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HENSOLDT is Developing the ODAEON Optical Detection System for the Bundeswehr

Monday, February 24th, 2025

Innovative capability demonstrator protects combat vehicles by automatically detecting enemy optics.

Oberkochen, Germany, 17. February 2025 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT has been awarded a contract by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to develop an innovative capability demonstrator for optical detection. The product, called ODAEON, is designed to revolutionise the capability for automated reconnaissance of enemy optical systems on the battlefield and will be developed in cooperation with BAAINBw.

The design phase of the project has already begun, after the first customer acceptance (concept review) was successfully completed in December 2024. The contract, which runs until the end of 2026, is worth 17.6 million euros.

The aim of the development is a demonstrator at technology readiness level six (TRL6), which is to be tested by BAAINBw from 2026. The innovative solution enables real-time detection, reporting and display of optical reconnaissance systems, such as enemy drones and optical target acquisition systems, to the crew. This represents a decisive time advantage.

ODAEON is based on the proven technology of the MUSS Jammer Head 2 (MJ2). The next step in the development of this advanced technology will be to enable the detection and analysis of enemy optics. Further protective functions, such as jamming and dazzling, can be added in subsequent development stages. Jamming interferes with electro-optical systems by means of targeted interference signals, while dazzling oversaturates optical systems such as cameras and target acquisition devices with strong light pulses. Both methods increase the protection of vehicles by effectively impairing enemy reconnaissance and target acquisition.

Multi-sensor approach: integration into existing systems

As a multi-sensor system, the series version of ODAEON will feature interfaces to existing systems and further sensory means to reduce possible false alarms. In a further step, the fusion of ODAEON and MUSS technologies is planned to ensure comprehensive protection. HENSOLDT is thus pursuing the strategic goal of consistently combining reconnaissance, situational awareness and self-protection in order to offer the user highly integrated systems with the corresponding added value.

“With ODAEON, we are responding to a central requirement of modern battlefields: The ability to detect threats from enemy optical systems at an early stage and to protect combat vehicle crews in real time using automated warning systems,” explains Dr. Oliver Rudow, Head of the “Survivability” product line at HENSOLDT. “This is a further step in equipping our armed forces with innovative technologies that not only increase their effectiveness but also improve their safety.”

Posted in Contracts, International, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on HENSOLDT is Developing the ODAEON Optical Detection System for the Bundeswehr

UNITY Tactical Expands AXON Line with Three-Button Switch

Monday, February 24th, 2025

AXON™ XL brings dedicated visible laser override capability

UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, unveiled the third product in its line of AXON™ switches – the three-button AXON XL – at Enforce Tac 2025.

Developed as part of a SOF requirement, AXON XL brings additional functionality to the industry-leading AXON family. A third button provides users with a dedicated visible laser override capability for the NGAL (LA-23/PEQ) laser. The forward two buttons feature the same tactile differentiation as AXON, while a prominent wall separates the flat (pill-shaped) center pad from the rear (round dome) button.

“We constantly seek to innovate and expand the capability of our product lines,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “AXON XL is the direct result of customer feedback, bringing together a technically advanced and ergonomically correct solution in the same or smaller footprint as many two-button switches on the market, giving the end user utmost efficiency in space and capability.”

There are three non-restrictive versions of AXON XL. The angled button on one supports momentary and constant light activation. On the second, the angled button operates in a SYNC capacity, firing both white light and visible laser despite what mode the NGAL is physically set to (vis override). Also operating in SYNC, the angled button on the third version simultaneously fires white light and the laser in the mode the NGAL is physically set to (mode select). The front angled button supports both momentary and constant activation on SYNC variants as well.

The center and rear buttons fire in the same way across all three commercial variants. The center button fires the laser in the mode the NGAL is physically set to (mode select). The rear button fires the visible laser despite what mode the NGAL is physically set to (vis override). Both the center and rear buttons offer momentary-only and laser double-click-for-constant-on control.

AXON XL is only available for UNITY’s LINK™ USB-C System with GASCAP™, and NGAL (LA-23) lasers with versions for other next-generation / visible-override-capable devices available in the future.

At only 3.7 inches (9.4 centimeters) in length, AXON XL is1.03 inches shorter than UNITY’s first-ever two-button TAPS™ switch that launched in 2014 and has since been discontinued.

M1913 Rail Clamps include three pass-throughs for zip ties, with an M-LOK® Mounting Kit sold separately.

AXON XL is available in black and FDE and retails at $349. It is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers, with orders starting to ship on or before March 7, 2025. AXON XL is on display at the UNITY Tactical stand #7-329 at Enforce Tac in Nürnberg, Germany from Feb. 24-26, 2025.

Posted in Advertiser, Enforce Tac, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on UNITY Tactical Expands AXON Line with Three-Button Switch

Rheinmetall at the Xponential Europe Trade Fair: Robotics, Drones and Teleoperated Driving in Focus

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

From 18 to 20 February 2025, the Xponential Europe trade fair, which focuses on robotics and unmanned systems, will take place for the first time in Düsseldorf. Rheinmetall is the largest exhibitor, underlining its claim to leadership in this field. Under the motto ‘Leadership in unmanned digital ecosystem and robotics’, the Dax-listed technology company and its subsidiaries MIRA GmbH and Yardstick Robotics are presenting their latest developments in the fields of robotics, drones, unmanned systems and teleoperated driving.

Rheinmetall is showing a wide range of its unmanned systems for military and law enforcement applications, including:

– the LUNA NG VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), a tactical fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial System with vertical take-off and landing capability, reconnaissance equipment (ISR, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and optional effectors

– the Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-002, a fixed-wing drone primarily for close-range reconnaissance

– the Rotary Wing Vehicle RV-002, a rotary wing drone for close-range reconnaissance with a payload capacity of 750 grams

– the target drone Fixed Wing Vehicle FV-015

– the walking robot Robotics L.

MIRA GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, is paving the way for automated mobility with teleoperation. MIRA uses teleoperation to decouple the driver from the vehicle. This makes it possible to control the vehicle remotely from a control panel located anywhere.

Teleoperation of vehicles on public roads requires powerful IT systems. In the ‘POQUASIA – Post-quantum secure generic IoT application’ project, the Rheinmetall Technology Center, with the support of MIRA GmbH, is developing a scalable, real-time-capable and generic Internet of Things (IoT) platform within a cloud environment.

The aim of the project is to demonstrate the potential of cloud-based applications using the example of teleoperation and to test the use of post-quantum cryptography to protect against future cyber threats. This will provide digital innovations that meet the highest security, latency and availability requirements. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection and supports the European IPCEI-CIS initiative to realise a unique multi-provider cloud-edge continuum.

During the trade fair, MIRA GmbH and the POQUASIA project are offering visitors to Xponential Europe the opportunity to take a ride in one of their teleoperated shuttle vehicles on public roads. In addition, MIRA GmbH will be providing first-hand information about its innovative technology and its diverse applications in logistics and passenger transport.

Rheinmetall subsidiary YardStick Robotics is a manufacturer of AI-enabled robotic solutions for extreme, unstructured and unpredictable environments. The specialised collaborative cobot ‘YARO Cobot’ is developed for the toughest of missions – in other words, robots for ‘dull, dirty & dangerous’ activities. YardStick Robotics is currently working on solutions for a range of applications from the deep sea to extraterrestrial missions in the future. In keeping with the motto ‘Robots for the World’s Toughest Jobs’, the focus is also on the safe automation of industries that have not previously had access to such robotic solutions.

At Xponential Europe, Yardstick Robotics will be showcasing

· the outdoor cobot: ‘YARO Cobot’ – a specially developed collaborative robot for reliable use in rough, unstructured outdoor environments

· an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) study – an autonomous underwater platform for precise inspection and monitoring tasks in marine and inland waters

· MagnetCrawler – an intelligent system for inspecting and monitoring metallic surfaces, e.g. for industrial applications

Xponential Europe is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.from 18 to 20 February 2025. We look forward to welcoming you to our booth 1C25.

For more information about Xponential Europe, visit: www.xponential-europe.de

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics, UAS | Comments Off on Rheinmetall at the Xponential Europe Trade Fair: Robotics, Drones and Teleoperated Driving in Focus

Corvias Partnership Accelerates Army’s Fort Riley Energy Resiliency, Cost Savings

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

New solar array part of program to offset 40% of annual consumption costs

Fort Riley, Kan. (February 19, 2025) – Corvias, a leading energy and infrastructure solutions provider, in collaboration with Sunstone Energy Development and City, Light & Power, completed Phase III of an ongoing energy independence and security effort at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Riley, recently marking a month of successful operations as part of its broader mission to support the U.S. Department of Defense’s operational resilience and readiness goals.

The project supports the DOD’s goal to provide 100% of the energy load required to sustain the critical mission of each U.S. military installation by the end of fiscal year 2030.

This latest phase consisted of two solar PV arrays, both of which finished interconnection in December and provide rate stabilization and energy security to Fort Riley housing communities. The program offsets nearly 40% of annual electricity consumed by the housing community and also contributed to the $2 billion of community economic impact recently announced by Fort Riley’s Garrison Commander, Col. Jerry Nunziato.

“This work continues to ensure a reliable and secure supply of energy to on-post housing and the surrounding area,” said Jim Champagne, Corvias Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Fort Riley. “Along with our partners, Corvias continues to implement strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities and potential disruptions that may affect the readiness of service members and their families.”

Over the past 10 years, Sunstone Energy Development, a joint venture between Corvias Solar Solutions and Onyx Renewables, has provided renewable energy solutions across the Corvias Army housing portfolio.

“For Onyx, delivering quality, resilient clean energy solutions is at the core of our mission,” said Kevin Cox, SVP of Origination at Onyx Renewables. “These onsite solar installations at Fort Riley not only enhance energy security and reliability for service members and their families but also underscore the long-term benefits of renewable energy in strengthening critical infrastructure.”

Corvias’ industry-first Solutions Through Partnerships approach is built on a shared commitment to assisting the Department of Defense in sustaining the critical mission of each U.S. military installation by supporting readiness.

The newly completed solar arrays add to two previously completed rooftop phases for the of the Corvias-led solar program at Fort Riley – already one of the largest in the state of Kansas.

For more information on Corvias improvements on Fort Riley, visit our website.

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HOIST Announces Harris Teeter Retail Expansion

Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

CINCINNATI, Ohio, (February 19, 2025) – HOIST®,the beverage industry leader known for its IV-level hydration, is proud to announce its upcoming retail expansion into American supermarket chain, Harris Teeter. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for HOIST as it continues to grow its availability in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S.

Consumers can expect to find popular HOIST flavors on Harris Teeter shelves beginning in February 2025, all of which contain HOIST’s unique isotonic formula that is clinically proven to hydrate faster and longer than water. This expansion will amplify HOIST’s presence in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

“We’re incredibly excited to be gaining this partnership with Harris Teeter, and this is just the beginning,” said HOIST Co-founder and VP of Sales Ben Schmidt. “This marks an exciting step forward in our long-term vision for the brand. We look forward to bringing HOIST to new shelves and consumers.”

The initial wave of HOIST products will be available in select Harris Teeter locations starting in February 2025, with full store resets expected to be completed by June 2025. All of HOIST’s products provide three times the electrolytes and half the sugar of traditional sports drinks, without adding artificial sweeteners or dyes. HOIST offers this IV-level hydration across its product line of bottled beverages, powder sticks and liquid pouches.

In addition to the expansion into Harris Teeter stores, HOIST continues to grow its retail presence within QuikTrip (QT) stores. HOIST can be found QT stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Colorado and will soon be available throughout QT stores in Georgia. This continued growth is supported by the onboarding of 40+ Anheuser-Busch distributor partners, who will help service these new accounts and ensure that HOIST is readily available to the increased consumer base.

The HOIST hydration formula is isotonic and made to absorb instantly, resulting in a beverage that fights dehydration fast. This is why HOIST is one of three electrolyte sources approved for use by the U.S. Department of Defense. The HOIST lineup is additionally offered at 90% of U.S. Army bases globally.

For more information about HOIST or to see the entire HOIST lineup visit www.drinkhoist.com. Keep up with the latest HOIST news on Instagram@drinkhoist

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on HOIST Announces Harris Teeter Retail Expansion

Shell Shock Technologies Announces Inaugural Legends and Heroes Shootout to Benefit Veterans and First Responders

Saturday, February 22nd, 2025

MLB Stars, celebrities, and veterans unite for two days of shooting and golfing from April 27 – 28, 2025, to raise funds for K9 Heroes 4 Heroes and the NRA.

Eubank, KY (February 2025) – Shell Shock Technologies, LLC. (SST), a leading innovator in the ammunition industry, is proud to announce the 1st Annual Legends and Heroes Shootout, a premier two-day charity event dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders. Taking place on April 27 – 28, 2025, this unique event will bring together MLB stars, celebrities, industry leaders, and veterans for an unforgettable experience of camaraderie, competition, and giving back. All net proceeds from the event will benefit K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, which provides service dogs to veterans and first responders at no cost, and the NRA, offering mental health services, career transition assistance, and critical resources to veterans and their families.

“At Shell Shock Technologies, we believe in honoring those who have served our country. The Legends and Heroes Shootout is more than just a golf and shooting event – it’s a way to give back to the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our freedoms. We are excited to bring together top-tier athletes, firearms industry professionals, and the community to support this meaningful cause,” commented Peter Foss, Managing Partner and CEO of Shell Shock Technologies.

The Legends and Heroes Shoutout will feature two days of exciting activities, starting on April 27, 2025, with the Range Day. Taking place at Markham Park Shooting Range in Sunrise, Florida, from 10 am to 3 pm, participants will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic shooting competitions using Shell Tech’s cutting-edge precision pistol and rifle ammunition. Instruction will be led by Jake Holt, a well-known firearms social media influencer from Regional Operations. Desert Tech, a Shooting Range Event Partner, will be providing a rifle demonstration featuring its latest innovative and custom weaponry. Competition prizes will be awarded from Four Brothers Custom Gun Holsters and Heritage Distilling Company. The overall winner of the shooting competition will win the Grand Prize which is an automatic entry into the NRA World Shooting Championship, where over 500 of the world’s top shooters compete for cash and prizes totaling over $250,000.

The second day, April 28, 2025, focuses on the charity golf tournament at The Club at Weston Hills in Weston, Florida. This tournament will feature a scramble-style format with multiple contests and challenges, including four separate hole-in-one contests with total prizes valued at $55,000, and a unique AR-15-style golf ball launcher experience. Participants can use this innovative launcher to tee off on a select Par 4, adding something different to the competition. The tournament will conclude with an outdoor grill lunch, an open bar, and an awards ceremony as well as an online auction to feature exclusive memorabilia and sponsor-donated items. There will also be a Whiskey Tasting featuring Service to America SALUTE™: War Dogs™ Edition, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Heritage Distilling Co. Inc. This “Whiskey That Honors the Worthy”™, aged 5-years (35 in dog years) and bottled at 98.6 proof, honors our US Military Working Dogs.

A lineup of renowned athletes and celebrities have come together to support the mission of assisting veterans and first responders. Whether by attending the event in person or donating exclusive memorabilia, these generous individuals are committed to making a difference:

Adrian Beltre – MLB Hall of Famer

Raul Ibanez – World Series Champion

Jayson Werth – World Series Champion

Placido Polanco – MLB Gold Glove Winner

Albert Pujols – Two-Time World Series Champion & Three-Time MVP

Max Scherzer – Three-Time Cy Young Award Winner & World Series Champion

DJ Irie – Internationally Recognized DJ and Philanthropist

Their participation not only enhances the event’s prestige but also helps raise vital funds for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering high-impact brand exposure and networking opportunities, from Gold to Premier level, as well as several Golf Specific Sponsorship options. For those interested in participating, more information can be found here. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, participant registration, or general inquiries, please contact Foss at peter@shellshocktech.com.

Keep up with Shell Tech’s advanced ammunition on the website and social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Savage Arms 110 Carbon Tactical Honored at The 2025 British Shooting Show

Saturday, February 22nd, 2025

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – February 20, 2025 – Savage Arms® is proud to announce that its 110 Carbon Tactical was awarded the 2025 Rifle of the Year at the 2025 British Shooting Show. This event is the UK’s largest retail shooting show and was held from February 14-16, 2025.

The British Shooting Show offers attendees everything from airguns to shotguns and optics and night vision. Firearms were available for purchase by the thousands and included both new and used options in calibers from 22 LR to 50 BMG. Those who were at the show were also able to learn more about the gunmaking heritage and gamekeeping as well. The show included The Winchester Collection, Night Vision Tunnels and a tactical training area.

“We are thrilled to receive this award and with our growth as a brand in the UK,” said Robert Gates, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Savage Arms. “Our team in Europe has done an amazing job of getting Savage to the forefront, and this recognition of the 110 Carbon Tactical shows where we stand as a brand, and our ability to innovate for specific markets.”

The 110 Carbon Tactical offers uncompromised balance by pairing an exclusive PROOF Research® stainless steel, carbon fiber wrapped barrel with the rigid AccuFit Stock with AccuStock. This setup secures the action three-dimensionally along its entire length. The user-adjustable AccuTrigger, threaded barrel, 1-piece 20 MOA rail, 3 sling swivel studs and beavertail forend round out the added performance features of this model.

In the UK and internationally, the 110 Carbon Tactical is available in Gray and Flat Dark Earth and chambered in 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC. All models feature a 22” barrel, and the 6.5 PRC option has a 24” barrel.

To learn more about the new era of Savage, visit savagearms.com.

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Spectra Group Announces the Award of a Contract to Supply Troposcatter COMET to the Irish Defence Force

Friday, February 21st, 2025

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, the specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has announced a contract award to supply the Irish Defence Force with Comtech’s Troposcatter Compact Over-the Horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminals (COMET). Spectra Group acquired the global distribution rights to supply Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (FoS) in February 2024 (less USA, Canada and Mexico which Comtech retains). This procurement is the next in a series of overseas sales under this agreement. The Irish Defence Force has procured a number of COMET systems, with more systems and the associated training and support package in the pipeline, including aspirations to deploy the new Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) enhancement; more news on this exciting new capability coming soon. Spectra Group is attending EnForce Tac in Booth 7-360 showcasing their specific communication capabilities, including GENSS. Troposcatter COMET will also be on display at the JK Defence booth (10-521).

Tropospheric scatter is a communications capability that uses the Troposphere (up to about 13km altitude) to provide high bandwidth communications. It is satellite independent and works in a GPS/GNSS denied environment, so is suitable for use in a Peer-on-Peer conflict/Multi Domain Integration. Troposcatter inherently has very low latency and can provide huge bandwidth, enabling analysis and manipulation of large data, which combined with its low operating cost makes it suitable for strategic and tactical headquarters. In the past, Troposcatter technology required large power-hungry equipment unsuitable for expeditionary or manoeuvre warfare. However, modern technology and significant development by Comtech has revolutionised the size, weight and power of the Troposcatter Family of Systems, of which, COMET is the smallest and most lightweight.

COMET is specifically designed for rapid deployments and mobile operations, delivering high bandwidth (5-60Mbps) and long-range connectivity (70km+) while operating efficiently with just 10 Watts of power—currently the only low-power Troposcatter system available. The COMET system uses a single 1-metre dish and the COMTECH CS67Plus Modem capable of up to 210Mbps, which takes the IP stream and directly converts to two RF outputs in the range 4.4-5Ghz to provide two frequencies, amplified by Dual 10W GaN amps (Dual LNA on the receive path). This allows for dual frequency/polarisation diversity that compensates for any fading/multi-path effects and ensures low latency (typically 9-20mS). In suitable conditions, the bandwidth, range and data transfer speeds can be much greater than specified. The COMET system is simple, intuitive, and easy to set up and does not require the use of vulnerable and expensive satellites. It has been developed to be man-portable and the whole system can be established and operational within 15 minutes. The COMET system comes packed in two small cases (25kg each) that can be transported on civilian aircraft if required.

Michael Davies, Business Development Manager at Spectra Group said: “This is a continuation of what we hope to be many procurements under our Troposcatter global distribution agreement with Comtech. We have been working closely with the Irish Defence Force for some time to find suitable solutions to their strategic communications challenges and help meet their national defence commitments. With many NATO countries already operating Troposcatter systems, COMET is the perfect solution for its reliability, capacity, deployability and interoperability both on the land and for maritime vessels.”

spectra-group.co.uk

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