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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

AeroVironment Awarded $10.5 Million Puma LE Unmanned Aircraft Systems Foreign Military Sales Contract for U.S. Ally

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

• Puma LE (Long Endurance) provides Group 2 capabilities in a Group 1 footprint and features up to 6.5 hours of flight endurance for an extended time on station – all in a two-case mission packout

• Customer joins growing number of allied government forces fielding AeroVironment’s advanced, battle-proven small unmanned aircraft systems

• Foreign Military Sales program promotes interoperability among U.S. and allied forces for joint operations


Puma LE weighs only 23.5 pounds (10.7 kilograms) and is launchable by hand or bungee, making it easy to deploy and recover in any environment. (Image: AeroVironment, Inc.)

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 9, 2022 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it received a $10,534,348 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract award on Jan. 21, 2022. The contract includes the delivery of Puma™ LE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over a six-year period to an allied nation, as well as add-on air vehicle kits, initial spares packages, training and support.

“With the adoption of Puma LE and other AeroVironment small UAS, customers are equipping their frontline forces with the ability to see and operate beyond the horizon, gathering on-demand intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance that can ultimately save lives,” said Trace Stevenson, AeroVironment vice president and product line general manager for small UAS.

Weighing only 23.5 pounds (10.7 kilograms), the ultra-lightweight Puma LE is hand or bungee launchable. The aircraft comes equipped with the Mantis™ i45 gimbaled EO/IR sensor suite and secondary payload bay with dedicated power supply and Ethernet for a total payload capacity of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms). On-board batteries provide up to 6.5 hours of flight endurance with an operational range of 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) when used with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA) and Puma Smart 2500 Battery.

AeroVironment’s small UAS comprises the majority of all unmanned aircraft in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) inventory, and its rapidly growing international customer base numbers more than 50 allied governments. To learn more, visit www.avinc.com.

UF PRO Reimagines the Iconic M65 Parka and Creates the M2 Parka, Available for Purchase Soon

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

TRZIN, SLOVENIA (15 February 2022)—UF PRO today unveiled its new survival jacket, the M2 Parka. The garment is designed to be the all-in-one survival jacket for use in cold, moderately rainy conditions.

Company sources revealed that the M2 Parka is based on the design of the iconic M65 parka.

“The M65 was in its time one of the finest survival jackets ever made, but it lacked features that today’s operators want and need,” a UF PRO official said. “So we reimagined the M65 as a parka for today and named it the M2.”

The company explained that the spark-resistant, near-totally noiseless M2 Parka is constructed of comfortable yet rugged EtaProof® fabric, an advanced-technology cotton blend that keeps out moderate precipitation and wind while at the same time preserving interior warmth.

The parka’s hood is a waterproof, two-layer PU laminate attached by means of UF PRO’s innovative Hood/Harness® system. The Hood/Harness® system prevents the headpiece from obstructing field of view when the wearer looks up, down, and side-to-side.

Other key features include multiple oversized pockets and anti-thermal bridge air/pac® padding.

According to UF PRO insiders, the M2 Parka is priced at 399€ and is available in Olive or Black colour.

The M2 Parka will be available for purchase at the company’s online store here.

For more information, contact UF PRO at: support@ufpro.si

Milliken & Company Commits to Eliminating PFAS from Textile Finishes and Fibers

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

Textile Business launches PFAS-elimination initiative as part of Milliken’s global sustainability strategy 

Spartanburg, S.C. — Today, global manufacturer Milliken & Company announced a commitment to eliminate all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, from the company’s textile finishes and fibers portfolio.                                         

Sustainability is a core value of our company, and we are and have always been on a quest for continuous improvement,” shares Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken & Company. “As part of our sustainability journey, we are committed to finding innovative and meaningful solutions to reduce our environmental impact. While we do not always begin our journey with perfect information, we strive to make adjustments as new information comes to light.”

Milliken’s Textile Business plans to eliminate all PFAS-containing materials from its portfolio by December 31, 2022.

“As a values-driven company, we’re always evaluating the needs and demands of the markets we serve. Our promise to our customers is to engineer the highest-quality protective and performance textiles, and our purpose is to positively impact the world for generations,” said Chad McAllister, executive vice president, Milliken & Company, and president, Milliken’s Textile Business.

www.milliken.com

U.S., U.K. Armies Agree to Share FVL Program Info

Tuesday, February 15th, 2022

LONDON – Army leaders from the United States and United Kingdom signed a Future Vertical Lift Cooperative Program Feasibility Assessment project arrangement on behalf of their respective countries’ services on Feb. 14, 2022, pledging to work together to ensure interoperability between the two nations’ future rotorcraft aviation forces.

Under the arrangement signed by Maj. Gen. Walter “Wally” Rugen, the U.S. Army Future Command’s Future Vertical Lift Cross-Functional Team director, and Major-General James Bowder, Director Futures, the two nations will share information about their future rotorcraft requirements and programs. They will also explore and analyze new concepts for the employment of coalition air power in the lower tier air domain, the air space where Army aviation typically operates. Through this joint analysis, the U.S. and U.K. will be able to assess the benefits, risks and overall feasibility of rotorcraft cooperation between the two allies. This arrangement is in addition to an already existing partnership the U.K. has with the U.S. Army and Navy that aims to reduce the divergence between the two countries’ open system architectures, a key component to keeping pace with emerging technology and rapid adaptability and capability evolution.

Program objectives include:

·         Identify opportunities to reduce future rotorcraft program cost, schedule, and performance risk.

·         Enable and improve rotorcraft interoperability and integration between the armed forces.

·         Assess the feasibility of and identify and assess risks associated with pursuing future cooperation in the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, production, sustainment, and follow-on development of future rotorcraft.

·         Provide the two nations with information for use in their respective national decision-making processes.

·         Promote future rotorcraft cooperative RDT&E.

·         Develop plans for cooperation in future phases of the U.S. Department of Defense FVL program.

“The Army completed Project Convergence 21, our largest Joint experiment in 15 years, last fall and this year PC22 will include allied nations,” Rugen said. “Arrangements like these will ultimately improve our capabilities and strengthen our forces, focusing on joint lethality, survivability and reach, while ensuring affordability for both our countries.”

The U.S. and U.K. have a long history of partnership and cooperation in Army aviation, and the FVL project arrangement is an important step in expanding that relationship into the next generation of vertical lift capability and employment in future coalition operations.

“As you would expect the British Army has an extremely close and productive relationship with the U.S. Army,” said Maj. Gen. James Bowder, the British Army’s Futures’ Director. “Together we are stronger. Our deep science and technology collaboration is an important element of this and makes us both more competitive. Today’s agreement formalizes our cooperation to help determine the future direction of aviation in competition and conflict.”

U.S. Army Futures Command is modernizing Army Aviation with transformational speed, range and lethality achieving decision dominance for the Joint Force in Multi-Domain Operations. The two nations will assess collaboration opportunities on the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, the U.S. Army’s top two aviation modernization priorities, as well as Future Unmanned Aerial Systems, Air Launched Effects, and Open Systems Architecture, among other DoD programs.

The office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation is responsible for negotiating International Armaments Cooperation agreements like this one with the U.K. Leveraging foreign technologies, capabilities and investment supports U.S. Army readiness, modernization and interoperability goals.

 – US Army Futures Command

Milrem Robotics Delivered the THeMIS Combat UGV to Thailand

Monday, February 14th, 2022

At the end of last year, the European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics delivered the THeMIS Combat unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to the Defence Technology Institute (DTI).  The Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), as it is known, will be tested and evaluated by the Royal Thai Army and DTI in the near future.

The RCV comprises of the THeMIS UGV and the R400S – Mk2-HD Remote Weapon Station (RWS) by the Australian Space and Defence company Electro Optic Systems (EOS). The RWS also includes the Northrop Grumman M230 LF cannon.  Milrem Robotics is also the system integrator for the RCV.

“It’s our honour to be the robotic systems partner with Royal Thai Army and DTI. This is a significant delivery and deployment for the Milrem THeMIS. It demonstrates that the THeMIS can master very challenging environments. Also, the successful integration of a 30 mm weapon system brings THeMIS’ firepower to the next level. Cooperation with DTI will grow the local robotic technology capabilities in Thailand in terms of the local assembly and system integration,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

The THeMIS Combat UGVs provide direct fire support for manoeuvre forces and act as a force multiplier. With an integrated self-stabilizing remote-controlled weapon system, they provide high precision over wide areas, day and night, increasing stand-off distance, force protection and survivability. THeMIS Combat UGVs can be equipped with light or heavy machine guns, 40 mm grenade launchers and Anti-Tank Missile Systems.

The THeMIS UGV has already been acquired by 12 countries, including several NATO members. In addition to providing the unmanned vehicle, Milrem Robotics, in cooperation with end-users, is engaged in several systems integration projects.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope Unmanned Ground Vehicles and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The THeMIS supports dismounted troops while the Multiscope is intended for civilian use such as forestry and firefighting.  The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is a wingman for mechanized units.

Milrem Robotics is the leader of a consortium that was awarded 30.6M (EUR) from the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS).

During the project, titled iMUGS, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

Federal Ammunition Announces New Personal Defense HST in 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum 

Monday, February 14th, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – February 11, 2022 – Federal Ammunition announces new line options to the HST product family with the addition of Personal Defense HST 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum. Continuing to build off an already extensive line of personal defense ammunition options, the addition of these magnum loads gives users a reliable and effective personal defense option for revolvers.

“When it comes to choosing a caliber for personal defense, the 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum continue to be popular choices,” said Federal Ammunition Handgun Product Director, Mike Holm. “A big reason for the continued popularity of these calibers is the preference to carry a revolver for everyday carry. We are excited to add these new loads to the already proven line of HST Personal Defense handgun ammunition.”

Reliability is key especially when it comes to choosing self-defense ammo. To remove any doubts of performance, the HST 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum boast a nickel-plated case for long-term corrosion resistance. The high-performance primer ensures consistent ignition when it is needed most. 

“Users that want to carry a magnum caliber for personal defense, want to utilize the full benefit of them. The specially engineered 104-grain 327 Federal Magnum and 154-grain 357 Magnum HST Jacketed Hollow Points were designed to take full advantage of magnum cartridges with consistent terminal performance,” continued Holm.” The bullet still has to perform well in personal defense scenarios. This is why the HST JHP was built to pass through a variety of materials without plugging up. The bullet jacket and core hold together to provide nearly 100-percent weight retention through common defensive barriers.”

The HST 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum join an already proven line of Personal Defense HST products that include 30 Super Carry, 9mm Luger, 9mm Luger +P, 357 SIG, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 45 Auto, and 45 Auto +P. 

For more information on all products from Federal Ammunition or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Aspetto Wins Prime 8(a) STARS III Contract

Monday, February 14th, 2022

Aspetto, Inc. was recently awarded the Government Services Administration (GSA) 8(a) Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services (STARS) III Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC)

Aspetto, Inc. (Aspetto) is honored to announce the award for GSA 8(a) STARS III GWAC by the US General Services Administration. 8(a) STARS III, is GSA’s fourth-generation 8(a) Multiple Award, Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (MA-IDIQ) Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC). Under this contract Aspetto will provide information technology (IT) services and emerging technology-based solutions along with supplemental support services essential and integral to Aspetto’s IT services being acquired.

Aspetto CEO Abbas Haider stated, “STARS III contract awards are reserved exclusively for qualifying SBA certified 8(a) prime contractors, and Aspetto is eager to begin the delivery of our fundamental IT services in continued support of U.S. national security.” Aspetto, Inc. is appreciative for the trust and opportunity to add yet another great contract vehicle to its ever-growing portfolio and looks forward to continuing to have our customers covered, From Tactical to Technical.

8(a) STARS III is a five-year contract with one three-year option, $50B contract vehicle specifically set-aside for Small Business Administration (SBA) certified 8(a) companies for IT services.

Federal’s New Punch Personal Defense Ammo In .44 S&W Special Brings New Life To A Classic Cartridge

Monday, February 14th, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – February 7, 2022 – Federal Ammunition is proud to announce an expansion of one of the most exciting lines of defensive loads to hit the market in years: Federal’s Punch ammo. Since its launch in 2020, Federal’s Punch has won several industry awards for its effectiveness and performance. New for 2022, a .44 S&W Special load has been added to the award-winning product line.

“We saw a need for a reliable, accurate, terminally effective option for the .44 S&W Special that doesn’t have to be the top scoring product in duty ammunition test procedures,” said Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. “So, we looked at specifications from our Hydra-Shok Deep, HST and other bullet designs, and took what made sense for Punch. We modified the thickness of the jacket, skive depth, hollow point geometry and even differences in lead cores to build the recipe for Punch in .44 S&W Special.”

Federal Ammunition has been a leading producer of law enforcement ammunition for more than thirty years. Drawing on knowledge built over three decades, the company recently set out to develop a new self-defense load that would provide excellent overall performance in the .44 S&W Special chambering. This 180-grain jacketed hollow-point bullet provides a great option for common self-defense scenarios, such as an extra-heavy clothing test using ballistic gel. Punch is engineered to function equally well in both revolvers and carbines chambered for this classic cartridge.

“Shooters need a simple answer to the ‘What ammo do I need for self-defense’, question,” said Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. “Things to consider such as function, reliable ignition, barrier performance, terminal performance, ballistics and other considerations are a lot to digest for most people. What some consumers really need to know is it will function in their gun, every time, and that it will be effective stopping a threat as quickly as possible. Punch’s .44 S&W Special is our easy answer for them.”

Most concealed carry permit holders are less concerned with factors such as barrier penetration through steel, plywood and auto glass. They are more concerned about choosing a bullet that is engineered from the ground-up to stop an attacker and work effectively in their chosen firearm. And, as the data shows, Punch bullets perform well in the tests that matter most to the average shooter. Federal has made Punch ammunition a natural choice for concealed carry.

Punch ammunition’s .44 S&W Special Load features Federal’s high-quality brass cases, advanced powders, and the sealed reliability of high-quality, sensitive primers. With Punch, self-defenders can be confident that their chosen load will out-perform comparably-priced competitor rounds. The new Punch option joins the .380 Auto, .38 Special +P, 9mm,.40 S&W and a .45 Auto loads released in 2020.

The new Punch option is a .44 S&W Spl. 180-grain offering with an MSRP of $35.99 per box of 20.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.