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L3Harris – AN/PRC-117G Multiband Networking Manpack radio featuring the Mobile User Objective System

September 22nd, 2020

GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY FOR U.S. MARINES

L3Harris’ leading-edge mission solutions were on full display at Exercise Steel Knight 20.

Recent field demonstrations provided the U.S. Marine Corps with an up-close perspective on the robust capabilities of the AN/PRC-117G Multiband Networking Manpack radio featuring the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Satellite Communications waveform.

Recently, the Marines evaluated MUOS and the software-upgraded AN/PRC-117G during a series of exercises at Steel Knight 20. There, the warfighters from the 1st Marine Division conducted a series of scenarios across multiple training sites in California and Arizona designed to simulate operations against peer and high-capability adversaries.

“Adding this capability to the 117G enables the Marines to leverage the proven radios they have already deployed, fought and trained with to access the advanced capabilities and capacity of the MUOS satellites with a simple software upgrade,” Dana Mehnert, president of L3Harris Communication Systems, said. “The MUOS upgrade also enables interoperability with other U.S. DOD and allied users who deploy this advanced capability.”

Exercise Steel Knight 20 included the longest-range raid exercise in 14 years. It included 29 aircraft that transported ground troops from Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California, to a simulated combat zone in Yuma, Arizona. Transmitting and receiving near-real-time updates during the long-range movement to the objective, the raid force commander was able to adjust and plan his raid based on any changes. The Beyond-Line-Of-Site (BLOS) and On-The-Move (OTM) capability offered by the AN/PRC-117G and MUOS led to a successful raid on the objective and met the commander’s intent for digital interoperability and Command-and-Control On-The-Move.

Scenarios, which were designed to demonstrate Command-and-Control (C2) connectivity throughout entire mission threads, saw MUOS employed throughout simulated congested and contested battlespaces. AN/PRC-117Gs were operated by dismounted Marine Rifle Squads in addition to being integrated on board a variety of Marine-specific platforms, including MV-22 Osprey Tilt-Rotor air frames, HMMWVs, and Light Armored Vehicles – the latter of which were used to support amphibious assault operations.

The exercise followed seven months in which U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command conducted a series of end-user evaluations designed to assess the latest version of the MUOS SATCOM system.

THE GAME-CHANGER

MUOS’ robust quality on the L3Harris terminals allows warfighters to communicate seamlessly when on the move, without needing to stop the mission to point antennas to regain communications, according to Marty LoBiondo, L3Harris’ product line management waveform director.

“It allows users to stay connected even in sub-optimal conditions,” he said. “MUOS provides the warfighter with significantly enhanced capabilities that enable new tactics, techniques and procedures for communication Beyond-Line-Of-Sight.”

Further, MUOS has allowed M777 and HIMARS artillery assets to coordinate fires from longer distances with fewer assets, Robert Brown, L3Harris’ lead sales engineer for Communication Systems, said.

Brown also highlighted the significant increase of MUOS in the Air Combat Element C2 community.

The MUOS terminal is much less burdensome on Marines than legacy SATCOM systems, Jeff Wrobel, L3Harris director of Navy and Marine Corps Business, said of the system’s operational advantages.

“Once you program and turn it on, you’re pretty much ready to go,” he said.

The Marine Corps is expected to operate the MUOS waveform as it replaces legacy narrowband SATCOM capabilities. Designed to ship data from the tactical “edge” across the battlespace, MUOS relies upon a network of satellites in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO).

AN/PRC-117G UPGRADES

Upgrades to the AN/PRC-117G have enabled the Marine Corps to ensure an “easy MUOS upgrade across the Corps without recapitalizing its entire installed base of radio systems,” Wrobel said.

L3Harris has also designed three new antennas for operations on the AN/PRC-117G to support the upgraded MUOS waveform.

These omni-directional antennas provide end users with OTM communications. They eliminate the need for users to “pan and tilt” antennas to align with any of the multiple MUOS satellites.

The upgraded AN/PRC-117Gs had been optimized to support the MUOS waveform in extreme latitudes. Historically, armed forces have struggled to maintain Line-Of-Sight connectivity to GEO satellites in these areas.

Additional operational benefits of the upgraded MUOS waveform over legacy SATCOM systems include enhanced voice quality and data support.

LOOKING FORWARD – NOW

The Marine Corps is focused on MUOS support of Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) in addition to naval vessels, according to Brown.

“The Marine Expeditionary Force has been doing a lot of work with the MEUs recently to integrate the MUOS capability aboard the Amphibious Readiness Group ships,” he said.

The AN/PRC-117G and AN/PRC-158 MUOS software upgrade provides the Marines with a greater number of SATCOM users, enhanced voice and data communication, as well as robustness in disadvantaged environments where they operate, such as urban and high/low latitude locations.

MEET MUOS

The Mobile User Objective System, MUOS, is the U.S. Defense Department’s next-generation Ultra HF tactical satellite communications network. MUOS provides worldwide, BLOS voice and IP connectivity to the DOD Information Network (DODIN) via SIPR/NIPRnet. The MUOS network provides warfighters with unprecedented access to MILSATCOM channels with robust connectivity, increased mobility and enhanced security. Overall, these capabilities provide the ability for MUOS-capable terminals to communicate in underserved and disadvantaged environments connecting to the DODIN anywhere in the world.

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Crossfire Australia GP Jacket

September 22nd, 2020

Look, Crossfire Australia calls it a GP jacket, but it’s a smock. It features eight pockets and is made from Nextex’s encapsulated material technology. That’s the same stuff used in SOCOM’s Protective Combat Uniform. It also features a removable thermal liner and pit zips.

Small – XXXLarge in Coyote

Visit www.crossfire.com.au

Posted in Clothing, International | 8 Comments »

US Military Lands C130 on Newly Renovated Angaur Airfield in Palau

September 22nd, 2020

KOROR, Palau — A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules delivered U.S. Army Pacific Soldiers onto the newly renovated Angaur Airfield for training exercises in the Republic of Palau, Sept. 5.

The successful arrival of the military cargo plane validates the airstrip’s use by military and commercial aircraft, a little more than a week after the project’s completion and ceremony August 27. In the weeks prior, a U.S. civil-military engineer joint task force reconstructed and expanded the runway as part of the Angaur Airfield Joint Improvement Project.

The U.S. Ambassador to Palau, John Hennessy-Niland remarked that making a rudimentary airstrip capable of hosting cargo aircraft is a significant milestone in support of the people of Palau. “The completion of the Angaur Airfield Joint Improvement Project is a game changer,” said Hennessy-Niland. “Palau now has a secondary airstrip. This had been a long-standing request from the government of Palau and the State of Angaur.”

Adding a second airfield allows the U.S., along with other allies and partners in the region increased opportunity to support the delivery of humanitarian assistance in times of crisis or address other regional security concerns.

The USARPAC Soldiers are arriving as part of Defender Pacific 20, a theater-wide exercise that demonstrates strategic readiness by deploying combat credible forces in support of the Compact of Free Association agreement and the U.S. National Defense Strategy.

“The deployment of forces onto a newly certified airstrip demonstrates our ability to rapidly project joint combat power across the Indo-Pacific Command and reinforce international rules-based order,” said Col. James Bartholomees, USARPAC Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. “This new runway demonstrates America’s investment in our important alliances and partnerships and our overall commitment to the people of Palau.”

U.S. Army Pacific worked closely with the U.S. Embassy, Government of Palau, and the Joint Region Marianas command in Guam to minimize risk of exposure to COVID-19 through 100% testing and quarantine measures. USARPAC would like to thank the Palau Ministry of Health for all their efforts and assistance with COVID-19 testing and clearance. All soldiers tested negative for the virus prior to their arrival to Angaur.

Courtesy of US Army News.

Posted in Aviation, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Now on Kickstarter – MultiRuler

September 21st, 2020

Now trending on Kickstarter, the Titanium MultiRuler comes with 14 tools, including metric and imperial rulers, multi-wrenches, slotted head screwdriver, drill guide, bottle opener, can opener, wire stripper, bike spoke tool, multi-bit driver and bit holder.

Made from Grade 5 Titanium, it weighs just 21g and is TSA compliant.

It integrates both imperial and matrix wrenches.

The Imperial side fits 3/16, 5/16, 3/8, and 7/16 hex sizes.

The Metric side fits M7 (11mm), M6 (10mm), M5 (8mm), and M2 (4.76mm) hex sizes.

The ruler offers up to 9 cm / 90mm / 3.54 in.

Posted in Fundraising, Gadgets | 1 Comment »

WNDSN Range Calculator Dog Tag

September 21st, 2020

Berlin, 2020-09-17 – The best tool is the one that you always have on you, and the WNDSN MIL/MOA Range Calculator Dog Tag takes this saying literally. Upon customer request, WNDSN has developed a version of its popular MIL/MOA Range Calculator in the classic military dog tag format. This is the smallest usable range calculator, a tool that belongs on every explorer’s and marksman’s neck.

Designed for professional and recreational use, the MIL/MOA Range Calculator Dog Tag allows the user to input the MIL or MOA from their scope’s reticle and return the distance to the target of known dimension. This takes out the guesswork of gauging distance, enabling accurate range estimation and eliminating mental calculation errors while under stress.

The WNDSN MIL/MOA Range Calculator Dog Tag is made from black anodized aluminum according to U.S. standards for dog tags and weighs next to nothing. Like all WNDSN products, it features laser-engraved scales and includes instructional icons to create a self-contained tool. The backside is intentionally left blank, enabling the user to either sandwich the Range Calculator Dog Tag to the back of regular dog tags or to add additional information, velcro, or marker tabs.

“How far is my 3.5 mil, 12 inch target again?”

The Dog Tag’s scales are unitless, which means that the user can input MIL or MOA on the left side, and for the object size, if the value is in meters, input meters on the S-scale, and read the resulting distance meters on the D-scale. If the object size is in feet, feet is input and read as feet; to convert the result from feet to yards, the value is divided by 3. If the target size is in inches, the inner, left hand S-scale is used, which is graduated as 3 feet divided in 12 inches each. Inputting inches this way, the resulting value on the right hand D-scale is in feet.

For sub-degree angular sizes (1° = 60 minutes or MOA), the Dog Tag calculator provides increased precision by allowing direct input and calculation in MIL (milliradian) or MOA. The Dog Tag calculator can thus be used as a high distance/high precision companion to WNDSN Telemeters, it uses the same principles of calculating distance from angular size, only that with the Dog Tag calculator, the sighting and measurement isn’t done with the naked eye on the instrument but instead, the input values come from rangefinding reticles or similar devices.

Under certain conditions or in cases where laser rangefinders tend to fail or result in errors, WNDSN Telemeters prevail and can be used as primary or “second opinion” tools, to cross-check values obtained with different means, or in austere situations when other methods fail, are unavailable or contraindicated.

The device carries the WNDSN maker’s marks; usage instructions are engraved and supplemented by an included printed how-to booklet in both English and German. An 400-page printed comprehensive manual is available separately at WNDSN or via bookstores.

store.wndsn.com/products/wndsn-range-calculator-dogtag-3×3-aluminum

Posted in Comms, Press Release, TacCraft | Comments Off on WNDSN Range Calculator Dog Tag

Pre-Order BioLite HeadLamp 750

September 21st, 2020

The new BioLite HeadLamp 750 more than doubled the 330 lumens of their initial model. It has eight lighting modes with red, white, spot and strobe. It even includes a red rear marker light. The rechargeable battery offers about 150 hours from the low setting.

Offered in Midnight Grey and Moss Green. Pre-Order now for a 20 October release.

www.bioliteenergy.com/products/headlamp-750

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Kongsberg Awarded Contract to Deliver XM914 Remote Weapon Stations to the US Marine Corps for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System

September 21st, 2020

JOHNSTOWN, Penn. – Sept. 21, 2020 – Kongsberg Protech Systems USA has been awarded a contract to qualify an XM914 (30mmx113mm) remote weapon station (RWS) in support of the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) Program Manager Ground Based Air Defense Office. The systems will be integrated on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and will include a number of specialized counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and air defense capabilities. Kongsberg USA will deliver test articles and assist the USMC in performing Design Verification Testing (DVT) toward future production deliveries.

The Kongsberg XM914 RWS is the first 30mm remote weapon station to be qualified on the JLTV platform. It includes the XM914E1 30mmx113mm DC driven cannon with a co-axial M240 (7.62mm) machine gun, an integration kit for the Stinger Air-To-Air Launcher (ATAL) and provisions for future C-UAS defeat systems. The XM914 RWS leverages a significant number of components, Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), and capabilities from other Kongsberg RWS and Medium Caliber Turrets already delivered to both the USMC and the United States Army to bring logistical support efficiencies and overall commonality.

“Although a new class of weapon and station, it is based on a proven design and previously qualified components to provide the Marine Corps with a low-risk system that reduces the burden of provisioning and training across the service,” said Jeff Wood, general manager, Kongsberg Protech Systems USA. “We are very excited to have been selected once again by the Marine Corps for a challenging RWS program. We look forward to helping them meet an aggressive delivery schedule and provide Marines with a critical lethality capability.”

Kongsberg was recently selected to design and manufacture the remote Medium Caliber Turret (MCT) for the United States Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV)-30 program. Kongsberg also provides all medium weight RWS for the Corps’ ACV and AAV platforms.

Kongsberg is the world’s leading manufacturer of RWS, delivering nearly 20,000 RWS units to more than 20 countries worldwide. All RWS systems – including turrets – bound for U.S. customers are manufactured in Kongsberg’s Johnstown, Penn. facility with significant support from a U.S. supply base.

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Grayl – GeoPress Filter

September 21st, 2020

The Grayl GeoPress is a simple-to-use water filter, just fill and press.

It has a capacity of 24 ounces (710 ml) GeoPress protects from global waterborne pathogens (99.99% of viruses, 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.9% of protozoan cysts), pesticides, chemicals, heavy metals, and even microplastics. In particular, Rotavirus, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Giardiasis, Cryptosporidium, E. Coli, Cholera, Salmonella, and Dysentery.

Using ion exchange, ultra-powdered activated carbon, it filters at the rate of 5 liters per minute, meaning it takes just seconds to fill the onboard bottle with clean water. The filter is rated for 350 cycles (65 gal. / 250L), as “press time” reaches ~25 seconds (or three years have elapsed since first use) it’s time to replace the purifier cartridge. Cartridges boast a 10-year shelf life.

Offered in several colors.

https://grayl.com/products/geopress-purifier-covert-black

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