Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Bryodyn Technologies – Mission Builder

May 13th, 2021

Bryodyn Technologies is a small business in the DC area which specializes in secure communications as well as support for the family of Team Awareness Kit (TAK) software.

One of the products they offer is Mission Builder which provides Accelerated Android EUD Provisioning. TAK is already used in conjunction with at least 16 other programs of record (list is constantly growing) and organizations continue to turn to TAK for situational awareness and data management at the individual level.

Mission Builder™ is an Android™ End User Device (EUD) configuration and provisioning management tool designed to keep your mission data synchronized and available to those who need it, when they need it.

Often times the end-user device (EUD) shows up without the TAK software, leaving units to “figure it out.” Mission Builder makes it as simple as connecting to a USB hub and syncing to a laptop, allowing multiple EUDs to be configured simultaneously.

Not only are the EUDs provisioned, but they are also configured with the correct data sets for the mission ahead, including geospatial information and plug-ins.

Posted in Comms | 1 Comment »

USAF Reaper Mods Targeted to Provide Capability for Near-Peer Threats

May 13th, 2021

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s MQ-9 Program Office is moving forward with several fleet enhancement capabilities aimed at increasing the MQ-9 Reaper’s effectiveness against near-peer adversary threats.

The MQ-9 is an unmanned aircraft with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capability, traditionally used for Counter-Violent Extremist Organization combat operations. That mission is now shifting.

The MQ-9 is demonstrating it is still a relevant platform as it supports new missions in United States European Command and is now set to receive a suite of upgrades to allow the platform to offer a host of new capabilities for combatant commanders and warfighters around the world.

The Air Force will award the first delivery order of planned MQ-9 Multi-Domain Operation aircraft – which will include several new upgrades from previous production builds – to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in April 2021. The Air Force is also retrofitting a portion of the already fielded MQ-9 fleet to the same M2DO configuration, allowing the Air Force to leverage current fleet numbers to meet future warfighter requirements through the service life of the aircraft.

“Working with Air Combat Command and other stakeholders, the MQ-9 enterprise will add new capabilities to the platform to help ensure the MQ-9 is able to support these missions in the threat environment we envision,” said Lt. Col. Nick Jordan, MQ-9 production and retrofit materiel leader. “The user has directed us to add technology into the platform which signals that the MQ-9 can offer more capability than just C-VEO operations over the next 10 to 15 years. It can remain relevant with these added and upgraded technologies.”

The MQ-9 Program Office is already completing initial fleet retrofits that will mitigate potential jamming to the platform. This is the first retrofit of many, as MQ-9 M2DO configured aircraft will receive additional closely-held capabilities that will enable command and control mission assurance and resiliency while the aircraft is airborne.

Additionally, the MQ-9 team will increase the electronic power for the platform. This increase, coupled with concurrent development efforts to create an open architecture design for the platform, will allow the Air Force to rapidly integrate new capabilities in response to emerging threats identified by combatant commanders.

Additional M2DO enhancements also include upgrades to the electro-optical/infra-red sensor and will expand the types of weapons the platform will be able to carry.

The Air Force projects with these smart investments the MQ-9 will remain operationally viable for worldwide operations through the end of the platform’s projected service life of 2035. In conjunction, the Air Force will continue to evaluate options to find a more viable solution in the future.

By Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on USAF Reaper Mods Targeted to Provide Capability for Near-Peer Threats

Running Rhino T-shirt Pre-Order Supports Eco Defense Group

May 12th, 2021

Pre-orders for the MultiCam and Wildlife Special Ops T-shirts featuring Rhino designs support the efforts of Eco Defense Group in their fight against poaching wildlife in Africa.

Posted in Charity, Fundraising, Multicam | 1 Comment »

Crye Precision Adds Navy and Wolf Grey to G3 Combat and Field Apparel

May 12th, 2021

There are two new colors in the combat proven G3 Uniform line. The G3 Combat and Field Apparel is designed specifically for the demands of harsh operational environments. Now available in Navy and Wolf Gray, the G3 Combat and Field Uniforms are sure to answer the demands of what you expect in a uniform.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing | 5 Comments »

KONGSBERG Awarded Extension of US Army CROWS Frame Contract

May 12th, 2021

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KONGSBERG) has been awarded an extension to the CROWS IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) frame contract with the US Army first announced September 14, 2018. This extension is valued at approximately 500 MUSD and is contingent upon future demand and annual allocations.

KONGSBERG continues the development of new, advanced versions of remote weapon station systems as well as serial deliveries to the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Air Force.

“CROWS has become an essential capability for military platforms and soldier safety within the United States Armed Forces. This contract extension enables us to continue delivering systems that are advancing operational capabilities and effectiveness together with the team at Picatinny Arsenal”, says Pål Bratlie, Executive Vice President, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.

Meeting tomorrow’s requirement together with our customer

With more than 20 000 systems delivered worldwide and 14 years of CROWS experience, KONGSBERG will continue to support the soldiers with new systems, capabilities and features meeting tomorrow’s requirements while maintaining, supporting and keeping up to date a wide range of CROWS variants and support equipment.

All CROWS and RWS systems are produced in the KONGSBERG Johnstown, PA facility. Continuing the execution of this contract secures 3,000+ jobs, both directly and through the KONGSBERG U.S. supply chain.

With more than 20,000 systems sold to 26 nations, KONGSBERG is the world-leading provider of remote weapon stations.

