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UK MOD Extends NP Aerospace Vehicle Contract

Thursday, May 25th, 2023

The UK Ministry of Defence has extended its Protected Mobility Engineering and Technical Support vehicle contact (PMETS) with NP Aerospace to March 2026.

The £63m contract covering more than 2,000 vehicles was awarded to NP Aerospace, global armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator via a competitive tender in March 2019. Since then, as Engineering Authority for the fleet, and in partnership with vehicle OEMs and industry partners, NP Aerospace has worked on over 140 individual tasks that maintain, sustain and upgrade the vehicle fleet for use on operations.

According to David Petheram, Managing Director & Senior Vice President, NP Aerospace Vehicle Systems, Services & Spares, PMETS tasks range in scale and complexity from lighting systems, software enhancements and communication system upgrades, through to full scale re-engineering programmes. He said: “Through PMETS we have introduced significant innovations into the fleet such as the Mastiff and Ridgback XC offroad platforms and hybrid demonstrator projects – both of which improve overall capabilities and operational vehicle performance. Working closely with industry partners, NP Aerospace is able to maximise through life capability and introduce new innovations that benefit the Armed Forces.”

NP Aerospace has worked on MOD vehicles for over 20 years, leading complex integrations. The platforms covered under the PMETS contract include Mastiff, Wolfhound, Ridgback, Buffalo, Choker, Foxhound, Jackal, Coyote and RODET. Key partners include Atkins, HORIBA-Mira and ITS, vehicle OEMs General Dynamics and Supacat, and a variety of technology partners. The prime contracting model with NP Aerospace as engineering authority is fully scalable and can be applied to other platform types and global markets.

The PMETS contract is estimated to have generated in excess of 200 jobs in the UK supply chain, with the team at NP Aerospace providing oversight of all deliverables and managing all activities on the contracts, utilising highly experienced staff in a unique way across the variety of vehicles in the fleet.

Posted in Armor, Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on UK MOD Extends NP Aerospace Vehicle Contract

Ventus Ramps Up Field Trials of its TR2 Respirator Following CE Certification

Thursday, May 25th, 2023

Toronto, Ontario, May 23, 2023 — Ventus Respiratory Technologies, creator of the next generation of particulate respiratory protection for military, police, and first responders, is announcing that it has kicked off multiple international field trials for its TR2 respirator, following the CE certification of the product in February.

Trials and evaluations are underway with elite forces in Germany, Italy, France, the UK, Hungary, and the Netherlands. Initial feedback from end users has been positive, particularly regarding the TR2’s design and form factor, which is lightweight, low-burden, and interoperable with existing communications and protective equipment.

“The TR2 is the only fully certified respirator of its kind, making it the only protection suitable for the global market,” said Arjun Grewal, CEO of Ventus, who previously spent 20 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, including numerous deployments in Afghanistan. “To date, there has been no standard for particulate respiratory protection for those serving on the front lines in known toxic environments, we are now learning about the severe health consequences of that exposure.”

In April, it was announced by U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) that Veterans and their survivors in the United States alone have filed more than 500,000 toxic exposure-related claims under the PACT Act, which was signed into law less than one year ago on August 10, 2022. More than $1 billion in benefits have already been awarded.

“The science is showing us the impact of airborne hazards including lead from high volume weapons training, Agent Orange, burn pits, sand, mechanical fumes, or any of the other dozens of other potential hazards,” added Grewal. “And it’s not only military personnel who are at risk, it is our police, firefighters, and other first responders. We need a baseline standard of protection for these populations. This is why we created the TR2. I believe that this protection will soon become standard issue across the board, just as eye and ear protection have been standard requirements for nearly all soldier and police training for decades.”

Ventus is actively engaging with the soldier and police community. Last week, Ventus participated in events with the Ontario Tactical Advisory Body in Canada, and Special Operations Forces week at U.S. Special Operations Command, and U.S. VA discussions in Washington DC.

Data-driven results from the multiple field trials currently taking place are expected at the end of June.

ventusrespiratory.com

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Rheinmetall’s New Plant in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary Continues to Take Shape: New Street Name, Rheinmetall Út, Unveiled at Official Ceremony

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

A street at the Zalaegerszeg plant of Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., a joint venture co-owned by Rheinmetall and the Hungarian state, was officially renamed “Rheinmetall Út” at a ceremony on 23 May 2023. Present at the event were representatives from the Group as well as Zoltán Balaicz, the city’s mayor, and other guests of honour. Dr Imke Nora Kellner, CEO of Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., emphasized how “…our investment here is powering economic growth in the region and creating good jobs for skilled workers at our Hungarian suppliers. In future we’ll be developing, producing and maintaining cutting-edge armoured vehicles, contributing to security and freedom in Europe.”

A modern development, production and testing centre is currently going up at the site, with around 350 new jobs and potential for growth in surface area and technology. The focus is on developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art tracked and wheeled armoured vehicles for the Hungarian armed forces, particularly the new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle. Low-rate initial production began in January of this year. High safety standards protect the plant’s neighbours from noise and hazards, with even the smallest amounts of mostly practice ammunition for function testing kept in secure underground storage facilities, and ballistic testing confined to an underground shooting tunnel. There will be no above-ground ballistic tests or test detonations, nor will test drives take place on public roads in Zalaegerszeg.

The Düsseldorf-based technology enterprise’s numerous local initiatives not only reflect its commitment to the community, but also its strategic goal of achieving Groupwide CO2 neutrality by 2035. As Andreas Baumeier, chief operations officer of Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., explains, “We take our technological and social responsibilities very seriously, which is why we invest in innovative products and technologies, but also in sustainable operations and in reducing C02 emissions through the use of renewable energy sources.”

Now underway, the first expansion of the plant therefore includes installation of solar panels, and trees have already been planted along Rheinmetall Ùt, with more to follow around the grounds. In future, most company cars will be either electric or hybrid, while vehicles confined to the plant (such as forklifts, logistic, security and pool vehicles) already operate in an environmentally friendly, sustainable manner.

At the end of the ceremony, Michael Stolze, CFO of Rheinmetall Hungary Zrt., noted that “The street name Rheinmetall Út isn’t just an honour for us. It also underscores the cooperative and long-term nature of our working relationship, now and in future. We would thus like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the local authorities and their representatives for supporting our endeavour!”

Posted in Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall’s New Plant in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary Continues to Take Shape: New Street Name, Rheinmetall Út, Unveiled at Official Ceremony

Stronger Leadership, LLC Acquires Premium Lifestyle Sunglass Brand Skeleton Optics

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

Stronger Leadership, LLC, a collaboration of three experienced business leaders is excited to announce that they have acquired Skeleton Optics, Inc. a well-established sunglass and protective eyewear brand among sports men and women. Skeleton Optics was created and established by Mark and Lori Llano of Wellington, Florida who built the brand into a premium lifestyle brand specializing in innovative optical and lifestyle products. Headquartered in Wellington, FL, its sunglasses are emboldened through the spirit of adventure.

Using extremely high-quality components that include polarized lenses manufactured by Carl Zeiss Vision, and frames designed and manufactured in Italy, Skeleton Optics creates high-performance sunglasses to promote active outdoor engagement. With a vision to create products offering integrated design fused with advanced technology, Skeleton Optics is committed to enhancing your journey through life, while simultaneously delivering flawless protection.

Eric Storey, Chief Operating Officer for Stronger Leadership, LLC stated “My partners and I are excited to take what Mark and Lori have built to another level of recognition and exposure. The quality of this brand is unparalleled, and we plan to bring it to a wider audience who will further embrace the quality and strength of this amazing brand.”

Posted in Eyepro, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Stronger Leadership, LLC Acquires Premium Lifestyle Sunglass Brand Skeleton Optics

Booz Allen Awarded $919M Contract to Support Warfighter Capabilities

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

With an enterprise approach, Booz Allen seeks to enhance the Soldier as a System

MCLEAN, Va., May 23, 2023–Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH), announced today it was awarded a performance-based task order, EDITS (Engineering, Development, Integration, and Technology-based Solutions), a research and development contract valued at $919 million. EDITS is designed to enable the Soldier as a System concept and continuously enhance the warfighter’s ability in all climatic conditions and combat situations, ensuring protection and survivability across multiple Department of Defense (DOD) agencies. The task order supports the following mission partners: U.S. Army Program Executive Offices (PEO) to include Soldier, elements of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), U.S. Army Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center and the DOD’s Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA). This contract will enable Booz Allen to offer cutting-edge, technology-based solutions across services to meet emerging threats and ensure a versatile, expeditionary, agile, sustainable, and interoperable military capable of meeting and overcoming any challenge.

“Supporting warfighters requires concerted coordination that informs technology development and integration in order to empower the nation’s forces to operate jointly. Booz Allen will work to support orchestration across mission partners at the strategic level and adaptive tech integration at the tactical level for warfighters,” said Judi Dotson, Booz Allen’s Global Defense sector president. “The EDITS contract represents a cultural shift intended to foster collaboration early in technology development, as we will help facilitate open communication across service boundaries and posture for the integration of future technologies through system-level architectures.”

The flexibility of the EDITS program will allow the mission partners to rapidly identify new technologies, develop prototypes, and then test and evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies. In addition, the project allows for support to global operations, including foreign military sales, contingency logistics, and host nation training. Booz Allen and its teammates are postured to support the Department of Defense in addressing emerging threats with new technologies and integrated systems.

“By integrating new technologies into warfighter systems across service boundaries, EDITS will absolutely help drive synergies and efficiencies in modernizing and equipping the military’s tactical units,” said Joel Dillon, a senior vice president in Booz Allen’s Global Defense business. “The ultimate goal of the work is to enable the tactical unit as a fully integrated combat platform by supporting warfighters—at home and abroad—and providing solutions that increase lethality, survivability, and situational awareness that enhance the Soldier as a System.”

DOD and U.S. government program offices will leverage the EDITS contract to collaborate across organizations to minimize duplication of effort and allow for cost-effective solutions. With this program, Booz Allen will improve interoperability through technology identification, maturation, and transition of solutions seamlessly across organizational boundaries within the EDITS enterprise.

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Introducing the Tasmanian Tiger Modular Belt Set

Wednesday, May 24th, 2023

The new TT Modular Belt Set is the perfect blend of functionality and versatility.

Knoxville, Tenn. (May 2023) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest breakthrough product: the TT Modular Belt Set. This flat equipment belt with MOLLE system is designed to meet the demanding needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering unparalleled functionality and adaptability.

The TT Modular Belt Set features a sleek and ergonomic design, carefully crafted to enhance comfort and efficiency during intense operations. Its 45mm COBRA® buckle ensures a secure and reliable fit, giving users peace of mind in any situation. The belt’s hook strips on the inside enable seamless attachment to an interior belt, further enhancing stability and reducing movement during dynamic activities.

One of the standout features of the TT Modular Belt Set is its versatile sizing options. With four available sizes, customers can easily find the perfect fit for their unique body type and needs. The small size measures 35×41 inches (90-105cm) and weighs a mere 12.34 ounces (350 grams), while the medium size ranges from 39-45 inches (100-115cm) and weighs 13.4 ounces (380 grams). The large size accommodates waist sizes between 45-50 inches (115-127cm) and weighs 14 ounces (397 grams), and the extra-large size fits waist sizes of 49-53 inches (125-135cm) and weighs 15.52 ounces (440 grams). No matter the size, each belt is expertly constructed to provide optimal durability and reliability in the field.

With 25 MOLLE segments strategically placed along the belt, users can effortlessly attach a wide range of essential gear and accessories. From pouches and holsters to multi-tools and flashlights, the TT Modular Belt Set offers unrivaled customization options, allowing individuals to tailor their loadout to meet their specific requirements.

“The TT Modular Belt Set represents our commitment to continuous innovation and our dedication to providing reliable gear solutions,” commented Richard Lewis, President and CEO of Proforce Equipment, Inc. “We understand the diverse needs of our customers, and this belt set is designed to empower them with the freedom to adapt and optimize their equipment according to their unique situations.”

The TT Modular Belt Set is made from polyester webbing. It is available in Black, Olive, and Coyote for an MSRP of $109.00.

Click to see the 2023 Tasmanian Tiger New Items digital catalog here or the Vol 3 product digital catalog. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

Stay in the conversation by following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com.

Posted in Load Carrying, Press Release | Comments Off on Introducing the Tasmanian Tiger Modular Belt Set

Military, Veterans and First Responders Get 10% Off at Academy Sports + Outdoors Now Through July 4

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023

To thank service members this Memorial Day and Independence Day, Academy Sports + Outdoors is offering a 10% discount to active military service members, veterans and first responders now through July 4, 2023. The discount will be applied to the entire purchase, both in-store and online. More information can be found here: www.academy.com/military-and-first-responders.

To use the discount online, verify your military or first responder status with the id.me buttons on the Shopping Cart page. Once verified, copy and paste the promo code into the promo code section on the Shopping Cart page for single-use redemption. To use the discount in-store, simply present your military or first responder ID at checkout.

Academy is proud to show its thanks and appreciation for all active military, veterans and first responders for all they do to protect our nation and serve in our local communities.

Posted in Press Release, Veterans | Comments Off on Military, Veterans and First Responders Get 10% Off at Academy Sports + Outdoors Now Through July 4

RMA Armament Announces Female Armor Plates & Kits

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023

CENTERVILLE, Iowa (May 22, 2023) – RMA Armament, Inc., the King of Armor®., the industry’s leader in ceramic hard armor performance in law enforcement and civilian markets is pleased to announce its women’s hard armor product line – the first of its kind available for direct purchase.

Beginning with the Level IV FSAPI armor kit, RMA is revolutionizing female hard body armor with the shape, curvature and size requirement needed to not only properly protect, but also provide comfort for female wearers.

Let’s face it; women have a vastly different anatomy than men. So women’s armor protection needs to take on a different size and shape. Accordingly, RMA’s new FSAPI Level 4 body armor for women has a proprietary female architecture. And, this FSAPI plate doesn’t cut corners when it comes to protection. Firstly, it’s rated to defeat the Level 4 body armor standard 30.06 M2AP. Additionally, it will also defeat M80 NATO, 7.62×39 MSC, M855, M855A1, XM193, and more.

The 1118 FSAPI Level IV female armor plate from RMA is available in a custom-engineered 9″x11″ size and also weighs only 7.0 lbs. (+/- .125lbs).

“We’re thrilled to launch this female armor line that’s been years in the making. Years of research has gone into the sizing and curvature of these plates. Obviously, protection from rifle threats is a very real need for women, but so too is functionality,” said RMA founder and owner Blake Waldrop. “So this life saving product hopes to fill the need the void that armor companies in the past have neglected. And this is just the start. We have many more exciting plans for our FSAPI plates in the future.”

Due to the custom shape and size of the FSAPI front and back plates, RMA, along with its partner Shellback Tactical, have created the Queen Plate Carrier (QPC), specifically manufactured for RMA’s proprietary FSAPI plates.

rmadefense.com

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