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The Wing Group Announces the Largest Contract Award in its 47-year History

September 15th, 2021

Arcata, Ca/Lafayette Ca. September 14, 2021

For Immediate Release

The Wing Group of companies have built deep, trusted relationships with elite users and consumers over a collective span of nearly 75-years. Built on a rich and authentic heritage of delivering confidence to people in the harshest operating environments in the world, the company brands have earned loyalty and recognition for designing and manufacturing innovative and high-quality product solutions.

The Company is thrilled to announce that the Department of Defense, on behalf of the United States Marine Corps, has awarded Wing Inflatables, Inc. the single largest contract in our company’s history.

“Wing Inflatables Inc., Arcata, California, is awarded a $31,921,100 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of up to a maximum of 904 Enhanced – Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft. Work will be performed in Arcata, California, and is expected to be complete by August 2026. “as quoted from the United States Department of Defense.

Wing inflatables has been working on an evolutionary new design based on next generation fabric for over five years. The new craft reduces operational stress by over 52% and significantly enlarges the potential mission profiles.

With this award, Wing Inflatables will need to add roughly 45 new positions in its current Arcata location.

Commenting on the award, Andrew Branagh, CEO of the Wing Group, “I don’t believe that there is a more focused center of excellence anywhere in the world for inflatable small combat rubber raiding boat design and manufacturing than has been created in Arcata California. This is a stunning achievement. With this evolutionary design, the team has changed the definition of an inflatable high-performance craft. This is an exciting time, and we are opening our doors for additional people to join the build team.”

The contract award required the first 10 boats to be delivered for first article testing in the 4th quarter of 2021.

Posted in Contracts, Maritime, Press Release | Comments Off on The Wing Group Announces the Largest Contract Award in its 47-year History

AUSA Announces Mandatory Vaccination Policy for 2021 Annual Meeting

September 15th, 2021

The Association of the United States Army‘s Annual Meeting is coming up next month in Washington, DC. Last night, the organization announced that attendees and exhibitors are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

An email sent out to vendors explains the situation on greater detail:

Proof of full vaccination will be required to attend the in-person event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Prior to the Annual Meeting, attendees will be asked to upload proof that full vaccination was completed at least 14 days prior to arriving in Washington, D.C.

Registered attendees will receive an email and a link to upload their vaccination certificate. If you haven’t registered yet, the upload process will be part of on-line registration by early next week.

This move will assuredly affect attendence at the event which we t virtual last year in lieu of an in-person event.

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BCB Exhibiting New Patrol Ration Cooking System at DSEi

September 15th, 2021

BCB International will be exhibiting at DSEI London 2021, where they will launch the newest product in the FireDragon range.

BCB International has been innovating and creating lifesaving products since 1854, when Dr Brown developed a cough medicine that was distributed to the British troops in the Crimean War, suffering in the trenches.

BCB International is a family-owned business and in 1949 Dr Browns Cough Bottle, or BCB Ltd was bought by Deryck Howell. In 1979, Andrew Howell developed the company further and set up BCB International which focused on designing and manufacturing survival equipment.

The company’s driving force, CANEI: Continuous and Never-Ending Innovation, sparked an array of unique survival products including shark repellent, first aid kits, ballistic protective underwear, dubbed ‘Blast Boxers’, camouflage cream and floating body armour.

FireDragon was created in 2015 by Andrew Howell to replace the toxic Hexamine blocks after two soldiers passed away from the fumes. FireDragon is a toxin free, eco-friendly, gel fuel which was taken on by the UK MOD in 2016 and is now used as their primary fuel source in the field.

The newest product in the range, the Patrol Ration Cooking system is an ultralight weight (20grams) cooker which will use varying sizes of the FireDragon, that are now available from 9 gram to 14 to the 28-gram fuel blocks.

The new cooking system is bespoke to the individuals requirements as needed by the user. Each set can include all non-food items such as water purification tablets, spork, waste bag, cooking handle, and toothpicks etc.

Due to the non-toxicity of FireDragon, the fuel can be packed within the ration kit, alongside food with no harmful effects.

As well as being eco-friendly and toxin free, FireDragon burns cleanly and can light even when wet to ensure it can be used in even the most extreme of conditions.

This year, BCB International’s primary focus shifted to develop lifesaving equipment in the battle against the Coronavirus, including an anti-bacterial and anti-viral hand sanitiser, among other protective equipment. Dr Browne’s has come out of retirement and is now the leading product in their Anti-COVID range as 80% proof hand sanitiser. BCB has been working 24/7 since March 2020, working closely with the NHS, police and, with governments around the world, suppling them with their essential PPE needs as well as donating PPE supplies around the world.

