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Milrem Robotics Led iMUGS Consortium Demonstrates Deployment of Unmanned Systems

December 3rd, 2021

The iMUGS Consortium, in charge of a 32,6 MEUR project developing the European standard unmanned ground system (UGS), demonstrated how defence forces can use tactical 4G/5G communications networks and UGS’ equipped with ISR and signal intelligence payloads, jammers, acoustic sensors, and various other technology to conduct missions.

The demonstration that was performed in September in Latvia, was led by LMT, a member of the integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) consortium, with the support of the project coordinator Milrem Robotics and featured an ensemble of different technology.

Latvian National Armed Forces used two Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) during two scenarios to display the benefits of teaming up manned units with unmanned systems.

One THeMIS UGV was equipped with an Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) payload, Signal Intelligence antenna (SIGINT) provided by The Electronic Communications Office of Latvia, Rheinmetall’s Rapid Obscuring System (ROSY) Smoke Grenade Launcher, Bittium’s Vehicular Software Defined Radios (Tough SDR Vehicular), and FN Herstal’s deFNder Light Remote Weapon Station (RWS). The RWS integration was part of the demonstration, but not of the iMUGS project itself.

The second THeMIS, used as a mule for transporting the squad’s equipment, was equipped with Rantelon’s Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Jammer and Bittium’s Tough SDR Vehicular.

The units and UGVs used Bittium’s tactical communication network TAC WIN combined with LMT’s commercial 4G and a tactical 5G-SA bubble provided by Bittium and Cumucore.

In addition, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann’s (KMW) Dingo infantry mobility vehicle was used as the command centre from where UGVs were operated in Line of Sight (LOS) and Beyond the Line of Sight (BLOS) mode using Bittium’s SDR radios and to where the ISR and Signal Intelligence sensor feed was relayed and incorporated into LMT’s Battle Management System Viedsargs.

“The displayed scenarios showed that unmanned systems, enhanced with innovative communication systems and various defence technology, can be used for collecting and sharing tactical information, improve situational awareness, decrease troops physical load, and increase force protection,” explained Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

”For the first time ever, in a special network, a tactical network was connected with a stand-alone 5G network. This allowed communication between units and robots, as well as collecting information from sensors and placing this information into LMT’s Battle Management System “Viedsargs”,” said Ingmars Pukis, Vice President and Member of the Management Board of LMT.

Additional equipment used in the demonstration included: SRC Brasa’s NATRIX UGV used for CASEVAC, high-speed First-Person View drone, Vertical Take-off, and Landing UAV STAR, and a gunshot detection and source recognition audio sensor by Riga Technical University (RTU).

The iMUGS project was launched in 2020 to develop a modular, cyber secure and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems. Its goal is to standardize a Europe-wide ecosystem for ground platforms, command, control and communication equipment, sensors, payloads, and algorithms. Addressed operational challenges include enhanced interoperability, increased situational awareness and faster decision-making.

The system will use an existing UGV – Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS – and a specific list of payloads.

The project’s progress is displayed during six demonstrations. „So far Milrem Robotics and LMT Innovations have set the bar very high. Which means we have some great things to wait for as the main results of the iMUGS projects are yet to be seen,“ said Martin Jõesaar from the Estonian Center for Defence Investments, the representative of the participating Member States in the iMUGS Project. The next demonstration will take place in Q1 of 2022 in Finland.

iMUGS is a cooperation between 13 parties: Milrem Robotics (project coordinator), Bittium, Diehl Defence, dotOcean, GMV Aerospace and Defence, Insta Advance, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), NEXTER Systems, Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Safran Electronics & Defense, Sol.One and Talgen Cybersecurity.

Watch the Demo 2 Scenarios here:

Posted in International, Press Release, Robotics | 1 Comment »

Team Federal Shines at the 2021 Fort Benning Multigun Challenge

December 3rd, 2021

ANOKA, Minnesota – December 1, 2021 – Team Federal sponsored shooters finished strong at the recent 2021 Fort Benning Multigun Challenge in Fort Benning Georgia. Every fall, the U.S. Army hosts this event at the fort’s recreational shooting complex. Federal supported this year’s match as a Gold Sponsor. Team Federal shooters Tucker Schmidt, Alysia Burrows and Todd Jarrett all performed well among the 234 shooters on hand. Schmidt earning a second-place finish for the match shooting in the Open division, Burrows with second place in the Tac Ops division for the Ladies’ category, and Jarrett finishing in eighth place for the Tac Ops division also earning “Top Senior” for the match.

