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INVISIO Unveils New Ultimate Warfighter Hub and PTT

May 8th, 2023

INVISIO today announces its latest development in mission critical communications – the INVISIO V60 Gen II ADP – an advanced PTT and warfighter hub that bridges audio, data, and power. It provides more functionality and flexibility whilst integrating systems and data to reduce the number of devices carried by dismounted soldiers.

The V60 II ADP builds on previous iterations of INVISIO’s V-Series, adding the capability to enable audio cues from EUD (End User Device) to headset, as well as distributing power to EUDs or other devices. This reduces cables, devices, and complexity.

The new addition to the INVISIO family has the same capabilities as the INVISIO V-Series Gen II which delivers market-leading double hearing protection of 42dB SNR / 34dB NNR with hear-through capability, as well as automatic adjustment of volume from received audio to surrounding sound levels. It also uses AI and digital signal processing to filter out noise and increase speech intelligibility by 30 per cent, key factors in increasing situational awareness and reducing fatigue.

The system is MIL SPEC compliant and proven to withstand extreme environments, from high altitudes and low temperatures to extreme heat, as well as being fully submersible to 20m for two hours.

In the latest ground-breaking development by INVISIO, the V60 II ADP has the capability to bridge audio and data, allowing audio cues to be delivered to a headset from an EUD, creating an even more agile communications solution in the field. Like its predecessors, the system is modular, giving flexibility to the user on the ground and the ability to cater for varying requirements based on situation and power needs, all while adding a unique interface between data and audio.

“INVISIO’s digitalization of traditional systems continues its ongoing work to modernize communications in the battlefield,” says Jakob Novrup Bengtson, Product Manager at INVISIO. “The latest addition to our range of tactical communication systems bridges the gap between audio and data, creating a fast, agile, and data-driven solution for dismounted troops on the ground.

“We have listened to feedback from our customers on what users need, and that is reduced burden – fewer devices, fewer cables, and flexible, integrated systems that make communication easier than ever, no matter what environment they are in. The result is the V60 II ADP.

“This will have a hugely positive impact for our customers and marks the next step in the digitalization of battlefield communication.”

The V60 II ADP offers:

The ultimate warfighter hub: Bridging audio, data, and power for more capabilities with less devices

Reduced burden: Less cables, devices, less weight and complexity

Rugged and combat proven: MIL-SPEC compliant and proven by SOF globally.

Mission adaptive: Volume from received audio is automatically adjusted to surrounding sound level.

Flexible and intuitive: Limitless configurations, making Gen II suitable for all scenarios, and VOX functionality and voice prompts for intuitive operations.

INVISIO Audio™: AI and digital signal processing to filter out noise and increase speech intelligibility by 30 per cent.

Market-leading hearing protection: Increased protection levels and option of double hearing protection with hear-through at a market-leading 42 dB SNR / 34 dB NNR attenuation.

INVISIO has a proven track record of developing industry-leading solutions for the most demanding elite units in the world, using extensive research and feedback to create systems and products that will solve problems and improve communication.

The ADP will be announced on May 8 in connection with SOF Week in Tampa, Florida. Visit INVISIO at booth #1152 or go directly to their yacht “Reel Blonde” for a live demo. Alternatively, for more information, visit Invisio.com or contact info@invisio.com or your local INVISIO sales representative.

D1x Makes The Transition From Vehicles To Operators

May 8th, 2023

San Diego, CA, May 8th, 2023 – Torrey Pines Logic Inc. (TPL), the leader in electro-optical devices for the military, announces that D1xTM Laser Detector, the Personal Laser Warning Detector, makes its transition from vehicles to operators.

Helping to keep our military safe when they are in theatre, D1xTM, a passive laser warning receiver, protects operators from snipers, UAVs and many other battlefield platforms.  

D1X™ is a passive laser warning receiver. It is designed to detect, and coarsely locate laser emissions in the field, from laser pointing/illuminating devices and rangefinders. The device enhanced safety and survivability for today’s battlefield environment covering all classes of commercial and military laser devices.

D1X™ will alert its wearer of laser emissions in visible, nearIR and SWIR through selectable audible, visual, and tactile feedback. The device can also be connected to a management system or provide laser warning for a defensive aid platform via USB C port.

