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Whiskey 5 – Eagle Eye Innovations

September 25th, 2023

Who?

Eagle Eye Innovations (EEI) was founded in 2013 by Sion Roberts, an ex-sensor operator for the MQ-9 Reaper in the Royal Air Force (RAF), delivering Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) training. EEI quickly became a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Recognised Assessment Entities (RAE) delivering accredited training services to the UK market, and is now one of the longest running RAEs.

The company has since grown significantly over the last 5 years, including increasing its ownership and Directorship with key experience to help grow the company beyond its roots. In addition, the team is now 35 strong, with plans to grow further in Q4 2023, and boasts over 550 years of military experience and over 50,000hrs instructing and operating Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms across the Air, Land, and Maritime domains, including exquisite platforms such as the RAFs MQ-9 Reaper.

Currently, EEI operates across 5 core departments (see below); Training Academy, Technical Services, Defence & Security, Special Projects, and EEI Asset Protection Solutions (EEI-APS), with a key to success being that they do not make RPAS / drones. Rather, EEI specialises in supporting customers through requirement definition, procurement support, integration, training, and operational services; ensuring the customer procures the correct system for their needs and realises its full capability.

What?

Being system agnostic, EEI provides services across all classes of RPAS, regardless of size, weight, and complexity, to the commercial and defence sectors globally. The trusted, equipment independent nature of the organisation has grown a position of trust acting as the ‘customer friend’ in a rapidly developing technology space, and has become a ‘one-stop-shop’ for RPAS support solutions for many commercial and defence customers globally.

EEIs vision is to enable safe RPAS operations for the world, leveraging high-end, ex-military expertise to assist customers from all walks of life to access and operate ground breaking RPAS technology to enhance their services or operations, safely.

Key to EEIs capability is being able to work closely with customers to understand ‘why’ or ‘how’ RPAS/drones can be of benefit across any industry, developing key equipment requirements, putting output before equipment. This model enables a more informed procurement decision and invariably mitigates spiralling program costs compared to less informed equipment procurement decisions.

Beyond requirement analysis and procurement support, EEIs industry leading training analysis, development, build and delivery services in the RPAS sector are at the heart of the organisations vision. Regularly, customers across commercial and defence sectors engage with EEI having experienced inferior training elsewhere due to the quality of product, delivery, and after sales support. Indeed, EEI services go well beyond training, supporting customers with integration services, Test and Evaluation (T&E) of new and novel technology, operational support through direct support to customer operations or delivering operations on behalf of the customer, and Research & Development (R&D) to help identify emerging gaps and opportunities for the technology within the global marketplace. A new and novel application of this technology is its use in lifesaving off the UK shores. EEI has teamed with the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) to ensure our coastal lifeguards are trained to utilise RPAS/drones to increase the likelihood of survival for those individuals that find themselves in distress at sea.

One of the newest areas of EEI is the Special Projects department. This team offers partners a discreet operationally focussed framework with appropriate security safeguards. Special projects are geared to understand and support the RPAS needs of other private and public entities in complex environments that fall outside of our traditional offerings wherever their operations occur around the world.

When?

The EEI journey began with the conception of the company on the 31st of July 2013, delivering groundbreaking monthly RPAS training courses to the UK market at the beginning of 2014.

In late 2018, Alex Kasperczyk (Director of Business Development) and Dominic Smith (Director of Operations) left the RAF to invest into EEI, which enabled the next stage of growth for the organisation and expanded the scope of its services into the defence sector. EEI now delivers its suite of services to all three Services and a large percentage of UK Emergency Services.

In 2021, EEI teamed with Jordan Crowns’ Crown Consulting organisation to develop a roadmap to delivering assured and effective security enhanced with the use of RPAS. This resulted in Crown Consulting being absorbed into EEI to create EEI Asset Protection Solutions (EEI-APS) that now delivers domestic security to high profile private clients and large-scale events, international crisis and risk management services to a variety of clients, and organic support to EEI to enable expeditionary RPAS services into complex or hostile environments.

In September 2023, EEI will be launching EEI Europe in Malta at the Maltese Air Show. Building on successes and growth over the last decade, this strategically important step will give access to new markets and customers around Europe, and further afield, as the organisations continues to drive towards its vision.

Where?

