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Milrem Robotics Launches an Autonomous ISR UGV, the THeMIS Observe

May 29th, 2022

The European leading robotics and autonomous systems developer Milrem Robotics will launch a newly developed autonomous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) unmanned ground system THeMIS Observe that will be showcased during the fourth iMUGS project demonstration in Belgium.

“A UGV based ISR system significantly increases a tactical unit’s reaction speed on targets as well as the stand-off distance from enemy units,” explained Cpt (res) Jüri Pajuste, Defence Research Director at Milrem Robotics. “Thanks to that the capability and survivability of tactical reconnaissance units will increase considerably,” Pajuste said, adding that this type of capability is usually not available on one platform for light infantry units.

The THeMIS Observe is based on Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV and integrated with ISR equipment from various leaders in their fields. The system includes the Z:Sparrowhawk camera from HENSOLDT, the Squire radar by Thales, Metravib Defence Pearl acoustic shot detection and the ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System) by Rheinmetall. The system can also be equipped with a light remote weapon station.

“The combination of those systems allows units to do multi-sensor identification on one platform and react faster on emerging targets,” Pajuste added.

Additionally, the THeMIS Observe is equipped with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit that enables autonomous functions such as follow-me, waypoint navigation with obstacle detection and avoidance.

The THeMIS Observe will be demonstrated during the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) funded iMUGS project’s fourth demonstration in Belgium in June. The iMUGS project aims to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (EUGS). During the project, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

The system will also be on display at Eurosatory on Milrem Robotics’ stand in Hall 6 K 253.

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Milrem Robotics Launches an Autonomous ISR UGV, the THeMIS Observe

SCUBAPRO Sunday – SEALs Birthday

May 29th, 2022

On 25 May 1961, President John F. Kennedy, addressing a joint session of Congress, delivered a speech that most people remember as his challenge to the country to put an American on the moon before the end of the decade. The most important part of that speech you seldom hear about. But, it mandated that the military broaden its numbers and the use of Special Operation in all branches of service: “I am directing the secretary of defense to expand rapidly and substantially … the orientation of existing forces for the conduct of … unconventional wars. … In addition, our special forces and unconventional warfare units will be increased and reoriented. …”

The East Coast and West coast teams have always joked about what team is older, Team One, or Team Two. Team Two says they are because of the 3-hour time difference, and the west coast says they are because they supposal received their message to commission first. But this isn’t really about that. The SEAL Teams use 01 Jan 1962, the day the teams were commissioned as their birthday. But if you look through old messages, you can find about different dates that you could say should or could be the birthday of SEAL Teams. Before Kennedy gave his speech, the Navy and all the other branches had already started to plan for a new kind of warfare and a new group to fight it. The U.S. has just ended significant involvement in Korea and sent advisers to Vietnam around 1955, so we had an idea of what the next generation of warfare might look like.

“To augment present naval capabilities in restricted waters and rivers with particular reference to the conduct and support of paramilitary operations, it is desirable to establish Special Operations teams as a separate component within Underwater Demolition Units One and Two. An appropriate cover name for such units is “SEAL” being a contraction of SEA, AIR, LAND.”

– Vice Adm. Wallace M. Beakley,
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, 05 Jun 1961

I love that the name “SEAL” started as a cover name, I am sure they never thought of what that name would come to mean. I say that in a good way and also a little wrong. I miss the days of being quiet professionals.

The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Arleigh Burke, in a memo dated 11 Jul 1960, tasked Vice Adm Beakley with studying how the Navy could contribute to unconventional warfare. Beakley responded to that tasking in a memo dated 12 Aug 1960, saying, “Navy Underwater Demolition Teams and Marine reconnaissance units were the logical organizations for an expanded naval capability in unconventional warfare.” Beakley further recommended that a working group be formed to study how the Navy could “assist or participate” in covert operations. Then, on 13 Sept 1960, an Unconventional Activities Working Group was formed. Like the military now, the progress was slow, and on 10 Mar 1961, when the Navy’s Unconventional Activities Committee presented a mission statement for the new special operations unit and officially used for the first time the acronym “SEAL.”

Beakley sent another memo saying, “If you agree in the foregoing proposals, I will take action to establish a Special Operations Team on each coast.” Burke wasted no time in giving the green light. On 05 Jun 1961, the CNO issued a letter notifying the commanders in chief U.S. Atlantic, U.S. Pacific, and U.S. Naval Forces Europe about the Navy’s intentions regarding SEAL units. So, if you look at all the about dates, you can choose 25 May, 05 Jun, 13 Sept, 10 Mar or 01 Jan. I do not really care about what date that it happened on; I am just glad that it did, and I think it is good to look back at the process that went from idea to a finished product.

Oh, and Team Two is the Oldest Team.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History, Maritime, SOF | 1 Comment »

Remington Ammunition Helps Families Nationwide with Gun Club Cure

May 29th, 2022

Lonoke, Arkansas – May 24, 2022 – The newest addition to Remington Ammunition’s Gun Club product family, Gun Club Cure, is destined to help families nationwide. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this Gun Club line will benefit children’s hospitals and disease research. Proudly loaded in the U.S. with Remington components, Gun Club Cure delivers the trusted performance Remington is known for while giving back to those in need.