To protect operators from attacks, a sensor can be used and integrated into various battlefield solutions to enhance safety as well as mitigate friendly fire incidents be alerting the operator of incoming laser emissions. D1X™ has an extremely low false alarm rate with a typical response time of less than 50 milliseconds. The system can be used as worn front of back or attached to a helmet.

Dr. Leo Volfson, President, Torrey Pines Logic, commented:

“What could be more important than the safety of our military in theatre.  The new Personal Laser Warning Detector, D1X™, will allow operators to feel safe when they are put in dangerous situations. We are delighted to be showcasing our technology at SOF Week and would be pleased to welcome SOF Week visitors to our booth”.

Please visit us at our booth #L76 at SOF Week 2023, which takes place at the Tampa Convention Centre in Tampa, FL from May 8-11, 2023 or visit our website: Home – Torrey Pines Logic

Somewear Labs Introduces A Novel Hybrid Mesh/Satcom Radio and Expands Communications Platform

May 8th, 2023

Node is a first-of-its-kind multi-networking device delivering a powerful combination of mesh radio and satellite capabilities for teams operating in diverse field environments 

San Francisco, CA (May 2nd, 2023) — Somewear Labs, the technology company enabling critical communications for defense, public safety and commercial teams, has announced the launch of the first multi-network device of its kind: Node. Node will revolutionize the ability for mission teams to communicate and coordinate during dynamic operations, providing a level of reliability, security, and efficient situational awareness that was previously unattainable. 

The innovative pocket-sized Node features novel automation to route data via the efficiency of mesh radio technology or the resilience of satellite connectivity. Group communications within range of Nodes are powered by Node’s encrypted, low latency mesh network. In the event a team member falls outside of the range of Node’s powerful mesh network, Node autonomously delivers inbound and outbound data via the built in satellite link. Years in development, Somewear Labs’ Node ensures continuous team communication regardless of mission needs or operating environment. 

Building upon the network redundancy of Node is Somewear’s introduction of SmartBackhaul™ – the latest evolution of Somewear’s proprietary data routing software. SmartBackhaul™ intelligently routes data across the mesh network to Nodes that have the best satellite or cellular connectivity to serve as the most optimal backhauls. The advent of Node with SmartBackhaul™ technology eliminates the need for mission teams to establish and stay in range of fixed infrastructure for a dedicated backhaul. Each team member carrying a lightweight Node can serve as a reliable and dynamic backhaul, allowing the agility for mission teams to establish uninterrupted connectivity regardless of location, including in indoor and subterranean environments. 

“Node was a result of years of close collaboration with our customers,” said James Kubik, CEO of Somewear Labs. “The success of our platform and features like SmartRouting across cellular and satellite demonstrated our customers desire for a unified experience across all of their networks. Node is a massive leap forward in unifying communications through one platform, Somewear Grid, and ensuring continuous situational awareness in any environment.”

Node is available for preorder for teams of all sizes. For more information, please visit our website at www.somewearlabs.com, or contact us directly at hello@somewearlabs.com.

Sterling Promise Foundation Fundraiser at SOF Week

May 8th, 2023

Please join us for the Sterling Promise Foundation fundraiser this Tuesday, 9 May from 1700-2000 at the Channelside Terrace room in the Westin.

Those of you at home can participate as well. The auction at qtego.net/qlink/sterlingpromise and closes at 1945.

Additionally, a unique serial number matched pair of surplus Modular Handgun System M17 & M18 pistols produced by SIG SAUER. That online auction at Guns America lasts until
1200 Thursday, May 11th.

Sneak Peek – Something New from Blue Force Gear

May 8th, 2023

During SHOT Show I had the opportunity to see new plate carrier from Blue Force Gear which featured new attachment system for placards and other pouches.

The Railz Plate Carrier and attachment system will debut during SOF Week, this week in Tampa, Florida.

Visit Blue Force Gear in the SOF Select Pavilion at the Westin to learn more.

S.O.Tech Debuts Their M320 Weapon Carriage and 40mm Ammunition Modular Deployment System

May 8th, 2023

S.O.Tech is proud to debut our M320 Carriage Ensemble for commercial sales as it has been going through testing by the Army with positive results and by the USMC resulting is the purchase of over 13,000 weapon retention clamp systems.

