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Spectra Group’s Award-Winning SlingShot Satcom System Selected for Project Capstone 4

Monday, October 9th, 2023

Spectra Group, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, in partnership with Inmarsat, has been selected to support Project Capstone 4 (Army Futures Command’s premier integration and experimentation exercise in 2024) with their award-winning SlingShot satellite communications system. Spectra Group has a strong pedigree of successfully supporting previous command and control innovation and integration demonstrations for the USDOD and USSOCOM, the Army Maneuver Battle Lab (AEWE 2019) and the Fires Battle Lab (MFIX 2022).

SlingShot is a compact and user-friendly tactical radio range extension system designed to enhance Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) Communications On The Move (COTM) C2 (Command and Control) communications. This innovative system effortlessly enables in-service Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios to utilise L-Band satellite frequencies, extending their reach over thousands of kilometers. A standout feature of SlingShot is its intuitive plug-and-play capability, making it a reliable choice for both stationary and mobile setups. It serves as a direct augmentation to existing tactical radios. When paired with the Inmarsat L-TAC service, SlingShot significantly expands its user base and coverage, enabling the immediate transmission of voice, data and specialized military applications, such as artillery coordination and situational awareness, across vast distances.

Project Capstone leads the integration of all the domains that the US Army is dependent on — air, land, sea, space, cyberspace adopting a truly multi-domain/multi-national approach, while at the same time looking at concepts for the future. The Network Cross Functional Team (N-CFT) acknowledges that as national armies operate in multinational coalitions during future expeditionary operations, integration and interoperability of communications is paramount to ensuring battlefield success. Therefore, the N-CFT hosts foreign liaison officers from the armies of two close allies, the U.K. and Australia, to help shepherd information interoperability initiatives, concepts and goals and Spectra Group from the UK has been selected to support this project.

SlingShot plays a pivotal role in advancing interoperability among forces. By bridging communication gaps and ensuring seamless integration between different communication systems and networks, SlingShot fosters collaboration and coordination among diverse military units and allies. For broader connectivity, SlingShot can adeptly link the L-TAC networks to major, distant headquarters worldwide using cutting-edge digital RF-Over-IP technology. With a commendable track record, marked by over 7,000 units actively utilised by both specialised and regular forces globally, SlingShot has proven its mettle in the most challenging environments and diverse locales.

Pat Gallagher, General Manager Spectra Group (US) said: “SlingShot has a fantastic operational record with USSOCOM and is the perfect system to support AFC’s communication innovation and integration experiments as it can be added to any existing or future capability. When combined with the Inmarsat L-TAC service, SlingShot delivers the ultimate interoperability for secure voice, data and applications at scale for operations anywhere in the world.”

Posted in Army, Comms, International, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Spectra Group’s Award-Winning SlingShot Satcom System Selected for Project Capstone 4

Quaze Technologies Bring Wireless Power Transfer Technology to the US Defense Sector at AUSA 23

Monday, October 9th, 2023

Quaze Technologies, a Canada-based innovative technology company and the creator of wide-surface wireless power transfer, is introducing their revolutionary autonomous wireless power transfer capabilities to the US defense sector at AUSA 23. Quaze will have a senior team on the ground at AUSA in Washington DC and can arrange meetings to demonstrate their ground-breaking technology, on request. Quaze are interested in reaching out to the research and development agencies across the US DoD as well as sparking interest in the wider US user community, regarding their unique wireless charging technology.

This US announcement follows on from DSEI in September where the Quaze concept demonstrator remote charging solution, named Drone Swarm Tactical OverWatch (DSTOW™), was featured as part of Rheinmentall’s innovation portfolio. The Quaze DSTOW was displayed on the Mission Master SP autonomous unmanned ground vehicle. It was active and wirelessly recharged 3 Parrot ANAFI USA drones.

The DSTOW addresses a critical need in the world of drone operations, enabling the continuous aerial support of tethered drones with the flexibility and freedom of untethered flights. With just one Quaze DSTOW, drones of any make or model can charge wirelessly and simultaneously, ensuring reliable charging even in the most hostile environments. This reduces the constraints associated with battery levels, connecting charging cables, or swapping batteries. It’s seamless, efficient, and paves the way for autonomous and uninterrupted drone missions. The DSTOW’s versatility extends across platforms and applications. Whether mounted on various vehicles or employed in static operations, such as mobile command centers, the DSTOW remains a dynamic solution. Its adaptable form factor accommodates UAVs of all sizes and seamlessly integrates onto diverse platforms, ensuring the readiness of drones for extended missions or remote swarm operations.

Quaze’s Surface Power Technology revolutionises the way devices are powered, enabling easy and reliable wireless charging for remote or autonomous devices on land, sea or air. Powered by magnetic resonance this technology offers a safe, secure and seamless solution to efficiently charge multiple devices with variable power demands across a wide platform surface area.