Headquartered in Lincoln, UK, EEI has supported clients as far a field as Australia, Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Launching EEI Europe from Malta will enable a more global reach for the organisation, give the ability to work closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) following BREXIT, and provide a launch pad for support to customers beyond Europe.

EEI has several pre-established flight sites across the UK to support customer training wherever they may be, with the intent to grow this overseas with the establishment of EEI Europe. The ‘jewel in the crown’ being the EEI Centre of Excellence (CoE); a private 300m grass airstrip less then 10mins from the EEI HQ in Lincoln.

Why?

As RPAS/drone technology becomes more accessible for all customers globally, the use cases become more complex, and the technology itself accelerates into new, untested capability areas daily, the importance of safe RPAS operations becomes increasingly critical to ensure its succeeds and thrives alongside traditional aviation.

Recent examples in the UK have seen commercial RPAS/drone operators having received legal action against them for using their technology in an unsafe manner or in a restricted environment. To mitigate this, education is key and EEI aim to be at the heart of this now and into the future.

In an ever-growing and saturated market such as the RPAS equipment industry, it’s important for an organisation like EEI can independently support clients with the development of appropriate, efficient, and safe solutions that provide operational and economic advantage.

For more information visit our website www.eeinnovationsltd.com or email info@eeinnovationsltd.com

Posted in International, UAS, Whiskey 5 | Comments Off on Whiskey 5 – Eagle Eye Innovations

Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions Triumphs on National Stage

September 25th, 2023

Defence manufacturer Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions’ Queensland artillery shell factory has won a major industry award.

RNM, a joint venture between Rheinmetall Waffe Munitions GmbH and Australian-owned NIOA, has been named Manufacturer of the Year at the Australian Defence Industry Awards.

RNM was also a finalist in the Exporter of the Year category, having despatched its first consignment of ammunition to Germany earlier this year.

The $90m Maryborough facility is the most advanced large calibre artillery plant of its kind in the world specialising in the 155mm projectiles which are fired out of the M777 Howitzer cannons.

At full rate production, the plant will have a workforce of up to 100 with the ability to produce up to 100,000 projectiles a year supplying the Australian Defence Force as well as allied export markets.

More than 800 people attended the black-tie Defence Connect dinner at the National Convention Centre in Canberra last Thursday night (Eds: September 21) with 144 finalists competing for honours in 29 categories across defence primes, SMEs and individuals including executives, scientists, technicians and marketers.

Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions General Manager Jeff Crabtree with the award for 2023 Defence Manufacturer of the Year; and a technician at the Maryborough-based factory works on an artillery shell which RNM is producing for the ADF and allied nations.

RNM General Manager Jeff Crabtree said the prestigious accolade recognised RNM’s role as an emerging player in the defence sector.

“We are incredibly proud,” he said. “This is recognition of an Australian-first munitions manufacturing capability, allowing regional Queensland to become an important player in the global munitions supply network.”

Rheinmetall Waffe Munitions CEO and RNM Chairman Roman Koehne said: “We congratulate Jeff and the team in Maryborough. RNM is a great example of an advanced manufacturing business that is playing a valuable role in building Australia’s defence industrial base.”

NIOA Group CEO and RNM Deputy Chairman Rob Nioa said the award acknowledged the company’s commitment to supporting defence industrial capability and skilled regional jobs, as well as its pivotal role in building national resilience.

“Before the establishment of the RNM facility there was no capability in Australia to forge 155mm or other large calibre shells,” he said. “The RNM forge has created a completely new skillset in the Australian defence industry.”

RNM has been held up as a “model example” of a genuine commitment and collaborative approach between various levels of government and industry to fast-track sovereign capability.

It was built within two years and had multi-level government backing with a $28.5m injection from the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund on top of $7.5m from the Queensland Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund and support from the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Posted in Industry, International, Munitions, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Next Generation Squad Weapons – First Unit Issued

September 25th, 2023

The Close Combat Lethality Task Force released this photo of Soldiers from the 101st AASLT DIV’s 2nd Battalion, 502nd IBCT, as they received their new XM7s and XM250s last week at Fort Campbell.

