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OKSI Awarded USSOCOM and AFRL Contracts for Precision Guidance Seeker for Munitions

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024

LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OKSI has been awarded multiple contracts totaling nearly $6 million from USSOCOM and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for their ARMGDN seeker. ARMGDN is a capability enhancement to BAE Systems’ APKWS® laser-guidance kit, providing passive target acquisition and tracking for precision engagements. APKWS is a guidance kit for the 2.75 inch Hydra-70 rocket. Together, the APKWS with OKSI’s ARMDGN seeker will facilitate rapid engagements of multiple air or ground targets via ripple fire of multiple precision- guided rockets in rapid succession.

BAE Systems’ APKWS® laser-guidance kit integrated with OKSI’s ARMGDN launch during a test demonstration.

OKSI’s ARMGDN provides DoD with a low-cost precision-guided munition designed to defeat small drones and other unmanned systems. Warfare is on the brink of a major paradigm shift where low-cost robotic systems, UXS, and swarm tactics are an imminent threat and will be used to overwhelm and confuse the opposition. ARMGDN enables rapid engagement of multiple threats simultaneously to thin out swarms and protect personnel and equipment.

“The ARMGDN seeker transforms our defense strategy from a costly war of attrition to a cost-effective campaign of precision,” says Chris HolmesParker, CEO, OKSI. “By harnessing existing rocket inventories, it dramatically cuts the expense of countering UAS threats, aligning our expenditures nearly 1:1 with the drones they counter. This shift from deploying prohibitively expensive munitions to utilizing ARMGDN’s affordable capabilities marks a pivotal move towards sustaining our defense without the economic strain.”

OKSI’s ARMGDN seeker is designed to accommodate a variety of warhead configurations for both a standard air to ground armor defeat capability as well as hard kill of UAS threats. OKSI’s advanced seeker technologies brings not only a new, impressive capability to bear, but also keeps the overall system’s cost at or below the cost of the targets it is designed to defeat.

Learn more at www.oksi.ai

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/oksi-ai

Posted in AI / ML, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on OKSI Awarded USSOCOM and AFRL Contracts for Precision Guidance Seeker for Munitions

GRIDRASTER Proudly Selected by U.S. Air Force for Strategic Financing (STRATFI) Program

Monday, July 22nd, 2024

Program is Integral Part of AFWERX and SpaceWERX vision to forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air and Space capabilities

Mountain View, Calif. – (July 16, 2024) – Grid Raster Inc., a leading provider of AI-enabled cloud-based Extended Reality (XR) platforms that power high-performance and scalable Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR)/Mixed Reality (MR) experiences for enterprises, announced today it has been selected by the U.S. Air Force for its Strategic Financing (STRATFI) program.

The announcement was made at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, made public by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory, and SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX. The joint entities announced the Program Year 2024 Strategic Funding Increase, a contract award selection from its Phase II eligible applicants.

AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force, Col. Elliott Leigh, made the announcement during his keynote speech titled “Chasing Innovation: Lessons Learned,” at Capital Factory, the home of AFWERX’s Austin Hub.

“Our growth stage investment programs, Strategic Funding Increase and Tactical Funding Increase, are an integral part of the AFWERX and SpaceWERX vision to forge an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air and Space capabilities,” Leigh said. “By deliberately engaging with Space Force Deltas, Air Force Major Commands, Program Executive Offices and Department of the Air Force Senior Acquisition leadership, we are employing dollars at scale, both government and private investment, to accelerate the development of strategic capabilities. I am impressed by the scope and diversity of capabilities submitted in response to the Program Year 24 opportunity and am excited to see the outcome of the continued development of these capabilities over the coming years.”

For the U.S. Air Force, maintaining superior situational awareness is crucial for mission success and ensuring the safety of personnel. GridRaster’s 3D AI extended reality solutions can integrate data from various sensors and sources into a unified augmented reality display, providing pilots and commanders with real-time insights into their operational environment. From advanced threat detection to terrain mapping and navigation assistance, these augmented displays enhance situational awareness and decision-making capabilities in high-stakes scenarios.

GridRaster works extensively with the U.S. Air Force and aerospace manufacturers for high-fidelity modeling, simulation and training, and extended reality (XR) solutions. The company provides a functional, agile, modular, scalable XR technology stack for automation, robotics and digital twins in support of the digital transformation efforts in the industry. GridRaster’s XR platform moves the heavy computation required for immersive and high precision XR experiences to the cloud while using XR HMDs as a collection of sensors and displays, greatly reducing or eliminating many of the limitations of current and forthcoming XR devices and platforms.

STRATFI is both an AFWERX and SpaceWERX effort to help Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, and Small Business Technology Transfer, or STTR, projects overcome the difficult transition between development and full production. This multi-year infusion of funds gives small businesses an opportunity to find the investors they need and the ability to continue research and development as they march toward full-rate capability.

“The integration of 3D AI extended and mixed reality solutions represents a paradigm shift in how the US Air Force and aerospace manufacturers approach training, operations, maintenance, and design processes,” said Rishi Ranjan, CEO fof GridRaster. “By leveraging immersive simulations, augmented maintenance procedures, virtual prototyping, collaborative remote operations, and enhanced situational awareness, these technologies offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, safety, and effectiveness across the board. Embracing these transformative technologies will not only drive innovation within the aerospace industry but also ensure the continued readiness and superiority of the US Air Force in an increasingly complex and dynamic global landscape.”

To schedule a demo or to learn more about GridRaster’s technology, please visit gridraster.com.

Posted in Air Force, Press Release | Comments Off on GRIDRASTER Proudly Selected by U.S. Air Force for Strategic Financing (STRATFI) Program

Limited Edition B5 Systems Flecktarn Combo Kits

Monday, July 22nd, 2024

B5 Systems, a leading manufacturer of professional grade firearms accessories, released it’s in house hydro dippedproducts earlier this year with the launch of the in-line MULTICAM®, MULTICAM ® Black and Woodland dipped skus. For the remainder of July they have added limited edition Flecktarn combo kits, pairing their most popular products together. Additionally, every combo kit includes a FREE B5 Systems Flecktarn hat.

Flecktarn originated in Germany to provide concealment inwooded terrain, consisting of 5 colors in a spot (fleck) typecamouflage (tarn) pattern. While Flecktarn is still in use with the German military, it has developed a strongfollowing among American shooting and outdoor enthusiasts. B5 Systems is proud to pay tribute to an effective and timeless camouflage pattern and have partnered with Edgar Sherman Designs to make this pattern available in firearms accessories.

Combo Kits Available:

• Bravo Stock / P-Grip 22

• Bravo Stock / P-Grip 23

• Enhanced Sopmod Stock / P-Grip 22

• Enhanced Sopmod Stock / P-Grip 23

• Vertical Grip M-LOK® available as an add on

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Limited Edition B5 Systems Flecktarn Combo Kits

GA-ASI Flies MQ-9B With Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6 E-Series Engine

Sunday, July 21st, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 19 July 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew a company-owned MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft on July 15, 2024, with a PT6 E-Series model turboprop engine supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Representatives from GA-ASI and Pratt & Whitney witnessed the first flight of the PT6 engine on MQ-9B, which lasted 44 minutes and demonstrated exemplary handling and acceleration.

PT6E-66XT Engine (Photo courtesy of Pratt & Whitney Canada)

“We’re excited to see the PT6 engine on our MQ-9B aircraft,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’ve worked with Pratt & Whitney for years, specifically on our jet-powered Avenger®, and we’ve enjoyed a very productive partnership. The first flight marks an important milestone for MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® customers and missions that require additional power. In addition, customers who choose the Pratt & Whitney engine will benefit from low sustainment costs from best-in-class Time Between Overhauls, as well as 50+ maintenance and overhaul facilities around the globe.”

The PT6 E-Series is a reliable and versatile turboprop engine family that delivers key performance enhancements applicable to future MQ-9B missions. PT6 delivers a 33 percent increase in power over MQ-9B’s current engine, with a highly mature dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Controller.

MQ-9B is GA-ASI’s next generation RPA, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range, with auto takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control, and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system.

Deliveries of MQ-9B have begun for the United Kingdom, with contracts in place with Belgium, Canada, Taiwan, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. The Japan Coast Guard is currently operating MQ-9B for maritime operations, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) selected MQ-9B for its Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Trial Operation Project. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Flies MQ-9B With Pratt & Whitney Canada’s PT6 E-Series Engine

Brownells Donates $100,000 to Task Force Expedition

Sunday, July 21st, 2024

GRINNELL, IA – Task Force Expedition (TFE) is proud to announce Brownells as the Title Sponsor for TFE’s inaugural campaign to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. As a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Task Force Expedition is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for military, first responder, and Second Amendment related nonprofits. Without Brownells generous support, the creation of Task Force Expedition would not have been possible.

From June 27 to July 8, TFE embarked on its inaugural expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. This “once in a lifetime” adventure was documented by Prelude Films and will be turned into a feature-length documentary to be released this Fall. The expedition was funded entirely by industry sponsors and each sponsor was paired with a nonprofit organization to form a team. With their Title Sponsorship, Brownells teamed up with Special Operations Wounded Warrior, also known as SOWW. Other teams included the American Suppressor Association Foundation, Frontline Healing Foundation, Special Operations Care Fund, and a nonprofit in the UK that supports members of an elite British Special Forces unit.