“Congratulations to all our shooters at this match. The Army Marksmanship Unit are famous for running fun, innovative matches. From all I’ve heard, this one was no exception,” said Federal Ammunition Shooting Sports Promotions Manager Jason Spradling. “Our Team Federal shooters always do a great job representing our brand and I’m proud of their achievements this weekend.”

“It was a close and heated competition. It came down to the very last stage and it didn’t go my way. I’ll be working hard to come back next year and get the win,” said Schmidt. “My go-to ammo is The Federal Gold Medal line of shotgun and precision rifle ammo, as well as the American Eagle 55-grain for the go-fast rifle portions.”

“In a stiff competition environment like Benning, there really isn’t any margin for error. That’s why knowing your guns and knowing your ammo is a big part of preparation for an event like this,” said Burrows. “Feeding high performance guns with questionable ammo isn’t an option. I’ve always used Federal, even before I was on the team. I know each round is going to perform the same as the last.”

“Todd Jarrett’s Top Senior trophy and top-ten finish certainly was a highlight of the event for Team Federal,” continued Spradling. “Todd is a seasoned competitor and is well respected in the community. We’re excited to have him on board representing our brand with solid performances like this one.”

For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | 1 Comment »

Interactive Guide on Small Arms and Light Weapons

December 3rd, 2021

SSD reader JP shared this link with us and it’s a great resource. The Interactive Guide on Small Arms and Light Weapons is an open source database based in Germany, that provides information on the global distribution of, and how to identify commonly used small arms and light weapons (SALW).

Posted in weapons | Comments Off on Interactive Guide on Small Arms and Light Weapons

Go for Gold with Andro Corp’s AR15/M16 TiN Gold BCG

December 3rd, 2021

Back by popular demand, Andro Corp’s gold-polished titanium nitride hard-coated bolt carrier group.

Winter Garden, Fla. (November 2021) – Andro Corp., a Florida-based designer and manufacturer of quality AR platforms, uppers, lowers, and AR parts, announce the popular ACI gold polished titanium nitride hard coat BCG for AR15/M16’s is back in stock.

The gold polish adds more to the ACI BCG than just gun bling; it actually lengthens the life of the TiN nitride BCG by providing additional lubricity while combating friction. ACI’s full auto-profiled AR15/M16 TiN BCG is machined from 8620 alloy, heat-treated, and ultrasonically cleaned. The hard chrome bore is Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coated gold and polished. The PVD coating is a technique by which a solid material is converted into a vapor to coat the subject product. This PVD process condenses the material into a vapor and turns it into a very thin, solid coating covering the piece. The benefits of PVD coating include better resistance to environmental conditions such as corrosion and abrasion and will not wear off or fade out. ACI’s gold-polished BCG is meant to accept the punishment of continuous use in any environment while maintaining optimal performance.

Additionally, the 9310 alloy bolt, machined 4140 Tool steel alloy extractor, 4130 chromoly steel alloy gas key, and 4340 chromoly steel alloy camp pin are all PVD coated and polished for additional lubricity and corrosion resistance.

ACI’s AR15/M16 TiN Gold Polished BCG is HP proof tested without evidence of failure 100 percent by using a high-pressure M197 or SAAMI commercial equivalent. MPI testing occurs after the successful HP proof test, using the ASTM E1444 inspection standard five-turn magnetizing coil.

ACI’s AR15/M16 TiN nitride BCG is 100 percent made in the USA and fully backed by ACI’s Lifetime Warranty. Available through Optics Planet with an MSRP of $199.00 (on sale). Dealers/Distributors interested in carrying Andro Corp. Industries products, contact info@androcorpind.com for more information.

Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Go for Gold with Andro Corp’s AR15/M16 TiN Gold BCG

C2R FAST – Fortuna Jacket Pre-Order

December 3rd, 2021

During DSEi we previewed the new Fortuna jacket from the UK’s C2R FAST. The jacket features 180gsm insulation, fleece lined collar and a DWR coating, Velcro ID panels at the sleeves as well as multiple pockets including 2 mesh pockets to assist with drying damp items in the field.

It’s offered in Ranger Green, Wolf Grey and Electric Blue in sizes Small – Extra Large.

You’ll find the pre-order in the Rural section of C2R’s new website.

c2rfast.com

Posted in Clothing, Industry | Comments Off on C2R FAST – Fortuna Jacket Pre-Order

Varusteleka Särmä TST Alpina Recon Boots

December 3rd, 2021

Built for Varusteleka by Alpina, this high leg, leather combat boot incorporates an upper made from black hydrophobic Box leather with a reinforcement piece on the toes and the heel. The lining is hydrophobic Napa leather. The outsole is rubber and the midsole injected polyurethane. The exchangeable anatomic insole has antibacterial treatment. The round black shoelaces are made from polyester/polyamide.

Get yours at www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-tst-alpina-recon-boots.

Posted in Advertiser, Boots, International | 2 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Buy Socks, Give Socks & Exclusive Yippee Ki-Yay Stickers

December 3rd, 2021

In the immortal words of a damn fine soldier, Lt. Dan Taylor, “There is one item of G.I. gear that can be the difference between a live grunt and a dead grunt. Socks, cushion, sole, O.D. green. Try and keep your feet dry when we’re out humpin’. I want you boys to remember to change your socks wherever we stop.” – Forrest Gump (1994)

Like any good leader we’ll get you the items you need to succeed. Here at First Spear, we remember what Lt. Dan said, and we have the tools for you to do this. Exclusive during the season of giving, we are offering a buy a pair, give a pair on our grunt-proof Merino Wool socks. We have both our Everyday Sock and Boot Sock. These socks will not only stave off that foot eating bacteria, but they’ll keep your feet dry, thanks to Merino Wools natural antimicrobial and high breathability. The reinforced and added cushion to the heal and toe will absorb those long days on your feet and shrug off those long hours of wearing boots.

In addition to our month of giving, every web order for the month of December will receive a limited edition FS Festive Yippee Ki-Yay Sticker.

Beginning of December 10th, we’ll be launching our 12 Days of Christmas, be sure to sign up for our email newsletters to be the first to know, first-spear.com/landing.

To check out our merino wool socks, go to: www.first-spear.com/technical-apparel/american-merino-wool.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Buy Socks, Give Socks & Exclusive Yippee Ki-Yay Stickers

New Range Simulates Combat Stress, Tests Precision, Speed

December 3rd, 2021

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — During Operation Lethal Eagle I, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) assessed and validated a new stress shoot range by conducting the first iteration Nov. 18.

“I think this range is going to help dramatically,” said Sgt. David Lee, a team leader from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. “There are strength and cardio elements with the stress of shooting and for me coming from the Army where we do static ranges all day to a move, shoot, move and communicate environment I think will really help the division out.”

There are eight engagements on the range to put 101st Soldiers to the test.

The tower engagement where each Soldier engages targets from three different heights ranging from 175 meters prone, 75 meters kneeling and 75 meters standing. At the base of the tower the Soldier picks up a battering ram and runs to the next station.

The breach engagement is where the Soldier breaches the door with the battering ram and engages three 50-meter targets with two rounds from a window in the building.

Next, the Soldier must drag a litter to a Humvee, taking cover behind the vehicle while engaging three 50-meter targets. After the targets have been engaged, the Soldier must pick up and carry two sandbags to the next location.

At the next location, the Soldier climbs the ladder to the rooftop and uses a barrier as cover to engage three more 50-meter targets. The Soldier then climbs down the ladder and secure two ammo cans to carry to the next position.

The Soldier must then drop the ammo can to maneuver over the top of the climbing wall to secure two water cans the he or she must carry to the bunkers from where he or she will engage the next three 50-meter targets.

For the eighth and final engagement, the Soldier moves to a location where he or she loads a magazine and engages with two rounds while walking toward the target.

“If you’re not in shape for one, get into shape and be the leader Soldiers want to follow,” Lee said. “Based on my interest in shooting I have participated in multiple three-gun competitions, so this is something that is familiar to me, but it helps set the example for the Soldiers as well.”

The stress shoot range is designed to make Soldiers and units in the 101st Abn. Div. more lethal and prepared for future combat.

“This is what we are going to expect our Soldiers to do in combat, varied terrain, heart rate up, stressed out,” said Maj. Gen. JP McGee, commanding general of the 101st Abn. Div. and Fort Campbell. “If you want to talk about increasing lethality and making it super easy for our Soldiers to get out there and work on it, this is it right here.”

This range is open to all units on Fort Campbell and its focus is to prepare the Soldiers in all units to react to enemy contact with precision and speed despite the stresses of combat.

– SFC Jacob Connor

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training | 3 Comments »