The unit will conduct extensive training and testing over the next few weeks. See our update for details.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | 6 Comments »

Blackhawk’s Rodman, Schuerch Take Third at West Virginia Team Tactical Games

September 24th, 2023

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – September 19, 2023 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, congratulates tactical athletes Zach Rodman and Ehea Schuerch for their third-place team finish at the Tactical Games West Virginia Regional Team event. Rodman and Schuerch teamed up for the first time at the West Virginia match and were able to reach the podium after a dramatic second day finish.

Throughout the competition, Rodman and Schuerch ran a full suite of Blackhawk gear, including the T-Series® L3D holster with Jacket Slot Leg Strap Adapter plus the Foundation Series Tac Nylon plate carrier and belt.

“The Foundation Series continues to execute in every difficult environment we compete in, and the West Virginia event was no less demanding,” said Rodman. “Another great item that can be added to any T-Series holster is the jacket slot leg strap adapter. Using it during the match made the holster feel almost non-existent during the ruck event that took us through the mountainous parts of the range. It’s a great piece that any T-Series owner should pick up.”

The West Virginia Tactical Games was the first match in which Rodman and Schuerch joined forces, and both competitors walked away from the event with a new level of respect for their teammate.

“Some things were out of our control and didn’t go as expected, but we fought hard and came back on day two to get the job done,” Schuerch said. “I had an absolute blast getting to partner with Zach for this competition. He’s a powerhouse of an athlete, a solid shooter, and he has a big heart and a passion for this sport and community. He made this weekend the highlight of my TTG season.”

Rodman expressed equal admiration for his partner.

“Ehea was a great teammate in West Virginia. Besides the fact that she is extremely strong, and her metabolic conditioning is world-class, she’s a great shooter and is always encouraging,” Rodman said. “These competitions are a roller coaster throughout the two days you are performing, so staying positive and having a level head is invaluable. I was thankful to have a partner that did both and so much more.”

To learn more about these Blackhawk sponsored athletes, The Tactical Games, or to see the full line-up of holsters and tactical gear that was used, head over to Blackhawk.com.

Posted in Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Blackhawk’s Rodman, Schuerch Take Third at West Virginia Team Tactical Games

The History of Iron Mike

September 24th, 2023

Paratroopers everywhere will immediately recognize Iron Mike. Fayetteville’s Airborne and Special Operations Museum recently shared the history of this iconic figure.

In the spring of 1960, 18th Airborne Corps Commander Lieutenant General Robert Sink appointed Mrs. Leah Hiebert, a military spouse and sculptress, to design and fabricate a statue to encapsulate the spirit of the Airborne trooper. The original idea was inspired by the cover of Ross Carter’s Book, “Those Devils in Baggy Pants”.

Mrs. Hiebert, whose husband, Samuel L. Hiebert, served as an Army chaplain during World War II, created the statue in an old parachute packing facility. Sergeant MajorJames Runyon was selected as the model for the statue, and posed for over four hours a day, twenty minutes at a time while wearing his own WWII uniform. The photograph below was taken of Runyon to aide in the construction of the statue as it was being developed.

By November of 1960, the team fabricated the steel frame. The statue stands with his left foot in a raised position on a pile of rocks, and his upper body leans forward bearing weight on his elbow, which rests on his raised left knee. While the statue is officially named “The Airborne Trooper,” it is colloquially known as “Iron Mike”. The inscription on the base of the statue reads: “Iron Mike, In honor of Airborne Troopers whose courage, dedication, and traditions make them the world’s finest fighting soldiers”.

As the project neared completion, planners began looking for a suitable location to serve as its resting place. It was finally decided that the intersection of Knox Street and Bragg Blvd would house the 15 foot tall, 3,235 pound statue. On September 23, 1961, the statue was revealed. It quickly gained notoriety at Fort Bragg, but due to acts of vandalism, Iron Mike was later moved to the traffic circle between the Fort Bragg Club and the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg headquarters building in 1979. In 2005, the statue was replaced with a bronze version and the original, which had been deteriorating, was restored and refurbished and was placed at the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum in 2010. In 2021, Iron Mike was refurbished again. He still stands watch and welcomes all visitors at the ASOM.

Posted in History, Parachuting | 1 Comment »

DSEI 2023 Breaks All Records

September 24th, 2023

Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) delivered the most successful edition for its customers, key stakeholders, partners in its 24-year history.