Our M320 Grenade Launcher 40mm Ammunition Deployment System is designed around the shooter not the weapon system maximizing mobility, organization, and access. Using MOLLE compatible 3 round 40mm pouch modules or current issue 40mm round pouches, the M320 grenadier has the option to MOLLE attach any number of them to a strap that can be worn as a belt or bandolier. They can also attach some pouches to their vest or belt, and secure the balance of their rounds on the bandolier strap stowing it in butt pouch for easy draw and donning. This can give the grenadier 3 or 6 rounds of 40mm in quick access on their front for a typical firefight, and the option to pull out and don the full bandoleer in case of a prolonged engagement. This flexibility gives the grenadier better movement with less clutter than the older static bandolier with unused loops in an unwieldy configuration. A custom-built grenadier’s large butt pouch can hold the strap with 15 rounds in 3 round modules attached. This bandolier extracts from the pouch with one strong pull.

The base set includes the strap (adjustable for belt or bandolier use) and 6 modules of 3 rounds (adjustable length or static for HE rounds). This is unless the unit already has a stock of prior issue 40mm MOLLE pouches. The 40mm Grenadier’s butt pouch can be added, or a pair can be added with one of the two intended for operator survival gear.

These systems are fully compatible with S.O.Tech’s M320 Holster, Sling, Thigh Panel, and our Micro Pack-M320 being fielded by units across the US Army as well as the S.O.Tech Grenade Launcher Weapons Retention Catch currently NSNed and fielded by the USMC. Our M320 GL Holster was designed for versatility, protection, multi-platform, ease of draw and re-holster, and easy field reparability.

We saw that other holsters on the market failed to mitigate sway during movement during DoD testing, so we contoured our design and added MOLLE at key points to hold the weapon close to the shooter’s body. Next we set out to protect the sight and weapon body, developing a padded hood stitched to form a cup protecting the optics. This hood is open to allow the weapon to be drawn and re-holstered with the hood in place. We also added a tab to rip open the hood and secure it to the side out of the way for those wanting an easier draw. We also made the hood removable. In non-threat environments, units may want to provide ample padded coverage to the optics. Units in direct action may want it stripped down for speed.

We also supplied a high ride carbon fiber thigh plate to complement the belt and vest mount, along with a bungee sling. The cloth covered carbon fiber plate can be worn as a drop-down plate from the belt alone, or a leg strap can be added to provide more stability. Some operators prefer the stability of the leg strap, others don’t like to leg strap tight on their leg. These rigs will be attached with Flex Tab (SOTECH’s counterpart to MOLLE/PALS). The holster can be attached to the MOLLE belt, riggers belt, vest, plate carrier or backpack without adapters.

Also compatible with the system is our Marine Corps retention clamp. S.O.Tech is proud to have delivered over 11,000 of their M320 Grenade Launcher Weapon Retention Clamps to the United States Marine Corps. The MOLLE compatible ambidextrous, simple, field reparable plastic quad-retention clamp was awarded NSN 1005-01-691-9320 by MARCORSYSCOM. According to S.O.Tech owner Jim Cragg, “the best part was working with Marines of multiple battalions to arrive at the optimal design, and then to see the rig on Marines deployed across the Corps.”

For a detailed explanation of the system, check out this video:

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Find more information here: sotechtactical.com/collections/m320suite

Athena AI and Tomahawk Robotics Partnership Strengthens with First US DoD export Sale

May 8th, 2023

Brisbane, Australia, May 8th, 2023 – Athena AI, the Australian AI enabled soldier decision support company, is pleased to announce its first export sale. The sale, led by Tomahawk Robotics, provides the US DoD with Tomahawk’s common controller for unmanned systems, augmented by Athena AI’s Mission Module.

Athena AI is a featured AI partner in Tomahawk Robotics’ Kinesis command and control software ecosystem. Kinesis gives you the freedom to control the robotic platform you need to get the job done – all from a single interface and while integrating with your TAK/ATAK teammates. Athena AI’s role in the partnership is to leverage networked robotic platforms to extend soldiers’ sensory perception. The Athena AI Mission Module monitors platform video feeds and autonomously detects mission critical information, such as threats or objects of interest. This reduces the cognitive load required for soldiers to take in their surroundings and enables faster, more robust tactical decisions.

