GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics’ All Weather Integrated Clothing System

Rheinmetall Pressing Ahead with F-35A project: AERO-Bildungs GmbH Commissioned with Technical Training for Production Mechanics

June 8th, 2024

Rheinmetall is pressing ahead with its F-35A programme. The technology group has commissioned AERO-Bildungs GmbH to provide technical training for the production mechanics for the centre fuselage section of the F-35A in Weeze.

AERO-Bildungs GmbH is a partner specialised in the field of technical training within the aviation sector. The mid-sized family business located in Oberpfaffenhofen in Bavaria will assist with planning of the training and the implementation of basic technical training. This shall enhance the knowledge and skills initially learnt at Northrop Grumman in the USA not only to be applied in Weeze, but also to be passed on to other employees in the same quality, thus enabling a transfer of knowledge. In cooperation with experienced Rheinmetall trainers, a dedicated training and competence center is being set up in Weeze to ensure sustainable knowledge building and ongoing employee qualification.

The commissioning of AERO-Bildungs GmbH as of April 2024 is the first step towards further integrating German companies into the F-35A delivery and supply chain for the Weeze site. It underlines the Duesseldorf-based technology group’s commitment to increasing German added value within the programme.

Rheinmetall has been commissioned by Northrop Grumman to produce at least 400 centre fuselage sections for the F-35A fighter aircraft in 2023. Extensive infrastructure measures are currently underway in Weeze, North Rhine-Westphalia, near the Dutch border. The aim is to complete the production facility in spring 2025 and then start production in summer 2025.

About Rheinmetall Aviation Services:
Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH (RAS), based in Bremen, was founded at the beginning of 2019 for strategic cooperation with Sikorsky in the Heavy Transport Helicopter (STH) procurement project. RAS has been working in close cooperation with the German Air Force at three different airfields since 2021/2022. RAS is seamlessly integrated into the German Air Force’s organisational structure and successfully takes over support, maintenance and repair of the CH-53G fleet.

Another important milestone was achieved in 2023 when RAS, in cooperation with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, entered into the production of centre fuselage sections for the F-35A. With an investment volume in the three-digit million euro range, Rheinmetall is currently building a state-of-the-art factory at the Weeze site in North Rhine-Westphalia for the production of at least 400 F-35A centre fuselage sections for the German Air Force and allied nations.

A new era in the air dimension will begin for Rheinmetall with the completion of the factory by the end of the first quarter of 2025 and the subsequent start of production and delivery of the first centre fuselage sections as of the first quarter of 2027.

Beez Combat Systems – Predator Ghillie SPECTRALFLAGE Veil

June 8th, 2024

The Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Veil reduces the VIS (physical visual), UV, NIR and thermal signatures (6µm ~ 15µm, high end of MWIR, LWIR, FIR) of the individual to help avoid being observed and/or targeted by ground-based detection, sUAS, and UAS near-peer threats. The Veil uses complex, next-generation engineering to accomplish the unimaginable: multispectral signature reduction for the individual war fighter against real world thermal and night vision technology.

The Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Veil is another piece of the SPECTRALFLAGE camouflage system designed to be retro-fitted onto the Cobra/ Viper Lite to help reduce the thermal signature around the head, face, and neck.This is the next evolution in advanced thermal mitigation for the end user. New threats on the battlefield require new solutions as advanced thermal detection and aiming devices rapidly evolve.

Made with the most advanced military grade A-TACS camouflage patterns the Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Veil provides visual breakup, granting the end user the most advanced concealment solution primarily designed for urban, desert, and open environments.

The Predator Ghillie™ SPECTRALFLAGE Veil is the next advancement in concealment technology. On the battlefield of today, tomorrow, and the future; multispectral concealment is the way.

For additional information and availability – Beez Combat Systems

Soldier’s Injury Spurs Malpractice Claims Policy Changes

June 8th, 2024

An Army family’s five-year struggle and advocacy efforts led to major changes in how the Department of Defense considers non-economic payments in medical malpractice claims filed by active-duty service members.

The changes, published May 10 in the Federal Register, say that potential financial damages in medical malpractice claims will no longer be offset or reduced by the compensation otherwise provided by the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs. This change will ensure that families receive full compensation for pain and suffering.

“It wasn’t until the family brought this issue to the forefront that we were able to advocate on behalf of the entire military to remove the offset,” said Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. “Pfc. Del Barba and his family deserve the credit for bringing attention to this issue.”

The case began when Pfc. Dez Del Barba, of California, reported to what is now Fort Moore, Georgia, for basic training in January 2019 in preparation for attending Army Officer Candidate School. That February, he became ill and over the course of a week his symptoms worsened.

After numerous visits to sick call, Del Barba was transported to a Columbus, Georgia hospital, where he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a form of a flesh-eating infection linked to a Strep A infection.

The Army had earlier received a positive test result for Del Barba’s Strep A infection but had not acted on it.

Placed in a medically induced coma, Del Barba was given a 10% chance of survival. As the infection ravaged his legs and torso, he underwent repeated surgeries in Columbus and at the burn unit at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital to remove skin or tissue.

His left leg was amputated as the infection spread.

“What happened to me did not have to happen. This was preventable,” Del Barba told a Congressional subcommittee.

The Army is currently reviewing Del Barba’s medical malpractice claim.

“My life has changed forever. That once active and healthy 21-year-old man now must deal with a lifetime of challenges and obstacles because of the neglect I suffered,” he said.

“The last five years our family has worked tirelessly not just for our son … but for countless servicemen and women who have been grossly mistreated by the department due to military medical malpractice. This long-overdue change will finally bring some accountability to those responsible for their inexcusable actions. Our nation’s Servicemen and Women, our heroes, deserve better medical care,” the Del Barba family said in an emailed statement.

The DoD policy change also clarifies that future lost earnings may be awarded until the time DoD determines that the claimant is, or is expected to be, medically rehabilitated and able to resume employment.

“In addition to Pfc. Del Barba’s resilience and focus on his own recovery, the most remarkable aspect of his story is how he championed this change for all service members,” explained Secretary Wormuth.

Del Barba’s mother says he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management but cannot and likely will never be able to work.

“There are moments when we may think wecannot, until we change our mindset to say we can. I feel grief for all I have lost, but I am grateful for all that I have. We must stand firm, honor the sacrifices of our heroes, and fight for justice,” Del Barba said in an emailed statement.

The family wants more attention paid to the risk of necrotizing fasciitis, and May 31 is Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day, with a focus on the impact of the disease.

The Del Barba family has also formed a nonprofit, called Operation Dez Strong, to assist children ages 4 through 18 who face or have had an amputation and need assistance in acquiring and adapting to prosthetic devices.

By Jonathan Austin, Army News Service

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Expand Strategic Collaboration

June 7th, 2024

Lockheed Martin, the global aerospace and deterrence company, and Rheinmetall, a leading international systems provider for security technology, have signed a new collaboration memorandum of understanding (MoU) at ILA Berlin. The two companies aim to collaborate in areas including land, air and naval forces as well as in simulation and maintenance. Specifically, this includes rocket artillery systems, laser weapon systems, simulation and training for land vehicles and helicopters, short-range air defence (SHORAD) and other areas of cooperation.

Speaking at the signing event, Ray Piselli, vice president International at Lockheed Martin, said: “Today’s MoU marks a further step in the development of Lockheed Martin’s maturing relationship with Rheinmetall and will deliver business opportunities for both companies internationally. I’m excited by the opportunities ahead which will sustain German jobs, boost exports and enhance the country’s technical skills base well into the future.”

Dennis Goege, vice president for Central and Eastern Europe at Lockheed Martin, added: “This signing today builds on successful cooperation such as the German F-35 program or the GMARS rocket artillery system. It is a logical step for us to take our collaboration with Rheinmetall to a new strategic level which will strengthen our enduring relationship with German and European industries.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “We are pleased to take the next step in our proven cooperation with our US partner Lockheed Martin. Both companies have specific capabilities and technological expertise that complement each other perfectly. It is our declared goal to serve our customers from this ambitious partnership with cutting-edge technology that combines the best of both companies.”

Lockheed Martin has been a partner to the German industry for over 50 years and continues to strengthen these partnerships by working with companies like Rheinmetall that possess highly advanced technical capabilities. As part of the international F-35 supply chain, Rheinmetall will soon start the production of up to 400 F-35 center fuselages. The Düsseldorf-based technology group is thus creating at least 400 direct jobs for highly qualified workers in Weeze (North Rhine-Westphalia).

In 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin teamed up to develop GMARS, a two-pod multiple rocket launcher system designed to meet the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery. If selected by the Bundeswehr, this system would bring significant workshare to the German industry.

Lockheed Martin will continue to explore additional industrial participation opportunities. These partnerships with German industry create jobs in manufacturing, sustainment, training, research, and development.

Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ammunition, land systems and defence electronics. The construction of the F-35 centre fuselage factory in Weeze also marks the Group’s entry into the ultra-modern military aerospace industry.

Hard Head Veterans Unveils American Made HHV ATE GEN3 Ballistic Helmet

June 7th, 2024

SWEETWATER, Texas – June 7 2024

Hard Head Veterans, a veteran-owned and operated helmet manufacturing company, announces the launch of its newest product, The HHV ATE® GEN3 Ballistic Helmet. Proudly made at their facility in Sweetwater, Texas by men and women who have worn helmets into combat themselves, the helmet is designed for military, law enforcement, and patriots of this great nation.

“We are beyond excited to start production of the Gen3 ATE helmet at our facility in Sweetwater, Texas,” said Dub Robertson, Plant Director of Hard Head Veterans.”Since day one, our mission has been to provide the highest quality products to our Military, Law Enforcement, and First Responder communities at prices they can actually afford, and the Gen3 helmet will provide that option while simultaneously having the American-made manufacturing our customers demand.”

Incorporating customer feedback and continuous improvement, Hard Head Veterans has enhanced the Gen3 ATE with the A3S Lite night vision shroud and a dial-adjustable chin strap, ensuring optimal fit and functionality for users in various environments. With an average backface deformation number of 13.125mm, the HHV ATE® GEN3 offers unparalleled safety without compromising comfort or mobility. Designed with input from military, law enforcement, and first responder communities, this helmet provides superior protection at an affordable price point while still maintaining American manufacturing, making it accessible to those who serve and protect our nation.

The HHV ATE® GEN3 Ballistic Helmet is now available for purchase at an MSRP of $799. For more information, visit www.hardheadveterans.com or contact info@hardheadveterans.com.

Princeton Tec to Attend 37th Annual Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference

June 7th, 2024

PENNSAUKEN, NJ. JUNE 7, 2024 – Princeton Tec, a renowned provider of American-made quality outdoor and tactical lighting options will be in attendance at the 37th Annual Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference held by the Ohio Tactical Officers Association (OTOA). This conference will be held in Sandusky, OH from June 10-14, 2024.

The Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference offers education, training and networking opportunities for tactical officers across the nation. The conference provides attendees the opportunity to participate in hands-on training sessions and workshops and take part in lectures by industry leading experts. The event will have its vendor show June 10, where over 100 vendors are registered to exhibit.

“Our team at Princeton Tec is excited to participate in this year’s OTOA Annual Tactical Operations and Safety Conference,” said Princeton Tec Director of Marketing Kady Kolb. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our products to the law enforcement tactical operations community in Ohio,  and reaffirming our support behind the significance of safe practices in the industry.”

Princeton Tec invites all attendees to visit its exhibit at booth 112 to see first-hand the innovative products that Princeton Tec offers to assist and improve law enforcement tactical operations. The booth will feature the latest and best from Princeton Tec’s product line including the new Charge X helmet light which launched in May.

The Ohio Tactical Officers Association is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the performance and professionalism of all levels of first responders. For more information about OTOA and the Annual Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference visit https://otoa.org/.

For more information about Princeton Tec, please visit www.princetontec.com or find Princeton Tec on Instagram and Facebook. 

Lindnerhof Taktik Introduces a New Series of Multi-Pouches and Matching Panels – Sophisticated Design for Efficient Organisation

June 7th, 2024

LENGGRIES, GERMANY (06.06.2024)

Lindnerhof-Taktik has introduced a new series of Multi-Pouches and two matching Panels today to provideperfect organizational solutions.

These products offer a number of improvements overprevious generations and also innovations with regard to the brand new items – all to meet industry standards. Some of the key features are a streamlined and efficientdesign, the use of slim and colour-matched webbing anda MX material backside for all PA Pouches (PA109/II, PA022, PA054/II,PA023, PA053/II).

This along with the use of standard laser-cut MOLLE slots and slim 20mm PALS straps not only ensuresfunctionality but also reduces the weight of the Pouchesby approximately 5-10% and allows easier mounting, especially on reinforced systems like the Curv ® Belts. The front of these Pouches also feature a standard MOLLE/PALS webbing (20mm) on the entire front for attaching additional equipment.

It is also important to highlight the improvements Lindnerhof-Taktik has made to the colour matrix to achieve a more attractive appearance by replacing the solid colour straps with matching camouflage straps in Multicam®, 3fb Flecktarn and 5fb Flecktarn.

The LT373 Multi-Pouch has a slightly different approach as it is more of an additional Pouch for carrying systems such as Plate Carriers and Micro Rigs – here it can be attached using hook and loop fastener but can also be removed easily thanks to the quick-release buckles. Thereverse all-round zipper allows full opening andtherefore enables the use as a Medic-Pouch.

Back to the similarities, there are shared features such as a quick-opening strap on the top that allows the Pouch to be opened with a single pull, reverse zippers and several additional loops on the outside for attaching more gear. The loop surface lined inside is another common feature that provides the basis for the versatile use of the other new products, the Panels MX374 and MX375. As a single or multi version, this is the perfect solution for carrying all kinds of small equipment that need to be perfectly organised and have a secure fit in the Pouches.

This new series of Multi-Pouches and Panels offers a variety of models in different sizes, shapes and layouts to choose from. The available models are as follows:

• Multi-Pouch LT373

• Multi-Pouch slim PA109/II

• Multi-Pouch vertical large PA022

• Multi-Pouch vertical PA054/II

• Multi-Pouch horizontal large PA023

• Multi-Pouch horizontal PA053/II

• Panel detachable single MX374

• Panel detachable multi MX375

Explore the latest products from Lindnerhof Taktik today and enjoy the enhanced features and modern design.

Tomahawk Performance Expands European Distribution in Sweden with MP-SEC International

June 7th, 2024

Nashville, Tennessee – June 2024 – Tomahawk Performance is pleased to announce MP-SEC International as new exclusive channel partner in Sweden.

“We are extremely proud to partner with MP-SEC International. They have established an exceptional track record built on trust and years of exceptional service to those on the front lines who fight to ensure our collective safety and global stability. Working with the MP-SEC International is imperative to our growth in a key market,” says Marc Elbaz, Tomahawk Performance CEO.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing the accessibility of cutting-edge gear to those serving in a hostile environment with high operational and technical requirements,” says Max Gidhagen, MP-SEC Int’l VP of Government Sales.

Partnering with MP-SEC International allows Tomahawk Performance to expand the range of support to military and law enforcement personnel and supply protective layering systems to Europe. Product currently available in Sweden through MP-SEC.

Tomahawk Performance designs technical apparel and gear to maximize mobility and enhance performance during the mission. For more information, please contact the Tomahawk Performance team.

contact@tomahawkperformance.com 

info@mp-sec.com