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AeroVironment, Inc to Acquire Tomahawk Robotics

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

AeroVironment’s unmanned systems paired with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enabled technology will allow warfighters to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller

ARLINGTON, Va.– AeroVironment has announced its anticipated acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics, a leader in AI-enabled robotic control systems. The acquisition will enable deeper integration of both companies’ technology, leading to enhanced interoperability and interconnectivity of unmanned systems through a singular platform with similar control features. This will ultimately enable warfighters to operate various connected robotic solutions in the battlefield and share information between multiple domains with one common controller. The two companies entered into a definitive agreement under which AeroVironment will acquire 100% of Tomahawk Robotics equity for a total purchase price of $120 million to be paid in a mix of cash and stock.

Founded by Brad Truesdell and Matt Summer in 2018, Tomahawk Robotics is the visionary force behind the groundbreaking Kinesis Ecosystem, an unmatched tactical capability designed for the warfighter first. At the heart of this innovation lies Kinesis, an AI-enhanced and open architecture common control system that seamlessly integrates the network of battle-proven unmanned expeditionary vehicles, sensors, and third-party software onto a single pane of glass. Powered by innovation, the Kinesis Ecosystem delivers targeted situational awareness and precision strike capabilities for the human-machine teams across the battlespace.

“The acquisition of Tomahawk Robotics will not only provide AeroVironment with strong new members of our team, but a quality brand and products that are widely respected in the industry. Tomahawk Robotics will become part of the small UAS (SUAS) business unit within AeroVironment’s Unmanned Systems segment. We intend to retain all of their workforce and existing facilities in Florida,” said AeroVironment’s CEO and Chairman Wahid Nawabi. “We will support all existing Tomahawk Robotics customers and their products will remain platform agnostic to the market and within the industry. We also plan to introduce Tomahawk Robotics solutions to AeroVironment’s growing network of more than 55 allied nations.”

“Combining features of our Crysalis operating system with Tomahawk Robotics’ AI-enhanced Kinesis platform means pairing the best common controller technology with the most ubiquitous unmanned systems on the market today,” said AeroVironment’s Senior Vice President of Unmanned Systems Trace Stevenson. Tomahawk Robotics’ Kinesis control system was integrated into AeroVironment’s small unmanned aircraft family of systems including Raven© B and Puma TM 3 AE in 2022.

“Tomahawk Robotics’ solutions will accelerate our adoption and implementation of AI and autonomy into AeroVironment platforms,” continued Stevenson. “We’re confident that the combined experience and expertise of our two teams will result in a variety of unmatched unmanned expeditionary vehicles that meet our customers’ emerging needs and exacting standards.”

“Our motto has always been ‘warfighter first.’ Everything we’ve designed or made has been optimized to better equip and prepare soldiers on the battlefield,” said Tomahawk Robotics’ CEO Brad Truesdell. “Joining AeroVironment means our solutions will have a broader reach and the opportunity to be optimized by not only AeroVironment’s family of systems, but the broader robotics community, better enabling warfighters across the globe.”

“Acquiring Tomahawk Robotics strengthens our value to our customers as we will be uniquely qualified to support multiple platforms and offer the best solution for their operational needs,” continued Nawabi. “Tomahawk Robotics’ products will enable AeroVironment’s solutions to achieve an elevated Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) desired by our customers, and the opportunity to expand into new and adjacent markets for interconnected soldiers with a Common Operating Picture enabled by AI and autonomy.”

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment, Inc to Acquire Tomahawk Robotics

SPX CommTech Launches Latest Transportable Tactical COMINT 953 RF Receiver

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023

• New Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Radio Frequency Receiver delivers superior threat analysis at a time of heightened electronic warfare activity.

• 953 COMINT Radio Frequency Receiver will be exhibited for the first time at DSEI 2023.

Wappenham, UK, 22 August 2023 – SPX CommTech, formed by TCI and ECS, today launches its next generation 953 Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Radio Frequency (RF) Receiver for superior identification, direction-finding, and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations. It will be exhibited for the first time at DSEI, Excel London, on stand H2-874, between 12-15 September 2023.

The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver builds on the success of its predecessor and now boasts reduced size and weight, but with greater power. This makes the device portable for dismounted operations and easily mounted on a vehicle to support mobility operations. For example, it can be carried to an elevated position in a dismounted role, such as a tactical position only accessible on foot or on top of a high-rise building, to ensure the antenna is situated at height for optimum signal detection and increased range.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver performs continuous, unmanned, remote, and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection, and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered with removable hot-swappable batteries for round-the-clock use. The new compact chassis is IP-67 rated to withstand temperatures up to 50°C to deliver full operational capability in extreme hostile climatic environments. It also boasts increased removable storage of up to 2 TB for enhanced data capture.

“All around the world, heightened political, military and societal tension, and the growing use of electronic warfare, demonstrates the unparalleled importance of managing and understanding the RF spectrum today. Threat analysis and response are critical to global security, so we are excited to welcome the next generation product of our successful RF range, currently used across 20 countries,” says Graeme Forsyth, Counter-UAS Product Manager at SPX CommTech.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered by SPX CommTech’s well-renowned Blackbird software application, which detects, identifies, direction-finds and tracks signals of interest to support, find, fix and strike operations, and mitigate electronic warfare threats. It also tracks the RF emission of UAVs and their controllers or Data Links to support counter-responses. Blackbird can record the signal environment for look-back analysis without interrupting the current mission. It simplifies the collection task and can trigger automated actions and support unattended operations.

Utilising part of the 953 COMINT RF Receiver, Blackbird also uses geolocation to enable defence teams to visualise the location of the frequencies for improved intelligence-gathering and threat management. Blackbird’s intuitive point-and-click user experience suits all skill levels and is an evolution of the proven intuitive interface in previous models. This ensures minimal training requirements for existing customers while enabling new users to master the system quickly.

The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver is backwards compatible with previous COMINT versions and other technologies from SPX CommTech, for cost avoidance, uninterrupted service and seamless scalability for our users. It can also be integrated with open-source or customer-supplied mapping and other integrations.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is available today, and current COMINT models in service with customers will continue to be supported by SPX CommTech.

For more information, visit www.tcibr.com. Book a time to discuss your COMINT needs with us at DSEI (Excel London, 12-15 September 2023) by emailing tci_sales@spx.com.

Posted in CEMA, Information Warfare, International, Press Release, Sensors | Comments Off on SPX CommTech Launches Latest Transportable Tactical COMINT 953 RF Receiver

Navistar Defense Selected to Produce Trailers for Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023

Madison Heights, Mich. – August 17, 2023- Navistar Defense, LLC (Navistar Defense) announced today it was selected by leading military mobility solutions provider, AM General, to partner in the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV A2) program. The subcontract is to manufacture an estimated 10,000 JLTV trailers over the life of the contract.

“We are excited that AM General chose us to partner in this important program to support the United States military,” said Ted Wright, chief executive officer, Navistar Defense. “AM General is a world class Tactical Vehicle manufacturer and we’re eager to support their team.”

“We look forward to working with our industry partner on this contract,” added Wright. “The JLTV trailer subcontract allows us to continue diversifying our business portfolio, support our growth in Mississippi, and expand our growing business,” added Wright.

“Welcoming Navistar Defense to the JLTV A2 program is a key milestone in our operations,” said John Chadbourne, AM General Executive VP – Chief Business Development Officer. “Their commitment to excellence translates into the quality products they are known for in the industry. Since receiving the JLTV A2 program contract, our main focus is to deliver quality vehicles on time and on target and this includes the equipment needed to ensure our Warfighters can succeed in their missions.”

The JLTV A2 trailer is a multipurpose platform configured to support general purpose cargo and tactical generator mobility missions. The trailer is built to operate with the Closed Combat Weapons Carrier, the General Purpose, Heavy Guns Carrier and Utility JLTV variants over the same mission profile of those vehicles.

Production will begin in 2024 and will take place at Navistar Defense’s Assembly Plant located in West Point, Mississippi. The period of performance is for five-base years, with the option for an additional five years.

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

Justin Charles Ward to Serve as General Counsel for Blue Force Gear

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023

POOLER, GA – Justin Charles Ward has joined Blue Force Gear, Inc. (“BFG”) as Vice President of Legal & General Counsel as a key legal and business executive to provide legal counsel while furthering BFG’s corporate business objectives.

“Justin is an effective and strategic addition to the BFG executive team,” said Ashley A. Burnsed, Jr., Chief Executive Officer. “As BFG continues in its growth, innovation, and intellectual property enforcement, Justin’s skills, effective legal experience, and leadership will be key in supporting our strategic initiatives.”

Ward previously served as the Vice President of Legal and Compliance for a large firearms and accessories company wherein he effectively counseled all aspects of legal. Additionally, Ward served as Secretary and Legal Counsel for a local Domestic Nonprofit Corporation whose mission was to protect the Second Amendment by expanding shooting sports through strategic initiatives. Ward has been recognized in Georgia for his litigation skills for patent and trademark infringement disputes.

“I’m truly honored to join BFG. With a world-class reputation, an unparalleled dedication to procuring and enforcing its intellectual property rights, and an unwavering commitment to growth and innovation, BFG is an excellent employer of choice,” added Ward.

Ward, a registered patent attorney, received his juris doctorate and intellectual property certificate from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree in MCB from the University of Arizona.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Justin Charles Ward to Serve as General Counsel for Blue Force Gear

Rheinmetall Opens Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle Factory in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary – Europe’s Most Advanced Plant for Armoured Vehicles

Monday, August 21st, 2023

Rheinmetall officially opened its new factory in Zalaegerszeg on 18 August 2023. The new plant marks a major milestone for Rheinmetall and underscores the Group’s commitment to Hungary. In future, this cutting-edge facility will produce the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, the world’s most advanced IFV.

“The opening of Rheinmetall’s new factory in Zalaegerszeg is a significant step for our company and a sign of our close ties with the government and armed forces of Hungary, an EU partner and fellow NATO member state”, declared Armin Papperger, chairman of the executive board of Rheinmetall AG. “We’re proud to be part of the growing industrial community in Zalaegerszeg and look forward to working with local partners and drawing on local talent. Hundreds of people are working together here in Zalaegerszeg to produce top-notch military systems for the Hungarian armed forces as well as export customers.”

Headquartered in Zalaegerszeg, Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt. focuses on the development and manufacture of state-of-the-art tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles for the Hungarian military, especially the new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle.

Rheinmetall plays an important part in Hungary’s “Zrínyi 2026” initiative, which aims to reequip the country’s armed forces with locally produced modern equipment.

The Hungarian defence ministry has contracted with Rheinmetall, Europe’s foremost maker of systems and equipment for ground forces, to supply it with the world’s most advanced tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles, including associated services.

Rheinmetall sees Hungary as a home market to be supplied with Hungarian-made products. In this context, a new, extremely well-equipped development, production and test centre is now being built on a 33-hectar site in Zala County in southwest Hungary, including an EMV/ CLIMA chamber and a firing tunnel. In designing the plant, special emphasis was placed on the latest industrialization principles as well as flexibility, growth potential, efficiency, the implementation of advanced transport and logistics concepts and cutting-edge production techniques. In the quality control domain, a 3D measurement cell will guarantee fast, permanent, automated assurance of component quality, setting a new standard here as well. Over the next few years, another 350 new jobs are planned at the Zalaegerszeg plant.

Rheinmetall supplying state-of-the-art tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles and associated services.

The contract encompasses 209 Lynx KF41 in seven variants, plus 18 combat support vehicles, including Büffel/Buffalo 3 armoured recovery vehicles, as well as 38 military trucks. In addition, the contract incorporates products and services such as simulators; training and instruction; and an initial stock of spare parts and maintenance support. Throughout the Lynx’s decades-long anticipated lifespan, spare parts and regular maintenance will be needed to ensure operational readiness.

In a first production phase, Hungary will be supplied with 46 Lynx systems configured as infantry fighting vehicles or for a command & control role, plus nine Büffel/Buffalo 3 ARVs, all of which will be made in Germany. Delivery has already begun. In a second phase, a joint venture will build and ship a further 172 Lynx systems and various combat support vehicles in Hungary.
The new factory will do more than just contribute to the regional economy. It will also promote innovation and the creation of highly qualified jobs. Looking ahead, Rheinmetall plans to keep investing in the plant in order to increase production capacity and integrate new technologies.

In setting up this factory, Rheinmetall is signalling its confidence in the growth potential of the Hungarian economy and the skills and abilities of Hungarian workers. By creating jobs and fostering special knowledge, Rheinmetall is helping to further strengthen the Hungarian economy and defence industry, simultaneously establishing its ultramodern, future-proof Lynx infantry fighting vehicle – equipped with advanced high-performance sensors and the Lance weapon station – in the global market.

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Opens Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle Factory in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary – Europe’s Most Advanced Plant for Armoured Vehicles

Creomagic to Provide Advanced Live Video and Communication Solution for Tier-1 Military K9 Unit

Monday, August 21st, 2023

Ness Ziona, Israel – August 21st, 2023 – Creomagic Ltd., a pioneering communications manufacturer based in Israel, has been awarded a significant contract by an undisclosed Tier-1 defense customer to provide lightweight tactical video and communication kits tailored for K9 operations. The contract is estimated at hundreds of units worth several millions of US Dollars.

K9 operational dog and its human handler – Illustration (Credit: Israel Defense Forces)

Creomagic will showcase its communication technology portfolio, including its newly released CreoHub HP man-portable radio, at the upcoming Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, UK (September 12 to 15, 2023; booth H1-116).

CreoHub personal kit with wearable video camera and tactical computer

The new K9 systems will enable live video and voice transmission from K9 dogs to their human handlers and team leaders, ensuring uninterrupted near-real-time footage and voice in hostage release situations, search and rescue missions and other complex operational scenarios.

The contract is a result of a competitive test campaign conducted in various operational settings, ranging from private houses and public buildings to city markets, forestry, basements, and mountainous areas. Throughout these tests, Creomagic’s communication systems demonstrated law latency video transmission, telemetry and voice commands.

“K9 dogs play an invaluable role in military, law enforcement, and rescue units worldwide, often operating in environments that are inaccessible to human operators” noted Alex Shapochnik, CEO of Creomagic. “During these missions, our communication systems need to meet not only the highest performance requirements but also to provide comfort and ergonomic functionality for the dogs. Most importantly, we are proud to help our customers save lives”.

Posted in Comms, DSEi, International, K9, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Creomagic to Provide Advanced Live Video and Communication Solution for Tier-1 Military K9 Unit

DSEI 2023 Places International Integration at its Core as Scandinavian, Baltic, Asia-Pacific and North American Defence Companies Ramp Up Presence

Monday, August 21st, 2023

London, 16th August 2023

Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) returns to ExCel in London this year from 12th-15th September. The event is set to host prominent companies in the defence field from over 50 countries from regions all over the world. There are 36 country-specific international pavilions.

Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine looks to have influenced the scale of the presence of this year’s international exhibitors, with the event seeing a significant uptake in companies from the Scandinavian region. This comes after Finland joined the NATO alliance in April this year, with Sweden awaiting ratification for its membership. Placing international cooperation at the forefront, DSEI is expected to host representatives from not only the UK armed forces, but also the NATO alliance and the respective defence and security organisations from nations across the globe.

In the Estonian pavilion, among the exhibitors is Milrem Robotics, a leading autonomous machine and system developer which delivered its flagship unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to Ukraine last year. Estonia, a key NATO ally, has increased its presence at the event, booking a space three times larger than in 2019 to showcase its industry’s cutting-edge solutions. Similarly, Slovak Republic company KONŠTRUKTA – Defense has to date supplied a number of self-propelled howitzers to the Ukrainian war effort. Making its first appearance at DSEI, KONŠTRUKTA will showcase new products in ammunition and electronic systems.

In addition, the Swedish pavilion will be representing high-tech companies, including Carmenta, who has developed cutting-edge geo-spatial software that enables the visualisation and analysis of geospatial information.

DSEI is also attracting companies from wider afield, notably from the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting the larger effort to bolster defence ties and capabilities. South Korean company, Hanwha Systems, will be demonstrating its wide range of solutions in the defence sphere. Of significance, is Hanwha’s involvement in military reconnaissance satellite programmes and avionics solutions, both of which play key roles in fixed wing, rotary wing and unmanned aircrafts. Its UK subsidiary, Hanwha Phasor, will be showcasing its satellite communications flat panel antenna for undisrupted multi-orbit connectivity.

This year, the North American pavilion welcomes more 225 companies that encompass a broad span of cross-domain capabilities, from unmanned aerial systems to fire suppression systems to lightweight protective armour. Over 90 of the companies will be exhibiting for the first time proving that the US and Canada is a serious growth market for DSEI. Outside the North American pavilion, household North American defence companies will also be exhibiting such as Northrop Grumman, L3Harris and Raytheon.

With a strong international presence, DSEI offers possibilities for companies across the world to establish meaningful relationships and collaborate with Governments, suppliers and industry – both SMEs and large organisations.

Grant Burgham, DSEI Director, commented:

“It is hugely encouraging to have so many international companies in attendance at this year’s DSEI. DSEI offers a valuable opportunity in the biennial defence trade show calendar to connect UK companies and their international counterparts, promoting cooperation and bi-lateral trade with international allies. Cooperation is a crucial component in stimulating technological advancement, and by giving companies from all over the globe this platform, it will no doubt further our own capabilities as a nation and those of our allies”.

www.dsei.co.uk

Posted in DSEi, Press Release | Comments Off on DSEI 2023 Places International Integration at its Core as Scandinavian, Baltic, Asia-Pacific and North American Defence Companies Ramp Up Presence

Brinyte XP22 Dual Head Specialized Weapon Light 1300+lms 260m

Sunday, August 20th, 2023

Brinyte XP22 is a powerful, easy-to-use, 1300-lumen quick detached weapon light suitable for a variety of actual combat scenarios. It uses 2 OSRAM lamp beads, a unique and fast magnetic charging port design, with functions such as flashing, electronic key lock, instantaneous lighting, and an intelligent battery indicator, which can meet the lighting needs and habits of different users. In short, XP22 will be your competent partner for the actual practical experience!

brinytestore.com/products/brinyte-xp22-scorpion-dual-head-weapon-light

Posted in International, Lights, Press Release | 3 Comments »