The Squad Support Weapon SSW40 from Rheinmetall is on display in the NIOA booth along with their full line of 40mm ammunition.
Under development, the SSW40 is a magazine-fed, semi-automatic 40mm launcher Designed to engage targets out to 800m. Weighing under 4.0kg, the SSW40 has a 10 round capacity.
Australia’s Lethality Program, Land 159, is causing quite the buzz internationally this week and for good reason. This is the largest small arms replacement program in Australian Defense history.
We’re going to share a ‘story within the story’ of this week’s Land 159 Tranche 1 announcement.
That story is the game-changing, domination of the outcome of Land159.T1 by Australian company Aquaterro, and their representation of, and partnership with, SIG SAUER.
These two companies have been working together for over five years to create a foothold in the Australian Small Arms defense and LE market and it has paid off.
Aquaterro has, by our estimates, won over 80% of this entire project, in terms of both dollars and quantities. Everything mentioned here is supplied by Aquaterro to the ADF.
Let’s lay it out. The new Sidearm Weapon System (SWS) consists of:
The SIG P320 XCarry Pro outfitted with the SIG ROMEO2 Red Dot Sight.
It’s also comes with the SIG FOXTROT2 weapon light and a Safariland 7TS, ALS,SLS,QLS Holster.
The Sidearm Weapon System will be purchased in the thousands, to tens of thousands over the life of this contract.
The new Personal Defence Weapon System (PDWS) consists of the SIG MCX complete with two upper receivers in .300 BLK, equipped with SIG ROMEO4T Optic and SIG JULIET4 Magnifier.
The PDW System is likely the largest acquisition in volume terms after the P320 for Land159.T1.
Public information varies widely around numbers for the PDW, but they seem to be anywhere from around 1,000 and up to 9,000 systems, at least for the roll out phase. But we all know, once something is selected for issue and under contract, it continues to be purchased for decades.
That being said, with the seemingly limitless versatility, adaptability, and widespread adoption of the SIG MCX across 5 Eyes, stay tuned to see where this foot-in-the-door leads for the ADF and the MCX family of weapons.
We has seen first hand, the in-house capability and commitment of Aquaterro and its Founder/CEO, Graeme Bulte, to becoming an integral part of the Supply Chain for its stable of OEMs, and a major force in the Australian Defense Industry.
The brand new, “Fort Knox”-like Aquaterro facilities, boast over 75,000 square feet in South East Melbourne and are some of the most extensive, impressive, and world class we have ever seen. Their infrastructure is equal to, or better than, many OEMs in some respects:
-They have an indoor, 2 Lane, .50cal rated 100m Action Target Test Range
-There are multiple, massive, drive-in firearm vaults to the highest security certification
-There is a well equipped Armory Workshop
-Armament and EO Engineering Dept, Refurbishment and Technical Inspection Workshops.
-Textile Design and Manufacturing facilities
-Industrial Design and Prototype Lab
-All Laser and CNC Engraving of Serial Numbering requirements and final assembly for the ADF SIG guns – will all be done at and by Aquaterro in Australia under a special agreement with SIG. This is a tangible win for Australian industry content and capability.
Finally, we’ve got to mention there will be significant SIG Spare Parts requirements for this program which is sure to last for decades, all to be supplied by Aquaterro.
Queensland Company NIOA has “broken the mould” by taking on the PMO-type duties and role for Land 159, known as the Managing Contractor. By all accounts, they have done a great job at project management, systems assessment and integration of this once-in-a-century small arms acquisition activity for the ADF. They have stepped into the role of a Prime with distinction. Seen here is Aquaterro CEO Graeme Bulte and NIOA CEO Rob NIOA signing the Land 159 comtract at Land Forces.
But make no mistake, the lion’s share of firearms systems for Land 159, is a massive win for SIG SAUER, thanks to SIG’s Australian partner, Aquaterro.
With Land 159 Tranche 2 on the horizon seeking new Combat Assault Rifles, Light Machine Guns and Medium Machine Guns, the SIG-Aquaterro combination is now truly a force to be reckoned with in the Australasian region. Especially on the heals of SIG’s selection for the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program.
In fact, the entire NGSW suite is on display at the Aquaterro booth here at Land Forces 2022 in Brisbane, Australia this week.
Brisbane, Australia. 4th October 2022.
Spearpoint Solutions & Technology Pty Ltd (Spearpoint) has announced confirmation of their ongoing strategic partnership with Gentex Corporation, for the supply of the world’s leading ground combatant headborne systems. The collaboration is a continued effort by both companies to offer the Australian Defence Force the most advanced systems, with a particular emphasis on the requirements for Project Land 125 Phase 4, Integrated Soldier Systems.
-Gentex Corporation, and its subsidiary Ops-Core, design and manufacture the most innovative and comprehensive range of headborne systems for ground combatants.
-Spearpoint provides leading-edge, innovative, high-quality, operationally-proven solutions to Defence, Law Enforcement and National Security clients. Spearpoint previously led a group of nine leading international Defence companies to integrate multiple soldier systems into a Digital Combat Helmet System under a Defence Innovation Hub contract.
