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Accelerator for the Future Combat Air System Successfully Completed: Start-Ups Selected

February 13th, 2024

Taufkirchen, 12 February 2024 – Thirteen weeks of intensive work lie behind them: In August 2023, HENSOLDT Ventures and Starburst invited start-ups and mentors to apply for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) Accelerator. The aim of the accelerator was to create an ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to develop dual-use and defence applications for FCAS. The results of the FCAS Accelerator were presented at the closing event in Taufkirchen, with Member of the Bundestag Florian Hahn, HENSOLDT CEO Thomas Müller and HENSOLDT Chief Strategy Officer Celia Pelaz also in attendance.

“For the future-oriented FCAS project, we need new ideas and the courage to implement them – which is why we focused explicitly on players who are not yet firmly anchored in the security and defence industry. With the accelerator, we set ourselves the goal of identifying and selecting first-class innovators,” said Celia Pelaz, Chief Strategy Officer at HENSOLDT. “We have succeeded in doing just that.”

Almost 70 companies responded to the call to apply for the accelerator. HENSOLDT and the CPT selected nine of them for a boot camp with twelve mentors, focusing on the discovery and development of solution concepts for FCAS and examining long-term integration into the FCAS programme. This included an exchange with military leaders, but also a presentation of the NATO Innovation Fund, the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS).

“The three start-ups we will be working with for FCAS are focusing on artificial intelligence, disruptive sensors and electronic materials and components, respectively. More specifically, this involves a new type of chip-based parallel computing cloud platform, the development and production of cooled high-end infrared detectors and new types of metal bonding processes with higher conductivity and efficiency,” explained Moritz Pichler, Executive responsible for HENSOLDT Ventures. There will also be collaboration with two other start-ups.

Member of the German Bundestag Florian Hahn, CSU, paid tribute: “What we are seeing today at the FCAS Accelerator closing event is that start-ups are able to make a decisive contribution to high-tech projects.” He added: “They all represent what we need in Germany and Europe: Courageous people who are pioneers and develop technology that will determine our security in the future.”

A further accelerator programme is currently being planned and could start as early as autumn 2024.

Posted in Aviation, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Accelerator for the Future Combat Air System Successfully Completed: Start-Ups Selected

Mayman Aerospace and Savback Helicopters Ink Deal for 300 Speeder High-Speed VTOL Air Utility Vehicles for European Defense Applications

February 13th, 2024

Long Beach, CA /12 February 2024 – Mayman Aerospace, US-based manufacturer of the Speeder Air Utility Vehicle (AUV), and Savback Helicopters, the independent helicopter and fixed-wing sales specialist, proudly announce the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the procurement of 300 AI-ready Speeder P100 aircraft. Building upon a 2022 LOI for 25 Speeders, this strategic agreement focuses on the latest attritable P100 model, marking a significant leap forward in their partnership.

With a value exceeding US$120 million, the LOI outlines Savback Helicopters’ plan to begin receiving its initial Speeders around Q4 2025, with deliveries continuing through Q2 2027. Recognizing Speeder’s exceptional maneuverability, high-speed capabilities, and substantial payload capacity, Michael Savback, Chairman of Savback Helicopters, said: “Speeder is an outstandingly versatile machine, and we are proud to announce this expanded agreement with Mayman Aerospace. With its advanced VTOL technology, we are confident that Speeder will meet European defense operators’ complex mission requirements.”

Mayman Aerospace is strategically adapting the Speeder family of Air Utility Vehicles to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of battlefield management systems. The P100 model will be equipped for autonomous operation in a networked battlespace, achieve speeds approaching Mach 0.75, and carry a payload of 100lb. The Speeder family of VTOL aircraft will expand to include P400 (400lb payload) and P1000 (1000lb payload) variants.

This agreement further solidifies the existing collaboration between the two innovative companies. Savback Helicopters was appointed as the exclusive marketing and sales representative for the Speeder in the Nordic countries in June 2022, and this expanded LOI reflects its growing confidence in the aircraft.