Today, BCB International supplies to mainly government departments (including the MoD, police and MoJ) and blue-chip companies in the defence and marine markets in 52 countries worldwide, with 40% exports. BCB’s retail and humanitarian sectors also continue to grow, building relationships directly with consumers and countries who need to survive in the extremes and when affected by natural disasters.

BCB International will be exhibiting a range of their products at DSEI, including but not limited to; camouflage nets, Blast Boxers, Floating Armour Torso System (otherwise known as FATS) and the boat stopping system. FireDragon demonstrations and samples of our Hand Sanitiser can be found by visiting the BCB International stand H2-600.

Posted in DSEi, International, Press Release, Sustainment | Comments Off on BCB Exhibiting New Patrol Ration Cooking System at DSEi

HENSOLDT and L3Harris Join Forces for NATO Surveillance Programme

September 15th, 2021

Taufkirchen, Germany, 14 September 2021 – Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT and L3Harris Technologies join forces to develop new capabilities for NATO’s Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) programme. Both companies have signed a joint strategic cooperation agreement to combine their respective skills in the areas of platform-independent mission solutions.

In the frame of the cooperation, HENSOLDT, with its track record in developing and manufacturing sensors and mission systems, will contribute, among other things, capabilities in the areas of active and passive sensors, sensor data fusion and network management capabilities.

“Next-generation surveillance requires an intelligent approach to platform-independent, networked high-end sensors, AI-based date exploitation and dissemination” said Jürgen Halder, Head of Strategic Projects at HENSOLDT’s Spectrum Dominance division. “L3Harris and HENSOLDT with their respective strengths are ideally suited to offer NATO the optimum solution.”

“Our team will explore open systems, multi-function solutions and data-centric concepts to sustain the NATO Alliance’s military advantage from 2035 and beyond“, said Dave Johnson, Vice President, Strategy, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris.

L3Harris and HENSOLDT are part of an international team that brings together NATO nations’ industrial expertise in surveillance and control. This team will analyse the risks and feasibility of technologies and components within its system-of-systems approach to enhance the NATO Alliance’s capabilities to 2035 and beyond. L3Harris’ international teammates share a common vision: to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of future NATO military operations through the procurement and integration of a multi-domain (AFSC) capability centred around the data enterprise.

Posted in ISR, Press Release | Comments Off on HENSOLDT and L3Harris Join Forces for NATO Surveillance Programme

USAF Defenders Beta Test New Weapons Qualification Course

September 15th, 2021

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) —

Defenders from across the Total Force are currently beta testing a new Air Force security forces weapons qualification course designed to enhance proficiency across the career field.

Developed by the Air Force Security Forces Center, a primary subordinate unit of the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, the proposed course will seamlessly instruct, test and evaluate weapons training for the more than 38,000 active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and government civilian security forces members.

Twelve active-duty bases, two Air National Guard bases and one Air Force Reserve base are currently participating in the one-year beta test, which began June 1.

“The weapons qualification course is a forward-thinking effort, focused on enabling Defenders to adapt to a changing operational environment. Together, we will organize, train and equip Defenders to remain the most proficient and ready force,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Collins, Security Forces director and deputy chief of staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection.

“This improved course of fire will allow our Defenders to focus more on weapons proficiency after initial qualification,” Collins added. “Once qualified on any weapon in our inventory, it is imperative to immediately start to build upon proficiency and repetition to create Defenders who are ready to operate in current and future environments.”

The four-block qualification course supports many of the 32 recommendations proposed by the Security Forces Defender NEXT Initiative. One aspect of the new initiative seeks to modify weapons and tactics capabilities with a focus on air base ground defense as a foundational requirement for Defenders across the Total Force.

Although a viable rifle and carbine qualification course is currently in place for security forces, “senior leaders recognized a need for enterprise-level change with an emphasis on continuous and realistic training across the career field,” said Jason Seibel, AFSFC chief of Air Force combat arms at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

The course, in testing, incorporates training on a quarterly basis rather than annual weapons qualification, as is currently the case for Airmen and Guardians in the security forces career field. This transition to proficiency training integrates four blocks of training:

Block 1: Carbine marksmanship fundamentals and simulator training
Block 2: Short-range combat training and shoot, move and communicate skills training
Block 3: Limited visibility engagement training and virtual reality scenario-based training
Block 4: Marksmanship qualification and live-fire proficiency training for select Defenders

“The course provides instructors with what is called a building-block instruction method,” Seibel said. “Each block of training builds on the previous block. Defenders must successfully complete Blocks 1, 2 and 3 before taking the final qualification block. In this way, we develop Airmen from the novice, who graduates basic military training, to the expert Defenders who attend our advanced course, ensuring proficiency throughout their careers.”