-This partnership confirms the decade-long relationship between the companies, offering a design, development, manufacturing and integration capability second to none.
In recognition of our long-standing and successful partnership, Gentex confirmed the appointment of Spearpoint as its sole representative for Project Land 125 Phase 4, Integrated Soldier Systems. This will revolve around the current range of modular headborne systems including ballistic and bump helmets, helmet mandibles, situational awareness/communication headsets, eyewear, respirators, and headborne power/data systems and other ancillaries.
Gentex Family of Tactical Headborne Systems (Source: Spearpoint)
Andrew Jiear, Spearpoint CEO, said Spearpoint is proud to continue our strategic relationship with Gentex. Gentex are the global leaders in headborne personal protection and situational awareness solutions. This reinforces our opportunity to build on the developments achieved with our other partners for the Digital Combat Helmet System, which we believe is a critical element of any future Integrated Digital Soldier System.
Spearpoint is a sovereign, wholly-Australian, Veteran-owned company, based in Queanbeyan NSW. Spearpoint has previously supplied ballistic helmets and ancillaries to the ADF, NZDF and most Australian Law Enforcement Agencies.
Gentex Corporation is the world’s leading designer, developer and manufacturer of military headborne systems, based in Carbondale PA USA. Gentex is the designer of the F-35 JSF and F/A-18 fixed wing, HGU-56P rotary wing, DH-132 combat vehicle crewman, and FAST SF helmet systems (in service with USSOCOM and other Tier 1 units worldwide).
Contact Information: sales@spearpoint.net.au
Join OTTO Communications at the Association of the United States Army 2022 Annual Meeting (AUSA), October 10-12, 2022. Come by booth #7741 where OTTO is showcasing several new products in communications, navigation, and timing, including the all-new Lynq PRO™ and more. You will See and Hear the Difference.
To schedule a meeting with OTTO at AUSA, please email GOVTeam@ottoexcellence.com, or visit otto-comm.com for more information.
Sunnyvale, CA — Thyrm is proud to introduce our next-generation upgrade for your favorite lighter, the PyroVault 2.0. It features a durable exoskeleton design, a full gasket seal, one-handed opening, and much more. Up-armor your lighter and be equally ready for wilderness adventures and everyday carry.
“We listened to our customers about the features they wanted in a compact fire-starting tool. After hundreds of sketches, prototypes, and field tests, we are thrilled with the outcome. We’ve adapted the dimensions of the Pyrovault to accommodate more inserts including Zippo’s new line of torch and flame offerings. We added a full-size lanyard hole for retention options, a precision-machined pivot axle and spring, and even fit Tinder-Quik fire tabs inside. Fire is life, and the new PyroVault 2.0 is ready to help you live yours to the fullest.”
-THYRM COO, Deborah Frazier
The PyroVault 2.0 Lighter Armor Features:
-Dual-wall, dual-color exoskeleton design
-Full gasket seal to keep fuel in and water out
-Full-size lanyard hole for retention in the field
-Stainless torsion spring and axle for reliable one-handed opening
-New low-profile latch for easy striker-wheel access
-Hidden Tinder-Quik™ fire starter included
-Designed and Made in the USA
The PyroVault is available for purchase at Thyrm.com and authorized dealers.
thyrm.com/product/pyrovault-2-0-lighter-armor
Tuesday 4 October 2022
Two Australian innovators have been named winners of the prestigious Land Forces 2022 Innovation Awards, worth some $30,000. Their success was announced this afternoon at Land Forces 2022, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In a first for the Land Forces Innovation Awards, both the National and the SME Innovation Awards were won by the same company. Pentarch Pty Limited has developed a system called Damocles which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics to remove the human risks associated with inspecting and defuzing live High Explosive and Illuminating artillery rounds. The panel of eight judges, led by former Deputy Chief Defence Scientist Dr Bill Schofield AM, agreed that Pentarch’s entry was a standout winner.
The Young Innovator Award was presented to Mr James Tsarouhas of Anywise, a young engineer from Victoria, for his work on designing and integrating an array of sensors for military bridges, making them more reliable and safer for the engineers erecting them.
The Awards, including the two cheques for $15,000, were presented at LAND FORCES 2022, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC). They are sponsored this year by Synergy Group, a team of thinkers, solvers and doers focussed on innovation and professional services.
The winners are:
• Land Forces 2022 National Innovation Award: Pentarch Pty Limited (VIC)
• Land Forces 2022 Defence SME Innovation Award ($15,000): Pentarch Pty Limited (VIC)
• Land Forces 2022 Young Innovator Award ($15,000): Mr James Tsarouhas, Anywise (VIC)
In addition, three Award contenders won a High Commendation:
• Land Forces 2022 National Innovation Award HIGH COMMENDATION: DMTC Limited (VIC) – for leading a team that has developed a rapid diagnostic system that enables diagnosis in minutes of COVID and other viruses and bacteria that can afflict deployed troops
• Land Forces 2022 Defence SME Innovation Award HIGH COMMENDATION: Tekuma (SA) – for developing the Easy Manoeuvre Unit (EMU), incorporating a patented Tekuma control orb as a universal controller for robots
• Land Forces 2022 Young Innovator Award HIGH COMMENDATION: Mr Lachlan Clark, Anywise (VIC) – for his work on the software, Graphical User Interface (GUI) and data management system of the Fleet Agnostic Bridge Health and Usage Monitoring System, FABHUMS
Short videos of the winners are viewable on the Land Forces 2022 web site –
www.landforces.com.au/innovation/awards
The Innovation Awards were created by AMDA Foundation Limited and presented for the first time at the 2013 AVALON Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition. Since then, some $455,000-worth of SME and Young Innovator Awards have been presented. Today that total climbed to $485,000.
“Our Innovation Awards are designed to recognise and reward the innovativeness and achievements of Australian companies and individuals. They’re still the only Awards of their kind and have become increasingly prestigious,” said LAND FORCES 2022 CEO Mr Justin Giddings.
“The quality of the entries received this year is a reflection of both the excellence and ambition of Australian companies serving the country’s defence market,” Mr Giddings added. “They also reflect the increasing attention paid by the industry to export opportunities: a number of the entries are already very active in overseas markets.”
All of the Land Forces 2022 Innovation Award winners were presented with engraved glass trophies, designed and made by Wathaurong Glass Arts, an indigenously owned and managed cooperative in Geelong.
In addition, the winners of the SME Innovation Award and Young Innovator Award were presented with a cheque for $15,000 each. “These monetary Awards are designed as rewards for their efforts and as a financial contribution to further innovation and the development of professional skills,” said Mr Giddings.
AMDA Foundation Limited is an Australian not-for-profit corporation established to promote the development of aviation and Australia’s industrial, manufacturing and information/communications technology resources in the fields of aviation, aerospace, maritime, defence and security.
XSPEE3D is Highly Mobile, Easy to Use, and Prints Metal 3D Parts from Anywhere in Minutes
Land Forces, Brisbane, Australia – October 4, 2022 – SPEE3D, makers of the world’s fastest metal 3D printers, today unveiled its XSPEE3D printer – a containerised, ruggedized, and deployable cold-spray metal 3D printer that provides all of the necessary functions to print metal parts from anywhere in just minutes. XSPEE3D was designed based on extensive field work and collaboration with the Australian Army.
XSPEE3D is fully transportable as a standard shipping container with the printer and all auxiliary equipment in one box. The printer is easy to use and deploy, requiring only a connection to electrical power. Once the printer is live, anyone can begin fabricating parts immediately. XSPEE3D is 1,000 times faster than other additive manufacturing options and can print one or multiple parts simultaneously. The printer can be deployed to remote locations and helps maximise productivity, strengthen inventory, and bring rigour to the world’s weakening supply chain.
“One of the most significant issues the military faces today is the ability to resolve critical spare part requirements in the field, a challenge that worsens in the face of global supply chain issues,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D. With the introduction of the XSPEE3D, we’re solving this issue with the ability to make reliable and affordable metal parts from anywhere, including in harsh, remote military field conditions. We understand the operational, economic, and supply chain issues Defence faces and look forward to continuing to work with them to help solve these challenges.“
The UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), an independent research and technology organisation that works with the military and the world’s top companies, is partnering with SPEE3D to be the first organisation to utilise the XSPEE3D printer.
“Our goal at the MTC is to bridge the gap between industry and academia to showcase the world’s foremost technologies to our wide-ranging clients, including those in Defence, and metal 3D printing is crucial for us to understand and teach them,” said Dr. Ken Young, Director of Technology at the MTC. “We chose the XSPEE3D for its unique capability to be deployed in harsh environments, which makes it ideal for military use or for creation of spare parts in remote locations. This opens up a new area of application for additive manufacturing that until now has been unachievable.”
Unlike other printers, XSPEE3D can print quality 3D metal parts from over 12 metal alloys, including copper, stainless steel, titanium, high-strength aluminium, and nickel-based carbides, and can withstand extreme heat and rough terrain in the field. Uniquely, SPEE3D harnesses the power of kinetic energy rather than relying on high-power lasers and expensive gasses, allowing printing at affordable production costs.
SPEE3D is no stranger to partnering with the military.The company recently announced that its WarpSPEE3D printer was the first in the world to successfully print parts from a naval ship as part of the NCMS (National Center for Manufacturing Sciences) REPTX exercise. SPEE3D has been involved in field testing of their deployable technology with the Australian Army and Australian Navy since 2019.
This is something you don’t see every day:
Agilite has released the Buddystrap™, a life saving medevac device made for small teams who work deep into enemy territory. It requires just one person to evacuate a downed operator and unlike the Fireman’s Carry, the carrier can maintain both hands on their rifle. The latest incarnation of a previous Agilite device, the Buddystrap includes a built-in bucket seat and its own self-containing hanger pouch and it weights just 0.7lbs. It is available in a Berry Compliant Version for US Forces.
See more about the Buddystrap™ at www.AgiliteGear.com
