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NP Aerospace Receives Multiple UK MoD Related Contracts Following Jankel Acquisition

September 13th, 2024

NP Aerospace, the global vehicle integrator and armour manufacturer, has today announced the award of multiple UK MoD related contracts following the acquisition of the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited. The specifics of the contracts cannot be disclosed however, there are seven individual contracts in total and together, they involve the provision of products and services in the areas of tactical vehicles, civilian armoured vehicles (CAVs), armour protection systems, military seating and through-life support services. Contracting routes vary and range from direct to UK MoD (DE&S) and supply contracts to UK MoD through established tier one prime contractors. This announcement coincides with the DVD event taking place at Millbrook, 18-19 September 2024, where NP Aerospace are exhibiting on stand OR13 in the Off-Road Area.

NP Aerospace is already fully established as a trusted supplier to UK MoD with major contracts in place in the areas of vehicle supply, systems integration, through-life support, and armour protection systems. Integrating the former Jankel contracts into the existing operational model is an excellent fit as NP Aerospace already has the required facilities, skills, knowhow, supply chain and processes in place to deliver exactly what the customers require, with a proven and resilient track record fully established.

Since the announcement of the acquisition of the assets of Jankel Armouring Limited on 10 June 2024, NP Aerospace has been successful in securing talent from the original Jankel Armouring Limited staff including pivotal engineers and critical executives with the required knowledge of the acquired assets and legacy contracts, such as these. In addition, it is expected that these contracts, together with others, will help to create and/or sustain around 60-70 skilled jobs. This places NP Aerospace in the ideal position to successfully deliver on these UK MoD related contracts, plus several other former Jankel overseas contracts that are likely to be announced in the coming months.

James Kempston, NP Aerospace CEO, commented: “Following on from our recent announcement regarding the acquisition of Jankel Armouring Limited’s assets, we’re very pleased indeed to announce the award of these UK MoD related contracts, having been novated to us by the MoD and the MoD’s tier one suppliers.” He added: “we’re already in a strong position as a trusted and resilient supplier to UK MoD and we’re operating in very similar capability areas to the seven contracts we’ve now received. This is a very good fit and will suit all parties concerned but in particular, our customers, who previously relied on Jankel Armouring Limited for some key and critical specialist capabilities. Thank you to UK MoD and to the relevant prime contractors for placing their trust in us, once again, and we look forward to extending our already successful working relationships, effectively integrating these contracts into the NP Aerospace operating model.”

Posted in Armor, Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on NP Aerospace Receives Multiple UK MoD Related Contracts Following Jankel Acquisition

A Year in Review: CRO Medical HOIST Harness

September 13th, 2024

HOIST Harness Enhances Vertical Capabilities for POI Medics and Assault Teams

Missoula, MT— In 2023, our team set out to address a critical capability gap for Point of Injury (POI) medics, particularly when integrating with assaulting elements. As careers progress, many individuals within these roles encounter the need for vertical capabilities such as hoist, lower, and haul. Our team set out to develop a solution that would not only provide a solid shooting platform but also integrate seamlessly as a certified climbing harness, reducing the amount of equipment needed to perform these functions.

After a full year of development and testing, the CRO Medical Hoist Harness was born. This EN12277 Type C Sit harness is designed to add a vertical capability for both medical and tactical personnel. We adhered to European safety standards, specifically EN 12277 Type C. This standard is more comprehensive than the North American standards, particularly in modern mountaineering and sport climbing.

Customer Feedback

One of the standout features of the CRO Hoist Harness is its leg loop design. According to unanimous feedback from field testers, the leg loops are “by far the most comfortable leg loops I’ve ever worn.” This comfort can be attributed to removing traditional fastening hardware in favor of elastic or bungee retention, which prevents the harness from dragging and impeding movement during normal walking. This feature is commonly found in sport climbing, yet not represented in assault climbing until now. The loops are comfortable enough for all-day wear and can serve as a quick, hasty solution in extremis.

In terms of gun platform functionality, our team conducted extensive testing on various reinforcement designs. Early challenges, such as “waffling” that compromised Velcro contact on the belt, were mitigated to ensure better Velcro adhesion while balancing flexibility and stiffness. Customer feedback indicates that the outer belt is ideal for mounting a pistol and offers the proper rigidity for mounting tools.

Streamlining Equipment

One of the key benefits of the CRO Medical Hoist Harness is its ability to eliminate the need for additional belt systems during hoist operations. By incorporating an inner and outer belt, we’ve streamlined the process by fixing the 15 kN belay loop to the inner belt. As far as we know, this is an industry first.

We are encouraged by the positive feedback and the harness’s performance in the field. Many users see this harness as an “every shooter” item, depending on mission requirements. Now a legacy CRO product, we are excited to roll it out to a broader audience and ensure that it becomes a staple for personal vertical capability.

