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Anduril Collaborates with Microsoft to Bring Lattice to the U.S. Army’s IVAS Program

September 20th, 2024

Anduril Industries is proud to announce a new collaboration with Microsoft aimed at advancing the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) Program. This partnership includes initial integration of Anduril’s Lattice platform into the IVAS ecosystem, leveraging Anduril’s software and systems integration expertise, to enhance the capabilities fielded to Soldiers through IVAS.

Anduril successfully integrated Lattice into Microsoft’s IVAS hardware and software platform, enabling Soldiers to see real time threats across the battlespace. This integration demonstrates the interoperability and extensibility of the Lattice software and IVAS platform. Soldiers wearing Lattice-enabled IVAS headsets are rapidly warned of incoming autonomously-detected airborne threats, enhancing survivability in complex, contested environments. The integration of Anduril’s systems, alongside third-party technologies, is set to propel the IVAS mission capabilities forward.

Palmer Luckey, Founder of Anduril Industries and Oculus VR, is spearheading this strategic initiative for Anduril. Pairing Palmer’s commercial expertise in VR/AR systems with Anduril’s technology creates expansive additive value for the Army, Soldiers and the IVAS program. “This project is my top priority at Anduril, and it has been for some time now. It’s one of the Army’s most critical programs being fielded in the near future, with the goal of getting the right data to the right people at the right time,” said Palmer Luckey, Founder of Anduril Industries. He continued, “This is Anduril’s bread and butter, and we’ve been building the backbone for this for years. I can’t wait to show our customers what’s next — I’m incredibly excited about what’s to come.”

Robin Seiler, Corporate Vice President of Mixed Reality at Microsoft, added: “IVAS is more than the sum of its parts. Through integration across existing and new software and sensors, IVAS brings a full picture of the battlefield to every soldier, enabling safer and more effective operations. Our collaboration with Anduril to integrate their suite of critical sensors, along with their groundbreaking Lattice system into IVAS, demonstrates the transformative capability of this fighting goggle and will allow us to further expand the impact IVAS will have for every U.S. soldier.”

IVAS is a platform designed to ingest data from a host of sensors, including those integrated on the headset, attached to weapon systems and via third party devices and software, giving Soldiers unprecedented visibility on the battlefield. With the integration of Anduril’s Lattice system, Soldiers will have a significantly enhanced capacity to detect, track and respond to threats in real time while rapidly expanding the mission capabilities available to Soldiers around the world.

www.anduril.com

Posted in Army, Industry, Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on Anduril Collaborates with Microsoft to Bring Lattice to the U.S. Army’s IVAS Program

FirstSpear Friday Focus – OEM Spotlight: Hill People Gear

September 20th, 2024

This Friday Focus we have another installment of our FirstSpear OEM Partner series Today we are taking a look at one of FirstSpear’s very first and longest OEM Partners, Hill People Gear.

Q: What specific qualities or capabilities of FirstSpear made them the ideal manufacturing partner for Hill People Gear?

HPG: We’ve attempted to work with several different OEM manufacturers over the years, and FS is the only organization we’ve run across that understands OEM production is a service business. FirstSpear provides a turnkey manufacturing solution which lets us focus on the things we’re good at and keeps us out of the business of running a factory.

Q: How does FirstSpear’s manufacturing process align with the design and quality standards of Hill People Gear?

HPG: Tolerances are held to 1/8” and the defect rate is well below 1%. It’s been that way for over a decade now which is a great track record.

Q: Can you share any examples of how FirstSpear’s technology or expertise has directly enhanced your product offerings?

HPG: We’ve made generous use of FS’ patented MOLLE cut velcro loop laminate material where it makes sense on the insides of our bags.

Q: Why is American-made manufacturing important to Hill People Gear?

HPG: We don’t have any corporate overlords to answer to, so we can make decisions that are about more than the bottom line. Keeping manufacturing in America makes our world a better place in so many different ways. Thankfully, our customer base feels the same way and is willing to pay to support that.

Q: Do you have any new product releases on the horizon?

HPG: We’re always working on things big and small — stay tuned to SSD for all our major releases!

For more information about FirstSpear OEM Program, send us an email at sales@first-spear.com or check out First-Spear.com .

For more information about Hill People Gear check out HillPeopleGear.com.

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Industry | Comments Off on FirstSpear Friday Focus – OEM Spotlight: Hill People Gear

US Army Awards Key Contracts to Further Enhance 155mm Artillery Production Capacity and Army Modernization Priorities

September 20th, 2024

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — The U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ) awarded several contracts worth more than $961 million to enhance the production of critical 155mm artillery components. These awards are set to increase production capacity significantly and provide the joint warfighter with a new “go-to” war round, ensuring that the Army’s artillery capabilities remain safe, reliable, plentiful and lethal.

