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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Germany Joins ESSOR – Rohde & Schwarz commissioned for national implementation

Sunday, February 23rd, 2020

Rohde & Schwarz has been named as the German industrial representative for the ESSOR project and is participating in the development of a European wideband waveform for tactical interoperability in multinational operations.

In mid-December 2019, the Budget and Defense Committee of the German parliament agreed to join the European Secure Software Defined Radio (ESSOR) project – the trans-European interoperability initiative for armed forces at the tactical level. Approval of the participation proposal also initiated national implementation of the current OC1 (operational capability) phase of the ESSOR wideband waveform, which is part of the large-scale project “Digitalization of Land Based Operations” (D-LBO). Rohde & Schwarz has been named as the national champion and joins the group of member-state companies that have been working on the implementation of ESSOR since 2008.

ESSOR is a long-term program, managed by OCCAR , in which the national champions from Italy, Spain, France, Finland, Poland and now also Germany are leading the joint enterprise a4ESSOR S.A.S. as prime contractor. The overarching objective is further development of capabilities in the area of secure communications technology to improve the interoperability of the armed forces. In concrete terms, ESSOR OC1 defines the joint development and updating of an interoperable, trustworthy, robust and wideband radio waveform for connected armed forces.

“Rohde & Schwarz is proud to take its place in the ESSOR community. With our experience in software defined radio and associated waveforms from many years of development of our own products as well as SOVERON D (known from the SVFuA development project) for the German armed forces, which is ramping up for series production in 2020, we are very well prepared for this. This is complemented by our expertise as an architect of secure communications networks and approval for encryption up to the highest classification levels in Germany, the EU and NATO,” comments Hartmut Jäschke, Executive Vice President of the Secure Communications Division and member of Corporate Management of Rohde & Schwarz.

The partner companies are Thales (France), Leonardo (Italy), Indra (Spain), Radmor (Poland) and Bittium (Finland), which have been developing the OC1 phase since 2017.

The high data rate waveform (HDRWF) developed for ESSOR OC1 is designed for operational and tactical unit command and IP connectivity at the brigade, battalion and lower levels. It features flexible configuration and adaptability to demanding scenarios, and it offers soldiers versatile and robust MANET networks on their national radio systems for combined missions and in the framework of territorial and collective defense.

With support from the European Defense Fund, ESSOR will be augmented with additional waveforms, for example for specific use cases or for air based operations. “The collaboration of European industry and provision of the most advanced commercially available SDR in the form of SOVERON D will give major projects of the German armed forces, such as D-LBO, an enormous boost in the connected, secure and jam-proof transmission of voice and data,” concludes Mr. Jäschke.

Alcon Braking Systems to be Part of Patria’s Breakthrough into Widening Military Markets

Saturday, February 22nd, 2020

Patria, a global market leader in the production of armoured wheeled vehicles, have been selected with their 6×6 platform to be part of a joint programme to develop sustained mobility enhancement for the Finnish and Latvian Armies.  Alcon Components Ltd, world-class specialists in brake and clutch systems, is the principal supplier of braking components for Patria’s heavy armoured vehicle range, and specifically the Patria 6×6.

Alcon has worked closely with Patria to determine the specific requirements aligned to vehicle specification, usage profiles and operating environment; developing a bespoke braking system to match the needs of high-performance defence vehicles.  With the exceptional performance of Patria’s wheeled vehicle range creating conditions close to that of a rally car in terms of disc and pad temperature cycling,  Alcon were able to draw on their pedigree of providing braking solutions for the top echelons of motorsport to develop exclusive calliper and disc mounting concepts for Patria; a fusion of those seen on heavy commercial vehicles and high-performance motorsport.  

The Patria 6×6 is acknowledged as being unrivalled in performance and mobility, setting new standards for all future armoured wheeled vehicles. Reliability is underlined by the multitude of commercial components used in the vehicle. Commercial components, long life-span and easy maintenance make the vehicle extremely cost-efficient; ideally matching the Finnish-Latvian programme’s aim to develop a common armoured wheeled vehicle system with enhanced mobility, cost-efficiency, interoperability and security of supply.  

Alcon braking solutions have been sought out by some of the world’s finest defence industry vehicle OEMs.  Amongst 18 defence and security equipment OEMs currently using or assessing Alcon systems, as well as Patria, Supacat, the designers of the Jackal, BAe, Ricardo and Jankel have turned to Alcon to deliver bespoke braking systems that fully meet the demanding requirements of the challenging, high-performance, modern-day battlefield.

 

Mr. Janne Räkköläinen, Vice President Vehicles, at Patria Land said: “Our 6×6 vehicle is designed to be operated in all conditions and it needs to deliver the solid performance throughout the various missions and operations. In addition to the performance, braking systems are safety critical elements of the vehicle so the complete reliability and fulfilment of requirements are top priority for us. We know we can rely on Alcon’s support and performance”.

 

Jonathan Edwards, Group Sales Director at Alcon said: “Alcon’s previous selection by Patria is an unqualified confirmation of Alcon’s status as a company that provides the finest bespoke braking systems to the global defence markets.  We’re delighted that the Patria 6×6 has been selected for this programme and we look forward to a continued strong relationship with Patria as the programme evolves.”  He added: “It is a key strategic company aim for Alcon to become the first-choice braking system supplier to defence vehicle companies across the globe. This recent announcement underlines our ability to deliver and become exactly that.”

 

Nevada Highway Patrol Transitions to SIG SAUER P320

Friday, February 21st, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (February 21, 2020) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the Nevada Highway Patrol has transitioned to the SIG SAUER P320 9mm pistol as their official duty pistol. The Nevada Highway Patrol is a division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety responsible for law enforcement across the entire state of Nevada with over 480 sworn Troopers.

“Our initial transition to the SIG SAUER P320 has been seamless, and our Troopers are impressed with the accuracy and superior performance of the pistol,” said Colonel Daniel Solow, Nevada Highway Patrol. “Our diverse group of Troopers is going to appreciate the custom fit of their P320, and having the ability to choose a grip size based on their personal preference due to the unique modularity that the P320 is known for.”

The P320 pistol is a modular, striker-fired pistol, available in full-size, carry, compact, and subcompact sizing. The serialized trigger group makes the P320 adjustable to multiple calibers, size, and grip options. The P320 is available in 9mm, .357SIG, 40S&W, .45ACP, with a choice of contrast, or SIGLITE Night Sights, and is also available in XSERIES and RXP models that include upgraded features including an optics-cut slide. The intuitive 3-point takedown requires no trigger pull for disassembly, and safety features include a striker safety, disconnect safety, and optional manual safety.

“SIG SAUER is honored to continue our long-standing relationship with the Troopers of the Nevada Highway Patrol through their selection of the P320 as their official duty pistol,” began Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice president, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “We are proud of the positive feedback we have received during their transition to the P320, and with the inclusion of the optics-cut on their slides they have the ability to easily expand the pistols capabilities in the future with the addition of a red dot optic.”

US Army Taps Persistent Systems to Develop Secure Comms for Robotic and Autonomous Systems

Thursday, February 20th, 2020

Company adapting MPU5 for contested manned-unmanned ops

For Immediate Release

NEW YORK, N.Y.—January XX, 2020—Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that it has been awarded a $5.4M contract by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center to develop Protected Communications for Manned-Unmanned Teams (MUM-T).

The Army envisions a next-generation Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) that can be networked with up to four unmanned Remote Combat Vehicles (RCVs) and their assorted sensor/weapons payloads – and, in turn, networked with the broader force and command structure.

For that to happen, these manned-unmanned teams will need a robust, secure, and high-throughput communications network.

“The Army wants RCVs that can be remotely operated in groups over very long distances, in cities, forests, and open terrain,” said Brian Soles, VP of Business Development for Persistent. “These manned-unmanned teams will also have to deal with the threat of enemy hacking and jamming.”

The MPU5 with its Wave Relay® MANET was previously selected by the Next Generation Combat Vehicle cross functional team (NGCV-CFT) and the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) as the MANET network of choice for RCV Phase 1 and has been under evaluation by the U.S. Army for over a year.

Persistent is a leader in the mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) domain. Its MPU5 forms a highly scalable, peer-to-peer network that does not rely on external communications infrastructure to operate or run through a vulnerable central node. The MPU5, which has already been deployed on a variety of unmanned platforms, has:

• An onboard Android™ computer, that hosts and runs command-and-control and situational awareness software;

• A 3×3 MIMO configuration with up to 10 watts of transmit power, providing a usable throughput exceeding 100 Mbps; and a

• Built-In HD Video Encoder/Decoder to distribute multiple real-time HD video feeds to team members on demand.

As part of its 14-month-long contract, Persistent is working with the C5ISR Center’s Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate to adapt the MPU5 to meet the anti-jam and cyber hardening demands of MUM-T operations.

“The application of the work done under this contract won’t be limited to vehicles,” Soles said. “The idea is to get these same hardened capabilities to dismounted soldiers, which will greatly enhance our ability to operate against more sophisticated adversaries.”

The development initiatives on this contract are already underway and will continue through 2020.

 www.persistentsystems.com

Adams Arms Announces New Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Thursday, February 20th, 2020

Brooksville, Florida – Adams Arms Holdings LLC is pleased to announce that Michael Halleron has joined Adams Arms as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Halleron will oversee all aspects of sales, marketing, and customer service. As VP of Sales and Marketing his initial focus will be on strategic sales plans to align with company goals, promoting sales growth, and customer satisfaction.

Michael comes to Adams with 20 years of experience in the firearms and firearm accessories industry in the Commercial, Law Enforcement and Military channels. He brings experience from multiple premium brands to the table, as well as, an established track record in increasing revenue and brand awareness. Michael’s career is multifaceted and includes being an independent rep, factory sales executive, two step distribution executive and past board member of the NASGW as well as the NSSF. He has also served on 3 NRA committees.

“We are thrilled to have Mike join our leadership team,” says Jason East, President, Adams Arms. “He brings amazing insight, leadership and energy to Adams Arms.  Mike has a proven track record in the industry and understands the value that our products bring to the marketplace.”

“I am excited at the opportunity to grow the Adams Arms customer base and brand,” says Halleron. “Adams Arms offers a variety of high quality rifles, parts, piston kits and a new 9mm handgun. Their patented AR adjustable piston driven systems are second to none and offer clean, cool and reliable shooting.”

For more information about Adams Arms, the P-Series lineup, or other inquiries, email pr@adamsarms.net or visit www.AdamsArms.net.

ZEISS T-Series Reticles Answer the Call for Long-Range Precision

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

T-Series Reticles Meet the Demanding Needs for Shooting and Hunting at Extended Ranges

White Plains, NY – February 18, 2020

ZEISS’ new ZMOA-T Series Reticles cater to hunters and shooters reaching out to longer distances for precise shot placement on distant targets, smaller targets, and smaller targets at longer distances. From the shooting range, to competition, to long-range open terrain hunting, the T-Series thin-line reticles offers an impeccably fast aiming solution and pinpoint accuracy.

The thin-line reticles are designed to cover the least amount of the target possible while maintaining sharp and easily visible lines that create a distinctive sight picture and aiming reference.  This gives the shooter higher levels of confidence in all shots taken, no matter how far down range. Each hash mark represents one MOA spacing. MOA references are easily identified with even numbers placed adjacent to the main vertical and horizontal lines of the reticle for quick reference. The floating center point of aim allows for precise shot placement, and floating dots left and right of the vertical centerline allow for windage calls and confirmation of bullet impact without guesswork.

“These new reticles are what serious varmint hunters, long-range hunters and shooters asked for, and we could not be more thrilled with the outcome,” said Kyle Brown, Director of Marketing/Product – ZEISS Consumer Products for Carl Zeiss SBE, LLC. “These new second focal plane reticles eliminate the guesswork from long-range shooting and ultimately produces precise shot placement and more accurate groups. Having the ability to clearly see small targets, and hold precisely on target at high magnification is invaluable at longer ranges—this, matched with ZEISS superior glass and components makes for a best-in-class riflescope.”

The Conquest V4 4-16×44 model hosts the ZMOA-T30 reticle and the Conquest V4 6-24×50 model incorporates the ZMOAi-T20 illuminated reticle. With the illuminated ZMOAi-T20, only the center point of aim illuminates for ideal low-light reticle illumination management. The designation of “T20” and “T30” represents the MOA hash marks available below the horizontal centerline of the main reticle.

To learn more about ZEISS T-Series Reticles, please view the following videos:

ZEISS ZMOAi T20 Reticle Introduction and Overview

ZEISS ZMOA T30 Reticle Introduction and Overview

To find out more about ZEISS Sports Optics, please visit:

www.zeiss.com/sports-optics

Kentucky State Police Trooper Saved With Granted Tourniquet From Spirit of Blue

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY – February 17, 2020 – The Spirit of Blue Foundation is pleased to announce its first verified save of a law enforcement officer with equipment granted through its safety grant program. On June 11, 2019, Kentucky State Police Trooper Brad Martin was taking part in serving a warrant in Perry County, Kentucky when he was fired upon and struck in the thigh. Other troopers with him quickly got him to cover, applied a tourniquet and rushed him to a local medical center for treatment. The tourniquet, now part of each Kentucky State Police trooper’s uniform, had been issued to each trooper just months before as a result of the Spirit of Blue grant. Trooper Martin has made a full recovery and returned to duty weeks later, crediting his survival to his fellow troopers on the scene and the tourniquet that was applied.

The Combat Application Tourniquet from North American Rescue, carried in a RIGID Tourniquet Case with High Gloss finish from Eleven-10, was issued to every Trooper and Officer with Kentucky State Police in September 2018. The grant was made possible by sustaining sponsor Law Enforcement United, who has contributed to Spirit of Blue’s safety grant program since 2016.

Brenda Tiffany, mother of KSP Trooper Cameron Ponder who was lost in the line of duty in September 2015, advocated for the tourniquet grant and was instrumental in its being awarded.  “Since the day I lost my son, I have looked for ways to help protect his brothers in Gray,” commented Tiffany. “I had no idea how those efforts were going to impact someone so close to Cameron.”

Trooper Martin graduated with the Kentucky State Police Cadet Class 92 in January 2015 and was a roommate with Trooper Ponder during their time at the academy.  Out of that cadet class there have been two troopers lost in the line of duty – Trooper Eric Chrisman and Trooper Cameron Ponder. Trooper Martin was almost the third.

“On June 11, 2019 I was participating in a warrant service when I was shot in the left thigh.  By the grace of God, I am still here today,” shared Trooper Martin.  “The prompt application of the tourniquet and quick action by my fellow brothers played a major part in limiting the extent of my injury and my ability to recover.”

Trooper Dan Smoot assessed the wound while Trooper Josh Richardson applied the granted tourniquet.  Trooper Chad Daniels helped the other two carry Trooper Martin to the patrol car used to transport Martin to the Hazard Appalachian Regional Medical Treatment Center.  The quick and professional action of these three troopers ensured Trooper Martin survived the encounter.

“This feels like the moment that we have all been working toward,” said Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue.  “We have one single mission, and that is to ensure officers have access to the safety equipment they need to protect themselves or survive a dangerous encounter.  To see this trooper’s life saved as a result of a piece of equipment we granted is overwhelming.”

Officer Down Memorial Page reported 135 law enforcement officers lost their lives in 2019.  On average, 150 officers are lost in the line of duty annually.  47 of those deaths were firearm related, which was the leading cause of officer deaths that year.  The reality of these statistics, and the increasing number of underfunded law enforcement agencies across the country, fuel the Spirit of Blue safety grant initiative.

The Spirit of Blue Foundation actively encourages the public at large to honor and appreciate law enforcement officers who serve and protect our communities. By supporting the Spirit of Blue Foundation, the public can make an impact in the lives of law enforcement officers every day. To learn more about the Spirit of Blue, or to become an annual member, visit www.spiritofblue.org.

GiantMouse Knives Introduces the ACE Biblio – Titanium Blue

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

Corte Madera, California, February 19, 2020 – Since its debut in 2018, the GiantMouse ACE Biblio has been extremely well received by knife enthusiasts worldwide. Given the tremendous success of the Biblio in canvas micarta, G10, and stonewashed titanium, GiantMouse is now pleased to offer this great little cutter in titanium anodized a beautiful blue.

 

The Biblio is an all-around EDC folder that looks good and performs even better, in the woods or in the city. A knife for both “Dives and Dance Halls” so to speak. The flat titanium scales on this model provide for a slimmer profile, allowing the knife to ride almost unnoticed in the pocket.

When using the Biblio you’ll realize how well it performs. Again, the ergonomics are spot on, and the nicely thin ground blade makes this a real slicer. By choosing the flat saber grind on this knife, they got a strong blade with a fine cutting edge that you’ll enjoy using. The use of Böhler M390 for blade steel makes the Biblio an exceptional cutting tool that will serve you well for years to come.

www.giantmouse.com