Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Summit Bags

September 17th, 2021

Get your gear squared away. Enter FirstSpear Summit Bags. They’re American made with a zipper closure. FirstSpear summit bags are ultralight, extremely durable and feature a wide variety of sizes. From small (1 liter) to 2XL (56 liters), there’s a summit bag to fit all your gear needs. They also come in a tough 70-denier ripstop material or a mesh that allows your gear to breathe. Colors include orange, black, manatee and coyote.

Also available are the Padded Summit Insert is built to fit directly into your existing summit bags the padded insert is a high-density low profile foam designed to fit perfectly inside your summit bag and offers padding to help protect sensitive items during transport while inside another larger pack or bag.

The sky’s the limit on applications. From organizing inside larger bags or packs, hauling loose rounds, storing electronics or simply keeping gear organized and easy to grab, summit bags have you covered.

Dimensions:
• Small (1 liter) – 4″ x 4″ x 4.5″
• Medium (2 Liter) – 4″ x 4″ x 9″
• Large (7 Liter) – 6″ x 6″ x 12″
• XL (11 Liter) – 6″ x 10″ x 12″
• 2XL (56 Liter) – 12″ x 12″ x 24″

For more information check out www.first-spear.com/summit.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Summit Bags

Rheinmetall New Strategic Partner of the Bundeswehr for Deployed Operations Support – New Line of Business Launched

September 17th, 2021

Rheinmetall new strategic partner of the Bundeswehr for deployed operations support – new line of business launched
The German Bundeswehr has awarded Rheinmetall a framework contract as part of its “Deployed Operations Support” project. The agreement was concluded in August 2021 with the Federal Office for Infrastructure, Environmental Protection and Bundeswehr Services (BAIUDBw). Germany’s armed forces will be able to count on a reliable partner to set up, operate and, when necessary, dismantle operational infrastructure. Rheinmetall is one of three companies selected by the Bundeswehr to serve as a strategic partner for deployed operations support. The contract went into effect upon signature and has an initial duration of four years, with a triple option for a one-year extension. During this period, Rheinmetall is obligated to provide services when called upon by the Bundeswehr.

The selection of partners for providing deployed operations took place within the framework of the “German Armed Forces Contractor Augmentation Programme (G-CAP)”. Initiated by BAIUDBw, this project requires private sector service providers to supply troop support services during deployed operations. In adopting this policy, the Bundeswehr joined a global trend: many other armed forces rely on service providers to perform such tasks. Experts estimate that global sales for these services are worth around €350 billion annually.

Rheinmetall is positioning itself to address this growing international market. The Düsseldorf-based Group has set up a company for this purpose, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, which will consolidate and develop resources and capabilities necessary for operational support of this kind and seek to provide services on a long-term basis. This new business area will operate in close collaboration with Rheinmetall Canada, whose special technological know-how is set to expand internationally.

In addition to the G-CAP framework agreement, Rheinmetall Project Solutions recently won a service contract for round-the-clock monitoring of a forward operating base using a tethered surveillance aerostat.

As Dr Deniz Akitürk, managing director of Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH puts it, “We are pleased by this success and proud of having been picked by the Bundeswehr as a partner for infrastructure during deployed operations. We can assure our customers that the name Rheinmetall will stand for maximum reliability, performance and flexibility in this new field of business.”

G-CAP is primarily intended to relieve the troops and let private industry set up the operational infrastructure, thus enabling the Bundeswehr to conserve resources and focus on its core mission in high-threat situations. Deployed operations support is a core capability, ranging from the establishment of forward operating bases to the creation of permanent operational infrastructure. This includes, for example, accommodation, water supply, power generation, rations and mess halls, waste disposal and laundry services.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall New Strategic Partner of the Bundeswehr for Deployed Operations Support – New Line of Business Launched

TEKEVER Launches TEKEVER ATLAS for UAV Real-Time and Historical Processing Data

September 17th, 2021

DSEI, September 15th, 2021 – TEKEVER is demonstrating during DSEI (London, 14-17, 2021) its new TEKEVER ATLAS, a tool to enhance Unmanned Aerial Systems missions. It provides advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics onboard for real-time and historical processing of data. Designed for key decision-makers, TEKEVER ATLAS delivers intelligence onboard, as well as ground-based tools, and assures that the right person gets the right information at the right time.

“TEKEVER ATLAS is a tool that extends the capabilities of TEKEVER’s unmanned technology. It allows you to collect all the information and to explore it after it’s been collected. ATLAS is a good name for the systems because it holds all the information that we are gathering about the world. It connects to multiple UAS systems at same time to collect data of the sensors that are on board (optical video, infrared video, radar, multispectral sensors, static aperture radars, for example). That information comes over a private network and gets collect in our AI/ML-powered datacenter, where all the information is stored and tagged”, explains Paulo Ferro, TEKEVER Director of Business Development

Decision-makers will be able to plan missions more effectively by easily including parameters such as areas of interest, objectives, and targets. This will enable the end-user user to review the specific details of any mission, and to easily retrieve historical data necessary as evidence for prosecution.