Quaze remote charging surfaces are scalable to suit various demands and the potential applications in defense are vast, by freeing technology from the constraints of cables and redefining how electronic systems access power. Quaze have designed and developed their solid state volumetric technology to be compliant with relevant Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards.

Xavier Bidaut, CEO at Quaze Technologies said. “We were overwhelmed by the amount of interest shown in our technology when we introduced our DSTOW to the European defense sector at DSEi. He added:

“Together with Rheinmetall we have already showcased one particular charging application. However, there are many more potential applications being developed and as interest grows across the defense environment, more and more applications are becoming apparent.”

Posted in AUSA, International, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Quaze Technologies Bring Wireless Power Transfer Technology to the US Defense Sector at AUSA 23

Helikon-Tex Guardian Plate Carrier Sets

Sunday, October 8th, 2023

Helikon-Tex has released pre-built sets for their Guardian Plate Carrier.

Serving as a great basic set up, so far they offer vests configured for military or LE use.

The military set consists of a Guardian Plate Carrier, Guardian Cummerbund, and
Guardian Flap.

The LE version includes the vest and cummerbund as well as a Guardian Kangaroo Flap and Law Enforcement Insert.

In addition to a full range of dedicated pouches, the Guardian Plate Carrier is also designed to be compatible with their Competition series of pouches.

Offered in multiple colors. Get yours at www.helikon-tex.com/pl_pln/modulowa-kamizelka-typu-plate-carrier-na-oporzadzenie-taktyczne.

Posted in Armor, International | 4 Comments »

ARTEC Partners Set Up New Subsidiary in UK

Sunday, October 8th, 2023

The shareholders of ARTEC GmbH (Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V.) have elected to set up a new subsidiary in the United Kingdom, ARTEC Boxer UK Ltd.

The company will be a wholly owned subsidiary of ARTEC GmbH and assume responsibility for its operational activities in the UK. These include providing the British Army with service and maintenance support for the Boxer armoured transport vehicle. Furthermore, ARTEC Boxer UK Ltd. will pursue export orders.

The company’s operational goals include growing its market share in the UK service sector as well as gaining ground in the global market for highly protected 8×8 vehicles.

The agreement to create ARTEC Boxer UK Ltd was signed during the DSEI defence show in London.
From left to right: James Cartlidge, MP, Britain’s minister of state for defence procurement;
Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG; and, Ralf Ketzel, chairman of the board of management Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on ARTEC Partners Set Up New Subsidiary in UK

Another Order for Rheinmetall in the Field of Automated Reconnaissance Systems for Ukraine – Order in the Two-Digit Million-Euro Range

Saturday, October 7th, 2023

Rheinmetall has again been awarded a contract to supply automated reconnaissance systems to Ukraine. The order was placed by the German government. Rheinmetall has again been awarded a contract to supply automated reconnaissance systems to Ukraine. The order was placed by the German government.

SurveilSpire is a drone defence system designed to reconnoitre and engage hostile drones. The reconnaissance systems include mobile surveillance towers with day and night vision camera equipment, autopiloted mini-drones and a command and control system. Transport vehicles are also included in the scope of delivery. The systems are used in particular to monitor sections of terrain with as few personnel as possible. The system can also provide a 5G network. Rheinmetall is cooperating on the project with the Estonian company DefSecIntel.

The order value is in the lower double-digit million euro range. Delivery has already begun.

Made by Estonia’s DefSecIntel, the SurveilSPIRE surveillance towers can be loaded onto trailers and quickly transported to their area of operation. Assembly requires three personnel; operation is fully automated. The system includes wireless links (4G and Starlink) for video transmission to a mobile command post. Solar panels enable sustained operation without power cables or a fuel source. The system relies on autopiloted reconnaissance drones that conduct patrols and mission-specific flights. This enables inspection of detected threats and lets the operator initiate necessary countermeasures.
Rheinmetall is already taking part in several projects in support of Ukraine. These include deliveries of Marder infantry fighting vehicles, ammunition of various calibres, field hospitals, military trucks and, soon, a LUNA Next Generation reconnaissance system. Furthermore, Rheinmetall is a partner in multiple multilateral “Ringtausch” transactions. This procedure, developed by the German government, is designed to support the Ukrainian war effort in cooperation with Germany’s European neighbours and NATO partners. Here, NATO member nations transfer Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine in exchange for surplus Western-made systems.

Posted in Contracts, International, ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on Another Order for Rheinmetall in the Field of Automated Reconnaissance Systems for Ukraine – Order in the Two-Digit Million-Euro Range

EOTECH’s Distributor Awarded UK MoD Contract for SWESS Light Battle Systems

Friday, October 6th, 2023

Plymouth, MI (October 2023) – Viking Arms Ltd, a long-standing distributor in the UK for EOTECH, is proud to announce the award for a seven-year contract framework by the Dismounted Close Combat team, part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), for the Procurement and Support of up to a total fleet requirement of 12,000 SWESS Light Battle Systems, subject to financial approval.

As part of the framework, Viking Arms and EOTECH will provide the Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) EXPS3™ and the G33™ 3x Magnifier as a complete system. The EOTECH HWS is considered the fastest target acquisition CQB weapon sight available with true two eyes open, a proven solution that has been in-service with the UK Ministry of Defence for over 15 years.

EOTECH President, Dennis Finnegan commented, “We are very honored to be a part of this program. EOTECH’s history of supporting the United Kingdom’s warfighters along with our partner, Viking Arms, is a point of pride for everyone in our organization. We look forward to continuing to provide our weapon sights, lasers, and sensors that help make the UK Ministry of Defence a more successful and lethal force.”

For more information, please visit www.eotechinc.com

Posted in Contracts, International, Optics, Press Release | 2 Comments »

A New HUSAR in the Sky: Rheinmetall Wins Bundeswehr Order to Supply LUNA NG Air-Supported Reconnaissance System

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023

The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply the new LUNA NG air-supported reconnaissance drone. The amendment contract signed on 28 September 2023 by the President of Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, or BAAINBw, Annette Lehnigk-Emden, serves to continue the project with the new contractor Rheinmetall following the insolvency of the original system manufacturer. The amendment contract concretises the measures resulting from the takeover of the procurement contract by Rheinmetall. The takeover contract was already concluded in 2022.

The LUNA NG, a German acronym standing for “Air-supported Unmanned Short-range Reconnaissance Equipment, Next Generation”, will be known in the German armed forces as HUSAR. In all, twelve production systems have been ordered as well as a pilot system. The order is worth around €200 million (without value added tax). The first production system is due to be delivered in the second quarter of 2025. Also included in the order are a spare parts package and training support.

The HUSAR – as the name suggests – will be assigned to the German Army’s reconnaissance branch and also to the artillery. Another German acronym, HUSAR stands for “High-Efficiency Unmanned System for Medium-Range Reconnaissance”. Each system consists of five reconnaissance drones, two ground control systems, two launcher vehicles, two antenna masts, a repair shop and three transport platforms.

Experience gained in the war in Ukraine shows the decisive importance of real-time reconnaissance results at operational level. The LUNA NG was developed precisely for this purpose. It is one of the world’s newest systems for unmanned air-supported reconnaissance, classification and recognition of objects in real time.

Along with its outstanding performance parameters and type certification by Germany’s Federal Aviation Office, the LUNA NG is unique in its weight class, with a maximum take-off weight of 110 kilograms. Thanks to its aerodynamic, ultralight, high-stability design, the LUNA NG can remain aloft for over 12 hours.

Now official, the new order marks another important milestone for the UAV as well for Rheinmetall’s digitalization strategy. LUNA NG is a state-of-the-art sensor component for network-enabled operations which significantly enhances the effectiveness of the sensor-to-shooter chain. At the same time, the LUNA NG offers a basis for future development of the Rheinmetall product portfolio, including a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability and new tactical possibilities thanks to a payload capacity of over 30 kilograms.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on A New HUSAR in the Sky: Rheinmetall Wins Bundeswehr Order to Supply LUNA NG Air-Supported Reconnaissance System

German Federal Cartel Office Gives Go-Ahead to Joint Venture between Rheinmetall and Ukrainian Defence Industry

Monday, October 2nd, 2023

Launched in May 2023, strategic cooperation between Rheinmetall and Ukraine’s state-owned Ukrainian Defence Industry group (UDI), the former Ukroboronprom, has taken another step forward. On 28 September Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, Bundeskartellamt, cleared the way for establishing a joint venture between Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH and UDI in Kyiv. Authorization from other relevant agencies has already been applied for and is expected to come shortly.

“The joint venture is to be based in Kyiv and engage in service and maintenance as well as the assembly, production and development of military vehicles,” the German Federal Cartel Office said in its press release of 28 September 2023. “It will initially operate exclusively in Ukraine. There will be no competitive overlaps in Germany, nor are there any indications of competition concerns. The Bundeskartellamt cleared the transaction within one month.”

Cooperation between Rheinmetall and the Ukrainian defence industry is designed to strengthen Ukraine’s defence sector and ultimately the country’s national security by gradually building joint capabilities in defence technology in Ukraine.

Under the agreement, Ukraine will benefit from comprehensive technology transfers; from the creation of defence technology capabilities at home; from additional local value added; and from the prompt delivery of military equipment from Germany.

As a first step, cooperation will focus on the maintenance and repair of vehicles transferred to Ukraine under the German government’s multilateral “Ringtausch” equipment exchange programme as well as those directly supplied to Ukraine by Germany.

In later phases, based on a comprehensive transfer of technology, the cooperation partners intend to jointly produce selected Rheinmetall products in Ukraine. Looking ahead, cooperation between Rheinmetall and UDI could also involve the joint development of military systems by teams of Ukrainian and German specialists, including for subsequent export by Ukraine.

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