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U.S. Army Selects AeroVironment JUMP 20 Medium Unmanned Aircraft System to Enter Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) Program Increment 2

Thursday, March 2nd, 2023

• AeroVironment is the only company to secure an award for all FTUAS program increments, including FTUAS Increments 0,1 and now 2

• Increment 2 is the final phase of the U.S. Army’s FTUAS program competition to select a replacement for the RQ-7B Shadow UAS

The JUMP 20 is shown conducting flight tests and maneuvers on February 25-26, 2021, at Fort Benning, Georgia during the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) Rodeo. (Photo: Courtesy asset of the U.S. Department of Defense attributed to Mr. Luke J. Allen). The appearance of U.S. DoD visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

ARLINGTON, Va., March 1, 2023 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it was selected by the United States Army on Feb. 28, 2023, to move forward in the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) program.

AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 will compete with several other vendors in the FTUAS Increment 2 multi-phased effort which will allow the Army to select the best system for its needs. Ultimately, FTUAS Increment 2 aircraft will be fielded to Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) throughout the Army, replacing the long-serving RQ-7B Shadow UAS.

During the early stages of what would become the U.S. Army’s FTUAS program, AeroVironment’s JUMP 20 demonstrated superior competitive performance and was awarded the FTUAS Increment 1 contract to develop a prototype system to field to one Brigade Combat Team (BCT). Its success throughout the demonstrations led to AeroVironment’s contract award for FTUAS Increment 0, in which the U.S. Army fielded the JUMP 20 into an additional Army BCT within the United States Army Europe. AeroVironment is the only company awarded the FTUAS contract for all three program increments.

“The AeroVironment JUMP 20 is the most mature and capable solution in its class,” said Gorik Hossepian, AeroVironment’s vice president and product line general manager for medium unmanned aircraft systems. “We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army to ensure we meet their performance needs both today for an all-environment aircraft system and in the future as requirements evolve to meet changing battlefield demands.”

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on U.S. Army Selects AeroVironment JUMP 20 Medium Unmanned Aircraft System to Enter Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) Program Increment 2

Rheinmetall Supplying Ukraine with Automated Reconnaissance Systems – Order in the Two-Digit Million-Euro Range

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

At the behest of the German government, Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with automated reconnaissance systems. These are primarily used for monitoring large areas of terrain with as few personnel as possible. Rheinmetall is cooperating in this project with the Estonian company DefSecIntel. Known as the SurveilSPIRE, these reconnaissance systems consist of mobile surveillance towers with day and night-capable camera equipment, autopiloted mini drones and a control system. The scope of delivery also includes transport vehicles. The order is worth a figure in the double-digit million-euro range. Delivery has already commenced.

Made by Estonia’s DefSecIntel, the SurveilSPIRE surveillance towers can be loaded onto trailers and quickly transported to their area of operation. Assembly requires three personnel; operation is fully automated. The system includes wireless links (4G and Starlink) for video transmission to a mobile command post. Solar panels enable sustained operation without power cables or a fuel source. The system relies on autopiloted reconnaissance drones that conduct patrols and mission-specific flights. This enables inspection of detected threats and lets the operator initiate necessary countermeasures.

Rheinmetall is already taking part in several projects in support of Ukraine. On behalf of the German government, for example, Rheinmetall subsidiary Zeppelin Mobile Systeme GmbH is supplying Ukraine this year with a turnkey field hospital. Moreover, along with other defence materiel to help it repel the Russian invasion, Ukraine is taking delivery of 26 brand new high-mobility HX swap-body trucks.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall is a partner in multiple multilateral “Ringtausch” transactions. This procedure, developed by the German government, is designed to support the Ukrainian war effort in cooperation with Germany’s European neighbours and NATO partners. Here, NATO member nations transfer Soviet-era equipment to Ukraine in exchange for surplus Western-made systems.

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Ventus TR2 Is Now CE Certified

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Ventus Respiratory Technologies, a designer and manufacturer of specialized respiratory protection, is pleased to announce that our flagship particulate respirator, the TR2, has received CE certification under standards EN-140:1998 and EN-143:2021 P2. The certification, issued by British Standards Institute (BSI), verifies that the TR2 respirator meets the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards set out under the European Union’s harmonized legislation for PPE.

With this CE certification, the TR2 becomes the only CE-certified compact, and lightweight respirator explicitly developed for law enforcement, armed forces (LE/AF), and first responders.

The TR2 is a low-profile and low-burden particulate respirator that integrates seamlessly into soldier systems, law enforcement equipment, and first responder protection systems. Developed in collaboration with Tier 1 Special operations soldiers, the TR2 protects users’ health during training and operations in compromised, hazardous, and toxic environments. The TR2 protects against particulate threats, such as lead, silica, antimony, asbestos, dust, and other aerosolized particulate toxins. The TR2 features class-leading, low profile, lightweight design, and communications integration while maintaining seamless compatibility with helmets, ear, and eye protection.

The CE certification process involves extensive testing and assessment of the product and quality systems to meet specific health, safety, and environmental protection standards. Ventus Respiratory Technologies’ commitment to quality and meeting our customer’s high standards are reflected by this certification. Ventus is committed to providing end-users with purpose-built personal protective equipment that meets the highest standards and provides the best possible protection.

“Protecting soldiers is a leadership responsibility,” said Ventus CEO Arjun Grewal, retired Canadian Forces Soldier, “Respiratory health is critical to a soldier’s performance, long-term health, and survivability. No certified product like this exists on a standard scale of the issue, but it should. Gas masks are important against extreme acute threats, but as soldiers, we spend most of our time in environments where known chronic threats like lead, antimony, asbestos and other toxic particulate are abundant, I wish I had this equipment during my 20 year career. We know the TR2 will improve effectiveness in training and operations. It’s time every soldier, police, and first responder is offered this protection to protect against the hazards they face.”

Ventus Respiratory Technologies is dedicated to protect those who protect us. The TR2’s CE certification is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, reliable, and effective personal protective equipment.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 7 Comments »

Textile Business at Milliken & Company Successfully Eliminates PFAS from Portfolio

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Spartanburg, SC (Feb. 22, 2023) – The Textile Business of global manufacturer Milliken & Company announced it has successfully eliminated all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, from its textile fibers and finishes portfolio, becoming the first U.S.-based multi-market textile manufacturer to remove PFAS.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment and tribute to our team who worked around the clock to develop solutions that meet our customers’ performance requirements and reflect our purpose to positively impact the world for future generations,” said David Smith, executive vice president, Milliken & Company, and president, Milliken’s Textile Business.

The manufacturer announced in February 2022 an aggressive plan to eliminate PFAS as an ingredient in its textile portfolio by the end of the year. As of Dec. 31, 2022, the Textile Business at Milliken had removed PFAS-based finishes and fibers, which spans multiple industries including flame-resistant, military, uniform and decor fabrics.

Milliken’s Textile Business began evaluating its portfolio in 2020 and segmented its evaluation efforts between three areas of focus: durable water repellency (DWR), soil release and oil repellency. Alternative DWR solutions were readily available in the market through accredited organizations such as bluesign®. The Milliken research team assessed and implemented appropriate alternatives to maintain the performance and quality standards customers expect for DWR.

Soil repellency proved to be both a challenge and an opportunity for the Textile Business. Working with Milliken’s internal research team, a new soil release technology was developed and integrated into suitable textile applications without PFAS as an ingredient. The new technology, proprietary to Milliken & Company, has shown equivalent and, in some cases, superior performance to previous PFAS-containing finishes. Currently, the new technology is not an alternative to every soil-repellent finish application. After an extensive search and vetting process for alternative oil repellency, no alternative was found, and the company exited those lines of business as a result.

“Our work was intricate, and our team, including research and development, sourcing, compliance, sales, and many other functions, approached this initiative thoughtfully and with great care for our customers,” added Jeff Strahan, Ph.D., director of sustainability, compliance and research for the Textile Business. “We’re thrilled to be leading the industry in taking meaningful action that will have an immediate impact.”

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, Milliken no longer treats textiles with PFAS chemistry. This achievement follows Milliken’s recent announcement that its science-based net-zero targets were approved by the U.N.-backed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Posted in Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Textile Business at Milliken & Company Successfully Eliminates PFAS from Portfolio

Access and Opportunity: How the Naval Studies Certificate Starts the Journey of Lifelong Learning

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

OAK HARBOR, Wash. – AWO2 Brooke Graham was one of the first 34 students to complete the Naval Studies Certificate, a naval-relevant education program offered as a part of every associate degree program with USNCC.

“Petty Officer Graham, you have a visitor,” says one of the chief petty officers attached to the command. Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 2nd Class Brooke Graham, of Oakley, California, looks at the senior enlisted leader with furrowed brows. Sgt. Maj. Michael Hensley introduces himself and congratulates her on her recent completion of the Naval Studies Certificate.

“I’m used to being around Navy people all the time,” said Graham about her experience with USNCC. She said her interactions with active duty Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen in the five courses that comprise the Naval Studies Certificate “makes me take a step back and see how we fit in. It gave me more awareness of our place in the world and how our mission impacts it.”

Graham was one of the first 34 students to complete the Naval Studies Certificate, a naval-relevant education program offered as a part of every associate degree program with USNCC. These five courses were taught entirely online and asynchronously, giving service members access and opportunity to balance their work life with the pursuit of naval-relevant education.

“We can’t spend our way to victory,” said USNCC’s Sgt. Maj. Michael Hensley. “We need to educate our Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen if we want to invest in our success.”

“The Naval Studies Certificate is designed with fleet input to be both a part of the student’s associate degree and build skills the operating force needs,” said Russ Evans, associate dean of Naval Studies at USNCC. “Whether it is expeditionary advanced operating bases or distributed lethality, we will ask more junior individuals to make bigger decisions with less support more quickly. The Naval Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students for those challenges.”

The Naval Studies Certificate’s 15-semester-credit program is a stackable certificate within each of the associate degree programs offered by USNCC. These stackable certificates mean USNCC students will be able to build on the education they earn to develop a journey of lifelong learning.

“We want our Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen to continually progress in learning. Through continued lifelong learning, our men and women in uniform are key to enhancing operational readiness and advancing the warfighting advantage over our competitors and adversaries,” said President Randi R. Cosentino, Ed.D., of USNCC. “This Naval Studies Certificate program is a key component to ensuring the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard better develop the intellectual talent we have at all paygrades in the services.”

The Naval Studies Certificate program opened up for a pilot command-referral phase February 1, 2023. These Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will be directly referred by their commands as prime candidates to earn an independent Naval Studies Certificate.

“For the USNCC to be successful, we have to provide naval-relevant classes and content,” said Dan Goff, Ph.D., professor of Naval Studies and a retired Marine. “The only way we can really ensure that is feedback from the students, but also the commands where those students come from.”

After her studies, Graham was meritoriously promoted to petty officer 2nd class, a process that relies on the Sailor maintaining sustained superior performance as identified by command leadership. While the promotion was not the direct result of her education, Graham said the Naval Studies Certificate helped her take a step back and see how she fit into the bigger picture of the mission.

To learn more about the Naval Studies Certificate program, or to find out more about the command nomination program, go to www.usncc.edu.

The United States Naval Community College is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. To get more information about the USNCC, go to www.usncc.edu. Click on the Apply Now link to become a part of the USNCC Pilot II program.

From Chief Mass Communication Specialist Xander Gamble

Posted in Guest Post, Navy, Press Release | Comments Off on Access and Opportunity: How the Naval Studies Certificate Starts the Journey of Lifelong Learning

DroneOptID Firmware Update for Enhanced Drone Detection, ID and Tracking

Tuesday, February 28th, 2023

DroneShield is pleased to announce the release of the latest update for its DroneOptID platform.

DroneOptID is a computer vision-based system used to control various thermal and optical sensors, detect, classify and track small drones or UAV targets.

Customers enrolled in DroneShield’s DroneSentry-C2 with DroneOptID software subscription, receive quarterly updates to the proprietary DroneOptID classification engine. DroneOptID is a camera agnostic software solution and DroneShield offers multiple camera options along with it to support various customer use cases, performance and budget requirements.

Major upgrades include:

• Improved Scan Pattern Performance: Major performance improvement to the optical scan pattern algorithm for faster target acquisition from radar and RF detections.

• Improved Object Size Estimation: Significant improvement to the passive optical object size estimation, enabling dynamic optical distance estimation adjustments when distance was previously acquired by other sensors.

• Deep DroneOpt2 Integration: Full featured integration of the DroneOpt2 model supporting both thermal and optical feeds with DroneOptID classification.

• AI Model Optimisation: Detection model optimisation for faster acquisition and improved high-speed target optical tracking.

• Integration for Sensor Fusion Applications: DroneOptID provides data stream designed to integrate with Sensor Fusion based systems such as DroneSentry-C2.

• Reduced Optical False Detections: Expansion of the DroneOptID data sets, reducing false detection probability.

DroneShield DroneSentry-C2 Command-and-Control System with DroneOptID module

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, commented, “As the counterdrone industry matures and our end user community begin taking back control of their low altitude airspace, the use of electronic countermeasures becomes a vital part of the response action. Our partners often require visual confirmation of target prior to the use of such countermeasures. This DroneOptID quarterly firmware release expands the reliability, accuracy, and functionality of a critical piece of technology.”

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PEO Soldier Delivers CTAPS to Two Brigade Combat Teams in the Arctic

Tuesday, February 28th, 2023

Project Manager Soldier Survivability (PM-SSV) began the issuing of the Cold Temperature and Artic Protection Systems (CTAPS) system to two Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) of the 11th Airborne Division at Ft. Wainwright and Anchorage, AK on February 13, 2023. Soldier feedback on CTAPS will inform the Army’s next generation Cold Weather Clothing System requirement for protection in extreme cold weather operating environments, with a more modular, adaptable, and packable system.

PM-SSV in conjunction with the DEVCOM Natick Soldier Center worked tirelessly to fulfill the June 2022 Army directed requirement to outfit soldiers in Alaska in support of winter field training exercises, inform the Army long-term requirement for Arctic Clothing and provide the 11th Airborne Division with this improved interim capability.

CTAPS allows soldiers to effectively operate and sustain combat operations in extreme conditions increasing their ability to fight is temperatures as low as -65 degrees Fahrenheit.

The team transitioned the CTAPS from Science & Technology to production and began delivering CTAPS to the 11th Airborne Division within six months of receiving the Directed Requirement. This included transitioning three novel materials to production that had never been produced in large quantities by the industrial base, establishing production contracts with multiple vendors, and ramping up the entire supply chain to support this effort. Currently vendors are producing between 250-400 sets of CTAPS per day and 300-500 soldiers are being issued CTAPS every day.

Posted in Army, PEO-Soldier, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Qore Performance Leaves Loudoun County, VA, Moves to Knoxville, TN

Monday, February 27th, 2023

Knoxville, TN: Thermoregulation pioneer Qore Performance has moved to Knoxville, TN. Qore Performance called Northern Virginia their home since launch in 2016, but relocated to Knoxville, TN after a nearly two year long search for a location better suited to their long term growth needs. “The regulatory climate in Loudoun County is challenging for a vertically integrated design and manufacturing business like us,” remarked Co-Founder and CEO Justin Li, “the freedom, autonomy, and high quality people found in East Tennessee are a perfect match for us as we address the ever growing demand for our thermoregulation and performance enhancement solutions. We are excited to be here!”

With great people, a beautiful environment, and a strong manufacturing/logistics base, Qore Performance plans to invest heavily in East Tennessee over the coming years. The company is planning to break ground on a brand-new, purpose-built campus in late 2023/early 2024.

Welcome to Knoxville!