Posted in DSEi, International, ISR, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on TEKEVER Launches TEKEVER ATLAS for UAV Real-Time and Historical Processing Data

NP Aerospace Awarded Contract Under the UK MoD’s Vehicle Support Capital Spares Framework Agreement

September 17th, 2021

NP Aerospace confirms it has been awarded a contract under the UK MoD Vehicle Support Capital Spares Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement (VSCAPS). Further details will be announced to the market over the coming weeks.

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace: “NP Aerospace has an extensive history of providing through life vehicle spares and engineering support for the UK MoD’s fleet of vehicles. Our award of the VSCAPS contract continues this legacy into the future and reinforces NP Aerospace’s long-term commitment to the UK MoD’s fleet of vehicles and personnel who depend on them.”

The multi-year contract covers the full range of British Army vehicles and cements NP Aerospace’s position as a tier one supplier.

Members of the NP Aerospace Vehicle Systems and Services Team responsible for the contract are exhibiting at the DSEI event in London this week (14-17 September, stand H4-622).

Posted in Contracts, DSEi, International, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Awarded Contract Under the UK MoD’s Vehicle Support Capital Spares Framework Agreement

4GD Selected for Urban Fighting Skills House Framework

September 17th, 2021

London UK, 15 September 2021, 4GD – Immersive close combat technology specialists, 4GD have been selected for the Urban Fighting Skills House framework, awarded by the UK national training estate prime contractor, Landmarc Support Services Ltd.

Under the UFSH framework, 4GD will deliver a series of Level 2 SmartFacilities, the first of which is set to start construction in 2022 at Whinny Hill, Catterick Garrison.

The new Level 2 combat training environment installations will consist of SimWall rapidly reconfigurable modular panel systems and 4GAV, a unique special effects and video monitoring system that uses a combination of smoke, light (white/IR) and sound to immerse users in a high-fidelity combat simulation. This interactive special effects system, controlled by an intuitive user interface, delivers either sensor activated and reactive, or instructor-initiated effects, designed to heighten realism and replicate real-world effects on the soldier’s cognitive load.

While fitted for further upgrades, such as the ACIES IntegratedRealities synthetic environment and ECFECTUS data collection and analysis system, the new build will be the first to have two floor levels.

Rob Taylor, Founder of 4GD said: “We are delighted to be selected by Landmarc Support Services for the UFSH framework, a key part of the British Army’s Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP). With our Level 2 SmartFacility capability tried and tested already at Colchester, in service with 16 Air Assault Brigade of the Army, 4GD is looking forward to helping create a network of urban training facilities, aligned with the British Army’s vision for collective training.”

The Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP) is part of the British Army’s new Future Collective Training System, sparked by the need to adapt to the rapid change in the nature of warfare.

www.4gd.co.uk

Posted in International, Training | Comments Off on 4GD Selected for Urban Fighting Skills House Framework

£100m Contract for High Frequency Radio Communications

September 17th, 2021

• New radio service to boost communications across multiple terrains and domains

• Investment will improve interoperability and enhance emergency communications

• Multi-million-pound contract to support 150 UK industry jobs

A £110 million contract has been awarded to deliver the new Defence Strategic Radio Service (DSRS) to critical military operations.

DSRS uses the Earth’s ionosphere, part of the upper atmosphere, to allow radio signals to be sent and received across thousands of kilometers. This allows communications to be rapidly delivered across a variety of domains to service personnel, regardless of whether they are on land, in the air or at sea.

The new communications service removes the traditional requirement for direct-line-of-sight between the transmitter and user. Members of the Armed Forces will be able to communicate more effectively and quickly in notoriously challenging terrain, such as built-up cities, mountains and jungles.

Awarded to Babcock International Group, the nine-year contract will support around 150 jobs across England, Scotland and three of the UK’s Overseas Bases.

Babcock Chief Executive David Lockwood said:

“Babcock is delighted to be awarded the new Defence Strategic Radio Service contract which builds on our extensive experience and knowledge in this field. In collaboration with both our partners and customer we will work together to deliver a secure, resilient and advanced solution that will ensure DSRS users receive assured services, in support of the critical operations they perform, that are fit for today and ready for tomorrow.

“We are proud to continue our drive to ensure that high frequency (HF) skills and capabilities are maintained in the UK, both now and into the future, through our unique HF Communications BTEC apprenticeship programme.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

“This multi-million-pound investment in frontline radio communications will provide our Armed Forces with cutting-edge technology that allows them to connect effectively across a range of challenging environments.

“Underpinned by commitments outlined in the Defence Command Paper, industry expertise will be at the core of developing this innovative capability whilst supporting more than 150 jobs in the process.”

Outlined in the recent Defence Command Paper, the MOD is committed to ensuring that innovation and investment are at the forefront of the Armed Forces giving them a cutting-edge advantage whenever and wherever they are deployed. This is further enhanced by the £24 billion increase in Defence spending over the next four years, as announced by the Prime Minister last year.

Commander of Strategic Command General Sir Patrick Sanders said:

“It is vital we have a range of robust communications options available to us, including satellite, internet and high frequency, to offer Commanders and decision-makers in the field the information they need at the speed of relevance.