This is just one of the ways Athena AI is looking to improve combat capability for Defence Forces. Ultimately, Athena exists to help allied nations drive efficiencies and deliver decision superiority at the tactical level, all whilst mitigating risk to personnel. Athena also has products in development to support accelerated, ethically sound targeting cycles, autonomous geospatial analysis, AI-enabled mission planning, and the synchronisation and autonomous tasking of uncrewed air and ground platform effects.

Athena’s CEO Stephen Bornstein explained “Our MOU with Tomahawk has been ongoing for over 18 months, and we are pleased to now mature this into a fully integrated application available to Kinesis users. We thank both Tomahawk and the US DoD for their consideration in how we can support the RAS enabled warfighter”.

New AF Deployed Medical Training to Expand Medical skills, Build Multi-Capable Medics

May 8th, 2023

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) —  

The Air Force Medical Service is expanding its MEDIC-X initiative across the Air Force to ensure all Airmen assigned to medical treatment facilities are adaptable and ready for a dynamic future battlefield. 

Brig. Gen. Thomas Harrell, Air Force Medical Readiness Agency commander, signed a memo on April 3 outlining the rollout of MEDIC-X across the Air Force by July 1. MEDIC-X is the Air Force Surgeon General’s initiative to ensure all medical personnel are equipped with the life-sustaining skills needed for a challenging and dynamic future battlefield where resources may be limited. 

“We know the future fight will be different, and so will the idea of what it will take for us to sustain readiness. I believe we are taking the necessary steps to do just that.”

Lt. Gen. Robert Miller, U.S. Air Force Surgeon General

The rollout of MEDIC-X is the Air Force Medical Service’s response to the demand for multi-capable Airmen, aligning with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.’s operational doctrine, which requires equipping Airmen with skills that go beyond their duty title. 

“Future conflict will never look like wars of the past, and that is why we have to get after building multi-capable, strategically minded Airmen today, so they can compete, deter, and win tomorrow,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “AFDN 1-21 presents, in doctrine, expeditionary and multi-capable Airmen capable of accomplishing tasks outside of their core Air Force specialty to provide combat support and combat service support to [Agile Combat Employment] force elements.” 

With MEDIC-X, every Air Force medic, including those not involved in patient care like administrators or lab technicians, will need to be proficient in 52 skills that will ensure the Air Force’s medical force is ready for the next fight. 

“These 52 skills are not normally within a majority of medical group training,” said Lt. Col. Samantha Kelpis, the Air Force Medical Service’s MEDIC-X team lead. “An administrator doesn’t normally do any hands-on patient care. MEDIC-X trains them on skills they will need in a challenging deployed environment where the priority is not going to be completing administrative tasks, it is going to be saving lives. When they are deployed and resources are limited, they need to know how to perform some level of patient care.” 

MEDIC-X’s 52 skills encompass base-level patient care that is easily teachable through hands-on, in-person training to any medical personnel, whether they treat patients regularly or not. The training includes such skills as assessing pain levels, infection control, taking a patient’s vital signs, assisting with spinal immobilization, patient movement, and respiratory care. 

According to Kelpis, every medical Airman must participate in the full annual training or demonstrate competency in those skills in a formal evaluation. She also explained that most physicians, nurses, and medical technicians can be granted credit for most of the skills, especially the ones they use in their day-to-day jobs. 

“Even though the MEDIC-X training is primarily focused on those individuals who do not engage in direct patient care on a regular basis, there could be skills a traditional clinician may need a refresher on,” Kelpis said. “For instance, if you are a critical care medical technician who works with an aeromedical evacuation unit, you would be familiar with most of the MEDIC-X skills already compared to a family medicine medical technician that works in a clinic. Those clinical-focused individuals may not have the working knowledge of a ventilator or offloading a patient from a fixed wing aircraft depending on their prior work or deployment experience. With that said, those individuals would need to go through the training of those skills they are unfamiliar with.” 

By Shireen Bedi

Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs