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General Robotics Showcases New Integrations at IDEX/NAVDEX 2023

Tuesday, February 21st, 2023

Moshav Beit Nehemya, Israel, 20 February 2023:


170M DETECTOR USV

General Robotics, Israel’s leader in Light Weight RCWS Systems and tactical robotics, highlights advanced integrations of the company’s systems over platforms from several manufacturers. The systems are displayed by several leading integrators participating in the IDEX defense exhibition and NAVDEX naval expo opening today in Abu Dhabi.

SHARK – Naval Light & Smart RCWS

On display is the SHARK, a remotely controlled weapon system (RCWS) mounting an M2HB .50 machine gun. SHARK is installed over the 170M DETECTOR, an autonomous vessel developed by the ADSB company and IAI. (Stand 05-A05)

Built as a rugged, robust, seaworthy system, it is versatile enough to operate remotely on a cluttered deck, scoring direct hits at a sea state up to 3, where the platform and targets constantly move. With SHARK onboard, operators can benefit from advanced automation, stabilization, and platform integration functions such as the intuitive ‘Point & Shoot™ technology’. The AI-driven fire control runs a target prediction algorithm (TPA) to align the projectile’s path and the target’s expected location and points the weapon in that direction. Only then is a burst fired. This technique has demonstrated a hit accuracy of over 80 percent.


Pitbull RCWS mounting the Sig Sauer MG338

PITBULL RCWS

The latest version of the PITBULL lightweight RCWS is shown in two configurations. One is shown by the Abu Dhabi company EDT, mounted on Plasan’s ATEMM, a ground robotic vehicle that can be deployed as an unattended weapon system. The ATEMM on display carries a stack of loitering weapons, self-protected by General Robotics’ PITBULL RCWS mounting the .50 CAL H2MG. (Stand 11-C07). The PITBULL is also displayed with the new MG338 at Sig Sauer’s Stand 02-B14.


PITBULL RCWS mounted on Plasan’s ATEMM.


Teamwork – DOGO and CHAMELEON.

Robotic Teamwork

The teamwork of two operational robotic systems developed by General Robotics is also explored. DOGO, a small tracked armed reconnaissance robot optimized for operations indoors, is now geared to work with Chameleon as a marsupial robot carried on DOGO’s back or thrown up to a higher floor or roof to enhance situational awareness and extend communications link. DOGO and CHAMELEON are on display at International Golden Group (IGG) at Stand 04-C20


PITBULL provides the hard kill element of UAE’s Resource Industries’ C-UAS suite.

PITBULL Anti Drone

Another version of PITBULL highlights the system’s anti-drone capabilities. PITBULL can be equipped with electronic effectors from D-FEND Solutions or Droneshield for soft-kill or employ a firearm with its sophisticated automatic target recognition, tracking, and advanced target prediction capabilities for hard kill. Resource Industries (Booth CP-050) shows the PITBULL Anti-Drone in this configuration.

Allen-Vanguard Develops Life-Saving ECM Capability for the UAE

Friday, February 17th, 2023

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency (RF) based terrorist and extremist threats, continues to supply and develop life-saving ECM equipment and capability to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) via their partner TRUST International Group LLC (TIG). Allen-Vanguard will be available at IDEX 23, in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre ADNEC (Booth #C3-006) from 20-24 February 2023.

Trust International’s main business is focused on military and defense products and has been working to meet the needs of the UAE Armed Forces and other government agencies since 2004, with specialization in sourcing suitable products, services, spare parts and integrated solutions. TRUST International has supported the supply of Allen-Vanguard’s world renowned ANCILE counter unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) / counter drone system and SCORPION portable EOD ECM to uplift and improve UAE’s defence capabilities in electronic countermeasures.

The use of drones for nefarious means is proliferating. In particular, there is an increase in use for close target reconnaissance and as a weapon delivery system, both in conventional and asymmetric operations; as being witnessed in current conflicts. Allen-Vanguard developed ANCILE to deliver outstanding RF inhibition to combat the wide variety of commercial drones that are available. The system can be remotely updated with optimized inhibition waveforms designed and developed using global threat intelligence gathered by our Threat Management Team (TMT). When optimized, ANCILE ensures a robust and effective 360 degree no-fly zone that can be applied to convoy protection, operational bases and static facilities alike.

Working with partners, the Allen-Vanguard’s Field Service Representatives (FSR) supported the customer to create a fully integrated vehicle mounted ANCILE capability that can be quickly transitioned (5mins) to a ground-based system to provide a simple and robust protective zone. This system has been previously successfully deployed at the G7 and other similar major events in the region. In addition, Allen-Vanguard have also provided their SCORPION portable ECM system, which is in-service with the most prominent Bomb Disposal Squads in Europe, the Middle East and the Southern Hemisphere; a first for the UAE.

Allen-Vanguard is committed to creating an indigenous capability that is locally owned and operated, so that sovereign nations have operational autonomy to detect, protect and deter terrorist threats, all backed by a first-class technical training and support infrastructure provided by Allen-Vanguard and their partners. This initial capability and support for the UAE is the first step in this process. The aim is to grow the necessary connections to local defence partners and academia, thus allowing regional initiatives to support all aspects of ECM capability from manufacture and assembly through to the most crucial aspects of threat management and advanced mitigation techniques.

Allen-Vanguard’s Business Director for Africa, Stuart Wilson, said “This is an excellent example of how we seek to create local capability to help defeat terrorist threats in the Middle East and North African region. I am very proud of the excellent systems that Allen-Vanguard designs and produces, but equally I relish working with the customer to help create and develop a fully integrated and supported local capability that will evolve and endure as the threat changes. For more information on what Allen-Vanguard can do to support your ECM capability please come and find us at IDEX 23.”

GA-ASI Partners with Divergent Technologies, Inc

Friday, February 17th, 2023

UAS Leader Integrates DAPS Digital Manufacturing Process

SAN DIEGO – 15 February 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the world’s leading manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), radars, electro-optic and related mission systems, is partnering with Divergent Technologies, Inc. (Divergent) to support its Additive Manufacturing applications development efforts and implement a full digital manufacturing process for GA-ASI’s products. Divergent has developed a data-driven approach to design, fabricate and assemble vehicle structures called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). GA-ASI is working with Divergent to apply this capability to manufacturing its line of UAS.

“Throughout our 30 years of designing and developing advanced UAS, GA-ASI has been focused on implementing new capabilities into our manufacturing process,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’re working with Divergent to integrate their technology as part of our Additive Design and Manufacturing Center of Excellence strategy, with the goal of optimizing our design and manufacturing processes and providing next generation UAS at the lowest cost.”

In 2022, GA-ASI began a joint development program with Divergent, which led to a stronger strategic partnership on multiple platforms. GA-ASI’s Additive Manufacturing (AM), aircraft integrity, material and design engineering teams are working with Divergent to adapt, apply and qualify its automobile industry-qualified technology to GA-ASI’s aircraft production. Divergent has grown within the automobile sector as a Digital Manufacturing process innovator, producing some of the fastest cars on the market with several recent car OEM adoption announcements.

“Divergent has invented the first industrial digital manufacturing system. Leveraging innovations in artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and automation, DAPS can be used to build the underlying structure for virtually any vehicle – whether land, sea, air, or space – better, faster and more cost efficiently than traditional manufacturing,” said Kevin Czinger, Founder, Lead Inventor & CEO of Divergent.

GA-ASI and Divergent have already completed two projects leading to a fully integrated small (< 500 lbs.) UAS aerostructure, leveraging model-based, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven, and topology optimized designs. The integrated metal structure was 3D printed, which led to the reduction of the part count integration by over 95% while meeting weight targets.

The DAPS process inspected each printed components by creating a full digital twin of the small UAS (SUAS) that was then applied to a fully automated, tool-less robotic assembly process that took less than 20 minutes to complete. This process enabled the team to go from a print-ready SUAS design to a fully assembled deliverable airframe in less than two days. GA-ASI anticipates this capability will enable near-theater ramp capacity in the future to support the warfighter.

This innovative approach to design and manufacturing leads to highly integrated weight and performance-optimized designs that are naturally, but not exclusively, leveraging AM technologies at a substantially lower airframe recurring cost, while providing a rapid tool-less iterative design approach for multiple platform variants.

Mine Extraction Kit Tipped To Be a Hit at IDEX 2023

Friday, February 17th, 2023

At this year’s IDEX show in Abu Dhabi (20-24 February 2023), a compact and lightweight personal mine extraction kit (PMEK) developed by survival equipment experts, BCB International Ltd (Stand 03-C46) is tipped to be a hit with visitors.

The detection of mines and IEDs presents a real challenge for dismounted military personnel. Having close to hand the means to detect these buried devices to safely navigate your way through an area laced with mines and IEDs is vital.

Weighing in at just 400 grams, the BCB Personal (IED and) Mine Extraction Kit (PMEK) is a compact, lightweight kit which fits neatly onto a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment) system. It is designed for dismounted soldiers as well as armoured vehicle crews to always carry when patrolling in an area of country where mines or IEDs could be hidden.

BCB International Ltd’s Managing Director, Andrew Howell, said: “The PMEK can be deployed and assembled in seconds.  It contains all the key components troops needed to help extract themselves out of a mined area, day or night. It can be quickly opened and easily accessed while still attached to a soldier’s waist belt or Body Armour.

Many thousands of our PMEKs have already been supplied to the Ukrainian forces.  We invite visitors to this year’s IDEX show to stop by our stand (03-C46) and take a closer look at this indispensable survival item for operations in areas where IEDs and other buried unexploded ordnance could be lurking.”

www.bcbin.com

Federal Sponsored Shooters Derrick Mein and Vincent Hancock Win 2023 World Cup Selections

Thursday, February 16th, 2023

ANOKA, Minnesota – February 15, 2023 – Federal Ammunition congratulates sponsored shooters and USA Shooting athletes Derrick Mein and Vincent Hancock for winning 2023 World Cup selections. The accomplishments occurred at the Shotgun Spring Selection Match that took place February 3-8 in Tuscon, Arizona.

“The weather conditions made it a tough battle,” said Mein. “Several members of the national team pushed me pretty hard, making it a tight race. Multiple spots on the team were decided by a shoot-off after the final. It was a thrilling event.”

With the wins, both Mein and Hancock earned the right to represent the USA at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar in March; the World Cup in Larnaca, Cyprus in late March; and the French Grand Prix in Paris, France in late April. Hancock will lead the Men’s Skeet National Team and Mein will lead the Men’s Trap National Team at those three Spring World Cup events.

“My Federal High Over All 24-gram shotshells helped pull me through a couple tough days of wind,” explained Mein. “Knowing I was using the best ammunition allowed me to focus on breaking targets and not worrying about the environment.”

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide. For more on Federal ammunition or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Team Remington’s Madison Sharpe Takes 1st Place in UAE

Thursday, February 16th, 2023

Lonoke, Arkansas – February 14, 2023 – Remington Ammunition is proud to announce that Team Remington’s Madison Sharpe won 1st place in the sporting clays Ladies Division at the inaugural Fujairah Mountain Shooting Championship in United Arab Emirates, Feb. 9-11, 2023.

“As we continue to showcase our talent across the world, I’m proud of Team Remington’s accomplishments and dominating performances,” said Team Remington Manager Mike Hampton Sr. “We congratulate and are proud of Madison for her win. Madison, and all Team Remington competitors never fail to deliver impressive performances across the board.”

Under the sponsorship of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, FMSC sets itself apart from other championships with challenging layouts and exciting side events. With breathtaking views of the surrounding Dubai area, participants from around the globe are immersed in a new clay shooting experience, competing against prominent shooters from over 40 countries.

Team Remington is comprised of an accomplished list of top shooters who continue to compete with the best in the world across trap, skeet and sporting clays competitions domestically and internationally. Utilizing Remington Premier STS Target Loads, Team Remington shooters continue to tally podium finishes and represent Big Green against the best shooters in the world.

Find Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

IDEX – WFEL Showcases Dual-Use Military Equipment

Thursday, February 16th, 2023

At next week’s IDEX Exhibition (20-24 February, Abu Dhabi) WFEL will showcase its DSB Dry Support Bridge, the world’s most technically advanced, rapidly deployable military bridge of its type; a 46m bridge can be constructed by a crew of 8 in under 90 minutes. With its Military Load Classification (MLC) of 120, this bridging system allows the heaviest of military vehicles to cross both wet and dry gaps.

The current growing state of readiness for many militaries around the world, combined with greater involvement of the military in support of natural disasters which have occurred in recent times, illustrates the strategic importance of the dual-role capabilities of WFEL’s bridging systems.

WFEL’s rapidly deployable bridging systems provide temporary infrastructure and have the potential to be used both in combat situations and natural disasters, greatly enhancing an Army’s capability to quickly manoeuvre across physical terrain as complex as rivers, ravines and man-made gaps

Already procured by the US, Australian, Turkish, Swiss and Philippines armed forces, WFEL’s DSB Dry Support Bridge is the longest non-reinforced bridge of its class anywhere in the world.  Using an innovative launching mechanism, the system is versatile and can be adapted to fit to a variety of host vehicles commonly used by armed forces, including RMMV Rheinmetall MAN 10 x 10 fully armoured military vehicles, in response to the increasing threats faced by armed forces in today’s ever more complex military scenarios.

WFEL will be located on the NEXTER booth CP-320, co-exhibiting with our colleagues from NEXTER and KMW.  

Rheinmetall Wins Major Order for Medium-Calibre Ammunition – 300,000 Rounds for Gepard Anti-Aircraft Tank

Thursday, February 16th, 2023

Acting on behalf of Ukraine, the German Ministry of Defence has tasked Rheinmetall with supplying 300,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft tank, which is now deployed by the Ukrainian military. The order value is in the low three-digit million euro range.

Rheinmetall will be supplying 150,000 rounds each of Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot – Tracer (APDS-T) and High Explosive Incendiary – Tracer (HEI-T) ammunition. This will enable effective engagement of a multitude of targets. The first APDS-T rounds will be delivered in summer 2023. A shift in production from APDS-T to HEI-T is scheduled to take place in mid-2024.

At its plant in Unterlüß, Rheinmetall is currently creating additional medium-calibre ammunition production capacity, which is due to go into operation in summer 2023. In building this new production line, Rheinmetall is responding to sharply increased global demand.

Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading makers of advanced weapon systems for air defence. The market leader in gun- and guided missile-based systems, it is the world’s sole single-source supplier of fire control technology, automatic cannon, integrated guided missile launchers and Ahead airburst ammunition.  Among its most advanced ground-based air defence systems is the Skyranger 30, mounted on the multipurpose Boxer wheeled armoured transport vehicle.