Testing: EN 12277 Type C Sit (common sport climbing standard)

For more information or to schedule a demonstration, please contact:

support@cromedical.com

cromedical.com/shop/hoist-harness

Posted in Medical, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Shaw Concepts Usurper V2 Belt

September 13th, 2024

The Usurper V2’s Outer Belt offers far more options and modularity than its predecessor or its competitors. The system works on a curved inner core that features windows for the different sleeves to slide on and lock into place. Based on requests for an all MOLLE belt and the V2 will be offered with canted and standard MOLLE sleeves. On top of that the sleeves all feature configurable webbing and hardware to run the outer belt in our GHook configuration or a more traditional buckled set up. The choice is yours.

Don’t forget, you can also configure it for use with the M320 grenade launcher.

Coming soon from shaw-concepts.com.

Posted in Load Carrying | Comments Off on Sneak Peek – Shaw Concepts Usurper V2 Belt

UNITY Tactical FAST FTC 4X Integrated Magnifier Now Available

September 13th, 2024

FAST™ FTC 4X Launches with New Integrated FAST™ QD Lever

BROUSSARD, LA. (Sept. 13, 2024) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, is now shipping its FAST™ FTC 4X. UNITY first previewed the 4X magnifier with an integrated base at SHOT Show 2024, but only just unveiled the new integrated FAST QD Lever at its official launch.

Integrating the mount with the optic shaves weight, increases strength and ensures streamlined functionality with near-zeroocclusion of the primary optic when stowed. The integrated base brings the magnifier up to the established FAST height of a 2.26″ optical centerline from the rail.

UNITY’s FTC (flip-to-center) technology allows for easy stowage when not in use. Just as simple to use, the new integrated QD Lever still allows for one-handed donning and doffing but eliminates any possible snag hazard. It keeps the charging handle side of the rifle completely clear and shaves more than half an ounce off the total weight.

“The new integrated FAST QD Lever makes the magnifier and integrated base a true and complete package,” said Trent Zimmer, founder of UNITY Tactical. “We aim to challenge conventions, so we asked ourselves – does a throw lever always have to run parallel to the base of the mount? It’s a small but critical feature that seamlessly demonstrates our approach to systems-based innovation.”

Designed for use with a red dot optic mounted at the same height, the FAST FTC 4X provides ultimate picture clarity, utilizing the dot in the primary optic as the aiming reticle. This allows the shooter to quickly shift between non-magnified (stowed) and magnified (up/deployed). The magnifier can be mounted on multiple weapons platforms behind a red dot sight or used as a hand-held monocular.

“We set out to build an integrated magnifier and base that expands capability to a 4X power within the traditional footprint of a 3X,” said Mike Roth, vice president of business development. “4X magnification power has historic success within the U.S. Military on primary battle rifles. It pairs well with your red dot while being strong enough to use on its own with an ideal magnification point. With the addition of our new integrated FAST QD Lever, we knew a benefit this magnifier would provide is quick detach, which allows the user to pull it off the rifle for individual use and then easily reattach to the weapon.”

The optical glass provides a clear and durable sighting solution with a fully adjustable diopter. The magnifier has a field of view at 100 yards of 30.1 feet or 9.2 meters. Eye relief is 2.6 inches or 67 mm. Weighing less than 12.0 ounces or 340.2 grams, the adjustment points for Windage and Elevation are flush with the housing, further reducing weight and snag hazards.

The FAST FTC 4X comes standard in black and retails for $710. It is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on UNITY Tactical FAST FTC 4X Integrated Magnifier Now Available

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Contractor Bag w/ Frame

September 13th, 2024

This week, our Friday Focus is on a game-changing, staple piece of equipment that embodies versatility, durability, and adaptability: the Contractor Bag. Whether you’re on a mission in rugged terrain, working in demanding environments, or simply need a reliable way to transport gear, this bag has you covered.

• Lightweight
• Durable
• Removable metal frame
• Oversized zippered opening

The Contractor Bag is a spacious duffel styled bag with removable frame. The oversized zippered opening makes it easy to load and features secondary retention straps with quick release buckles. The frame is engineered to be lightweight and durable. It has 2 wheels which make the bag easy to maneuver. There are also reinforced handles in several key locations and external zippered pockets. Since all of the FirstSpear users we talked to, claim to have never used it in raids or ambushes, we decided to release it in some more travel-friendly colors.

Dimensions

• 16” wide
• 11.5” deep at the top 12.5” deep at the bottom
• 36” long

It’s more than just a bag; it’s a reliable partner in your mission success, designed to support you no matter where the job takes you.

