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HENSOLDT Strengthens Exchange with Science Institutions

Monday, December 13th, 2021

Research projects at the University of Ulm provide insights into the digital “radar of the future”.

Taufkirchen/Germany, December 9th, 2021 – Sensor solution provider HENSOLDT is strengthening its cooperation with institutions from science and research. In a presentation at the HENSOLDT site in Ulm, scientists of the Institute for Microwave Technology at the University of Ulm presented the results of four research projects that HENSOLDT will incorporate into the further development of its product portfolio.

“The pace of technology development in electronics and sensor technology is increasing all the time,” says Dr Jürgen Bestle, Chief Technology Officer at HENSOLDT. “That’s why it’s extremely important for a sensor house like HENSOLDT to stay in close contact with research and absorb new findings.”

The work, supervised by professors Christian Waldschmidt and Christian Damm and commissioned by HENSOLDT, investigated various aspects of so-called next-generation “digital radars”. “Fully digital front-ends and multi-static radar systems that can be realised with them will expand the possibilities for sensing in the same way as the introduction of AESA radars has done in the last 10 to 20 years,” the participating experts from HENSOLDT’s development division are convinced.

The project cooperation with the University of Ulm, which started in 2021, is part of a comprehensive initiative within which HENSOLDT works together with research institutes, universities and colleges, evaluates further cooperation opportunities and supports young scientists in establishing a network in industry.

At HENSOLDT’s Ulm site, around 2,500 employees are involved in the development and production of complex safety electronics, including radars, electronic protection systems and high-frequency electronics. The majority of employees are engineers and technicians, and around 120 young people are currently undergoing training.

www.hensoldt.net

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SHOP Show Raeford – Wolfftracker

Friday, October 8th, 2021

Wolfftracker is a motion detector which is placed on a door or wall and detects movement on the other side via radar with the individual device lighting up with either visible or IR light.

Multiple Wolfftrackers can be used to determine the location of individuals within a building or individual room.

Wolfftracker by Jeral Innovations, LLC is offered by Mistral Group.

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OpEx 21 – Scintrex Trace by Autoclear

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021

Scintrex Trace displayed their handheld N2300 Trace Detector in the PSP Corp booth. It detects minute traces of cocaine, opiates, cannabis, hashish, methamphetamine, and other amphetamine-type stimulants.

Place the sample on the reusable sampling screen and insert it into the device. Sampling takes minutes and a results readout is available both onscreen of the device and via a printer accesory.

Posted in LE, OpEx, Sensors | Comments Off on OpEx 21 – Scintrex Trace by Autoclear

SOFWERX – Unattended Maritime Systems Optical Subsystems Assessment Event

Monday, September 27th, 2021

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM PEO Special Reconnaissance (PEO-SR) Program Management (PM) Office Technical Collection & Communications (TCC), will host an Assessment Event (AE) on 8 November, 2021, to identify technologies and techniques for Unattended Maritime Systems (UMS), in particular the SV-3 Wave Glider. The prototype optical subsystem will be integrated onto the SV-3 in time for a demonstration at a test event in July 2022.

Submit NLT 18 October 11:59 PM ET with details at events.sofwerx.org/ums.

Posted in Maritime, Sensors, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Unattended Maritime Systems Optical Subsystems Assessment Event

Rheinmetall and Escribano Demonstrate New Modules for the Mission Master SP A-UGV

Tuesday, August 10th, 2021

Rheinmetall and Escribano Mechanical & Engineering (EM&E) have collaborated in recent months in order to demonstrate two new Rheinmetall Mission Master SP modules carrying EM&E sensors and weapons systems. A series of demonstrations took place at EM&E’s new facilities in San Juan del Viso in the presence of Spanish government officials, including the Army chief of staff and international delegations. A demonstration for His Majesty King Felipe VI was also held at Viator in the Province Almería in southern Spain.

The demonstrations involved two Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs). For these activities, a Mission Master SP – Fire Support was equipped with the Escribano Guardian 2.0 Remote Weapon Station (RWS), while a Mission Master SP – Surveillance carried the Escribano OTEOS sensor package. Thanks to the mast-mounted OTEOS, the Mission Master SP – Surveillance successfully detected a threat and automatically shared its location with the Mission Master SP – Fire support, triggering a slew-to-cue. Various Mission Master control modes were showcased, including follow-me, autonomous navigation, and convoy modes.

Live firing with the Mission Master SP – Fire Support equipped with the Escribano Guardian 2.0 RWS in the Dillon Aero M134D configuration was conducted using UGV/RWS portable controllers integrated with a safety board architecture, allowing safe wireless firing. As with all Mission Master operations, targets are never engaged automatically. A human in the loop is always required for all kinetic decisions.

For Rheinmetall Canada, this series of demonstrations in Spain marks the first integration of an EM&E payload on its Mission Master SP A-UGV and its first collaboration with a Spanish company. This success underscores Rheinmetall’s mastery of system integration and the growing capabilities of its Mission Master family.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Robotics, Sensors, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and Escribano Demonstrate New Modules for the Mission Master SP A-UGV

BE Meyers & Co Announces MAWL-X1, New DoD MAWL Variant

Monday, September 16th, 2019

September 16, 2019 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is proud to announce the addition of MAWL®-X1, a United States Department of Defense specific variant of the company’s highly successful MAWL® (Modular Advanced Weapon Laser) line of high-powered aiming and illumination laser systems for individual and crew-served weapons.

In 2017 B.E. Meyers & Co. submitted a Flat Dark Earth, Near-Infrared / Visible MAWL® featuring the EC2 threaded Endcap to the Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) via the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, known as the MAWL®-X1. Following submission, PdM-SPTD procured it for Limited User Evaluations, which were conducted by various Combat Arms including units within the 82nd Airborne Division, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 2nd Infantry Division, among others. Approximately 766 MAWL®-X1 units have been fielded since 2018.

True Modularity

The MAWL®-X1 is a truly modular design comprised of three separate Head, Body, and End-Cap components, which allows it to be sustainable at a supply chain level. As an ambidextrous system, it can easily be configured for either right or left-handed shooters.

The “Alt Mount” Body allows for increased versatility across multiple weapon platforms, including the M4/M16, M27, M249, M240G, and precision rifles.

Superior Ergonomics

As with all MAWL® variants, the MAWL®-X1 is designed for intuitive operation: in the dark, under stress, and with gloves on. Featuring a simple switch mechanism with finely balanced power and divergence presets, the MAWL®-X1 allows for target transitions from close to long range in under a second.

Unparalleled Range and Clarity

B.E. Meyers and Co.’s optimized VCSEL technology delivers vastly increased performance, beam quality, beam clarity, and efficiency to the end-user. The MAWL®-X1 features balanced and stacked beams to increase situational awareness and overcome photonic barriers created by external light sources.

For more information on the MAWL®-X1 please click here.

For more information on procurement, please contact info@bemeyers.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release, Sensors | 16 Comments »

Streamlight Introduces TLR-VIR II Tactical Illuminator

Wednesday, July 31st, 2019

Low-Profile Light Features Three Functions, Adjustable Eye-Safe IR Aiming Laser

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 22, 2019 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the TLR-VIR® II, a lightweight, compact rail-mounted tactical light with a high intensity white LED, an integrated infrared (IR) LED illuminator, and Class 1 “Eye Safe” IR aiming laser with windage and elevation adjustment controls. The new light securely fits all long guns with MIL-STD-1913 rails and M17/M18 pistols.

The TLR-VIR II enables users to easily toggle easily between bright light and the IR illuminator/laser. This feature allows military and law enforcement personnel to remain in a proper firing position when making the transition from IR mode to white light, and vice versa. The light features a three-position mode rear selector switch, including IR illumination/IR laser, Safe Off (to prevent accidental turn-on), and visible illumination, that enables users to keep hands away from the muzzle during mode selection.

“The TLR-VIR II gives soldiers and first responders the ultimate in tactical lighting flexibility,” said Streamlight President Ray Sharrah. “With its high intensity white light and a long-running IR illuminator and Eye Safe IR laser for optimizing night vision, it’s an essential tool for those deploying with weapon lights.”

The new light, which is powered by a single CR123A lithium battery, uses the latest in LED technology for ultra-bright visible light, providing 5,000 candela, 300 lumens and a 1.5 hour run time. For IR lighting, the TLR-VIR II uses an 850-nanometer LED emitter with 600mW/sr radiant intensity, providing optimum illumination when using night vision equipment; it delivers a run time of 12 hours. Its IR aiming laser has fully adjustable windage and elevation settings.

The TLR-VIR II has an ambidextrous momentary/steady on-off switch. Like other TLR® models, the light has a rail clamp that can be easily attached and tightened with one hand, without the use of tools. The IR illumination/laser mode selection also features a tactile indicator on the light housing for switching modes with ease.

The TLR-VIR II is constructed from machined aircraft aluminum, with a coyote anodized finish body and a high-impact, chemically resistant polymer black switch housing.
The compact light weighs only 3.82 ounces and measures 3.30 inches long and 1.40 inches high. It uses a high temperature, shock-mounted, impact-resistant Borofloat glass lens. It is available in Coyote or Black.

Featuring extensively live-fire tested construction, the TLR-VIR II has an IPX7 rated design for waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It has an MSRP of $600.00.

About Streamlight

Based in Eagleville, PA, Streamlight, Inc. has more than 45 years of experience making tough, durable, long-lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialized needs of professionals and consumers alike. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights, and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/laser sighting devices, and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, and outdoor applications. Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. For additional information, please call 800-523-7488, visit streamlight.com or connect with us on facebook.com/streamlight; twitter.com/Streamlight; instagram.com/streamlightinc; https://www.linkedin.com/company/streamlight-inc.; and youtube.com/streamlighttv.

Tags: Streamlight
Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, Sensors | 13 Comments »

SPARTANAT: Andres Industries TILO-3Z+ in use with Special Forces

Saturday, June 8th, 2019

The TILO-3Z+ thermal was tested in military operation in Afghanistan for 12 weeks. Although the TILO-3Z+ was used on an almost daily basis, no technical problems occurred. Also, there were only minor traces of usage. This shows the absolute ruggedness and first-class workmanship of this small thermal imaging device.

The TILO-3Z+ was used as observation instrument mounted on a helmet as well as attachment to a scope 1.5-6 x 24 on an assault rifle. It was unproblematic to mount the device on an OpsCore Fast Ballistic helmet using the adapter provided. With the 30 mm adapter from ACTinBlack the TILO-3Z+ could also be easily attach to the scope.

Mounted on Helmet

It is standard to perform night missions with a night vision enhancement device in combination with a red dot sight. In our case the GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology as well as the Argus goggles from Theon Sensors were used. By attaching the TILO-3Z+ to the helmet, thermal imaging technology could be deployed quickly. The small form factor of the device facilitated this task. The GPNVG tubes are made with green phosphor. Therefore TILO-3Z+ was used with thermal filter “Cold Green” CG.

TILO-3Z+ could be easily positioned in front of the eye. It was compatible with the image enhancing technology. Both devices complemented each other perfectly. This increased the spotting ability of the user. TILO-3Z+ was used almost daily as shown on below pictures.

Later, the TILO-3Z+ was combined with Argus goggles. The goggles were installed as a monocular. The operator used them in front of his right eye, while in front of his left eye the TILO-3Z+ was mounted. To assure that both eyes are exposed to green light, also in this case the thermal filter “Cold Green” CG was applied. A clear image was obtained by collimation. This combination allows the use of both night vision techniques simultaneously which presented an invaluable tactical advantage.

The LEDs were also not used with the GPNVG goggles. This reason is: LED lights are positioned on front of the TILO-3Z+. If folded up, they point into the direction of the helmet. If folded down, they could be used but the TILO-3Z+ would block the field of vision of one eye, which is not ideal.

In combination with the Argus goggles the IR LED could be used. But with the ITT Gen 3 tube it was found to work only in total darkness due to its modest brightness (see also IR LED test).

Attached to a Scope

The TILO-3Z+ was attached to a scope from “Schmidt und Bender” 1.5-6 x 24 on an assault rifle. This was easy with the 30 mm camera adapter from ACTinBlack. Following the instructions from the handbook, zeroing and collimation was unproblematic.

During the tests steel objects (30 x 40 cm) were targeted at distances between 100 and 350 m. After being heated up by the sun they could be identified very well from 50 m. At distances from 150 m the limitations of the TILO-3Z+ in combination with a scope became apparent, as a proper identification of the targets was no longer assured.

The resolution of the sensor (320 x 256 pixel @ 60 Hz) in combination with the small objective and the attached scope are probably the limiting factors. To benefit from tactical advantages at more than 150 m, the premium model with 640 x 512 pixel in combination with a 3x ancillary lens should be choose.

It could be also considered to develop the TILO-3 further to become a clip-on thermal sighting system. To such a standalone device an adjustable crosshair would need to be added as well as a mount for a Picatinny rail.

In conclusion, the TILO-3Z+ mounted on helmet is an essential tool in tactical scenarios. Its thermal imaging capabilities provide strong support on the battlefield. Due to its low weight it does not disturb the user. The TILO-3Z+ is suitable only to a limited extend attached to a scope, as in this application its strengths are not fully exploited.

IR LED Test:

The IR LED of TILO-3Z+ was tested with following 3 different Gen 3 tubes for image enhancement to evaluate its brightness:

Goggles GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 L3 tube (green phosphor)
Goggles FGE from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 tube (white phosphor)
Goggles Argus Panoptes from Theon Sensors Gen 3 ITT tube (green phosphor)

First the brightness was tested with residual light in an urban environment. All 3 tubes were activated. The luminosity of the LED had no visible effect. An image analysis was not possible.

In a second trial a residential container was darkened out completely. A printed comic target was position in about 12 m distance. 3 pictures were taken with each tube: 1 without LED light, 1 with LED light at lowest setting and 1 with LED light at highest setting.

Goggles GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 L3 tube (green phosphor)

No LED

Lowest Setting

Highest Setting

Goggles FGE from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 tube (white phosphor)

No LED

Lowest Setting

Highest Setting

Goggles Argus Panoptes from Theon Sensors Gen 3 ITT tube (green phosphor)

No LED

Lowest Setting

Highest Setting

Conclusion IR LED Test:

The IR LED of TILO-3Z+ works with the Gen 3 tubes of known US manufacturers. The paper target could be identified easily as well as the depicted weapon. Precondition is complete darkness and a relative short distance to the illuminated medium. The range of the IR LED of TILO-3Z+ in combination with the 3 image enhancement goggles is 20 to 30 m (Note: The real images are significantly better, than those captured on photo.).

Overall Conclusion: The TILO-3Z+ was found to be a felicitous thermal imaging device which has enormous strength in combination with night vision enhancement googles. This device is also a useful companion at hunting grounds.
It was a pleasure to carry and test the TILO-3Z+. Many thanks to Andres Industries for this opportunity.

Comment by Andres Industries regarding IR LED test:
The boost obtained with the American Gen 3 tubes was far less effective than it would have been with European tubes as those enhance much better the longwave light emitted by the IR LED.

ACTinBlack: actinblack.lu
ANDRES INDUSTRIES: www.andres-industries-shop.de
SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

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