Image of CROWS by Staff Sgt. Alexander Burnett, US Army 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) was added to this press release by editor for context.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on KONGSBERG Awarded Extension of US Army CROWS Frame Contract

SIG SAUER Academy to Host Introduction to Pistol and PCC for Women with Team SIG’s Lena Miculek

May 12th, 2021

NEWINGTON, N.H., (May 12, 2021) – SIG SAUER Academy, the leading provider of the highest quality firearms instruction and tactical training in the world, is pleased to announce the addition of Introduction to Pistol and PCC for Females with Lena Miculek to the upcoming course schedule.

This course is a one-day women’s specific introductory course to pistol and pistol caliber carbine (PCC) taught by the top 3-Gun competitor, Team SIG’s Lena Miculek. In this course, Lena will boil down the most crucial things she has learned as a female competitive shooter including experience, technique, and mindset. The course will focus on building a solid foundation of pistol and PCC fundamentals and students will learn personalized shooting techniques to fit your body and play to your strengths, effective training and practice techniques at home and on the range, and proper gear setup.

Lena Miculek is a third-generation professional competitive shooter and regarded as the top female 3-Gun competitor and PCC specialist in the world. At the age of 17 Lena won her first World Champion Title and has since earned more than 80 major wins and 8 world titles in 5 shooting disciplines. Lena is now focused on training primarily in PCC, teaches, and is actively working to introduce and increase female participation in the professional shooting sports. She was recently named a “40 under 40” by SHOT Business magazine, earned the prestigious Gundies “Most Influential Female” award, and is the co-creator of the Miculek YouTube channel with over 1.2 million subscribers.

Introduction to Pistol and PCC for Women with Lena Miculek is being offered on Friday, June 28, 2021. To register and review the course outline, or review the comprehensive course offering for SIG SAUER Academy visit sigsaueracademy.com.

Posted in Advertiser, For the Ladies, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on SIG SAUER Academy to Host Introduction to Pistol and PCC for Women with Team SIG’s Lena Miculek

SKYDEX Among Industry Leaders to Showcase Solutions at SOFIC Online 2021

May 12th, 2021

Government, academia, and international partners explore latest innovations from SKYDEX, a global leader in advanced impact mitigation and energy absorption solutions

CENTENNIAL, COLO. (May 2021) – SKYDEX, a global leader in advanced impact mitigation and energy absorption solutions, today announced that the company will be participating in the Exhibitor Showcase at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC). The conference will take place virtually, and will be held May 17-21. This event represents an opportunity for interaction and networking among players in the special operations forces community, and will better equip industry leaders to combat the challenges of tomorrow.

SOFIC is recognized as the premier gathering of SOF community leaders and provides a platform that nurtures, development, creativity, and collaboration. The event includes, keynote speakers, executive forums, panel discussions, showcases, among many other valuable educational experiences. Attendees come from all sectors of the SOF community including, government, academia, international partners, and industry.

SKYDEX will be sending the following representatives on behalf of the team to provide insight on what impact mitigation technology brings to the SOF community and to illustrate the benefits of the company’s latest product innovations:

• Scott Osborn, Director of Business Development, Defense – on the company’s advancements in military vehicle protection, including blast mats, seat cushion inserts and other energy absorbing materials.

• Renee St. Lawrence, Business Development Manager, Marine Products – on the company’s latest products to enhance marine performance, including impact mitigating decking and shock mitigating seat cushion inserts.

• Collin Metzer, Director, Blast & Ballistics – on company’s latest materials for protection in the blast and ballistics space, including layers for ballistics plates and helmet protection solutions.

“We’re thrilled to attend the SOFIC conference virtually and to connect with industry leaders on the latest challenges, trends and product innovations that can help the force,” said Mr. Metzer. “We look forward to connecting with SOF operators to discuss how SKYDEX is innovating to meet the changing demands of this community.”

For more information about how SKYDEX keeps the SOF community safe, please visit www.skydex.com or contact the team via email at info@skydex.com to set up a meeting.

Posted in Press Release, SOFIC | Comments Off on SKYDEX Among Industry Leaders to Showcase Solutions at SOFIC Online 2021

Gentex Awarded Aviation Contract for Groundcrew Communications Headset System by UK MoD

May 12th, 2021

THE UK MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SELECTS THE OPS-CORE ADAPTIVE MISSION PLATFORM (AMP®) COMMUNICATION HEADSET FOR ITS AIRCRAFT MAINTAINERS

CARBONDALE, PA May 12, 2021 –

Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces and emergency personnel, announced today that it has been awarded the contract for Groundcrew Communications Headset System (GCHS) by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense for the Ops-Core AMP® Communication Headset. Beginning in Fall of 2021, groundcrew aircraft maintainers will wear the connectorized AMP® Communication Headset with Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) earplugs.

The AMP® Communication Headset was vetted for both fixed and rotary wing applications by MoD groundcrew aircraft maintainers working in high noise environments. It will integrate into existing communications systems. The AMP® Communication Headset’s 3D Hear-Through (3DHT) technology allows aircraft maintainers to retain situational awareness while meeting UK requirements for hearing protection.

“We are proud to have been chosen by the UK MoD to protect their aircraft maintainers,” said Robert McCay, Vice President at Gentex Corporation, “It is a continuation of our longstanding relationship with the UK armed forces, both air and ground.”

The AMP® Communication headset is CE approved EN352.

Gentex’s portfolio of products includes helmets, optical protection, respiratory, and situational awareness solutions. For more information visit, www.gentexcorp.com/gentex/defense/air.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | 1 Comment »