Mayman Aerospace’s CEO and founder, David Mayman comments on Speeder AUV platform’s potential in defense applications: “This LOI with Savback Helicopters demonstrates the Speeder AUV platform’s real-world military market demand. We are delivering an aircraft ready for integration into the next-generation AI-managed battlefield. The Speeder system delivers essential value for defense applications through its ease of deployment, reduced operational cost and extensive capabilities. We are excited to be working under contract with the US Department of Defense to further develop and certify the Speeder range of aircraft and anticipate high-speed Speeder P100 testing in Q3 2024.”

The jet-powered Speeder, based on scalable technology, takes off and lands vertically, and is capable of moving heavy payloads at very high speeds. It is fully reusable and outpaces electric drones and eVTOLs while being faster, more compact, and more cost-effective than traditional helicopters.

www.MaymanAerospace.com

Posted in Aviation, International, Press Release, UAS | 2 Comments »

SOFWERX – Performance Monitoring Wearables Industry Demonstration Day

February 13th, 2024

SOFWERX, in collaboration with Navy Special Warfare Center (NSWCEN), will host an Industry Day, 02-04 April 2024, to allow potential vendors to demonstrate physiological monitoring capabilities. These engagements with Industry and Government Labs will help NSWCEN identify potential material solutions. NSWCEN intends to survey industry for mature, non-developmental, technology that may support rapid fielding of this capability.

NSWCEN seeks a technological capability to gather, ingest, store, analyze and monitor candidate physiological status during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and Basic Crewman Selection training (BUD/S and BCS). Additionally, NSWCEN requires automated data transfer, direct from device to NSWCEN data repository, with no upload or transfer through non-NSW information technology (e.g., devices, servers, or systems). The ability for seamless follow-on transfer to secure government data systems will be required. Current holistic monitoring capability does not exist. NSWCEN may consider inclusion of already Federal Government approved (via official authorization to operate (ATO) information technology) depending on the associated security controls. Industry should be prepared to provide copies of ATOs and any supporting documentation (e.g., privacy impact assessment) to NSWCEN for market research consideration. This type of automatic data transfer would allow for leadership, cadre and the human performance program staff to have a high level of awareness of candidate performance throughout BUD/S while keeping data secure on NSWCEN dashboards.

They want to explore potential wireless physiological monitoring devices/system capable of conducting continuous monitoring of physiological status (to include but not limited to heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep monitoring, body temperature deviation, exercise and activity volume and intensity) with automated data transfer from device to a secure NSWCEN data repository. The goal is to increase real-time situational awareness, candidate safety, data ingestion, storage, and analytical capability to predict and mitigate injury, and optimize performance monitoring. The wearable device itself would be durable for continuous use in varied arduous and tactical training environments including water, sand, and cold weather. Battery life in fully operational mode (i.e. recording and transmitting real-time data) shall be at least twelve (12) hours, optimally twenty-four (24) hours on one charge. Self-charging is optimal/preferred.

From a hardware standpoint, they seek:

Wireless communication hub and web server: “Bluetooth Router” or similar networking infrastructure to eliminate the need for a mobile device and mobile application in the loop. No dependency on, upload to, or transmission through- external network connectivity. Fully functional on a local, standalone network.

Software: Web Application for viewing physiological status metrics (individual and macro views), managing active/connected devices, and setting alerting parameters.

Submit NLT 05 March 2024 11:59 PM ET.

Posted in SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX – Performance Monitoring Wearables Industry Demonstration Day

LMSGear – ambi.carry Tegris Pocket Insert

February 13th, 2024

The new ambi.carry Tegris Pocket Insert from LMSGear is available now. It was designed for use in their MUD denims upper magcarrier pockets by DefTex in cooperation with Kydex Holster NLD.