Features:

• Top-quality Unibody Hull, in a unique new hull color, Remington Blue.

• Made with trusted Remington components, including Gun Club Shot, carefully chose primer/propellants, the Remington Power Piston Wad® and premier hull construction.

• Available in two 12GA loads, including low recoil

“We are thrilled to bring Gun Club Cure to the 2022 new product lineup, and we couldn’t be more excited to help out such a good cause,” said Joel Hodgdon, Remington’s Director of Marketing. “These loads give Remington shooters a great opportunity to give back to those in need and the beautiful color of Remington Blue will stand out when you’re at the range showing your support of families in need.”

PRODUCT DETAILS

Gun Club Cure 12GA / 2-3/4IN 8 Shot 1100 FPS Managed Recoil / $11.99

Gun Club Cure 12GA / 2-3/4IN 8 Shot 1145 FPS / $11.99

More information about Gun Club Cure and all Remington Ammunition can be found at www.remington.com.

Posted in Charity, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Remington Ammunition Helps Families Nationwide with Gun Club Cure

Rheinmetall Supplies Austrian Armed Forces with Counter-sUAS System for Evaluation

May 29th, 2022

The Austrian armed forces have selected Rheinmetall’s C-sUAS system for a six-month period of testing and evaluation. In May 2022 Rheinmetall Air Defence AG shipped the latest version of its rapidly deployable counter-small unmanned aerial system (C-sUAS) to the Austrian military. The system comprises two shelter units, enabling rapid deployment on standard trailers and trucks. The sensor unit elevates automatically and can be equipped with various detection technologies, including X-band and S-band radar, passive emitter locator, ADS-B receiver and others if required. An integrated, stabilized 360° electro-optical PTZ sensor provides state-of-the-art verification and tracking capabilities.

Based on the tried-and-tested Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system, the separate C2 shelter is a fully fledged operator workstation. Skymaster delivers an outstanding level of sensor data fusion and multiple operational functions, including scalability to integrated target cueing devices and effectors for different countermeasures as well as links to higher echelons.

The Austrian armed forces will put the Rheinmetall C-sUAS system through its paces at several locations in Austria, gaining valuable expertise and experience by simulating air base protection, integration into other military units and providing C-sUAS protection in urban areas – a wise approach give the proliferation of emerging aerial threats. A major highlight will be a public demonstration of the C-sUAS at the renowned AIRPOWER 2022 air show at Hinterstoisser Air Base, home of the Eurofighter, near Zeltweg, Austria.

Rheinmetall Air Defence will lend its support throughout the next six months to ensure that Austria gets the maximum benefit out of the project.

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Rheinmetall Supplies Austrian Armed Forces with Counter-sUAS System for Evaluation

NRAAM 22 – EOTECH ELFX

May 28th, 2022

The EOTECH ELFX mini reflex sight is their first foray into pistol mini red dots.

It features a 3 or 6 MOA dot and features a top access battery compartment and the large rectangular window you expect from EOTECH.

Adjustments are in 1 MOA increments and there are 20 daylight intensity settings as well 10 night vision settings.

BATTERY LIFE:

Approx 25,000 hours (3MOA dot) at brightness level 5
Approx 20,000 hours (6MOA dot) at brightness level 5

Mounting profile is Leupold Delta Point Pro standard.

Hitting the street soon from www.eotechinc.com.

Posted in NRA, Optics | 10 Comments »

NRAAM 22 – Maxim Defense

May 28th, 2022

Maxim Defense showed off some enhancements to their integrally suppressed Ruger MkIV-SD pistol.

Based on the Ruger MkIV .22 LR pistol, they add their MSX suppressor. The pistol is offered by Maxim either with or without a Delta Point Pro optic but they’ve recently created two new accessories you can outfit your MkIV SD with.

There’s a new optics mount with integrated cowitness back up irons. There’s also an add-on so you can mount a light to the pistol.

Posted in NRA, Suppressors, weapons | 1 Comment »

NRAAM 22 – Nightforce Optics

May 28th, 2022

Nightforce has given us a real treat. It’s not often we get to see government contract optics paired with the actual weapons they were procured to work with. Nightforce had three set ups depicting their USSOCOM wins for the Ranging – Variable Power Scope (R-VPS), Precision-Variable Power Scope (P-VPS), and Squad – Variable Power Scope (S-VPS) contracts. As you can see, all of the optics are Dark Earth color for these contracts.

First up is the SU-393/PVS R-VPS which is an ATACR 4-20×50 F1 and used as an enabler for the Knights Armament Co SR-25 in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Next, the SU-296/PVS P-VPS is an ATACR 7-35×56 F1 optic paired with the Barrett MRAD, known as the Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle within DoD.

Last but not least, the SU-294/VPS S-VPS is a 1-8×24 ATACR F1 optic and used in conjunction with the M4A1 carbine which is also equipped by SOCOM with the Geissele Upper Receiver Group Improved (URGI).

Posted in Advertiser, NRA, Optics, weapons | 11 Comments »