DSEI broke all records last week in terms of overall attendance, number of visitors, and international delegations. Attendee numbers were up by 23% compared to DSEI 2019. The event hosted more than 1,500 exhibitors, with over 250 of those exhibiting for the first time, while our online industry buyer and supplier networking tool, MeetMe, enabled over 3,200 connections, and facilitated over 1,300 meetings throughout the busy show floor.

DSEI is an international hybrid event with truly global reach, with 36 international country pavilions including Ukraine and the largest being North America, which doubled in size from the last edition. As ever DSEI hosted international delegations from across the world. The event had an increase of senior military and government attendees, with over 3250 VIPs and delegations from close to 100 nations visiting the biennial event, surpassing that of the existing record numbers achieved in 2019.

Many of the new exhibitors at DSEI 2023 were within “Future Tech”. Sony, IBM, Oracle, Panasonic and Palantir were among the companies, demonstrating the broad reach of DSEI beyond its traditional defence and industrial base. These companies exhibited alongside the traditional defence industry, including all the major manufacturers.

Visitors saw outstanding displays of military capability, including representation from the Global Combat Air Programme, a host of warships from the UK and visiting nations, and land vehicles and aircraft from the highest calibre of exhibitors. The UK Capability Showcase was a big draw for visitors. It demonstrated the latest, cutting-edge capabilities being developed by the UK’s defence and security industry. The showcase served as a platform to demonstrate the UK’s “best-in-class” advancements, innovations, and expertise across all domains.

Alongside an increase in physical attendees, DSEI saw impressive take up of its digital offerings – DSEI Connect and MeetMe. DSEI Connect provided access to all live streamed keynotes, product demonstrations, thought leadership presentations, and analysis throughout DSEI 2023. MeetMe enabled attendees to book and plan meetings with industry buyers and suppliers before, during, and after the event.

The DSEI Forums were free to attend for all visitors and ran for the duration of the show. Featuring panel debates and keynote speeches from international thought leaders, they explored the current strategic-level challenges faced by the global defence industry and provided a platform for sharing valuable ideas with allies. Although the five main forums were divided into operational domains, all the theatres played host to cross-Force discussions and welcomed input from audience members with different perspectives.

DSEI Director Grant Burgham said,

“The global defence and security community convened again at DSEI 2023. Representatives of both British and international defence companies, including hundreds of SMEs, were in attendance at DSEI this year. It proved to be a vital opportunity to build connections, seek innovative collaborations and for the UK to export world-leading capabilities.

Our theme, ‘Achieving an Integrated Force’ was well observed. To achieve an integrated force, supply-chains need to be understood and strengthened, thus creating an unbreakable cohesion between military and industry. DSEI was the ideal platform to accelerate this.

DSEI works in close partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence, the Department for Business and Trade and the UK Armed Forces, our event sponsors, our partners and the media. Without their unfailing support, DSEI would not be able to provide such a range of valuable opportunities to exhibitors, governments, and visitors alike.

On behalf of the whole DSEI team, we are taking stock of the opportunities this show has given, and also look forward to welcoming everyone back for DSEI 2025.”

Posted in DSEi | Comments Off on DSEI 2023 Breaks All Records

Soldiers Use IVAS for Collaborative Mission Planning

September 24th, 2023

Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division , conduct mission planning operations during the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) 1.2 Phase One User Assessment held by Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier on Fort Drum, August 23. The user assessment was designed to collect Soldier feedback on the IVAS 1.2 prototypes.

(U.S. Army photo by Jason Amadi, PEO Soldier Public Affairs)

Posted in Army | 2 Comments »

Pohl Force Knives – MK-9 LEGACY

September 23rd, 2023

The MK-9 LEGACY from Pohl Force Knives will be available for order on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2023, 5 p.m. German local time (CEST, UTC +2 – Los Angeles 8 a.m., New York 11 a.m.)

The MK-9 LEGACY was designed by Dietmar Pohl to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the film First Blood. The world premiere of the knife took place during the celebrations in Hope B.C., the place where it all began about forty years ago.

The knives can only be ordered via email via the www.movieknife.com website at the launch date. PLEASE NOTE the ordering information on the subpage “MK-9 LEGACY Order Information“.

Posted in Guest Post, Knives | Comments Off on Pohl Force Knives – MK-9 LEGACY