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MDM 22 – GM Defense

Wednesday, May 11th, 2022

GM Defense had a very impressive display which included a non-defense vehicle which may pique your interest of the art of the possible.

Based on the Chevrolet Silverado truck, this Chevy Off-Road Concept Vehicle is an example their ability to design a fully integrated solution leveraging a GM commercial derivative with the ability to scale to any level of production.

The vehicle offers off-road capabilities, control and performance rooted in a production-based foundation and off-the-shelf performance enhancements.

It offers increased payload capacity and capability to hold lightweight armor when compared to the recently adopted Infantry Squad Vehicle which is not armored.

The frame was shortened and a custom-designed, 4130 chromoly tubular safety structure was integrated while the modified chassis was wrapped with a custom, lightweight body.

It is powered by a Chevrolet Performance LT4 crate engine, a 6.2L supercharged V-8 that’s rated at 650 hp. It’s backed by a 10L90 10-speed automatic transmission that sends torque to a two-speed transfer case and distributes it to 37-inch-tall off-road tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels. The vehicle also includes the Chevrolet Performance Big Brake Upgrade System.

Posted in MDM, Mobility | 9 Comments »

MDM 22 – Tomahawk Robotics RAID Plate

Wednesday, May 11th, 2022

The RAID Plate is one of the most exciting Mrs pieces of gear I saw at Modern Day Marine.

Designed and manufactured by Tomahawk Robotics, for the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) it is a body-worn edge processing capability with multiple Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. Nvidia based CPU/GPU capabilities leverage best in class commercial technology for offline processing.

It combines everything into a single End-User Device, Controller, and control app for all robotic platforms significantly reduces cognitive burden of operating multiple UXVs. For new operators, this also decreases operator training time for Unmanned Systems to approximately 3-5 days.

Built with an open Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA), it is scalable and allows for the plug and play of various modules including up to four tactical radios or other controllers for unmanned systems, EW, and so on.

The system lightens the load by over 25 pounds when compared to the legacy equipment required to offer the same capability. It also consolidates that load into a more streamlined, body worn system with fewer cables and redundant batteries. Worn at rear of the body, RAID Plate also doesn’t compete for prime load carriage real estate. A PALs adapter panel can also be configured over the rear of the RAID Plate. It’s approximately 10″ wide and 13″ tall and just under 2″ thick.

It comes with the modules, required antennas, edge computing capabilities, the Grip universal common controller, Kinesis common control software, as well as Nett Warrior compliant power supply via standard GSA tactical radio batteries. The Kinesis common control software mentioned already works with 11 established UxV and growing and is maintained at no additional cost to the Government.

The Marine Corps is currently evaluating RAID Plate to determine where and how it is used to the greatest effect. If you’ve read Gunner Larose’s recent article on how the Marine Corps is making the Marine Infantry more lethal you can envision right where the RAID Plate capability will fit in.

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MDM 22 – GORE-TEX Professional Fuel Handler 2-Piece Suit

Wednesday, May 11th, 2022

The Fuel Handler Coverall has been replaced with a new two-piece design made from GORE-TEX PYRAD Technology and procurement is well under way.

Offered in Coyote, it is being used by both Army and Marine Fuel Handlers and intended to be worn over other garments. In addition to it’s FREE properties, the suit also provides weather as well as contaminant protection. Thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane, it’s also breathable, water and wind proof, and is quick drying.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FR, Materials, MDM | Comments Off on MDM 22 – GORE-TEX Professional Fuel Handler 2-Piece Suit

Modern Day Marine Day One

Wednesday, May 11th, 2022

On the first day of Modern Day Marine 2022, Marine Corps leaders provide updates on Force Design 2030, focusing on experimentation, logistics, an maritime operations in the littorals. Throughout the day, speakers described the concepts and initiatives currently underway, while maintaining a focus on the individual Marine and the role human factors play in the future success of the Marine Corps.

The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, and Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, provided introductory remarks on the current state of the Marine Corps and Force Design 2030 efforts. Berger described the technological fluency and experience of Marines who join the Marine Corps today and how the Service can leverage these personal characteristics and translate them into operational success.

“What we’ve learned over the past three years is that we can do much more to identify those skills, those interests, and then align them individually to the needs of the Marine Corps,” said Berger.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps also emphasized the unique role an operational capabilities of the Marine Corps, particularly those provided by a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked on the U.S. Navy ships of an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). Coupled with emerging technologies like Uncrewed Surface Vessels and underwater drones, the welldeck of an amphibious ship enables a host of capabilities, including reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance.

“The MEU has been the crown jewel of the Marine Corps for decades, and will continue well into the future,” said Berger. “They have capabilities that cannot be replicated by any other part of the joint force. No platform, no unit, is capable of a more diverse set of missions across the range of military operations than an ARG/MEU.”

At the Congressional Breakfast, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, reiterated the importance of the human element of warfare, and the requirement to ensure the Marine Corps invests not only in systems, but in people. “Warfare is a human activity,” said Black. “Machines don’t do it.I would argue that our strategic advantage is in our Marines, in our people.”

Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, and senior leaders from Combat Development and Integration gave an update on the Force Design Annual Update and the many ways the Marine Corps is currently experimenting to ensure a more combat capable force exists tomorrow.

Lt. Gen. Edward Banta, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, spoke about how the Marine Corps is sustaining the future force and modernizing Marine Corps logistics.

During his remarks on capabilities and the way ahead for Marine Forces Special Operation Command (MARSOC), Col. Ian A. Fletcher, the Director of Combat Development & Integration (CD&I) for MARSOC, identified MARSOC operators as having unique capabilities and being an integral part of the vision for the future of special operations forces.

“One of the unique things.that MARSOC has always had in our DNA, is the integration of a special operations capabilities specialist. So, an intel analyst, or a truck driver, or a mobility specialist, you name it: we have a whole enterprise of individuals who are trained to a Special Operation Forces standard. They are built purposely to go out on the tactical edge at various different levels with our special operators.”

The Marine Corps is innovating today to win tomorrow’s battles. The theme of human performance as an essential element and key enabler for Force Design was echoed throughout the first day of Modern Day Marine 2022.

For additional coverage of Modern Day Marine or attend in person, visit:

marinemilitaryexpos.com/modern-day-marine/home

For more information on Force Design 2030 and associated modernization efforts, visit: www.marines.mil/Force-Design-2030

Headquarters Marine Corps

Posted in Guest Post, MDM | Comments Off on Modern Day Marine Day One

MDM 22 – IG-Interceptor RIB

Tuesday, May 10th, 2022

The IG-Interceptor RIB Extreme Purpose Intereiction Craft is an interesting mobility solution that combines a rigid inflatable boat with tracked “landing gear” to self-deploy the boat into the water.

Featuring a carbon fiber hull it can reach surface speeds of 50 knots once in the water.

www.iguanaproUSA.com

Posted in Maritime, MDM | Comments Off on MDM 22 – IG-Interceptor RIB

MDM 22 – Blue Force Gear Two-4 Waist Bag

Tuesday, May 10th, 2022

Designed to be worn as a stand-alone waist bag or in conjunction with a plate carrier dangler-style, the Two-4 Waist Bag integrates an adjustable strap and a removable plate carrier attachment placard seen below.

It has a water resistant zippered opening with the lid integrating ten-speed tourniquet storage. Inside there are slots for organization while externally there are PALS webbing. At the front the PALS is made from loop. At the rear, there is a slot which will accept sideways mounted mini tripods.

www.blueforcegear.com

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MDM 22 – FN America MRGG

Tuesday, May 10th, 2022

FN America has unveiled their new Mid Range Gas Gun. While it definitely shares DNA with the SCAR, it’s enough of a new gun to warrant a new name.

Offered in two variants MRGG-A for Assault and MRGG-S for Sniper Support. The most glaring differences between the two variants are a 14.5″ barrel for MRGG-A and 20″ MRGG-S as well as different pistol grips and buttstock for the two versions. However, the side-folding adapter fits with an M4 standard buttstock so the shooter can configure the stock as he sees fit.

Controls are ambidextrous. Additionally, only MRGG-A offers full-auto fire. Otherwise, it’s semi and safe selectors for both, but it is more ergonomic than on the SCAR. There’s also a two-stage trigger which was designed in house.

A very interesting feature is that there are non-reciprocating side charging at both left and right as well as a rear AR-style charging handle. These are all user configurable.

They have also introduced a combination forward assist and brass deflector as well as ejection port cover.

The two rifles are offered with swappable cold hammer forged barrels in 6.5 Creedmoor and 7.62 NATO. MRGG accepts SR25 pattern magazines.

The optic package on this MRGG-A is a Gen 3 Vortex Razor 1-10×24 in a Badger C1 mount and Leupold Delta Point Pro back up sight.

The optic on this MRGG-S is a Gen 2 Vortex Razor 4-27×50 in a Spuhr 4002 mount with FN ELITY.

To mount enablers, there’s a a full length Mil Std 1913 rail along the top to a point where the handguard steps down to offer an MLOK compatible perch for a laser pointer below the line of sight of the optic. There are MLOK slots at 3-6-9 O’clock as well as at lower 45 degrees.

There is an adjustable gas block with suppressed and unsuppressed settings while the Gas Regulator is now buried in the receiver assembly and redesigned to reduce flash while shooting under NODS.

Finally, both MRGG models are fitted with HUXWRX Safety Co suppressors.

Look for more information during next week’s SOFIC as well as a follow-on range report.

Posted in Advertiser, MDM, weapons | 17 Comments »

MDM 22 – Gentex USMC Integrated Helmet System Candidate

Tuesday, May 10th, 2022

Gentex is displaying their candidate for the Marine Corps’ Integrated Helmet System program.

A true system, they offer a scalable approach with a high cut ECH level protection helmet but at 12% lighter than the current helmet. To this bolt-less shell is added ARC rails and modular bungee shroud. It will also accommodate AMP headset with rail arms.

This baseline configuration can be further upgraded to the RAILINK, a powered system we’ll discuss in-depth during next week’s SOFIC.

Currently under evaluation by the USMC.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, MDM, USMC | 5 Comments »