“As we see a continued rise in threats to our security in the cyber and electromagnetic domain, our network resilience is what will give us the competitive edge against our adversaries.”

The new system will also be critical for flight safety communications to all military aircraft while also supporting the ‘mayday’ fallback facility for the wider UK aviation community.

While used by the UK Armed Forces, the radio system will also support civilian tasks when required, including mountain rescue and civilian aircraft emergency communications.

DSRS works across all single Service capabilities and can be integrated with communication systems of global allies, improving the UK’s ability to command and control its forces worldwide.

www.babcockinternational.com

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on £100m Contract for High Frequency Radio Communications

Teaching the Commando New Tricks

September 17th, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —

The C-130J is an incredibly versatile aircraft, and since it’s creation, it’s landed on rough fields, in arctic locations and even an aircraft carrier Yet, it cannot land on water, which covers about 71% of the planet. As national strategic objectives shift focus to littoral regions, Air Force Special Operations Command is advancing new approaches to expand the multi-mission platform’s runway independence and expeditionary capacity.

In partnership with the Air Force Research Lab’s Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (AFRL-SDPE) directorate, AFSOC is developing an MC-130J Commando II Amphibious Capability (MAC) to improve the platform’s support of seaborne special operations. “The development of the MAC capability is the culmination of multiple lines of effort,” said Lt Col Josh Trantham, AFSOC Science, Systems, Technology, & Innovation (SST&I) Deputy Division Chief. “This capability allows the Air Force to increase placement and access for infiltration, exfiltration, and personnel recovery, as well as providing enhanced logistical capabilities for future competition and conflict.”

The development of a removable amphibious float modification for an MC-130J would enable “runway independent” operations, which, according to Trantham, would extend the global reach and survivability of the aircraft and Air Commandos. “Seaborne operations offer nearly unlimited water landing zones providing significant flexibility for the Joint Force,” Trantham said.

Utilizing the MAC capability may provide unlimited operational access to waterways to distribute forces if land assets are compromised.

“MAC is vital to future success because it will allow for the dispersal of assets within a Joint Operations Area,” said Maj Kristen Cepak, AFSOC Technology Transition Branch Chief. “This diaspora complicates targeting of the aircraft by our adversaries and limits aircraft vulnerability at fixed locations.”

A task force of industry partners are closely collaborating with AFSOC and AFRL-SDPE to bring the vision to life. A five-phase rapid prototyping schedule will lead to an operational capability demonstration in only 17 months while de-risking the concept for a future potential MAC program of record that could field MAC for MC-130Js but also potentially field a similar amphibious capability for other C-130 variants with only minor variations.

AFSOC and private sector counterparts are currently testing MAC prototypes through digital design, virtual reality modeling (VR), and computer-aided designs (CAD) in a virtual setting known as the Digital Proving Ground (DPG), paving the way for digital simulation, testing, and the use of advanced manufacturing for rapid prototyping and physical prototype testing.

According to Trantham and Cepak, the DPG can deliver mission review, aircraft system analysis, design ideation, engineering risk-reduction, virtual reality, concept imagery, feasibility studies, and other deliverables.

“Being able to experiment with existing technology to evaluate design tradeoffs and test a new system before ever bending metal is a game-changer,” Cepak said. “AFSOC is evolving and experimenting in a smart way to reduce technical risk and deliver capability to the field more rapidly and efficiently than before.”

According to Trantham, while the MAC project demonstrates rapid capability development for AFSOC, the Air Force and the Total Force will also benefit.

“We believe MAC will be able to be used by our sister services, allies, and partners on various C-130 platforms,” he said. “Further, expanding the operational use of an amphibious aircraft alongside other innovative tools will provide even more complex dilemmas in future battlespaces for our strategic competitors.”

By SSgt Brandon Esau, AFSOC Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, Maritime, SOF | 11 Comments »

RealWorld Tactical’s Tony Sentmanat Joins Team Remington

September 16th, 2021

Lonoke, Arkansas – September 15, 2021 – Remington Ammunition has announced noted firearms and fitness expert Tony Sentmanat, aka “RealWorld Tactical,” has joined Team Remington’s roster of brand ambassadors. Sentmanat will use his following to showcase Remington Ammunition’s ability to perform at the highest levels across his variety of channels and demanding training regimen.

“Tony puts in the work day in and day out to push himself and his gear to the absolute limit,” said Joel Hodgdon, Remington Ammunition’s Marketing Director. “We are really excited to get some Remington ammo in his hands and see what he can do. Tony is an awesome guy who inspires countless people to get better and we are thrilled to have him representing Big Green.”

Sentmanat, a business owner and entrepreneur, trains professional athletes, celebrities, military, SWAT and thousands of everyday individuals in fitness, tactical training and mixed martial arts through his company RealWorld Strength and Fitness. Additionally, Sentmanat is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a retired SWAT officer.

“I’ve known and trusted Remington for years,” said Sentmanat. “From Golden Saber Bonded to a day at the range using UMC, helping represent Big Green and their ammo is an honor and a true partnership.”

To see Tony Sentmanat put Remington ammunition to the test, fans can follow his Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and other social media channels. Find Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »