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Fresh Success for the Rheinmetall Mission Master: Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Order Four More Robotic Vehicles

May 19th, 2021

Rheinmetall has achieved another sales success in the United Kingdom. The British have ordered four more Mission Masters under the second phase (Spiral 2) of their Robotic Platoon Vehicle programme. Rheinmetall had already succeeded in placing its robotic vehicle in the Spiral 1 subproject of the UK’s RPV programme, which tests how unmanned vehicles can boost the firepower and capabilities of dismounted combat troops at platoon level.

Having already procured four Mission Master vehicles with cargo modules in the spring of 2020, the British military will now be acquiring four more Mission Masters, equipped this time with a fire support module to explore potential future capabilities.

The contract was awarded at the end of February. Delivery of the four Mission Master – Fire Support vehicles will take place between May and August 2021. The order, which will be handled by Rheinmetall Canada, also encompasses training and support activities as well as spare parts. Based in the UK, the joint venture company Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land will also be supporting the project.

Boasting a whole host of innovative features, the Mission Master’s nerve centre is the Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit. It comprises a suite of advanced sensors and perception algorithms that assure rich situational awareness, enabling the vehicle to find the safest route through the surrounding environment. This ensures that the vehicle can navigate challenging terrain safely and complete its mission successfully, without collisions.

Featuring a built-in security circuit board, a tablet computer running Rheinmetall command and control software lets the operator steer the platform and control the weapon station in a safe wireless way.
The Mission Master – Fire Support is armed with the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi, a remotely controlled weapon station. Targets are never engaged autonomously: there is always a human in the loop. Fully stabilized, the 7.62mm cal. Fieldranger Multi features a wide vertical and horizontal slewing range, thus assuring high accuracy and effectiveness even at long distances.

Rheinmetall Mission Master – Focusing on the future with robotics and autonomy

Robotics is already changing the modern battlefield. The Rheinmetall Mission Master is a modular, autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops tasked with carrying out a wide array of activities. Thanks to the Mission Master vehicle, soldiers can count on artificial intelligence and robotic muscle when performing dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks – the three Ds – and, more importantly, they can carry out their missions in greater safety.
Ready for deployment, the Mission Master can serve either as an autonomous or semiautonomous element of a combat team.

Designed for maximum flexibility, the Mission Master can be outfitted for a multitude of different operations thanks to modular, quickly mountable build-ons. Besides logistic tasks, it can perform in a variety of other roles, including surveillance, security, casualty evacuation and CBRN detection. The Mission Master can also serve as a mobile radio relay station.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, International, Press Release, Robotics | Comments Off on Fresh Success for the Rheinmetall Mission Master: Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Order Four More Robotic Vehicles

Safran Optics 1 – Coded Target Acquisition Marker

May 19th, 2021

The Coded Target Acquisition Marker from Safran Optics 1 is a rail mounted, compact, lightweight, multi-function laser system which combines a 1064nm PRF (Pulse Rate Frequency) coded designator for acquisition and target handoff, aiming lasers for firing a primary weapon, a high powered NIR (Near Infrared) pointer function with pulse feature, and a NIR illumination laser with digitally adjustable beam divergence for IR flood light capability.

www.optics1.com/products/ctam-coded-target-acquisition-marker

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Optics | Comments Off on Safran Optics 1 – Coded Target Acquisition Marker

USSOCOM Seeks Amphibious MC-130 & Remote Gunship

May 19th, 2021

During a briefing by USSOCOM’s PEO – Fixed Wing, COL Kenneth Kuebler, USAF, at NDIA’s virtual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference, he mentioned that SOF is seeking several future aircraft initiatives. According to COL Kuebler, “In the future, freedom of maneuver may not be guaranteed.” Consequently, they need to consider new ways to get to the fight.

First, is an amphibious version of the MC-130 infiltration aircraft referred to as MAC for MC-139J Amphibious Capability with a goal of being able to take off and land from both land and a maritime environment on the same mission.

Next is High Speed Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL). This capability is an improvement over the current CV-23 Osprey by utilizing jet propulsion rather than propellers.

Finally, the last aircraft type SOCOM is investigating is a Remote Gunship.

In addition to future aircraft, SOCOM is also interested in developing several enabling technologies for their current and future airframes.

These include improved launch mechanisms for munitions, integrated swarming effects for unmanned systems and munitions as well as light aircraft radar which offers enhanced situational awareness.

In the near-term, SOCOM will be demonstrating a AC-130J High Energy Laser, a ~60Kw offensive laser which is low probability of detection and can target small vehicles and C3 nodes.

Posted in Aviation, SOF, SOFIC | 5 Comments »

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper Joins Epirus Board of Directors

May 19th, 2021

Esper brings deep strategic insight and operational excellence to support Epirus’ mission and build powerful, innovative products that further national security effortsWASHINGTON – (May 18, 2021) – Epirus, Inc., a Silicon Valley-backed, high growth technology company, today announced that Mark T. Esper, Ph.D. has joined the company’s Board of Directors. Dr. Esper served as the 27thUnited States Secretary of Defense from 2019 to 2020 and the 23rd Secretary of the Army from 2017 to 2019.

“History informs us that those who are first to harness once-in-a-generation technologies have a decisive advantage well into the future. At a time when new, low-cost technologies can empower our adversaries and make anyone a target, America must stay ahead of its rivals as we modernize and protect our national security interests for years to come. Epirus stands at the vanguard of those accelerating military and homeland security applications of game-changing technology to disarm drones used to launch lethal attacks against our service members and civilians anytime, anywhere. Addressing emerging threats and challenges was always a priority of mine at the Pentagon and will continue to be going forward. Epirus has proven itself able to rapidly innovate and adapt in ways that can make it a critical partner to the US government and our allies,” Dr. Esper said.

“Recent drone attacks targeting U.S. forces and concerns here at home underscore the urgent need for the deployment of effective Counter-UAS technology in the field of operations. At Epirus, we have made it our mission to meet this challenging problem by developing a solid-state, software-defined, high-power microwave to disable potentially harmful electronics. We cannot wait for the loss of human life to become the catalyst for change when technology exists that can stop threats today. Adding a visionary leader like Mark to the Board solidifies our ability to bring to market the technology we need to help protect the U.S. warfighter and develop other new applications of our technology for broad commercial use,” said Grant Verstandig, Epirus Executive Chairman and Co-Founder.

This appointment supports Epirus’ commitment to bring in experienced operators to its Board of Directors to guide the company through its next phase of development and growth. The company’s Board of Directors is led by its Executive Chairman and Co-Founder Grant Verstandig, Chairman of Rally Health as well as Founder of Red Cell Partners and an active entrepreneur, venture capital investor, and philanthropist; John Tenet, a Founding Partner at Red Cell Partners and previously a partner at 8VC; Alex Moore, a partner at 8VC as well as a founding employee and Director of Operations at Palantir and Co-Founder of NodePrime; Geoff Lewis, Founder and Managing Partner of Bedrock; Leigh Madden, Epirus Chief Executive Officer; and Bo Marr, Epirus Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder.

Dr. Esper joins the board following the company’s May 6 announcement of an advisory board of powerhouse leaders including: Michael Ovitz, Founder, CKE and Co-Founder, Creative Artists Agency and former President, Walt Disney Company; Sam Palmisano, Chairman, Center for Global Enterprise and former CEO/Chairman, IBM; Jerry Yang, Founding Partner, AME Cloud Ventures and Co-Founder and former CEO, Yahoo! Inc.; Richard Mattera, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, UnitedHealth Group; and Jeffrey Grant, Board Member, The Aerospace Corporation and former Vice President and General Manager of Space Systems Division, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

epirusinc.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release, UAS | 4 Comments »

Invisio Announces New Platform and Tactical Communication Control Units

May 19th, 2021

INVISIO today announces a new platform and generation of tactical communication control units – the INVISIO V-Series Gen II. Combined with INVISIO headsets, the platform sets a new standard for audio performance and hearing protection within the defense and public safety markets for years to come.

INVISIO has a long track record of providing industry leading solutions to the most demanding elite units in the world. The recipe for this is developing cutting-edge technologies and building on the experience of the users in field. Fueled by a range of new innovations and designed for defense and public safety professionals on critical missions, the INVISIO V-Series Gen II sets the bar for market leading audio performance and hearing protection.

The new capabilities include audio that automatically adapt to the surrounding noise levels, digital signal processing techniques to filter out all unwanted noise, and increased speech intelligibility. The removal of any constant radio noise when audio transmission is idle, and the smooth transition from noisy to quieter environments is also part of the new offering. Apart from improving communication and safety, all these new capabilities help to eliminate fatigue caused by noise.

The INVISIO Gen II platform brings several new, unique features to the tactical communication market:

Mission adaptive

Received audio volume automatically adapts to surrounding noise level for secure, uninterrupted intelligibility and seamless communication.

INVISIO Audio™

Unparalleled audio performance excluding all unwanted noise.

Market leading hearing protection

Increased protection levels and option of double hearing protection with hear through at a market leading 42 dB SNR / 34 dB NNR attenuation.

Flexible and intuitive

Limitless configurations, making Gen II suitable for all scenarios, and VOX functionality and voice prompts for intuitive operations.

A combination of the INVISIO X5 in-the-ear headset, the INVISIO T7 over-the-ear headset and the V60 Gen II control unit constitutes the market leading double hearing protection solution for extremely noisy environments.

www.invisio.com

Posted in Comms, Press Release | Comments Off on Invisio Announces New Platform and Tactical Communication Control Units

Reebok Revolutionizes Tactical Footwear with Nano Tactical Series

May 19th, 2021

Warson Brands, official licensee of Reebok for duty and uniform footwear, is proud to bring Reebok’s revolutionary cross-training Nano platform to the tactical footwear market this May.

Train to the max with this versatile tactical series with the Nano Tactical. With three distinct designs for different tactical environments, the series that has revolutionized cross-training brings its versatility to the military, law enforcement, and security fields. Built on sweat, strength, and solidarity, this trainer will impact your performance.

Lightweight and responsive are the two words most often associated with the Nano platform. Based on the Nano 2.0, this series features a minimal drop outsole for natural foot motion and responsive flexibility. Even though it is extremely flexible, it maintains excellent traction with a slip resistant rubber bottom. Cushioning helps shock and impact with the ever-comfortable MemoryTech Removable Cushion Footbed.

The Nano Tactical comes in three models. There are two black soft-toe options, the RB7100 in an oxford and the RB7120 in a 6” style. The RB7120 is co-branded with the Navy Seal Foundation logo and part of the proceeds from the sale of this model goes to the Navy Seal Foundation, of which Reebok is a strategic partner. Each of these models comes with Duragrip toe abrasion resistance. Finally, the RB7125 is an 8” coyote soft toe ideal for a variety of military environments.

“We are excited to bring an iconic training series like The Nano to the tactical market, where the stakes of performance training are never higher. We are also tremendously proud to partner with the Navy Seal Foundation in honoring those who have sacrificed as well as supporting their families,” states Brent Jennings, VP of Marketing at Warson Brands.

All three models can be purchased from www.reebokwork.com as well as tactical retailers across the nation. For product and lifestyle videos, images, and product information, visit warson.widencollective.com/portals/sodfkcat/NanoTactical.

Posted in Boots, Press Release | Comments Off on Reebok Revolutionizes Tactical Footwear with Nano Tactical Series

USSOCOM PEO-SOF Digital Applications Update

May 19th, 2021

Under the helm of COL Paul Weizer, USA, PEO-SOF Digital Applications serves as USSOCOM’s “One-Stop-Shop” for SOF software intensive digital applications. This new office was just announced during last year’s SOFIC and they’ve hit the ground running.

To set up this new PEO, they sought out “digital natives,” according to SOCOM’s Acquisition Executive Mr Jim Smith, who oversees all of the Command’s acquisition efforts. Bringing in the right talent, they assembled government personnel, contractors and so-called reimbursables, which are personnel who belong to outside organizations but accomplish work for SOCOM based on interdepartmental transfers of funds. That happened fairly quickly while they simultaneously looked at the Command’s acquisition portfolio to determine what exactly belonged in PEO-SDA.

They brought in programs that include Mission Command Systems, SOF Digital EcoSystem, Special Operations Mission Planning and Execution, and Tactical Assault Kit.

Mission Command Systems: Intelligence and Operations analytics systems that provide a unified SOF Common Intelligence Picture and Common Operating Picture (CIP/COP) and decision support to USSOCOM Commanders/Operators at all echelons. Delivers interoperability and integration required for synchronized SOF Global Situational Awareness. COL Weizer referred referred to this program as the, ” ring that binds them all.”

SOF Digital EcoSystem: Data Analytics Services and Tools

Special Operations Mission Planning and Execution: Mission planning & execution software tools (SOF Air, Ground & Maritime)

Tactical Assault Kit (TAK): Suite of Map-Based, Situational Awareness (SA) Software Applications across multiple platforms to include Android, iOS, Windows, Linux and HTML, that provides Tactical Capabilities for Military, Federal Government, and Civil 1st Responder operations

PEO-SDA has breathed new life into long-term programs such as mission prep which date back almost to the founding of USSOCOM. They look at the programs with a new set of eyes and move away from stovepipe approaches to capabilities to a more holistic operating environment.

With USSOCOM’s transition from looking at software as a component of a program to the glue that binds multiple capabilities together, they’ve taken charge of software development efforts on their own behalf rather than living with the software that comes on a system.

One of the challenges PEO-SDA is facing, is articulating what is “SOF Unique” about Software. This can be a sticking point of whether USSOCOM’s MFP-11 funds can be used to pay for a program. COL Weizer explained that use of and individual requirements for software can be SOF unique, but the code itself isn’t.

Even more challenging, is the lack of a current DevSecOps strategy which offers challenges when interfacing with other organizations within DoD and industry. However, it seems to be happening, if only because SOF personnel tend to get things done.

For those unfamiliar, DevSecOps is getting the developers, security and operators to work together from the outset of a software effort. Generally, it requires an integrated development environment.

The goal is to field new software every six months or faster. Although SOF are well known for their speed at fielding solutions, they have had to adapt to such an ambitious schedule. Already, they’re working with vendors to speed to integration of new SOMPE software from 18-24 months down to as little as four months. COL Weizer mentioned how the software acquisition pathway is adapting to commercial practices for development, which regularly rolls out software in support of their wares. Understandably, this faster process means that changes will become less substantial with incremental upgrades. Additionally, to mitigate configuration management issues across the enterprise which can come with frequent software updates, COL Weizer explained that his office is automating the process.

As part of instituting DevSecOps, the team has formalized a relationship with the user community, and Mr Smith tells us he is “most excited about the focus on the user,” which he went on to describe as, “a fanatical focus on the user.” Likewise, PEO SDA cuts across the entire SOF enterprise, including all of the other PEOs. Additionally, they look outside of the Command itself with customers at all of the SOF components as well as the Theater Special Operations Commands. In fact, they regularly utilize SOCCENT, co-located at MacDill AFB as a test element for new software before they release it to the field.

PEO-SDA has already made improvements on how quickly user software requirements are satisfied and it has only been a year.

Posted in Digitization, SOF, SOFIC | Comments Off on USSOCOM PEO-SOF Digital Applications Update

UF PRO to Debut Striker ULT Combat Pants Next Month—Garment has Same Characteristics as U.S. Army Improved Hot Weather Uniform

May 19th, 2021

TRZIN, SLOVENIA (18 May 2021)—UF PRO today announced it will begin selling its new Striker ULT Combat Pants on 10 June. Weighing less than a kilogram, Striker ULT offers excellent durability, breathability, and quick-drying characteristics while maintaining low weight, the company said.

“We built the Striker ULT from the ground up with one objective in mind: to maximise the performance and comfort of those who wear it, whether they’re engaged in operations in a hot desert, tropical environments, or right here in temperate Europe,” said Armin Wagner, head of UF PRO product development.

“To help us achieve that objective, we use NyCo Extreme as our base material,” Wagner continued. “NyCo Extreme is a nylon-cotton ripstop fabric 17 percent lighter than regular NyCo. It also resists tears three times better, has 10 times greater breathability, and dries 35 percent faster.”

A unique feature of the Striker ULT Combat Pants is their new Waist/Flex System. According to Wagner, this system keeps the pants properly fitted to the wearer’s body.

The Waist/Flex system—made with Schoeller-dynamic stretch panels—includes an integrated under-belt (with space for the wearer’s unit insignia). “Waist/Flex System’s midsection is plastic-reinforced, button-secured, and adjustable to prevent upward shifting of the under-belt, even if a heavily laden battle belt is worn atop it,” Wagner indicated.

The likelihood of the Striker ULT Combat Pants developing folds or sliding down along the hips is virtually null owing to air/pac® pads inserted at the rear of the waist, he noted.

“The pads create adhesion where the body curves in, so the pants stay right where they’re supposed to as the wearer moves about,” Wagner explained. “Without the pads, there would be a gap between the pants and the wearer’s lower back—and the presence of that gap is what would allow the pants to slide down.”

Wagner contended that the Waist/Flex System not only makes a direct, significant contribution to the wearer’s performance in the field, but also increases comfort.

Comfort is enhanced in other ways too, Wagner assured. One is by means of strategically located vents.

“The NyCo Extreme material by itself is very breathable, but there will be times when they’ll want to bring more airflow inside the pants to further counter the heat,” said Wagner. “So we designed our Striker ULT Combat Pants with operable vents in the side pockets and lower legs.”

Wagner said there are a total of six side-pockets stitched into the pants. Each is ultra-large, which permits the wearer to carry sizable additional gear along on the mission.

“So that the gear carried in the pockets doesn’t shift around inside, each pocket comes with a bungee cord along the upper edge, plus additional elastic bands inside,” he revealed. “The pockets have a sealable flap secured with Canadian rubber buttons. We’ll be including an easy-to-use kit for wearers who want to replace the buttons with hook-and-loop strips. As well, the pockets feature a vertical zipper that makes gear retrieval simple and fast from a kneeling position.”

Another key feature of the Striker ULT Combat Pants is their built-in knee pockets. These pockets hold UF PRO’s battle-proven, knee-protection system that allows wearers to shield knees from either impacts or sharp objects, Wagner said.

The knees of the pants are adjustable, he added. “This lets wearers calibrate the pants to the shape of their body. Also, the interior around the knees is lined with moisture-wicking 37.5™ technology material to draw away sweat.”

The new Striker ULT Combat Pants also include boot hooks. “The boot hooks are attached to the bottom of each leg,” he explained. “When you connect the laces of your boots to these hooks, the pants stay put.”

Once the Striker ULT Combat Pants become available for purchase, buyers will be able to obtain them in two colors—Brown Grey or MultiCam.

The pants are expected to be priced at €239 per pair, said Wagner.

For more information about the UF PRO Striker ULT Combat Pants, go to www.ufpro.com/pants/combat-pants/striker-ult-combat-pants

For more information about other UF PRO combat pants, go to www.ufpro.com/pants/combat-pants

For more information about the full line of UF PRO tactical gear, go to www.ufpro.com

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Materials, Press Release | 3 Comments »