Tech. Sgt. George Henry III, 355th Security Forces Squadron combat arms instructor at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, which is one of the test sites for the course, said it’s giving the career field a standardized way to accomplish weapons proficiency.

“This new course of fire will be used to pave the way for how Defenders qualify throughout the entire enterprise. Defenders will be shooting, moving and communicating during the entirety of the course,” he said.

Throughout the training, Defenders and combat arms instructors at each of the 15 test sites will provide data and feedback to Seibel and other combat arms training team developers at AFSFC. When beta testing ends May 31, 2022, the AFSFC team will analyze the input from the test sites and finalize the policy guidance with the goal of implementing the course by October 2022.

“This new course … benefits all Airmen who are charged with protecting our assets day and night. Today’s threats are evolving and our Defenders need to as well,” said Staff Sgt. Logan Goode, 355th SFS combat arms instructor. “Our Defenders will become more versatile and agile than ever before, allowing for better base defense and operations abroad.”

Story by Joe Bela, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public AffairsPublic Affairs

Photos by SrA Alex Miller

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Training | 1 Comment »

Luminae Scrim Ties

September 14th, 2021

Luminae Scrim Ties are laser cut sections of MultiCam fabric that can be easily tied to a helmet or scrim net to create a scrim camouflage effect.

Each pack contains 15 individual scrim ties.

www.Luminae.co.uk

Posted in Camo | 2 Comments »

Saab’s Next Generation Combat Boat on the Thames

September 14th, 2021

Travelling for the first time outside of its native Sweden Saab’s Combat Boat 90 NG (CB90), a new generation of this fast assault craft, has toured the Thames visiting London landmarks. The combat boat will be shown from 14-17 September at the DSEI exhibition taking place at ExCeL London.

Photo: Jamie Hunter

Building on the previous generation of more than 250 boats operating worldwide, the CB90 Next Generation (CB90 NG) features new capabilities. Designed to swiftly transport marines and other forces, CB90 NG is renowned for the ease by which troops can rapidly get on-shore and depart again, be it a beach or an awkward, elevated rocky shore. Depending on the mission, CB90 NG can take on different roles such as to search for threats, share intelligence, rapidly deploy troops and attack the enemy. CB90 NG includes a new combat management system and sensors for surveillance, ballistic protection, as well as further improved stealth, manoeuvrability and speed. By providing amphibious forces with multi-mission capabilities, CB90 NG is an even more potent means by which to project force from the sea.

“It’s great to have CB90 NG here in London on its first visit outside of Sweden. We are proud of our combat boat and the capability it offers to our partners, and feel privileged to show it off to Londoners on the Thames today,” said Magnus Lewis-Olsson, Chairman of Saab UK.

CB90 NG has potential applications with specialist military units such as the Royal Marines Future Commando Force and the Littoral Strike Groups. The example of CB90 NG seen on the Thames and shown at DSEI this week was recently delivered to the Swedish Navy, with the designation Docksta CB 90HSM. It is representative of how CB90 Next Generation is customised to meet a customer’s requirement, and DSEI gives armed forces the chance to see and learn more about this adaptability in person.

The exceptionally fast and agile combat boat has a top speed well beyond 40 knots and can carry up to 21 amphibious troops with full equipment. Additionally it can be armed with large calibre machine guns, a MK19 grenade launcher, naval mines and depth charges, as well as Saab’s own Trackfire (a remote weapons station that enable weapons to fire with superb accuracy whilst the boat is on the move).

CB90 Next Generation will put on displays twice-daily as part of DSEI’s waterborne demonstrations outside the main hall. Saab is welcoming visitors to DSEI to come along to where the craft will be docked on the Royal Docks to see CB90 NG for themselves.

For over 40 years Saab’s relationship with the UK has empowered defence and security personnel, shared technological developments and helped to keep Britain safe. As a pioneer of innovation, Saab is committed to developing leading-edge technologies and capabilities that drive interoperability and provide the UK with the upper-hand over challenges and adversaries. Saab UK’s collaboration seeks to bring together the best of British and Swedish engineering.

Watch video of the CB90 in action here.

Posted in DSEi, International, Maritime, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Beretta Launches M9A4

September 14th, 2021

Beretta has just announced the M9A4 which is based on the design of the 92F/M9 series with new modern features that include a red-dot optic compatible slide, a beveled magazin e well, and texturized Vertec-style thin grips.

www.beretta.com/en-us/m9a4-full-size

Posted in weapons | 3 Comments »