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HENSOLDT modernizes COBRA artillery location radars

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

Test equipment enables optimum deployment and system performance

Taufkirchen/Germany, 2 May 2023 – Sensor specialist HENSOLDT has successfully concluded the modernization of core test systems of the artillery location radar COBRA which is in service with several NATO armies. Under a contract worth several million euros awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement, OCCAR) on behalf of Germany and France, HENSOLDT has replaced the Radar Target Generator (RTG) and the COBRA Radar Environment Simulator (CRES), key elements of the test environment of COBRA indispensable for determining optimum deployment and testing system performance.

The RTG is designed to generate primary radar returns and can be placed in the radar’s far field in order to simulate target trajectories. The new RTG takes into account changes of the user nations’ operational requirements such as long-term deployments in stationary locations, simultaneous operation of several systems and 24/7 surveillance missions.

The CRES is the key element to test and verify the COBRA radar performance in a laboratory environment with reproducible target trajectories. It generates artificial radar returns allowing to simulate all kinds of ballistic projectiles (missiles, mortar grenades, howitzer or gun projectiles) without the necessity of real transmissions.

COBRA is a mobile radar system for locating hostile artillery and missile positions and for calculating in advance the flight path of projectiles in order to give early warning and enable protective and, if required, defensive action. Its first configuration was developed by the Euro-Art International EWIV consortium comprising HENSOLDT, then Airbus Defence and Space, Thales and Lockheed Martin around the turn of the century for the German, French and British armed forces. Today, a total of more than 40 systems of various configurations have been deployed by NATO and other armed forces within and outside Europe.

Posted in International, ISR, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on HENSOLDT modernizes COBRA artillery location radars

AeroVironment Awarded $10 Million Contract by NASA/JPL to Co-Design and Develop Two Helicopters for Mars Sample Return Mission

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

The success of Ingenuity Mars helicopter, co-designed and co-developed by AeroVironment and NASA/JPL, lays the foundation for the development of the Sample Recovery Helicopters

Early Concept for the Sample Recovery Helicopter Based on Ingenuity. (Credit: NASA/ESA/JPL-Caltech)

ARLINGTON, Va., May 2, 2023 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) has been awarded a $10 million contract by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to co-design and co-develop conceptual designs and engineering development units of Mars Sample Recovery Helicopter flight systems. Future efforts could include detailed design, build, and test of qualification and flight hardware. The helicopters build upon the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter design heritage and feature upgraded robotics to supplement aerial mobility.

AeroVironment engineers from the MacCready Works team previously worked with NASA JPL to co-design and develop the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, which has completed 52 successful flights to date on Mars and survived 781 sols on the surface, far outperforming its design objectives.

“Accomplishing the impossible has been AeroVironment’s mission for more than 50 years and we are excited to be working with the NASA JPL team again to conquer the next challenge,” said Scott Newbern, AeroVironment’s vice president and chief technology officer. “Ingenuity’s flights on Mars are a giant leap for robotic technology. Now we’re advancing this science further by helping to build helicopters that not only will continue flight on Mars, but also will include apparatus to collect samples to bring back to Earth for this historic mission.”

The two planned Sample Recovery Helicopters would be a secondary method of sample retrieval for the NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return Campaign. NASA’s Perseverance rover, which has already been collecting a diverse set of scientifically selected samples for potential safe return to Earth, is currently planned as the primary method of delivering samples to the Sample Retrieval Lander.

The Sample Recovery Helicopters would expand on Ingenuity’s design, adding wheels and gripping capabilities, to provide a secondary method to pick up cached sample tubes left on the surface by Perseverance and transport them to the Sample Retrieval Lander. Once the sample cache is launched off the red planet, another spacecraft would capture it in Mars orbit, and then bring it back to Earth safely and securely in the early to mid-2030s. After the samples are on Earth, scientists around the world would examine them using sophisticated instruments too large and complex to send to Mars. The samples would remain available for future generations to study with increasingly advanced technologies. Scientists believe the samples could shed light on whether life has ever existed on Mars.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, Space, UAS | Comments Off on AeroVironment Awarded $10 Million Contract by NASA/JPL to Co-Design and Develop Two Helicopters for Mars Sample Return Mission

OTTO Announces the Launch of the First Tactical Spatial Audio Solution for the Dismounted Warfighter

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

Push-to-talk (PTT) switch provides game-changing multi-talker communication capabilities for high-stress combat environments.

Carpentersville, Ill. (May 1, 2023) OTTO Engineering announced the launch of the first tactical spatial audio product for dismounted warfighters. E.S.P. (Enhanced Spatial Positioning) is a push-to-talk (PTT) switch designed for dynamic environments and the needs of individual operators. The solution was developed to enable users to mentally focus on an individual positional audio source, even if other channels are active simultaneously.

In high-stress environments, traditional audio traffic from multiple sources can compete in the tactical operator’s ear, leading to auditory overload and retention loss. Spatial Positioning creates separation and provides mental clarity.

Independent testing published by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) on the occurrence of attention redirection and speech intelligibility in multi-talker communication confirms that spatial separation of audio can reduce cognitive load and help operators maintain situational awareness.

“In a natural listening environment, the human auditory system uses cues to localize and externalize sound sources. When listening, we can discern the sound source, where it’s coming from, and when multiple sources are presented concurrently. We’re able to attend to a specific source through what is called the ‘cocktail party effect,’” says Dan Stanek, Vice President and General Manager of OTTO’s Communications division. Stanek continues, “This is the ability of the brain to focus on a specific source in the presence of other competing sources, such as when a person is in a noisy room at a cocktail party. Audio segregation like this occurs because of several factors, but the strongest is the distinct spatial location of the independent audio sources.”

Designed to address those dynamics, E.S.P. applies spatial positioning as a tactical edge by funneling audio streams into four distinct channels heard around your head. The operator hears each channel distinctly from Left, Left-Front, Right-Front, and Right associating a physical position with each unique audio source. This untangles competing audio streams and increases comprehension so warfighters can maintain situational awareness and focus on mission objectives.

This first-of-its-kind solution is compatible with major radio platforms and offers modular compatibility with vehicular and airbase intercoms (ICS). E.S.P. meets MIL-STD-810G specifications and is software/firmware upgradeable allowing for future channel position options, ATAK PTT functionality, and more.

The E.S.P (Enhanced Spatial Positioning) PTT is available now from OTTO Communications. Contact GovTeam@ottoexcellence.com today for more information or a demonstration.

Posted in Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on OTTO Announces the Launch of the First Tactical Spatial Audio Solution for the Dismounted Warfighter

Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Ramps Ups As First Exports Roll Out

Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023

Defence manufacturer Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions’ Queensland artillery shell plant is growing exponentially as it takes another important step towards full-rate production.

The Maryborough factory’s workforce has more than doubled to 60 since this time last year, with another 30 vacancies to be filled by July.

The jobs surge comes as Rheinmetall Waffe Munitions CEO and Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Chairman Roman Koehne toured the $90m facility for the first time to congratulate the team on the first international shipment to Germany.

A consignment of 155mm shells produced out of Maryborough recently landed at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess Test Centre where they successfully completed dynamic testing.

RNM uses cutting edge technology to produce 155mm artillery projectiles and metal parts for other munitions used by the Australian Defence Force as well as allied countries.

Rheinmetall Waffe Munitions CEO and Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Chairman Roman Koehne with RNM Project Manager Jeff Crabtree, right, and NIOA Group CEO and RNM Deputy Chairman Rob Nioa at the Maryborough factory.

At full rate production, it will have a workforce of up to 100 with the ability to produce up to 100,000 projectiles a year running multiple shifts.

“Factories like this are the future,” Mr Koehne said. “The level of technology combined with highly-skilled people make this facility the most advanced of its kind in the world.

“The war in Ukraine has showed us that allied nations are increasingly looking for reliable sources that can manufacture the 155mm projectile.

“Rheinmetall has a great partnership with NIOA and together we believe that Maryborough has the potential to serve as a key link in the global munitions supply chain while building Australia’s defence manufacturing base.

“Germany, like Australia, requires certainty of supply for critical munitions to support our armed forces.

“We congratulate Jeff and the RNM team on what is an important milestone with the first batch of shells arriving at Rheinmetall in Germany.”

RNM Project Manager Jeff Crabtree said the demand for workers would continue as the plant accelerated capacity.

Roles include skilled and unskilled operators, trades and apprentices, quality control, IT and security, supply chain and administration support.

RNM staff with the first consignment of test shells exported to Germany

“This facility not only contributes to Australian and allied capability, but the benefits are clearly flowing through to the local economy,” he said.

“We have had some good success in attracting quality people from around the Wide Bay region, Queensland and internationally with a variety of skills and experience.

“As production increases, so will the demand to find more people. There are some great opportunities to be part of the team in a next-generation Australian defence manufacturer.”

Worldwide artillery supplies of the kind RNM produces are dwindling as the Ukraine war drains US and NATO stockpiles faster than they can be replenished.

155mm projectile on the Maryborough production line.

Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Deputy Chairman and NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said NIOA would continue to invest in future defence capability.

“NIOA is committed to growing our defence industrial base well into the future. High-tech factories like RNM play a significant role in delivering that capability,” he said.

“Being able to produce our own ammunition in Australia is not only vital to our national resilience but it creates new jobs and new technologies as well as export potential.”

The joint venture RNM factory has had multi-level government backing with a $28.5m injection from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund on top of $7.5m from the Queensland Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and support from the Fraser Coast regional council.

Posted in International, Munitions, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Ramps Ups As First Exports Roll Out

Another Major Order Worth Over €200 million Net: Rheinmetall Supplying European Country with Ammunition for Main Battle Tanks

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023

A European customer has awarded Rheinmetall a contract to supply tank ammunition. Worth over €200 million net, the ammunition will be delivered between 2023 to 2025. Following the major contract for infantry fighting vehicle ammunition reported in April, this is another significant order resulting from the current surge in demand for ammunition.

Rheinmetall is the sole single source supplier of newly made 20mm-35mm ammunition for medium-calibre automatic and antiaircraft cannon of the Marder, Gepard, Puma and similar systems; of 105mm ammunition for the Leopard 1 and 120mm ammunition for the Leopard 2; as well as 155mm artillery shells. Moreover, the Group has the capacity to make large-scale deliveries at short notice.

The Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise is one of the world’s top makers of weapon and ammunition systems. Its product portfolio ranges from medium-calibre ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles and air defence systems right through to aircraft cannon and high-energy laser applications. Rheinmetall is currently building an additional production line for medium-calibre ammunition at its plant in Unterlüß, which will enable it to meet heightened demand for air defence munitions starting this summer.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Another Major Order Worth Over €200 million Net: Rheinmetall Supplying European Country with Ammunition for Main Battle Tanks

Safariland’s Limited Edition M81 Woodland Camo Holster Now Available

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023

Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group®, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional, and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands, has released a limited edition the M81 Woodland Camo Cordura wrap for the 6304RDS and 6354RDS holsters.

In 1981, the United States Armed Forces adopted the first official Battle Dress Uniform. The camouflage chosen for the first BDUs was U.S. Woodland—a pattern well suited for use in dense forests of hardwoods and pines.

“Representing a significant military pattern, the M81 Woodland camouflage serves as a historical icon and is widely appreciated among the industry today,” said Eric Gasvoda, VP/GM of Duty Gear for Safariland. “Woodland is symbolic of the end of the Cold War, representing the period before the War on Terror and the legacy of a new millennium. We’re thrilled to bring to market these limited-edition holsters with fits for the top handguns on the market.”

The limited-edition 6304RDS and 6354RDS holsters are specifically designed for firearms with red dot sights. The featured Automatic Locking System (ALS®) locks the firearm in all directions upon holstering. The ALS is completely operable with the thumb, making it very intuitive to use; once the device is deactivated, a simple straight-up draw can be used.

Key features include:

• ALS® (Automatic Locking Systems) secures firearm once holstered
• For use with red dot optic-equipped weapons
• Includes QLS 19 Locking Fork
• 6304RDS MSRP: $259.75
• 6354RDS MSRP: $233.50
• SafariLaminate™ thermal-molded construction protects firearms and sights
• Suede lined to protect finish
• Cordura® nylon wrap finish reduces infrared (IR) signature

The M81 Woodland holsters come in a variety of popular firearm fits. To purchase and learn more about how Safariland is committed to building lifesaving equipment, visit Safariland.com.

Posted in Camo, Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on Safariland’s Limited Edition M81 Woodland Camo Holster Now Available

ApolloMilitary Elasticated Dive Mask Strap for Team Wendy EXFIL Rail System

Monday, May 1st, 2023

In order to meet the Australian Defence Force (ADF) SOCOM requirement for a dive mask to affix to their in service Team Wendy ballistic helmet Apollo Military have inhouse developed, engineered and had manufactured in Australia, an ApolloMilitary elasticated dive mask strap that fits both the EXFIL 2.0 and 3.0 Rail Systems.

This is shown below fitted to the Apollo Bio Metal Mask Stealth (non-magnetic) which is the worlds first anti-reflective mask built specifically for special forces & EOD teams; however, alternative Apollo dive mask options can be provided dependent on end use application, inclusive options more suited for SAR or swift water rescue teams.

NSN pending.

All global enquiries for supply of this Apollo dive mask strap for your Team Wendy EXFIL Rail System to info@apollomilitary.com

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, International, Medical, Press Release | 1 Comment »

U.S. Military Academy at West Point Defends Title at SIG Relentless Warrior Championship

Monday, May 1st, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 28, 2023) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is honored to announce the conclusion of the Fourth Annual SIG Relentless Warrior Championship. On Friday, April 7 through Saturday, April 8, 2023, over one hundred cadets from the United States Air Force Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Coast Guard Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, Norwich University, Texas A & M, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech and the Royal Military College of Canada competed in the SIG Relentless Warrior Championship at the SIG SAUER Academy in Epping, New Hampshire. The course of fire consisted of six mission stages that tested the marksmanship and leadership skills of our future military leaders. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point Combat Weapons Team defended their title for the third year in a row to earn the honor of 2023 SIG Relentless Warrior Champion.

“The SIG SAUER Relentless Warrior Championship serves as the capstone event for our club’s training throughout the year. It provides a unique test of shooting ability, physical agility, and problem-solving while engaging with peers from other service academies, senior ROTC programs, and allied nations. SIG’s superb facilities and world-class staff make this an unforgettable experience,” said MAJ Sean Marquis – OIC of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point Combat Weapons Team.

“The goal of the Combat Weapons Team is to develop highly proficient shooters, leaders, and instructors. From the moment a cadet joins the team, they begin an immersion into understanding firearms, the principles of marksmanship, physical fitness, mindset, combat shooting, accuracy, speed, and tactics. This cross-training of disciplines helps mold them into amazing tactical and competitive shooters,” continued Gary Salman, Head Coach, U.S. Military Academy at West Point Combat Weapons Team. “Every new season, we train with the intention of embracing the SIG Relentless Warrior mindset. This mindset helps instill the goals we have as a cohesive team. I am so proud of the accomplishments of our entire team, especially some of our new members who have never participated in a competition before. Thank you to SIG for providing this amazing opportunity to compete and bring together so many like-minded individuals who may someday be fighting side by side.”

Additional top awards for the SIG Relentless Warrior Championship are as follows:

Top Gun: Leon Ward, U.S. Military Academy at West Point

High Lady: Uta Givens, U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Top Shot: Awarded to the best shooter from each participating school:

U.S. Air Force Academy: Jeremy Kappel

U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Thomas Hughes Gill

U.S. Naval Academy: Jaimeson Hamsho

U.S. Military Academy at West Point: Leon Ward

Norwich University: Ryan Cranston

Texas A&M: Chance De Vos

Virginia Military Institute: Kevin Ryan

Virginia Polytechnic Institute: Christopher Campione

Royal Military College of Canada: Samuel Payne

“It’s an honor for SIG to host the SIG SAUER Relentless Warrior Championship and provide this opportunity for the cadets to compete and come together as they prepare to lead and serve our country and defend our freedoms,” concluded Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Profession of Arms, Shooting Sports | 1 Comment »