The contracts cover the procurement of 500,000 M119A2 Propellant Charges, supports load, assemble, and pack (LAP) of 260,000 M231 Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) and 2.2 million M232A2 MACS. MACS are the primary propelling charge system in all currently fielded 155mm howitzer systems. The contracts also cover the LAP of 16,900 of the Army’s newest “go-to” war round–the M1128 High Explosive (HE) projectile. This new projectile will provide U.S. artillery with extended-range capabilities and will give brigade combat teams the ability to deliver near-precision fires at distances of up to 30 kilometers without relying on exquisite munitions.

In addition to contracts supporting the LAP of munitions, another contract was awarded to expand the production capacity of High Fragmentation Steel (HF-1). This specially engineered alloy, used in large-caliber munitions such as the 155mm M795 and the M1128, is critical to meeting increased production demand and will enable the Army to achieve its goal of producing 100,000 artillery shots per month by fiscal year 2026.

“In alignment with the Department of Defense’s National Defense Industrial Strategy, we have invested more than $4.2 billion to expand and modernize the organic industrial base,” said Douglas R. Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. “This collaborative effort between the Army and industry establishes a credible deterrent against potential adversaries, underscoring the Army’s commitment to fight and win the Nation’s wars.”

The contracts were awarded by ACC-NJ to domestic companies in Arkansas (General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS)), Ohio (Metallus), Iowa (American Ordnance), Illinois (GD-OTS) and Florida (Nammo Inc.).

As the Army continues to invest in its organic industrial base, new facilities will be coming online, according to Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, the Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, who is leading the modernization and ramp-up of 155mm munition production.

“This rapid increase in production is part of a broader effort to support U.S. munitions replenishment activities and support international partners, such as Ukraine, which has relied heavily on artillery in its defense against Russian forces,” said Reim. “As geopolitical challenges continue to evolve, the U.S. Army’s focus on transformation and expansion ensures that our Joint Warfighters and international partners maintain overmatch and have the resources they need to succeed on the battlefield.”

By year’s end, the U.S. Army is set to commission three new domestic facilities in support of 155mm production and a new metal parts production facility in Canada.

By Abraam Dawoud

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on US Army Awards Key Contracts to Further Enhance 155mm Artillery Production Capacity and Army Modernization Priorities

Operation Restore Democracy, It Was 30 Years Ago Today

September 19th, 2024

Thirty years ago, I joined thousands of other US and allied service members as we descended on the island nation of Haiti as part of Operation Restore Democracy.

As a Haitian Creole and French Crypto-Linguist in 3rd Group I was assigned to the JSOTF, at one point working specifically for BG Potter.

We flew on MH53s from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the airport at Port of Prince to establish our initial presence in our mission to restore the Presidency of Jean Bertrand Aristide seen here with me. You should have the look on his face when I spoke with him in both French and Kreyol.

I ended up living in a couple of locations around the Port au Prince area during my two deployments in Haiti (I also served under the UN Mission in Haiti) before leaving Group for the Air Force.

Posted in History | 5 Comments »

U.S. Marine Corps Purchases $5.3 Million in High-Bandwidth Networking Equipment from Persistent Systems

September 19th, 2024

Purchased mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) equipment will support U.S. Marine logistics in EUCOM Theater

September 18, 2024 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today a $5.3 million sale of MPU5 MANET devices, Rugged Display & Controllers (RDCs), and Integrated Sector Antennas to the U.S. Marine Corps in support of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

The sale of the MANET equipment, including C-Band and L-Band RF cards, follows a similar acquisition of S-Band RF cards by the Marines in January 2023 to advance their logistics networking capabilities in the EUCOM and CENTCOM regions.

“The Marine Corps is undergoing a force design and modernization effort to deal with near-peer competition,” said Luke Wood, Persistent Systems VP of Business Development, U.S. Navy/Marine Corps. “They are looking into reliable high-bandwidth commercial technologies to solve their operational requirements, and we’re supporting that campaign of learning, both at the headquarters and operating forces level.”

Purchase of the MPU5 provides the Marines with access to the Wave Relay® MANET algorithm for peer-to-peer sharing of voice, video, text, sensor, and GPS data. The MANET provides immediate network access and interoperability with other network-based platforms fielded by the Marine Corps and international partner forces.

All network data stored on the MPU5 is viewable on the RDC for increased situational awareness and command-and-control of unmanned systems. Additionally, rapidly mounted Integrated Sector Antennas (to poles, masts, or towers) extend the range of the MANET “bubble” created by the MPU5s.

“The MANET equipment will go to a few logistics battalions for vehicle-to-vehicle and dismounted security force communications,” said Wood. “The rest will be deployed as needed for advanced expeditionary bases, logistics hubs, and other logistics missions.”

Extended network range will allow Marines to share video more widely from previously disconnected EO/IR video cameras, unmanned aircraft systems, and explosive ordinance disposal robots.

“All this enables the Marines to make sense of the battlefield and coordinate against adversary platforms and formations,” he said.

Persistent will continue to support the service’s manned and unmanned ground combat vehicle efforts, as well as manned and unmanned maritime vessels.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, USMC | Comments Off on U.S. Marine Corps Purchases $5.3 Million in High-Bandwidth Networking Equipment from Persistent Systems

Learn More About OKSI at These Upcoming Shows

September 19th, 2024

Find OKSI this Fall and learn how to bring your UAS/UAV Intelligence by OKSI, the New Gold Standard in Autonomy

Reach out to meet with OKSI’s SMEs to talk system integration with their software portfolio that brings autonomy at scale, unlocking capabilities such as true autonomy and affordable mass integration. Their modules offer a range of capabilities like GPS-denied navigation, ATD/ATR, terminal guidance, and more.

Contact: solutions@oksi.ai
Learn more: www.oksi.ai/omniscience

Posted in Advertiser, AI / ML, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on Learn More About OKSI at These Upcoming Shows

OTTE Gear Announces New Direct-to-Military Sales Initiative Featuring Innovative Apparel Systems

September 19th, 2024

September 18, 2024 — OTTE Gear, an innovative leader in high-performance tactical and outdoor apparel and gear, is proud to announce its new direct-to-military sales initiative.

This new specialized effort will focus on exposing OTTE Gear’s specialized combat, insulation, and rainwear systems, as well as other advanced tactical apparel and equipment, to elite military units.

As part of this new direct sales approach, OTTE Gear is featuring several key products that exemplify the brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and functionality. The line includes:

• Combat Apparel: Down Range Pant & Down Range Shirt: tailored for both temperate and hot/dry conditions.

• Insulation Systems: HT Insulated Hooded Parka (200G Primaloft® Gold insulation, rated to -20°F, superior warmth in extreme cold); LV Insulated Hooded Jacket (100G Primaloft® Gold insulation, ideal for cold-weather operations rated down to 10°F); Ursa Minor Lightweight Jacket (an active insulation solution with 40G Primaloft® Active+, rated for conditions as low as 25°F)

• Rainwear: Waterproof/breathable Patrol Parka and Patrol Trouser for reliable protection against the elements in varied operational settings.

Other Featured Items:

• OG Outdoor Gaiter

• OG Helmet Bag with NODS Box

Our direct-to-military sales effort is a testament to OTTE Gear’s ongoing commitment to supporting military professionals with the best possible gear,” said Todd Fairbairn, Founder/CEO. “We understand the unique environmental challenges faced by those who serve, and our products are engineered to meet those challenges head-on, ensuring comfort, durability, and functionality.”

Call now for more information on inventory and our immediate delivery options. Strong inventory on hand, call or email for quotes.

Units and procurement officers interested in purchasing OTTE Gear products can reach out directly via the dedicated government sales email at govsales@ottegear.com. For inquiries, please call 646-233-4014.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 2 Comments »

Haley Strategic Partners Awarded Contract by USMC for Carl-Gustaf 84MM Recoilless Rifle Program

September 19th, 2024

September 10, 2024 (Scottsdale, AZ) – Haley Strategic Partners is a premier global Defense Manufacturer specializing in trusted, innovative, high-quality safety and survivability products for military, first responders, federal agencies, and outdoor/consumer markets worldwide. The Company is honored to participate in outfitting the United States Marine Corps (USMC) with munitions packs and weapon system slings in support of the Carl-Gustaf®84MM Recoilless Rifle, Multi-Role Anti-Armor/Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract (W15QKN18D0076).

Carl-Gustaf Pack (NSN: 1015-01-719-1642)

Haley Strategic Partners was awarded the USMC contracts and began delivering in FY2024. The awards include Carl-Gustaf Packs (NSN: 1015-01-719-1642), Carl-Gustaf X Slings (NSN: 1015-01-718-2887), Carl-Gustaf Two-Point Slings (NSN: 1015-01-718-2871), Aimpoint FCS13RE Pouches (NSN: 1220-01-721-2885), and FlatPack Plus Packs (NSN: 8465-01-678-6204).

Carl-Gustaf X Sling (NSN: 1015-01-718-2887)

The Carl-Gustaf weapon system and munitions carriage solutions were developed in direct collaboration with SaaB and USMC professional end users utilizing the latest in rugged composite and nylon laminate materials to create truly innovative load carriage solutions increasing the efficacy of USMC infantry warfighters.

“We are honored to be able to support the USMC community on the Carl-Gustaf program, and to provide a true tactical advantage to those operators who depend on them,” said Travis Haley, CEO and founder of Haley Strategic. “By working closely with SaaB and the customer over the last couple of years, our applied research and development teams have kept the needs of the end-user at the forefront of their efforts every step of the way, ensuring that their needs were met. We are grateful for the opportunity to deliver these key solutions increasing the lethality and combat effectiveness of Carl-Gustaf fire teams”.

For sales information on Carl-Gustaf Packs, Carl-Gustaf Slings, and other innovative tactical equipment solutions from Haley Strategic Partners, please visit haleystrategic.com or connect with us at sales@haleystrategic.com.

Posted in Contracts, Load Carrying, Packs, Press Release, USMC, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »