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Archive for the ‘International’ Category

UVision Air Announces The Hero-120 Loitering Munition Successfully Meets Winter Battlefield Requirements in The Arctic Region

Thursday, August 10th, 2023

Proven capabilities were demonstrated during evaluation test flights in the region
August 09, 2023 – UVision Air Ltd. – a global leader in Loitering Munition systems of all sizes for a variety of missions announces that its Hero-120 Loitering Munition system has successfully proven to meet the demanding combat requirements of the Arctic winter while completing a series of flight-missions in the Arctic region as part of a field-evaluation under extreme winter environmental conditions.

Attended by representatives from several leading defense forces with arctic warfare capabilities, this evaluation was the concluding phase of a lengthy process, which included earlier test flights in the region, as well as extensive laboratory environmental tests, simulating the extreme temperatures, winds, and humidity conditions of the arctic winter.  

The Hero-120 LM can carry a multi-purpose warhead with both Anti-Tank and Anti-personnel capabilities. During the evaluation the advanced loitering munition system was successfully tested in both day and night missions for operating in challenging conditions, including extreme low temperatures, heavy snow, strong winds, humidity, ice-forming flight conditions, low clouds, and limited visibility. The evaluation found the Hero-120 effective in combat situations in the Arctic environment, and compliant with unique storage and transportation requirements.

The harsh-weather operation effectiveness addresses not only the specific needs of military forces operating in the Arctic, but also the broader north and east of Europe.

“Completing the process of adapting our systems to the harsh climate of the Arctic winter is a significant milestone towards the widespread adoption of the HERO Loitering Munitions by European and NATO defence forces , says Major General (ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of UVision.  “The conflict in Ukraine has led the world’s leading armies to understand that they need to be prepared for any scenario and has raised their level of interest in combat-proven, reliable, and robust loitering munitions such as the HERO family”, he added.

SPARTAN.AT Presents – CORVUS DEFENSIO: New Rail and Handguard for AUG A3 M1/SE

Thursday, August 10th, 2023

After years of customer requests – with heavy emphasis from the USA – CORVUS DEFENSIO has now decided to develop a special rail for the AUG A3 M1 or SE receiver. The difficulty was always the hump on the receiver, which is only there to create a corresponding transition for the (removable) optic housing. This hump, however, prevents the use of a Picatinny rail that can be extended beyond the end of the receiver without interruption at the same height as the standard rail of the AUG A3 SA. Why users would like to use rails extended forward over the barrel is obvious. The extended section is particularly suitable for mounting rifle sights, lasers and optronical attachments for various optics. It can also be used to mount a handguard if someone prefers this option to the barrel grip. The short M1 rails available so far are not suitable for this purpose.

However, getting around the aforementioned receiver hump when designing an extended Picatinny rail is a bit of a technical challenge. The rail must be reinforced somewhere if it is not to be built twice as high. CORVUS DEFENSIO ultimately decided to raise the rail only slightly. Just enough so that it can be extended over the hump. The necessary reinforcement for this is done on the right side. Here it is least disturbing, since the charging handle is located on the left. However, the reinforcement of the rail does not remain unused. It has an integrated MLOK slot. This feature can be used to mount various accessories directly or via an MLOK Picatinny rail. This location is particularly suitable for mounting a laser or a weapon light.

The extended M1 rail thus has most features of all receiver rails from CORVUS DEFENSIO. More Pictures and a video can be seen on Instagram CORVUS DEFENSIO.

The rail has a length of 38 cm/15 inches, a height above the bore axis of 3.8 cm/1.5 inches, a weight of 220 gr/7.75 oz and features 37 Picatinny slots, two integrated mounts for QD sling swivels with anti-rotation lock, a recess for military AUG stocks that feature a reinforcement on the top, a total of five MLOK slots on the sides and an M16 Carry Handle Interface for direct mounting of Trijicon ACOG scopes without intermediate mounting.

For this rail – as for the A3 SA receiver rails – a special handguard is available, which is mounted on the MLOK slots on the side. It has the unique selling point so far that it allows the barrel to swing completely freely, the barrel can still be swung out and it reliably protects the shooter from burns and injuries in connection with the gas pressure device by means of a replaceable heat shield made of sheet steel. The handguard has been completely redesigned and lightened for the M1 rail. It features milled MLOK slots all around, which in turn can accommodate a wide variety of accessories and is backwards compatible with the previous AUG A3 SA housing rails from CORVUS DEFENSIO. The use of the handguard allows for particularly good recoil control during rapid firing. The new products will be available in late September/early October 2023.

CORVUS DEFENSIO im Internet.

German Language: https://www.spartanat.com/2023/08/corvus-defensio-neue-rail-und-handguard-fuer-aug-a3-m1-se

NFM Tailoring the Future of Combat Clothing in EU Development Program

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

NFM Group AS has been selected with partners within the European Defense Fund (EDF) to deliver on the ARMETISS smart textile development program. The project, a €20 million EU-funded project, will develop innovative textile technologies to create smart clothing for soldiers, improving their performance, safety, and well-being.

ARMETISS (Smart Multifunction Textiles for integrated Soldier Systems) aims to develop a set of smart clothes and equipment integrating complementary functions based on EU end-users’ needs and textile-based advanced technologies. The project output will provide the necessary functionality to enhance soldiers’ capacity to perform their demanding tasks while increasing their safety and well-being during military operations.

The ARMETISS project will initiate the development of innovative textile technologies, tailored to cater to the varied needs of the modern soldier by integrating smart functionalities.

“Being selected for the ARMETISS project emphasises our position as forerunners in military textile technology development. This venture reaffirms our commitment to enhancing soldier safety and marks a significant milestone for NFM’s innovation,” says Walter Øverland, CEO of NFM Group AS.

The ARMETISS consortium comprises a total of 18 selected members and spans nine countries.

This powerful union of partners strengthens the program’s potential for successful implementation and promises profound advancements in the realm of multifunctional smart textiles for soldiers.

Danish Defence Show to Welcome the Latest in Military Fabrics

Tuesday, August 8th, 2023

Adlington, United Kingdom: Global textile manufacturer of military fabrics, Carrington Textiles, and its main manufacturing facility in the UK, Pincroft, announced their debut at The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) Industry Days event, taking place from 23rd to 24th August in Denmark.

After recently announcing the launch of their new stretch military ripstop fabric, Spartan HT Flex Lite, and strategically appointing a new Head of Defence and Security Fabrics, Carrington Textiles’ presence at the event represents the company’s commercial focus on building on its over 90 years of heritage of manufacturing military fabrics.

Likewise, Pincroft’s latest technology on non-skin contact vector protection for defence textiles and their recent involvement in printing the new Dutch Ministry of Defence’s camouflage pattern as part of their army’s uniform programme, are just a few of the textile services the company is showcasing at the event.

Head of Defence and Security Fabrics, Graham Dobson, says: “Combining Carrington Textiles experience in manufacturing some of the best military fabrics in the world with Pincroft’s know-how on dyeing, printing and finishing textiles for militaries since 1891, makes it the perfect mix to provide a full service for the sector. Our offer of a number of MultiCam® camouflage patterns together with many specially designed patterns makes us a competitive player in today’s military fabrics market”.

To find out more about Carrington Textiles and Pincroft’s presence at DALO Industry Days, visit their joint stand at the Ballerup Arena in Denmark, booth 50.

New T-Shirt Collection from FROG.PRO: Between Style, History and Creativity

Friday, August 4th, 2023

(GATTATICO (RE) – ITALY) – FROG.PRO®, the Italian reference brand for tactical tailoring, is finally ready to launch its new T-Shirt Collection. They will be available on their website beginning August 4th 2023.

Among our news for 2023, we are proud to present our highly awaited Apparel line with the new FROG.PRO T-Shirts: a perfect mix of style, legend and a dash of extravagance to create unmatched designs. Each of the three new collections was conceived with an unique story, so that dressing can be a journey between history and creativity.

We worked on these T-Shirts with the utmost attention, because we think that the key to standing out from the crowd lies in the details. From a perfect cut to high-end materials, each part has been carefully selected to make a garment of uncompromising quality.

Our penchant for creativity led us to dare with unique shapes and graphics; the philosophy that drives our creative process is always the will to exceed expectations and to offer something different, and with these T-Shirts, we want to share with you our unique vision.

Here are our collectible lines:

UNBRANDED CollectionBear our flag high

Our UNBRANDED line is a bold expression of our company’s identity. These T-Shirts are dedicated to those who wish to bring up our name and share our passion for experience and innovation.

Wear “Unbranded” T-Shirts proudly and let the world know that you are part of the FROG.PRO family.

TIMELESS CollectionWhen style embraces history

The TIMELESS Collection is a real bridge between the ages, connecting ancient charm to the current age.

This exclusive line of T-Shirts blends historical elements with modern design, through three iconic headdresses that used to be worn the valiant warriors of the past.

We represented these helmets through a mosaic of triangles, that gradually disassembles; the fragmentation is a metaphor the passing of the years, where the history is lost as time passes.

Our TIMELESS Collection is an invitation to explore the world through the ages, to embrace the beauty of the old and appreciate its legacy in the present.

By wearing these shirts, we want to make you feel the valiance of the ancient warriors. Because armor changes, but the spirit of warriors lives on forever.

SPECIAL FROGS CollectionFrom smile to adrenaline

In this collection our iconic logo comes to life: a frog that wears the gear of special forces operators. A real tribute to operators from all over the world.

With the SPECIAL FROGS line we wanted to play by incorporating some of our most iconic products.

The protagonists of this initial series are these three funny fellows.

• “Wave Dave” with his MP7 sub machine gun and his panoramic NVG, recalls the spirit of Navy TIER 1 units.

• “Nash The Flash” is the quintessential urban stormtrooper, with his flashbang grenades and his ability to move with agility in CQB environments, namely the urban and restricted ones.

• “Smokey Joey” is a skilled rifleman with an M4 carbine and his reliable Modular Reconnaissance Task Bag. He is always ready to support his teammates with the best strategies.

Packaging and technical features

Our focus went beyond the T-Shirt design; from the choice of fabric to the creation of an eco-friendly packaging, we wanted to create a T-Shirt line that could achieve the best results both for the wearer and for the environment.

The T-Shirts are made of 100% organic cotton from a controlled supply chain, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, guaranteeing the maximum possible sustainability. With a weight of 180 g/m2 and 145 g/m2, they are also perfect for the hottest days of summer; an ideal weight that gives them texture and durability without making them feel too heavy or restrictive. Also, as they are all pre-washed, they will not lose their shape over time.

The packaging was created keeping in mind our commitment to environmental sustainability. The T-Shirts are shipped in boxes specifically designed to minimise the use of materials and the dimension of the package, thus also reducing the environmental impact of transport. The boxes are made of FSC cardboard from a controlled supply chain, to ensure a responsible and ecological shopping experience.

Unique T-Shirts for collectors: limited edition supplies

With the launch of these three extraordinary collections, we invite you to take advantage of this limited edition offer, knowing that each piece is a treasure because it is able to tell a story.

This is just the beginning of a long apparel line that will continue to grow over time. In the future, we plan to expand it introducing new themes, subjects and identities that can enrich the hearts and minds of our wearers.”

The new T-Shirts will be available on www.frogpro.eu starting from August 4th 2023 in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. They offer free shipping to USA on orders over 200 EURO (about 220 USD).

Rheinmetall Completes Acquisition of Spanish Defence Contractor Expal Systems: Move Significantly Expands the Group’s Ammunition Production Capacity

Thursday, August 3rd, 2023

Rheinmetall AG has completed its takeover of all shares in Expal Systems S.A.U. of Madrid. First announced last November, the acquisition follows final approval by the relevant authorities. The transfer of Expal S.A.U.’s business activities to Rheinmetall took place on 1 August 2023. Rheinmetall thus continues to expand its position as an important supplier for NATO armed forces, systematically increasing its production capacity especially for artillery, mortar, and medium-calibre ammunition.

The purchase price for the takeover of Expal Systems S.A.U., a world-renowned ammunition and armament manufacturer, is about €1.2 billion. Moving forward, the company will operate under the name “Rheinmetall Expal Munitions S.A.U.”.

In a fast-growing market driven by increased demand for military equipment in countries around the globe, the acquisition provides Rheinmetall with swift access to greater production capacity, covering the entire ammunition production value-added chain, with multiple plants in Spain and a demilitarization and soil remediation business in the United States.

In this market environment Rheinmetall is an important supplier to the Ukrainian armed forces with large amounts of medium- and large-calibre ammunition, including 20mm automatic cannon rounds for the Marder infantry fighting vehicle, and 105mm and 120mm tank ammunition for the Leopard 1 and Leopard 2. In addition, a first lot of 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank will soon be ready for shipment.

In acquiring Expal, Rheinmetall aims to secure and strengthen its core business in weapons, ammunition and propellants. The current Expal Systems product portfolio encompasses artillery ammunition, mortar and medium-calibre rounds as well as fuses and rocket propulsion systems. In many cases, Expal’s ammunition are “full shot” products, from propellant to fuse. Due to partly complementary product ranges, the acquisition significantly strengthens Rheinmetall’s existing product portfolio.

Given the likelihood of strong future demand in many countries, the acquisition places Rheinmetall in a favourable position to respond to complex new ammunition procurement requirements.

Enhancing its direct access to this important market, the acquisition expands Rheinmetall’s footprint in Spain, where the Group already has an automotive engineering plant in Abadiano. Rheinmetall Expal Munitions will continue to serve the Spanish armed forces as a preferential and key partner, offering its products, technology and industrial capabilities.

Rheinmetall sees maintaining the company’s existing technology and staff as essential; all locations (Madrid, Trubia, Burgos, Navalmoral, El Gordo, Albacete and Murcia in Spain as well as Texarkana in the USA) are therefore to remain fully operational, with further expansions planned.

Rheinmetall is very pleased to be welcoming a new company to the Group, and especially to be augmenting its workforce with highly skilled new staff. Reinforced by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions, the Group will continue contributing to global security, meeting the needs of a fast-growing market.

Safe Integration of Drones into Airspace is Getting Closer

Thursday, August 3rd, 2023

HENSOLDT commissioned with a demonstrator study for Detect-and-Avoid Radar

Taufkirchen/Germany, 1 August 2023 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is taking the development of its collision warning system for civil and military drones to a new level. The demonstrator study for a “detect-and-avoid radar” – commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) – enables a further step towards the safe integration of drones into controlled airspace.

The German customer has drawn up requirements for an investigation into the implementation of a gradual and full-scale airspace integration of the EURODRONE. For this, a DAA system is foreseeably necessary, which is to be advanced in a gradual series development.

In the run-up to this future development of a DAA system, HENSOLDT – as a long-standing partner of the German Armed Forces in the field of radar technology – has carried out risk-minimising national and European studies regarding the conception and design of a special radar sensor system for such a DAA system. The flight test campaigns carried out and the results obtained in the course of these studies in preparation for development are already proving the functional capability.

The “detect-and-avoid radar” is one of the decisive sensors in a complex DAA system on board unmanned aerial vehicles. It supports the calculation of evasive manoeuvres for collision avoidance by detecting, classifying and forming complete tracks of approaching objects in the airspace. Due to the multifunctional design of this radar, the requirements for integrating a weather radar function will also be taken into account and a possible perspective regarding the support of a separate landing aid will be opened up.

The currently commissioned study for the DAA radar includes the investigation of the technical feasibility of such a radar for the EURODRONE project, the verification with a near-series demonstrator as well as the risk minimisation for a future series development. Since the novel “detect-and-avoid radar” is a flight- and mission-critical component, the study deals in particular with the implementation of the safety requirements and the approval strategy at national and international aviation safety authorities (EASA, LBA) as well as the military organisations (LufABw).

NIOA Ballistics Testing Tech a Gamechanger

Thursday, August 3rd, 2023

Cutting edge ballistics data acquisition technology, capable of measuring real-time projectile velocity and location will be a gamechanger in weapon and ammunition performance testing, says NIOA’s top engineer.

Rudi Bekker, NIOA Australia’s General Manager – Engineering, said the newly installed MS Instruments Projectile Velocity Measurement System (MSI PVMS) at the company’s Brisbane range facility took accuracy diagnostics to the next level.

“This is a game changer to our stronghold arsenal of NIOA Test & Evaluation expertise capability,” he said.

“The ballistic instrumentation records highly accurate data with an integrated software system, providing acoustic and optical target system outputs that are precise, and a cost and time effective way of measuring weapon and ammunition accuracy.

“The equipment is versatile and can be used within the NIOA 100m in-door range; as well as being deployable to external ranges operating in any weather conditions.”

The MSI PVMS is the latest addition of specialist equipment at NIOA’s world-class weapons, firearms and munitions testing complex.

The fully instrumented range, which opened in 2014, is the only indoor 100m range in Australia rated for the firing and data acquisition of small arms through to medium calibre cannons up to 40mm.

It has had an intensive workout during NIOA’s delivery of the LAND 159 Tranche 1 Lethality Systems Program which includes the latest sniper and close combat weapon systems for use by the Australian Defence Force.

NIOA Australia and New Zealand CEO Ben James said: “This technology is another example of NIOA’s investment in domestic capability to ensure we stay at the forefront of innovation.

“By embracing the most advanced technology we are enhancing Australia’s sovereign capability which ultimately supports national security in an increasingly complex threat landscape.”