The adventure itself wasn’t a competition, but the five teams competed to see who could raise the most funding through public donations By the end of the year, the funds raised by Task Force Expedition will be pooled together and equally distributed among selected nonprofits.

“At Brownells, we are committed to supporting those who protect our freedoms,” said Pete Brownell, Secretary of Task Force Expedition and Chairman of Brownells. “By partnering with Task Force Expedition, we are able to contribute to a cause that aligns with our values and supports our heroes. We are honored to be part of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes it will generate.”

Knox Williams, President of Task Force Expedition and the American Suppressor Association Foundation added, “We are incredibly grateful to Pete and the team at Brownells for their unwavering support. Simply put, their donation made the Task Force Expedition possible. We have a tremendous opportunity to make a big impact on the lives of the people that rely on the services provided by these nonprofits. I look forward to working with Pete and his team to climb both the literal and the proverbial mountain ahead as we join forces for a greater good.”

For more information about Task Force Expedition and how you can support their cause, please visit taskforceexpedition.com.

Posted in Charity, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Brownells Donates $100,000 to Task Force Expedition

Silvus StreamCaster MANET Radios Added to Blue UAS Framework and Green UAS Cleared Components List

Saturday, July 20th, 2024

Providing Advanced & Secure MANET Radio Capabilities to UAS Developers for use in DoD Applications

· StreamCaster SC4200EP and StreamCaster LITE SL4200 designated by DIU as NDAA compliant and approved for use in conjunction with Blue UAS platforms

· StreamCaster LITE SL4200 is the first MANET radio included in the Green UAS Cleared Components List

· StreamCaster LITE SL4200 added to the Blue UAS Framework as part of AUVSI Green UAS Certification data sharing agreement with DIU

Los Angeles, California (July 18, 2024) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”), a global leader in advanced wireless networking communication systems, today announced that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has officially added Silvus’ StreamCaster SC4200EP and StreamCaster LITE SL4200 MANET radios to the Blue UAS Framework. After undergoing the Blue UAS program’s rigorous evaluation, this certification validates their compliance with DoD standards for cybersecurity, supply chain integrity and operational reliability. Inclusion on the Blue UAS Framework further demonstrates the SC4200EP and SL4200 interoperability and NDAA compliancy, designating them as approved for use in conjunction with Blue UAS platforms. This achievement exemplifies Silvus’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge, secure, and reliable C2 and mesh networked communications solutions for unmanned systems.

Additionally, the StreamCaster LITE SL4200 achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) radio to be included in the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Green UAS Cleared Components list. This inclusion not only highlights the advanced performance capabilities of the SL4200 but also reinforces its status as a trusted and secure component for unmanned systems operations.

The addition of the SL4200 to the Blue UAS Framework was facilitated through the AUVSI Green UAS Certification data sharing MOU agreement with DIU. Through partnering with AUVSI, Silvus supports the Green UAS program’s goal of advancing the integration of UAS into defense applications and building a strong and secure drone industrial base.

“The first successful integration of Green UAS certified components onto the Blue UAS Framework through our MOU with DIU is a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to bolstering the commercial drone industry’s alignment with secure drone standards, enhancing both security and innovation,” said Casie Ocaña, Director, Trusted Programs at AUVSI.

StreamCaster SC4200EP is a 2×2 MIMO software-defined radio, delivering best-in-class MANET performance and connectivity at the tactical edge. With up to 10 Watts of output power (20 Watts effective performance, thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming), up to 100 Mbps data throughput and single/dual band frequency options, the SC4200EP delivers high-fidelity video, voice and IP data communications with class-leading range and performance. With multiple form-factor options including handheld, Drop-In Module and OEM module, combined with a low SWaP profile, the SC4200EP is ideal for portable or embedded unmanned applications.

StreamCaster LITE SL4200 is a 2×2 MIMO software-defined radio that provides up to 1 Watt of output power (2 Watts effective performance, thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming), up to 20 Mbps data throughput across a variety of single band frequency options. Available in a ruggedized handheld or OEM module form-factors, its ultra-low profile and flexible interface options make it ideal for integration into unmanned platforms where size, weight and power are key.

At the heart of every StreamCaster MANET radio is Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform, that creates a self-forming and adaptive mesh network – capable of linking hundreds of nodes with unmatched range, throughput, EW resiliency and scalability.

“We are thrilled to have our StreamCaster SC4200EP and StreamCaster LITE SL4200 MANET radios join the Blue UAS Framework, and for the SL4200 to be the first MANET radio added to the Green UAS Cleared Components List,” said Jimi Henderson, Vice President of Sales, Silvus Technologies. “Silvus continues to push the boundaries of mesh networking technology for mission critical applications. This achievement is a testament to our dedication in working across the industry to advance the capabilities of unmanned systems through robust, secure, and powerfully connected tactical communications solutions.”

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Blue UAS Framework program provides advanced capabilities to UAS developers and reduces risk for government customers, ensuring that only secure and trusted technologies are used in critical defense operations. For more information visit: www.diu.mil/blue-uas.

AUVSI’s Green UAS certification assesses and verifies that commercial drones and components meet the highest levels of cybersecurity and NDAA supply chain requirements through a security controls assessment and vulnerability and penetration testing. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Green UAS certification data is shared directly with DIU, facilitating the inclusion of certified drone component to be added to the Blue UAS Framework. For more information visit: www.auvsi.org/green-uas.

Learn more about the StreamCaster family of MANET radios on our website and follow us on LinkedIn.

Posted in Comms, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Silvus StreamCaster MANET Radios Added to Blue UAS Framework and Green UAS Cleared Components List

Overwatch Group and PteroDynamics Conduct First Ever UK Flights of Transwing UAS

Friday, July 19th, 2024

Following the recent announcement of a strategic partnership between Overwatch Group and PteroDynamics, the companies have this week completed the first ever UK flights with the pioneering Transwing® unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Overwatch are a UK-based end-to-end design and manufacture company specialising in advanced unmanned system and munitions technologies, and PteroDynamics are innovators in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems. Overwatch and PteroDynamics will be conducting the first flight demonstrations of the Transwing® capability to government and industry stakeholders at their site in the UK on 22nd and 23rd July.

Transwing® has been designed to overcome the challenges of carrying significant payloads whilst delivering the range required to provide enhanced operational effect. The unique dihedral folding wing system generates more surface area for greater lift and load carrying stability with less power, providing the ability to launch and land on small footprints regardless of the angle. The dual-use autonomous Transwing® series of variants also provides a range of innovative UAS capabilities designed to push the boundaries of operational flexibility and efficiency. Next week’s demonstrations will feature the smaller electric version of the Transwing® with its 6.8kg payload, 65 knot cruising speed and 60nm range. Its enhanced manoeuvrability in austere conditions and confined spaces, and impressive beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities brings greater opportunity for mission success in civilian and defence maritime, land and air operating environments.

Traditionally, critical items delivered by air for resupply are conducted using manned aviation assets. On the basis of ‘Think Big, Start Small and Scale at Pace”, the payloads selected for the Transwing® X-P4 and X-P5 variants have been driven by studies into critical resupply to ships. The study of 3500 sorties using helicopters found that 46% had a payload under 1Kg and over 90% were under 25Kg. The ability of Transwing® to carry payloads that land and launch on moving vessels and vehicles, coupled with a significantly reduced real estate footprint underscores its adaptability for at sea and land applications, where autonomous operation and payload delivery are becoming increasingly critical requirements.

Central to Overwatch’s strategy is to drive innovation and efficiency in UAS technology across their range of capabilities, with a keen focus on meeting evolving requirements. The Transwing® UAS enhances operational effect by seamlessly integrating reduced platform operating costs, quicker mission turnaround times, and improved safety protocols. The system can perform potentially dangerous, high-risk evolutions with maximum efficiency and minimal risk to personnel by removing human exposure to certain threats.

Drew Michael, CEO at Overwatch Group said, “We are extremely proud to have completed the first ever UK flights working in collaboration with PteroDynamics, with progress to introduce the Transwing® UAS to the UK accelerating rapidly since the recent announcement of our strategic partnership. After today’s successful training flights, excitement is building towards the Overwatch UK Transwing® flight demonstrations next week. It will be our first opportunity to deploy the Transwing® and for visitors to see its unique proprietary advantages over traditional VTOL platforms.”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Overwatch Group and PteroDynamics Conduct First Ever UK Flights of Transwing UAS

AXL Advanced Releases Flexcuff Retainer Kit

Friday, July 19th, 2024

The AXL Flex Cuff Retainer is a simplistic organizational placard that utilizes the dead space between the rear plate bag and back panel. The FCR can also be MOLLE’d anywhere to fit the user’s needs. The three (3) elastic columns can be used to retain Flex Cuffs, flares, breaching pens, TQs, or other similar-sized equipment. The bottom elastic is to provide additional retention or cable routing.

The Flex Cuff Retainer is best compatible with MOLLE-backed carriers, but will soon be available for the Spiritus Systems LV-119.

www.AXLadvanced.com

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | Comments Off on AXL Advanced Releases Flexcuff Retainer Kit