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FORT RILEY, Kan. – The Army supply chain of the future will incorporate additive manufacturing (AM), most commonly found in the form of 3D printing, to increase readiness. Using this technology at the point of need will reduce costs and increase unit mission capability.
The U.S. Army Ordnance Corps is in an excellent position to embrace this emerging technology, and ultimately, enhance Army lethality by developing Soldier expertise to support additive manufacturing programs.
Under the Combat Capabilities Development Command, the Expeditionary Lab of the U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force, or Ex Lab for short, operated 3D printers in deployed environments for nearly ten years, expediting the repair of equipment in combat areas.
In 2019, the Army established the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence as a hub for developing processes and standards to field additive manufacturing capabilities across the Army supply chain. The Army also invested in developing the materials needed to support future requirements and overcome current limitations.
Scientists at the ARL are working to develop filaments that are mechanically strong but useable in low-cost 3D printers. Using a combination of plastic polymers in a unique geometry, the ARL hopes to allow printing for a wider range of parts with samples scheduled for distribution and testing in the near future.
Field results are promising, and demonstrate maintenance units in the future will be able to make repairs in hours, develop custom solutions to complex problems, or reduce the on-hand stock and logistical requirements to support an expeditionary fighting force.
AM exhibited limited success in creating hard to find parts, manufacturing parts for legacy systems, and at the small unit level, printing 3D aids for explosive ordnance disposal training.
In the future, the technology could be migrated to the tactical level with teams of engineers and Soldiers collaborating to produce designs allowing the manufacture of physical solutions near the point of need.
But what if the expertise to design and print parts was staged closer to the point of manufacture? Current Army programs rely on engineers’ and scientists’ expertise to be effective. Few studies have been done on how the processes being developed will translate at a larger scale in an austere environment.
Existing programs rely on connectivity between engineers and Soldiers who could be thousands of miles apart. This connectivity is far from guaranteed on future battlefields. Therefore, complex post-processing requirements or more in-depth material knowledge may be necessary to operate independently from industries’ existing infrastructure.
The Ordnance Corps has an opportunity to build Soldier expertise to support these future programs. However, the expertise required to perfect these processes and provide a rapid, flexible and reliable supply of parts to tomorrow’s front lines could quickly overwhelm a Soldier’s current ability to take on additional training and tasks.
According to Col. Ken Letcher, former commander of the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center at Rock Island Arsenal, “The Army is heavily invested in 3D printing, ensuring Soldiers have the capability to print and fabricate repair parts as a component of the Battlefield Damage Assessment and Repair (BDAR) process.”
As the current director of CASCOM’s Fielded Force Integration Directorate, Letcher noted that “Printing at the point of need increases operational readiness. Not only must the Ordnance Corps advance its materiel solutions, but it must advance the Soldiers that apply these solutions as they are fielded.”
By focusing on additive manufacturing as a specialty, Soldiers could receive training in computer-aided design software and materials science, allowing them to develop new parts and solutions independently from the industry support the Army currently relies on and move the point of design nearer to the end-user.
The Additive Manufacturing Specialists could be trained in various technologies, allowing future Army initiatives to leverage more specialized manufacturing techniques such as powder bed fusion, vat polymerization and bio-printing.
Teams of these newly created experts could also see expansion into a variety of Army missions beyond logistics. In 2018, the Marine Corps began experimenting with printing in concrete to rapidly build barracks in a combat environment with possible future applications in force protection, base infrastructure, and the support of humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
A joint study between the Geneva Foundation and the U.S. Military Academy saw success in bio-printing in austere environments, allowing treatments customized to the Soldier near the point of injury. As the technology expands across the Army, the need for professionals to advise and assist in its application will only increase.
Throughout history, the Ordnance Corps has developed cutting-edge professionals to build and preserve Army readiness. Currently the Allied Trades Warrant Officer (914A) serves as the Army’s AM expert. However, creating an Ordnance enlisted specialty to complement the rapidly expanding use of additive manufacturing would keep the Army at the forefront of innovation.
Integrating this technology into the Army structure and doctrine will allow the maximum flexibility in using new and emerging technologies as they transcend from laboratories to battlefields of the future.
By 1LT Joshua S. Closson
The Air Force Research Laboratory’s cutting-edge research creates future warfighting technologies for the Air and Space Forces, protecting the lives of those that put themselves in harm’s way. Ground-breaking research into cellular reprogramming, made possible in part with funding from AFRL’s Air Force Office of Scientific Research, is leading to technology that could heal wounds more than five times faster than the human body can heal naturally, vastly improving long-term health care outcomes for warfighters and veterans.
Dr. Indika Rajapakse, associate professor of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics and associate professor of Mathematics at the University of Michigan, is researching ways to reprogram a person’s own cells to heal wounds faster. In order to get high-resolution views inside live cells to better understand the wound-healing process, Rajapakse submitted a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program proposal to purchase a live cell imaging microscope. Dr. Frederick Leve, program officer for AFOSR’s Dynamical Systems and Control Theory portfolio, selected Rajapakse’s proposal.
The microscope also assists in gathering data for an algorithm which can mathematically identify when best to intervene in a cell’s cycle to heal wounds. Leve, in collaboration with Dr. Fariba Fahroo, AFOSR program officer for the Computational Mathematics portfolio, awarded Rajapakse a grant for research to improve this algorithm.
“There are amazing opportunities in the United States, that you don’t see in the rest of the world, to humanize science and meet critical needs in medicine,” Rajapakse said. “We have the resources to do this, and it is our obligation to take full advantage of them. Thanks to the Air Force’s help, I was able to acquire the tools I need to advance my research into cellular reprogramming and wound healing.”
This funding connection was made possible by collaboration between the AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing, and Air Force Futures. Col. Charles Bris-Bois, the Air Force Disruptive Technology Team lead, was instrumental in making the connection between this novel technological concept and Air Force operational needs. The team saw a clear opportunity and helped Rajapakse reimagine his technology for other uses not immediately thought of such as aeromedical environments and how the presence of unhealed wounds increases aircrew susceptibility to hypoxia and other altitude related injuries.
“The impact of this research effort can be far reaching,” said Dr. Rajesh Naik, 711th Human Performance Wing chief scientist. “The convergence of biosciences with mathematical models can truly provide an inflection point to advance the development of wound healing. Dr. Rajapakse’s research can result in innovative solutions for addressing our needs in the aeromedical operations and in future space environments.”
Bris-Bois’ team used their real-world operational experience and insights to help uncover other potential challenge areas and medical applications, such as burn healing, skin grafts, organ transplants, etc. The continued partnership between AFRL and Air Force Futures helped to bridge the tech-to-operational divide, facilitating a move from the lab to real-world testing and applications.
“Indika’s research is exactly the kind of breakthrough technology we’re looking for in Air Force Disruptive Technology,” Bris-Bois said. “This shows the real promise of our efforts to bring warfighters and technologists together to imagine the possibilities of early scientific research.”
Cellular reprogramming is the process of taking one type of human cell, such as a skin cell, and reprogramming its genome so that it becomes a different kind of cell, such as a muscle cell, blood cell, neuron, or any other type of human cell. This is done using proteins called transcription factors. Transcription factors “turn on and off” various genes within cells to regulate activities such as cell division and growth, and cell migration and organization.
With the application of the right transcription factors, Rajapakse found that wounds healed more than five times faster than allowing the wounds to heal on their own. The next step is to figure out how best to apply them. The envisioned technology would act like a “spray-on” bandage, applying transcription factors directly to wounds. This method would convert exposed deep muscle cells into surface skin cells, which would mean a higher probability of successful healing than the current methods of skin grafting.
However, identifying which transcription factors make the required changes to create the right kind of cell requires a long process of trial and error. Rajapakse and his team have developed a data-guided algorithm to mathematically identify the correct transcription factors and predict the points in the cell cycle where transcription factors can best affect the desired change. The live cell imaging microscope provides data to further improve the algorithm.
“It’s rare that mathematics provides such promising results so quickly,” Leve said. “It usually takes decades for basic math research to make it into models which can be applied to a technology. In Dr. Rajapakse’s case, it only took a handful of years. AFRL is proud that our funding enabled mathematical theory for modeling and valuable data to be gathered which contributed to this rapid development.”
The success of Rajapakse’s project is a testament to AFRL’s purposeful outreach and relationships with partners such as Air Force Futures. This renewed commitment provides a mechanism for “out-of-the-box thinking” for potentially disruptive capabilities that will revolutionize the Air Force in the years to come.
“It is a really big deal that two opposite ends of the technology maturity spectrum — basic research and capability-focused operators — came together in this instance to identify an opportunity to help our warfighters and made it happen—fast!” said Dr. Shery Welsh, AFOSR director. “We are proud of our AFOSR Science and Engineering division for building an active, robust engagement with Air Force Futures that removed science roadblocks and created a pathway for transition.”
By Matthew D. Peters, Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation
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Flare Bright closes its £500,000 seed equity funding round. The main investors were two cornerstone Venture Capital firms: Britbots, who opened the round, and Highland Venture Capital who closed it. The company was greatly supported by OION who introduced the company to a number of High Net Worth investors, and together with a few other Angel investors completed the round. This secures the funding for Flare Bright through to 2022 and is complemented with other UK Government grants through its Future Flight competition and contracts, including an MOD Defence and Security Accelerator Rapid Impact award.
Flare Bright’s Board now consists of Dominic Keen, the CEO of Britbots, who is currently Chairing the Board and Scott Carnegie from Highland Venture Capital who joins as a Non-Executive Director. The two co-founders, Kelvin Hamilton (CEO) and Conrad Rider (CTO), together with Chief Commercial Officer Chris Daniels, complete the Board.
CEO Kelvin Hamilton says, “we’re delighted to have such a quality and committed group of investors join the company and help us rapidly scale up and deliver on our cutting-edge technology.”
Experienced Venture Capitalist and Flare Bright’s new Non-Executive Director, Scott Carnegie adds, “When Flare Bright pitched to Highland Venture Capital we immediately recognised its potential and our investment committee were unanimous in backing this company. I am very much looking forward to joining the Board.”
Flare Bright was founded in November 2015 and after a number of years of experimentation with autonomous drones, accelerated its progress a couple of years ago. It has grown to twelve staff who are driving the technological boundaries of autonomy in drones.
Flare Bright is a rapidly growing aerospace company which specialises in its UAS product: SnapShot, designed to be the lightest and simplest way to get aerial images at the single press of a button.
Flare Bright has three core products:
• The MOD’s Defence and Security Accelerator is funding the ruggedisation of SnapShot for the defence and security market.
• SnapShot is being developed to measure winds accurately at altitudes up to 100m. This is part of a wider InnovateUK project to create live wind maps of urban, industrial and other difficult environments.
• It is developing a precision air-dropped drone for delivering small items such as medicines, vaccines or critical parts to remote places cheaply and efficiently.
Flare Bright is increasing the endurance, controllability and capability of small drones, and will be introducing thermal imagery into its range soon.
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The JAWZ Titanium from Lifeline is a maritime tool designed for underwater and surface emergencies. The tool features easy one-handed access for low visibility and restricted movement emergency situations. The device effectively cuts rope, monofilament line, netting, webbing, and other materials encountered underwater. The tool is made from Grade 38 ATI 425 Titanium Alloy with handles and sheath made from the latest in phosphorescent technology to dramatically increase underwater visibility with its glow-in-the-dark properties.
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(Eagle, ID – Owyhee Group Companies) With the Sig Sauer® M17 and M18 recently selected as the new official side arm of the U.S. Military, Owyhee Group Companies (OGC) is introducing the new M17/M18 Mag Pouch. The pouch comes in three configurations, a single mag pouch, a double mag pouch and a triple mag pouch. Each is designed to accommodate the 17 and 21 round magazines.
Each model features a hook and loop flap closure with pull tab that makes it quick and easy to access your next magazine. The elastic retention strap squeezes the mag within the pouch for a tight, but accessible fit. The pouches are MOLLE compatible and Berry Amendment compliant and available in Coyote, Black or MultiCam.
Interested parties can purchase these items direct on the Company’s website at owyheegroup.com or for large quantity orders and pricing email sales@owyheegroup.com or call sales at 208.938.6086.
February 12, 2021 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is proud to announce the addition of Jared Reston to their team of Brand Ambassadors. Reston brings over 20-years of law enforcement experience, with over 16-years as full-time SWAT, and over 10-years as a trainer leading his company Reston Group, to B.E. Meyers and Company’s team of Brand Ambassadors.
“I am proud to be named in the same sentence as B.E. Meyers & Co., Chuck Pressburg, Bill Blowers, and the rest of the Brand Ambassador team,” said Reston. “Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was one of the early agencies to adopt the MAWL™, and I’ve been a believer ever since. I run MAWL on everything for several reasons: I’m a lefty and the ambidextrous controls are a huge advantage for me; I’ve never run out of distance with the MAWL, even at 500-yard engagement Special Precision Rifle engagements; and I’ve never found the edge with a MAWL – it’s like turning on the lights in any engagement. It’s great to be associated with a brand like B.E. Meyers & Co. that makes products for you and the guys you respect.”
Reston began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 2000. In 2004 Reston became a member of JSO’s full-time SWAT Team, where he trained in waterborne insertion and interdiction, K9 tactics, CQB, explosive breaking, less lethal, sniper, and assault tactics. Additionally, Reston served as an assigned Detective in the Department of Homeland Security/ Gang Investigations unit, and as the assistant team leader, and lead firearms instructor for the SWAT team. His career includes the successful completion of over one thousand SWAT missions.
In 2008, Reston was involved in a shoot-out with a shop lifter. Although Reston was hit seven times, he was able to return fire, ending the encounter and the effectively stopping the shooter. “Luck made the bullets not kill me, mindset kept me in the fight, skill made me win,” said Reston. For his bravery and skill, Reston was awarded The President of the United States’ “Medal of Valor”, American Police and Hall of Fame’s “National Police Officer of the Year”, Fraternal Order of Police’s “Florida Police Officer of the Year”, and the State of Florida’s “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”
While traveling the country and recounting this incident, Reston came to realize officers did not have the same multi-faceted training that had saved his life. This observation was the catalyst for Reston to found Reston Group, LLC, a training company focused on sharing his knowledge and experience in resolving lethal force incidents to help law enforcement, military, and responsible citizens sharpen their mindset, skills, and ultimately help save lives.
“Jared has provided both invaluable training and feedback on one of our core small arms solutions, the MAWL. His level of knowledge and expertise elevate him within the community of subject matter experts,” said Matthew Meyers, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Co. “We’re excited to add Jared to our team of Brand Ambassadors.”
Reston now works for Safariland, LLC as an Account Manager, in addition to his role as Founder and Lead Trainer of Reston Group, LLC.
www.bemeyers.com
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