings included hard- and soft-ballistic panels, riot gear, and modular systems like MOBAST and M.U.S.T., designed for adaptability and agility.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mehler Systems, alongside its sub-brands—Mehler Protection, Lindnerhof, and UF PRO—will actively participate in various defence and tactical events, continuing to showcase their commitment to innovative advancements in ballistic protection, tactical gear, and tactical apparel.

For more information on upcoming exhibitions and engagements, please visit the Mehler Systems event page.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »

AUSA 24 – InfraHex Multispectral Camouflage by 4D Tactical

Monday, October 21st, 2024

I ran across InfraHex Multispectral Camouflage in the Colt CZ Group booth. It’s offered by 4D Tactical which is based in the Czech Republic and part of CZ Group.

This is another one of those technologies which has become critical due to the ISR threat demonstrated in the conflict in Ukraine. The ability to hide even the individual Soldier from visual (day and night) as well as various wavelengths of thermal sensors is a challenge as they can be fielded cheaply.

InfraHex is a 9-layer, nanotech fabric which reduces infrared signatures by as much as 96%. It’s also breathable and has a fluorocarbon coating to reduce water buildup.

www.infrahex.com

Posted in AUSA, Camo, International | No Comments »

PROTEC3D: New Possibilities in Design and Functional Integration of Complex Components with Ballistic Protection

Friday, October 18th, 2024

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (17.10.2024)

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is revolutionising the production of ballistic protection solutions. In particular, 3D printing of armour steel opens up new possibilities in terms of design freedom, weight reduction and the manufacture of complex components, as well as the integration of additional functions.

Focus on innovation and technology

Mehler Protection offers a unique portfolio in Europe, providing protection solutions for all threats and protection levels according to STANAG 4569, including complete welded subsystems. The M-RACC (Multirole Armour Composite Components) product family includes modular, purely passive solutions against ballistic projectiles, shaped charges/anti-tank weapons, IEDs, mines and roof protection solutions. These are used in military and civilian vehicles, ships, helicopters and for critical infrastructure protection.

Patented 3D printing technology for armour steel is opening up new possibilities in the design of protective components. Layer-by-layer manufacturing allows precise control of material properties, resulting in consistent resistance to ballistic threats. By refining the printing technology and post-processing, mechanical properties can be further optimised.

Design freedom and advanced manufacturing processes

A key advantage of PROTEC3D is the virtually unlimited design freedom it offers. While conventional methods are often limited by geometric constraints, 3D printing enables the realisation of complex structures and shapes that were previously unimaginable.

Mehler Protection uses an Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process to manufacture the components. By welding the 3D printed components with the same alloy, large components can be produced. This enables the development of customised protection solutions that are precisely tailored to specific requirements and operating conditions. Subsequent heat treatment achieves hardnesses of 400-620 HB. The result is a homogeneous product with no weaknesses in welds, heat affected zones or hardness transitions.

In addition, PROTEC3D offers the option of cathodic dip coating (CDC). This process is not possible with conventional armour steel, as it reduces the hardness and thus the ballistic performance of the material. In addition, the process does not affect the alloy used, making it suitable for the corrosion protection of complex structures.

Efficiency through functional integration

3D printing makes it possible to produce highly complex components in a single manufacturing step. Traditionally, such components must be assembled from multiple parts, introducing additional weaknesses and adding weight. With additive manufacturing, complex geometries and internal structures, such as cavities or reinforcements, can be integrated directly into the part. This improves both structural integrity and manufacturing efficiency while reducing overall weight.

PROTEC3D also allows additional functions to be integrated directly into the component. For example, sensors cases can be equipped with cooling channels to decrease the thermal signature, or mounting points for other components can be seamlessly embedded into the structure. This reduces the need for subsequent assembly steps and increases the reliability and lifespan of protection solutions. This minimises the need for reassembly and increases the reliability and durability of protection solutions.

Short procurement times and cost efficiency

Another key benefit of PROTEC3D is the drastic reduction in lead times and associated cost efficiencies. Traditional manufacturing processes often require long lead times for the production of moulds and tools, as well as complex production steps. 3D printing eliminates many of these steps, resulting in much faster production. Prototypes and small series can be produced in days rather than weeks or months. In addition, additive manufacturing allows for more efficient use of materials by using only the material that is needed. These benefits help to deliver ballistic protection solutions faster, more flexibly and more cost-effectively, which is particularly valuable in time-critical and resource-intensive scenarios.

Diverse applications and future potential

PROTEC3D is already being used successfully in the first series projects in the field of civil protection vehicles. For example, window frames with protection level VPAM 9 have been realised with significant weight savings.

At this year’s Eurosatory in Paris, the international defence and security exhibition, an application in the field of optronics was presented. The PROTEC3D sensor housing, which meets STANAG Level 3 requirements, demonstrates the wide range of possibilities offered by 3D printing for complex components. This sensor housing was not only equipped with brackets for sensor elements, but also with channels for compressed air for cleaning the lenses and cooling pipes to reduce heat signatures. In general, PROTEC3D offers many new application possibilities, such as eliminating vulnerabilities in military land vehicles with ballistic protected media disconnectors and cable feed-throughs.

Conclusion

PROTEC3D offers significant advantages in terms of design freedom, ballistic performance, production of complex components and weight optimisation. It also ensures faster procurement and cost efficiency. By improving both efficiency and effectiveness, PROTEC3D sets new standards for flexibility and adaptability in ballistic protection. The continuous development and application-specific customisation of PROTEC3D promises to transform the field of ballistic protection solutions and open up innovative approaches for the future.

For more information about Mehler Protection please visit: mehler-protection.com

Posted in Additive Manufacturing, Armor, International, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Green Ammo Secures Contracts with U.S. Department of Defense to Deliver Nearly 1,300 E-Blanks Training Kits Amid Global Blank Ammunition Shortage

Thursday, October 17th, 2024

Warfighters will leverage 1,280 Green Ammo electronic blank kits for realistic training across individual and collective exercises

SKIEN, Norway, Oct. 16, 2024 — Green Ammo, AS, developers of the industry’s only drop-in electronic blanks system for live weapons offering 100 percent integration with tactical training programs, today announced that it has been awarded a total of $5.8 million in contracts with the Department of Defense.

Across two contracts, executed in August and September, Green Ammo will deliver nearly 1,300 units of its drop-in electronic blanks (E-Blanks) training kits to support realistic tactical training exercises. The military-grade, pressure-tested E-Blanks kits offer compatibility with M4, M249, and M240 weapon systems, enabling warfighters to train with the right weapons for the theater-specific threats they may face. The units are expected to electronically fire an approximate total of 325,000,000 rounds (~250,000/each) before any components need to be exchanged, replacing the same number of traditional blank rounds and saving millions of dollars in ammunition costs.

Green Ammo is a Norway-based defense technology company with operations in the United States, dedicated to developing, manufacturing and delivering electronic blank ammunition for tactical training applications. The company’s E-Blanks kit empowers warfighters to train with known weapons through a patented, 100-percent drop-in module that can install and deploy E-Blanks in under a minute for a realistic, safe, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to live or traditional blank ammunition. In preparation for the initial delivery of the E-Blanks kits, Green Ammo conducted an initial train-the-trainer event. Attended by senior trainers and officers, the event introduced the E-Blanks system to the training cadre and supported discussions on implementation and logistical considerations.

“We’ve worked hard to deliver a solution that serves as an alternative to traditional ammunition with the added benefits of time and cost savings, and we’re pleased that E-Blanks can help ensure servicemen can continue to train effectively, even with the impact of the global ammunition shortage,” said Rolf Inge Roth, CEO of Green Ammo. “By providing E-Blanks kits for individual and collective training, we can help the Department of Defense overcome these limitations to support successful pre-deployment training with the additional benefits of simplified logistics and increased safety.”

The delivery of 1000 M4, 170 M249 and 110 M240B drop-in kits will be completed by the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. To learn more about Green Ammo’s patented electronic blank technology and its applications, visit www.greenammo.com.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on Green Ammo Secures Contracts with U.S. Department of Defense to Deliver Nearly 1,300 E-Blanks Training Kits Amid Global Blank Ammunition Shortage

CTOMS Academy Announces the Release of Tactical Trauma Care Essential – Japanese

Thursday, October 17th, 2024

CTOMS™, in partnership with Fujita Medical Instruments™, has launched a Japanese version of CTOMS™ Academy’s TCCC/TECC e-training. The course is now available to Japanese service members through Fujita™.

Tactical Trauma Care Essential™ (TTCE) will provide Japanese service organizations with an expedient and consistent means of adopting combat proven casualty response training. With video demonstrations, lab footage, animations (3D), and expert instruction the course material is both engaging and in-depth. The content of the course is complete and will prepare students for effective casualty response in tactical environments. TTCE is ideal for facilitating and being used concurrently with hands-on training.

To create the Japanese version, CTOMS™ first translated the material then used AI to create avatars that would read the Japanese scripts. After some experimentation, creating a natural looking and sounding instructor was straight forward. With this complete, the onscreen text was translated and reedited into the videos. The entire course, over 5 hours of video content, was then reviewed and approved for accuracy by Fujita™.

The entire project has been very exciting for CTOMS™, who has now demonstrated the capability to convert its training programs into most languages.

ctomsinc.com

ctomsinc.com/pages/training

For more information on our online or in-person training, contact training@ctomsinc.com

For information on accessing the TTCE course in Japanese, contact info@fujitaika.co.jp or visit e-learning.fujitaika.jp/ctoms

Posted in Advertiser, International, Medical, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on CTOMS Academy Announces the Release of Tactical Trauma Care Essential – Japanese

BAE Systems and Kongsberg Sign Teaming Agreement for New Platform Situational Awareness Tool

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

16 Oct 2024

The Integrated Combat Solution tool will give Warfighters the situational awareness they need for any mission, as well as options to respond to potential threats

BAE Systems has entered into a teaming agreement with Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace to bring Integrated Combat Solution (ICS) to the U.S. defense market. The transformational battlefield situational awareness tool for combat vehicles will provide the Warfighter with the capability to link and share video streams, metadata, target information, slew-to-cue commands, and much more, reducing the typical threat response speed from minutes to seconds. Together, with Kongsberg developing the ICS tool and BAE Systems integrating it onto combat vehicles, the companies will support technology upgrades through the product lifecycles.

“The ability for troops to rapidly pass targeting information across the battlefield to other platforms and engage a target remotely is critical to their mission,” Andy Corea, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems’ Combat Mission Systems business, said. “The combined talents of Kongsberg’s innovation and expertise in remote weapon systems and our lead systems integration capability provides the Warfighter the opportunity to obtain fully integrated enhanced combat capability – helping them stay aware and unmatched in battle.”

ICS is a tool that can be used across the U.S. Marine or U.S. Army’s fleet of vehicles as a critical enabler of their mission. Built with an open-systems approach, ICS can be integrated on any battlefield platform equipped with a weapon system and on-board sensors – keeping troops aware and safer in the fight. ICS will give Warfighters more options to respond to potential threats, matching the rapid pace of warfare in the future. ICS uses an integrated network to link the sensors on different battlefield assets together, allowing command and control of weapon stations, turrets, jammers and other effectors from a single screen inside the vehicle.

“Together we will deliver ICS as a core enabler of modern warfare, providing all-domain visibility, command and control,” said Kjetil Reiten Myhra, executive vice president defence systems, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. “This force multiplier streamlines complicated threat responses, networking mobility platforms and other assets for increased combat capability.”

The ICS capability has already been demonstrated on the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) and Armored Multi-Purpose vehicle platforms, and the combined team of BAE Systems and Kongsberg looks forward to the opportunity to provide it across the ground combat forces. The ICS system is also featured at the BAE Systems booth (#6041) at AUSA this week on the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) platform, further demonstrating the team’s ability to integrate it on different combat vehicles.

Posted in International, Optics, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | No Comments »

EXOSENS’ Subsidiary PHOTONIS Wins Key Role in UK MOD’S Talon Fused Weapon Sight Contract

Tuesday, October 15th, 2024

MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE – 11TH OCTOBER 2024

• Photonis and Qioptiq join forces to enhance British Army’s combat capabilities with cutting-edge imaging technology

• This 7-year framework contract aims at equipping British soldiers with Qioptiq’s advanced TALON Fused Weapon Sights

Photonis, an Exosens subsidiary and global leader in image intensification technology, has been awarded a significant role in a seven-year contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in collaboration with Qioptiq Limited. This contract is aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of British Army assault rifles.

Awarded by the Dismounted Close Combat project team, the contract focuses on the continued procurement of the TALON Fused Weapon Sight, an advanced system that integrates image intensification with thermal imaging (see picture below). Photonis will supply the high-performance 4G 16mm image intensifier tubes for the TALON systems, contributing to the overall performance and reliability of these critical combat devices.

The TALON Fused Weapon Sight is an integral part of the UK MoD’s Assault Rifle In-Line Low Light Sight (ARILLS) capability. It is designed to provide British soldiers with superior visibility and situational awareness in low-light environments and difficult operational settings.

“Photonis is proud to be part of this strategic initiative to enhance the British Army’s combat effectiveness,” said Frédéric Guilhem, Chief Commercial Officer from Photonis. “Our world-class image intensification technology will ensure that British forces are equipped with the best possible technology for success in critical operations.”

Qioptiq Limited, a leader in advanced optical and sighting systems, is responsible for delivering the TALON Fused Weapon Sight. With its dual-channel capability, which seamlessly combines image intensification and thermal imaging, the TALON system ensures interoperability with the existing fleet, continuing to play a vital role in the Army’s close combat operations.

At the heart of this system is the Photonis high-performance 4G 16mm image intensifier tube, renowned for its unmatched resolution and SWaP reduction (Size Weight and Power). This advanced intensifier tube allows soldiers to detect and identify targets with superior clarity, even in the darkest and most adverse nights. The compact 16mm format offers significant weight and space savings without compromising performance, ensuring enhanced mobility and operational efficiency for the user.

This contract underscores Photonis’ commitment to delivering innovative imaging solutions tailored to the needs of modern defense forces. As part of Exosens Group, Photonis continues to be at the forefront of technological advancements, offering unrivaled expertise in image intensification for military applications.

Posted in Contracts, International, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »