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Rheinmetall Awarded Fifth Order for Germany’s Modular Medical Facilities Total System

Friday, March 1st, 2024

Germany’s Federal Agency for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has contracted with Rheinmetall to modernize additional parts of the Bundeswehr’s Modular Medical Facilities total system (MSE). For Rheinmetall, the aggregate value of the contract is in the mid-single-digit million-euro range.

The order encompasses X-ray containers that enable X-ray imaging of the entire human body sitting, lying or standing, as well as internal organs in the radiology realm. The X-ray equipment now in service no longer reflects the latest state of the art and must therefore be replaced or regenerated. The regenerated and/or newly fabricated containers will house new Siemens X-ray equipment (scanner and diagnostic station), including accessories for subsequent operation in the container. Following integration, reliable patient care in accordance with current German standards will be assured without limitation in a field hospital consisting of multiple MSE containers.

The Modular Medical Facilities total system comprises military treatment facilities, trauma centres and combat support hospitals utilized in Bundeswehr areas of operation. Here, individual systems take care of special tasks – in this case, X-ray imaging. Care provided inside the container must correspond to current German hospital standards. Like all MSE components, the X-ray container is classified in accordance with the International Convention for Safe Containers. Moreover, because it is stackable, it can be transported by container ship. The systems and equipment they contain are adaptable in terms of scope and functionality depending on customer specifications.

“We’re delighted to have been awarded a fifth contract for the MSE total system and expect to see continued growth in this area in future”, declares Dr Deniz Akitürk, CEO of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH. Since 2019, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH has bundled the Group’s resources and capabilities in the operational support domain and is thus responsible for mobile deployed operations solutions. By supplying special services, it seeks to provide customers with long-term operational support. Rheinmetall AG created the company specifically to handle services and projects relating to support of deployed operations.

Posted in International, Medical, Press Release, Shelter | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Awarded Fifth Order for Germany’s Modular Medical Facilities Total System

DroneShield Commences Development of Software Defined Radios for Next-Gen C-UAS Technologies

Friday, March 1st, 2024

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has commenced development of custom higher performance multi-channel software defined radios (“SDRs”) to be used in new evolution capabilities of future generations of its products.

The Company is a global leader in the C-UAS market, including the handheld C-UAS solutions. Part of the challenge is reducing the hardware to an ultra-small Size, Weight and Power (“SWaP”) parameters to dimensions that can be tactically deployed in the field by end users, while ensuring sufficient computing ability to run complex AI-algorithms on the devices, without referencing cloud or other systems (also known as computing on the edge).

DroneShield presently have approximately 90 engineers in its Sydney facility. It is expected that more than 50% of the engineering team will be involved in this initiative, including Radio Frequency, Electronic Engineering, Firmware, Embedded Software, Data Science, Data, Mechanical, System and Quality Engineering.

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, commented, “As the drone threat space continues to rapidly evolve, DroneShield continues with a significant investment into next generation technologies, including moving into fully custom software defined radios in-house.”

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GA-ASI Makes First Flight of XQ-67A OBSS

Friday, March 1st, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 29 February 2024 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) flew the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) for the first time on Feb. 28, 2024. OBSS is an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) program and GA-ASI was selected in 2021 to design, build and fly the new aircraft.

With flight of the AFRL-funded XQ-67A, GA-ASI has validated the “genus/species” concept first developed with AFRL as part of the Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Platform Sharing (LCAAPS) program focused on building several aircraft variants from a common core chassis.

Under LCAAPS, AFRL and GA-ASI explored development of a chassis, termed a “genus”, as the foundational core architecture from which several “species” of aircraft can be built.

“This provides an alternative acquisition approach for military aircraft that enables faster development, lower costs and more opportunities for frequent technology refresh,” said Trenton White, OBSS Program Manager and aerospace engineer in AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate. “XQ-67A is the first “species” to be designed and built from this shared platform. Flight demonstration of this system is a major first step toward showing the ability to produce affordable combat mass.”

“OBSS is the first aircraft type built and flown using a common core chassis developed by GA-ASI that promotes commonality across multiple vehicle types,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Advanced Programs Michael Atwood.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI Makes First Flight of XQ-67A OBSS

Spectra Group awarded global distribution rights for Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems

Friday, March 1st, 2024

Spectra Group, a specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has been awarded the global distribution rights for Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems (FoS) which includes the 500-Watt Mobile Transportable Transmission System (MTTS), the more mobile 10-Watt Compact Over-the-Horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminal (COMET), and other new next generation troposcatter systems. The 5-year agreement appoints Spectra Group in all areas globally, except for the USA, Canada and Mexico which is retained by Comtech. Spectra Group was first appointed by Comtech as UK and NATO Special Operations Forces (SOF) agents in September 2019. Since then, Spectra Group has announced multiple orders for Comtech’s Troposcatter FoS including UK Navy (Royal Marines) in March 2022, HQ ARRC in March 2023, 3 (UK) Division in September 2023 and an overseas customer. In October 2023, Spectra Group placed a USD$20M plus order with Comtech to service multiple orders already received, and several expected follow-on orders from undisclosed customers in the NATO and European regions.

The Troposcatter FoS, developed by Comtech, provide high capacity, low-latency data links for over-the-horizon communications utilizing Comtech’s state-of-the-art CS67PLUS troposcatter radio/modem, without the need to rely on satellites or multiple line-of-sight repeaters. The Troposcatter COMET system, in particular, is ideal for providing a secure big data network for deployed headquarters from divisional down to company level because it is small and lightweight.

Due to its low power and directional nature, it is also difficult to detect and deny. It uses a maximum transmit power of 10-watts and only needs a 1-meter dish, but still has low latency (typically 9-20mS) and large bandwidth (5-60Mbps) while optimized for data links up to 60 km and beyond. In practice, data transfer speeds can be much greater (the CS67PLUS operates up to 105 Mbps single stream and 210 Mbps dual stream operation) and data links can be effective up to 100kms+ on the COMET, depending on the environment. The system is simple, intuitive, and easy to set up (15 minutes). Critically, it is also satellite independent and can work in a GPS/GNSS denied environment (including polar regions) making it ideal for use during Peer-on-Peer conflict and when Multi Domain Integration is required.

Since March 2022, Comtech’s Troposcatter COMET has been available on the NATO Catalogue via the NATO Support Procurement Agency (NSPA), so any NATO country can purchase directly without having to endure a long tender process. For the rest of the world, the Troposcatter FoS can be purchased directly from Spectra Group or via Comtech for North America.

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “Spectra is delighted to have expanded our distribution region for this excellent product that perfectly complements our own SlingShot satellite communication system. We have been working closely with Comtech for the last 4 years and our recent sales successes are testament to the value of that partnership. With increasing state-level global threats to communications and the potential for denied or degraded satellite services, we need to maintain focus on innovation and diversification. The fresh development of robust, reliable and effective Troposcatter technologies opens up the opportunity to offer multiple long-range, secure communications solutions that don’t rely exclusively on satellite systems and we are very happy to be at the forefront of these developing technologies.”

Ken Peterman, Comtech’s President and CEO said, “With the most deployed Troposcatter systems in the world, our FoS are uniquely designed to provide U.S. and coalition forces with an information advantage across all domains. We are thrilled to partner with Spectra Group to expand access to Comtech’s FoS and deliver our marketing leading beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) troposcatter technologies to coalition forces operating across the globe. It was an easy decision to partner with Spectra Group given the company’s trust in the industry and deep understanding of how command, control, computers, communications, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR) will evolve tnce, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR) will evolve to meet needs of today and in the future.”

Posted in Comms, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Spectra Group awarded global distribution rights for Comtech’s Troposcatter Family of Systems

DroneShield Releases Record 2023 Annual Results, Surging to Profitability

Thursday, February 29th, 2024

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the release of record full year FY23 results.

The highlights include:

• FY23: record contracts and rapidly growing cash receipts

? FY23 $73.5 million cash receipts, up 5x vs. FY22

? FY23 $55.1 million revenue, up 3x vs. FY22

? 80% of revenues are from repeat customers

? The revenue vs. cash receipt difference mostly due to advanced payments on product subscriptions (SaaS), warranties, as well as grants received

? Largest geographical segment revenue contributions are US at 68% and Australia at 23%

• FY23 is first profitable year, with $9.3 million profit after tax

• Shareprice up 64% over 2023 (vs 9% for ASX300)

• Cash balance of $57.9 million as of 31 Dec 2023, no debt or convertibles

? Committed supply chain payments of $30 million

• $30 million contracted backlog and pipeline of over $510 million*

• Substantially completed expansion of the team to enable build, delivery and support of materially larger orders

? Completed move to a larger Sydney facility (3x current floor space) in January, plus supply chain partners been rapidly expanding

? No material cost to DRO to move, due to light capex model (heavy machinery work all outsourced) and landlord fitout incentive payments

? Positions the company for $300-400 million annual production capacity

? 115 team members including over 90 engineers

• Favourable environment for DroneShield with rapidly rising counter-drone, defence and security spending globally

? The Ukraine conflict continues to highlight the use of drones on the battlefield, which will continue driving increasing C-UAS orders even after the eventual ceasefire

? Drones increasingly used across global conflicts, including Hamas terror attack on Israel

Full Year Results Presentation can be viewed here:

Annual Report can be viewed here:

* There is no assurance that any of the Company’s sales opportunities will result in sales.

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Rheinmetall to Supply the Bundeswehr with Skyranger 30 on Boxer Platform – Order Worth Almost €600 Million

Thursday, February 29th, 2024

The Bundeswehr has tasked Rheinmetall with another important air defence project. The Düsseldorf-based Group will soon be supplying the German armed forces with the Skyranger 30 mobile air defence system. Worth €595 million (including value added tax), the contract encompasses delivery of a prototype and another 18 series production vehicles. In addition, an option exists for a further 30 systems. The prototype is to be delivered by the end of 2024.

Just last month, the Bundeswehr entrusted Rheinmetall and its partner contractors with developing a system for short- and very short-range air defence known as the NNbS, in which the Skyranger 30 will constitute a key component.

An essential part of the NNbS, the Skyranger 30 is embedded in the German government’s European Sky Shield Initiative, in which Germany, acting within a NATO context, has assumed the role of lead nation in ground-based air defence in Europe.

The Skyranger 30 bridges an acute existing capability gap in mobile air defence. The system constitutes an optimum combination of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision, making it a match for new challenges in the short- and very short-range threat spectrum. A hybrid solution, the system’s turret combines the highly effective 30mm x 173 KCE revolver gun, surface-to-air missiles and the necessary sensor suite, all on a single platform. The Skyranger 30 systems earmarked for Germany will be armed with Stinger missiles. Depending on customer requirements, the system can be fitted with various modern guided missiles such as the Mistral, Stinger or special C-UAS missiles.

A meticulously thought-out combination of different effectors, excellent mobility, a large elevation span and state-of-the-art sensors enable autonomous as well as networked operations. Thanks to Rheinmetall’s programmable airburst ammunition, the system is especially effective against drones. The compact turret is integrated into an 8×8 Boxer wheeled armoured vehicle.

The first customer is Austria, which recently ordered thirty-six Skyranger 30 systems. Other NATO and/or EU member states have also expressed an interest in the system or are already in the process of procuring it. In December 2023, Hungary tasked Rheinmetall with developing a concept for a Skyranger 30 turret for the future air defence variant of the Lynx KF41 tracked armoured vehicle. Lithuania is also studying the Boxer-mounted Skyranger 30, while Denmark plans to procure the Skyranger 30 solution in combination with another wheeled armoured vehicle.

As recently as December 2023, a functional demonstrator version of the Skyranger 30 underwent successful live fire field trials at the Group’s proving ground in Ochsenboden, Switzerland, proving itself in stationary mode and on the move. The functional demonstrator resulted in important new findings that will make fabrication and integration of the German verification model faster and less risk prone.

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Special Operations Warrior Foundation Announces Scholarship Funded by Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund in Honor of John Magness

Thursday, February 29th, 2024

Tampa, FL, Feb. 29 – The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) is proud to announce a $250,000 scholarship grant for the 2023/2024 academic year, generously funded by the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund (JMSF) in memory of John Magness, a revered patriot, and distinguished Special Operations helicopter pilot.

John Magness, whose legacy of bravery and dedication continues to inspire, played a pivotal role in critical military operations, including leading a troop of attack helicopters during the Persian Gulf War and participating in the historic Battle of the Black Sea in Mogadishu, Somalia, as part of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Tragically, John Magness passed away on February 5, 2023, after summiting Mount Aconcagua, undertaking this formidable challenge to raise awareness and funds for the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, a cause he passionately supported. As an Ambassador for Special Operations Warrior Foundation, John’s commitment to the children of our nation’s fallen heroes was unwavering.

The Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, in collaboration with SOWF, aims to honor John’s legacy by supporting the educational aspirations of students who, despite facing significant challenges, have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to their academic and personal growth.

Both JMSF and SOWF are honored to contribute to the educational journey of future leaders. It reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the dreams of our fallen SOF Warriors’ children and empowering them to achieve their fullest potential.

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund encourage the scholarship recipients, and all students, to pursue excellence in their endeavors and to remember the strength and support of the community that stands behind them.

We look forward to witnessing the remarkable achievements our scholarship recipients will accomplish and are confident that they will continue to honor the legacy of heroes like John Magness.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Press Release, SOF | Comments Off on Special Operations Warrior Foundation Announces Scholarship Funded by Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund in Honor of John Magness

Smith & Wesson Introduces New M&P 15 Sport III Rifle

Thursday, February 29th, 2024

MARYVILLE, TN., (2/27/2024) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces today the release of the new M&P15 Sport III rifle.

Designed to perform under various conditions, the Smith & Wesson Sport Series is as versatile as it is reliable. Building on the proven Sport II platform, the next iteration comes equipped with enhancements to increase performance while being offered at a lower price. The Sport III is a gas-operated semi-auto MSR chambered in 5.56 NATO/223 REM, and is offered in 30+1 and 10+1 capacities. Upgrades to this platform include a 16-inch Armornite® coated barrel with a threaded muzzle, 5R rifling, and a 1:8-inch twist that allows for a wider variety of ammo to be used. The barrel, housed in a free-floating 15-inch M-LOK® handguard with a full-length Picatinny-style rail, offers more options to accessorize than previous generations. The Sport III utilizes a mid-length gas system to help mitigate felt recoil when shooting and it also ships with a 6-position adjustable stock, polymer grip, bolt forward assist, and chromed firing pin.

If you’re looking for your first rifle, or just want to expand the collection, the M&P15 Sport III is a reliable platform for a great price. The new M&P15 Sport III rifle has an MSRP of $799 and is available now at authorized dealers.

For more information on the M&P15 Sport III, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

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