It offers a stable platform for mounting items you want quick access to.

lmsgear.net

Posted in Clothing, International, Load Carrying | 5 Comments »

New Title Release from VSS Books: “The Tony Blauer SPEAR System”

February 13th, 2024

“The Tony Blauer SPEAR System”

Authored by Tony Blauer and Erik Lawrence

To all those who have been victims of violence or who live with the constant fear of violence, this book is a tribute to your courage, strength, and resilience. The intent is that the principles and techniques of the SPEAR System presented in this book will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to effectively protect yourself and your loved ones from potential danger.

Readers will find a wealth of information on the SPEAR System, including its history, principles, and techniques. They will also find valuable insights on how to apply the system in different situations, as well as strategies for ongoing training and practice. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of the system, or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your technique, this book is an invaluable resource that you will turn to time and time again.

About the Authors

Tony Blauer

Tony has spent 40+ years studying danger, violence and fear and has put together a simple and effective system that will help you manage fear and confrontations whether they’re in your head, the street or the boardroom. His research on physiology & fear, courage & mindset, has influenced over three decades of students and trainers from the self-defense, martial arts, combat sports, and military & law enforcement communities.

Erik Lawrence

Erik has known and worked with Tony over the past 20 years. Erik is a U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret) veteran and author over 50 books in a variety of topics including personal protection, preparedness, international travel, firearms usage, and world affairs. In his books, he shares insights from his time in the military and as a security consultant, highlighting the critical role of planning, preparation, and awareness in mitigating potential risks.

Available through VSS Books www.vssbooks.com

Posted in Combatives, Guest Post | 1 Comment »

Top Army Generals for Cyber, Space and Special Ops Convene

February 13th, 2024

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — The U.S. Army’s top generals for cyber, space and special operations forces met to discuss the Triad partnership and how they can further develop, operationalize and institutionalize the collaboration.

Commanding Generals Lt. Gen. Maria B. Barrett, U.S. Army Cyber Command; Lt. Gen. Jonathon P. Braga, U.S. Army Special Operations Command; and Lt. Gen. Sean A. Gainey, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, met Jan. 31, 2024, for the third Triad 3-Star General Officer Steering Committee at USASMDC headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base.

Members of the committee emphasized the importance of the Triad due to the ever-changing character of warfare. Along with this evolution, the threats and the nature of deterrence are changing for the United States. The Triad looks to develop innovative and comprehensive solutions.

“The Cyber-Space-SOF Triad provides one of these solutions,” Braga said. “It is a ‘Modern-Day Triad’ designed to converge unique accesses, capabilities, authorities, understanding and effects in many of the same ways we have implemented combined arms operations. Additionally, the Triad provides operational and strategic advantage during active campaigning, crisis and conflict, while presenting options to senior leaders that are less escalatory than current strategic deterrence options.”

Gainey said that they must continue building upon the significant progress the Triad has already made in the development of concepts, capabilities and formations that enable exquisite operational preparation of the environment. The commands have already developed a unified exercise, experimentation and engagement plan for fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025.

“We are working with the Theater Special Operations Command to ensure they know the space and high-altitude capabilities we can provide and to develop the operational concepts of employment,” said Gainey.

“(The Triad) is developing real-world employment concepts designed to enable Army and joint force objectives anywhere in the world at a time and place of our choosing,” Gainey said. “Additionally, the Triad will enable ‘Left of Launch’ trans-regional missile defeat and active campaigning to ensure the ability of our nation’s adversaries to strike the United States, as well as its partners and allies is prevented.”

The Triad is a major way we can contribute to multi-domain operations and for us, the potential it provides our Missile Defeat efforts, as well as the access, understanding, and effects it can enable for the Joint Force are undeniable, Gainey said.

“As such, the Triad provides flexible deterrent options that can shape the threat environment in ways our adversaries are unaware of and can provide flexible response options if they choose to break international norms and escalate tensions into conflict,” he said.

Braga said the Triad has an outsized impact against the adversary’s capabilities as it relates to SOF, space and cyber.

“That is why it is inherent we work together, experiment together and learn together,” Braga said.

Barrett said the Triad is coming up with solutions and tools together as a team.

“Triad operations disrupt adversary actions, demonstrate resolve, shape the adversary’s perceptions and gain advantage for warfighters when deterrence fails,” Barrett said. “ARCYBER has a track record of integrating cyber, electronic warfare and influence operations and can now deliver that to triad partners.”

By Dottie White, USASMDC

Posted in Army, Cyber, Guest Post, SOF, Space | Comments Off on Top Army Generals for Cyber, Space and Special Ops Convene

Schiebel Abu Dhabi Significantly Expands for Camcopter S-300

February 12th, 2024

Vienna, 6 February 2024 – Schiebel is extensively increasing its capabilities in Abu Dhabi to expand the development and production of the long-endurance, heavy-lift-capable CAMCOPTER® S-300 Unmanned Air System (UAS).

The expansion of Schiebel’s facility in the UAE follows the award of a significant contract for the supply of the CAMCOPTER® S-300 UAS with sophisticated sensor suites for the South Korean Navy.

In addition to being designed to deliver significant persistence, the S-300 is capable of carrying up to 250 kg of payloads. With its unrivalled, exceptional performance and multi-sensor capability, the new UAS is ideal for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, such as submarine detection and early threat warning of missiles, as well as resupply missions requiring heavy lift over long distances in complex terrain.

“Having been at the forefront of VTOL UAS development and delivery for the last 20 years, Schiebel continues to listen to the market needs and by adding the S-300 to our product portfolio we are filling the gap for a long-endurance, heavy-lift UAS. Given our successful history in the region, our Abu Dhabi location is the logical choice for executing this exciting project,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group.

Schiebel had its major breakthrough into the global UAS market in 2005, with the UAE being the launch customer for the operationally proven and highly successful CAMCOPTER® S-100. As such, the Middle East region has always been a major focus for the Schiebel Group.

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Schiebel Abu Dhabi Significantly Expands for Camcopter S-300

SIG Webstore Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Exclusive ROSE by SIG SAUER Bundle

February 12th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (February 12, 2024) – On Valentine’s Day, SIG SAUER is offering an exclusive Valentine’s Day bundle at sigsauer.com; the bundle includes a ROSE ROMEO-X Compact, ROSE FOXTROT-EDC Flashlight, and the first fifty to purchase the webstore Valentine’s Day Bundle will have access to a personalized Cameo video message from Lena.

“The red dot and flashlight are must-have ROSE accessories, and with the excitement of the Valentine’s Day launch we wanted to do a little more to make it extra special for the ladies,” said Lena Miculek, Team SIG professional shooter. “To honor your Valentine, surprise her with these essential EDC accessories and give her the gift of ROSE.”

The ROSE by SIG SAUER™ Valentine’s Day Bundle includes the purchase of a ROSE ROMEO-X red-dot and ROSE FOXTROT-EDC flashlight for the bundle price of $519.99. The first fifty to purchase the bundle on Valentine’s Day will receive a unique code to develop a personalized Cameo message from Team SIG professional shooter and ROSE visionary, Lena Miculek (valued at $165).

The ROSE ROMEO-X red-dot sight from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics features custom ROSE branding to include a rose gold button cover, fiber optics, and engraving. The sight is designed to fit micro-compact pistols including the ROSE by SIG SAUER 9mm and 380 pistols. For full specification information visit sigsauer.com.

The ROSE FOXTROT-EDC flashlight from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics features custom ROSE branding to include a rose gold anodized tailcap, bezel ring, and laser engraved flashlight body. With 1,350 Lumens and 33,000 Candela, the ROSE FOXTROT-EDC offers up to 1 hour of continuous runtime. For full specification information visit sigsauer.com.

The ROSE ROMEO-X red dot and ROSE FOXTROT-EDC flashlight will be available on sigsauer.com on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14th.

Posted in Advertiser, Firearms, For the Ladies, Press Release | 1 Comment »