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US Army Awards MATBOCK, LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, $6.9M pOTA to Develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV)

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022

Virginia Beach, VA: MATBOCK is an industry leader in bringing paradigm shifting technologies to the market and is excited to announce this partnership with the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) to develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV) prototype that will utilize a M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carrier JLTV as the base platform.

In March 2022, the RCCTO awarded MATBOCK a $6.9M, including options, pOTA (Prototype Other Transaction Authority) to develop and deliver a JLTV HEV. The primary purpose of this project is to validate or negate the feasibility of prototyping a tactical Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). The goals of the project are to increase the overall automotive performance and operational range, increase the availability of on-board and off platform power, and increase the vehicle’s overall operational effectiveness by adding additional capabilities.

In addition to being able to generate additional power, the JLTV HEV will have a new capability over the non-hybrid JLTV variants by being able to operate in a ‘silent mobility mode’ that only utilizes the battery pack, increasing the silent watch capability over the non-hybrid JLTV variant.

MATBOCK has set up a new 4,000 sq-ft space directly attached to their existing space dedicated to military hybrid-electric vehicle efforts to include the JLTV HEV. MATBOCK has nearly 30 people dedicated to making this project successful. At the helm from the MATBOCK side is Mike Pilotte. Mike is an Armor Officer in the North Carolina National Guard and an experienced Project Manager having most recently completed a successful Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II with the Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

MATBOCK will be pushing past current limits of battery and automotive technology integration and engineering results with these performance enhancements, but MATBOCK is known for tackling tough challenges like this. “Without a doubt this will be the most complex project MATBOCK has faced in our 12 years in business, but we have the right team and core technologies to produce a successful outcome.” said MATBOCK’s Co-Founder & President Zach Steinbock.

To learn more about MATBOCK and our extensive product line, check out matbock.com or email us at admin@matbock.com

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Power, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on US Army Awards MATBOCK, LLC of Virginia Beach, VA, $6.9M pOTA to Develop a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Hybrid Electric Vehicle (JLTV HEV)

GM Defense to Provide Battery Electric Vehicle to U.S. Army for Analysis and Demonstration

Wednesday, July 20th, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, was selected by the U.S. Army to provide a battery electric vehicle for analysis and demonstration. GM Defense will leverage the GMC HUMMER EV, featuring GM’s Ultium Platform, to meet the U.S. Army’s requirement for a light to heavy duty battery electric vehicle to support reduced reliance on fossil fuels both in the operational and garrison environments.

“This award showcases GM Defense’s ability to leverage the best battery electric technology in the commercial marketplace,” said Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “With access to GM’s advanced technologies, GM Defense is able to provide proven commercial technologies adapted to meet specific defense requirements and the needs of our customers.”

The GMC HUMMER EV Pickup is the world’s first and only all-electric supertruck that features a 24-module, double-stacked Ultium battery pack and zero-tailpipe emissions. The vehicle features 1,000 horsepower, 11,500 lb-ft of wheel torque and is capable of full 350 kilowatt/800-volt DC fast charging, enabling up to nearly 100 miles in 12 minutes. The GMC HUMMER EV Pickup offers 329 miles of combined driving range for Edition 1, with 0-60 mph acceleration times as quick as 3 seconds.

“Leveraging GM’s advanced technology, this demonstration will prove to our U.S. Army customer what an all-electric supertruck can do and how the underlying technology can be leveraged for future defense needs, whether on an installation or in a tactical environment,” continued duMont.

GM Defense is leveraging GM’s $35 billion investment in electric vehicle and autonomous vehicle technology to help lead global defense and government customers’ transition to a more electric, connected and autonomous future.

www.gmdefensellc.com

Posted in Armor, Contracts, Mobility, Power, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Army Publishes Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Request for Proposal (RFP)

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022

The Army’s search for a Bradley Fighting Vehicle replacement took another step forward last week when they released a request for proposals to industry for Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) Phase 3 and 4 Detailed Design, Prototype Build and Test Effort.

The last phase saw five companies involved: American Rheinmetall Vehicles, BAE Systems Land and Armaments, General Dynamics Land Systems, Oshkosh Defense, and Point Blank Enterprises. As a full and open competition, this latest round opens the program to additional comers, including foreign companies.

American Rheinmetall Vehicles Lynx

No matter how many end up bidding, only three will be down-selected for phases three and four which will take place this fall. Those companies will build a minimum of seven prototype vehicles with up to four additional prototypes and well as two ballistic hulls, turrets, and armor coupons. A phase 3 and 4 contract is worth up to $903 Million.

Like the Bradley, OMFV must carry six dismounts, with a crew of two. Reportedly, the Army envisions six OMFVs per platoon, to carry a minimum of 30 soldiers total with room for enablers in addition to close combat forces within the Armored Brigade Combat Team.

While the system must be capable of optional manning, via remote control, the Army foresees that eventually, it will be capable of autonomous movement. There are currently plans to hand off autonomous target engagement to machines although ISR and target engagement sensors are already being used to look for situations of interest to alert the human-in-the-loop.

While Infantry and Armor NCOs may currently earn an Additional Skill Identifier for operations of ground robots, the service is considering development of a non-accessions MOS of 19R for CMF 11 and 19 NCOs in grades SGT – SFC to operate the suite of remotely operated capabilities currently under development.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Mobility | 1 Comment »

Teaming with Mercedes-Benz and ACS: Rheinmetall Presenting Caracal Airborne Vehicle Family

Wednesday, June 15th, 2022

The Eurosatory 2022 trade fair will see the premiere of the Caracal airborne vehicle family. In partnership with Mercedes-Benz and ACS Armoured Car Systems, Rheinmetall has tailored the new versatile and highly mobile 4×4 vehicle family to the requirements of platforms for airborne or special operations units. Now the new vehicle system, designed to the highest Original Equipment Manufacturer standards, will be presented for the first time to a wider circle of professionals.

The new family of airborne Caracal vehicles is based on the latest G-class chassis for rescue and special operations. The Caracal features maximum mobility, a lightweight design and optionally mountable protection elements for countering ballistic and landmine threats. Its 249 horsepower, six-cylinder Euro III diesel engine gives the 4,900 kg vehicle a top speed of 140 km/h.

The Caracal’s compact design makes it possible to airlift up to two vehicles in the cargo hold of a CH-53K King Stallion or CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter, which can also carry it as underslung cargo.

Thanks to its unique modular design and two available wheelbases, the Caracal can be employed in a variety of roles during airborne operations – as a basic troop carrier or medical support vehicle, for example, or as supply vehicle – all on one automotive platform.

The Caracal will be ready for full-scale production starting in 2023. Rheinmetall offers full lifecycle support for a period exceeding twenty years.

Eurosatory 2022 takes place in Paris 13 to 17 June. Under the motto “Move – Sense – Strike”, Rheinmetall is showcasing part of its comprehensive range of products and activities there. Occupying an exhibition area of around 3,000 square metres, Rheinmetall’s presence this year will be its biggest ever at Eurosatory. The emphasis is on reconnaissance capabilities, networkability, mobility, survivability and lethality on the battlefields of the future. We look forward to welcoming you at Stand F241-240 in the outdoor area behind Hall 6!

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Mobility, Press Release, Tradeshow | 3 Comments »

GM Defense Expands Into Canada

Thursday, June 2nd, 2022

GM Defense is expanding its global strategy to Canada, leveraging the existing relationships of GM Canada along with the advanced technologies and capabilities of its parent company, General Motors, with the aim of delivering efficient and innovative solutions to international military, security and government customers.

Fully aligned with its parent company’s vision for an all-electric future, GM Defense will leverage commercial battery electric technology and recent EV manufacturing investments to help defence and government customers transition to a more electric, autonomous and connected future. GM recently announced $2B to transform both Oshawa Assembly and CAMI Assembly plant, which will become Canada’s first full-scale EV manufacturing plant. The company also announced a partnership with POSCO to build a new $500 million facility in Quebec that will process Cathode Active Materials for EV batteries. GM Defense will leverage these investments to deliver customized solutions based on commercial derivatives that enhance capabilities for defence and government customers in Canada and overseas.

Posted in Industry, International, Mobility, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Flyer 72 Ground Mobility Vehicle Featured During ISOF Capabilities Demonstration

Thursday, May 19th, 2022

Tampa, Fla. (May. 18, 2022) – The Flyer® 72- Heavy Duty (F72-HD) ground mobility vehicle continues to draw attention while on display during day three of the 2022 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC).

The Flyer vehicle was also featured during the International Special Forces (ISOF) Capabilities Demonstration.

Located in Booth 1605 through the end of the conference, the F72-HD is showcased with a Kongsberg Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS II) system, .50cal machine gun, nine Javelin missiles and four M72 LAWs.

The Flyer® family of ground mobility vehicle platforms is the elite solution in the area of lightweight, all terrain wheeled tactical vehicles. With an impressive payload of more than 5,000 lbs. and a 1:1 payload-to-weight ratio, Flyer Defense vehicles are transportable both internally and externally with rotary and tilt wing aircraft. The Flyer® 72 is currently in production for the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces and in use as the USSOCOM GMV 1.1 solution and the U.S. Army A-GMV solution.

Posted in Mobility, Press Release, SOFIC | 1 Comment »

SOFIC 22 – Alligator Engineering

Wednesday, May 18th, 2022

Alligator Engineering is exhibiting with Wing Inflatable Solutions and showing their KDUCK – (FMP) Mod 2 fixture which offers a single point of attachment, suspension, and release of an unmodified P4.7 inflatable boat configured with full mission equipment to an H-60 series helicopter for Kangaroo Duck operations.

It is installed in minutes and ensures negligible aerodynamic effects to the helo throughout the flight profile.

Contact Alligator Engineering at scienceninja@md.metrocast.net

Posted in Aviation, Maritime, Mobility, SOFIC | Comments Off on SOFIC 22 – Alligator Engineering

Black Side Solutions

Monday, May 16th, 2022

Exhibiting in the TSSi Noble booth at MDM, Black Side Solutions showed the Parker Defense Jerry Can water purification and filtration system It fits in standard size Jerry Can holder and weighs less than a 5 gallon Jerry can of water but can filtrate what you need as you go.

Posted in MDM, Mobility | Comments Off on Black Side Solutions