B5 Systems

Dark Systems Launches the DarkFighter K9 Helmet GEN4

May 30th, 2024

Dark Systems is proud to present the GEN4, a state-of-the-art helmet system that defines a new paradigm for equipment modularity and electronics integration without the extra weight and bulk of legacy systems.

Improved capabilities for mission optimization and situational awareness.

The product, although containing many innovations, remains compatible with accessories from previous generations: muzzles, hearing protections, optronics, strobe, etc.

“Our focus at Dark Systems has always been on the end-user – the dogs who require the best protection available. With the DarkFighter K9 Helmet GEN4 we have taken a significant leap forward in delivering helmets that not only protect our end-users but also enhance their operational capabilities. Every gram count when it comes to the gear our K9s carry. Each feature is a demonstration to our commitment to innovation and excellence in providing the best protective equipment to those who serve ».

Dark Systems is the world leader in K9 helmets. Worldwide, over 3,000 of the company’s products have been deployed to the military and law enforcement agencies, SAR and K9 handlers. Each day, they use the DarkFighter K9 Helmet to protect their personnel. Dark Systems is a company of high-level engineers and professionals committed to listening, understanding and responding to our customers’ mission-critical needs.

UF PRO Hosts First International Striker Challenge

May 30th, 2024

KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (29.5.2024)

Over 100 contestants from across Europe gathered at UF PRO’s headquarters in Komenda, Slovenia, for theinaugural international Striker Challenge. This event featured fourteen rigorous challenges spread across an eight-kilometre course.

The first edition of the Striker Challenge was held last year, initially limited to local participants. Based on the positive feedback, UF PRO expanded the event, addingmore challenging tasks and opening it to international competitors.

Participants from across Europe faced a demanding eight-kilometre course with fourteen challenges divided into five categories. These included obstacles like walls and tunnels, providing medic treatment, observation and object spotting, heavy object throwing, military jumps, crawling and ammo carrying, and precision shooting. To add to the difficulty, each participant carried a ten-kilogram backpack throughout the course.

The event was open to everyone, from tactical operatorsand military or law enforcement personnel to passionate individuals with good physical fitness and tactical skills. Even man’s best friends were welcome. Participants could compete individually or in groups of three.

Building on the success of this year’s event, UF PRO is already planning next year’s Striker Challenge to be even bigger and better. Participants can look forward to more innovative challenges and enhanced experiences.

For more information visit ufpro.com.

Framework Contract for Rheinmetall: Bundeswehr Orders Around One Million DM45 Smoke Grenades – Worth up to €67 Million

May 29th, 2024

Rheinmetall has been commissioned by the Bundeswehr to supply around one million DM45 smoke hand grenades. On 22 May, Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH signed a framework agreement for the manufacture and supply of the grenades. A total of up to 1.5 million DM 45 smoke hand grenades can be procured under the agreement over the coming years. The potential order volume for the approximately one million smoke hand grenades is around EUR 67 million and will be financed from the Bundeswehr’s special fund. The framework agreement runs until 2027 and allows flexible annual call-off of the ammunition based on the identified requirements of the troops. The DM45 will be produced at Rheinmetall’s Silberhütte site in the Harz Mountains, Saxony Anhalt. The order that has now been placed means that the production facility will be utilised over the longer term.

The smoke hand grenade bears the official designation ‘Granate, Hand, DM45, 800 g, KM (grenade, hand, DM45, 800 g, KM)’. It has been in service with the Bundeswehr since the mid-1990s. When its pyrotechnic charge burns, the smoke hand grenade produces heavy smoke and thus forms a smoke screen. This interrupts the line of sight, making it possible to deceive enemy forces or disguise one’s own movements. The DM45 smoke grenade fully fulfils the requirements of the troops during training, exercises and operations. 

CANSEC 24 – Millbrook Tactical

May 29th, 2024

Millbrook Tactical represents OAC Skinbased for the tactical market in Canada and they have released a 160 cm version of their popular military ski.

The extra length helps it to float better over the snow. Additionally, AOC Skinbased skis feature an integrated skin to facilitate uphill movements.

CANSEC 24 – Logistik Unicorp

May 29th, 2024

One of the main reasons I attend CANSEC each year is to see what Logistik Unicorp is up to. They have a long history of innovation as well as working on some great projects. Case in point are the concept uniforms for a new Canadian Army Service Dress.

From a design standpoint, the cut is mindful of World War II dress uniforms with the belt and pleated patch pockets. This falls in line with the nostalgic direction the US Army has taken as well as well as the CANSOF dress uniform which debuted at CANSEC 2017.

Both male and female versions have been created, including skirt options for the ladies. The fabric is an Olive polywool twill with Khaki polycotton for the shirts.

The proposed new color takes the Canadian Army away from the current Rifle Green and returns them to a Lovat hue which reminds me of their Commonwealth membership. It’s decidedly a more martial color as well.

There are loads of features on these garments. One of them that I hope makes it into the final garment is the inclusion of the stable belt, another uniform item long associated with Commonwealth armies. Additionally, they currently foresee buttons for each Regiment.

It’s important to note that these are still concepts at this point and we hope to follow up soon with more information on this project.

2024 CANSEC

May 29th, 2024

I dropped into 2024 CANSEC in Ottawa to check out the latest in soldier systems wares. Presented by CADSI, the show is rather large in scope and covers all of the warfighting domains.

CANSEC 2024: Rheinmetall to Display its Complete Range of Mission Master Autonomous Vehicles for the Very First Time

May 29th, 2024

Rheinmetall is set to impress attendees at Canada’s foremost defence industry event by showcasing, for the very first time, all three Mission Master vehicle variants. The Mission Master SP, XT, as well as the very latest addition to the family, the CXT, will all be on display, allowing visitors to discover the unique capabilities of each vehicle.

In addition to its Uncrewed Ground Systems (UGSs), Rheinmetall will display its Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator, so that delegates can test the vehicles first-hand in a virtual, yet realistic environment.

Rheinmetall will also present the MSU-GP 200T Air Start Unit (ASU), the Solar?Shield fabric, and the Polaris MRZR-D4 equipped with the PATH autonomy kit. Additional vehicle solutions designed in collaboration with partnering companies will also be on display at the outdoor booth.

Rheinmetall Mission Master family:

• The Mission Master SP is a compact UGS with a low-signature electric motor and amphibious capabilities, and therefore an invaluable asset when silence is a must.

• The larger Rheinmetall Mission Master CXT and XT vehicles can tackle ice and snow, as well as sandy, rocky, and mountainous topography. Their advanced amphibious capabilities allow them to float and swim while maintaining their full payload capacity of 1000 kg.

The CXT is slightly smaller than the XT and has hybrid propulsion, meaning it can silently transport heavy payloads.

The XT is the largest Mission Master vehicle and is diesel powered.

Rheinmetall PATH A-Kit: This world-leading AI-powered navigation system is installed on all Mission Master UGS vehicles and is agnostic, meaning it can drive almost any military and commercial vehicle. To demonstrate the agnostic capacity of the PATH A-Kit, Rheinmetall will display its light tactical MRZR-D4 vehicle from Polaris.

TAK integration: Rheinmetall offers an extensive Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) integration service, including the development of tailored plugins to meet the most specific needs. Visitors will be able to test the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), which is integrated on all Mission Master vehicles, first-hand at the indoor booth.

MSU-GP 200T: The MSU-GP 200T is the only turbine-powered ASU on the market. It is lighter to deploy and more compact than diesel engine units. Proven across the globe in extreme weather environments, the MSU-GP is both reliable and versatile. It can also be transported by air and aboard naval carriers. Visitors will be able to discover this unique solution at the outdoor booth.

SolarShield: Pronounced solar sigma shield, this simple and affordable solution is a patented fabric designed and tested by Defence Research and Development Canada, and selected to equip the Australian Defence Force’s new Redback IFV. It allows a significant solar heat load reduction on systems by natural air convection and artificial shadow. The SolarShield also allows multispectral signature management against thermal, visual, near infrared, radar, and ultraviolet detection. Visitors will be able to discover the SolareShield technology at the outdoor booth.

Common Heavy Equipment Replacement (CHER) project: Rheinmetall Canada will join forces with JCB and other OEMs in pursuit of Canada’s CHER project. This initiative will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with dependable and sustainable heavy support equipment for the next generation of deployable and effective earth-working and cargo-handling capabilities. The High Mobility Engineer Excavator from JCB will be on display at Rheinmetall’s outdoor booth.

Domestic Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) project: Rheinmetall Canada will partner with UTV International in pursuit of the DAME project, which aims to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with a high mobility vehicle platform that can move sufficient personnel, equipment, and resources over different terrains during all seasons faced by operations in Canada’s North and Arctic. The “Voyager” from UTV International will be on display at Rheinmetall’s outdoor booth.

As Canada reinforces its commitment to protect the High Arctic and as partnerships with our global allies continue to become increasingly important, Rheinmetall’s display will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to discover the company’s comprehensive range of defence solutions. Also, having recently been awarded the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Level 2 Committed certification through the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business, Rheinmetall Canada’s team looks forward to exchanging with delegates from across Canada. 

Next Generation Camouflage System Alpha Ghost Seeks Industry Licensing Partners

May 29th, 2024

Are you looking for a new, more effective and versatilecamouflage system to expand your tactical or hunting clothing brand?

Alpha Ghost Camo is a next generation system of interactive camouflage technology with optimal performance characteristics. Our patterns arescientifically designed to conceal in a wider range of distances and a broader spectrum of light conditions,resulting in the capability to conceal in both high and low light environments, simultaneously. All tactical and hunting camo patterns are fractal based and mimic nature at the elemental level.

All pattern variations for hunting, law enforcement and military can be formulated to match as broad or specific an environment as necessary in order to fitmarket or tactical needs. For more information, please visit our website at www.alphaghostcamo.com or contact: 

Jeff Laurell, President

Email: jlaurell@alphadynamicconcepts.com

Ph: 719-291-1013

Robert Reitz, Chief Operations Officer

Email: rreitz@alphadynamicconcepts.com