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U.S. Air Force And Archer Enter Into Contracts Worth Up To $142 Million Representing Landmark Investment In EVTOL Technology By U.S. Military

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023

• Archer has been partnering with the Department of Defense (DoD) since 2021 on a series of projects through the Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes

• This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to 6 of Archer’s Midnight aircraft, which the Air Force is targeting for use in personnel transport and logistics support, rescue operations and more

• This expansion of Archer’s partnership with the DoD represents a significant investment in the future of the country and will help ensure the U.S. maintains its leadership position in aviation

• The other military branches have the opportunity to leverage these contracts as a platform for additional projects, which could increase the total value of Archer’s DoD partnership

SANTA CLARA, CA, – Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, today announced that it has significantly expanded its partnership with the DoD by signing new contracts with the U.S. Air Force with a total value of up to $142 million. The new contracts signal the U.S. military’s recognition of the transformative potential Archer’s innovative eVTOL aircraft brings to our country’s Armed Forces. This new execution phase of the partnership includes the delivery of up to six of Archer’s Midnight aircraft to the Air Force, the sharing of additional flight test data and certification related test reports, pilot training, and the development of maintenance and repair operations. As a result of these contracts, Archer will create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

Archer has been partnering with the DoD since 2021 on a series of projects through the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program with the goal of helping the AFWERX Agility Prime program assess the transformational potential of the vertical flight market and eVTOL technologies for DoD purposes. Now, with Archer recently completing the manufacturing of its first Midnight aircraft, the DoD recognizes that with its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, target payload of approximately 1,000lbs, proprietary electric powertrain system, and low noise profile, Archer’s aircraft represents a potential paradigm shift in military aviation and operations. These aircraft hold the promise of enhancing rapid response, agility, and operational effectiveness across a wide range of mission profiles, from personnel transport and logistics support to rescue operations and more. Archer’s Midnight aircraft are expected to provide a much safer and quieter alternative to helicopters while being more cost-effective for the U.S. military to transport, operate and maintain in the field.

“This historic agreement reflects the steadfast commitment by our Armed Forces to embrace the cutting-edge technology our eVTOL aircraft offer,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s Founder and CEO. “It’s clear that the development and commercialization of eVTOL technology continues to remain a national priority. We look forward to working closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force to integrate Midnight into their operational fleet with a focus on transport, logistics and rescue operations.”

“It is our mission to ensure the U.S. continues to lead the world in developing and deploying emerging aerospace technology,” said Colonel Tom Meagher, the lead for AFWERX Agility Prime programs. “eVTOL aircraft represent the cusp of the third revolution in aerospace, and these aircraft and their descendents will drive advances in capabilities and efficiency. Our contracts with Archer Aviation provide the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Air Force the opportunity to play a role in ensuring from the onset, and as the technology evolves, that we unlock the many benefits these aircraft have to offer the U.S. military.”

“As a retired senior military leader who was responsible for U.S. forces, operations and activities throughout the continent of Africa, I’m thrilled with this agreement and its potential impact on the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” said Retired 4-Star General and Archer Government Services Advisory Board Member, Steve Townsend. “The United States has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and this partnership demonstrates our nation’s commitment to maintain that position. I commend the visionary leadership at DoD which led to this contract and Archer’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Archer announcing the formation of the company’s Government Services Advisory Board in May. The goal of the advisory board is to allow Archer to more fully engage with U.S. government and public safety agencies to explore opportunities to commercialize its eVTOL aircraft. The members of this advisory board are assisting and facilitating Archer’s direct engagement with appropriate government agencies and officials to advance both consideration and implementation of Archer’s eVTOL aircraft and related technologies. The board includes Retired 4-star General Steve Townsend, Retired 3-star Lieutenant General David A. Krumm, Retired 3-star Vice Admiral Ron Boxall, Retired 2-star General Clayton M. Hutmacher, Retired 2-star General Bill Gayler, and Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael J. Durant.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Contracts, Industry, Press Release, Research | 3 Comments »

Plumb Precision Announces the Submission of the P3-M110 PGS into PEO Soldier’s xTechSoldier Lethality Program

Thursday, July 13th, 2023

Plumb Precision Products is excited to announce its submission into the xTechSolider Lethality Precision Grenadier System.

The Plumb Precision M110 Precision Grenadier System (P3-M110 PGS) is a SDVOSB effort for a M110 rifle-based system. The P3 M110-PGS receivers are M110 pattern, re-designed to accept 17.5mm Ammunition. This developmental ammunition is a 17.5mm projectile fired from 12-gauge shotgun sized cases.

P3-M110 PGS Ammunition is low- or high-pressure rated. The Counter-Defilade ammunition is pre-programmed time of flight detonating (based on range) or point detonating. P3 will include Training, CQB/SUB-T, Breaching, Anti-Armor (SABOT/HEAT types), and Counter UAS (Flechette / EM discharge) ammunition types.

The P3-M110 PGS uses SR25 type magazines and has M4 type ambidextrous controls. The P3 M110-PGS is 8 lbs. empty (target of 11.5 lbs. loaded). The P3-M110 PGS is less than 34” long (target 28” long with suppressor).

The P3-M110 PGS has a Variable Power Direct View Optic. The DVO has a patented self-ranging etched reticle. It is ammo BDC matched including blast radius.

Targeting information is shown via Heads-Up Display with aiming reference points and numerical data. The targeting system has patent pending wind reading and sound locating (counter UAS) features. This data is transmitted via a patented encrypted network.

Plumb Precision Products will leverage existing technologies and industry partnerships to provide a system with unprecedented flexibility and lethality.

Posted in Press Release, Research, weapons | 4 Comments »

SOFWERX – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Pre-Release for Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) Range Finder

Monday, July 10th, 2023

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program will soon be accepting submissions for the technology area of interest below.

Special Area of Interest

PHASE I:
SOCOM234-003: Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) Range Finder

SOF ground forces require an improved capability for situational awareness allowing reliable and effective day/night observation and range measurement in a small, low-cost, easy to use device in primarily urban or near- urban environments with ambient light sources.

Current observation and range measurement solutions possess the following requirements:

• requires digital integration

• requires low-light or night capability

• Too large

• Cost prohibitive

• Require active emission of laser energy

• Lack user-assistance, limiting the effective range

• Lack feedback mechanisms that allow the user to be sure of their measurement

Potential solutions should hyper enable the SOF operator by interrogating a potential target with its integrated sensors, organizing that gathered information in a useful manor, and reliably disseminating it via Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) interface to the End User Device (EUD).

Potential solutions include integrated sensing solutions capable of aiding the user in detecting human sized targets at the maximum possible distance for both day and night urban environments. Solutions must enable the user to gather range measurements to target types that include, but are not limited to humans, vehicles and buildings. Solutions utilizing a laser transmitter for range measurement must maintain user safety by using a laser with wavelength greater than 1400 nanometers and also by not exceeding the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Class 1 laser hazard classification.

Potential solutions shall be capable of surviving all environments that SOF encounters, including immersion, transportation vibration, high and low temperatures, high humidity, high altitude, drops and shocks, rain, ice, sand and dust, salt fog, and electromagnetic radiation. Participants are encouraged to outline the design trades associated with surviving immersion at 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The innovative research should focus on solutions that can be adapted to meet the size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints listed below.

• Less than 18 oz. (1.125lbs) with power source(s) installed.

• Less than 64 cubic inches in volume, and not exceed 6 inches in either length, width, or height.

• Potential solutions must provide the operator with the following runtime profile before requiring a change of power source.

o Daytime: 30 minutes of observation including 75 range measurements; and

o Nighttime: 30 minutes of observation including 75 range measurements; and

o 20 Rapid Ranging Events: A Rapid Ranging Event can be described as follows. User detects an object of interest while not using the device. User then picks up the device and utilizes its range measurement capability until user is confident, they have an accurate range measurement to the object of interest.

Clarifying Information: The purpose of this effort is not to generate precise target coordinates. For any target coordinates that the integrated sensing solution can generate, it should be able to communicate those digitally into TAK with all associated errors.

Submissions Open 20 July 2023 12:00 PM ET (Noon). On 20 July, SOFWERX will host a virtual Q&A session for the area of interest. RSVP to the Q&A session at events.sofwerx.org/sbir23-4r3.

Posted in Optics, Research, SOF, TAK | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Pre-Release for Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) Range Finder

AFRL Collaborates with Industry Partners on In-Theater Alternative to GPS

Friday, June 16th, 2023

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO (AFRL) — The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, partnered with Luminous Cyber Corp. to develop a more resilient alternative to GPS for regions where coverage is not as reliable or where there is a risk of interference or jamming by malicious actors. Luminous develops alternative-position navigation and timing, or A-PNT solutions for navigation of crewed and uncrewed orbital, avionic, marine and mounted land-based systems.

Luminous submitted their in-theater GPS alternative through the Air and Space Force Tech Connect website, which helps entities from industry, small business and academia gain access to relevant Air and Space Force subject matter experts to provide opportunities to develop new technologies relevant to the U.S. military.

“The submission provides an alternative to GPS along with ultra-wideband secure communications links, an integrated capability needed by our warfighters,” said Dr. Nicholaos I. Limberopoulos, integration lead, aerospace components and subsystems technology at AFRL’s Sensors Directorate. “The submission met the needs for developing a needed integrated capability.”

Collaborating through the Tech Connect website, AFRL’s Sensors Directorate worked with Luminous Cyber to adapt their commercially available Location Information Service, or LIS, platform to provide resilient real-time geolocation and time synchronization information to warfighters in GPS-denied environments.

“We found out about the Tech Connect website through Aegis Creek, a team who specializes in helping small tech companies leverage non-dilutive funding to effectively bring ideas to market,” said Dr. Charles Barry, founder and CEO of Luminous Cyber Corp. “There are a large number of different ways to engage with Air Force and Space Force technical stakeholders. Tech Connect is one of the easiest and most responsive, and it’s well worth the effort.”

Strong collaboration with Tech Connect is key for continuous access to new technology ideas from industry and academia. The Tech Connect program has been a huge success, according to Limberopoulos.

Luminous Cyber sought to adapt their commercially available LIS platform, using their real-time network multilateration technology to include providing geolocation and synchronization data for fixed and mobile airborne Air Force assets in locations where GPS is less reliable because of the danger of outages, jamming, space weather impacts and geographical obstructions. Adapting an already commercially available option to work within the Air Force’s requirements also helped to provide a lower-cost solution than developing one from scratch.

“Luminous’ solution combines advanced algorithms, AI, machine learning and multi-sensor data fusion to provide the utmost in accuracy, safety and reliability,” said Barry. “Given the increasing reliance on GPS and the wide availability of inexpensive tools to jam, spoof and obstruct GPS transmissions, robust A-PNT tools are in high demand.”

According to Luminous, a clear and present danger exists to government and military assets in areas where GPS is not as dependable due to the dependence on GPS for A-PNT, data. Their LIS platform intends to provide an alternative to GPS in areas where signals are less reliable.

Luminous Cyber submitted the idea through the Tech Connect program in May 2021. After initial contact and determining that the proposal had merit, the AFRL Sensors Directorate reached out to Luminous Cyber and the Florida International University o proceed with further development.

“[Tech Connect] gives us confidence that no good ideas are rejected and that those considered and brought forth to us have a good chance of meeting our integrated capability development requirements and making a real difference to the warfighter,” said Limberopoulos.

After further development, Luminous Cyber was selected and funded and underwent a successful transition to a Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II with a project kick-off in June 2022.

“Our experience with the Air Force has been quite positive and helped us drive our technology from ideation to product,” said Barry. “A-PNT is crucial to the future of shipping and transportation because of the rise of technologies that can interfere with GPS.”

Jeremy Dunn Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Research, Space | Comments Off on AFRL Collaborates with Industry Partners on In-Theater Alternative to GPS

G-Form Awarded $1.2M Research and Development Contract by US Army Development Command to Advance Next Level Warfighter Protection

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI, June 6, 2023 – G-Form®, the innovative technology protection brand, is proud to announce its first with the U.S. Army Development Command – Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC).

The G-Form OTAp is for research and development of a prototype to create cutting edge soldier protection by utilizing its proprietary SmartFlex technology. G-Form will apply its material science expertise to develop improved shock-attenuation products that provide the most advanced knee, elbow, and head protection available to the warfighter.

“Innovation is essential in how we develop and build advanced protection products and we are excited to redefine the future of impact protection solutions for our warfighters, together with our partners at DEVCOM,” stated Glen “Gava” Giovanucci, G-Form’s CEO. “This work directly supports our American manufacturing capabilities and helps to ensure that the domestic industrial base remains fully capable of supporting the needs of the Armed Services.”

“I am committed to helping local companies compete and do business with the U.S. Department of Defense. The men and women of G-Form produce and develop a range of advanced protection products for our troops in the field and contribute to national defense. I am proud to see them recognized with this OTAp. It will keep more Rhode Islanders employed making cutting-edge protection gear for our troops,” said Senator Reed, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

www.g-form.com

Posted in Contracts, Materials, Press Release, Research | Comments Off on G-Form Awarded $1.2M Research and Development Contract by US Army Development Command to Advance Next Level Warfighter Protection

SOFWERX – Point of Origin Identification Collaboration Event

Friday, May 26th, 2023

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office – Special Reconnaissance (PEO-SR), will host a Collaboration Event (CE) on 26 July, 2023, regarding point of origin identification of organic and inorganic compounds in order to validate those compounds as authentic or counterfeit.

The accurate identification and detection of counterfeit products and their supply chain infiltration through the presence of organic and inorganic compounds present a pressing challenge that necessitates the implementation of advanced technologies. Despite the existence of visual inspection methods and basic authentication features, sophisticated counterfeiting techniques continue to undermine the integrity of various industries. Consequently, there is an urgent need for an innovative solution that harnesses the capabilities of a gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to enhance counterfeit identification, ensuring the safety and trust of consumers and suppliers as well as to identify and disrupt those supply chain networks.

GC-MS technology offers unparalleled potential in distinguishing genuine products from counterfeit ones by analyzing the chemical composition of samples. By separating complex mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds and subsequently detecting and quantifying them, the GC-MS can provide invaluable insights into the authenticity of a product and its point of origin. However, the current utilization of GC-MS for counterfeit identification remains limited, necessitating further research and development to optimize its effectiveness and integration into existing authentication frameworks.

By utilizing GC-MS technology in a comprehensive and systematic manner, USSOCOM seeks to enhance the reliability, speed, and cost-effectiveness of counterfeit identification, thereby safeguarding the interests of consumers, protecting brand reputation, and combating the detrimental impacts of counterfeit trade on the global economy. Specifically, the ability to detect unwanted fillers, additives, and foreign substances that are not normally present when compared against an analysis of similar authentic compounds is of high importance.

Request to Attend NLT 23 June 2023 11:59 PM ET. U.S. Persons Only.

events.sofwerx.org/identification

Posted in Research, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Point of Origin Identification Collaboration Event

SOFWERX Announces Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 23.2 and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) 23.B Pre-Release

Saturday, April 22nd, 2023

The USSOCOM Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small
Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs will soon be accepting submissions for the technology areas of interest below.

Special Area of Interest

PHASE I:
SOCOM23B-001: AI/ML Aided Aviation Sensors for Cognitive and Decision Optimization (STTR)
SOCOM232-002: Hokkien Low Density Language System (SBIR)
SOCOM232-003: Higher Density Handheld Radio Batteries (SBIR)

DIRECT TO PHASE II:
SOCOM232-D004: Digital Augmentation for Analog Systems (SBIR)

On 26 April and 04 May, SOFWERX will host virtual Q&A sessions for the areas of interest.

Submissions Open 17 May 2023

For more information, visit events.sofwerx.org/sbir23-2_sttr23-b

Posted in Research, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX Announces Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 23.2 and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) 23.B Pre-Release

DEVCOM Soldier Center Supports Development of Improved Liquid Cooling Garments

Thursday, April 20th, 2023

NATICK, Mass. — The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or DEVCOM SC, is supporting the development of new liquid cooling garments for prolonged in-field use. The cooling garments, a component of the microclimate cooling system, will help protect Soldiers from overheating, a condition that can lead to diminished cognitive and physical performance, heat injury, and in extreme cases, death.

The new garments are an improvement over the existing microclimate cooling garment, or MCG, and the environmental control vest, or ECV.

“The newly developed thermally conductive flame-resistant cooling vest, liquid cooling garment, is significantly — nearly 30 percent — more efficient in extracting body heat than the currently fielded ECV, and the new garment is 15 percent lighter,” said Joe Salmeron, a project engineer at DEVCOM SC. “With a higher heat extraction rate, warfighters are likely to have reduced thermal burden. This could lead to carrying fewer batteries and allow more time for mission execution.”

The liquid cooling garment, or LCG, can be seamlessly integrated into any protective garment using a cooling vest, including the Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency-funded S&T developing system, the Tactical All-Hazards Ensemble.

DEVCOM SC led the effort for the Phase II Enhancement of a Small Business Innovation Research agreement. Through the Small Business Innovation Research program, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center Air Warrior group contracted the small business, Oceanit. Oceanit was tasked with developing a high-performance, lightweight LCG.

Through this effort, Oceanit has created a highly effective cooling vest by incorporating its proprietary tubing material, Thermocore®. The tubing material’s thermal conductivity matches that of the human body, enabling effective heat transfer between the body and the coolant in the tubing.

DEVCOM SC and the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, or USARIEM, worked jointly to provide testing support that played a key role in the product’s development. DEVCOM SC and USARIEM conducted thermal manikin testing and modeling simulations to measure physiological thermal burden.

Due to the garment’s improved compressive fit, the garment doesn’t add bulk or negatively impact mobility. The garment also features custom manifolds that allows for the inclusion of additional items such as shorts, pants, sleeves, and cap.

The new garment is part of DEVCOM SC’s larger commitment to improving Soldier protection and performance while increasing lethality.

“Knowing that the cooling garments can make a difference for the warfighter by reducing heat injuries is very rewarding,” said Pratibha Sinha, DEVCOM SC’s project lead for the microclimate cooling program.

Story by Jane Benson, DEVCOM Soldier Center Public Affairs

Photos by David Kamm

Posted in Army, Press Release, Research | 2 Comments »