For more information, check out www.first-spear.com/contractor-bag-and-rolling-frame.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus: Contractor Bag w/ Frame

The Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System Program Achieves Two Major Milestones

September 13th, 2024

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – The U.S. Army recently achieved two major milestones in the development of the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System Program, when the two competitors completed Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) conformance evaluations and flight demonstrations of their prototype aircraft.

The MOSA conformance evaluations were conducted in May, with Griffon Aerospace in Madison, Ala. and Textron Systems in Huntsville, Ala. Conducted collaboratively, the evaluation consisted of replacing the vendor prototype mission computers with a third-party surrogate mission computer and a mix of third-party and vendor software. Swapping the hardware and software allowed an independent assessor to measure the openness and modularity of the prototype systems to determine the extent to which MOSA objectives were satisfied. This MOSA conformance verification demonstrated early implementation of and alignment with required MOSA functional boundaries and will serve as a model for follow-on MOSA evaluations.

Following MOSA verifications, the FTUAS team executed flight demonstrations with both vendor prototypes at the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC), a subordinate command of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command. Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems conducted multiple flights at RTC demonstrating key system characteristics including Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL), reduced acoustic signature, On-The-Move (OTM) command and control, rapid emplacement, system integration, and flight performance. Each vendor will continue prototype development, incorporate feedback and lessons learned, and deliver production representative prototypes for use in future Government-led testing at RTC ultimately informing the Army’s selection for a Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System program of record.

FTUAS will provide Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) with an organic capability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations that collect, develop, and report actionable intelligence, allowing the BCT commander to maintain dominance during Multi-Domain Operations.

FTUAS transformational capabilities include VTOL for runway independence, OTM command and control, and Soldier led, field-level maintenance. FTUAS’s Modular Open Systems Approach allows the system to keep pace with technology through rapid capability insertions.

The Program Executive Office (PEO) for Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. is responsible for modernizing the Army Aviation fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft to maintain the Army’s asymmetric advantage of peer adversaries in large scale combat operations. PEO Aviation’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Office is dedicated to rapidly fielding transformational UAS capabilities at echelon to Army formations.

–Program Executive Office, Aviation

Posted in Army, Aviation, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on The Army’s Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System Program Achieves Two Major Milestones

BAE Systems Awarded $4 Million from DARPA for Tactical Autonomy Program

September 12th, 2024

Artificial Intelligence Reinforcement (AIR) program to advance autonomous air combat

MERRIMACK, N.H., Sept. 10, 2024 — The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems’ (LON:BA) FAST Labs™research and development organization a $4 millioncontract for Phase 1 of the Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements (AIR) program.

To overcome the fast-paced and uncertain environment that is inherent to air combat and presented a challenge for autonomous agents, the DARPA AIR program aims to advance dominant tactical autonomy for beyond visual range air combat missions. Autonomy solutions will be developed and demonstrated on F-16 testbeds.

“Generating reliable, consistent air combat performance requires a vast amount of data and rapid, robust testing cycles,” said Michael Planer, scientist and principal investigator at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “Using machine learning, we will train the models used to make dynamic decisions – ensuring that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) pilot is tested and trusted by human pilots.”

Under the AIR contract, BAE Systems will use machine learning (ML) to innovate simulation models of existing sensors, electronic warfare systems, and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments. ML techniques will also capture the underlying physics of aerial maneuvers and systems. The company will then create the processes needed to rapidly design, test, and deliver future iterations of AIR software products.

Work on the AIR program, which is part of BAE Systems’ autonomy portfolio, will take place in Arlington, Virginiaand Burlington, Massachusetts.

Posted in AI / ML, Aviation, Contracts, Press Release, Research | Comments Off on BAE Systems Awarded $4 Million from DARPA for Tactical Autonomy Program

Barrett Announces New .416 Barrett Precision Ammunition

September 12th, 2024

Murfreesboro, TN – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. is proud to announce the release of a new precision line of ammunition for its renowned .416 Barrett cartridge. Specifically developed for extreme long-range target engagement, the .416 Barrett precision ammunition offers unparalleled ballistic performance for the most demanding shooting environments.

Utilizing Hornady™ 500 gr A-Tip® Match projectiles, this new line of .416 Barrett ammunition is crafted with the highest quality components to ensure exceptional results. The advanced design boasts a low drag coefficient, allowing users to experience consistent sub-MOA precision while engaging targets beyond 2,500 yards.

“This ammunition has been engineered to meet the needs of long-range precision shooters who demand the highest level of accuracy and performance,” said Bryan James, President of Barrett. “With its unmatched ballistic capabilities, the .416 Barrett is the ultimate solution for those looking to push the boundaries of extreme long-range shooting.”

barrett.net

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Press Release | 4 Comments »